bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between Osteocalcin, Calciotropic Hormones, and Energy Metabolism in a Cohort of Chinese Postmenopausal Women: Peking Vertebral Fracture Study
Authors: Jiajue Ruizhi , Liu Shuying , Pei Yu , Qi Xuan , Jiang Yan , Wang Qiuping , Wang Wenbo , Wang Xiran , Huang Wei , Zheng Xin , Ning Zhiwei , Wang Ou , Li Mei , Xing Xiaoping , Yu Wei , Xu Ling , Xia Weibo
Published: March 2021

Objective. The endocrine function of bone in energy metabolism may be mediated by the osteocalcin (OC). We examined the association between OC and energy metabolism among Chinese postmenopausal women. Design and Setting. A cross-sectional cohort study enrolling 1635 participants was conducted using data from the Peking Vertebral Fracture study. Partial correlation analysis was performed to explore the correlation of OC, parathyroid hormone (PTH), or 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) with glycemic and lipid metabolic parameters. A logistic regression model was used to investigate the association of OC, PTH, or 25(OH)D with the prevalence of diabetes and dyslipidemia. Results. Serum levels of OC, PTH, and 25(OH)D were all positively correlated with serum cholesterol levels, whereas only OC was negatively associated with serum glucose level. In the logistic regression model, both OC and PTH were negatively associated with the prevalence of diabetes (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.967, 0.948–0.986 for OC and 0.986, 0.978–0.994 for PTH). No significant association was found between 25(OH)D and diabetes. Both OC and 25(OH)D, rather than PTH, were associated with abnormalities of high cholesterol levels, such as hypercholesterolemia and high LDL-C levels. Further classifying the population based on the median value of OC and PTH, low OC and low PTH subgroup had the highest OR, 95% CI for diabetes (1.873, 1.287–2.737) and the lowest OR, 95% CI for hypercholesterolemia (0.472, 0.324–0.688) and for high LDL-C (0.538, 0.376–0.771). Conclusion. Among Chinese postmenopausal women, a lower serum level of OC was associated with a higher prevalence of diabetes and lower serum cholesterol levels, and a low PTH concentration could magnify these associations.
Upregulated Tripartite Motif 47 Could Facilitate Glioma Cell Proliferation and Metastasis as a Tumorigenesis Promoter
Authors: Ji Bin , Liu Lijuan , Guo Yongping , Ming Feng , Jiang Jun , Li Fangfang , Zhao Guo’an , Wen Jianyong , Li Ning
Published: March 2021

Introduction. Tripartite motif 47 (TRIM47) belongs to a category of the TRIM family. It takes part in cancer tumorigenesis, thus demonstrating important functions across numerous carcinomas. Unfortunately, it is still elusive towards TRIM47 expression, characteristic, and biological function in brain gliomas. Methods. Public database analysis was applied to analyze TRIM47 expression, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was applied to detect the expression of TRIM47 in 9 paired tissues of glioma. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) databases were applied to evaluate the overall survival (OS). Gene Ontology (GO) term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were applied to analyze differentially expressed gene (DEG) functions. In vitro experiments were performed to validate TRIM47-mediated effects on glioma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Results. Compared to that in normal tissues, TRIM47 expression was greatly higher in glioma tissues, and its expression level was associated with different grades of glioma. Our data indicated that highly expressed TRIM47 displayed an association with the poor prognosis of glioma patients. Ablating TRIM47 obviously impeded glioma cell invasion and migration. Conclusion. TRIM47 could modulate glioma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Highly expressed TRIM47 exhibited a correlation with poor prognosis. All data imply that TRIM47 is a probable biomarker for glioma and has the potentiality to become a newly generated target for glioma treatment.
C-Reactive Protein-to-Albumin Ratio Predicts Sepsis and Prognosis in Patients with Severe Burn Injury
Authors: Yu Yaohua , Wu Weiwei , Dong Yanyan , Li Jiliang
Published: March 2021

Background. Sepsis is a leading cause of mortality among severe burns. This study was conducted to investigate the predictive role of C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) for sepsis and prognosis in severe burns. Methods. Patients with severe burn injuries from 2013 to 2017 were enrolled and divided into septic and nonseptic groups based on the presence of sepsis within 30 days postburn. Independent risk factors for sepsis were performed by the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The association between CAR level at admission and postburn 30-day mortality was designed via the Kaplan–Meier method. Results. Of all the 196 enrolled patients, 83 patients developed sepsis within 30 days postburn injury, with an incidence of 42.3%. TBSA percentage (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.17-2.32,

P
=
0.014

) and CAR at admission (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.33-3.56,

P
=
0.009

) were the two independent risk factors for sepsis in severe burns by the multivariate logistic regression analysis. A higher CAR level (≥1.66) at admission was associated with a lower postburn 30-day survival rate (

P
=
0.005

). Conclusions. The CAR level at admission was an independent risk factor for sepsis and prognosis in severe burns.
Bisphenol A and Bisphenol S Oxidative Effects in Sheep Red Blood Cells: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Baralla E. , Demontis M. P. , Varoni M. V. , Pasciu V.
Published: March 2021

