bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
User Knowledge, Data Modelling, and Visualization: Handling through the Fuzzy Logic‐Based Approach
Authors: Liao Xiaoqun , Nazir Shah , Zhou Yangbin , Shafiq Muhammad , Qi Xuelin
Published: February 2021

In modern day technology, the level of knowledge is increasing day by day. This increase is in terms of volume, velocity, and variety. Understanding of such knowledge is a dire need of an individual to extract meaningful insight from it. With the advancement in computer and image‐based technologies, visualization becomes one of the most significant platforms to extract, interpret, and communicate information. In data modelling, visualization is the process of extracting knowledge to reveal the detail data structure and process of data. The proposed study aim is to know about the user knowledge, data modelling, and visualization by handling through the fuzzy logic‐based approach. The experimental setup is validated through the data user modelling dataset available in the UCI web repository. The results show that the model is effective and efficient in situations where uncertainty and complexity arise.
Telerehabilitation Using Fitness Application in Patients with Severe Cystic Fibrosis Awaiting Lung Transplant: A Pilot Study
Authors: Layton Aimee M. , Irwin Andrew M. , Mihalik Erin C. , Fleisch Emily , Keating Claire L. , DiMango Emily A. , Shah Lori , Arcasoy Selim M.
Published: February 2021

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to pilot a home-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program administered via a telemedicine approach using a combination of fitness application and self-selected activity in lung transplant candidates with cystic fibrosis (CF). Methods. We recruited adult patients with CF. The main outcome was adherence, measured by number of sessions completed in 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes were adverse events, six-minute walk distance (6MWD), and dyspnea. Participants were provided a personalized exercise program and equipment including a fitness application that provided exercise videos, recorded exercise time, and corresponding heart rate. We reviewed data daily and provided text messages with feedback. We compared our study outcomes to a retrospective data set of CF patients who participated in a 24-session outpatient hospital-based PR program. Data presented as

mean
±
standard
 
deviation

. Results. Eleven patients participated in the home PR program, 45% female, age

33
±
7
 
years

, FEV1

27
±
5
%

predicted. Sessions completed were

19
±
12

home-based PR vs.

9
±
4

hospital-based PR,

p
=
.03

. Fifty percent of the home-based group completed ≥24 sessions in 12 weeks versus 0% of the hospital-based patients (

p
=
.03

). There were no adverse events during exercise. Completers of the home-based program demonstrated a clinically meaningful lower decline in 6 MWD than noncompleters (6MWD

−
7
±
15

vs.

−
86
±
108
 
meters

). Only one participant performed a post 6 MWD in the hospital-based PR. Conclusion. Patients with severe CF demonstrated adherence to home PR delivered using fitness application and self-selected activity with no adverse events. This program style may be a viable solution for telerehabilitation in severe CF and is particularly relevant in the COVID era.
CO2-Fluid-Rock Interactions and the Coupled Geomechanical Response during CCUS Processes in Unconventional Reservoirs
Authors: Cai Mingyu , Su Yuliang , Li Lei , Hao Yongmao , Gao Xiaogang
Published: February 2021

The difficulty of deploying remaining oil from unconventional reservoirs and the increasing CO2 emissions has prompted researchers to delve into carbon emissions through Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies. Under the confinement of nanopore in unconventional formation, CO2 and hydrocarbon molecules show different density distribution from in the bulk phase, which leads to a unique phase state and interface behavior that affects fluid migration. At the same time, mineral reactions, asphaltene deposition, and CO2 pressurization will cause the change of porous media geometry, which will affect the multiphase flow. This review highlights the physical and chemical effects of CO2 injection into unconventional reservoirs containing a large number of micro-nanopores. The interactions between CO2 and in situ fluids and the resulting unique fluid phase behavior, gas-liquid equilibrium calculation, CO2 adsorption/desorption, interfacial tension, and minimum miscible pressure (MMP) are reviewed. The pore structure changes and stress distribution caused by the interactions between CO2, in situ fluids, and rock surface are discussed. The experimental and theoretical approaches of these fluid-fluid and fluid-solid reactions are summarized. Besides, deficiencies in the application and safety assessment of CCUS in unconventional reservoirs are described, which will help improve the design and operation of CCUS.
Fault Tolerance for Active Surface System with Actuator Faults
Authors: Zhang Danqing , Xiang Binbin , Yusup Aili , Wang Na , Kazezkhan Guljaina
Published: February 2021

The QiTai Radio Telescope (QTT) will be equipped with the active surface adjustment system (ASAS) to correct the main reflector deformation caused by environmental loading. In order to guarantee the stability and performance of the active surface system under fault conditions, it is necessary to adopt the fault-tolerant method when actuator faults have occurred. In this paper, a fault control method based on actuator faults weighting is proposed to solve the active surface fault control problem. According to the coordinates of the adjustable points of the panels corresponding to the faulty actuators, a new paraboloid is fitted by a weighted health matrix, and the fitting surface is taken as the target to adjust the surface shape.
Low Molecular Weight Oligosaccharide from Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer against UV-Mediated Apoptosis and Inhibits Tyrosinase Activity In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Dai Yu-Lin , Yang Di , Song Lai-Hui , Yang Hong-Mei , Yu Jiang-Bo , Zheng Fei , Yue Hao , Chen Chang-Bao , Wang En-Peng
Published: February 2021

