bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CauchyCP: A powerful test under non-proportional hazards using Cauchy combination of change-point Cox regressions
Authors: Zhang Hong , Li Qing , Mehrotra Devan V , Shen Judong
Published: September 2021

Non-proportional hazards data are routinely encountered in randomized clinical trials. In such cases, classic Cox proportional hazards model can suffer from severe power loss, with difficulty in interpretation of the estimated hazard ratio since the treatment effect varies over time. We propose CauchyCP, an omnibus test of change-point Cox regression models, to overcome both challenges while detecting signals of non-proportional hazards patterns. Extensive simulation studies demonstrate that, compared to existing treatment comparison tests under non-proportional hazards, the proposed CauchyCP test (a) controls the type I error better at small [Formula: see text] levels ([Formula: see text]); (b) increases the power of detecting time-varying effects; and (c) is more computationally efficient than popular methods like MaxCombo for large-scale data analysis. The superior performance of CauchyCP is further illustrated using retrospective analyses of two randomized clinical trial datasets and a pharmacogenetic biomarker study dataset. The R package CauchyCP is publicly available on CRAN.
Structural Relation of Export Assistance Programme and Export Performance Determinants: A Study of Handloom Industry
Authors: Singh Vishal Kumar , Gautam Amit
Published: September 2021

This study focuses on export assistance determinants and qualitative export performance determinants of the handloom industry. Additionally, the effect of export assistance needs to check on export performance determinants. The study found the determinants from the extensive literature review. A model is proposed based on identified determinants, and the hypotheses developed accordingly. Initially, first-order CFA is applied for validity measures and then second-order CFA due to presence of multicollinearity among the determinants. Second-order CFA analyses the combined effect of all studied determinants with the help of structural equation modelling. The four determinants of export assistance and five determinants of export performance are identified from the extensive literature. The financial support construct influences the export assistance majorly that is represented through high correlation coefficient and mixed response for other determinants. Overall, the combined effect of export assistance is positive on export performance determinants. There is a need to establish the functions of various export assistances based on their characteristics, and this study helps in operational classification of assistance based on identified determinants. Additionally, the impact of individual assistance can measure the changes in the export performance determinants of the handloom industry.
Quality of Life and Hope of Women in China Receiving Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Authors: Li Yuan , Zhou Zijun , Ni Na , Li Jiaxin , Luan Ze , Peng Xin
Published: September 2021

We explore the association of hope and quality of life in breast cancer chemotherapy women. Their quality of life is related to treatment effects and disease outcomes. This cross-sectional study was conducted in City, China, in 2017. In a convenience sampling, 450 women who underwent breast cancer chemotherapy were selected from two hospitals. Descriptive statistics, single-factor analysis, Spearman correlation, linear regression, and structural equation modeling were used to analyze data. The mean quality of life score was 65.65. In linear regression analysis, we found patients’ quality of life was significantly related to age, marital status, education level, chemotherapy cycle, and hope. Structural equation results showed the “temporality and future” and “interconnectedness” subscales of the HHI explained 43% of the variance in quality of life. We found hope is an important aspect in quality of life, and further research is needed to determine if nurses can influence this aspect of care.
Islamic Constitutions and Democracy
Authors: Gouda Moamen , Hanafy Shimaa
Published: September 2021

There is an ongoing debate on the relationship between Islam and (lack of) democracy. Considerable literature shows that Islam, represented as an informal institution by Muslim population share, has a negative effect on democracy. This study examines the effects of formal institutions, specifically constitutions that prescribe Islamic law ( Shari’a) as a source of legislation, on democracy. We use a newly developed coding of the degree to which Islam is incorporated in constitutions. Our empirical results show that the constitutional entrenchment of Islamic law has a negative and significant effect on democracy. Our findings are robust to using different estimators and instrumental variable regressions, employing alternative measures of democracy and controlling for Muslim population, natural resource wealth, and additional control variables. While we show that Islamic constitutionalism is a reason for a democracy deficit in Muslim-majority countries, we find no evidence that Islam is inimical to democracy when not entrenched in the constitution.
A Review of the Main Considerations for Formulation Development in Preclinical Toxicology Studies
Authors: Saunders Matt D.
Published: September 2021

The main considerations for the development of a formulation for preclinical safety assessment testing are explored. Intravenous, inhalation, oral and dermal dosing are given focus and although different dose routes do present their own individual challenges there are common themes that emerge. In each case it is necessary to maximise exposure to achieve high doses to satisfy regulatory requirements for safety assessment testing. This often involves producing formulations that are at the limits of solubility and maximum volumes possible for administration to different test species by the chosen route. It is concluded that for all routes it is important to thoroughly explore the stability of the test item in the proposed formulation matrix well ahead of dosing any animals, giving careful consideration to which excipients are used and what their underlying toxicity profile may be for the relevant preclinical species. In addition, determining the maximum achievable concentrations and weighing that against the maximum volumes that can be given by the chosen route in all the test species at an early stage will also give a read on whether it would be theoretically possible to achieve suitably high enough doses to support clinical work. Not doing so can cause delays in the development programme and may have ethical repercussions.
Cellular Fibroma of Tendon Sheath With Novel TNC-USP6 Gene Fusion Clinically Mimicking Arthritis in a 7-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Eisenberg Joshua M , Buckwalter V Joseph A , Snow Anthony N , Davick Jonathan
Published: September 2021

