bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apolipoprotein M and Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor 1 Promote the Transendothelial Transport of High-Density Lipoprotein
Authors: Velagapudi Srividya , Rohrer Lucia , Poti Francesco , Feuerborn Renate , Perisa Damir , Wang Dongdong , Panteloglou Grigorios , Potapenko Anton , Yalcinkaya Mustafa , Hülsmeier Andreas J. , Hesse Bettina , Lukasz Alexander , Liu Mingxia , Parks John S. , Christoffersen Christina , Stoffel Markus , Simoni Manuela , Nofer Jerzy-Roch , von Eckardstein Arnold
Published: August 2021

Objective:

ApoM enriches S1P (sphingosine-1-phosphate) within HDL (high-density lipoproteins) and facilitates the activation of the S1P
1
(S1P receptor type 1) by S1P, thereby preserving endothelial barrier function. Many protective functions exerted by HDL in extravascular tissues raise the question of how S1P regulates transendothelial HDL transport.

Approach and Results:

HDL were isolated from plasma of wild-type mice,
Apom
knockout mice, human apoM transgenic mice or humans and radioiodinated to trace its binding, association, and transport by bovine or human aortic endothelial cells. We also compared the transport of fluorescently-labeled HDL or Evans Blue, which labels albumin, from the tail vein into the peritoneal cavity of apoE-haploinsufficient mice with (apoE-haploinsufficient mice with endothelium-specific knockin of S1P
1
) or without (control mice, ie, apoE-haploinsufficient mice without endothelium-specific knockin of S1P
1
) endothelium-specific knockin of S1P
1
. The binding, association, and transport of HDL from
Apom
knockout mice and human apoM-depleted HDL by bovine aortic endothelial cells was significantly lower than that of HDL from wild-type mice and human apoM-containing HDL, respectively. The binding, uptake, and transport of
125
I-HDL by human aortic endothelial cells was increased by an S1P
1
agonist but decreased by an S1P
1
inhibitor. Silencing of SR-BI (scavenger receptor BI) abrogated the stimulation of
125
I-HDL transport by the S1P
1
agonist. Compared with control mice, that is, apoE-haploinsufficient mice without endothelium-specific knockin of S1P
1
, apoE-haploinsufficient mice with endothelium-specific knockin of S1P
1
showed decreased transport of Evans Blue but increased transport of HDL from blood into the peritoneal cavity and SR-BI expression in the aortal endothelium.

Conclusions:

ApoM and S1P
1
promote transendothelial HDL transport. Their opposite effect on transendothelial transport of albumin and HDL indicates that HDL passes endothelial barriers by specific mechanisms rather than passive filtration.
Transcatheter Mitral Valve Implantation: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Russo Giulio , Gennari Marco , Gavazzoni Mara , Pedicino Daniela , Pozzoli Alberto , Taramasso Maurizio , Maisano Francesco
Published: August 2021

Mitral transcatheter therapies represent the treatment of choice for all patients deemed unsuitable for cardiac surgery. So far, the largest clinical experience has been limited to percutaneous repair techniques. However, given the complexity and heterogeneity of mitral valve anatomy and pathology, transcatheter mitral valve implantation will widen the mitral valve therapies horizon, toward a patient-tailored approach. Current data about transcatheter mitral valve implantation is still limited and, although some data are promising, there are still some issues to be addressed. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the available devices and describes potential advantages and limitations of transcatheter mitral valve implantation.
La raison chez Hugues de Saint-Victor : du feuilleté des acceptions à la cohérence d’un sens, d’une pensée, d’un programme éducatif
Authors: Poirel Dominique
Published: August 2021

Three conclusions can be drawn from the study of the word ratio and its derivatives in the works of Hugh of Saint-Victor († 1141). First, the approximately 1500 occurrences present an exceptional diversity of meanings. Second, these meanings are not tightly separated from each other, but tend to tile or merge: not only are there many passages where the translator can legitimately hesitate between two or more interpretations, but the author himself plays on this malleability of significations, as if to refer his reader to an original cohesion of the meanings. Third, it is therefore possible to reconstitute a complex but unified notion of reason, underlying all the uses identified; and it is surely no coincidence that this common notion corresponds very precisely to the Victorine educational program, as Hugh defined it in his Didascalicon.
Discovery of a Pelophylax saharicus (Anura, Ranidae) population in Southern France: a new potentially invasive species of water frogs in Europe
Authors: Doniol-Valcroze Paul , Mazepa Glib , Grimal François , Sourrouille Patricia , Perrin Nicolas , Litvinchuk Spartak N. , Crochet Pierre-André
Published: August 2021

