bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying public concerns and reactions during the COVID‐19 pandemic on Twitter: A text‐mining analysis
Authors: Osakwe Zainab Toteh , Ikhapoh Izuagie , Arora Bhavleen Kaur , Bubu Omonigbo Michael
Published: December 2020

Efforts to control the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic have led to national lockdowns around the world. Reactions to the rapidly evolving outbreak were shared on social media platforms. We conducted a mixed‐methods analysis of tweets collected from May 10 to May 24, 2020, using MAXQDA software in conjunction with Twitters search API using the keywords: “COVID‐19,” “coronavirus pandemic,” “Covid19,” “face masks,” and included terms such as “Queens,” “Bronx,” “New York.” A total of 7, 301 COVID‐19‐related tweets across the globe were analyzed. We used SAS Text Miner V.15.1 for descriptive text mining to uncover the primary topics in unstructured textual data. Content analysis of tweets revealed six themes: surveillance, prevention, treatments, testing and cure, symptoms and transmission, fear, and financial loss. Our study also demonstrates the feasibility of using Twitter to capture real‐time data to assess the public's concerns and public health needs during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
New specific quantitative real‐time PCR assays shed light on the epidemiology of two species of the Leptosphaeria maculans–Leptosphaeria biglobosa species complex
Authors: Jacques Noémie , Balesdent Marie‐Hélène , Rouxel Thierry , Laval Valérie
Published: December 2020

Phoma stem canker, a highly damaging disease of oilseed rape (Brassica napus), is caused by fungi of the Leptosphaeria maculans/Leptosphaeria biglobosa species complex. On B. napus, at least in Europe, L. maculans ‘brassicae’ (LMB) and L. biglobosa ‘brassicae’ (LBB) are often found together, in the same fields. The biology and epidemiology of LMB have been intensively studied, but few studies have investigated the infection and colonization processes of LBB, and unanswered questions remain concerning the relative contributions of these two species to phoma stem canker disease. We addressed this question by developing two species‐specific robust quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays, one for each species, for detecting and quantifying these species in field samples of oilseed rape. The assays were highly specific, reproducible, and sensitive. We used them to obtain an overview of stem canker epidemiology in a two‐year field study of a B. napus genotype susceptible to LMB, and a near‐isogenic line harbouring Rlm11, a gene conferring effective resistance to LMB. Inoculum pressure differed considerably between the two years of the experiment, and we found that LMB leaf spotting intensity at limited observation time points was insufficient for predicting final disease severity. We also found that LBB was more prevalent than previously thought, with epidemiological and colonization biology characteristics very similar to those of LMB, but a necrotrophic lifestyle. The general presence of these two species together on leaves and in the stem tissues of the same individual plant raises questions about their relative incidence and biological interactions within plant tissues.
Qur’ānic imaginations in the making: New religious movements in Mughal‐era Islam
Authors: Sherman William E. B.
Published: December 2020

In the study of premodern Islam, is it possible to draw fruitfully upon the theories and methods that characterize the study of new religious movements? This article examines three approaches to the Qur’ān in the sixteenth‐century Mughal Empire: the Qur’ānic imitation of Bāyazīd Anṣārī, the lipogramatic exegesis of Fayżī, and the moral commentary of Badā’ūnī. These works reveal the innovation, contingency, and “newness” of Islamic Qur’ānic traditions in the Mughal domain. Though they disagreed vehemently, Bāyazīd, Fayżī, and Badā’ūnī all approached the Qur’ān as a revelation that is emergent and ongoing rather than fixed in the historical past. This article argues that the study of premodern Mughal religion – and the history of Islam more generally – benefits from heuristically understanding Islamic texts as part of ever‐emergent “new religious movements” rather than as examples of a single transhistorical religion.
Philosophy and Laughter: Introductory Notes
Authors: Olivier Abraham
Published: December 2020

Until recently, few philosophers worked on laughter, and it was typically viewed negatively. However, the last four decades have witnessed a significant increase in philosophical writings about and positive views of laughter. This introductory paper attempts to show that, in line with this development, contributions to this special issue explore various fresh theoretical, thematic, historical, and critical aspects of laughter and its relation to philosophy. These contributions can be divided roughly into two intersecting groups, with one group focused on the theoretical, thematic, and historical exploration of laughter, and the other on critical social and moral issues of laughter. They demonstrate how laughter matters to philosophers as a serious philosophical subject, and they take care to distinguish objectionable types of laughter from its constructive uses as social and moral critique and facilitator.
Lower limb force‐production capacities in alpine skiing disciplines
Authors: Cross Matthew R. , Rivière Jean Romain , Coulmy Nicolas , Morin Jean‐Benoit , Samozino Pierre
Published: December 2020