Cellular fibroma of tendon sheath (CFTS) is a rare, benign myofibroblastic neoplasm of tenosynovial soft tissues closely resembling nodular fasciitis (NF), but is histomorphologically distinct from classic fibroma of tendon sheath (FTS). We report a case of a pediatric patient with thumb swelling clinically concerning for arthritis with a biopsy demonstrating myofibroblastic proliferation with features consistent with NF/CFTS, and molecular studies confirming the presence of a USP6 gene fusion (TNC-USP6). This case highlights a unique clinical presentation of CFTS in a pediatric patient mimicking an inflammatory or reactive/non-neoplastic musculoskeletal disorder and the increasingly crucial role of molecular testing to differentiate a reactive myofibroblastic process from a neoplasm. Moreover, this report identifies TNC as a new fusion partner to USP6 fusion partner adding to our growing understanding of the USP6-rearranged family of tumors.
A Review of Coumarins and Coumarin-Related Compounds for Their Potential Antidiabetic Effect
Authors: Ranđelović Sara , Bipat Robbert
Published: September 2021

Background and aims:

Worldwide, type 2 diabetes mellitus accounts for a considerable burden of disease, with an estimated global cost of >800 billion USD annually. For this reason, the search for more effective and efficient therapeutic anti-diabetic agents is continuing. Coumarins are naturally derived and synthetic molecules with a wide variety of biological actions. The most common application of these molecules in medicine is for their thrombostatic activity. This study aims to give an overview of the current knowledge about the applicability of these chemical products in the therapeutic strategy against diabetes and its complications.

Methods:

For this purpose, we searched internet databases for publications and abstracts in English that investigated the effects of coumarins or coumarin-like agents with potential anti-diabetic activity.

Results:

The result is that a variety of these agents have proven in in vitro, in silico, and simple animal models to possess properties that may reduce the glucose absorption rate in the intestines, increase the level of insulin, increase the cellular uptake of glucose or reduce the gluconeogenesis. In addition, some of these agents also reduced the level of glycation of peptides in diabetic animal models and showed antioxidant properties.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, we can summarize that coumarins and their related derivatives may be potential antidiabetic agents. Useful formulations with appropriate pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties must be developed and tested for their efficacy and toxicity in comprehensive animal models before they can enter clinical trials.
Parents, whiteness and sex education: A critical race critique of Parent sex education guides
Authors: Mulholland Monique A
Published: September 2021

‘It is difficult to talk to my children about sex’ – this anxiety has long been established in sex education literature, along with the beneficial role of improved parent–child communication for sexual health and relationship outcomes. However, the insights gained from this literature have been under-researched in migrant families, and has resulted in the ‘whitening’ of parent guides that provide ‘tips’ for parents. This article asks critical questions about the politics of race and representation that structure these documents. In the main, these questions rest on concerns about who these guides speak to. On the surface, the documents speak to everyone, through an inclusive terminology and phraseology that references ‘all parents’ and ‘our worries’. However, this paper asks: What does it do, and what is produced, to speak about parents in the general? How does the production of an assumed ‘singular/universal’ parent serve to ‘other’ the experiences a racially diverse parents, and render a broader range of experiences invisible? To explore this question, this article undertakes a critical discourse analysis of parent guides in Australia. It interrogates the normative frameworks that scaffold and structure the guides, and in the main argues that despite gestures toward inclusion, a very particular kind of parent lies at the heart of the documents. In addition, the article moves from deconstruction to think through what parent sex education guides might look like it they were better designed to account for difference.
Experimental and numerical investigation on sound absorption characteristics of 3D printed coupled-cavity integrated passive element systems
Authors: Yuvaraj Loganathan , Jeyanthi Subramanian , Mailan Chinnapandi Lenin Babu , Pitchaimani Jeyaraj
Published: September 2021