To find new anti-UV and whitening agents, 21 fractions isolated from three preparations of ginseng (white, red, and black ginseng) were screened, and their antioxidant effects on AAPH- or H2O2-induced damage were investigated. Furthermore, the protective effect against UV-mediated apoptosis and the tyrosinase inhibitory activity of the targeted fractions were evaluated in vitro and in a zebrafish model. Among all fractions, F10 from white ginseng was selected as having the strongest anti-UV and antimelanogenesis activities. This fraction exhibited excellent inhibitory effects on the pigmentation of zebrafish, which may be due to its potential tyrosinase inhibitory activity. Additionally, the chemical composition of F10 was evaluated by UPLC-MS and NMR instruments. The results indicated that F10 had a carbohydrate content of more than 76%, and the weight-average molecular weight was approximately 239 Da. Disaccharide sucrose was the main active compound in F10. These results suggest that F10 could be used as an ingredient for whitening cosmetics and regarded as an anti-UV filter in the future.
Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Ex Pleomorphic Adenoma: Case Report and Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Tokarz Ellen L. , Ong Adian A. , Burke Mark S.
Published: February 2021

Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) is an epithelial malignancy that transforms from benign pleomorphic adenomas (PA) at a rate of 1.5% after 5 years and 10% after 15 years. The average age of reported nasopharyngeal CXPA is 56.7 years. However, the present case describes a 19-year-old making this case exceptionally rare. Standard treatment is wide local excision with adjuvant treatment. We report the demographics, presentation, treatment, and outcomes of 8 cases of nasopharyngeal CXPA. While surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment, negative margins can be difficult to obtain at the skull base, and we report a recurrence rate of 50% in nasopharyngeal primaries. Due to the aggressive nature of the disease and high rate of recurrence, the majority of patients in our review received adjuvant radiation with some receiving adjuvant chemotherapy in addition.
The Forgotten Psychopathology of Depressed Long-Term Care Facility Residents: A Call for Evidence-Based Practice
Authors: Matos Queirós Alcina , von Gunten Armin , Martins Manuela  , Wellens Nathalie I.H. , Verloo Henk
Published: February 2021

Introduction: As Earth’s population is rapidly aging, the question of how best to care for its older adults suffering from psychiatric disorders is becoming a constant and growing preoccupation. Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders among older adults, and depressed nursing home residents are at a particularly high risk of a decreased quality of life. The complex requirements of supporting and caring for depressed older adults in nursing homes demand the development and implementation of innovative clinical and organizational models that can ensure early identification of the disorder and high-quality multidisciplinary services for dealing with it. This perspective article aims to provide an overview of the literature and the state of the art of and the urgent need for research on the epidemiology and clinical treatment of depression among older adults. Method: In collaboration with a medical librarian, we conducted literature and bibliometric reviews of published articles in Medline Ovid SP from inception until September 30, 2020, to identify studies related to depression, depressive symptoms, mood disorders, dementia, cognitive disorders, and health complications in long-term care facilities and nursing homes. Results: We had 38,777 and 40,277 hits for depression and dementia, respectively, in long-term care facilities or nursing homes. The search equation found 536 and 1,447 studies exploring depression and dementia, respectively, and their related health complications in long-term care facilities or nursing homes. Conclusion: Depression’s relationships with other health complications have been poorly studied in long-term care facilities and nursing homes. More research is needed to understand them better.
‘Everything for Me Turns into Allegory’
Authors: Pedullà Gabriele
Published: February 2021

While being an important tile of Jameson’s whole theoretical project, Allegory and Ideology leaves some key questions not fully answered. Briefly put, these questions concern the meanings and limits of allegory; the unstable relationship between allegory and allegoresis in the Western cultural tradition; and the special place allegory plays or could play in postmodern culture. Solving these problems – in the footsteps of Jameson’s magisterial inquiry – will be crucial especially for Marxist critics.
Healer-driven ethnoveterinary knowledge diffusion among semi-nomadic pastoralists in Karamoja, Uganda
Authors: Gradé Jeanne , Weladji Robert , Tabuti John , Van Damme Patrick
Published: February 2021