Specific force capacities might be a limiting factor for alpine skiing performance, yet there is little consensus on the capabilities in question, and whether they differ between disciplines. We aimed to test discipline (speed and technical) and performance (event‐specific world standing) effects on lower limb force‐production qualities. National‐level skiers (N = 31) performed loaded squat jumps and isometric mid‐thigh pulls to detect dynamic force output at extremely low and high velocities and maximum isometric force and rate of force development, respectively. Discipline differences were assessed via a general linear model including performance and allowing for interaction effects, with performance associations further characterized via distinct Pearson's correlations. Jump height did not differentiate disciplines, with absolute power slightly higher in speed athletes (F(1,27) = 4.42, P = .045, ω2 = 0.10), and neither variables were related to performance. Speed athletes possessed greater dynamic force at low velocities (F0; F(1,27) = 13.8, P < .001, ω2 = 0.17), and greater relative and absolute maximum isometric force (F(1,25) = 11.19‐20.70, ω2 = 0.16‐0.22, P < .003). Overall, higher ranked athletes possessed more force‐dominant profiles (F(1,27) = 16.28, ω2 = 0.34; r = 0.60 to 0.67, P < .001) and increased rate of force development characteristics (average and maximum, r = −0.50 to −0.82, P < .048). Very robust associations existed between maximum isometric force and speed performance (r = −0.88, P < .001), but only a trend for higher absolute isometric force in technical athletes (r = −0.49, P = .052). Alpine skiers display a preponderance for dynamic force output at low velocities, and isometric force for speed athletes, which highlights the interest in specific assessment and conditioning practices for ski athletes.
A Boy’s Journey: Public Sociology for in and Out of the Classroom
Authors: Korgen Kathleen Odell
Published: December 2020

This essay is a response to Stein (2019; 2020) and his use of lived experience to tell the story of violence and the Holocaust. I discuss these works’ contributions to public sociology and teaching.
Self‐regulated behavior and parent‐child co‐regulation are associated with young children's physiological response to receiving critical adult feedback
Authors: Armstrong‐Carter Emma , Sulik Michael J. , Obradović Jelena
Published: December 2020

Using piecewise growth curve trajectory modeling, we investigated kindergartners' physiological responses to receiving critical feedback from an adult during a laboratory drawing task. Further, we tested how children's independent self‐regulated behavior, as well as the quality of parent‐child co‐regulation, related to physiological reactivity to and recovery from this challenge. We used respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) to measure parasympathetic nervous system activity. Participants were 96 children (Mage = 5.6 years, 56% female) and their parents. We used observer ratings to capture children's self‐regulated behavior during the laboratory visit and state‐space grid methodology (an innovative, moment‐to‐moment behavioral coding method) to index observed parent‐child positive co‐regulation during four interaction tasks. First, the quality of dyadic parent‐child co‐regulation was associated significantly with children's RSA reactivity during the dyadic experience of receiving critical feedback from an adult. Specifically, children with higher levels of positive parent‐child co‐regulation exhibited decreases in RSA while receiving critical feedback, which may indicate active engagement or coping with the challenging situation. Second, children's self‐regulated behavior was associated significantly with RSA recovery during a period immediately after the task ended, when children were seated alone. Children with lower levels of observed self‐regulated behavior showed sudden RSA decrease after the critical feedback ceased, suggesting that this post‐task period was physiologically challenging for them.
The Presentation of Self and Identity Construction in Virtual World: A Case Study of Avakin Life
Authors: Jande Lisa Vangohol , Ibrahim Noor  Aireen
Published: December 2020

Identity in the virtual world has become a point of interest for researchers. The virtual world has become a place where people go to interact and in turn create an identity for themselves.  This study sets out to investigate identity construction in a 3D Virtual world game using Avakin Life as a case study. Going with Goffman’s theory of self-presentation, this study aims to understand why identities are created in the virtual world and how this identity is created. The process to achieving this is carried out through a review of previous literature on virtual world identity construction and an ethnographic research carried out in Avakin Life using observation and semi-structured interviews as a method for data collection. The data is analysed thematically, and the findings show that participants use the virtual world to create an extension of themselves while they achieve this creation by duplicating a piece of themselves through the use of their Avatars. This study therefore helps to add to the existing knowledge on identity and identity construction in the virtual world.
Teachers’ perceptions of students with Special Educational Needs in Two Western Districts of Bhutan
Authors: Womling Tshering , Dhendup Sonam , Jatsho Sherab
Published: November 2020

The present study examined Bhutanese teachers’ general perceptions, challenges towards special educational needs (SEN) students, and professional development (PD) and training attended by teachers with their levels of stress. A total of 53 teachers of two SEN schools in western Bhutan participated in this study. The data were collected using the online survey. The findings of this study suggest that although, 55% of teachers felt that teaching students with or without disabilities together is a good thing, however, one of the challenges certainly was the inadequate numbers of trained and specialised teachers. The findings also indicated that teachers learnt skills in SEN mostly through personal initiatives such a doing further research and reading. Similarly, the results of the study showed that the female teachers were said to have experienced more stress compared to their male counterparts. Further, the study also revealed that some of the challenges identified by teachers while teaching students with SEN were the lack of teacher collaboration within the school, lack of resources, overcrowded classrooms and the lack of professional development and training. Alternatively, the correlation and the prediction analyses further revealed that an estimated of 52% variability of stress can be predicted by the PD/trainings attended by the teachers.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Johnson Patricia
Published: November 2020