In aerospace applications, most of the components are made of composite materials due to the high strength-to-weight ratio. However, those composite structures are poor in sound absorption; for instance, payload fairing used in the launch vehicle system experiences broadband noise. Tuned Helmholtz resonator (HR) is being used to control few dominant low frequencies, and other frequency is left untreated. In this study, the acoustic mode of the rectangular cavity has been suppressed by a novel design of integrated passive elements (IPEs), which comprises a Helmholtz resonator, micro-perforated panel, and polyurethane foam. The proposed design reduces the noise level in Low-Mid-High frequencies, which is more efficient than passive elements used to control a single target frequency. The integrated passive components fabricated using the 3D printing technique are tested experimentally in an impedance tube to quantify the sound absorption coefficient, and the results are compared with the theoretical result. Further, the study presents a simplified approach for numerical simulation of fabricated samples coupled to a rectangular cavity system, which is validated experimentally. The overall sound pressure level (OSPL) results of the proposed design achieve 4–6 dB noise level reduction in [Formula: see text] octave frequency band.
Exploring resilience and well-being of family caregivers of people with dementia exposed to mandatory social isolation by COVID-19
Authors: Sánchez-Teruel* David , Robles-Bello* María Auxiliadora , Sarhani-Robles Mariam , Sarhani-Robles Aziz
Published: September 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised questions about the resilience of health care systems worldwide. In this regard, one group of people whose physical and mental health has been affected has been family caregivers of people with dementia.

Objective

This study aims to identify the variables that predict a high degree of well-being in family caregivers of people with dementia during this period of mandatory lockdown.

Methods

A total of 310 respondents participated in an online survey (266 women and 44 men) from various regions in Spain, aged between 20 and 73 years old (M = 46.45; SD = 15.97), and all were family members.

Results

The results showed that there were notable differences in all the protective variables, together with a significant strong positive relationship between well-being and resilience ( r = 0.92; p < 0.01) and with coping strategies ( r = 0.85; p < 0.01), and there were also some significant negative relationships between well-being and difficulties in emotional regulation (ρ = −.78; p < 0.01). The most predictive variables of a higher level of well-being included the type of dementia (β = 1.19; CI (95%) = 1.01-1.29; p< 0.01), living in a large house (β = 0.97; CI (95%) =. 23-0.98; p < 0.01), social support as a coping strategy (β = 1.27; CI (95%) = 1.21-1.29; p < 0.01) and mainly resilience (β = 1.34; CI (95%) = 1.30-1.37; p < 0.01).

Discussion

We discuss the importance of promoting higher levels of resilience through the development of protective psychosocial variables in caregivers of people with dementia exposed to situations of mandatory social isolation as a modulator of the psychosocial well-being of these family caregivers.
Fragile minds, porous selves: Shining a light on autoethnography of mental illness
Authors: Fixsen Alison
Published: September 2021

This article sheds light on autoethnographic accounts of mental illness, to address author and reader concerns and questions and to consider what practitioners can learn from these narrative accounts. Drawing from my own and others’ trajectories, I discuss the drawbacks and dangers of exposing a ‘flawed’ identity, the stigma of serious mental illness, intertextuality issues, the tangled nature of revelation and redemption, framing the ‘Other’ in mental illness autoethnography and depictions of ‘life in the asylum.’ I explain how in telling my own ‘psychiatric’ tale, I looked to the symbolic concept of ‘communitas’ as a means of examining inter-relational processes and collective experience in a psychiatric facility. I argue that, while the act of writing about one’s illness experience can be rightly perceived as a way of reclaiming personal ‘power’ and facilitating healing, attempts to ‘evidence’ recovery can run counter to the writer’s reality of life with or beyond mental illness as personally and socially messy. In answer to the question, ‘at what point does a ‘life in the asylum’ narrative become autoethnographic?' I argue for the potential of autoethnography to contribute to broader sociological, ethnographic and medical debates and thus impact on policy. Speaking up about mental health through autoethnography can help to promote awareness of the unpredictability and socially constructed nature of mental illness and can inform strategies toward reducing public stigma, tackle the cyclical impact of labels, highlight the need to change social and medical attitudes, and revisualize treatment and support.
Optimal layout of stacked graph for visualizing multidimensional financial time series data
Authors: He Yutian , Li Hongjun
Published: September 2021

In the era of big data, the analysis of multi-dimensional time series data is one of the important topics in many fields such as finance, science, logistics, and engineering. Using stacked graphs for visual analysis helps to visually reveal the changing characteristics of each dimension over time. In order to present visually appealing and easy-to-read stacked graphs, this paper constructs the minimum cumulative variance rule to determine the stacking order of each dimension, as well as adopts the width priority principle and the color complementary principle to determine the label placement positioning and text coloring. In addition, a color matching method is recommended by user study. The proposed optimal visual layout algorithm is applied to the visual analysis of actual multidimensional financial time series data, and as a result, vividly reveals the characteristics of the flow of securities trading funds between sectors.
LncRNA HOXA-AS2 Promotes Oral Squamous Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion via Upregulating EZH2 as an Oncogene
Authors: Zhao Zhen , Xing Yan , Yang Fei , Zhao Zhijun , Shen Yupeng , Song Junjian , Jing Shanghua
Published: September 2021

