bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Imperial Joint Line Congruency Measurement is a valuable tool in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Popat Ravi , Dhillon Kieran , Mahapatra Piyush , Khan Hasaan , Nathwani Dinesh 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundPreservation of joint line height is an important factor in post-operative function after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). This is the first study investigating the reliability of the novel Imperial Joint Line Congruency Measurement (IJLCM) technique for the assessment of joint line height using plain radiographs.MethodsThe reliability of two techniques used to measure joint line height on pre-operative and post-operative plain radiographs is presented. 120 patients that underwent TKA from 6 different international centres were included. Measurements were performed using each technique by two senior orthopaedic surgeons at two different timepoints (test-retest). Two undergraduate medical students performed joint line measurements using the most reproducible of the two techniques on 40 pre-operative and post-operative images to establish the reliability of the measurement technique.ResultsThe IJLCM demonstrated an average absolute difference of 1.83mm (CI 1.56–2.10mm) and excellent inter and intra-rater reliability between senior orthopaedic surgeons (>0.92 (CI 0.88–0.94) when measuring joint line height on plain radiographs. Overall Crohnbach’s alpha over 0.92 confirmed internal consistency. Measurements performed using the control technique as previously described by Figgie et al. had an average absolute difference of 5.75mm (5.17–6.32mm). Comparison of measurements by senior orthopaedic surgeons and medical students using the IJLCM technique with ANOVA and student’s t-test demonstrated acceptable agreement and inter-rater reliability of >0.92 (0.87–0.95).ConclusionThis study shows excellent accuracy, precision, and reliability of the novel IJLCM technique. Furthermore, excellent agreement between senior orthopaedic surgeons and medical students when using the IJLCM could be shown. The IJLCM technique is reliable for joint line assessment.
Effects of an equol-containing supplement on advanced glycation end products, visceral fat and climacteric symptoms in postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yoshikata Remi , Myint Khin Zay Yar , Ohta Hiroaki , Ishigaki Yoko 
Published: September 2021

Introduction
Equol, an isoflavone derivative whose chemical structure is similar to estrogen, is considered a potentially effective agent for relieving climacteric symptoms, for the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases, and for aging care in postmenopausal women. We investigated the effect of an equol-containing supplement on metabolism and aging and climacteric symptoms with respect to internally produced equol in postmenopausal women.

Methods
A single-center, randomized controlled trial (registration number: UMIN000030975) on 57 postmenopausal Japanese women (mean age: 56±5.37 years) was conducted. Twenty-seven women received the equol supplement, while the remaining received control. Metabolic and aging-related biomarkers were compared before and after the 3-month intervention. Climacteric symptoms were assessed every month using a validated self-administered questionnaire in Japanese postmenopausal women.

Results
Three months post-intervention, the treatment group showed significant improvement in climacteric symptoms compared to the control group (81% vs. 53%, respectively, p = 0.045). We did not observe any beneficial effect on metabolic and aging-related biomarkers in the intervention group. However, in certain populations, significant improvement in skin autofluorescence, which is a measurement of AGE skin products, and visceral fat area was observed, especially among equol producers.

Conclusion
Women receiving equol supplementation showed improved climacteric symptoms. This study offered a new hypothesis that there may be a synergy between supplemented equol and endogenously produced equol to improve skin aging and visceral fat in certain populations.
Episodic Detectable Viremia Does Not Affect Prognosis in Untreated Compensated Cirrhosis With Serum Hepatitis B Virus DNA <2,000 IU/mL
Authors: Lee Hye Won , Park Soo Young , Lee Yu Rim , Lee Hyein , Lee Jae Seung , Kim Seung Up , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Ahn Sang Hoon , Kim Beom Kyung 
Published: September 2021

INTRODUCTION:
The necessity of antiviral therapy (AVT) for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected compensated cirrhosis with low-level viremia (LLV) is controversial. Herein, we evaluated its natural history.

