bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Covering and shading by neighbouring plants diminish pollinator visits to and reproductive success of a forest edge specialist dwarf species
Authors: Ushimaru A. , Rin I. , Katsuhara K. R.
Published: April 2021

The pollination and reproductive success of flowering plants can be negatively influenced in various ways by neighbouring heterospecific plants, such as resource competition and reproductive interference. We hypothesized that covering together with shading by neighbouring plants may reduce pollinator visits to and reproductive success of plants by reducing floral attractiveness and pollinator activity and by interrupting flower access, respectively.

To test this hypothesis, we examined whether shaded and covered flowers suffered from pollinator limitation and low reproductive success in a population of the dwarf herb Lithospermum zollingeri, which co‐exists with woody and herbaceous plants in anthropogenically maintained forest edge meadows. Here, shaded and covered flowers were defined as those beneath the shade of the woods and those whose front portion was covered by any vegetative part of neighbouring plants, respectively.

The shaded and covered flowers were visited by significantly fewer pollinators than sunlit and open flowers in the field. However, three major pollinator species responded differently to shading and covering. Significant pollen limitation reduced seed set in covered flowers, and shaded flowers produced fewer seeds. Pollen removal from the anthers was not influenced by shading or covering.

Our study demonstrates the negative effects of covering on pollinator visits and seed production. It also elucidates the negative effects of shading on reproductive success in L. zollingeri, which depends on managed semi‐natural conditions. Land management abandonment, which has increased shaded and covered conditions in artificial forest edge meadows and open forest floors, might promote a rapid reduction in the populations of such dwarf plants.
Factors influencing length of hospital stay in an acute psychogeriatric unit
Authors: Koskas Pierre , Bourdonnec Lauriane , Kohler Samuel , Romdhani Mouna , Drunat Olivier
Published: April 2021

Background

Dementia patients represent a significant volume of hospital admissions and impose a high cost on the health system. There is a significantly higher length of hospital stay (LOHS) for elderly demented patients.

Methods

This study was carried out in an acute psychogeriatric unit specialising in behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia. Socio‐demographic, cognitive and nutritional variables were taken into account. We first compared the patients returning home (group 1) after hospital discharge with those transferred to the rehabilitation psychogeriatric unit (group 2). We secondarily explored the correlation of LOHS with the variables described above for the two groups.

Results

We retained 92 patients (of 375 admitted) for our study, mean age 83.9 ± 6.6, Mini‐Mental State Examination 12.8 ± 9.6, initial weight 61.7 ± 13.2 kg and body mass index 24.8 ± 4.7. We noticed significant differences in cognitive status but not in nutritional variables or in socio‐demographic characteristics between the two groups. Only weight in nutritional variables was significantly associated with LOHS in the acute psychogeriatric unit.

Conclusions

Our main finding underlined the key role of cognitive factors in patient discharge home. And only initial weigh seems have an influence in LOHS instead of cognitive status or socio‐demographic characteristics.
Sexual orientation as a social determinant of suicidal ideation: A study of the adult life span
Authors: Stinchcombe Arne , Hammond Nicole G.
Published: April 2021

Objective

Rates of suicide attempts are highest among younger ages and women, and especially elevated among sexual minorities (lesbian, gay, and bisexual [LGB] people). We examined the prevalence of lifetime suicide ideation among sexual minorities and sought to determine whether this relationship depended on age and gender.

Method

Using data from the Annual Component of the 2015–2016 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), participants were asked whether they had seriously contemplated suicide (lifetime suicidal ideation: yes/no). In adjusted multiple logistic regression analyses, we entered a sexual orientation by gender and age (three‐way) interaction.

Results

There was evidence of an interaction between sexual orientation, gender, and age on lifetime suicidal ideation (Wald χ2: p = 0.009); the strength of the relationship between sexual orientation and suicidal ideation varied by gender and age. Lesbian/gay and bisexual respondents of both genders were more likely to report suicidal ideation across the life span, when compared to heterosexuals. This finding was strongest for bisexual respondents.