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. Accumulating evidence has shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) serve important roles in the development of OSCC. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biological function and underlying regulatory mechanism of lncRNA homeobox A cluster antisense RNA2 (HOXA-AS2) in OSCC. RT-qPCR was performed to analyze the HOXA-AS2 expressions in human immortalized oral epithelial cell (HIOEC) line, human OSCC cell lines, and plasma. The expression of HOXA-AS2 and enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2) in Tca-8113 cells were knocked down or overexpressed by transfection with shRNA-HOXA-AS2 or pcDNA-EZH2, respectively. The interaction between HOXA-AS2 and EZH2 was validated by RNA immunoprecipitation assay. In addition, cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 and EdU assays. Cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell migration and invasion were detected using wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining. The protein expression levels of cell cycle and apoptosis-related proteins were measured by western blot analysis. Compared with HIOEC cells, HOXA-AS2 expression in OSCC cells was upregulated. HOXA-AS2 knockdown significantly inhibited Tca-8113 cell proliferation, blocked the cell cycle by arresting cells in the G0/G1 phase, promoted apoptosis, and suppressed migration and invasion. In addition, HOXA-AS2 was predicted to directly target EZH2 and positively regulate EZH2 expression. EZH2 overexpression could reverse the inhibitory effect of HOXA-AS2 knockdown on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of Tca-8113 cells. In summary, the findings suggested that HOXA-AS2 may inhibit cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, induce cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase, and increase cell apoptosis by targeting EZH2. The research indicated that HOXA-AS2/EZH2 axis may play a key role in the development of OSCC.
ATP5A1 Participates in Transcriptional and Posttranscriptional Regulation of Cancer-Associated Genes by Modulating Their Expression and Alternative Splicing Profiles in HeLa Cells
Authors: Song, BA Yisa , Wang, MA Fei , Wei, MA Yaxun , Chen, BA Dong , Deng, BA Gang
Published: September 2021

Background: Aberrant expression and alternative splicing of oncogenes are the driving events in tumor initiation and development. But how these events are regulated in cancer cells is largely unknown. Functions of ATP5A1, an important mitochondrial ATP synthase gene, in transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation were explored in this study. Methods: ATP5A1 was overexpressed using plasmid-transformed HeLa cells, and its influence on cell apoptosis and proliferation is evaluated. Transcriptome sequencing was then performed using RNA-seq to study the changes in gene expression and regulation of alternative splicing events. Validation of the implicated genes was achieved using RT-qPCR analysis. Results: It was found that ATP5A1 could significantly promote cellular apoptosis, but it had no influence on cell proliferation. ATP5A1 overexpression significantly increased the expression levels of genes associated with the innate immune response, angiogenesis, and collagen catabolic processes. This included enrichment of MMP2 and MMP19. It was also found that ATP5A1 could interfere with the alternative splicing of hundreds of genes associated with glucose homeostasis, HIF-1 signaling activation, and several pathways associated with cancers. Eight ATP5A1-regulated differentially expressed genes and 3 genes altered by splicing were selected and validated using RT-qPCR analysis. Conclusions: In summary, we illustrate the regulatory functions of ATP5A1 on the transcriptome of HeLa cells by exploring its influence on gene expression and alternative splicing. The results suggest that ATP5A1 may play an important regulatory role in cervical cancer cells by regulating expression and alternative splicing of cancer-associated genes. This study provides novel insights into the current understanding of the mechanisms of ATP5A1 on carcinogenesis and cancer progression.
ING5 Inhibits Migration and Invasion of Esophageal Cancer Cells by Downregulating the IL-6/CXCL12 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Yali , Tan Jiao , Li Jing , Chen Huihui , Wang Wei
Published: September 2021

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common cancer in East Asia and in other parts of the world and exhibits a poor prognosis. Growth inhibitor 5 (ING5) is a new member of the growth inhibitor (ING) protein family and is involved in many important cellular functions, such as the cell cycle, apoptosis, and chromatin remodeling. As a newly discovered tumor suppressor, ING5 has been shown to inhibit lung cancer proliferation and distant metastasis through the AKT pathway. In lung cancer tumors, ING5 can attenuate the ability of cancer cells to invade normal tumor-adjacent tissues. However, ING5 has rarely been studied in ESCC. Here, we found that in ESCC EC-109 cancer cells, ING5 overexpression inhibited cell proliferation and tumor invasion, whereas, in ESCC TE-1 cancer cells, ING5 knockdown promoted cell invasion. In a nude mouse xenograft model, ING5 overexpression inhibited tumor growth and the invasion ability of ESCC cells. Further studies revealed that ING5 overexpression inhibited IL-6/CXCL12 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels as well as morphological changes. We found for the first time that ING5 inhibits ESCC cell migration and invasion by downregulating the IL-6/CXCL12 signaling pathway.
MiR-9-1 Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis by Targeting UHRF1 in Lung Cancer
Authors: Jia Cheng-You , Xiang Wei , Liu Ji-Bin , Jiang Geng-Xi , Sun Feng , Wu Jian-Jun , Yang Xiao-Li , Xin Rui , Shi Yi , Zhang Dan-Dan , Li Wen , Zuberi Zavuga , Zhang Jie , Lu Gai-Xia , Wang Hui-Min , Wang Pei-Yao , Yu Fei , Lv Zhong-Wei , Ma Yu-Shui , Fu Da
Published: September 2021