METHODS:
From 3 tertiary hospitals, we enrolled untreated patients with compensated cirrhosis with persistent serum HBV-DNA levels <2,000 IU/mL; LLV was defined as having at least 1 detectable serum HBV-DNA (20–2,000 IU/mL) episode, whereas maintained virological response (MVR) was defined as having persistently undetectable serum HBV-DNA (<20 IU/mL). When serum HBV-DNA was ≥2,000 IU/mL during follow-up, AVT was administered according to guidelines. Study end points were development of cirrhotic complication event (CCE) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

RESULTS:
Among 567 patients analyzed, cumulative HCC risk at 3, 5, and 7 years was comparable between LLV (n = 391) vs MVR (n = 176) groups (5.7%, 10.7%, and 17.3% vs 7.2%, 15.5%, and 19.4%, respectively [P = 0.390]). CCE risk was also comparable between 2 groups (7.5%, 12.8%, and 13.7% vs 7.8%, 12.3%, and 14.6%, respectively [P = 0.880]). By multivariate analysis, LLV (vs MVR) was not associated with HCC or CCE risks, with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.422 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.694–2.913; P = 0.336) and 1.816 (95% CI: 0.843–3.911; P = 0.128), respectively. Inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis yielded comparable outcomes between 2 groups, regarding HCC and CCE risks with hazard ratios of 0.903 (95% CI: 0.528–1.546; P = 0.711) and 1.192 (95% CI: 0.675–2.105; P = 0.545), respectively.

DISCUSSION:
Episodic LLV among untreated patients with compensated cirrhosis does not increase the risk of disease progression compared with MVR status. Thus, the benefits of AVT for episodic LLV should be re-evaluated.
Predictors of Satisfaction With Childbirth Services Amongst Postnatal Women in Two Selected Teaching Hospitals in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: S. O. Olofin , AGBONJIMI Lawrence Adewale , AINA Rachel Omolara , ALABI Praise Oladeji 
Published: September 2021