Karamojong, semi-nomadic pastoralists of Uganda, rely on indigenous knowledge (IK) for their own healthcare and their livestock’s. It is important to preserve, promote and protect IK, in order to keep it from disappearing. One way is to facilitate its diffusion. The aim of this study was to compare the status of ethnoveterinary knowledge (EVK) in three unrelated communities to investigate whether organised healer-promoted EVK is more easily diffused and to what extent. This study applies a ‘knowledge, attitude and practices’ (KAP) survey to measure EVK application relating to twelve livestock diseases and sixteen remedies in different communities. Only in the community of Nabilatuk do registered healers regularly meet for participatory EVK sharing and afterwards pass on ideas to neighbours. Participants from the Lorengedwat community rarely interact with Nabilatuk while the interviewees of the Kaabong group have had virtually no chance to interact with the two other communities. In total 180 people (60 per site) were interviewed. Data were analysed in relation to distance from the healers’ association; this significantly influenced EVK scores. Overall Nabilatuk scores were higher than those obtained in both other villages, while Lorengedwat was higher than the most distant and remote community of Kaabong. This indicates that organised healers have been effective in divulging their information and in promoting EVK diffusion.
Crise ivoirienne: enjeux et sens d’une mobilisation patriotique
Authors: Gadou Dakouri
Published: February 2021

Depuis la nuit du 19 septembre, la Côte d’Ivoire connaît la plus grave crise au cours de son histoire, du moins depuis son indépendance, après le coup d’Etat de décembre 1999. Ceux qui ont pris les armes disent l’avoir fait pour lutter contre les conséquences de l’ivoirité: la xénophobie, la ségrégation et l’exclusion. La réaction qui s’en est suivie, notamment celles des mouvements dits patriotiques, est expliquée par ceux-ci comme une résistance et une défense de la patrie en danger. Le sentiment d’appartenance des unset des autres à la nation ivoirienne et la mobilisation patriotique pour justifier les actions entreprises respectivement, voilà ce qui transparaît au-delà des clivages et des antagonismes dans la crise ivoirienne. Le dessein de cet article est alors d’essayer de comprendre et d’expliquer cette mobilisation patriotique chez les protagonistes. Que la notion d’ivoirité ait affecté les relations entre les Ivoiriens (notamment entre ceux du nord et sud) et de ceux-ci avec les immigrés ouest-africains, personne ne pourrait le nier, et qu’ensuite celle-là constitue l’élément déclencheur de la crise ivoirienne, cela est peut être possible; que cette crise, enfin, ait aiguisé le sentiment patriotique ou nationaliste des Ivoiriennes et des Ivoiriens, cela est sans doute aussi vrai ; mais ce qui nous paraît plus plausible – et c’est là l’hypothèse de ce travail – est que la mobilisation patriotique observée ici de pan et d’autre dans cette crise ivoirienne ne constitue qu’un enjeu de pouvoir, une rhétorique de Jutte sur le pouvoir.
Performing rap ciphas in late-modern Cape Town: extreme locality and multilingual citizenship
Authors: Williams Quentin E. , Stroud Christopher
Published: February 2021

The study of hip-hop in Cape Town, and indeed South Africa, has traditionally focused on the narratives and poetics of resistance, race and counter-hegemonic agency in the context of apartheid and the early days of post-apartheid. Despite this attention, hip-hop cipha performances remain relatively under-researched. The aim of this paper is to suggest that cipha performances display linguistic and discursive features that not only are of particular interest to rap music and hip-hop on the Cape Flats of Cape Town specifically, but that also engage core issues around multilingualism, agency and voice more generally. It demonstrates how in the process of entextualization a sense of locality, extreme locality, emerges in cipha performances by means of verbal cueing, representing place, expressing disrespect (dissing), and the (deictic) reference to local coordinates that is achieved by transposing or recontextualizing transidiomatic phrases, and by incorporating local proxemics and audience reactions through commentary and response. It concludes by suggesting that competition around acceptable linguistic forms and framings (metalinguistic disputes) of extreme locality comprise the very micro-processes behind the formation of new registers. At the same time, these registers create the semiotic space for the exercise of agency and voice through multilingual practices, that is, multilingual citizenship.
Building intellectual bridges: from African studies and African American studies to Africana studies in the United States
Authors: Zeleza Paul Tiyambe
Published: February 2021

The study of Africa and its peoples in the United States has a complex history. It has involved the study of both an external and internal other, of social realities in Africa and the condition of people• of African descent in the United States. This paper traces and examines the complex intellectual, institutional, and ideological histories and intersections of African studies and African American studies. It argues that the two fields were founded by African American scholar activists as part of a Pan-African project before their divergence in the historically white universities after World War II in the maelstrom of decolonization in Africa and civil rights struggles in the United States. However, from the late 1980s and 1990s, the two fields began to converge, a process captured in the development of what has been called Africana studies. The factors behind this are attributed to both demographic shifts in American society and the academy including increased African migrations in general and of African academics in particular fleeing structural adjustment programs that devastated African universities, as well as the emergence of new scholarly paradigms especially the field of diaspora studies. The paper concludes with an examination of the likely impact of the Obama era on Africana studies.
The socio-cultural-symbolic nexus in the perpetuation of female genital cutting: a critical review of existing discourses
Authors: Esho Tammary , Van Wolputte Steven , Enzlin Paul
Published: February 2021