Lung cancer is listed as the most common reason for cancer-related death all over the world despite diagnostic improvements and the development of chemotherapy and targeted therapies. MicroRNAs control both physiological and pathological processes including development and cancer. A microRNA-9 to 1 (miR-9 to 1) overexpression model in lung cancer cell lines was established and miR-9 to 1 was found to significantly suppress the proliferation rate in lung cancer cell lines, colony formation in vitro, and tumorigenicity in nude mice of A549 cells. Ubiquitin-like containing PHD and RING finger domains 1 (UHRF1) was then identified to direct target of miR-9 to 1. The inhibition of UHRF1 by miR-9 to 1 causes G1 arrest and p15, p16, and p21 were re-expressed in miR-9 to 1 group in mRNA level and protein level. Silence of UHRF1 expression in A549 cells resulted in the similar re-expression of p15, p16, p21 which is similar with miR-9 to 1 infection. Therefore, we concluded that UHRF1 is a new target for miR-9 to 1 to suppress cell proliferation by re-expression of tumor suppressors p15, p16, and p21 mediated by UHRF1.
miR-342-3p Regulates the Proliferation and Apoptosis of NSCLC Cells by Targeting BCL-2
Authors: Chen Zhongjie , Ying Junjie , Shang Wenjun , Ding Dongxiao , Guo Min , Wang Haifeng
Published: September 2021

microRNA-342-3p plays an important role in tumor occurrence and development. However, the expression pattern and roles of microRNA-342-3p in nonsmall cell lung cancer remain poorly understood. In the current study, we explored the roles and underlying mechanisms of microRNA-342-3p in nonsmall cell lung cancer via gain- and loss-of-function analyses. We used quantitative reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting assays to measure the expression levels of microRNA-342-3p in nonsmall-cell lung cancer and B-cell lymphoma-2. Furthermore, we used small interfering RNA and RNA mimics to analyze the functions and underlying mechanisms of microRNA-342-3p in nonsmall cell lung cancer cells. A luciferase reporter assay was performed to evaluate the direct binding site of the 5′-untranslated region of B-cell lymphoma-2 targeted by microRNA-342-3p. We found that the expression of microRNA-342-3p was significantly lower in nonsmall cell lung cancer cells and tissues than in normal cells and tissues. The upregulation of microRNA-342-3p suppressed cell proliferation while promoting apoptosis in H1975, H460, and H226 cells. The overexpression of microRNA-342-3p in nonsmall cell lung cancer cells led to the downregulation of mRNA and protein levels in B-cell lymphoma-2 cells. Thus, B-cell lymphoma-2 was identified as a direct target of microRNA-342-3p. These findings indicate that microRNA-342-3p inhibits the growth of nonsmall cell lung cancer by repressing the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2, which suggests that microRNA-342-3p could be a potential target for the treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer.
“Un abrazo a la distancia”: An Exploration of Spanish-Speaking Women’s Experiences with Pregnancy and Social Isolation in an Urban U.S. Setting
Authors: Robledo-Gil Talia , Kemet Shakkaura , Pensak Meredith , Cutler Abigail , McNamara Blair , Kennedy Holly Powell , Lundsberg Lisbet , Gariepy Aileen
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Research on Spanish-speaking Latina/Hispanic women's experiences during pregnancy is limited. Methods: We recruited women from urban, walk-in pregnancy testing clinics from June 2014 to June 2015. Women aged 16–44 years, at less than 24 weeks gestational age, who spoke either English or Spanish were eligible and completed an enrollment questionnaire and individual interview according to language preference. During qualitative interviews, we explored pregnancy intentions, initial reactions to a new pregnancy, and feelings about the impact of this pregnancy on relationships and daily life. Qualitative narrative content analysis was conducted using Atlas.ti software. Results: Among interviews with 31 Spanish-speaking Latina/Hispanic pregnant women, participants’ average age was 28 years old with a mean gestational age of 7 weeks. We identified social isolation as the most common theme, characterized by four interwoven and overlapping subthemes: (1) sola—the experience of feeling alone; (2) familismo cercano—the importance of close relationships; (3) familismo lejano—overcoming long distance relationships; and (4) mi patria—preserving homeland cultural connectedness. Conclusions: Spanish-speaking Latina/Hispanic pregnant women described experiencing multiple aspects of social isolation. Language preference may suggest risk of social isolation, necessitating provider awareness and support initiatives to improve social support and lessen social isolation among newly pregnant, Spanish-speaking Latina women.
Group authentication and key distribution for sensors in wireless body area network
Authors: Ding Yong , Xu Hui , Zhao Meng , Liang Hai , Wang Yujue
Published: September 2021

