bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grodzins relation for 41+ and 61+ states in A = 80, 100 and 130 region
Authors: Gupta J. B. , Katoch Vikas
Published: February 2021

The validity of the extended Grodzins product rule (GPR) for higher spins in the ground bands of even [Formula: see text], even [Formula: see text] nuclei of the light mass region of Cd to Zn chain of isotopes is studied. The plots of [Formula: see text]2, [Formula: see text]) versus [1/[Formula: see text]] ([Formula: see text], 6[Formula: see text] provide test of the linear relationship of the two entities. There seems to be a good correlation of the two entities at these higher spin states for most of the nuclei studied here. The deviations from linearity in specific cases are found to be useful for studying the variations in the nuclear structures involved. From these linearity plots, the structural change at higher spin in some nuclei involving subshell gaps, as reflected in the anomalous rise or saturation, leads to further insight into the under lying microscopic structure.
ON-SURFACE MOLECULAR REACTIONS
Authors: CAI LIANGLIANG , XU WEI
Published: February 2021

During the last decades, the bottom–up strategy of on-surface molecular reactions has been extensively investigated in order to fulfill controllable fabrication of covalent interlinking nanostructures/nanomaterials at atomic scale. A variety of organic reactions have been introduced to substrates, such as Ullmann coupling, Glaser coupling, cyclodehydrogenation and so on. In this paper, these on-surface molecular reactions will be reviewed from three aspects: the precursor, surface and external stimuli. Finally, a summary of past achievements and an outlook of future scientific challenges will be discussed.
Sequential Learning of Cryptocurrency Volatility Dynamics: Evidence Based on a Stochastic Volatility Model with Jumps in Returns and Volatility
Authors: Huang Jing-Zhi , Huang Zhijian James , Xu Li
Published: February 2021

This paper studies the dynamics of cryptocurrency volatility using a stochastic volatility model with simultaneous and correlated jumps in returns and volatility. We estimate the model using an efficient sequential learning algorithm that allows for learning about multiple unknown model parameters simultaneously, with daily data on four popular cryptocurrencies. We find that these cryptocurrencies have quite different volatility dynamics. In particular, they exhibit different return-volatility relationships: While Ethereum and Litecoin show a negative relationship, Chainlink displays a positive one and interestingly, Bitcoin’s one changes from negative to positive in June 2016. We also provide evidence that the sequential learning algorithm helps better detect large jumps in the cryptocurrency market in real time. Overall, incorporating volatility jumps helps better capture the dynamic behavior of highly volatile cryptocurrencies.
Heterostructure Device Based on Graphene Oxide/TiO2/n-Si for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Ashery A. , Gad S. A. , Shaban H. , Gaballah A. E. H.
Published: February 2021

We produced a graphene oxide with good conductivity by a novel method that saves cost and time as illustrated in the structure Au/GO/TiO2/Si/Al. The GO was synthesized by burning polyvinyl alcohol at 300 °C on the TiO2/n-Si surface producing a conductive graphene oxide that is considered a new advantage of this technique. The Au/GO/TiO2/n-Si/Al structure is manufactured using the spin coating process. The XRD and SEM identified the samples’ structure and surface topography. In a frequency range from 10 kHz to 20 MHz, the electrical and dielectric parameters of the synthetic Schottky diodes were obtained from capacitance/conductance-voltage. The diagram of real and imaginary parts of the impedance (Z′, Z″), col-col, and their variation with temperatures, voltage, and frequency were also discussed. A comparison of electrical parameters such as ideality factor (n), series resistance (Rs), barrier height (Φb) based on traditional, Cheung, and Norde methods was investigated. The oxide layer thickness values (dox), the density distribution (Nss), the maximum admittance (Ym), the maximum electric field (Em), the depletion layer width (Wd), and ΔΦb (eV) were investigated using the C2 − V relationship. As the frequency increases, the Φb(C−V) increases, while the concentration of donor atoms (ND) decreases. The surface states (Nss) voltage-dependent profile was calculated and evaluated.
Modulatory Role of Vitamin E on Proton Pump (ATPase) Activity of Cadmium Chloride‐Induced Testicular Damage in Wistar Rats
Authors: Olaniyan Olugbemi T. , Ojewale Abdulfatai O. , Eweoya Olugbenga O. , Adedoyin Adetola A. , Adesanya Olamide A. , Adeoye Azeez O. , Okeniran Olatayo S.
Published: February 2021