We report the discovery of a population of the exotic North African Water Frog Pelophylax saharicus around the Etang de Berre, on the Mediterranean coast of France, about 25 km north-west of Marseille. The animals had been originally identified as P. perezi or P. kl. grafi by a combination of acoustic and morphological characters and their true identity was not revealed until three samples from one locality were included in a large-scale genomic work dedicated to the genus Pelophylax. Mitochondrial barcoding of the samples from other areas around Etang de Berre did not detect any native P. perezi or P. kl. grafi and confirmed that P. saharicus has spread to several localities, does reproduce and has been present since 2011 at least. We suggest that dedicated field work is needed as soon as possible to (i) map the extant of P. saharicus’s distribution around the Etang de Berre, (ii) establish if populations of the native P. perezi – kl. grafi system still persist around the Etang de Berre or not and (iii) check if P. saharicus has spread to neighboring areas or not. Depending on the answers to these three questions, local conservationists will need to evaluate the feasibility and relevance of any action to control the spread of this new invasive species and attempt to eradicate it.
On the Veiling and Unveiling of Experience: A Comparison Between the Micro-Phenomenological Method and the Practice of Meditation
Authors: Petitmengin Claire
Published: August 2021

Both Buddhist meditation and micro-phenomenology start from the observation that our experience escapes us, we don’t see it as it is. Both offer devices that allow us to become aware of it. But, surprisingly, the two approaches offer few precise descriptions of the processes which veil experience, and of those which make it possible to dissipate these veils. This article is an attempt to put in parentheses declarative writings on the veiling and unveiling processes and their epistemological background and to collect procedural descriptions of this veiling and unveiling processes. From written and oral meditation teachings on the one hand, micro-phenomenological interviews applied to meditative experience and to themselves on the other hand, we identified four types of veiling processes which contribute to screen what is there, and ultimately to generate the naïve belief in the existence of an external reality independent of the mind: attentional, emotional, intentional and cognitive veils. The first part of the article describes these veiling processes and the processes through which they dissipate. It leads to the identification of several “gestures” conducive to this unveiling. The second part describes the devices used by meditation and by micro-phenomenology to elicit these gestures.
Global Pandemic, Translocal Medicine
Authors: Craig Sienna R. , Gurung Nawang T. , Perlin Ross , Daurio Maya , Kaufman Daniel , Turin Mark , Tseten Kunchog
Published: August 2021

This article analyzes the audio diaries of a Tibetan physician, originally from Amdo (Qinghai Province, China), now living in New York City. Dr. Kunchog Tseten describes his experiences during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, in spring and summer 2020, when Queens, New York—the location where he lives and works—was the “epicenter of the epicenter” of the novel coronavirus outbreak in the United States. The collaborative research project of which this diary is a part combines innovative methodological approaches to qualitative, ethnographic study during this era of social distancing with an attunement to the relationship between language, culture, and health care. Dr. Kunchog’s diary and our analysis of its contents illustrate the ways that Tibetan medicine and Tibetan cultural practices, including those emergent from Buddhism, have helped members of the Himalayan and Tibetan communities in New York City navigate this unprecedented moment with care and compassion.
Tibetan Medical Paradigms for the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
Authors: Tidwell Tawni , Gyamtso Khenrab
Published: August 2021

As prophesized in early Tibetan medical works, the emergence of a pathogen such as SARS-CoV-2 that could inflict such a virulent infectious disease such as COVID-19 provided conditions for an expected yet alarming new phenomenon to threaten the health of inhabitants on the Tibetan Plateau. As SARS-CoV-2 spread into a global pandemic, Tibetan physicians worldwide engaged in symposiums, conferences, and clinical exchanges to situate the virus and its disease within Tibetan medical nosology. They sought to reconcile prophesies of global impact and develop critical treatment protocols for their communities. This article presents this particular perspective on COVID-19 as discussed among Tibetan medical colleagues in early April 2020, with follow-up discussions a year later. It introduces the disease’s nosology as a specific type of virulent infection (gnyan rims), and describes the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment as explicated in the Tibetan classic Four Medical Treatises and related commentaries. As Tibetan physicians gain attention for their treatments of mild- and medium-severity COVID-19 cases, understanding the Tibetan medical paradigm for the condition highlights distinctions of therapeutic and investigative relevance compared to biomedical and other traditional Asian medical approaches.
Foreign Direct Investment Screening and National Security: Reducing Regulatory Hurdles to Investors Through Induced Reciprocity
Authors: Bian Cheng
Published: August 2021

An increasing number of States has adopted new or revised existing laws that establish foreign direct investment (FDI) screening mechanisms on grounds of national security. Comparing FDI screening in Germany and China as a case study, this article identifies three regulatory hurdles to investors related to such mechanisms, namely unpredictability, procedural uncertainty, and the lack of transparency in practice. Adopting the theory of induced reciprocity, this article argues that these regulatory hurdles could be reduced if symmetry constraint on national FDI screening schemes can be established between sovereign States in an international agreement. To achieve induced reciprocity between the European Union and China regarding FDI screening on grounds of national security, the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment could incorporate certain fundamental principles and regulatory objectives of EU Regulation 2019/452 Establishing a Framework for the Screening of Foreign Direct Investments into the Union as a starting point and a way forward.
Old Japanese Post-Nasal Non-Back Close Vowels in a Comparative Perspective
Authors: Jarosz Aleksandra
Published: August 2021

