bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An International Law Perspective on the China Coast Guard Law and Its Implications for Maritime Security in East Asia
Authors: Kim Suk Kyoon 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The newly enacted China Coast Guard Law (CCGL) has been challenged by the international community, especially regional countries in dispute with China over territorial sovereignty and maritime jurisdiction in the East and South China Seas. The disputants declare the provisions of the CCGL are inconsistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The China Coast Guard Law also has significant implications for maritime disputes with regional countries, as well as for maritime security initiatives driven by the United States.
From “Apostle of Japan” to “Apostle of All the Christian World”: The Iconography of St. Francis Xavier and the Global Catholic Church
Authors: Miller Rachel 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In the years leading up to Francis Xavier’s canonization, hagiographers emphasized the unprecedented nature of his mission to Asia by giving him various appellations that specifically identified the places where he had spread the Gospel during his ministry, such as “the first Apostle to Japan.” However, the 1623 canonization bull introduced new titles for Xavier, including the “Apostle of the Indies,” implying both East and West, as well as the “Apostle to the New People” and “the Apostle of All the Christian World.” This more universalizing view of Xavier would have a strong influence on the development of his iconography in the visual arts. This paper will examine one manifestation of this constructed image of Xavier as a global saint, focusing on early modern paintings, prints, and sculptures of Xavier preaching to representatives of the four continents. This analysis will address the question of whether these continental representatives could be considered allegories of the continents and if so, how they fit into the taxonomies and history of such images. I will also examine how these images shaped viewers’ understanding of Xavier as a universal saint working to unite the four continents of the world in Christianity and bring about the ultimate global triumph of the Catholic Church.
Investigation of the Potential Saturation of Information from Global Navigation Satellite System Radio Occultation Observations with an Observing System Simulation Experiment
Authors: Privé N. C. , Errico R. M. , Akkraoui Amal El 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The potential impact of large numbers of Global Navigation Satellite System radio occultation (GNSS-RO) observations on numerical weather prediction is investigated using a global observing system simulation experiment (OSSE). The hybrid four-dimensional ensemble variational Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI) data assimilation system and Global Earth Observing System (GEOS) model are used to ingest up to 100 000 GNSS-RO soundings per day in addition to the current suite of conventional and radiance data. Analysis quality, forecast skill, and forecast sensitivity to observation impact are examined with differing quantities of additional GNSS-RO profiles. It is found that saturation of information from additional RO soundings has not been reached with 100 000 soundings per day. There are some indications of suboptimal performance of the GSI in handling GNSS-RO observations particularly in the middle- and lower-tropospheric extratropics.
Ionic liquid doped solid polymer electrolyte: Synthesis, characterization and applications ICSEM-2021
Authors: Singh Abhimanyu , Sharma Tejas , Dhapola Pawan Singh , Kumar Sushant , Singh Diksha , Nath Gaurav , Singh Vijay , Alheety Mustafa A , Kakroo Sunanda , Singh Pramod K 
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we have used polymer polyethylene oxide as a host matrix and novel electrolyte ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tricyanomethanide as an dopant to increase ionic mobility. Different characterization techniques like Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, dielectric measurement, Fourier transform, X-ray diffraction, polarized optical microscopy, thermogravinometric analysis were used to identify the electrical, optical, structural and thermal properties. A laboratory scale supercapacitor has been fabricated using optimized solid polymer electrolyte film as an electrolyte and porous carbon derived from corn starch which shows a specific capacitance 13.6 F/g at 50 mV/s scan rate.
Laparoscopic portosystemic shunt attenuation in two cats
Authors: Izzo Francesca , Poggi Edoardo , Pérez Duarte Francisco J , Cinti Filippo 
Published: March 2022