Wireless body area network can be employed to collect patient’s electronic health data. To guarantee the reliability and confidentiality of the collected data, secure data transmission in wireless body area network is required. In wireless body area network, a mutual authentication process has to be carried out between the controller and sensors to ensure their legitimacy, and a key distribution mechanism is required to secure communication after successful mutual authentication. Li et al. proposed a cryptographic solution, which allows group device pairing authentication and key agreement but has low authentication efficiency and key leakage problems. To address these issues, a group authentication and key distribution scheme is proposed in this article. It enables effectively mutual authentication between controller and sensors, supports all signatures of sensors in the group to be checked by the controller through aggregation verification to achieve efficient authentication, and allows key distribution during authentication to improve the computation efficiency. Security analysis indicates that the proposed scheme enjoys existentially unforgeability, and theoretical and experimental comparison demonstrates its practicality in terms of computation and communication cost.
Flow diverters for the posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: A systematic review and a single-arm meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Xiang , Bao Kunyang , Luo Wenzhang , Wan Weifeng , Peng Tangming , Huang Changren
Published: September 2021

Background

The treatment of posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms is controversial. Recently, flow diverters have emerged as an attractive treatment option. Here, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the angiographic and clinical outcomes of flow diverter-treated posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases for studies published from inception to January 2021. We included studies that described flow diverters procedures for posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms with ≥2 patients. The outcomes were the complete occlusion rate and flow diverter-related complication rate. Meta-analysis was performed using a random or fixed effects model based on heterogeneity.

Results

We included six studies involving 46 posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms. There were 14 ruptured aneurysms. All flow diverters were successfully released and the technical success rate was 100%. The complete occlusion rate was 81% (95% confidence interval = 65–93%; I2 = 0.00%; P < 0.01). The flow diverter-related complication rate was 18% (95% confidence interval = 5–36%; I2 = 0.00%; P < 0.01). One patient died of rebleeding. The mortality rate was <1% (95% confidence interval = -1–1%; I2 = 0.00%; P = 0.951).

Conclusions

Treatment of posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms with flow diverters is feasible and carries a high degree of technical success. However, this treatment is underutilized in patients with posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms due to a higher complication rate and lower occlusion rate compared with clipping and traditional endovascular treatment. Further well-designed prospective and randomized studies are required to fully understand the effects of flow diverters especially in posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms patients requiring endovascular treatment.
Mathematical model of brush seals for gas turbine engines: A nonlinear analytical solution
Authors: Changizi Amin , Stiharu Ion , Outirba Bilal , Hendrick Patrick
Published: September 2021

Presented herein is a mathematical model employing differential equations formulation for brush seals used in gas turbine engines. These components are used to seal the bearing chamber from the environment and reduce the loss of lubricant in the atmosphere, ensuring a MTBR long enough to have required the change the seals only during the engine overhaul operation. The model assumes a single curved bristle loop in the form of a curved-bridge beam subjected to the influences of complex external loads (static and dynamic). Further, a model for clustered bristles is proposed. Specifically, the static forces acting on the curved-bridge beam include the weight of the oil capillary attached to the beam, the weight of the beam itself, the capillary force developed between the surfaces of the bristles in the brush and the temperature gradient. The dynamic forces include the leakage oil pressure and the rotation of the shaft. This complex loading induces a nonlinear large deflection on the curved-bridge beam. Also, the temperature gradient present on the bristles during the gas turbine engine operation generates a change in the geometry of the beam and in the magnitude of the forces acting on the bristles modeled as beams. In the present model, the weights are assumed as uniformly distributed forces on the surface of the beam while the capillary forces and the force generated by the rotating shaft are considered to be non-uniform. The equation expressing the curvature of the beam under general loading force is developed and one can choose the appropriate method of solving the generated differential equation after the expression of the general force is defined. Hence, the ordinary differential equation describing the nonlinear large deflection of the curved-bridge beam will be derived using general nonlinear elasticity theory.
Interferon-β suppresses inflammatory pain through activating µ-opioid receptor
Authors: Liu Chien Cheng , Lu I Cheng , Wang Li Kai , Chen Jen Yin , Li Yu Yu , Yang Chih Ping , Liu Ping Hsin , Cheng Wan Jung , Tan Ping Heng
Published: September 2021