Studies in Media and Communication (SMC) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether SMC publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 8, Number 2 Antonio García Gómez, University of Alcalá de Henares, SpainAslı Sezgin, Osmaniye Korkut Ata University, TurkeyCamelia Cmeciu, Danubius University of Galati, RomaniaCarmen Pérez-Sabater, Universitat Politècnica de València, SpainDiego Santos Vieira de Jesus, International Relations, BrazilImed Ben Labidi, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, USAJavier Serrano Puche, University of Navarra, SpainKunle Olufemi Aramide, The Polytechnic Ibadan, NigeriaMaría José Serrano, Universidad de La Laguna, SpainPhilemon Bantimaroudis, University of Cyprus, CyprusYoung Joon Lim, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, USA Patricia JohnsonEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Studies in Media and CommunicationRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://smc.redfame.com
Metacognición en docentes. Investigación y formación: aportes para la convivencia escolar
Authors: Parada Alfonso Lilián , Borda Suárez Martha , Díaz Díaz Alexandra , Niño Torres Adriana Paola , Aguilera González Elcy , Castro Fandiño Claudia Patricia , Cruz Bobadilla David Alexander , Cruz Farfán Adriana Jazmín , Cuberos Guevara, Claudia Milena , Díaz Montaño Patricia Jeanet , García-Cepero María Caridad
Published: December 2020

Metacognición en docentes. Investigación y formación: aportes para la convivencia escolar es una publicación que surge a partir de los desarrollos conceptuales y de indagación formulados en la línea de investigación en Creatividad, Cognición y Emoción. Los autores son profesores y estudiantes de la maestría en Educación, de la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. El estudio de la metacognición en docentes es una oportunidad para comprender las implicaciones que tiene el experimentar con y reflexionar acerca de los procesos metacognitivos, y a partir de ello poder transferir dichas experiencias a sus estudiantes. Las actividades metacognitivas están directamente relacionadas con los procesos de enseñanza y aprendizaje, lo que las convierte en un tema central para profesores y docentes en formación. Este libro tiene dos propósitos: el primero, presentar avances de investigación en el ámbito y, el segundo, socializar los productos de la investigación elaborada por Aguilera et al. (2017), los cuales están conformados por un cuestionario de autopercepción metacognitiva y la Propuesta de formación docente en metacognición para la intervención en situaciones-problema de carácter interpersonal entre estudiantes.
Sperm motility and offspring pre- and posthatching survival in hybridization crosses among a landlocked and two anadromous Atlantic salmon populations: implications for conservation
Authors: Eronen A. , Kekäläinen J. , Piironen J. , Hyvärinen P. , Huuskonen H. , Janhunen M. , Yaripour S. , Kortet R.
Published: December 2020

The landlocked salmon (Salmo salar m. sebago) endemic to Lake Saimaa, Finland, is critically endangered and severely threatened by low genetic diversity and inbreeding. To explore the possibility of increasing the genetic diversity of threatened salmon populations by controlled hybridization (genetic rescue), we studied sperm motility and offspring pre- and posthatching survival in hybridization crosses of landlocked salmon with two geographically close anadromous salmon populations (Rivers Neva and Tornio) relative to the pure-bred populations. While some degree of gametic incompatibility between landlocked and Tornio salmon cannot be ruled out, there were no indications of outbreeding depression in survival traits in these first-generation hybridizations. Instead, prehatching survival of landlocked salmon eggs fertilized with Neva salmon sperm and posthatching survival of anadromous salmon eggs fertilized with landlocked salmon sperm were higher than survival in pure-bred landlocked salmon. These differences might imply genetic rescue effects (hybrid vigor), although there were also strong maternal effects involved. Our results on early viability point to the possibility of applying genetic rescue to the landlocked salmon population by hybridization with an anadromous population.
Pre-Pólya group in even dihedral extensions of ℚ
Authors: Maarefparvar Abbas
Published: November 2020

Investigating on Pólya groups [P. J. Cahen and J. L. Chabert Integer-Valued Polynomials, Mathematical Surveys and Monographs, Vol. 48 (American Mathematical Society, Providence, 1997)] in non-Galois number fields, Chabert [J. L. Chabert and E. Halberstadt, From Pólya fields to Pólya groups (II): Non-Galois number fields, J. Number Theory (2020), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnt.2020.06.008 ] introduced the notion of pre-Pólya group [Formula: see text], which is a generalization of the pre-Pólya condition, duo to Zantema [H. Zantema, Integer valued polynomials over a number field, Manuscripta Math. 40 (1982) 155–203]. In this paper, using class field theory, we describe the pre-Pólya group of a [Formula: see text]-field [Formula: see text], for [Formula: see text] an even integer, where [Formula: see text] denotes the dihedral group of order [Formula: see text]. Moreover, for special case [Formula: see text], we improve the Zantema’s upper bound on the maximum ramification in Pólya [Formula: see text]-fields.
Stability of Layered Structures with Hybridized Configuration by Means of a Reddy-Type Higher-Order Finite Element Formulation
Authors: Wu Zhen , Zhou Jie , Liu Zhengliang , Ma Rui , Ren Xiaohui
Published: November 2020