Conclusion

The results highlight the relevance of sexual orientation as a social determinant of lifetime suicidal ideation. Suicide prevention and surveillance efforts should take into consideration that sexual minorities, especially bisexual persons, disproportionately consider harming themselves when compared to the heterosexual population.
Comparing the self‐perceived effects of a facial anti‐aging product to those automatically detected from selfie images of Chinese women of different ages and cities
Authors: Flament Frederic , Maudet Aurelie , Ye Chengda , Zhang Yuze , Jiang Ruowei , Dubosc Sarah , Even Maxime , Tournery Sylvia , Abric Aurelie , De Boni Maxime , Delaunay Caroline , Aarabi Parham
Published: April 2021

Objective

To assess the agreement, after 1‐month application of a popular and efficient anti‐aging product, between self‐perceived facial signs of aging and those detected and graded by an automatic A.I‐based system, using smartphones’ selfie images.

Material and Methods

Of 1065 Chinese women, aged 18‐60 years, from eight different Chinese cities were recruited. They were asked to apply daily, for 1 month, a referential anti‐aging product onto their whole face. Selfie images were taken by all subjects at D0 and D28 and sent to our facilities for being analyzed through 10 different facial signs. At D28, all subjects were asked to fill a questionnaire on the status of their faces, through six general statements.

Results

A global agreement between both approaches is reached, particularly among women older than 40 years where the severity of facial signs is already more pronounced or among younger women who present at least facial signs scored above one grading units. This limit becomes, therefore, a prerequisite in the recruitment of Chinese subjects in the case of anti‐aging applied studies and possible automatically based on automatic grading system. When respecting such conditions, the positive effects of the product on most facial signs can be demonstrated after 28 days of successive applications.

Conclusion

Such methodological approach paves the road in fulfilling the need of consumers of a better transparency in the claims of an anti‐aging product.
Numerical analysis of the strain distribution in skin domes formed upon the application of hypobaric pressure
Authors: Sebastia‐Saez Daniel , Benaouda Faiza , Lim Chui Hua , Lian Guoping , Jones Stuart , Chen Tao , Cui Liang
Published: April 2021

Background

Suction cups are widely used in applications such as in measurement of mechanical properties of skin in vivo, in drug delivery devices or in acupuncture treatment. Understanding mechanical response of skin under hypobaric pressure is of great importance for users of suction cups. The aim of this work is to predict the hypobaric pressure induced 3D stretching of the skin.

Methods

Experimental skin tensile tests were carried out for mechanical property characterization. Both linear elasticity and hyperelasticity parameters were determined and implemented in Finite Element modelling. Skin suction tests were performed in both experiments and FEM simulations for model validation. 3D skin stretching is then visualized in detail in FEM simulations.

Results

The simulations showed that the skin was compressed consistently along the thickness direction, leading to reduced thickness. At the center of the dome, the radial and angular strain decreases from the top surface to the bottom surface, although always in tension. Hyperelasticity modelling showed superiority over linear elasticity modelling while predicting the strain distribution because the stretch ratio reaches values exceeding the initial linear elastic stage of the stress‐strain curve for skin.

Conclusion

Hyperelasticity modelling is an effective approach to predict the 3D strain distribution, which paves a way to accurately design safe commercial products that interface with the skin.
Input-specific regulation of glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the medial prefrontal cortex by mGlu
2
/mGlu
4
receptor heterodimers
Authors: Xiang Zixiu , Lv Xiaohui , Lin Xin , O’Brien Daniel E. , Altman Molly K. , Lindsley Craig W. , Javitch Jonathan A. , Niswender Colleen M. , Conn P. Jeffrey
Published: April 2021

A specific metabotropic glutamate receptor heterodimer selectively regulates thalamic input to the prefrontal cortex.
Gene Expression of Protease Inhibitors in Tomato Plants with Invasion by Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita and Modulation of Their Activity with Salicylic and Jasmonic Acids
Authors: Zinovieva S. V. , Udalova Zh. V. , Seiml-Buchinger V. V. , Khasanov F. K.
Published: April 2021