In this paper I will be comparing Old Japanese non-back close vowels /i/ (i1 or kō-rui) and /ɨ/ (i2 or otsu-rui) in a post-nasal position with their North and South Ryukyuan cognates in order to propose Proto-Japonic reconstructions of Old Japanese [+ nasal] [+ high, -back] sequences. The paper establishes and analyzes six correspondence sets, each representing a different Proto-Japonic sequence: *mi, *muj, *me, *ni, *noj, *nuj, and briefly discusses a couple of yet different relevant Proto-Japonic reconstructions.

The study is concluded with a proposal of relative chronology of the discussed changes from Proto-Japonic to Proto-Ryukyuan. A reconstruction of Proto-Ryukyuan *ɨ, a sixth segment added to Thorpe’s 1983 classical five-vowel set, is argued for as a necessary development of post-nasal *oj and *uj. This is interpreted within the context of chain-shifting processes dating to Proto-Japonic as an important catalyst of mid-vowel raising in Proto-Ryukyuan.
Taxonomic problems with Gynaikothrips and related genera (Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripinae): the ficorum/uzeli complex and taxa endemic to Australia
Authors: MOUND LAURENCE A. , TREE DESLEY J.
Published: August 2021

Ten species from Australia in or related to the genus Gynaikothrips are discussed. Variation among specimens of the pest species on Ficus trees, the ficorum/uzeli complex, is examined with the conclusion that recognition of these two species remains questionable. Two species related to this complex are newly recorded from Australia, insulsus Priesner and luzonensis Priesner, and edentatus Priesner is placed as a syn.n. of ficorum. Two new Gynaikothrips are described, jasmini sp.n. and platypodae sp.n., and additamentus Karny is transferred from Gynaikothrips to Eilapinothrips gen.n. A new species of Agynaikothrips is described as the third known member of this genus, lorieni sp.n., and Liothrips umbratus Hood comb.rev. is returned to this original genus from Gynaikothrips. Two species described in Gynaikothrips from the Philippines, capitulatus Reyes and pedanus Reyes, are transferred to the genus Teuchothrips. The monobasic genus, Aiganothrips Bhatti, is considered a syn.n. of Gynaikothrips, and the monobasic genus, Jennythrips Bhatti, is considered a syn.n. of Liothrips.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Rainfall in South China from 1967 to 2018
Authors: Lu Xiaoxiong , Li Qinglan , Zhao Wei , Xiao Aiguo , Li Guangxin , Yu Zifeng
Published: August 2021

Based on daily meteorological observation data in South China (SC) from 1967 to 2018, the spatiotemporal characteristics of the precipitation in SC over the past 52 years were studied. Only 8% of the stations showed a significant increase in annual rainfall, and there was no significant negative trend at any weather stations at a confidence level of 90%. Monthly rainfall showed the most significant decreasing and increasing trends in April and November, respectively. During the entire flooding season from April to September, the monthly rainfall at the weather stations in the coastal areas showed almost no significant change. The annual rainfall gradually decreased toward the inland area with the central and coastal areas of Guangdong Province as the high-value rainfall center. By using the empirical orthogonal function decomposition method, it was found that the two main monthly rainfall modes had strong annual signals. The first modal spatial distribution was basically consistent with the average annual rainfall distribution. Based on the environmental background analysis, it was found that during the flooding season, the main water vapor to SC was transported by the East Asian summer monsoon and the Indian summer monsoon. In late autumn and winter, the prevailing wind from northeastern China could not bring much water vapor to SC and led to little precipitation in these two seasons. The spatial distribution of precipitation in SC during summer was more consistent with the moisture flux divergence distribution of the bottom layer from 925 hPa to 1000 hPa, rather than the layer from 700 hPa to 1000 hPa.
Origins of a Relatively Tight Lower Bound on Anthropogenic Aerosol Radiative Forcing from Bayesian Analysis of Historical Observations
Authors: Albright Anna Lea , Proistosescu Cristian , Huybers Peter
Published: August 2021