Female Genital Cutting (FGC), also known as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Female Circumcision (FC), continues to be a prevalent practice in many parts of the world and especially in Africa. This is somewhat perplexing given the concerted efforts aimed at eradicating this practice. This article argues that the perperuation of FGC is due to the unintended effects of marginalization experienced by individuals and groups of women as a result of the approach of some of the anti-FGC global discourses and policies put forward to eradicate the practice. This, we argue, happens when the social structure that provides such groups and individuals with a sense of identity and belonging breaks down. Therefore, the attack on what practicing communities consider to be of crucial cultural value causes a re-focus on the practice resulting in a re-formulation and re-invention of these practices in a bid to counter the feelings of alienation. FGC is thus reframed and reconstructed as a reaction against these campaigns. This article intends to investigate the socio-cultural-symbolic nexus surrounding the practice of FGC, its meaning and implications with respect to its continued existence. It draws examples mainly from communities in Kenya that practice FGM as a rite of passage into adulthood. Herein, perhaps, lies the driving force behind the practice in this contemporary age: it carries a lot of significance with respect to transformational processes, and it is seen as crucial in the representation of the body, identity and belonging. The aim of this article is not to defend FGC’s continuation, but rather to explore the interplay between its changing socio-cultural dimensions as a counter-reaction to the eradication discourse and policies. In this way we will try to explore some of the factors that lay behind its perpetuation.
Review of indigenous knowledge in Uganda: implications for its promotion
Authors: Tabuti John R.S. , Van Damme Patrick
Published: February 2021

Indigenous knowledge (IK) has a role to play for households and community well-being in Uganda. However, IK is undergoing significant change and is on the decline in Uganda because of factors such as acculturation or the loss of IK through exposure to external cultures. In this paper we review some of the roles of, and threats to, IK with particular reference to the local community of Kaliro District. We make some recommendations on how to conserve IK in Kaliro and elsewhere in Uganda.
Is the needle as risky as the knife? The prevalence and risks of body dysmorphic disorder in women undertaking minor cosmetic procedures
Authors: Pikoos Toni D , Rossell Susan L , Tzimas Nicky , Buzwell Simone
Published: February 2021

Objectives:

Body dysmorphic disorder is commonly considered a contraindication for major cosmetic surgery, but whether body dysmorphic disorder relates to poorer outcomes from minor cosmetic treatment remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder in clients seeking non-surgical cosmetic procedures and to examine whether body dysmorphic disorder clients are vulnerable in minor cosmetic settings. Vulnerability was explored in terms of psychological distress, unrealistic expectations and motivations for treatment outcome, and reduced satisfaction with past cosmetic procedures.

Method:

A cross-sectional online survey was completed by 154 women seeking minor cosmetic procedures which included the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire – Dermatology Version to screen for body dysmorphic disorder, and measures of cosmetic treatment motivation, expectations and satisfaction.

Results:

Roughly 25% of women in the current sample screened positive for a potential body dysmorphic disorder diagnosis. Participants with suspected body dysmorphic disorder demonstrated higher levels of psychological distress and more unrealistic expectations and motivations for cosmetic treatment, such as improving social or romantic relationships. However, body dysmorphic disorder participants reported similar levels of satisfaction with past minor cosmetic treatments to the non–body dysmorphic disorder group.

Conclusion:

While the relationship between body dysmorphic disorder and treatment outcome warrants further investigation in prospective research tracking satisfaction and adverse reactions over time, this preliminary evidence suggests clients with suspected body dysmorphic disorder display several vulnerabilities in non-surgical cosmetic settings. Given the rapidly increasing accessibility of minor cosmetic procedures, further research is needed to determine their safety for clients with body dysmorphic disorder. Detection of body dysmorphic disorder in non-surgical cosmetic settings could facilitate earlier psychological intervention, promoting superior long-term outcomes.
Dual veno-arterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation support in a patient with refractory hyperdynamic septic shock: a case report
Authors: Porizka Michal , Rulisek Jan , Flaksa Marek , Otahal Michal , Lips Michal , Belohlavek Jan , Balik Martin
Published: February 2021

The hypodynamic septic shock appears to be a promising indication to veno-arterial membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support of a patient with insufficient cardiac output. With cardiac recovery most of those patients progress into a hyperdynamic septic shock with cardiac output, which may not match critically low systemic vascular resistance to maintain perfusion pressures. Such refractory distributive shock represents a challenging indication to VA-ECMO. We report a rare case of a 27-year old patient who developed severe refractory hypodynamic septic shock due to the bilateral staphylococcal pneumonia and had to be initially rescued by femoro-femoral VA-ECMO. Despite extensive measures, he remained in intractable hypotension and profound tissue hypoperfusion with imminent multiorgan failure. The commencement of a second jugulo-axillary VA ECMO secured a total blood flow of 14.3 L/min, which restored perfusion pressure and successfully bridged patient over the period of critical haemodynamic instability and ultimately may have facilitated recovery.
Pancreatic metastasis from squamous cell lung cancer: computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings
Authors: Lu Tao , Li Xinglan , Zhou Yao
Published: February 2021