Satisfaction with childbirth service is a multi-dimensional construct embracing satisfaction with self (personal control), and with the physical environment of delivery ward and quality of care. Maternal health care service encompasses family planning, preconception, antenatal, delivery and postnatal care. Goals of preconception care include providing education, health promotion, screening tests for various health problems and interventions for women of reproductive age to reduce risk factors that might affect future pregnancies. Women who begin prenatal care early in their pregnancies have better birth outcomes than those who receive little or no care during their pregnancies. This study was conducted to identify predictors of satisfaction with childbirth services and the factors influencing them. A well-structured questionnaire was used to get responses from 81 postnatal women in OOUTH and BUTH. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analyzing the research questions and hypotheses respectively. Majority of the participants revealed good level of satisfaction with most child birth services rendered by the two selected teaching hospitals, but more than two-third of the respondent’s claims, dissatisfaction in pain control and baby care after birth in the two hospitals. Findings revealed more satisfaction towards child birth services in BUTH than OOUTH, this might be as a result of inadequate equipment, structural facilities and poor waiting areas in the public hospital. It was recommended among others that Government should facilitate focused antenatal care, institutional delivery and postnatal care in terms of reducing maternal and neonatal mortality.
Lethal Incompetence: Leaders, Organizations, and the U.S. Response to COVID-19
Authors: Bendor Jonathan , Bullock John G. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe study of voter competence has made significant contributions to our understanding of politics, but at this point there are diminishing returns to the endeavor. Voter competence is unlikely to improve dramatically enough to make much of a difference to our politics. By contrast, the competence of officials can and does vary substantially over short periods of time. To understand variations in government performance, therefore, we would do better to focus on the abilities and performance of officials, not ordinary citizens. We elaborate on this argument, emphasizing the “incompetence multiplier”: the way that the properties of hierarchies can amplify the incompetence of those in powerful positions. We illustrate our argument with an extended discussion of the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Divided by Identity on the Left? Partisan Spillover and Identity Politics Alignment
Authors: Gin Willie 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIt has often been stated that in the United States the left tends to be less united than the right on issues related to identity politics such as race, gender, and religion. This article presents evidence that this asymmetry in partisan alignment over identity politics is changing over time. Looking at various measures of public opinion shows that the left’s agreement on issues related to identity politics has either caught up with the right or that the gap is diminishing. The article considers various possible explanations for unity on these issues – including personality distribution, party homogeneity, and message infrastructure – and shows that partisan spillover in the context of polarization helps explains the closing of the gap in unity between the right and the left. In an era of polarization, Democratic affiliation induces warmer feeling toward stigmatized coalition partners. Groups that may have joined the Democratic party on a single group interest claim (race, gender, religion, class) will gradually move toward greater acceptance of other group interest claims supported by the party. These findings have implications for the oft-stated strategic claim that the left needs to focus on class redistribution over identity politics if the left does not want to be fractured.
海峡两岸新闻评论语言多特征计量对比研究
Authors: 蕾 许 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The two sides of the Taiwan Strait have common ancestors and blood relations. The language and literature of both sides of the Strait are connected. Due to the reasons of history and geography, and long-term barrier, there are many differences in politics, economy, culture, education, social life, view, area culture, customs, etc, which are clearly reflected in the language practices. We chose a 302,939-character corpus from People’s Daily and United Daily News and analyzed the differences of cross-Strait news comments. We examined multiple language features, and concluded that the complexity and written register of People’s Daily are slightly higher, and United Daily News has a slightly richer vocabulary, more flexible language style, and more communicative language of the everyday. The subjective emotions of the writers of United Daily News are more intense, and sentences with emotional expressions are used to express their opinions and comments.
从海外华语学习者的低龄化谈华语教学之功能
Authors: SHENG Jiyan 盛继艳 , LIN Zuotian 林左天 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The younger age trend of overseas Chinese learners points out a key goal for the research of the function of overseas Chinese education, that is, to meet the needs of learners’ growth and development. Therefore, the discussion should not be limited to the perspective of traditional teaching objectives, but expended to the learning characteristics and needs of learners. Based on the theories of children’s language function, child developmental psychology and multiple intelligences, combined with the analysis of the learning characteristics and needs of overseas Chinese learners, this paper holds that overseas Chinese education for young learners should have the functions of “developing learners’ Chinese language abilities to meet their growth needs” and “promoting the integrated development of learners’ multiple intelligences”. Furthermore, how to realize these two functions are discussed respectively.