Interferons (IFNs) are cytokines secreted by infected cells that can interfere with viral replication. Besides activating antiviral defenses, type I IFNs also exhibit diverse biological functions. IFN-β has been shown to have a protective effect against neurotoxic and inflammatory insults on neurons. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the possible role of IFN-β in reducing mechanical allodynia caused by Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) injection in rats. We assessed the antinociceptive effect of intrathecal IFN-β in naïve rats and the rats with CFA–induced inflammatory pain. After the behavioral test, the spinal cords of the rats were harvested for western blot and immunohistochemical double staining. We found that intrathecal administration of IFN-β in naïve rats can significantly increase the paw withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal latency. Further, the intrathecal injection of a neutralizing IFN-β antibody can reduce the paw withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal latency, suggesting that IFN-β is produced in the spinal cord in normal conditions and serves as a tonic inhibitor of pain. In addition, intrathecal injection of IFN-β at dosages from 1000 U to 10000 U demonstrates a significant transient dose-dependent inhibition of CFA-induced inflammatory pain. This analgesic effect is reversed by intrathecal naloxone, suggesting that IFN-β produces an analgesic effect through central opioid receptor-mediated signaling. Increased expression of phospho-µ-opioid receptors after IFN-β injection was observed on western blot, and immunohistochemical staining showed that µ-opioids co-localized with IFN-α/βR in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The findings of this study demonstrate that the analgesic effect of IFN-β is through µ-opioid receptors activation in spial cord.
Perinatal health predictors using artificial intelligence: A review
Authors: Ramakrishnan Rema , Rao Shishir , He Jian-Rong
Published: September 2021

Advances in public health and medical care have enabled better pregnancy and birth outcomes. The rates of perinatal health indicators such as maternal mortality and morbidity; fetal, neonatal, and infant mortality; low birthweight; and preterm birth have reduced over time. However, they are still a public health concern, and considerable disparities exist within and between countries. For perinatal researchers who are engaged in unraveling the tangled web of causation for maternal and child health outcomes and for clinicians involved in the care of pregnant women and infants, artificial intelligence offers novel approaches to prediction modeling, diagnosis, early detection, and monitoring in perinatal health. Machine learning, a commonly used artificial intelligence method, has been used to predict preterm birth, birthweight, preeclampsia, mortality, hypertensive disorders, and postpartum depression. Real-time electronic health recording and predictive modeling using artificial intelligence have found early success in fetal monitoring and monitoring of women with gestational diabetes especially in low-resource settings. Artificial intelligence–based methodologies have the potential to improve prenatal diagnosis of birth defects and outcomes in assisted reproductive technology too. In this scenario, we envision artificial intelligence for perinatal research to be based on three goals: (1) availability of population-representative, routine clinical data (rich multimodal data of large sample size) for perinatal research; (2) modification and application of current state-of-the-art artificial intelligence for prediction and classification in health care research to the field of perinatal health; and (3) development of methods for explaining the decision-making processes of artificial intelligence models for perinatal health indicators. Achieving these three goals via a multidisciplinary approach to the development of artificial intelligence tools will enable trust in these tools and advance research, clinical practice, and policies to ensure optimal perinatal health.
Reasons Things Happen for a Reason: An Integrative Theory of Teleology
Authors: Scott Matthew J.
Published: September 2021

Humans default to functions and purposes when asked to explain the existence of mysterious phenomena. Our penchant for teleological reasoning is associated with good outcomes, such as finding meaning in misfortune, but also with bad outcomes, such as dangerous conspiracy theories and misunderstood scientific ideas, both of which pose important social and health problems. Psychological research into the teleological default has long alluded to Daniel Dennett’s intentional-systems theory but has not fully engaged with the three intellectual stances at its core (intentional, design, physical). This article distinguishes the intentional stance from the design stance, which untangles some of the present knots in theories of teleology, accounts for diverse forms of teleology, and enhances predictions of when teleological reasoning is more likely to occur. This article examines the evidence for a teleological default considering Dennett’s intentional-systems theory, proposes a process model, and clarifies current theoretical debates. It argues that people rationally and often thoughtfully use teleological reasoning in relation to both cognitive and social psychological factors. Implications for theory and future research are discussed.
Moral Entrepreneurialism for the Hamburger: Strategies for Marketing a Contested Fast Food
Authors: Otto Natália , Johnston Josée , Baumann Shyon
Published: September 2021

Recent research has extended the concept of moral entrepreneurialism to corporate actors. We build on this research to investigate how corporations succeed in this effort by uncovering the strategies and tools they employ as moral entrepreneurs. To do so, we examine the corporate discourse of three prominent fast-food firms to identify how they present hamburgers as good food, in a context where beef is increasingly criticized as morally suspect. Based on a discourse analysis of corporate communications and marketing campaigns, we identify three distinct discursive strategies for managing meat criticisms: (1) global managerialism (McDonald’s); (2) aestheticized simplicity (A&W); and (3) nostalgic, personalized appeals (Wendy’s). These strategies are realized through the use of informational tools to shape what customers think and know about beef, and affective tools to influence how customers feel about beef. Together, these corporate strategies speak to the skilful ability of corporate actors to respond to socio-environmental criticisms. Our case shows how fast-food market actors are able to incorporate critique and offer messages that seek to allow people to feel good about eating beef. This case is relevant to understanding the tools that corporations use to be effective moral entrepreneurs. It also provides a deeper understanding of marketing discourse at the nexus of social problems and consumption choices.
‘We’re equal to the Jews who were destroyed. [. . .] Compensate us, too’. An affective (un)remembering of Germany’s colonial past?
Authors: Rausch Sahra
Published: September 2021