Bisphenols (BPs) are plastic components widely used worldwide and occurring in the environment. Exposure to these compounds is known to be harmful for animals and humans at different levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the oxidative effects of bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS) in sheep. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and correlated structural alterations in sheep erythrocytes were investigated in vitro. Blood samples from four ewes were collected at fasting from the jugular vein using vacuum collection tubes containing EDTA. For ROS assay in erythrocytes, blood was properly diluted and BPA or BPS was added to obtain final bisphenol concentrations in the range between 1 and 300 μM. 2 ′,7 ′‐Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCF‐DA) 3 μM was added to the samples, and fluorescence was read in four replicates using a microplate reader. To evaluate erythrocyte shape, blood smears of blood treated with the different concentrations of BPS and BPA were prepared. A significant increase in ROS production was observed when concentrations of BPS and BPA increased from 1 to 100 μM (p < 0.05). At the higher concentrations of the two studied BPs (300 μM of BPS and 200‐300 μM of BPA), a ROS decrease was observed when compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Erythrocytes’ shape alterations were observed in cells treated with BPS and BPA 200‐300 μM 4 hours after the beginning of the treatment. This study confirms that BPA and BPS exhibit oxidative effects on sheep erythrocytes. At higher concentrations, BPA was able to modify erythrocytes’ shape, while BPS altered their membrane as a sign of a protein clustering that could lead to eryptosis. These BPs’ effects are consequent to intracellular ROS increase.
Research on the Ground Subsidence Mechanism of Cross Passage Caused by Freezing Method Construction
Authors: Zhang Ruimin , Cheng Xuelei , Li Yan , Pan Lin , Xia Jinhong
Published: March 2021

At present, the built or newly built underground structures are mostly concentrated in developed areas along the coast, lakes, and rivers, while deep soft soil is widely distributed in these areas. The cold heat treatment method is one of the advanced foundation treatments and has broad application prospect. However, geothermal exchange and temperature field change are complex Stefan problems with mobile boundaries, internal heat sources, and phase changes. It is important to determine the freezing area and freezing temperature reasonably under the premise of ensuring the safety of the frozen construction. Therefore, this paper summarizes the research methods of freezing method construction of cross passage and introduces the research on the constitutive model of freezing undisturbed soil, the theory of freezing wall calculation, and the evolution mechanism of the temperature field. Then, a brief evaluation is made in view of the lack of research, and the development direction of this field is put forward with the research characteristics. It is to deepen the understanding of the deformation mechanism of cross passage embedded in soft soil caused by the freezing and melting.
On the Edge Metric Dimension of Different Families of Möbius Networks
Authors: Deng Bo , Nadeem Muhammad Faisal , Azeem Muhammad
Published: March 2021

For an ordered subset

Q

e

of vertices in a simple connected graph

G

, a vertex

x
∈
V

distinguishes two edges

e

1

,

e

2

∈
E

, if

d

x
,

e

1

≠
d

x
,

e

2

. A subset

Q

e

having minimum vertices is called an edge metric generator for

G

, if every two distinct edges of

G

are distinguished by some vertex of

Q

e

. The minimum cardinality of an edge metric generator for

G

is called the edge metric dimension, and it is denoted by

dim

e

G

. In this paper, we study the edge resolvability parameter for different families of Möbius ladder networks and we find the exact edge metric dimension of triangular, square, and hexagonal Möbius ladder networks.
CNN-LSTM Learning Approach-Based Complexity Reduction for High-Efficiency Video Coding Standard
Authors: Bouaafia Soulef , Khemiri Randa , Maraoui Amna , Sayadi Fatma Elzahra
Published: March 2021

High-Efficiency Video Coding provides a better compression ratio compared to earlier standard, H.264/Advanced Video Coding. In fact, HEVC saves 50% bit rate compared to H.264/AVC for the same subjective quality. This improvement is notably obtained through the hierarchical quadtree structured Coding Unit. However, the computational complexity significantly increases due to the full search Rate-Distortion Optimization, which allows reaching the optimal Coding Tree Unit partition. Despite the many speedup algorithms developed in the literature, the HEVC encoding complexity still remains a crucial problem in video coding field. Towards this goal, we propose in this paper a deep learning model-based fast mode decision algorithm for HEVC intermode. Firstly, we provide a deep insight overview of the proposed CNN-LSTM, which plays a kernel and pivotal role in this contribution, thus predicting the CU splitting and reducing the HEVC encoding complexity. Secondly, a large training and inference dataset for HEVC intercoding was investigated to train and test the proposed deep framework. Based on this framework, the temporal correlation of the CU partition for each video frame is solved by the LSTM network. Numerical results prove that the proposed CNN-LSTM scheme reduces the encoding complexity by 58.60% with an increase in the BD rate of 1.78% and a decrease in the BD-PSNR of -0.053 dB. Compared to the related works, the proposed scheme has achieved a best compromise between RD performance and complexity reduction, as proven by experimental results.
Estimation of Hourly Traffic Flows from Floating Car Data for Vehicle Emission Estimation
Authors: Jiang Yun , Song Guohua , Zhang Zeyu , Zhai Zhiqiang , Yu Lei
Published: March 2021