Proton pumps are membrane‐bound enzymes important in generating gradients that help in maintaining cellular ion homeostasis, cell membrane potential, water, and solute transport across the cell surface. This study investigated the modulatory role of vitamin E on proton pump activity and reproductive parameters in cadmium-induced testicular damage. Twenty (20) male Wistar rats weighing between 180 and 200 g were sorted into 4 groups of five rats each. Group I served as the control and was given normal saline orally, Group II rats were treated with a single dose of 2 mg/kg BW cadmium chloride (CdCl2) intraperitoneally, Group III rats were given 100 mg/kg BW of vitamin E orally, and Group IV rats were given 100 mg/kg BW of vitamin E orally for 30 days prior to intraperitoneal administration of single dose of 2 mg/kg BW of cadmium chloride. The rats were anaesthetized with diethyl ether, and blood samples were obtained for sex hormonal analysis; caudal epididymis was dissected for sperm count, motility, and viability, and the testis were homogenized for lipid peroxidation and proton pump (Na+/K+ ATPase, Ca2+ ATPase, and Mg2+ ATPase) activity. Proton pump activity was assayed spectrophotometrically using the Stewart method to determine the inorganic phosphate level. Histopathological changes of the testis were also studied. The group treated with CdCl2 showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in proton pump activity, sperm count, and motility and a significant (p < 0.05) increase in malondialdehyde level when compared with the control group. The CdCl2‐treated group also showed decrease reproductive organ weights and hormonal levels and cause necrosis of spermatogonia lining the seminiferous tubules. Rats treated with vitamin E orally for 30 days prior to CdCl2 exposure showed improvement in proton pump activity, a significant (p < 0.05) increase in sperm parameters and luteinizing hormonal level, and a decrease in the lipid peroxidation level as compared with the CdCl2 group. This study showed that vitamin E ameliorated the toxic effect of CdCl2 on proton pump activity in the testes, hence improving testicular integrity, structures, and functions.
Propionibacterium acnes Accelerates Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Inducing Pyroptosis of Nucleus Pulposus Cells via the ROS‐NLRP3 Pathway
Authors: Tang Guoqing , Han Xiaoguang , Lin Zhijie , Qian Hongbin , Chen Bing , Zhou Chengliang , Chen Yong , Jiang Weimin
Published: February 2021

Our previous study verified the occurrence of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a low‐virulence anaerobic bacterium, latently residing in degenerated intervertebral discs (IVDs), and the infection had a strong association with IVD degeneration. We explored whether P. acnes induces nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) pyroptosis, a more dangerous cell death process than apoptosis, and accelerates IVD degeneration via the pyroptotic products interleukin‐ (IL‐) 1β and IL‐18. After coculturing with P. acnes, human NPCs showed significant upregulation of NOD‐like receptor 3 (NLRP3), cleaved IL‐1β, cleaved caspase‐1, and cleaved gasdermin D in response to the overexpression of IL‐1β and IL‐18 in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. In addition, the gene expression of inflammatory factors and catabolic enzymes significantly increased in normal NPCs when cocultured with pyroptotic NPCs in a transwell system, and the adverse effects were inhibited when NPC pyroptosis was suppressed. Furthermore, inoculation of P. acnes into the IVDs of rats caused significant pyroptosis of NPCs and remarkable IVD degeneration. Finally, coculture of NPCs with P. acnes induced the overexpression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NLRP3, while inhibition of both factors reduced NPC pyroptosis. Therefore, P. acnes induces NPC pyroptosis via the ROS‐NLRP3 signaling pathway, and the pyroptotic NPCs cause an IVD degeneration cascade. Targeting the P. acnes‐induced pyroptosis of NPCs may become an alternative treatment strategy for IVD degeneration in the future.
Comparison of HER2-Targeted Antibodies for Fluorescence-Guided Surgery in Breast Cancer
Authors: AghaAmiri Solmaz , Simien Jo , Thompson Alastair M. , Voss Julie , Ghosh Sukhen C. , Hernandez Vargas Servando , Kim Sarah , Azhdarinia Ali , Tran Cao Hop S.
Published: February 2021

Background. Although therapeutic advances have led to enhanced survival in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer, detection of residual disease remains challenging. Here, we examine two approved anti-HER2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), trastuzumab and pertuzumab, as potential candidates for the development of immunoconjugates for fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS). Methods. mAbs were conjugated to the near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dye, IRDye800, and for quantitative in vitro assessment, to the radiometal chelator, desferrioxamine, to enable dual labeling with 89Zr. In vitro binding was evaluated in HER2-overexpressing (BT474, SKBR3) and HER2-negative (MCF7) cell lines. BT474 and MCF7 xenografts were used for in vivo and ex vivo fluorescence imaging. Results. In vitro findings demonstrated HER2-mediated binding for both fluorescent immunoconjugates and were in agreement with radioligand assays using dual-labeled immunoconjugates. In vivo and ex vivo studies showed preferential accumulation of the fluorescently-labeled mAbs in tumors and similar tumor-to-background ratios. In vivo HER2 specificity was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining of resected tumors and normal tissues. Conclusions. We showed for the first time that fluorescent trastuzumab and pertuzumab immunoconjugates have similar NIRF imaging performance and demonstrated the possibility of performing HER2-targeted FGS with agents that possess distinct epitope specificity.
A New Subclass of Analytic Functions Related to Mittag-Leffler Type Poisson Distribution Series
Authors: Alessa Nazek , Venkateswarlu B. , Reddy P. Thirupathi , Loganathan K. , Tamilvanan K.
Published: February 2021

The object of this work is to an innovation of a class

k
−

U
~

S

T

s

ℏ
,
υ
,
τ
,
ι
,
ς

in

Y

with negative coefficients, further determining coefficient estimates, neighborhoods, partial sums, convexity, and compactness of this specified class.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from the Extracts of Fruit Peel of Citrus tangerina, Citrus sinensis, and Citrus limon for Antibacterial Activities
Authors: Niluxsshun Moira Carmalita Dharsika , Masilamani Koneswaran , Mathiventhan Umaramani
Published: February 2021