To make use of the merit of designability, each lamina in layered structures may possess diverse materials and geometry to realize specific application. For the hybridized structures, geometry and material properties relative to the middle surface are generally unsymmetrical, which have a significant impact on stability. Some models might lose capability to deal with such issues, so that these issues are less reported. Within the developed models, Reddy’s model possesses merit of simplicity and efficiency, so a Reddy-type higher-order zig-zag model is constructed by utilizing the proposed zig-zag function (ZZF). Instead of the standard finite element formulation using the principle of minimum potential energy, the three-field Hu–Washizu (HW) mixed variational principle is employed to acquire the finite element formulation which can meet the harmonious conditions of transverse shear stress at the interface of adjacent layers. By investigating buckling behaviors of hybridized structures, performance of the proposed finite element formulation is appraised by comparing with the results obtained from the three-dimensional (3D) model as well as other models. Effect of boundary conditions (BCs), material properties, and span-to-thickness ratio on the buckling loads is also studied in detail. Numerical results show that buckling loads of hybridized structures are significantly impacted by the chosen parameters. The results acquired from proposed model are in very good agreement with those obtained from the layerwise (LW) model and the 3D finite element results.
A Note on Soft Seminorm and Soft Norm
Authors: Roy Sanjay , Mandal Dhananjoy , Samanta T. K.
Published: December 2020

The main aim of this paper is to establish the concepts of soft seminorm and soft norm with the help of balanced, absorbing and convex soft sets. Also, we have established equivalent concepts of soft seminorm as well as of soft norm.
Molecular Heterogeneity and Evolution in Breast Cancer
Authors: Caswell-Jin Jennifer L. , Lorenz Carina , Curtis Christina
Published: December 2020

Breast cancer comprises a heterogeneous group of tumor subtypes, whether defined by immunohistochemistry of key proteins, RNA expression profiles, or genetic alterations, and each of these subtypes may benefit from a distinct treatment approach. However, there can be striking heterogeneity within tumors, which may pose challenges to the development of personalized approaches to therapy. Intratumor heterogeneity can be divided into three main categories: genetic, phenotypic, and microenvironmental. Here, we review technologies to interrogate these three categories of heterogeneity in patient samples, as well as the current state of understanding of these categories in breast cancer, from cell to cell, across different regions of the same tumor mass, across treatment, and across metastasis. Efforts to characterize tumor heterogeneity longitudinally will be crucial to the development of personalized oncology for breast cancer.
Institutions and Innovation
Authors: He Jie (Jack) , Tian Xuan
Published: December 2020

Technological innovation is critical to a country's economic development and a firm's long-term success. This article reviews the recent literature that links institutions and innovation. Specifically, we focus on five aspects of the linkage. First, we discuss the literature that explores how the culture of a society or a corporation influences the process, features, and outcomes of innovation activities. Second, we review papers that focus on the role of demographic characteristics in innovation. Third, we describe studies examining the relation between market development and firms’ incentives as well as their ability to engage in innovative investments. Fourth, we discuss the literature on how innovation is shaped by a nation's laws and policies. Finally, we review the academic papers regarding the effects of government regulations and policies on innovation activities. Overall, this article aims to provide a synthetic and evaluative review of recent academic research that links various aspects of institutions and innovation. We also provide our views on potential directions for future research in this area.
Light Speed Invariant Solution and Its Enlightenment of Field Equation of General Relativity
Authors: Yang Jian Liang
Published: November 2020

A systematic examination of the basic theory of general relativity is made, the meaning of coordinates again is emphasized, the confusion caused by unclear meaning of coordinates in the past is corrected, and the expression of the theory is made more accurate. Firstly, the equation of Einstein’s gravitational field is solved in the usual coordinate system, the existence of light speed invariant solution in the spherically symmetric gravitational field is proved, and in the same time, the solution is determined. It turns out that black holes are not an inevitable prediction of general relativity. The more exact formulas for calculating the curvature of light on the surface of the Sun and the precession angle of the orbit of Mercury are given, and the convergence of general relativistic gravity and special relativistic mechanics under the weak field approximation is realized. Finally, it is shown that the coupling coefficient of the gravitational field equation is not unique. Modifying this coefficient is an ideal project to eliminate the singularities of general relativity on the condition keeping the field equation concise and elegant, and moreover, it reveals that dark matter and dark energy are the negative energy field in the matter, the expansion of the universe is the appearance of the gradual formation of galaxies in accordance with fractal rules, not only the space between galaxies is expanding but also the galaxies themselves are also expanding, new matter is continuously generated in the celestial bodies, for the first time, the unity of fractal geometry and cosmic dynamics of general relativity is realized, and the formation and evolution of galaxies are brought into the fractal generation mode. This is a living and vivacious universe in which all aspects are gradually strengthening, in sharp contrast to the dying universe under the current cosmological framework.
Glucose Required for Tissue Formation and Its Effects on Cane Yield, Recoverable Sugar, and Sugar Yield
Authors: Diana Nunik Eka , Supriyadi  , Djumali  , Santoso Budi , Herwati Anik , Yulaikah Sri , Supriyono  , Hamida Ruly , Ridhawati Aprilia , Abdurrakhman
Published: December 2020