Quantifying salt sensitivity
Authors: Oberleithner Hans 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Inner surfaces of blood vessels and outer surfaces of erythrocytes are coated with a negatively charged protective film of proteoglycans, which serves as an effective buffer system for the positively charged sodium ions. If this protective coating is poorly developed or impaired, it loses its buffering capacity. As a consequence, the organism becomes increasingly sensitive to sodium, which in the long run leads to organ damage, especially if daily salt consumption is high. Recently, it has become possible to quantify salt sensitivity using a technically simple method – the salt blood test (SBT). Aim of this mini-review is to explain the physiological concept underlying the SBT and its potential practical relevance in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Controllers of cutaneous regulatory T cells: ultraviolet radiation and the skin microbiome
Authors: Schwarz Thomas , Schwarz Agatha 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
For the maintenance of homeostasis termination of immune reactions is as equally important as their induction. In this scenario regulatory T cells (Treg) play an important role. Accordingly a variety of inflammatory diseases are caused by an impairment of Treg. Hence, it is important to identify triggers by which Treg can be induced and activated, respectively. For quite a long time it is known that ultraviolet radiation can induce Treg which inhibit cutaneous immune reactions including contact hypersensitivity. Since these Treg inhibit in an antigen-specific fashion they may harbor therapeutic potential. However similar Treg can be induced also by other triggers which include vitamin D and antimicrobial peptides. Recently it was discovered that the gut microbiome controls the development of Treg in the intestine. The same may apply for the skin. Short chain fatty acids, microbiota-derived bacterial fermentation products, appear to induce and to activate Treg in the skin. Topical application of short chain fatty acids was shown to inhibit contact hypersensitivity and to reduce inflammation in the murine imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation model. Together, these data indicate that induction and activation of Treg may be a potential therapeutic strategy to treat inflammatory diseases in the future.
An integrated PMU architecture for power system applications
Authors: Aalam Mir Khadim , Shubhanga K.N. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Time synchronized phasors obtained using Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) spread across wide areas have revolutionized power system monitoring and control. These synchronized measurements must be accurate and fast in order to comply with the latest IEEE standards for synchrophasor measurements. The speed at which a PMU provides an output depends on the group delay associated with that PMU and the permissible group delay in-turn decides the utility of a PMU for either control or measurement application. Based on the group delay compensation techniques, in the literature, two individual types of PMUs, such as causal and non-causal PMUs have been introduced. This paper presents an approach where both causal and non-causal PMUs are combined in an integrated PMU architecture. This method not only illustrates the group delay performance of two PMUs in a single module, but also can be used for multiple functions. In this environment several PMU algorithms have been compared with respect to their group delays and their effect on the response time. Application of the integrated PMU architecture to a four-machine 10-bus power system has been demonstrated using a six-input PMU with three-phase voltage and current signals as inputs. Different causal compensation schemes are introduced due to the availability of voltage and current-based frequency and ROCOF signals. Impact of these compensation schemes on PMU accuracy is evaluated through the Total Vector Error (TVE) index. The influence of these compensation schemes on measurements like power and impedance is also investigated. Finally, outputs from the integrated PMU architecture are fed into a Power System Stabilizer (PSS) to control the small-signal stability performance of a power system during dynamic conditions.
Federal Quarantine: The Issue with Limited CDC Presence at Ports of Entry
Authors: Walls Taylor M. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The United States Federal government faces significant difficulties when implementing federal quarantine. States have the jurisdiction to enforce quarantine within their states, and the federal government cannot infringe on this right. The issue therein lies in the places and modality in which the federal government may enforce quarantine. This Article aims to outline the places and methods by which quarantine is enforced by the federal government, the problems that arise from this limited jurisdiction, and solutions that ensure federal quarantine is meaningful.