Case series summary Gradual attenuation of an extrahepatic portosystemic shunt using cellophane banding was achieved with a laparoscopic technique in two cats. The portosystemic shunts were treated via a right or left lateral laparoscopic approach. Ultrasonography or CT angiography were used to verify the results of surgery. The success of the procedure was confirmed by normalisation of serum bile acid concentrations and clinical signs at the final re-evaluation. Relevance and novel information The aim of this case series was to determine the feasibility and outcome of laparoscopy for portosystemic shunt attenuation in two cats. Laparoscopic portosystemic shunt attenuation appeared to be a feasible, safe and effective procedure in cats.
Genetic variants associated mRNA stability in lung
Authors: Li Jian-Rong , Tang Mabel , Li Yafang , Amos Christopher I. , Cheng Chao 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundExpression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) analyses have been widely used to identify genetic variants associated with gene expression levels to understand what molecular mechanisms underlie genetic traits. The resultant eQTLs might affect the expression of associated genes through transcriptional or post-transcriptional regulation. In this study, we attempt to distinguish these two types of regulation by identifying genetic variants associated with mRNA stability of genes (stQTLs).ResultsHere, we presented a computational framework that takes advantage of recently developed methods to infer the mRNA stability of genes based on RNA-seq data and performed association analysis to identify stQTLs. Using the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) lung RNA-Seq data, we identified a total of 142,801 stQTLs for 3942 genes and 186,132 eQTLs for 4751 genes from 15,122,700 genetic variants for 13,476 genes on the autosomes, respectively. Interestingly, our results indicated that stQTLs were enriched in the CDS and 3’UTR regions, while eQTLs are enriched in the CDS, 3’UTR, 5’UTR, and upstream regions. We also found that stQTLs are more likely than eQTLs to overlap with RNA binding protein (RBP) and microRNA (miRNA) binding sites. Our analyses demonstrate that simultaneous identification of stQTLs and eQTLs can provide more mechanistic insight on the association between genetic variants and gene expression levels.
Characterization of the WRKY gene family in Akebia trifoliata and their response to Colletotrichum acutatum
Authors: Wen Feng , Wu Xiaozhu , Li Tongjian , Jia Mingliang , Liao Liang 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Akebia trifoliata, belonging to the Lardizabalaceae family, is a well-known Chinese traditional medicinal plant, susceptible to many diseases, such as anthracnose and powdery mildew. WRKY is one of the largest plant-specific transcription factor families and plays important roles in plant growth, development and stress response, especially in disease resistance. However, little was known about the numbers, characters, evolutionary relationship and expression of WRKY genes in A. trifoliata in response to plant disease due to lacking of A. trifoliata genome.

Results
A total of 42 putative AktWRKY genes were identified based on the full-length transcriptome-sequencing data of A. trifoliata. Then 42 AktWRKY genes were divided into three major groups (Group I-III) based on the WRKY domains. Motif analysis showed members within same group shared a similar motif composition, implying a functional conservation. Tissue-specific expression analysis showed that AktWRKY genes could be detected in all tissues, while few AktWRKY genes were tissue specific. We further evaluated the expression of AktWRKY genes in three varieties in response to Colletotrichum acutatum by qRT-PCR. The expression patterns of AktWRKY genes were similar between C01 and susceptible variety I02, but distinctly different in resistant variety H05. In addition, it showed that more than 64 percentages of AktWRKY genes were differentially expressed during fungal infection in I02 and H05. Furthermore, Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that AktWRKY genes were categorized into 26 functional groups under cellular components, molecular functions and biological processes, and a predicted protein interaction network was also constructed.

Conclusions
Results of bioinformation analysis and expression patterns implied that AktWRKYs might play multiple function in response to biotic stresses. Our study could facilitate to further investigate the function and regulatory mechanism of the WRKY in A. trifoliata during pathogen response.
Association of early-onset breast cancer with body mass index, menarche, and menopause in Taiwan
Authors: Yang Pei-Jing , Hou Ming-Feng , Ou-Yang Fu , Tsai Eing-Mei , Wang Tsu-Nai 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
The trend of women suffering from early-onset breast cancer is increasing in Taiwan. The association of early-onset breast cancer with body mass index (BMI), menarche, and menopausal status has focused interest on the field of cancer epidemiology; however, few studies have explored the interaction of these factors on early-onset risk. This study aimed to estimate the interaction effects of BMI, menarche, and menopausal status on 40-year-old early-onset breast cancer.

Methods
Breast cancer patients were recruited from Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital from 2013 to 2020. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for early-onset breast cancer risk associated with menarcheal age stratified by sociodemographic factors and for the interaction between BMI and menopausal status on early-onset risk.

Results
A total of 775 participants were divided into 131 early-onset cases (≤ 40 years) and 644 late-onset cases (> 40 years). Compared to the age of 13 years at menarche, the age ≤ 11 years was significantly positively associated (OR: 2.62, 95% CI: 1.38–4.97) and ≥ 16 years was negatively associated (OR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.03–0.53) with 40-year-old early-onset breast cancer respectively. In an adjusted model, the status of BMI < 24 and premenopause had 1.76- and 4.59-fold risk of early-onset breast cancer respectively. Especially in BMI < 24 status, premenopause also had a 6.47-fold early-onset risk and the early-onset risk increased by a significant amount per one year younger at menarche (aOR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.03–1.55). There was also a positive interaction effect on an additive scale between BMI and menopausal status on early-onset breast cancer (RERIOR = 4.62, Pinteraction = 0.057). Compared to both BMI ≥ 24 and peri-/postmenopausal status, both the status of BMI < 24 and premenopause were associated with early-onset breast cancer (aOR: 7.16, 95% CI: 3.87–13.25).