Glucose in sugarcane affected cane yield, recoverable sugar, and sugar yield. Glucose is available since the formation of the stems and stored until sugarcane is ready to be harvested. Information regarding the need for glucose to form sugarcane plant tissue is still not widely available. So, research was conducted to determine the quantity of glucose to form sugarcane plant tissue and its relation to cane yield, recoverable sugar, and sugar yield obtained. The research was carried out at the Karangploso Research Station and Laboratory of Plant Chemistry, Indonesian Sweeteners and Fiber Crops Research Institute, in July 2016–September 2017. A split plot design with two factors and three replications was utilized. The main factor was the growth phases, namely, the vegetative phase and maturity phase, while the other factor was sugarcane varieties, namely, PS-881 (early mature), JR-01 (early-middle mature), Kenthung (early-middle mature), and Bululawang (middle-late mature). The measurements of nitrogen, carbon, and the ash content of the leaves and stems were at 5 months (representing the growth period) and 9 months (representing the ripening period). The results showed that quantities of 1.962–2.160 kg and 2.066–2.113 kg glucose were required to form each kg of leaf and stem tissue depending on the growth phase and variety. Glucose requirements in the maturing phase affected the cane yield, recoverable sugar, and sugar yield as much as by 51.48%, 57.60%, and 58.26%, respectively.
Social Capital in Old People Living with HIV Is Associated with Quality of Life: A Cross‐Sectional Study in China
Authors: Lin Ping , Yu Bin , Han Jiayu , Wang Zixin , Jia Peng , Yang Shujuan
Published: November 2020

Objective. Old people living with HIV (PLWH) are experiencing a lower quality of life (QoL) than their younger counterparts and have received insufficient attention in China. Given that social capital has been proven to be effective in improving QoL in other countries, we aimed to examine the association between social capital and QoL among old PLWH in China. Methods. The data presented in this study was based on the baseline sample of an ongoing observational prospective cohort study, which was carried out from November 2018 to February 2019. Participants were old PLWH aged ≥50 in Sichuan, China, and were recruited by stratified multistage cluster sampling from 30 communities/towns. A total of 529 eligible participants finished the face‐to‐face investigation to measure their social capital (i.e., individual and family‐ (IF‐) based social capital and community and society‐ (CS‐) based social capital) and QoL. The QoL’s dimensions of physical health summary (PCS) and mental health summary (MCS) were taken as dependent variables. Stepwise linear regression models were used to examine the association between social capital and QoL. Results. After considering all significant covariates, the PCS was nonsignificantly correlated with IF‐based social capital (β = −0.08, 95% CI [‐0.28‐0.11]) and CS‐based social capital (β = 0.28, 95% CI [‐0.03‐0.59]), and MCS was significantly correlated with IF‐based social capital (β = 0.77, 95% CI [0.54‐0.99], p < 0.001) and CS‐based social capital (β = 0.40, 95% CI [0.08‐0.72], p < 0.05). Conclusion. Targeted interventions related to building up social capital should be applied to improve the QoL of old PLWH. Providing extra relief funds and allowances might be helpful to improve PCS; improving community networking and engagement and improving family care might be helpful to improve MCS among this vulnerable population.
Potential Association between Kaposi Sarcoma and Gout: An Exploratory Observational Study
Authors: Moore Assaf , Peretz Idit , Yosef Lilach , Goldstein Daniel A. , Goldvaser Hadar , Horn Suzanna , Edel Yonatan , Zer Alona
Published: December 2020

Background. Kaposi sarcoma is a rare vascular mesenchymal neoplasm, associated with Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV8). Gout is a condition clinically characterized by recurrent flares of arthritis and hyperuricemia. Following our clinical impression that patients with classical Kaposi sarcoma (CKS) have a high rate of gout, we explored this in a retrospective manner. Methods. All consecutive patients diagnosed with sarcoma or carcinosarcoma within a single tertiary center between 1/2012–12/2017 were identified through the pathology department database. A cohort of CKS patients was compared with the non-Kaposi sarcoma and carcinosarcoma cohort. Data were extracted from patients’ electronic medical records. Patients younger than 18 and patients without clinical data available were excluded. Association between diagnosis of gout and CKS was assessed and adjusted for risk factors. Results. Three hundred and sixty-one patients were eligible for this analysis, 61 were diagnosed with CKS and 300 with other types of sarcoma. We found a higher incidence of gout in CKS patients, 11/61 (18%) patients, compared with 8/300 (2.6%) with other types of sarcoma, odds ratio (OR) 8.0 (

P
<
0.00001

). This association persisted when adjusted for age >39 years (OR = 6.7,

P
<
0.00001

), age and male sex (OR = 4.97,

P
<
0.0001

), and when adjusting for multiple confounding factors and medical comorbidities. Conclusions. We have demonstrated a statistically significant association between gout and CKS. As risk factors for gout were accounted for, this association may be explained by HHV8 immune-related effects. This should be further explored in vitro and in population-based studies.
A Novel Cryptococcal Meningitis Therapy: The Combination of Amphotericin B and Posaconazole Promotes the Distribution of Amphotericin B in the Brain Tissue
Authors: Yang Ming , Cheng Lin , Dai Qing , Yang Bo , Yuan Qian , Yu MingJie , Feng Wei , Sun Fengjun , Xia Peiyuan
Published: November 2020