The effect ofCinnamomum cassiaextract on oxidative stress in the liver and kidney of STZ-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Niazmand Saeed , Mirzaei Masomeh , Hosseinian Sara , Khazdair Mohammad Reza , Gowhari Shabgah Arezoo , Baghcheghi Yousef , Hedayati-Moghadam Mahdiyeh 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectivesMany diabetes-related complications are caused by oxidative stress. In the current study, the protective effect ofCinnamomum cassiaagainst diabetes-induced liver and kidney oxidative stress was evaluated.MethodsThe male Wistar rats (n=48) were randomly divided into six groups including; control group received 500 µL normal saline orally for 42 days. Diabetes groups received intraperitoneally (i.p.) streptozotocin (STZ) as single-dose (60 mg/kg, i.p.). Cinnamon extract (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) and metformin (300 mg/kg) were orally administered to diabetic rats for 42 days. After the experiment period, the animals were anesthetized and the liver and kidney tissues were quickly removed and restored for oxidative stress evaluation. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol content, glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, as well as, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were measured in kidney and liver tissue.ResultsThe level of MDA, SOD, and CAT activities increased significantly, while the total thiol content, and NO production were significantly reduced in diabetic animals compared to the control group (from p<0.05 to p<0.001). Treatment with cinnamon extract significantly decreased the MDA level, as well as, SOD and CAT activities in the liver and kidney of diabetic rats (from p<0.05 to p<0.001). In the liver and kidney of cinnamon treated groups, GSH and total thiol contents and NO production were significantly higher than diabetic group (from p<0.05 to p<0.001).ConclusionsCinnamon extract due to its potent antioxidant property could be effective in decrease of diabetes-induced oxidative stress that plays a major role in renal and hepatic complications.
Guided-mode resonance on pedestal and half-buried high-contrast gratings for biosensing applications
Authors: Finco Giovanni , Bideskan Mehri Ziaee , Vertchenko Larissa , Beliaev Leonid Y. , Malureanu Radu , Lindvold Lars René , Takayama Osamu , Andersen Peter E. , Lavrinenko Andrei V. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Optical sensors typically provide compact, fast and precise means of performing quantitative measures for almost any kind of measurand that is usually probed electronically. High-contrast grating (HCG) resonators are known to manifest an extremely sharp and sensitive optical resonance and can constitute a highly suitable sensing platform. In this paper we present two advanced high-contrast grating designs improving the sensing performances of conventional implementations. These configurations, namely pedestal and half-buried HCGs, allow to enhance the shift of the photonic resonance while maintaining the spectral features of the standard configuration. First, the spectral feature of the HCGs was numerically optimized to express the sharpest possible resonance when the structure is immersed in serum. Second, the sensing properties of conventional and advanced HCG implementations were studied by modelling the biological entities to be sensed as a thin dielectric coating layer of increasing thickness. Pedestal HCGs were found to provide a ∼12% improvement in sensitivity and a six-fold improvement in resonance quality factor (Q-factor), while buried HCGs resulted in a ∼58% improvement in sensitivity at the expense of a slightly broader resonance. Such structures may serve as an improved sensitive biosensing platform for near-infrared spectroscopy.
General linguistics must be based on universals (or non-conventional aspects of language)
Authors: Haspelmath Martin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis paper highlights the importance of the distinction between general linguistics (the study of Human Language) and particular linguistics (the study of individual languages), which is often neglected. The term “theoretical linguistics” is often used as if it entailed general claims. But I note that (unless one studies non-conventional aspects of language, e.g. reaction times in psycholinguistics) one must study universals if one wants to make general claims. These universals can be of the Greenbergian type, based on grammatical descriptions of the speakers’ social conventions, or they can be based on the natural-kinds programme, where linguists try to describe mental grammars as made up of universal building blocks of an innate grammar blueprint. The natural-kinds programme is incompatible with Chomsky’s claims about Darwin’s Problem, but it is indispensable for a general linguistics in the generative tradition. The Greenbergian programme, by contrast, can make use of framework-free descriptions because its comparisons are based on independently defined universal yardsticks.
Assessment of the Social Impacts of Community Based Tourism
Authors: Boustead Robin , Bhatta Sushma 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
We set out to assess the social impacts of tourism in a Community Based Tourism (CBT) destination by asking the following questions; (1) from a community and individual perspective, what are the major issues faced in a CBT destination?, and (2) is there any pattern to, or similarity between, quality of life and liveable environment impacts in a CBT destination? The Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) National Park in Nepal is used for the study area and where tourism is clearly an important contributor to the local economy. Despite high levels of resident and visitor satisfaction with tourism, survey results indicate that the major issues faced by communities and individuals in the Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone (SNPBZ) are related to uncontrolled tourism development. This is most evident in a lack of relevant skills and training, increasing time burden to cater for tourists, frustrations felt by residents during peak season, the impact of inbound migration, lack of community control and most importantly, the impact of waste and water pollution. Management of the SNPBZ is based on a multi-stakeholder system that includes local population participation, but it does not seem to be working very well. Our survey indicates that uncontrolled growth of tourism businesses is placing increasing pressures on traditional cultures and the environment, thus creating negative impacts on quality of live and liveable environment for residents. Without an effective management system that enhances the ability of communities and Park management to control the impact of tourism, the situation is very likely to worsen in the future.