Conclusions
This study suggests that the status of BMI < 24 and premenopause were associated with an increased risk of early-onset breast cancer and there was a positive interaction on an additive scale. Understanding how obesity and menopausal status affect early-onset breast cancer is important for drafting preventive measures for early-onset breast cancer in Taiwan.
Comparison of iridolenticular contact area under different light brightness between post primary acute angle closure and cataract eyes
Authors: Liu Fuyao , Lin Danting , Zheng Ce , Wang Geng 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
To study the iridolenticular contact area (ILCA) under different light conditions in acute primary angle closure (APAC).

Methods
This cross-sectional, observational study involved 22 unilateral APAC patients and 59 cataract patients (59 eyes). Images of the APAC eyes, fellow eyes and cataract eyes were collected by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT) under different light conditions respectively. The ILCA, anterior chamber width (ACW), anterior chamber area (ACA), lens vault (LV), angle opening distance at 750 μm (AOD750), trabecular iris space area at 750 μm (TISA750) and iris area at 750 μm (IA750) were measured using Image J software.

Results
The ILCA of cataract eyes were significantly larger than APAC eyes (4.424 ± 1.208 vs 4.049 ± 2.725mm2, P = 0.034) and fellow eyes (4.424 ± 1.208 vs 3.651 ± 1.629 mm2, P = 0.008) under dark condition. Under dark condition, ILCA of APAC eyes was negatively correlated with AOD750 (r = -0.444, P = 0.038), TISA750 (r = -0.498, P = 0.018). The ILCA of cataract eyes under dark condition was significantly greater than under bright condition (4.424 ± 1.208 vs 2.526 ± 0.992 mm2, P < 0.001).

Conclusions
This study showed that ILCA in both APAC eye and fellow eye were smaller than cataract eye. Future study should focus on both the contact area and force at the interface of lens and iris with larger sample size.
Clinical outcomes one year after a digital musculoskeletal (MSK) program: an observational, longitudinal study with nonparticipant comparison group
Authors: Wang Grace , Yang Manshu , Hong Mindy , Krauss Jeffrey , Bailey Jeannie F. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
The evidence base for the impact of digital health on musculoskeletal (MSK) outcomes is growing, but it is unclear how much digital MSK programs address pain and function in the intermediate and long term.

Methods
This observational study of digital MSK program participants versus nonparticipants (n = 2570) examined pain, function, depression, and anxiety at 3, 6, and 12 months, and health care use at 12 months. The intervention group engaged in a digital MSK program that included exercise, education, and coaching for at least 3 months. The nonparticipant group registered, but never started the program. We collected data in app or by emailed survey at 3, 6, and 12 months after registering for the program. We conducted descriptive analyses and unadjusted and adjusted regression modeling.

Results
The odds ratio of achieving a minimally clinically important difference (MCID) in pain improvement for the intervention versus the nonparticipant group was 1.97 (95% CI: 1.28, 3.02; p = .002) at 3 months, 1.44 (95% CI: 0.91, 2.25; p = .11) at 6 months, and 2.06 (95% CI: 1.38, 3.08; p = .004) at 12 months in adjusted models. The odds ratio of achieving a MCID in functional improvement for the intervention versus the nonparticipant group was 1.56 (95% CI: 1.03, 2.38; p = .01) at 3 months, 1.55 (95% CI: 1.02, 2.37; p = .04) at 6 months, and 1.35 (95% CI: 0.89, 2.06, p = 0.16) at 12 months in adjusted models. For those with moderate to severe depression or anxiety at baseline, we observed statistically significant lower odds of moderate to severe depression or anxiety at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months for the intervention versus the nonparticipant group in adjusted models (p < .05). At 12 months, the percentage with invasive, imaging, and conservative services was higher for the nonparticipant versus intervention group by 5.7, 8.1, and 16.7 percentage points, respectively (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
A digital MSK program may offer participants sustained improvement in pain, depression, and anxiety with concomitant decreases in health care use.
Impact of next-generation hormonal agents on treatment patterns among patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: a real-world study from the United States, five European countries and Japan
Authors: Leith Andrea , Ribbands Amanda , Kim Jeri , Clayton Emily , Gillespie-Akar Liane , Yang Lingfeng , Ghate Sameer R. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Until five years ago, the metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) treatment landscape was dominated by the use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) alone. However, novel hormonal agents (NHAs) and chemotherapy are now approved for male patients with mHSPC. This study aimed to understand the impact NHA approvals had on mHSPC real-world treatment patterns and to identify the key factors associated with NHA or chemotherapy (± ADT) usage vs ADT alone.

Methods
Data were collected from the Adelphi Prostate Cancer Disease Specific Programme (DSP)™, a point-in-time survey of physicians and their consulting patients conducted in the United States (US), five European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom), and Japan between January and August 2020. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics for individual countries, regions, and all countries combined. Pairwise analyses were used to further investigate differences between treatment groups at global level.