The deficient brain tissue distribution of amphotericin B (AMPB) seriously restricts its treatment for the clinical efficacy of cryptococcus neoformans meningitis (CNM). We strive to develop a tactic to increase its concentration in brain tissue. We aimed to investigate whether the combination of AMPB and posaconazole (POS) could be more effective in the treatment of CNM and to elucidate its potential mechanisms. HPLC analysis was used to analyze the concentration of AMPB in mouse serum, brain tissue, and BCECs cells. Schrodinger molecular docking, in vitro plasma balance dialysis, and ultrafiltration analysis were performed to evaluate the combinative effect of AMPB and POS with serum albumin and POS on AMPB plasma protein binding. H&E staining and colonization culture experiment of CN were employed to assess the effect of POS on the efficacy of AMPB. POS + AMPB significantly reduced the concentration of plasma total AMPB and increased its concentration in the brain tissue. However, the P‐gp inhibitor zosuquidar, BCRP inhibitor Ko143, and a common inhibitor of both, elacridar, had no significant effect on its concentration. Molecular docking, balance dialysis, and ultrafiltration analysis showed that AMPB and POS had potential binding properties to serum albumin. Meanwhile, 4 and 8 μg/mL POS could significantly increase the concentration of free AMPB in plasma. POS and three inhibitors all had no significant effect on the uptake of AMPB by BCECs, but serum albumin had. The therapeutic effect of CNM in mice was confirmed that AMPB and AMPB+POS could restrain the infiltration of neutrophils and lymphocytes in cortical neurons and improve the bleeding and markedly inhibit the proliferation of CN. Collectively, we propose that POS competitively binds to the plasma protein sites of AMPB, thereby increasing its level in the brain tissue. Meanwhile, POS could enhance the efficacy of AMPB in the treatment of CNM, which may be independent of P‐gp and BCRP proteins.
Ciudadanos, Economía y la Nueva Constitución
Authors: Saavedra Eduardo
Published: December 2020

Es difícil para un economista entender que las personas son más que consumidores o productores. Esta dificultad no viene del desconocimiento de que cultivamos diversos roles, sino en nuestro rol disciplinario de cómo integramos en un mismo modelo de análisis una realidad bastante más compleja que la que acostumbramos, y que aún así nos permita realizar nuestro trabajo de predecir y explicar el comportamiento humano ante diversas situaciones económicas. En tal sentido, el concepto de ciudadano/a permite una mirada más integral de las personas y sus necesidades prioritarias, en particular a la hora de proponer qué derechos y cómo estos deben ser cautelados en una nueva Constitución para Chile. Continuar leyendo...
Aranceles Regulados en la Educación Superior
Authors: Bordón Paola
Published: December 2020

La Ley 21.091 crea un sistema integrado por las instituciones de Educación Superior y por un conjunto de organismos y servicios públicos con competencia en dicho ámbito. Así, nace la Subsecretaría de Educación Superior, la Estrategia Nacional de Formación Técnico Profesional y, se establece, el Sistema de Aseguramiento de la calidad. Continuar leyendo...
O-Arm Stereotactic Imaging in Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery Workflow: A Utility and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Furlanetti Luciano , Hasegawa Harutomo , Oviedova Anna , Raslan Ahmed , Samuel Michael , Selway Richard , Ashkan Keyoumars
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery is an established treatment for movement disorders. Advances in neuroimaging techniques have resulted in improved targeting accuracy that may improve clinical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of using the Medtronic O-arm device for the acquisition of intraoperative stereotactic imaging, targeting, and localization of DBS electrodes compared with standard stereotactic MRI or computed tomography (CT). Methods: Patients were recruited prospectively into the study. Routine frame-based stereotactic DBS surgery was performed. Intraoperative imaging was used to facilitate and verify the accurate placement of the intracranial electrodes. The acquisition of coordinates and verification of the position of the electrodes using the O-arm were evaluated and compared with conventional stereotactic MRI or CT. Additionally, a systematic review of the literature on the use of intraoperative imaging in DBS surgery was performed. Results: Eighty patients were included. The indications for DBS surgery were dystonia, Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and epilepsy. The globus pallidus internus was the most commonly targeted region (43.7%), followed by the subthalamic nucleus (35%). Stereotactic O-arm imaging reduced the overall surgical time by 68 min, reduced the length of time of acquisition of stereotactic images by 77%, reduced patient exposure to ionizing radiation by 24.2%, significantly reduced operating room (OR) costs per procedure by 31%, and increased the OR and neuroradiology suite availability. Conclusions: The use of the O-arm in DBS surgery workflow significantly reduced the duration of image acquisition, the exposure to ionizing radiation, and costs when compared with standard stereotactic MRI or CT, without reducing accuracy.
Oxidation of Ryanodine Receptors Promotes Ca
2+
Leakage and Contributes to Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Huang Yongfa , Lei Chuxiang , Xie Wenjun , Yan Li , Wang Yanru , Yuan Su , Wang Jing , Zhao Yan , Wang Zhaojian , Yang Xiaoying , Qin Xiaohan , Fang Quan , Fang Ligang , Guo Xiaoxiao
Published: November 2020