In order to model air quality in heavy pollution days, a dynamic emission monitoring system is implemented in the Beijing road network, which requires the input of hourly traffic flows. Floating car data (FCD) is increasingly employed for flow estimation based on the fundamental diagrams to supplement data provided by stationary detectors. However, existing studies often used a typical fundamental diagram without considering the hysteresis phenomena and the uncertainty of traffic flow estimation. This study aims to develop a multiperiod fundamental diagram for the traffic flow estimation from FCD considering the hysteresis phenomena. The result shows that the proposed multiperiod fundamental diagram can improve the accuracy of flow estimation. The uncertainty of traffic flow estimation at both 10 minutes and 1 hour is also quantified, and the result indicates that the variation of the estimation uncertainty at 1 hour is lower than that at 10 minutes, with an average 7% reduction of the range of 95% confidence interval (CI). But there is no significant difference in magnitudes of the estimation uncertainty at 1 hour compared with that at 10 minutes. Moreover, the uncertainty for congested flows is lower than that for free flows. In the case study, the proposed model is employed to develop the spatial and temporal distributions of flows and emissions for the metropolitan area in Beijing.
A Deep Graph-Embedded LSTM Neural Network Approach for Airport Delay Prediction
Authors: Zeng Weili , Li Juan , Quan Zhibin , Lu Xiaobo
Published: March 2021

Due to the strong propagation causality of delays between airports, this paper proposes a delay prediction model based on a deep graph neural network to study delay prediction from the perspective of an airport network. We regard airports as nodes of a graph network and use a directed graph network to construct airports’ relationship. For adjacent airports, weights of edges are measured by the spherical distance between them, while the number of flight pairs between them is utilized for airports connected by flights. On this basis, a diffusion convolution kernel is constructed to capture characteristics of delay propagation between airports, and it is further integrated into the sequence-to-sequence LSTM neural network to establish a deep learning framework for delay prediction. We name this model as deep graph-embedded LSTM (DGLSTM). To verify the model’s effectiveness and superiority, we utilize the historical delay data of 325 airports in the United States from 2015 to 2018 as the model training set and test set. The experimental results suggest that the proposed method is superior to the existing mainstream methods in terms of accuracy and robustness.
Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy and Associated Adverse Maternal and Fetal Outcomes: A Retrospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Luo Mingjuan , Tang Mengyang , Jiang Feng , Jia Yizhen , Chin Robert Kien Howe , Liang Wei , Cheng Hu
Published: March 2021

Objective. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a common pregnancy-related liver disease and is associated with an increased risk of adverse neonatal outcomes. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the most effective treatment. This study was aimed at investigating the adverse outcomes of ICP and evaluating the effects of treatment with UDCA in patients with ICP. Methods. We included 114 women with ICP and 3725 women without ICP (no-ICP group) who delivered in our hospital between September 2017 and August 2019. The prevalence of ICP in this study was 3.15%. We matched each woman with ICP to five controls. Of all the 114 women with ICP, 73 (64.04%) received UDCA while 41 (35.96%) did not. Logistic multivariate regression analysis was used to compare the adverse outcomes between those with ICP and matched controls as well as between those who received UDCA (UDCA group) and those who did not (non-UDCA group). Results. Compared with controls, women with ICP were more likely to have preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio,

aOR
=
16.74

, 95% CI 5.29–52.98), cesarean section (

aOR
=
1.76

, 95% CI 1.10–2.81), and preterm birth (

aOR
=
24.35

, 95% CI 2.74–216.67). Administration of UDCA reduced the rate of preterm birth (1.37% vs. 14.63%,

aOR
=
0.10

, 95% CI 0.01–0.90). Conclusion. ICP increased the risk of preeclampsia, cesarean section, and preterm birth. UDCA could reduce the rate of preterm birth.
Generalized Hadamard Fractional Integral Inequalities for Strongly

s
,
m

-Convex Functions
Authors: Miao Chao , Farid Ghulam , Yasmeen Hafsa , Bian Yanhua
Published: March 2021

This article deals with Hadamard inequalities for strongly

s
,
m

-convex functions using generalized Riemann–Liouville fractional integrals. Several generalized fractional versions of the Hadamard inequality are presented; we also provide refinements of many known results which have been published in recent years.
Anti-Forensics of Image Contrast Enhancement Based on Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Zou Hao , Yang Pengpeng , Ni Rongrong , Zhao Yao
Published: March 2021

In the multimedia forensics community, anti-forensics of contrast enhancement (CE) in digital images is an important topic to understand the vulnerability of the corresponding CE forensic method. Some traditional CE anti-forensic methods have demonstrated their effective forging ability to erase forensic fingerprints of the contrast-enhanced image in histogram and even gray level cooccurrence matrix (GLCM), while they ignore the problem that their ways of pixel value changes can expose them in the pixel domain. In this paper, we focus on the study of CE anti-forensics based on Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) to handle the problem mentioned above. Firstly, we exploit GAN to process the contrast-enhanced image and make it indistinguishable from the unaltered one in the pixel domain. Secondly, we introduce a specially designed histogram-based loss to enhance the attack effectiveness in the histogram domain and the GLCM domain. Thirdly, we use a pixel-wise loss to keep the visual enhancement effect of the processed image. The experimental results show that our method achieves high anti-forensic attack performance against CE detectors in the pixel domain, the histogram domain, and the GLCM domain, respectively, and maintains the highest image quality compared with traditional CE anti-forensic methods.
Simplified Lateral Torsional Buckling (LTB) Analysis of Glass Fins with Continuous Lateral Restraints at the Tensioned Edge
Authors: Bedon Chiara
Published: March 2021