A variety of empirical estimates have been published for the lower bounds on aerosol radiative forcing, clustered around −1.0 or −2.0 W m−2. The reasons for obtaining such different constraints are not well understood. In this study, we explore bounds on aerosol radiative forcing using a Bayesian model of aerosol forcing and Earth’s multi-time-scale temperature response to radiative forcing. We first demonstrate the ability of a simple aerosol model to emulate aerosol radiative forcing simulated by 10 general circulation models. A joint inference of climate sensitivity and effective aerosol forcing from historical surface temperatures is then made over 1850–2019. We obtain a maximum likelihood estimate of aerosol radiative forcing of −0.85 W m−2 (5%–95% credible interval from −1.3 to −0.50 W m−2) for 2010–19 relative to 1750 and an equilibrium climate sensitivity of 3.4°C (5%–95% credible interval from 1.8° to 6.1°C). The wide range of climate sensitivity reflects difficulty in empirically constraining long-term responses using historical temperatures, as noted elsewhere. A relatively tight bound on aerosol forcing is nonetheless obtained from the structure of temperature and aerosol precursor emissions and, particularly, from the rapid growth in emissions between 1950 and 1980. Obtaining a 5th percentile lower bound on aerosol forcing around −2.0 W m−2 requires prescribing internal climate variance that is a factor of 5 larger than the CMIP6 mean and assuming large, correlated errors in global temperature observations. Ocean heat uptake observations may further constrain aerosol radiative forcing but require a better understanding of the relationship between time-variable radiative feedbacks and radiative forcing.
Thorpe Turbulence Scaling in Nighttime Convective Surface Layers in the North Indian Ocean
Authors: Kumar B. Praveen , D’Asaro Eric , Sureshkumar N. , Rama Rao E. Pattabhi , Ravichandran M.
Published: August 2021

We use profiles from a Lagrangian float in the north Indian Ocean to explore the usefulness of Thorpe analysis methods to measure vertical scales and dissipation rates in the ocean surface boundary layer. An rms Thorpe length scale LT and an energy dissipation rate εT were computed by resorting the measured density profiles. These are compared to the mixed layer depth (MLD) computed with different density thresholds, the Monin–Obukhov (MO) length LMO computed from the ERA5 reanalysis values of wind stress, and buoyancy flux B0 and dissipation rates ε from historical microstructure data. The Thorpe length scale LT is found to accurately match MLD for small (<0.005 kg m−3) density thresholds, but not for larger thresholds, because these do not detect the warm diurnal layers. We use ξ = LT/|LMO| to classify the boundary layer turbulence during nighttime convection. In our data, 90% of points from the Bay of Bengal (Arabian Sea) satisfy ξ < 1 (1 < ξ <10), indicating that wind forcing is (both wind forcing and convection are) driving the turbulence. Over the measured range of ξ, εT decreases with decreasing ξ, i.e., more wind forcing, while ε increases, clearly showing that ε/εT decreases with increasing ξ. This is explained by a new scaling for ξ ≪ 1, εT = 1.15B0ξ0.5 compared to the historical scaling ε = 0.64B0 + 1.76ξ−1. For ξ ≪ 1 we expect ε = εT. Similar calculations may be possible using routine Argo float and ship data, allowing more detailed global measurements of εT, thereby providing large-scale tests of turbulence scaling in boundary layers.
Khaps in Haryana, Gender and Honour: A Field Study
Authors: Devi Nirmala , Parihar Aditya
Published: August 2021

In the past, harmonious relations existed between villages and neighbouring localities largely because of the regulatory function of khaps, a community organisation representing a clan or a group of related clans, found mostly in northern India, especially in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The members of these khaps have always wielded enormous economic, social and political power. Made up of comparatively rich and elderly men, their orthodox views have found place in their regressive diktats. Day-to-day issues and problems are referred to these elected bodies which give their rulings. The present study looks at why progressive and modern ideologies are still being successfully resisted by such communities despite an effort being made in this direction. The study also explores elements of continuity and change seen within khaps. Based on extensive fieldwork, which includes in-depth interviews, along with Focussed Group Discussions conducted in 20 villages in the so-called khap belt of Haryana, the article seeks to understand the mindset of the members of khaps and the society they represent and how patriarchal thinking is still accepted and considered relevant in twenty-first century India.
Transformational Leadership and Project Success: A Mediating Role of Public Service Motivation
Authors: Fareed Muhammad Zeeshan , Su Qin
Published: August 2021

Previous studies have linked public-sector employees’ motivation to desired results such as higher performance and improved quality of public services. However, questions about the impact of employee motivation on public projects have received less attention. This article uses work motivation theory to explore the fundamental processes by which transformational leadership (TL) and public service motivation (PSM) engender public project success (PS). Analysis of 296 public servants’ data working on Pakistan public projects showed a positive correlation between TL, PSM, and PS. It also showed that PSM partially mediates the relationship between TL and PS.
Comparison of current state of control valve stiction detection and quantification techniques
Authors: Akavalappil Vijoy , Radhakrishnan T. K.
Published: August 2021