Wide application of nanoparticles motivates the need for synthesising them. Here, a nontoxic, eco-friendly, and cost-effective method has been established for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using extracts of lemon peel (Citrus limon), green orange peel (Citrus sinensis), and orange peel (Citrus tangerina). The synthesised nanoparticles have been characterised using UV-visible absorptionspectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The UV-visible absorption spectrum of these synthesised silver nanoparticles shows an absorption peak at around 440 nm. TEM images show different shaped particles with various sizes. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles was appraised by a well-diffusion method and it was observed that the green synthesised silver nanoparticles have an effective antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The outcome of this study could be beneficial for nanotechnology-based biomedical applications.
Acute Effects of Muscular Fatigue on Vertical Jump Performance in Acrobatic Gymnasts, Evaluated by Instrumented Insoles: A Pilot Study
Authors: Martínez-Martí Fernando , Latorre-Román Pedro A. , Martínez-García María Sofía , Soto-Hermoso Victor M. , Carvajal Miguel A. , López-Bedoya Jesús , Palma Alberto J.
Published: February 2021

The study of fatigue during training is becoming a very useful tool to avoid possible injuries not only during the training sessions but also during recovery time. Many researches have proved that concepts such as muscular fatigue and postactivation potentiation have a close relationship. With this aim, vertical jump can provide a very important information that can help to analyze the muscular fatigue that happened during this type of activity, mainly if the monitoring system is able to measure jumping parameters during their regular training session in their natural training environment. This study was performed with instrumented insoles called ECnsole. These insoles were tested with a group of twelve volunteers. In a tumbling surface, the participants performed a jumping protocol in three conditions: rest, fatigue‐induced, and recovery. Using these validated insoles, the acrobatic gymnasts showed an inability to use the stretch‐shortening cycle for improving vertical jumping performance after fatigue condition, although no deterioration of jump performance was found.
Long Noncoding RNA FOXP4‐AS1 Predicts Unfavourable Prognosis and Regulates Proliferation and Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Liang Jingchen , Wang Duo , Qiu Guanhua , Zhu Xiaoqi , Liu Junjie , Li Hang , Guo Pingping
Published: February 2021

Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer that has a high level of morbidity and mortality. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is a novel regulatory factor of tumour proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. Our previous studies indicated that lncRNA FOXP4‐AS1 is a functional oncogene in HCC; thus, this study is aimed at further evaluating the clinical and biological function of FOXP4‐AS1 in HCC. Material and Methods. First, we detected the expression of FOXP4‐AS1 in HCC tissues and paracarcinoma normal tissues by qRT‐PCR. Second, the prognostic effects of FOXP4‐AS1 in patients with HCC were analysed in a training group and a verification group. Subsequently, to investigate the biological effects of FOXP4‐AS1 on HCC cells, downexpression tests were further conducted. Results. The expression of FOXP4‐AS1 was higher in HCC tissues than adjacent nontumourous tissues, whereas the low expression of FOXP4‐AS1 was correlated with optimistic treatment outcomes, which suggested that FOXP4‐AS1 may be an independent prognostic biomarker for HCC. Moreover, the downregulation of FOXP4‐AS1 significantly reduced the cell proliferation and clonal abilities and inhibited the invasion, migration, and angiogenesis of hepatoma cells (P < 0.05). Conclusion. These results revealed the clinical significance and biological function of FOXP4‐AS1 in HCC development, which may provide a new direction for finding therapeutic targets and potential prognostic biomarkers of HCC.
A Presynaptic Protein Is a Net Gain for Pancreatic Tumor Progression
Authors: Sherman Mara H.
Published: February 2021

Cancer-associated fibroblasts conduct an aberrant wound-healing response, including mechanisms that restrain and others that support tumor progression. In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Francescone and colleagues demonstrate expression of presynaptic protein NetG1 on fibroblasts in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and characterize tumor-supportive functions of NetG1 in this context, including metabolic and immune-modulatory mechanisms.

See related article by Francescone et al., p. 446.
Black in Cancer: Championing Diversity in Cancer Research and Medicine
Authors: Henderson Henry J. , Bell Sigourney
Published: February 2021

Black in Cancer was designed to strengthen networks and highlight Black excellence in cancer research and medicine. Here we expound on our actions to increase the representation of Black people in cancer-related fields.
Person-Centred Care Transformation in a Nursing Home for Residents with Dementia
Authors: Ho Peiyan , Cheong Rachel Chin Yee , Ong Siew Pei , Fusek Carol , Wee Shiou Liang , Yap Philip Lin Kiat
Published: February 2021