Within multiple design challenges, the lateral torsional buckling (LTB) analysis and stability check of structural glass members is a well-known issue for design. Typical examples can be found not only in glass slabs with slender bracing members but also in facades and walls, where glass fins are used to brace the vertical panels against input pressures. Design loads such as wind suction give place to possible LTB of fins with LR at the tensioned edge and thus require dedicated tools. In the present investigation, the LTB analysis of structural glass fins that are intended to act as bracers for facade panels and restrained via continuous, flexible joints acting as lateral restraints (LRs) is addressed. Geometrically simplified but refined numerical models developed in Abaqus are used to perform a wide parametric study and validate the proposed analytical formulations. Special care is spent for the prediction of the elastic critical buckling moment with LRs, given that it represents the first fundamental parameter for buckling design. However, the LR stiffness and resistance on the one side and the geometrical/mechanical features of the LR glass members on the other side are mutually affected in the final LTB prediction. In the case of laminated glass (LG) members composed of two or more glass panels, moreover, further design challenges arise from the bonding level of the constituent layers. A simplified but rational analytical procedure is thus presented in this paper to support the development of a conservative and standardized LTB stability check for glass fins with LR at the tensioned edge.
A Service Recommendation Method Based on Requirements for the Cloud Environment
Authors: Guo Liangmin , Luan Kaixuan , Zheng Xiaoyao , Qian Jing
Published: March 2021

In the cloud computing environment, there are huge amounts of functionally similar cloud services. Additionally, user requirements can change. Therefore, it is difficult to recommend services that meet users’ requirements. To overcome the problems, a service recommendation method based on requirements is proposed. First, we form user communities by clustering to reduce the recommended range. Second, we use the reported QoS (Quality of Service) values and the evaluated QoS values to predict the QoS requirements of users. Third, based on the requirements, the matching degree of users to services is obtained. Finally, based on the similarity between the target user and the user’s neighbors and the difference in their matching degree of service and the ratings of services by the neighbors, we can obtain a list of service recommendations for the target user. Compared to the traditional collaborative filtering method and the deviation-based method, our method improves the recommendation accuracy without lowering the efficiency.
A Dose-Response Relationship to Radiotherapy for Cutaneous Lesions of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis
Authors: Farrugia Mark K. , Morrison Carl , Hernandez-Ilizaliturri Francisco , Aljabab Saif
Published: March 2021

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease, afflicting approximately 4.6 and 1-2 per 1 million children and adults, respectively. While LCH can involve numerous organ systems such as the lung or bone, it is uncommon for the disease to be limited to the skin. Radiotherapy has an established role for osseous lesions. However, the efficacy and dose for nonosseous manifestations of the disease are not well described. In the current case report, we detail a 49-year-old adult male with skin-limited LCH requiring palliative radiotherapy (RT) to numerous sites for pain control. The patient was initially diagnosed and treated with single agent cytarabine for approximately 6 months. Despite treatment, he had little symptomatic response of his cutaneous lesions. We delivered a single dose of 8 Gray (Gy) to 3 separate skin lesions, including the bilateral groin, right popliteal region, and right axillary lesion, which resulted in pain reduction and partial response at four-month follow-up. Subsequently, we decided to treat the left axillary untreated lesion to a higher dose of 24 Gy in 12 fractions. At four-month follow-up, the left axilla RT resulted in complete clinical response and improved pain control compared to the right axilla. Following RT treatments, the patient was found to have a BRAF mutation, and vemurafenib was initiated. Further follow-up with positron emissions tomography demonstrated complete metabolic response in numerous disease areas, including both axillae. Based on this case report’s findings, a higher radiotherapy dose may be more effective for treating cutaneous LCH.
Approximating Common Fixed Points of an Evolution Family on a Metric Space via Mann Iteration
Authors: Luo Liang , Ullah Rizwan , Rahmat Gul , Butt Saad Ihsan , Numan Muhammad
Published: March 2021

In this article, we present the set of all common fixed points of a subfamily of an evolution family in terms of intersection of all common fixed points of only two operators from the family; that is, for subset

M

of

L

, we have

F

M

=
F

Y

ϱ

1

,
0

∩
F

Y

ϱ

2

,
0

, where

ϱ

1

and

ϱ

2

are positive and

ϱ

1

/

ϱ

2

is an irrational number. Furthermore, we approximate such common fixed points by using the modified Mann iteration process. In fact, we are generalizing the results from a semigroup of operators to evolution families of operators on a metric space.
Embankment Seismic Fragility Assessment under the Near‐Fault Pulse‐like Ground Motions by Applying the Response Surface Method
Authors: Che Fa , Yin Chao , Zhou Jilei , Hu Zhinan , Zhao Xingkui , Sheng Lu , Zhang Qian , Cheng Xiaoyu , Tang Gangting , Zhang Han , Liu Dong
Published: March 2021