Metastatic lesions of the pancreas are uncommon. The incidence of pancreatic involvement with squamous cell carcinoma is the lowest among the different histological subtypes of lung cancer. We present the clinical data, pathological findings, and imaging features of two cases of pancreatic metastasis from squamous cell lung cancer with a literature review. A 75-year-old man and a 67-year-old man were both diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic tumors from squamous cell lung cancer during a multidisciplinary team discussion. Both patients were misdiagnosed as having a neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas by imaging examination before surgery. Squamous cell lung cancer metastasis to the pancreas is extremely rare, and the atypical clinical and radiological presentations make it difficult to distinguish metastatic tumors from primary pancreatic tumors.
Associations of Childhood Maltreatment and Attachment Styles with Romantic Breakup Grief Severity: The Role of Emotional Suppression
Authors: Heshmati Rasoul , Zemestani Mehdi , Vujanovic Anka
Published: February 2021

Childhood maltreatment (CM) and insecure attachment styles may partly explain grief severity following romantic breakup. Empirical studies examining the factors that could possibly explain this association, however, remain sparse. The present study tested whether the relations among CM, attachment styles, and romantic breakup grief severity could be explained by emotional suppression in Iranian college students. In a cross-sectional study, 239 Iranian college students (ages 18–45; M = 24.11, SD = 15.29; 50.6% women) with a recent romantic breakup experience were recruited from University of Tabriz. Participants completed a diagnostic interview and self-report battery, including the Persian version of the Child Abuse Self-Reported Scale, Revised Adult Attachment Scale, Romantic Breakup Grief Inventory, and Weinberger Adjustment Inventory. Structural equation modeling was used to empirically explore the relations among variables. Results indicated that those who reported higher levels of CM also reported higher levels of romantic breakup grief. Attachment closeness showed a significant negative and direct effect on romantic breakup grief severity. However, attachment anxiety was positively associated with greater levels of romantic breakup grief. Bootstrapping results showed that CM might affect romantic breakup grief severity via emotional suppression. Furthermore, attachment closeness and attachment anxiety exerted indirect effects on romantic breakup grief severity through emotional suppression. Clinical and empirical implications are discussed.
Semi-active vibration control of a transmission system using a magneto-rheological variable stiffness and damping torsional vibration absorber
Authors: Li Wenfeng , Dong Xiaomin , Xi Jun , Deng Xiong , Shi Kaiyuan , Zhou Yaqin
Published: February 2021

In this research effort, an innovative magneto-rheological variable stiffness and damping torsional vibration absorber (MR-VSDTVB) is proposed, and independent variable damping control and independent variable stiffness control are adopted to suppress the torsional vibration of the transmission system. MR-VSDTVB, based on semi-active control principle, exhibits a compact structure and integrates with magneto-rheological technology. First, the concept of MR-VSDTVB is discussed, and the output torque characteristic of MR-VSDTVB is analytically developed. Then, a prototype is fabricated and tested. A transmission system with MR-VSDTVB is proposed to verify the MR-VSDTVB's effectiveness. The structure and inherent characteristics of the transmission system are analyzed theoretically. Finally, an experimental setup of transmission system with MR-VSDTVB is built. Experimental results indicate that when torsional stiffness of MR-VSDTVB changes, a frequency shift phenomenon occurs; moreover, when torsional damping of MR-VSDTVB changes, the response amplitude of the experimental setup changes regularly; And finally, the on-off control test validates the effectiveness of semi-active control on the torsional vibration suppression of the transmission system. The above results verify the effectiveness of MR-VSDTVB in suppressing the torsional vibration of the transmission system. These findings are expected to expand the application of magneto-rheological technology and variable stiffness and variable damping technology in torsional vibration of transmission systems.
From competition to co-operation: Shifting the “one best model” perspective
Authors: Hawkins-Elder Hannah , Ward Tony
Published: February 2021

Mental disorders are arguably one of the most complex and serious problems facing health practitioners today and yet their causes remain, largely, a mystery. Accordingly, there is frequent and heated debate over which of the many available models of mental disorder and their associated therapeutic interventions are likely to be most useful. The prevailing attitude toward the conceptualization of mental distress appears to be that a single superior model will emerge that neatly accounts for one or more disorder presentations: the “One Best Model” (OBM) perspective. In this article, we argue for a transition away from the OBM perspective toward a multiple model approach to psychopathology that is collaborative and pluralistic. We begin by outlining the particulars of the OBM perspective and elaborating on the problems it presents for psychopathology theory and practice. We then suggest specific ways in which this problem may be ameliorated, by adjusting how we approach the processes of modelling disorder, translating models into interventions, and applying models and interventions in practice.
Metaphors are like lenses: Electrophysiological correlates of novel meaning processing in bilingualism
Authors: Jankowiak Katarzyna , Naranowicz Marcin , Rataj Karolina
Published: February 2021

Aims and objectives:

The study provides new insights into how bilingual speakers process semantically complex novel meanings in their native (L1) and non-native language (L2).

Methodology:

The study employs an EEG method with a semantic decision task to novel nominal metaphors, novel similes, as well as literal and anomalous sentences presented in participants’ L1 and L2.