Right ventricular (RV) failure is a major cause of death in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, and the mechanism of RV failure remains unclear. While the malfunction of RyR2 (ryanodine receptor type 2) on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and aberrant Ca
2+
cycling in cardiomyocytes have been recognized in some cardiovascular diseases, their roles in RV failure secondary to pulmonary arterial hypertension require further investigation. In a monocrotaline-induced rat model of pulmonary arterial hypertension, the RV remodeling process was divided into normal, compensated, and decompensated stages according to the hemodynamic and morphological parameters. In both compensated and decompensated stages, significant diastolic SR Ca
2+
leakage was detected along with reduced intracellular Ca
2+
transient amplitude and SR Ca
2+
contents in RV myocytes. RyR2 protein levels decreased progressively during the process, and the thiol oxidation proportions of RyR2 were higher in compensated and decompensated stages than in normal stage. Inhibition of RyR2 oxidation by dithiothreitol or repairing RyR2 directly by dantrolene could restore Ca
2+
homeostasis in RV myocytes. Daily intraperitoneal injection of dantrolene delayed decompensation progression and significantly improved the survival rate of pulmonary hypertension rats in decompensated stage (79.3% versus 55.9%;
P
=0.026). Our findings suggest that diastolic SR Ca
2+
leakage via oxidized RyR2 facilitates the development of RV failure. Dantrolene can inhibit diastolic SR Ca
2+
leakage in RV cardiomyocytes, delay right cardiac dysfunction, and improve the survival of rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
KCNJ5
Somatic Mutations in Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma Are Associated With a Worse Baseline Status and Better Recovery of Left Ventricular Remodeling and Diastolic Function
Authors: Chang Yi-Yao , Tsai Cheng-Hsuan , Peng Shih-Yuan , Chen Zheng-Wei , Chang Chin-Chen , Lee Bo-Ching , Liao Che-Wei , Pan Chien-Ting , Chen Ya-Li , Lin Lung-Chun , Chang Yi-Ru , Peng Kang-Yung , Chou Chia-Hung , Wu Vin-Cent , Hung Chi-Sheng , Lin Yen-Hung ,   TAIPAI Study Group
Published: November 2020

Primary aldosteronism is the most common secondary endocrine form of hypertension and causes many cardiovascular injuries.
KCNJ5
somatic mutations have recently been identified in aldosterone-producing adenoma. However, their impacts on left ventricular remodeling precluding the interference of age, sex, and blood pressure are still uncertain. We enrolled 184 aldosterone-producing adenoma patients who received adrenalectomy. Clinical, biochemical, and echocardiographic data were analyzed preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively.
KCNJ5
gene sequencing of aldosterone-producing adenoma was performed. After propensity score matching for age, sex, body mass index, blood pressure, hypertension duration, and number of hypertensive medications, there were 60 patients in each group with and without
KCNJ5
mutations. The mutation carriers had higher left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and inappropriately excessive LVMI (ieLVMI) and lower e′ than the noncarriers. After adrenalectomy, the mutation carriers had greater decreases in LVMI and ieLVMI than the noncarriers. In addition, only mutation carriers had a significant decrease in E/e′ after surgery. In multivariate analysis, baseline LVMI correlated with
KCNJ5
mutations, the number of hypertensive medications, and systolic blood pressure. Baseline ieLVMI correlated with
KCNJ5
mutations and the number of hypertensive medications. The regression of both LVMI and ieLVMI after surgery was mainly correlated with
KCNJ5
mutations and changes in systolic blood pressure. Aldosterone-producing adenoma patients with
KCNJ5
mutations had higher LVMI and ieLVMI and a greater regression of LVMI and ieLVMI after adrenalectomy than those without mutations. The patients with
KCNJ5
mutations also benefited from adrenalectomy with regard to left ventricular diastolic function, whereas noncarriers did not.
Why did Louis XIV establish High Courts of Justice in North America?
Authors: Dauchy Serge
Published: December 2020

Why did Louis XIV establish high courts in the distant and sparsely populated North-American colonies? The logic of the establishment of the Sovereign Council of Québec in 1663 and the Superior Council of Louisiana in 1712 is indeed in no way similar to the one which led to the creation of high courts in the metropolitan territories previously under foreign sovereignty. In the colonies, there was no need to safeguard the provincial privileges, in particular that to be judged in accordance with the local customs and procedural rules. Historians have emphasized the idea that justice foremost asserted the king’s authority on his overseas territories and France’s position on the international scene. Colonial institutions were thus merely considered as extensions of the metropolitan model. This paper proposes to study the high courts of New France through the prism of legal transplant theories, focusing on the objectives and expectations of the donor rather than on their objects or on the obstacles faced by the receiver. We assert that the overseas high courts were a means to define and orientate the French colonial policy rather than an end in themselves. Their judicial and, above all, regulatory competences made them indeed a particularly suitable instrument for the fulfillment of the monarchy’s political and economic expectations.
Myanmar's Foreign Policy Towards Its Near Neighbours
Authors: Ganesan N.
Published: December 2020