Uncertainties of the ground motions and structural parameters are the main factors that limit the accuracy of embankment seismic fragility assessment. In response to the uncertainties of the ground motions, artificial synthesizing method of the near‐fault pulse‐like ground motions was proposed, and 15 ground motions with the rupture fault distances ranging from 1 to 15 km were synthesized by taking the Chi‐Chi earthquake in Taiwan, China, as an example. The Xi’an‐Baoji expressway K1125 + 470 embankment was taken as the research object, and a total of 12 structural parameters were selected as the design variables, namely, the elastic modulus, bulk modulus, shear modulus, density, cohesion force, and internal friction angle of the embankment fill and soil foundation, respectively. In response to the uncertainties of these parameters, 3 principal components with large impacts on the embankment seismic fragility were extracted based on the principal component analysis. Mapping relationships among the principal components and embankment seismic damages were analyzed using the uniform design response surface method, and the seismic fragility assessment was carried out and the fragility curves were plotted. The research results are consistent with the actual embankment seismic damage conditions of the Chi‐Chi earthquake, indicating that the proposed method is scientific and reasonable. It also shows that it would obviously overestimate the seismic performance in the embankment seismic fragility assessment without considering the uncertainties of the ground motions and structural parameters.
Research on Cumulative Damage Characteristics of Rock Anchor Beam Concrete Supporting Structure by Blasting Vibration of Underground Powerhouse
Authors: Wan Sheng , Huang Junhong , Luo Yi , Li Xinping , Pu Qingsong
Published: March 2021

Aiming at the dynamic disturbance problem of the upper rock anchor beam concrete support structure caused by the blasting excavation of the lower rock mass of the underground powerhouse of the hydropower station, the dynamic finite element software was used to numerically simulate the cumulative damage characteristics of the rock anchor beam concrete structure under multiple blasting, which aims to study the effect of blasting times and blast center distance on the cumulative damage characteristics of rock anchor beam concrete structures in two directions at different ages. The results show that 7 days after the completion of the concrete pouring of rock anchor beam, the damage and destruction effects are produced under the single blasting action. 28 days after the completion of the concrete pouring, there is basically no damage and destruction under the action of five times of blasting. 14 days after the completion of the concrete pouring, the growth process of the cumulative damage effect of the rock anchor beam concrete structure under the disturbance of the blasting excavation of the underground powerhouse shows nonlinear increasing characteristics with the increase of blasting times and nonlinear decreasing characteristics with the increase of blasting center distance. The cumulative damage of rock anchor beam along and perpendicular to the axis of powerhouse conforms to the relationship of cubic polynomials with the blasting times, which also conform to the relationship of quartic polynomial and quadratic polynomial, respectively, with the blast center distance.
Therapeutic Escape in Gαq-mutant Uveal Melanoma: It's a FAK
Authors: Harbour J. William
Published: March 2021

Through a synthetic lethal screen, ERK activation was found to mediate resistance to FAK inhibition in GNAQ-mutant uveal melanoma. With PLCB-PKC-ERK and Trio-FAK-Yap representing compensatory effectors of mutant Gαq signaling, combined inhibition of both pathways may be a promising therapeutic strategy in metastatic uveal melanoma.

See related article by Paradis et al., p. 3190
Imaging Biological Pathways in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Using Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Bell Michael , Gandhi Richa , Shawer Heba , Tsoumpas Charalampos , Bailey Marc A.
Published: March 2021

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a focal dilation of the aorta associated with high mortality through rupture. Most of our understanding of the biology that drives AAA progression originates from surgical samples acquired in cases of elective open repair. These markers, which include macrophage infiltration and angiogenesis, have led to the exploration of novel radiopharmaceuticals to study AAA in preclinical models and human patients. Current clinical practice to detect AAA involves ultrasound-based screening and surveillance. Although ultrasound is cheap and without radiation risk, aortic diameter does not predict the heterogenous growth of AAA between patients. Positron emission tomography takes advantage of novel radiolabeled markers of disease to track biological changes. In human trials, the role of 2-[
18
F]-flurordeoxyglucose in detecting aneurysm growth and outcome is still debated, whereas sodium [
18
F]-fluoride has been shown to predict AAA growth and clinical outcome through highlighting microcalcification. Murine studies have been used to assess the suitability of radiotracers detecting inflammation, angiogenesis, and proliferation. However, in the absence of human data, the clinical suitability and applicability of these tracers remain speculative. This review examines how markers of AAA change over time and the ability of positron emission tomography to track these changes and discusses the radiopharmaceuticals that could have an application in stratifying AAA subjects.
Nonclassical Monocytes (CD14dimCD16+) Are Associated With Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Progression for Men but Not Women
Authors: Feinstein Matthew J. , Doyle Margaret F. , Stein James H. , Sitlani Colleen M. , Fohner Alison E. , Huber Sally A. , Landay Alan L. , Heckbert Susan R. , Rice Kenneth , Kronmal Richard A. , Hedrick Catherine , Manichaikul Ani , McNamara Coleen , Rich Stephen , Tracy Russell P. , Olson Nels C. , Psaty Bruce M. , Delaney Joseph A.C.
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Few studies of population-based cohorts have investigated prospective associations of lymphoid and myeloid cell subsets in cardiovascular disease onset and progression. The purpose of this analysis was to determine associations of prespecified myeloid and lymphoid lineage cell subsets with common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) progression.