Following the globalisation of Holocaust memory in the 1990s, references to National Socialist crimes turned into a practise initiated by postcolonial memory carriers to claim recognition and reparation for colonial crimes – often by taking legal steps to qualify colonial crime a crime against humanity. This article argues that the globalised Holocaust memory established a distinctive emotional order. Consequently, marginalised memory groups align with this order to find a voice in official memory politics. The article examines emotional discourses in the OvaHerero class actions against Germany filed in 2001. It shows how media coverage hindered the recognition of colonial crimes when compared with the Holocaust. However, a diachronic contrast with the analysis of the renewed lawsuit filed this time by representatives of the OvaHerero and the Nama in 2017 shows how emotional discourses changed over time and transformed both colonial and Holocaust memory.
Acute Esophageal Necrosis (Black Esophagus): An Autopsy Case Series
Authors: Crowson-Hindman Lauren R. , Smith Keenen , Phillips Angelina
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN), also known as black esophagus and acute necrotizing esophagitis, is a rare pathologic finding of unknown etiology. It was first characterized as diffuse, circumferential black discoloration of the esophageal mucosa that affects predominantly the distal esophagus with sharp transition to normal-appearing mucosa at the gastroesophageal junction. Case frequency of AEN remains low and mainly found incidentally, with up to 0.2% in autopsy and endoscopy studies. Men are 4 times more commonly affected and overall mortality is approximately 32%.

Methods:

Black esophagus was incidentally found during ten forensic autopsy cases. Complete autopsies with photographs, histological examination, and toxicological analysis were performed. Case background information was reviewed. A review of literature was done, with research criteria including previous case reports, diagnosis, and autopsy, endoscopic, and microscopic findings of AEN.

Results:

Nine of ten deceased were male, with an age range of 26 to 67 years old. The most common preexisting pathological condition was chronic alcohol consumption, seen in six of ten cases, and in eight cases, the death occurred suddenly at home. “Classic” black esophagus was only seen in four cases. Upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to acute necrotizing esophagitis was established as the immediate cause of death in six of ten cases.

Discussion:

This case series demonstrates ten cases of AEN with variation in appearance, yet diagnosis supported by histology, ancillary testing, and case information. The case frequency was higher than previously reported, 0.7%, suggesting that the prevalence of AEN may be underestimated, especially in forensic death investigations.
Aortoesophageal Fistula Secondary to Esophageal Diverticulum Resulting in Sudden Unexpected Death
Authors: Ndikumana Robyn , Lal Anita , Herath Jayantha
Published: September 2021

Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rarely encountered clinical outcome that is often fatal. It is most commonly a postoperative complication of vascular surgery (secondary AEF). Reported primary causes of AEF include aortic aneurysm, atherosclerosis, infection, foreign objects, achalasia with megaesophagus, gastrointestinal malignancy, and radiotherapy. Aortoesophageal fistula is often not a top diagnostic consideration for clinicians or pathologists and has the potential to be overlooked. This report describes a rare case of AEF secondary to an esophageal traction diverticulum and associated abscess that resulted in the sudden unexpected death of a 78-year-old male. Aortoesophageal fistula is an important consideration for pathologists and requires careful consideration in the postmortem setting.
Examining Associations Between Major Negative Life Events, Changes in Weekly Reports of Post-Traumatic Growth and Global Reports of Eudaimonic Well-Being
Authors: Jayawickreme Eranda , Blackie Laura E. R. , Forgeard Marie , Roepke Ann Marie , Tsukayama Eli
Published: September 2021

Research on post-traumatic growth (PTG) has been compromised by methodological limitations. Recent process-oriented accounts of personality suggest, however, that positive changes may occur through short-term (i.e., state-level) changes in PTG. In the current year-long study, 1,247 participants provided weekly reports of significant negative events as well as state manifestations of PTG (up to 44 assessments per individual; 34,205 total). Trait assessments of eudaimonic well-being (EWB) were administered at intake and Weeks 45 and 52. Experiencing negative life events predicted increases in state PTG, which in turn predicted increases in EWB. However, stability was observed when modeling prospective changes in overall state PTG before and after the initial negative life event or across all negative life events occurring during the study time frame. These findings highlight the importance of studying PTG-related processes using appropriate research designs, analytic strategies, and time frames.