Background: Conventional nursing homes in Singapore adopt an institutional and medical model of care with a focus on safety and risk management. As such, less regard is placed on upholding the dignity and autonomy of the resident, which compromises quality of care and the well-being of the resident. Today, person-centred care (PCC) has become synonymous with high-quality care that sustains the well-being and personhood of the care recipient. Objectives: To describe the model of PCC adopted by a nursing home, Apex Harmony Lodge (AHL), with a logic model and evaluate outcomes on residents’ well-being, care quality, and staff attrition by comparing pre-PCC initiation (2015) to post-implementation (2016). Methods: Male residents in a 30-bed assisted living facility for persons with dementia in AHL were assessed using Dementia Care Mapping. Residents’ well-being and staff attrition were measured before and after PCC implementation. Results: There were statistically significant improvements in resident well-being (Δ = 0.44, p = 0.029), Positive Engagement Potential (Δ = 0.17, p = 0.002), and Occupational Diversity (Δ = 0.12, p = 0.014) in 2016. Withdrawal and Passive Engagement in the residents were reduced significantly as were Care Detractors. There was also a 55% reduction in staff attrition rates post-PCC. Conclusions: Post-PCC implementation, the outcomes indicate a superior quality of care, enhanced resident well-being, and better staff retention. The AHL PCC model could serve as a roadmap for other nursing homes aspiring to raise the quality of care and influence long-term care standards and regulations for policy makers and legislators.
Jeffrey J. Juris (1971-2020): investigador de los movimientos sociales en red
Authors: Feixa Carles , Ferrándiz Francisco , Pleyers Geoffrey , Mayo Fuster Morell , Pereira Inês , Oliart Patricia
Published: February 2021

Jeffrey J. Juris (New Jersey, 1971-Boston, 2020) fue pionero en el estudio del movimiento altermundialista, tema al que dedicó su tesis doctoral, presentada en la Universidad de
Berkeley y luego publicada en su influyente libro Networking Futures: the Movements against Corporate Globalization (2008). Ademas de los Estados Unidos, llevó a cabo trabajo de campo en Cataluña y México, a partir de una etnografía transnacional y militante. El artículo repasa la trayectoria de este antropólogo, desaparecido en junio de 2020, a partir del testimonio de personas que coincidieron con él, valorando su contribución al estudio de los movimientos sociales en red.
Mindfulness, mindful eating e comer intuitivo na abordagem da obesidade e transtornos alimentares
Authors: Barbosa Marina Rodrigues , Penaforte Fernanda Rodrigues de Oliveira , Silva Ana Flavia de Sousa
Published: February 2021

Objetivo: realizar uma revisão integrativa da literatura acerca do papel das intervenções baseadas em mindfulness, mindful eating e comer intuitivo na abordagem do sobrepeso e obesidade e dos transtornos alimentares. Método: para esta revisão foram consultadas as bases PubMed, PePSIC, PsycINFO, LILACS, IBECS, SciELO e BVSPsi, e incluídos artigos publicados nos últimos 10 anos. Após o processo de análise dos estudos recuperados, 38artigos compuseram o corpus final da revisão. Resultados: os estudos demonstraram os benefícios das abordagens centradas no mindfulness, mindful eating e comer intuitivono comportamento alimentar e nos aspectos emocionais e psicológicos dos indivíduos com excesso de peso e transtorno alimentar, reduzindo o comer emocional, comer guiado porfatores externos, e episódios de binge eating; bem como reduzindo os níveis de estresse, ansiedade e depressão. Para a perda de peso, os resultados são menos consistentes, haja visto que diversos estudos não observaram diferença para este parâmetro. Conclusões: as intervenções centradas no mindfulness, mindful eating e comer intuitivo são promissoras para a abordagem do sobrepeso/obesidade e dos transtornos alimentares, especialmente no que tange ao comportamento alimentar e aos aspectos psicoemocionais.
Mindfulness e inteligencia emocional en la prevención de recaídas en personas en tratamiento: una revisión
Authors: Villarrea Mata Julia Lizeth Villarrea , Navarro Oliva Edna Idalia Paulina Navarro , Bresó Esteve Edgar , Rodríguez Puente Linda Azucena , Magdalena Alonso-Castillo María Magdalena , Torres Obregón Reyna
Published: February 2021

Objetivo: analizar la evidencia empírica disponible sobre los programas de intervención de Mindfulness e Inteligencia Emocional para la prevención de recaídas en personas entratamiento. Metodología: en la estrategia de búsqueda se incluyeron descriptores en los idiomas inglés (Mindfulness, emotional intelligence, relapse prevention) y español (atención plena, inteligencia emocional, prevención de la recaída). Resultados: se identifió efecto significativo de la práctica de Mindfulness, sobre la inteligencia eemocional al apoyar en la regulación de las emociones y su vez prevenirposibles recaídas. Conclusion: continuar investigando sobre el Mindfulness y sus efectos sobre la inteligencia emocional en diferentes contextos.
Criação do Centro Brasileiro de Mindful Eating: resgate da consciência e do amor ao comer
Authors: Souza Ana Paula Leme de , Penaforte Fernanda Rodrigues de Oliveira , Azevedo Livia Dayane Sousa , Quinhoneiro Driele Cristina Gomes , Pessa Rosane Pilot
Published: February 2021