Approach and Results:

We performed a prospective case-cohort study of 1195 participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis who had peripheral blood mononuclear cells stored from the baseline examination. Key exposure variables were prespecified subsets of lymphoid and myeloid lineage immune cells, phenotyped by multicolor flow cytometry. The primary outcome was progression from baseline (Exam 1) to year 10 (Exam 5) in common carotid IMT. Higher proportions of nonclassical monocytes (CD14dimCD16++) were significantly associated with IMT progression over 10 years, but classical monocytes (CD14++CD16−), CD4+CD28− T cells, and T helper cells producing IL-17 (interleukin 17; T helper 17 cells) were not associated with significant changes in IMT over 10 years. There were significant interactions between monocyte subsets and sex with respect to IMT progression: in sex-stratified analyses, nonclassical monocytes were associated with significant IMT progression and classical monocytes were associated with significant IMT regression for men, whereas there were no significant associations of monocyte subsets with IMT change for women.

Conclusions:

Nonclassical monocytes were associated with progression of carotid IMT. There were significant sex differences in associations of monocyte subsets with IMT progression: for men, nonclassical monocytes were associated with IMT progression and classical monocytes were associated with regression, whereas these associations were null for women.
Sexually Dimorphic Relationships Among Saa3 (Serum Amyloid A3), Inflammation, and Cholesterol Metabolism Modulate Atherosclerosis in Mice
Authors: Chait Alan , Wang Shari , Goodspeed Leela , Gomes Diego , Turk Katherine E. , Wietecha Tomasz , Tang Jingjing , Storey Carl , O’Brien Kevin D. , Rubinow Katya B. , Tang Chongren , Vaisar Tomas , Gharib Sina A. , Lusis Aldons J. , Den Hartigh Laura J.
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Expression of the extrahepatic acute-phase protein Saa3 (serum amyloid A3) increases in response to acute and chronic inflammatory stimuli and is elevated in adipose tissue and macrophages in obese mice. A recent report suggested that Saa3 is proatherogenic in male
ApoE
−/−
mice. Because of our previous observation that female but not male Saa3-deficient mice are protected from obesity, adipose inflammation, and hyperlipidemia, we sought to determine whether Saa3 differentially modulates atherosclerosis in mice of both sexes.

Approach and Results:

To promote atherosclerosis,
Saa3
+/+
and
Saa3
−/−
male and female mice were crossed with
Ldlr
−/−
mice. All mice consumed a diet high in saturated fat and sucrose with 0.15% added cholesterol for 16 weeks. Plasma lipids and atherosclerosis levels were assessed. Female
Saa3
−/−
Ldlr
−/−
mice exhibited elevated cholesterol levels relative to
Saa3
+/+
Ldlr
−/−
controls and exhibited increased atherosclerosis, while male
Saa3
−/−
Ldlr
−/−
mice were protected from atherosclerosis. Data from the hybrid mouse diversity panel revealed that Saa3 associates strongly with inflammatory, Trem2-associated, and tissue remodeling genes and pathways in males but not females, an effect confirmed in liver tissue, atherosclerotic lesions, and cultured macrophages. Macrophages isolated from male and female mice showed differential inflammatory effects of Saa3 deficiency, an effect linked with sex steroid signaling. Cholesterol efflux capacity was increased in
Saa3
−/−
males only.

Conclusions:

Saa3 is proatherogenic in male but atheroprotective in female mice, effects that may be related to sex-specific relationships between Saa3, cholesterol metabolism, inflammatory genes, and Trem2 macrophages.
Race- and Sex-Specific Population Attributable Fractions of Incident Heart Failure
Authors: Sinha Arjun , Ning Hongyan , Carnethon Mercedes R. , Allen Norrina B. , Wilkins John T. , Lloyd-Jones Donald M. , Khan Sadiya S.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Race- and sex-specific differences in heart failure (HF) risk may be related to differential burden and effect of risk factors. We estimated the population attributable fraction (PAF), which incorporates both prevalence and excess risk of HF associated with each risk factor (obesity, hypertension, diabetes, current smoking, and hyperlipidemia), in specific race-sex groups.

Methods:

A pooled cohort was created using harmonized data from 6 US longitudinal population-based cohorts. Baseline measurements of risk factors were used to determine prevalence. Relative risk of incident HF was assessed using a piecewise constant hazards model adjusted for age, education, other modifiable risk factors, and the competing risk of death from non-HF causes. Within each race-sex group, PAF of HF was estimated for each risk factor individually and for all risk factors simultaneously.

Results:

Of 38 028 participants, 55% were female and 22% Black. Hypertension had the highest PAF among Black men (28.3% [95% CI, 18.7%–36.7%]) and women (25.8% [95% CI, 16.3%–34.2%]). In contrast, PAF associated with obesity was the highest in White men (21.0% [95% CI, 14.6%–27.0%]) and women (17.9% [95% CI, 12.8%–22.6%]). Diabetes disproportionately contributed to HF in Black women (PAF, 16.4% [95% CI, 12.7%–19.9%]). The cumulative PAF of all 5 risk factors was the highest in Black women (51.9% [95% CI, 39.3%–61.8%]).