The process control and automation system is one of the significant features in any process plant. The control valve is considered a fundamental part of the process control system. It regulates the fluid flow by changing the size of the flow passage as directed by the controller. If properly maintained, the control valves can help to reduce process variability and improve product quality, which in turn increases the overall efficiency of the plant. But control valve stiction is an enduring concern within process industries which eventually affects the efficiency of plant operation. Hence, it is extremely essential to detect and quantify stiction at the earliest opportunity, to determine the correct maintenance measures. Numerous methods related to stiction detection and estimation have been carried out so far by researchers. A literature study of the latest publications in stiction detection and quantification discloses that research in the conventional methods of stiction detection and quantification such as limit cycle pattern-based, waveform shape-based, nonlinearity-based, and model-based methods is gradually declining. At the same time, most stiction detection/quantification methods reported in the recent literature are based on artificial neural network and convolutional neural network. This implies that future stiction detection and quantification research will be focused towards machine learning (ML) algorithms. Taking this into consideration, this paper aims to provide a literature review of stiction detection and quantification methods by focusing on the latest research ideas and innovative approaches. This review also aims to compare recent techniques based on ML algorithms with conventional methods by pointing out the relationship among different methods, differences, and possible points of weakness.
Scientific information literacy, attitude and persuasiveness in decision making among Nigerian university students
Authors: Opesade Adeola O. , Tiamiyu Mutawakilu A.
Published: August 2021

Acceptance and and use of scientific findings have been reported to face challenges that are attributable to inadequacies of science and/or society’s inadequate scientific literacy and attitude. In view of the dearth of studies on these issues in Nigeria, this study explored the levels and variations in the scientific literacy, attitude to science, and persuasiveness of scientific compared to cultural knowledge in some personal decision making contexts of postgraduate students in a Nigerian university. The study collected data through a designed and validated questionnaire administered on 315 postgraduate students in the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Findings among others are that attitude to science was very highly positive, religious information had slightly stronger persuasiveness in decision making for the students than scientific information, and much more than cultural information. Knowledge of scientific methodology, and critical thinking behavior have positive influence on students’ persuasiveness of science while cultural belief has negative predictive influence on their persuasiveness of science. The study concludes, amongst others, that students’ attitude to science and their persuasiveness of science can be influenced by their levels of knowledge of science methodology and cultural belief, though in an opposing manner. This implies that publics’ understandanding of the persuasiveness of science could be improved by variations in their levels of knowledge of science methodology and cultural belief, amongst other variables. The study therefore, recommends that scientists should begin to communicate science methods to the public through public-friendly and informal means while also subjecting some of the cultural beliefs to scientific tests and communicating their outcomes to the public.
The role of music-induced emotions on recognition memory of filmed events
Authors: Damjanovic Ljubica , Kawalec Agata
Published: August 2021

The present study investigated the effects of pairing a comedic movie trailer with emotive music on subsequent recognition memory of the events depicted in the trailer. In an independent groups design, the comedic trailer was paired with happy music (congruent condition) or sad music (incongruent condition). A no music condition served as the control condition. The results showed that participants in the incongruent condition displayed a recognition memory advantage for visual test items over participants in the congruent and control conditions. While changes in self-reported positive and negative affect did not correlate significantly with recognition memory, the perception of emotion-specific categories did. These findings help to establish an empirical basis of ironic contrast techniques and propose an affective component in the integration and representation of audiovisual action that is likely to emerge where a participant perceives or recognizes expressed emotions in music, without necessarily feeling an overall positive or negative affect.
The company is here to do goodness to us: Imaginaries of development, whiteness, and patronage in Sierra Leone's agribusiness investment deals
Authors: Bakker Jules , Ryan Caitlin
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we consider how references to ‘development’ are deployed to convince communities to lease their land to agribusiness investors in Sierra Leone. We argue that promises of development made by companies resonate with the aspirations for development that communities already have. The already existing ‘imaginaries’ of development, actual conditions of economic hardship and the material relations of power bound up in who does the ‘asking’ for land mean that communities need little convincing to give their land. Imaginaries of development are effective not only because of the promises of development themselves, but also because of how these imaginaries function through the role of coloniality – and ‘whiteness’ in particular. Analyses that focus only on the coercive power of elites in making land deals miss the degree to which companies’ promises of development fit into already existing imaginaries of a more prosperous future.
Thermal delamination of end-of-life crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules
Authors: Dobra Tudor , Vollprecht Daniel , Pomberger Roland
Published: August 2021

Thermal delamination – meaning the removal of polymers from the module structure by a thermal process – as a first step in the recycling of crystalline silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic (PV) modules in order to enable the subsequent recovery of secondary raw materials was investigated. A correlation between treatment temperature and duration was established by an iterative process. Furthermore, chemical characterization of the resulting solid outputs (glass, cell, ribbons and residues) was performed in order to assess their further processing options. Additionally, the effect of removing the backsheet as a pre-treatment before the actual delamination process was investigated in relation to the aforementioned aspects of treatment duration and output quality. Results show that increased temperatures reduce the necessary treatment duration (65 minutes at 500°C, 33 minutes at 600°C) while generating the same output quality. The backsheet removal leads to an additional duration decrease of more than 45% at each considered temperature, while also having positive effects relating to fewer solid residues and easier flue gas handling. In regard to the main output specifications no significant influence of the pre-treatment is observed. Overall thermal delamination can be seen as a feasible method in order to obtain high value secondary raw materials from c-Si PV modules, while backsheet removal as pre-treatment should be considered as advantageous from multiple standpoints.
Effect of casing purge flow on heat transfer and cooling performance of blade squealer tip for a gas turbine stage
Authors: Jiang Shijie , Li Zhigang , Li Jun
Published: August 2021