Objetivo: descrever a trajetória da criação do Centro Brasileiro de Mindful Eating e buscar compreender as motivações, os objetivos, os resultados já alcançados e as perspectivas e desafios para o futuro dessa organização. Método: estudo descritivo, exploratório com delineamento qualitativo. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de consultas aos documentos disponíveis no site do Centro e relatos de profissionais envolvidos em sua idealização e criação. As informações reunidas foram organizadas em categorias temáticas para oferecer descrição consistente do referido Centro enquanto marco referencial para o movimento científico e profissional do comer consciente. Resultados e Discussão: a criação do Centro compreendeu: Organização e estrutura: independência, descentralização e horizontalidade; Objetivos e motivações: amor, cuidado e ética; Desafios e perspectivas futuras: plantar, cuidar e colher. Tais categorias, exploradas em conjunto, revelaram a importância da criação do Centro ao colaborar, entre outras questões, para o estabelecimento do tema no Brasil. Conclusão: o Centro tem colaborado para o desenvolvimento profissional ético dessa área de conhecimento no Brasil, estabelecendo-se no sentido de organizar e oferecer referência para disseminação das referidas práticas. Estudos baseados nessa temática poderão contribuir para que o Mindful Eating se fortaleça enquanto importante recurso para a saúde e qualidade de vida.
SiglecF(HI) Marks Late‐Stage Neutrophils of the Infarcted Heart: A Single‐Cell Transcriptomic Analysis of Neutrophil Diversification
Authors: Calcagno David M. , Zhang Claire , Toomu Avinash , Huang Kenneth , Ninh Van K. , Miyamoto Shigeki , Aguirre Aaron D. , Fu Zhenxing , Heller Brown Joan , King Kevin R.
Published: February 2021

Background

Neutrophils are thought to be short‐lived first responders to tissue injuries such as myocardial infarction (MI), but little is known about their diversification or dynamics.

Methods and Results

We permanently ligated the left anterior descending coronary arteries of mice and performed single‐cell RNA sequencing and analysis of >28 000 neutrophil transcriptomes isolated from the heart, peripheral blood, and bone marrow of mice on days 1 to 4 after MI or at steady‐state. Unsupervised clustering of cardiac neutrophils revealed 5 major subsets, 3 of which originated in the bone marrow, including a late‐emerging granulocyte expressing SiglecF, a marker classically used to define eosinophils. SiglecF
HI
neutrophils represented ≈25% of neutrophils on day 1 and grew to account for >50% of neutrophils by day 4 post‐MI. Validation studies using quantitative polymerase chain reaction of fluorescent‐activated cell sorter sorted Ly6G
+
SiglecF
HI
and Ly6G
+
SiglecF
LO
neutrophils confirmed the distinct nature of these populations. To confirm that the cells were neutrophils rather than eosinophils, we infarcted GATA‐deficient mice (∆dblGATA) and observed similar quantities of infiltrating Ly6G
+
SiglecF
HI
cells despite marked reductions of conventional eosinophils. In contrast to other neutrophil subsets, Ly6G
+
SiglecF
HI
neutrophils expressed high levels of Myc‐regulated genes, which are associated with longevity and are consistent with the persistence of this population on day 4 after MI.

Conclusions

Overall, our data provide a spatial and temporal atlas of neutrophil specialization in response to MI and reveal a dynamic proinflammatory cardiac Ly6G
+
SigF
+
(Myc
+
NFϰB
+
) neutrophil that has been overlooked because of negative selection.
Inferring network properties from time series using transfer entropy and mutual information: Validation of multivariate versus bivariate approaches
Authors: Novelli Leonardo , Lizier Joseph T.
Published: February 2021

Functional and effective networks inferred from time series are at the core of network neuroscience. Interpreting properties of these networks requires inferred network models to reflect key underlying structural features. However, even a few spurious links can severely distort network measures, posing a challenge for functional connectomes. We study the extent to which micro- and macroscopic properties of underlying networks can be inferred by algorithms based on mutual information and bivariate/multivariate transfer entropy. The validation is performed on two macaque connectomes and on synthetic networks with various topologies (regular lattice, small-world, random, scale-free, modular). Simulations are based on a neural mass model and on autoregressive dynamics (employing Gaussian estimators for direct comparison to functional connectivity and Granger causality). We find that multivariate transfer entropy captures key properties of all network structures for longer time series. Bivariate methods can achieve higher recall (sensitivity) for shorter time series but are unable to control false positives (lower specificity) as available data increases. This leads to overestimated clustering, small-world, and rich-club coefficients, underestimated shortest path lengths and hub centrality, and fattened degree distribution tails. Caution should therefore be used when interpreting network properties of functional connectomes obtained via correlation or pairwise statistical dependence measures, rather than more holistic (yet data-hungry) multivariate models.
The institutionalized stratification of the Chinese higher education
system
Authors: Shu Fei , Sugimoto Cassidy R. , Larivière Vincent
Published: February 2021

To promote research excellence, China’s government has been offering substantial financial support for a small group of selected universities through three national research programs (Project 211, Project 985, Double First Class). However, admission to these programs may not be completely merit based. Based on a statistical analysis of Chinese universities’ scientific activities, this paper shows that this institutionalized hierarchy is not supported by empirical data on research performance, which contributes to inequalities and inefficiencies in Chinese higher education. To build and maintain research capacity, China must support meritocracy across the research system.
Luise Kautsky: The ‘Forgotten Soul’ of the Socialist Movement
Authors: Muldoon James
Published: February 2021

This article draws on archival research to recover the legacy of Luise Kautsky – journalist, editor, translator, politician and wife of Karl Kautsky – who has been overlooked as a leading member of the socialist movement. First, by adopting a feminist historical lens to reveal the unacknowledged intellectual labour of women, the article reassesses Luise Kautsky’s relationship to Karl Kautsky and his writings. The evidence suggests that Luise Kautsky was essential to the development, editing and dissemination of the work of Karl Kautsky. Second, the article claims Luise Kautsky played an invaluable practical role as the hub of an international network of socialist scholars and activists, acting as mediator, translator and middle point through her extensive correspondence and by hosting members of this network at her house. Finally, the article recovers her labour as a writer, editor and translator and calls for renewed attention to her as an independent figure of historical analysis.
Turkey’s Islamic Public Diplomacy in the Post-Davutoğlu Era: Neo-Ottomanism, Humanitarianism and the Legitimation of Hamas after the Arab Spring
Authors: Jeong Hae Won
Published: February 2021