Data and analysis:

In total, 29 native speakers of Polish (L1) who were highly proficient in English (L2) took part in the study. The collected EEG signal was analyzed in terms of an event-related potential analysis. The statistical analyses were based on behavioral data (reaction times and accuracy rates) as well as mean amplitudes for the four conditions in the two languages within the N400 and LPC time windows.

Findings:

The results revealed the N400 effect of utterance type modulated by language nativeness, where the brainwaves for anomalous sentences, novel nominal metaphors, and novel similes converged in L2, while in L1 a graded effect was observed from anomalous sentences to novel nominal metaphors, novel similes and literal sentences. In contrast, within the late time window, a more pronounced sustained negativity to novel nominal metaphors than novel similes was observed in both languages, thus indicating that meaning integration mechanisms might be of similar automaticity in L1 and L2 when bilingual speakers are highly proficient in their L2. Altogether, the present results point to a more taxing mechanisms involved in lexico-semantic access in L2 than L1, yet such an increased effort seems to be resolved within the meaning integration phase.

Originality:

The findings present novel insights into how bilinguals construct new unfamiliar meanings and show how and when cognitive mechanisms engaged in this process are modulated by language nativeness.

Significance:

The study might provide crucial implications for further research on bilingual semantic processing as well as human creativity.
Youth Justice Reforms in Norway: Professional Support for the Panopticon Society?
Authors: Leonardsen Dag , Andrews Therese
Published: February 2021

In 2014, Norway implemented a reform called ‘Youth supervision’ and ‘Youth sentencing’, inspired by restorative justice principles. This article presents the main content of this reform and considers experiences until today. The discussion looks at some challenges related to the reform: Will reduced imprisonment be the result? Do we see the contours of a panopticon society through this reform? Can young offenders be ‘trapped in help’, without necessary legal protection? Is there a danger of professional invasion, where diagnostic perspectives will dominate? These questions are discussed against international experiences on restorative justice reforms.
Identifying important nodes affecting network security in complex networks
Authors: Liu Yongshan , Wang Jianjun , He Haitao , Huang Guoyan , Shi Weibo
Published: February 2021

An important node identification algorithm based on an improved structural hole and K-shell decomposition algorithm is proposed to identify important nodes that affect security in complex networks. We consider the global structure of a network and propose a network security evaluation index of important nodes that is free of prior knowledge of network organization based on the degree of nodes and nearest neighborhood information. A node information control ability index is proposed according to the structural hole characteristics of nodes. An algorithm ranks the importance of nodes based on the above two indices and the nodes’ local propagation ability. The influence of nodes on network security and their own propagation ability are analyzed by experiments through the evaluation indices of network efficiency, network maximum connectivity coefficient, and Kendall coefficient. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can improve the accuracy of important node identification; this analysis has applications in monitoring network security.
Energy transport analysis in flow of Carreau nanofluid inspired by variable thermal conductivity and zero mass flux conditions
Authors: Iqbal Zahoor , Khan Masood , Hamid Aamir , Ahmed Awais
Published: February 2021

The presence of nanometric particles in the base fluids lead to form nanofluids. Nanofluids are prominent due to their astonishing features in thermally conducting flows and in the development of electronic and mechanical devices. Based on these motivations, we have designed our article to investigate the thermal conduction features in the free and forced convection flow of unsteady Carreau nanofluid due to stretching cylinder with the effects of variable magnetic field. Moreover, the transport of thermal energy in the flow is properly examined by including the impacts of variable thermal conductivity and nonuniform heat rise/fall. Furthermore, the transport of solutal energy in the flow of nanofluid is encountered under the influences of activation energy and binary chemical reactions. A momentous feature of this study is to employ the zero-mass flux condition at the wall of the cylinder. A section of this study is proposed for mathematical modelling of the current problem. Moreover, the impacts of involved physical constraints are explored by employing an efficient numerical technique namely bvp4c. The features of all physical constraints on flow, thermal and solutal curves are illustrated in the form of graphs and discussed with reasonable physical arguments in discussion section of the article. The core findings of this study are mentioned in the section of closing remarks. The core upshot of the current study is that the nanoparticles concentration rate of nanofluid depicts ascending trend for escalating values of activation energy constraint. A significant upsurge in the coefficients of skin friction and Nusselt number is detected with an escalation in the constraints of buoyancy and thermophoresis forces, respectively. The references regarding this article are also provided at the end.
Changes in hepatocellular carcinoma aggressiveness characteristics with an increase in tumor diameter
Authors: Carr Brian I. , Guerra Vito , Donghia Rossella , Farinati Fabio , Giannini Edoardo G. , Piscaglia Fabio , Rapaccini Gian Ludovico , Di Marco Maria , Caturelli Eugenio , Zoli Marco , Sacco Rodolfo , Cabibbo Giuseppe , Marra Fabio , Mega Andrea , Morisco Filomena , Gasbarrini Antonio , Svegliati-Baroni Gianluca , Foschi Francesco Giuseppe , Missale Gabriele , Masotto Alberto , Nardone Gerardo , Raimondo Giovanni , Azzaroli Francesco , Vidili Gianpaolo , Oliveri Filippo , Trevisani Franco
Published: February 2021

Background:

Hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis depends on both liver and tumor determinants, especially on maximum tumor diameter, multifocality, and presence of portal vein thrombosis, despite apparently complete tumor removal by resection or liver transplantation.