The first stage of GE-E3 turbine is employed to investigate effect of casing purge flow upstream rotor blade tip. Three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations and standard k-ω model are solved to obtain tip heat transfer simulations. The results reveal that: heat transfer coefficient of blade tip surface can be significantly reduced when casing purge flow is set. Tip averaged heat transfer coefficient of cases with and without swirly velocity casing purge flow decrease 3.5% and 3.4% compared with the case without casing purge flow. Compared with case which blowing ratio equals to 0.5, it can be found that averaged tip heat transfer coefficient of cases which blowing ratio equals to 1.0 and 1.5 decrease 2.3% and 1.8%, respectively. Setting blowing ratio as 1.0 can best cool tip surface without wasting cold air resources. Increasing rotating speed can induce cold air entering tip trailing region and improve local cooling effect. Flow structure inside the tip clearance are also revealed and discussed.
A National Survey of Social Workers Focusing on Attitudes, Knowledge, and Practice Behaviors for Educating Patients About Advance Directives: Implication During COVID19
Authors: Nedjat-Haiem Frances R. , Cadet Tamara J. , Parada Humberto , Mishra Shiraz I. , Bullock Karen
Published: August 2021

Social workers have a critical role on medical teams for facilitating effective conversations about advance care planning (ACP) in palliative and end-of-life care. Engaging patients in such conversations may be influenced by clinicians’ attitudes. During the COVID19 pandemic, the need to examine barriers to serious illness care across healthcare settings and areas of specialty practice became abundantly clear. This study examines: (1) social workers’ attitudes about ACP and (2) factors that influence the completion of advance directives (ADs). Using a cross-sectional study design, we surveyed 142 social workers on their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to ADs. Using exploratory factor analyses, we identified 2 provider practice attitudes factors, 3 perceived barriers factors, and 2 perceived importance of AD factors. We then used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each of the factors in association with the frequency social workers reported educating patients about ADs. While various positive and negative attitudes and barriers toward educating patients are important factors to consider, social workers’ perceptions of the importance of engaging patients in ACP education was the most important factor that influenced their behaviors. The odds of always/often (vs. sometimes/rarely/never) educating patients about ADs in their practice were greater for those social workers who reported they see the importance of AD decision-making (OR = 3.21, 95%CI = 1.83-5.62) and confirming goals-of-care (OR = 1.76, 95%CI = 1.03-3.01). Social worker’s ACP knowledge and skills for educating patients are important in initiating conversations prior to a health crisis, especially important for developing a comprehensive care plan.
Safety Assessment of Citrus Fruit-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Burnett Christina L. , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Gill Lillian J. , Heldreth Bart
Published: August 2021

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of 80 Citrus fruit-derived ingredients, which are most frequently reported to function in cosmetics as fragrances and/or skin-conditioning agents. The Panel reviewed the available data to determine the safety of these ingredients. Because final product formulations may contain multiple botanicals, each containing similar constituents of concern, formulators are advised to be aware of these constituents and to avoid reaching levels that may be hazardous to consumers. Industry should use good manufacturing practices to limit impurities that could be present in botanical ingredients. The Panel concluded that these ingredients are safe for use in both rinse-off and leave-on cosmetic products when formulated to be non-sensitizing and non-irritating, provided that leave-on products do not contain more than 0.0015% (15 ppm) 5-methoxypsoralen (5-MOP).
Transforming embodied experiences of academic conferences through creative practice: Participating in an instant choir at the nordic geographers’ meeting in 2019
Authors: Parks Jude , Cassidy Kathryn , Currie Ruth , Doughty Karolina , Clark George E , Gombay Nicole , Duffy Michelle , Barry Kaya , Ryan Anne Wally
Published: August 2021

This paper stems from cross-disciplinary dialogue and collaboration between community music and human geography which sought to interrogate and understand claims of social sustainability and social change often cited in evaluation reports of community music projects. The lead authors (Parks and Cassidy) took this dialogue forward by organising a geography conference session which incorporated an instant choir workshop to test how we might ‘do’ social sustainability through practice. Drawing upon ideas from both disciplines, the paper synthesises the reflections of nine participants in the session to explore the capacity of creative, embodied, geographical practice to transform hegemonic experiences of academic conferences, and to create a sustainable and inclusive community of practice.
Recent insights into atherosclerotic plaque cell autophagy
Authors: Ni Dan , Mo Zhongcheng , Yi Guanghui
Published: August 2021