What are the public diplomacy strategies for legitimising a pro-Islamist foreign policy? This research unveils how Turkey, which has been a vocal supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliates across the Middle East since the Arab Spring, draws on pan-Islamic soft power, neo-Ottoman myth-making and public diplomacy strategies embedded in the precepts of the strategic depth doctrine to rationalise its pro-Hamas foreign policy position under the Justice and Development Party (AKP). By employing critical discourse analysis to the political speeches delivered by the Turkish government officials in domestic and international fora, this article suggests that Turkey has sought to legitimise its pro-Islamist foreign policy and subvert the terrorist designation of Hamas internationally through the humanitarian, Islamic and neo-Ottoman framings of the Palestinian issue. It is argued that Turkey’s public diplomacy of Hamas constitutes part and parcel of the AKP’s grand strategy to project Islamic soft power.
Access to Remedy in the European Union in Case of Breaches of Human Rights at Sea by Private Actors
Authors: Oanta Gabriela A.
Published: February 2021

The aim of this article is to address the specific means of access to remedy that individuals have in the European Union (EU) in case of breaches of human rights at sea by private actors. Currently, the EU is one of the most important international fisheries actors as well as one of the greatest human rights defenders globally. The EU is home of many fisheries companies, whose activities are done both into the EU waters and in the waters beyond national jurisdiction of its States, and certainly have a direct impact on the promotion and protection of human rights. According to the International Labor Organization, some of the worst human rights violations occur on the EU’s board fishing vessels. Although states are mostly responsible for ensuring respect for human rights, the EU shares this responsibility with its Member States in cases of human rights affecting areas where it has competences.
“Est Bon, Tout Ce Qui Fait Petiller Le Feu”
Authors: Rodegem Francis
Published: February 2021

“Est bon, tout ce qui fait pétiller le feu”

Classifying proverbs and other sayings is often awkward. To consult any collection easily, the reader must be taken into account. The classification preconised here is based on a common semantic content : the basic needs of Man. Hence, some 80 stereotyped quotations taken for a coherent whole are offered here about the sentimental life of human beings. The Wisdom of people speaking 18 different languages judges in very similar manner the relation between Man and Woman.
Enkele Aspecten van Primaire Gezondheidszorg in Een Rurale Streek van Zaire
Authors: de Schryver Antoon
Published: February 2021

Some aspects of primary healthcare in a rural part of Zaire

Primary health care during the period 1980-1982 in the sector of Kasongo–Lunda, Zaire is considered. Health infrastructure and main health problems are discussed. These problems were mainly diarrheas, respiratory infections. malaria, tuberculosis, whooping cough, measles, malnutrition and wormrelated diseases. A vaccination programme against diphteria, tetanus, whooping cough, poliomyelitis, measles and tuberculosis was set up and adapted to W.H.O. recommendations in 1981. The incidence of measles and whooping cough declined dramatically during the period 1978-1982. Diarrhea was treated with oral rehydration. About 16%. of the children under five years of age suffered from malnutrition, mostly related to worm diseases ; therefore, a suppressive dose of antihelminthics was given every three months. These results show that local health centers, concerned with everyday health problems of the population, can have a strong positive influence upon the general health situation of a rural population.
Het Conflict van de Westelijke Sahara : Een Muur van Zand en Een Muur van Stilte
Authors: Cordier door Geert
Published: February 2021

The Conflict of the Western Sahara: A Wall of Sand and a Wall of Silence.

For more than a decade the Saharawi people have been fighting for their independence, first against the Spanish colonialists then against Morocco and Mauretania. Although Mauretania has withdrawn from the conflict, the POLISARIO-front, the liberation organisation of the Saharawi people, remains at war with Morocco.

The Western Sahara, thus still forms a pole of tension in Northern Africa but the European Press does not pay it much attention. However committees to support the Saharawi people have been trying to break clown this wall of silence. An “intergroupe de solidarité avec le peuple sahraoui”, set up in the European parliament in May 1986, may constitute a major step towards mobilizing public opinion on the Saharawi case. This article, which gives a chronology of the conflict in its regional context, seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the problems of the Saharawi.
Waiting and Disenchantment : Kourouma’s ‘Les Soleils des Independances’ and Oupoh’s ‘En Attendant la Liberte’
Authors: Uwah Godwin Okebaram
Published: February 2021

Like Samuel Beckett’s characters in En attendant Godot, the protagonists of Ahmadou Kourouma’s Les Soleils des Independances and Gnaoule Oupoh’s En Attendant la Liberte wait for something to happen to change their lives. As they wait, they ascribe to the object of waiting an absolute certainty translated in terms of recognition, realization of the promises of independence, continuity of dynasty, freedom, and other good life-values. Ultimately, disenchantment displaces hope; the object of waiting eludes them and their general condition either worsens or, at best, remains static. Paradoxically, the characters continue to wait in anticipation of a turn-around in their destiny. Waiting thus becomes a type of imprisonment. To break the impasse, Oupoh seems to advocate continued struggle and a timely confrontation to effect change. Kourouma, on the other hand, appears to endorse existential revolt and self-abnegation; in his estimation, any change that does not liberate man from his Self merely perpetuates self-imprisonment. But for both the waiting game continues, and so does the paradox.
Wole Soyinka. Het Profiel van een Nobelprijswinnaar
Authors: Vermeulen Julien
Published: February 2021

It is always difficult to define exactly why a particular author has been awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. This approach will deal with four different aspects which may have contributed to Wole Soyinka’s award.