Results
336 physicians provided data on 1195 mHSPC patients. Globally, at data collection, the most common mHSPC regimen initiated first was ADT alone (47%), followed by NHAs (± ADT) (31%, of which 21% was abiraterone, 8% was enzalutamide, and 2% was apalutamide) and chemotherapy (± ADT) (19%). The highest rates of ADT alone usage were observed in Japan (78%) and Italy (66%), and the lowest in Spain (34%) and in the US (36%). Our results showed that clinical decision making was driven by patient fitness, compliance, tolerance of adverse events, and balance of impact on quality of life vs overall survival.

Conclusions
This real-world survey offered early insights into the evolving mHSPC treatment paradigm. It showed that in 2020, ADT alone remained the most common initial mHSPC therapy, suggesting that physicians may prefer using treatments which they are familiar and have experience with, despite clinical trial evidence of improved survival with NHAs or chemotherapy (± ADT) vs ADT alone. Results also indicated that physicians prescribed specific mHSPC treatments primarily based on the following criteria: patient preference, disease burden/severity, and the performance status and comorbidities of the patient. To fully appreciate the rapidly changing mHSPC treatment landscape and monitor NHA uptake, additional real-world studies are required.
Personal positioning of oncology patients in palliative care: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Silva Hellen Luiza Meireles , Valério Pedro Henrique Martins , Barreira Cristiano Roque Antunes , Peria Fernanda Maris 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Advanced oncological disease requires comprehensive health care, although attention is predominantly paid to the physical dimension of care. The consideration of personal positioning encompasses other dimensions of patients’ management of their illness, such as existential management and expanding forms of care. The objective of this study was to understand the personal positioning of cancer patients in palliative care.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional study using the mixed convergent parallel method. The sample consisted of 71 cancer patients in palliative care, of whom 14 participated in the qualitative and quantitative portions and 57 participated in only the quantitative portion. Phenomenological interviews were performed, and qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect meaning of life (PIL-Test), quality of life (EORTC QLQ C-30), anxiety and depression (HADS) and sociodemographic data. The interview results were analysed according to the principles of classical phenomenology, and the quantitative data were analysed using the generalized structural equations model.

Results
The results showed that the patients turned to living, focusing on their possibilities and distancing themselves from the impact of the illness and the factuality of death, which the patients themselves associated with not succumbing to depression, a condition whose signs were exhibited by 21% of the sample. Sustaining this positioning required a tenacious fight, which feeds on sensitivity to life. Linked to this position was the belief in the continuation of life through religious faith, together with the patients’ realization of the meaning of their lives. In this same direction, there was a direct association between awareness of the meaning of life and increased scores on the functional scales (p <  0.01) and decreased scores for symptoms (p <  0.01), anxiety (p = 0.02) and depression (p < 0.01). The last element that emerged and structured this experience was the intense will to live and a sense of the value of life.

Conclusions
Through the use of mixed methods, the present study recognized the existential positioning of cancer patients in palliative care. This understanding can aid in the realization of more comprehensive and meaningful treatment plans and can contribute to the goal of achieving humanization in this area of treatment.
Reinforcement learning evaluation of treatment policies for patients with hepatitis C virus
Authors: Oselio Brandon , Singal Amit G. , Zhang Xuefei , Van Tony , Liu Boang , Zhu Ji , Waljee Akbar K. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Evaluation of new treatment policies is often costly and challenging in complex conditions, such as hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, or in limited-resource settings. We sought to identify hypothetical policies for HCV treatment that could best balance the prevention of cirrhosis while preserving resources (financial or otherwise).

Methods
The cohort consisted of 3792 HCV-infected patients without a history of cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma at baseline from the national Veterans Health Administration from 2015 to 2019. To estimate the efficacy of hypothetical treatment policies, we utilized historical data and reinforcement learning to allow for greater flexibility when constructing new HCV treatment strategies. We tested and compared four new treatment policies: a simple stepwise policy based on Aspartate Aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI), a logistic regression based on APRI, a logistic regression on multiple longitudinal and demographic indicators that were prespecified for clinical significance, and a treatment policy based on a risk model developed for HCV infection.

Results
The risk-based hypothetical treatment policy achieved the lowest overall risk with a score of 0.016 (90% CI 0.016, 0.019) while treating the most high-risk (346.4 ± 1.4) and the fewest low-risk (361.0 ± 20.1) patients. Compared to hypothetical treatment policies that treated approximately the same number of patients (1843.7 vs. 1914.4 patients), the risk-based policy had more untreated time per patient (7968.4 vs. 7742.9 patient visits), signaling cost reduction for the healthcare system.

Conclusions
Off-policy evaluation strategies are useful to evaluate hypothetical treatment policies without implementation. If a quality risk model is available, risk-based treatment strategies can reduce overall risk and prioritize patients while reducing healthcare system costs.