Aims:

To examine parameters of hepatocellular carcinoma aggressiveness as tumor size increases.

Methods:

A large hepatocellular carcinoma database was examined for trends in serum alpha-fetoprotein and the percentage of patients with macroscopic portal vein thrombosis or tumor multifocality.

Results:

A total of 13,016 hepatocellular carcinoma patients were identified having full tumor and survival data. Of these, 76.56% were male and 23.44% were female, with a median age of 64.4 years. We found that as the maximum tumor diameter increased, there was a significant trend for increased alpha-fetoprotein levels ( P<0.001) and an increased percentage of patients with either portal vein thrombosis or tumor multifocality, each P<0.0001. Furthermore, the increases of both alpha-fetoprotein and portal vein thrombosis were proportionately greater than the related maximum tumor diameter increases. These trends of increased alpha-fetoprotein, portal vein thrombosis, and multifocality with increasing maximum tumor diameter had non-linear patterns. Within alpha-fetoprotein and multifocality trends, there were identifiable sub-trends associated with specific maximum tumor diameter ranges.

Conclusions:

The greater fold-increases in alpha-fetoprotein and portal vein thrombosis compared with increases in maximum tumor diameter imply that hepatocellular carcinoma characteristics may change with increasing size to a more aggressive phenotype, suggesting that follow-up tumor sampling might be useful, in addition to baseline tumor sampling, for optimal therapeutic choices to be made.
Can fecal calprotectin accurately identify histological activity of ulcerative colitis? A meta-analysis
Authors: Ye Xiaoqi , Wang Ying , Wang Harry H. X. , Feng Rui , Ye Ziyin , Han Jing , Li Li , Zeng Zhirong , Chen Minhu , Zhang Shenghong
Published: February 2021

Background and Aims:

Elevated fecal calprotectin (FC) levels have been reported to correlate with histological activity in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the accuracy of FC for evaluating histological activity of UC remains to be determined. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of FC for evaluating histological activity of UC, based on updated definitions.

Methods:

Related studies were retrieved from the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Adult participants diagnosed with UC were included when sufficient data could be extracted to calculate the accuracy of FC for evaluating histological activity. The primary outcome was histological response, and the secondary outcome was histological remission, defined according to a recently updated position paper of European Crohn’s and Colitis Organization. Statistics were pooled using bivariate mixed-effects models. The area under the curve was estimated by summary receiver-operating characteristic curves.

Results:

Nine studies were included, from which 1039 patients were included for the analysis of histological response and 591 patients for histological remission. For the evaluation of histological response, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve were 0.69 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.52–0.82], 0.77 (95% CI: 0.63–0.87), and 0.80 (95% CI: 0.76–0.83), respectively. For the evaluation of histological remission, the corresponding estimates were 0.76 (95% CI: 0.71–0.81), 0.71 (95% CI: 0.62–0.78), and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.75–0.82), respectively. FC had a higher accuracy in studies using Nancy Index. For histological response, the cut-off values of FC ranged from 50 to 172 µg/g, and the sensitivity was higher in studies with FC cut-off values >100 µg/g (0.77 versus 0.65).

Conclusion:

FC is a valuable biomarker for assessing histological activity in patients with UC. A cut-off value of 100–200 µg/g is more appropriate to spare patients from an unnecessary endoscopy and biopsy.
Safety and efficacy of daclizumab beta in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis in a 5-year open-label study (EXTEND): final results following early termination
Authors: Kappos Ludwig , Cohan Stanley , Arnold Douglas L. , Robinson Randy R. , Holman Joan , Fam Sami , Parks Becky , Xiao Shan , Castro-Borrero Wanda
Published: February 2021

Background:

EXTEND (NCT01797965), an open-label extension study, evaluated the safety and efficacy of daclizumab beta in participants with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) who had completed the randomized DECIDE study.

Methods:

Eligible participants who received either daclizumab beta or interferon beta-1a in DECIDE received daclizumab beta 150 mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks for up to 5 years in EXTEND, followed by 24 weeks of post-dosing follow-up. Safety and tolerability were evaluated, as were clinical efficacy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). EXTEND was terminated ahead of schedule by the sponsors.

Results:

The total safety population ( N = 1203) received at least one dose of daclizumab beta in EXTEND. In the DECIDE and EXTEND combined periods, the median number of doses of daclizumab beta was 53; median time on treatment was 196 weeks. By 24 September 2018, the end of the study, 110/1203 (9%) participants had completed the protocol-specified treatment period and 1101/1203 (92%) had experienced an adverse event (AE). The most commonly reported AEs were MS relapse, nasopharyngitis, and upper respiratory tract infection. Hepatic events (18%), cutaneous events (45%), and infections (62%) were common treatment-related AEs. The incidence of serious AEs was 29%, most commonly MS relapse and infections. The incidence of immune-mediated disorders was 2%; three of seven were encephalitis. Two of six deaths were considered treatment related. In participants who received continuous daclizumab beta throughout DECIDE and EXTEND, the treatment effects on clinical and MRI outcomes were maintained for up to 6 years.