It cannot be denied that Soyinka is the author of an extensive and richly varied work, which has been appreciated by critics the world over. Especially the satirical qualities of his style have been praised on many occasions.

But we have to focus our attention on two other important aspects. We can only achieve a full understanding of Soyinka's dramas when we interpret them against the background of Yoruba drama and Yoruba cultural tradition. And we can only appreciate Soyinka's work if we pay attention to the social context in which it is situated. This political commitment, as well as the international reputation Soyinka has helped to create as a director and an actor, are essential elements that have contributed to this Nobel Prize award.
Swahili Songs of Defiance and Mockery
Authors: Knappert Jan
Published: February 2021

The aim of this publication is mainly to make known to fellow students of African oral traditions the literary achievements of the Swahili people. Songs of mockery and defiance are known in many languages, but so far none to my knowledge had been published from East Africa. The present article will, it is hoped, fill that lacune. It demonstrates that there are, and always have been, numerous songs of mockery and defiance in Swahili, while new ones are still being composed and sung. These songs form today a part of the healthy democratic process in East Africa.
Le Sida en Afrique
Authors: Goubau Patrick , Surmont Ignace , Piot Peter
Published: February 2021

Aids in Africa

AIDS (Acquired Immunization Deficiency Syndrome), first described in 1981 in the United States, is at present ascertained on every continent. Since its description, our knowledge about AIDS has advanced with giant steps, with regard to its causal agent, clinical image, biological effects and epidemiology.

Although it is everywhere the same disease, its epidemiology and impact on society vary from one continent to another depending on the human, social and economic conditions of the countries which are affected. The first African cases were noticed in 1983. Since then the presence of AIDS has been confirmed in numerous sub-Saharan African countries. Our goal is to present here some characteristic features of the AIDS-epidemic in Africa and to offer some points of reflection for future action.
De Traditionele Hofhouding Bij de bin Kanyok van Zaire
Authors: Wymeersch Patrick
Published: February 2021

The Traditional Royal Court Among the bin Kanyok of Zaire

This description represents what was more or less an ideal conception of political organization and kingship before the colonial period. If the traditional systems of ruling still remain, the material symbolism of kingship disappeared mostly in the scene of daily life in the king’s large capital.

Looking at the political organization, two seemingly contradictory features emerge. On the one hand, there are the politically quasi-independent lineages living in the villages. The chief or eldest of a lineage is at the same time chief of the whole village. On the other hand, there is the formal political organization, build on a hierarchical model and imposed from the top. This political system is notable for its very high degree of centralization, and especially for the strong authority and power of the divine king. For the purpose of government, the kingdom is divided into sub-districts, containing several villages of an area, districts and provinces. They all depend, in hierarchy,from the capital. The capital accommodates most of the members of the royal family, numerous wives and children from the king and the ministers. The king’s compound, standing in the middle of the capital, is surrounded by a fence. This compound is divided into four specific parts and contains several houses and the palace of the king. On both sides of the royal compound, there is a main street where the ministers and their families live.

The king’s person is surrounded by a number of taboos. No one could see him eat in his private kitchen.

The principal problem in the political organization is that of the administering the rest of the Kanyok empire, of keeping as a political unit a population divided into autonomous lineages. The model that is followed is, in general, typical of the kingdoms of the southern savanna belt of Zaire. Therefore the structure is pyramidal: the king at the apex delegates his power and authority to the governors. Their position duplicates that of the king, but on a smaller scale. The king is assisted by his ministers to whom he assigned highly specific functions. The king still remains the main focus for all the Bin Kanyok.
Totstandkoming van de Grondwettelijke Krachtlijnen Voor Een Democratisch Zuid-Afrika
Authors: Pekane Ted
Published: February 2021

The Realization of the Constitutional Guidelines for a Democratic South Africa

Africa Focus publishes a Dutch translation of the “constitutional guidelines for a democratic South Africa”, adopted in March 1988 at Lusaka, by the African National congress (ANC), together with a preface (by F. Reyntjens) and an extensive introduction written by Ted Pekane, member of the constitutional committee of the ANC, about the drafting ofthis important text.