Conclusions:

The observed differences in contribution of risk factors across race-sex groups can inform tailored prevention strategies to mitigate disparities in HF burden. This novel competing risk analysis suggests that a sizeable proportion of HF risk may not be associated with modifiable risk factors.
Discrimination against LGBTI Persons on the Basis of Scripture: What Did Ancient Church Scholarship Really Say?
Authors: Bantekas Ilias
Published: March 2021

This article seeks to examine homosexuality from the lens of two particular ancient Christian writers, namely Paul the Apostle and Maximus the Confessor. Both were fervent missionaries and did not perceive their writings as doctrinal or philosophical, but merely practical and a defence against other heretical teachings. Even so, contemporary scholars recognise a great profoundness and innovation in their theology. Paul’s references to homosexuality consist of only three or four sentences, whereas Maximus does not discuss the issue directly, given his preoccupation with matters pertaining to the nature of Christ, which at the time were fiercely contested among various Christian groups. The purpose of the article is to examine scriptural references to homosexuality from the perspective of the spiritual context in which they are made, rather than the canonical, ethical or social perspectives to which most scholars and civil society—whether in favour or against—refer to. Homosexuality in the sense of sexual orientation is unknown at the time and even so it is not specifically singled out. Paul seems to be specifically chastising exploitative sexual actions and relationships, whether homosexual or heterosexual.
Between Club Diplomacy and Network Diplomacy: Exploring the Diplomatic Role of Cities in China since 2012
Authors: Wei Chen
Published: March 2021

This article addresses the question of whether the emerging role of cities in diplomacy is a reflection of the diplomatic transformation in China, and what the distinctive features are of the diplomatic roles of cities within China’s context. It argues that city diplomacy in China falls between club diplomacy and network diplomacy by exploring five aspects: the number of players, structures, forms, transparency and main purposes. Cities have developed their representation by serving as important agents in managing domestic and international situations, developed their communication channels by contributing in shaping China’s neighbouring diplomacy and global partnerships, and developed their negotiation techniques by participating in reform of global governance system. The article concludes that the diplomatic role of cities in China is to consolidate the social foundation of relations between nations, promote the establishment of a new type of international relations, and promote a community of a shared future for mankind.
Reconsidering Sinophone Studies: The Chinese Cold War, Multiple Sinocentrisms, and Theoretical Generalisation
Authors: Shi Flair Donglai
Published: March 2021

Sinophone studies has improved the visibility of a range of Chinese-language cultural products and is expanding into a transnational and multilingual academic enterprise. With firm acknowledgement of the pragmatic benefits the Sinophone has brought (particularly to Anglophone and Taiwanese academia), this paper reflects on some of the problems embedded in the underlying premises and ideological mechanisms of the concept of the Sinophone that have so far been under-discussed. As a first step towards a more self-reflective meta-discourse about Sinophone studies, it highlights three areas that warrant more clarification and debate before the concept is applied to specific analyses: the significance of the Chinese Cold War; the matrix of multiple Sinocentrisms; and the double-edged sword of theoretical generalisation. In this process, I emphasise the institutional formation of the ‘Sinophone’ both as a cultural field and as an academic discourse, and highlight the significant role that Taiwan has been playing in this.
Four new species of Mileewini leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Mileewinae) from China, with a checklist to Chinese species
Authors: HE HONG-LI , YAN BIN , YANG MAO-FA , WEBB M.D.
Published: March 2021

Four new species of Mileewini, Mileewa clavata He & Yang, sp. nov., Mileewa rubricosta He & Yang, sp. nov., Mileewa quinquemaculata He & Yang, sp. nov. and Ujna liboensis He & Yang, sp. nov., are described and illustrated. A checklist of all Chinese Mileewini is provided.
MicroRNA-431 Promotes Progress of Breast Cancer by Aiming Rejection Targeting Molecule A and Activating Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Wang Dongtao , Qui Rui , He Gangfeng , Zhang Jiaolu , Wang Fang , Zhao Tianyong
Published: March 2021

Objective: To conduct mathematical expression of the law of internal fascicular groups of peripheral nerves in spatial extension, so as to reveal the universal law of fascicular groups during the process of spatial extension. Methods: The centroid of each fascicular group
shown on each Micro-CT image of the peripheral nerves was extracted, and these centroids were connected to form the centroid space curve of each fascicular group respectively based on preliminary studies. Results: The mean value of relative offset of fascicular groups in space was 3.7
μm while its maximum was: when a distance of 5 μm was extended, the fascicular groups centroid would have an offset of 21.4 μm. The accuracy of fitting of the centroid spatial curve of the fascicular groups using the 4th-order Fourier model could be up to 98%.
Each parameter in the model obeyed the t distribution with position/dimension parameters. The dimension of parameters in the 1st-order component was obviously greater than that of the components of the other orders, indicating that the probability density function of harmonic component parameter
showed an obvious peak shape. Conclusions: The centroid space curve of the Fascicular groups could express the extension of fascicular groups in space truly and exactly. The extension process of fascicular groups in space could be expressed accurately by the 4th-order Fourier model.
The reason for using the 4th-order model was that a better balance could be obtained in model complexity and accuracy of fitting.
“How has Your City Changed?” Using Project-Based Learning to Teach Sociology of Education
Authors: Imaz Jose I.
Published: March 2021