Conclusion:

Results from the combined DECIDE-EXTEND study elucidate outcomes of longer-term treatment with daclizumab beta in the clinical trial setting and underscore the importance of pharmacovigilance with immunomodulatory therapies in the real-world setting.
Profiling of circulating tumor DNA and tumor tissue for treatment selection in patients with advanced and refractory carcinoma: a prospective, two-stage phase II Individualized Cancer Treatment trial
Authors: Riedl Jakob M. , Hasenleithner Samantha O. , Pregartner Gudrun , Scheipner Lukas , Posch Florian , Groller Karin , Kashofer Karl , Jahn Stephan W. , Bauernhofer Thomas , Pichler Martin , Stöger Herbert , Berghold Andrea , Hoefler Gerald , Speicher Michael R. , Heitzer Ellen , Gerger Armin
Published: February 2021

Background:

Molecular profiling (MP) represents an opportunity to match patients to a targeted therapy and when tumor tissue is unavailable, circulating tumor deoxyribonucleic acid (ctDNA) can be harnessed as a non-invasive analyte for this purpose. We evaluated the success of a targeted therapy selected by profiling of ctDNA and tissue in patients with advanced and refractory carcinoma.

Patients and methods:

A blood draw as well as an optional tissue biopsy were obtained for MP. Whole-genome sequencing and a cancer hotspot panel were performed, and publicly available databases were used to match the molecular profile to targeted treatments. The primary endpoint was the progression-free survival (PFS) ratio (PFS on MP-guided therapy/PFS on the last evidence-based therapy), whereas the success of the targeted therapy was defined as a PFS ratio ⩾1.2. To test the impact of molecular profile-treatment matching strategies, we retrospectively analyzed selected cases via the CureMatch PreciGENE™ decision support algorithm.

Results:

Interim analysis of 24 patients yielded informative results from 20 patients (83%). A potential tumor-specific drug could be matched in 11 patients (46%) and eight (33%) received a matched treatment. Median PFS in the matched treatment group was 61.5 days [interquartile range (IQR) 49.8–71.0] compared with 81.5 days (IQR 68.5–117.8) for the last evidence-based treatment, resulting in a median PFS ratio of 0.7 (IQR 0.6–0.9). Hence, as no patient experienced a PFS ratio ⩾1.2, the study was terminated. Except for one case, the CureMatch analysis identified either a two-drug or three-drug combination option.

Conclusions:

Our study employed a histotype–agnostic approach to harness molecular profiling data from both ctDNA and metastatic tumor tissue. The outcome results indicate that more innovative approaches to study design and matching algorithms are necessary to achieve improved patient outcomes. EU Clinical Trials Registry ( https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu ): EudraCT: 2014-005341-44
The Improved Anticancer Activities of Piperine Nanoliposome Conjugated CD133 Monoclonal Antibody Against NTERA-2 Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Thao Do Thi , Minh Le Nhat , Anh Tran Thi Minh , Thi Nga Nguyen , Hue Phung Thi Kim , Van Kiem Phan
Published: February 2021

Black pepper ( Piper nigrum L.) is widely grown in the Chu-se district of Gia Lai province in Vietnam. The pepper, used as a spice, also serves as a traditional medicine in many countries. Black pepper contains many different substances; the most active of these is piperine, which exerts anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. However, piperine is a poorly absorbed alkaloid, and high concentrations may be toxic. Therefore, its medicinal uses remain limited. Here, we extracted piperine from black peppers collected at Chu Se, created piperine and anti-CD133 monoclonal antibodies (mAb^CD133) containing nanoliposomal complexes (PMCs), and evaluated their inhibitory effects on cancer stem cells (CSCs) in vitro. The physical properties of PMCs showed an approximated diamater of 170 nm, a PDI of 0.23, zeta potential of −9.38 mV, and an encapsulated efficiency of 73.33 ± 9.09%. The PMCs significantly inhibited NTERA-2 cell growth (IC50 = 435.3 ± 4.3 µM), but were not toxic to healthy cells (IC50 >500 µM). The PMCs remarkably affected the CSC surface marker expressed level of which the CD44+/CD133+ population was only 2.12% compared with 21.72% for blank nanoliposomes. The NTERA-2 antiproliferative activities of PMCs might be associated with their G2 cell cycle phase arresting and caspase-3 inducible activities (up to 1.51 times) ( P < 0.05). The nanoliposomal complex also significantly inhibited the proliferation of NTERA-2 cells in three dimensional tumorspheroids with an IC50 = 245.82 ± 11.44 µM and reduced the size by up to 41.50 ± 4.31% ( P < 0.05). Thus, the PMCs proved their enhanced potential biomedical and pharmacological applications in targeted cancer therapies.