In the preface is referred to the political signification of a constitutional text in Africa today and to the more pragmatic content of the guidelines, compared to the Freedom Charter of 1955. T. Pekane explains the external factors that contributed to the drafting of the guidelines. He also points out the dangers of the “ acceptable” models of constitution for the post-Apartheid period advanced by internal and external forces: a lot of those models are discreet options for a status-quo.
From Book to Film
Authors: Guth Christine M. E.
Published: February 2021

Mary McNeil Fenollosa’s 1906 novel The Dragon Painter and its 1919 filmic adaptation sit at the intersection of American literary, art, and film history. Simultaneously personal and political, each is a product of its time and place. Together, they tell a story about changing (and unchanging) attitudes that were constituents of the complex and often contradictory history of the reception of Japanese culture and people in the United States. The novel draws on stereotypes of Japan as a primitive country of innately artistic people that at the time of its publication had been made familiar through art and literature. The silent film, produced in Hollywood, by and co-starring Sessue Hayakawa and his wife Tsuru Aoki, expanded and complicated the modes of visualizing Japan by featuring a Japanese couple in starring roles. This article addresses the relationship between the novel, an allegory of Japanese cultural loss and renewal, and the film, a romance inflected with American concerns about race, drawing particular attention to gender and Japanism in their reception and interpretation.
The Dark Social Web: Responsibility, Manipulation, and Participation in Global Digital Spaces
Authors: Kwon K. Hazel , Xu Weiai Wayne , Wellman Barry
Published: February 2021

This article offers a definitional note of the dark social web and introduces the remaining articles in this collection.
Situating the Pandemic: Welfare Capitalism and Canada’s Liberal Regime
Authors: Aquanno Scott M. , Bryant Toba
Published: February 2021

This article focuses on Canada’s liberal welfare state and the COVID-19 pandemic, offering an overview of some of the unequal health and social effects of the crisis. It argues that the policy response to the pandemic should be situated within a broader pattern of welfare restructuring and organization that serves to instrumentalize economic insecurity and extend labor discipline. Without making firm predictions about the future, we argue that this is likely to reproduce increasingly unequal patterns of welfare access, providing benefits to some constituents while disciplining vulnerable groups to facilitate competitive gains.
Differential Diagnosis of Endolymphatic Hydrops Between “Probable” and “Definite” Ménière’s Disease via Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Xie Jiapei , Zhang Weidong , Zhu Jingyi , Hui Lian , Li Songbai , Ren Ling , Wang Fei , Zhang Bo
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To investigate the grade of endolymphatic hydrops in patients with “probable” and “definite” Ménière’s disease via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to determine whether MRI could assist clinicians in differential diagnosis between probable and definite Ménière’s disease.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Three‐dimensional FLAIR MRI (fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery) to examine endolymphatic hydrops in Ménière’s disease.

Methods

A total of 51 patients diagnosed with probable (n = 20) or definite (n = 31) unilateral Ménière’s disease were enrolled. Three‐dimensional FLAIR MRI was performed to evaluate the grade of endolymphatic hydrops. The differences in endolymphatic hydrops between the probable and definite groups were analyzed.

Results

The grade of endolymphatic hydrops was more severe in the definite group than in the probable group (P <. 05).

Conclusion

MRI revealed a higher grade of endolymphatic hydrops in patients with definite Ménière’s disease than in patients with probable Ménière’s disease. As a result, it may be clinically useful and an effective tool in the differentiation between definite and probable Ménière’s disease.
Neoliberalism Incorporated: Early Neoliberal Involvement in the Postwar Reconstruction: The Case Study of the Netherlands (1945–1958)
Authors: Mellink Bram
Published: February 2021

Although recent studies have extensively traced the development of neoliberal ideas in international think-tanks since the late 1930s, scholars of early neoliberalism have paid far less attention to the translation of these ideas into policy. Current scholarship predominantly identifies the introduction of neoliberal policies with a paradigm shift among policymakers in the late 1970s and depicts the early neoliberal movement as an idea-centred and isolated phenomenon that was unable to put its ideas into practice. This article argues instead that early neoliberals employed an idea-centred approach to politics to establish a coalition of like-minded academics, journalists, politicians and policy officials. Focusing on the Netherlands, it demonstrates how this strategy brought neoliberals press coverage, influence within the Christian democratic parliamentary parties and acknowledgement among professional economists. On the one hand, their struggle to exert influence over policy matters contributed to the implementation of pro-market industrialization policies, which, ironically, were pursued by a coalition of social democrats and Christian democrats. On the other hand, it also compelled them to include Christian-democratic views in their political agenda, leading to a corporatist-neoliberal policy synthesis whose features exhibit remarkable similarities to German ‘ordoliberal’ ideas.
Negative correlation between bone mineral density and subclinical fractures in patients with human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Ma Rui , He Jie , Xu Biao , Zhao Rugang , Zhang Qiang
Published: February 2021

Background

Although low bone mineral density (BMD) is associated with an increased risk of fracture, few studies have assessed fracture rates in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Methods

The occurrence of subclinical fractures in patients with HIV was assessed. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to analyze the relationship between subclinical fractures and related factors.

Results

Fifty patients with HIV were included, among whom 11 were diagnosed with subclinical fractures. These 11 patients had a mean body mass index of 24.127 ± 3.482 kg/m2, smoked a mean of 142.091 ± 3.482 cigarettes/month, drank a mean of 61.545 ± 13.026 mL/day of alcohol, had a mean CD4+ T cell count of 247.727 ± 181.679 cells/mm3, had a mean duration of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) of 4.27 ± 0.786 years, and had a mean BMD of the third lumbar spine of 0.810 ± 0.063 g/cm3. The AIDS duration and BMD of the third lumbar spine were significantly associated with subclinical fractures. The BMD of the third lumbar spine was negatively correlated with subclinical fractures.

Conclusion

A significant negative correlation was found between the BMD of the third lumbar spine and subclinical fractures.