During the 2012 to 2013, 2013 to 2014, and 2014 to 2015 academic years, 20% of course time within the subject Sociology of Education, in the Pedagogy, and Social Education undergraduate degrees run by the University of the Basque Country, was devoted to Project-Based Learning. The aim was to design, test, and evaluate an innovation and educational improvement experience oriented toward fostering the competences linked to the subject, using active, and participatory methodologies. The design of the exercise involved preparing the Teacher and Student Guides, outlining the context of the project and its objectives, drafting the statement or scenario and the justification and specifying related topics, expected work, previous knowledge required, activities planned, deliverables, resources to be used, evaluation systems and schedule, among others. The results, which were based on student notes and opinions, were positive: Project-Based Learning enables active student participation, fosters contact with reality, and results in significant learning for their professional future.
Electronic Cigarettes and Oral Health
Authors: Holliday R. , Chaffee B.W. , Jakubovics N.S. , Kist R. , Preshaw P.M.
Published: March 2021

Novel nicotine products, particularly electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), have become increasingly popular over the past decade. E-cigarettes are sometimes regarded as a less harmful alternative to tobacco smoking, and there is some evidence of their potential role as a smoking cessation aid. However, there are concerns about their health consequences, particularly in users who are not tobacco smokers, and also when used long term. Given the mode of delivery of these products, there is potential for oral health consequences. Over the past few years, there have been an increasing number of studies conducted to explore their oral health effects. In vitro studies have reported a range of cellular effects, but these are much less pronounced than those resulting from exposure to tobacco smoke. Microbiological studies have indicated that e-cigarette users have a distinct microbiome, and there is some indication this may be more pathogenic compared to nonusers. Evidence of oral health effects from clinical trials is still limited, and most studies to date have been small in scale and usually cross-sectional in design. Epidemiological studies highlight concerns over oral dryness, irritation, and gingival diseases. Interpreting data from e-cigarette studies is challenging, given the different populations that have been investigated and the continual emergence of new products. Overall, studies reveal potential oral health harms, underscoring the importance of efforts to reduce use in nonsmokers. However, in smokers who are using e-cigarettes as an aid to help them quit, the benefits of quitting tobacco smoking may outweigh any negative oral health impacts of e-cigarette use, particularly in the short term. Future research is needed to understand the clinical significance of some of the biological changes observed by following different cohorts of users longitudinally in carefully designed clinical studies and pragmatic trials supported by high-quality in vitro studies.
Research and practice, meet the state education agency
Authors: Conaway Carrie
Published: March 2021

State education agencies play critically important roles in promoting research use in education. They influence policy design and implementation, collect data about schools and districts, and can use their statewide reach to advance research use within the state agency and in districts. As Carrie Conaway explains, the states that have done the most to advance research use for systems improvement have built research infrastructures, used both existing research and local data to spur improvement, and formed close partnerships with researchers.
Should teachers be mandated reporters?
Authors: Goodman Joan F.
Published: March 2021

Teachers are assigned a multitude of responsibilities they do not want, for which they are poorly suited, and that disrupt their primary roles. One such responsibility is the obligation to serve as mandatory reporters of suspected child abuse and neglect. Joan Goodman reviews the history of this duty, its current parameters, the harmful over-reporting, and its unfortunate consequences for children, teachers, and families. As an alternative to referring suspected abuse cases to authorities, schools could use logarithms for initial screening, involve personnel with more extensive training in identifying potential abuse, or consult a team of in-school personnel to evaluate cases before making referrals.
First Person: Notes from an average teacher
Authors: Murphy Joseph
Published: March 2021

Forty-five years after beginning his career in education, longtime teacher, school administrator, and researcher Joseph Murphy reflects on the lasting lessons he learned from his very first students.
Accuracy of half-way mucosa-supported implant guides for edentulous jaws: a retrospective study with a median follow-up of 2 years
Authors: Tang Weiwei , Liu Qilong , Zeng Xianshang , Yu Jiali , Shu Dalong , Shen Guorong , Yu Weiguang , Liu Xiangzhen , Xu Guixing
Published: March 2021

Objective

To assess the accuracy of half-way digital mucosa-supported implant guides (HDMIGs) for edentulous jaws.

Methods

Ninety-five consecutive patients (859 implants) with edentulous jaws who underwent implant placement using an HDMIG from July 2012 to June 2018 were retrospectively identified. The primary endpoint was implant-related complications (nerve injury and unexpected perforation), and the secondary endpoints were the faciolingual distance, mesiodistal distance, buccolingual angle, and mesiodistal angle. Follow-ups occurred at 1 month, 2 months, and then every 2 months following implant placement.

Results

Twenty-seven (28.4%) patients met the exclusion criteria, leaving 68 eligible patients (636 implants) for the final analysis. The median follow-up was 24 months (range, 18–27 months). No patients developed nerve injury, revision, or unexpected perforation. At the final follow-up, the mean faciolingual distance was 0.65 ± 0.16 mm, the mean mesiodistal distance was 1.16 ± 0.61 mm, the mean buccolingual angle was 4.04° ± 2.26°, and the mean mesiodistal angle was 3.75° ± 2.56°. In the comparison of the first month after surgery and the last follow-up, no significant differences were detected in any of the four measured variables.

Conclusion

Use of an HDMIG may be a convenient and safe method to ensure correct implantation.