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease and stroke, caused by atherosclerosis have become the “number one killer”, seriously endangering human health in developing and developed countries. Atherosclerosis mainly occurs in large and medium-sized arteries and involves intimal thickening, accumulation of foam cells, and formation of atheromatous plaques. Autophagy is a cellular catabolic process that has evolved to defend cells from the turnover of intracellular molecules. Autophagy is thought to play an important role in the development of plaques. This review focuses on studies on autophagy in cells involved in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, such as monocytes, macrophages, endothelial cells, dendritic cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells, indicating that autophagy plays an important role in plaque development. We mainly discuss the roles of autophagy in these cells in maintaining the stability of atherosclerotic plaques, providing a reference for the next steps to unravel the mechanisms of atherogenesis.
Effectiveness evaluation of aerial reconnaissance in battalion force protection operation using the constructive simulation
Authors: Drozd Jan , Rak Luděk , Zahradníček Pavel , Stodola Petr , Hodický Jan
Published: August 2021

The paper sets out the results of an experiment carried out using MASA SWORD simulator to verify the use of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) reconnaissance model during battalion force protection activities. The authors focus particularly on the first phase of the battle—enemy approaching and early reconnaissance. The reconnaissance was planned using the UAV reconnaissance model which is part of the Tactical Decision Support System (TDSS). The aim of the experiment is to verify the possibilities of using the UAV reconnaissance model for battalion-size unit force protection and to compare this model with ordinarily used tactical procedures. The experiment proves the hypothesis defined in the introduction and quantifies some defined variables. Based on the result of the experiment, it is possible to state that UAV reconnaissance has significant impact on the effectiveness of the military mission. Moreover, the simulation environment opens a wide range of possibilities for future research including multiple simulations of the scenario, comparison of achieved results in dependence on the set conditions and variable settings, tailoring tactics for the scenario at hand, and so on.
Blockade of BK channels attenuates chronic visceral hypersensitivity in an IBS-like rat model
Authors: Fan F , Chen Y , Chen Z , Guan L , Ye Z , Tang Y , Chen A , Lin C
Published: August 2021

Background

Visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is still poorly understood, despite that chronic abdominal pain is the most common symptoms in IBS patients. To study effects of BK channels on visceral hypersensitivity in IBS rats and the underlying mechanisms, IBS rats were established by colorectal distention (CRD) in postnatal rats. The expression of large-conductance calcium and voltage-dependent potassium ion channels (BK channels) of the thoracolumbar spinal cord was examined in IBS and control rats. The effects of BK channel blockade on visceral hypersensitivity were evaluated. The interaction of BK channels and N-methyl-D-aspartate acid (NMDA) receptors was explored, and synaptic transmission at superficial dorsal horn (SDH) neurons of the thoracolumbar spinal cord was recorded by whole-cell patch clamp in IBS rats.

Results

The expression of the BK channels of the thoracolumbar spinal cord in IBS rats was significantly reduced. The blockade of BK channels could reduce the visceral hypersensitivity in IBS rats. There was an interaction between BK channels and NMDA receptors in the spinal cord. The frequency of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) in SDH neurons is significantly reduced in IBS rats. The blockade of BK channels depolarizes the inhibitory interneuron membrane and increases their excitability in IBS rats.

Conclusions

BK channels could interact with NMDA receptors in the thoracolumbar spinal cord of rats and regulate visceral hypersensitivity in IBS rats.
Time to blood, respiratory and urine culture positivity in the intensive care unit: Implications for de-escalation
Authors: Sellers Lindsey A , Fitton Kathryn M , Segovia Margaret F , Forehand Christy C , Dobbin Kevin K , Newsome Andrea Sikora
Published: August 2021

Objectives:

Concern for late detection of bacterial pathogens is a barrier to early de-escalation efforts. The purpose of this study was to assess blood, respiratory and urine culture results at 72 h to test the hypothesis that early negative culture results have a clinically meaningful negative predictive value.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed all patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit between March 2012 and July 2018 with blood cultures obtained. Blood, respiratory and urine culture results were assessed for time to positivity, defined as the time between culture collection and preliminary species identification. The primary outcome was the negative predictive value of negative blood culture results at 72 h. Secondary outcomes included sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of blood, respiratory and urine culture results.

Results:

The analysis included 1567 blood, 514 respiratory and 1059 urine cultures. Of the blood, respiratory and urine cultures ultimately positive, 90.3%, 76.2% and 90.4% were positive at 72 h. The negative predictive value of negative 72-h blood, respiratory and urine cultures were 0.99, 0.82 and 0.97, respectively. Antibiotic de-escalation had good specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for finalized negative cultures.