This article examines the evolution or Burma/Myanmar's foreign policy in terms of its ideologic orientations and evolution. The collapse of the Burma Socialist Programme Parry (BSPP) government in 1988 that had previously pursued a policy of neutrality obtained through self-imposed isolationism has been replaced by a much more realist foreign policy that views international relations and power in competitive terms. Myanmar also maintains a Set of competitive relations with its near neighbours to stabilize the immediate external environment and stave off the impact of international sanctions . These bilateral relations are also calibrated to provide a balance-of-power between the three Sets of relations in order to avoid being overwhelmed by any of them. All three near neighbours have many important and sensitive issues that are brought to bear on the relationships as well.
A new species of Craterellus (Cantharellales, Hydnaceae) from Guizhou Province, China

Authors: ZHANG JING , WU DI , DENG CHUN YING , ZHANG MING , DAUNER LUCAS , WIJAYAWARDENE NALIN N.
Published: November 2020

Craterellus albidus is proposed as a new species based on both morphological evidence and DNA analyses. Morphologically, Cr. albidus is characterized by its small-sized whitish pileus, smooth to slightly folded hymenium, white to lemon-yellow stipe, ellipsoid to broadly ellipsoid basidiospores with a size of 7.8–11 × 6.1–8.2 µm, and a cutis pileipellis. Phylogenetic analyses based on the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and the large subunit ribosomal RNA (nrLSU) region provide further evidence that the described specimens represent a new species.
The Annual Cycle of Upper-Ocean Potential Vorticity and Its Relationship to Submesoscale Instabilities
Authors: Yu Xiaolong , Naveira Garabato Alberto C. , Martin Adrian P. , Marshall David P.
Published: December 2020

The evolution of upper-ocean potential vorticity (PV) over a full year in a typical midocean area of the northeast Atlantic is examined using submesoscale- and mesoscale-resolving hydrographic and velocity measurements from a mooring array. A PV budget framework is applied to quantitatively document the competing physical processes responsible for deepening and shoaling the mixed layer. The observations reveal a distinct seasonal cycle in upper-ocean PV, characterized by frequent occurrences of negative PV within deep (up to about 350 m) mixed layers from winter to mid-spring, and positive PV beneath shallow (mostly less than 50 m) mixed layers during the remainder of the year. The cumulative positive and negative subinertial changes in the mixed layer depth, which are largely unaccounted for by advective contributions, exceed the deepest mixed layer by one order of magnitude, suggesting that mixed layer depth is shaped by the competing effects of destratifying and restratifying processes. Deep mixed layers are attributed to persistent atmospheric cooling from winter to mid-spring, which triggers gravitational instability leading to mixed layer deepening. However, on shorter time scales of days, conditions favorable to symmetric instability often occur as winds intermittently align with transient frontal flows. The ensuing submesoscale frontal instabilities are found to fundamentally alter upper-ocean turbulent convection, and limit the deepening of the mixed layer in the winter-to-mid-spring period. These results emphasize the key role of submesoscale frontal instabilities in determining the seasonal evolution of the mixed layer in the open ocean.
The human rights approach to social assistance: Normative principles and system characteristics
Authors: Vonk Gijsbert , Bambrough Edward
Published: December 2020

This article deals with the substantive meaning of the human right of social assistance. The central question is how normative human rights principles can be reconciled with system characteristics which are part of the practical reality of social assistance law and administration. In order to answer this question, we present illustrations of how the human right of social assistance has been operationalised, with a particular emphasis on the judgments and opinions of courts and quasi-judicial institutions. What emerges is that the meaning of the human right of social assistance is not fixed or to be found in some natural law abstraction. It is organically created in the process of confronting human rights principles with the system characteristics of social assistance. Drivers of this process are, inter alia, the principles of a universal material minimum subsistence level, a dignified life for social assistance recipients, and a rights-based approach.
Associations of serum uric acid and urinary albumin with the severity of diabetic retinopathy in individuals with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Chen Donghe , Sun Xiufang , Zhao Xinxin , Liu Ying
Published: November 2020

Background

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this retrospective study was to reveal the risk factors for the severity of DR in individuals with T2DM. Demographic data and biochemical parameters were collected and analyzed.

Methods

A total of 518 individuals with type 2 diabetes were included. These individuals were classified into three groups according to the severity of diabetic retinopathy: non-diabetic retinopathy (NDR) group (N = 172), non proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) group (N = 184), and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) group (N = 162). Demographic and clinical measurement data of the individuals were collected by reviewing medical records and direct interview. The demographic data and biochemical parameters between groups were compared using Student’s t-test. Moreover, the factors related to severity of diabetic retinopathy were identified by using the multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

No significant difference in age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and diabetes duration was found among these three groups. The serum uric acid (SUA), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), homocysteine, and urinary albumin levels were significantly higher in the NPDR and PDR group than those in the NDR group (P < 0.05). The individuals in the PDR group had obviously higher levels of SUA, homocysteine, and urinary albumin than individuals in the NPDR group (P < 0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that high SUA, homocysteine, TC, LDL-c, and urinary albumin levels were associated with more serious diabetic retinopathy (OR > 1;P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The concentrations of SUA and urinary albumin are associated with the severity of DR in individuals with T2DM.