Conclusion:

Negative blood and urine culture results at 72 h had a high negative predictive value. These findings have important ramifications for antimicrobial stewardship efforts and support protocolized re-evaluation of empiric antibiotic therapy at 72 h. Caution should be used in patients with clinically suspected pneumonia, since negative respiratory culture results at 72 h were weakly predictive of finalized negative cultures.
An uncommon cause of soft tissue and knee infection after penetrating injury in a non-immunocompromised adolescent male
Authors: Bryant Travis , Ellenwood Savannah , Butters Olivia , Saccoccio Frances M
Published: August 2021

Non-cholerae Vibrio species and Shewanella species are organisms that rarely infect humans. Symptoms can range from gastroenteritis to wound infections to septicemia. In addition, these infections can lead to multiple poor outcomes ranging from amputations to death. We present a case of an 11-year-old male with prepatellar bursitis of the right knee due to Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Shewanella algae following an open wound in the Gulf of Mexico complicated by retained oyster shell fragments. He completely recovered after removal of the foreign bodies and organism-directed antimicrobial therapy with ciprofloxacin and doxycycline.
Did exposure to COVID-19 affect vote choice in the 2020 presidential election?
Authors: Mendoza Aviña Marco , Sevi Semra
Published: August 2021

An important body of literature shows that citizens evaluate elected officials based on their past performance. In the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, the conventional wisdom in both media and academic discourse was that Donald Trump would have been a two-term president absent an unprecedented, global force majeure. In this research note, we address a simple question: did exposure to COVID-19 impact vote choice in the 2020 presidential election? Using data from the Cooperative Election Study, we find that Trump’s vote share decreased because of COVID-19. However, there is no evidence suggesting that Joe Biden loses the election when no voter reports exposure to coronavirus cases and deaths. These negligible effects are found at both the national and state levels, and are robust to an exhaustive set of confounders across model specifications.
Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding Al Alloy to Copper via Pure Metallurgical Joining Mechanism
Authors: Shen Zhikang , Ding Yuquan , Guo Wei , Hou Wentao , Liu Xiaochao , Chen Haiyan , Liu Fenjun , Li Wenya , Gerlich Adrian
Published: August 2021

The current investigation of refill friction stir spot welding (refill FSSW) Al alloy to copper primarily involved plunging the tool into bottom copper sheet to achieve both metallurgical and mechanical interfacial bonding. Compared to conventional FSSW and pinless FSSW, weld strength can be significantly improved by using this method. Nevertheless, tool wear is a critical issue during refill FSSW. In this study, defect-free Al/copper dissimilar welds were successfully fabricated using refill FSSW by only plunging the tool into top Al alloy sheet. Overall, two types of continuous and ultra-thin intermetallic compounds (IMCs) layers were identified at the whole Al/copper interface. Also, strong evidence of melting and resolidification was observed in the localized region. The peak temperature obtained at the center of Al/copper interface was 591 °C, and the heating rate reached up to 916 °C/s during the sleeve penetration phase. A softened weld region was produced via refill FSSW process, the hardness profile exhibited a W-shaped appearance along middle thickness of top Al alloy. The weld lap shear load was insensitive to the welding condition, whose scatter was rather small. The fracture path exclusively propagated along the IMCs layer of Cu9Al4 under the external lap shear loadings, both CuAl2 and Cu9Al4 were detected on the fractured surface on the copper side. This research indicated that acceptable weld strength can be achieved via pure metallurgical joining mechanism, which has significant potential for the industrial applications.
Neurodevelopmental profiles of preschool-age children in Flint, Michigan: a latent profile analysis
Authors: Zheng Shuting , Bishop Somer L. , Ceja Tiffany , Hanna-Attisha Mona , LeWinn Kaja
Published: August 2021

Objective

Children in Flint, Michigan, have experienced myriad sociodemographic adversities exacerbated by the Flint water crisis. To help inform child-focused prevention and intervention efforts, we aimed to describe patterns of neurodevelopmental outcomes among preschoolers who experienced the Flint water crisis before age 2 years.

Method

Participants were 170 preschoolers who completed a comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment battery, including directly administered measures of cognitive and executive functioning and maternal-report of adaptive skills and behavioral problems. We used latent profile analysis to derive subgroups. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression was conducted to examine the predictors of profile memberships, including child sex and maternal/family-level factors selected from an array of measured exposures using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression.

Results

Three latent profiles were identified: Profile 1—relative weakness in all domains (50%); Profile 2—normative functioning in all domains (34.1%); and Profile 3—relative strengths in executive function and behavior (15.9%). Profile 1 showed lower scores across cognitive and behavioral domains. Profile 2 demonstrated abilities within the normal range across domains. Profile 3 showed relative strength in executive functioning with few behavior problems, despite lower cognitive performance. Children across all profiles showed adaptive behavior in the adequate range. Child sex and maternal IQ were significant predictors of profile membership.

Conclusions

Children in Flint demonstrated diverse patterns of development in the face of sociodemographic and environmental adversities. Comprehensive screening and neurodevelopmental profiling of children in this at-risk population are needed to identify areas of needs and inform appropriate service delivery.