Abstract—

The expression of the genes encoding the inhibitors of serine (ISP) and cysteine ​​proteinases (ICP) was studied in the roots of tomato plants resistant and susceptible to the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita during infection and under the effects of signaling molecules: salicylic (SA) and jasmonic (JA) acids. It was shown that, upon infection, resistant plants are characterized by an increased accumulation of transcripts of the ICP and ISP genes at the stages of penetration and development in the roots, while the level of transcription does not change in susceptible plants. There was a significant decrease in nematode invasion in susceptible plants after treatment with SA or JA compared to untreated plants, which makes it possible to determine the role of the studied proteinase inhibitors in resistance induced by signaling molecules. It was revealed that an increase in expression of the genes of proteinase inhibitors is accompanied by inhibition of the reproductive potential and size of M. incognita females, as well as by a decrease in plant infection.
Paleolatitude and tectonic rotations of the Early Carboniferous Fountain Lake Group, Cobequid Highlands, Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Brooks Kate I. , McCausland Phil J.A. , Waldron John W.F.
Published: April 2021

The ca. 355 Ma Fountain Lake Group in the Cobequid Highlands of Nova Scotia, is part of the transtensional basin fill that formed during dextral strike-slip motion between Avalonia and the Meguma terranes following the Acadian Orogeny. Paleomagnetic analysis of the Fountain Lake Group offers a paleolatitude estimate for the Laurentian accretionary margin in the Early Carboniferous as well as locality-specific paleomagnetic directions, which indicate clockwise-sense block rotations during dextral strike-slip motion along the Cobequid Fault zone. Stepwise demagnetization of 142 specimens from 20 sites in three Fountain Lake Group localities across the Cobequid Highlands (Squally Point, West Moose River, and Wentworth exposures) reveals remanence consisting of an easily removed component of probable recent origin, and more persistent components carried by magnetite and hematite, which in petrographic and electron beam analysis appear to be of primary igneous and volcanic oxidation origins, respectively. Sites from all three localities carry stable characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM) directions that assume similar moderate downward inclinations when tilt-corrected. A Block Rotation Fisher analysis inclination-only fold test demonstrated best agreement at 90% unfolding, showing that remanence acquisition pre-dates Alleghenian deformation in the Late Carboniferous and is most likely of primary 355 Ma age. Paleomagnetic results for the Squally Point, West Moose River, and Wentworth localities show relative rotations between the blocks that are variously clockwise-rotated compared with a Laurentia cratonic reference frame. Inclinations at all three localities imply a subtropics paleolatitude for the margin (at Squally Point, 27.2° ± 9.4°; N = 7 sites), directly supporting the depicted location of Laurentia and its Appalachian accretionary margin in most Devonian to Early Carboniferous reconstructions.
Investigation of cross sections of deuteron induced nuclear reactions on selenium up to 50 MeV
Authors: Tárkányi Ferenc , Takács Sándor , Ditrói Ferenc , Szűcs Zoltán , Brezovcsik Károly , Hermanne Alex , Ignatyuk Anatolij V.
Published: April 2021

In the frame of a systematic study of deuteron induced nuclear reactions on all elements, activation cross sections on $$^{\mathrm {nat}}$$

nat

Se were investigated. Excitation functions were measured up to 50 MeV particle energy for production of $$^{\mathrm {82}}$$

82

Br(m$$+)$$

+
)

,$$^{\mathrm {80m}}$$

80
m

Br, $$^{\mathrm {77}}$$

77

Br(m$$+)$$

+
)

,$$^{\mathrm {76}}$$

76

Br(m$$+)$$

+
)

, $$^{\mathrm {75}}$$

75

Br, $$^{\mathrm {75}}$$

75

Se(cum), $$^{\mathrm {73}}$$

73

Se(cum), $$^{\mathrm {76}}$$

76

As,$$^{\mathrm {74}}$$

74

As, $$^{\mathrm {73}}$$

73

As(cum), $$^{\mathrm {72}}$$

72

As and $$^{\mathrm {71}}$$

71

As(cum) by using the activation method through stacked foil irradiation followed by off-line gamma-ray spectrometry. The experimental results were compared to the earlier experimental data and to excitation functions calculated with the ALICE-D and EMPIRE-D theoretical model codes and data given in the TENDL-2019 on-line library based on TALYS calculations.
Wormhole solutions in f(R) gravity
Authors: Mishra B. , Agrawal A. S. , Tripathy S. K. , Ray Saibal
Published: April 2021

In this work, we studied the traversable wormholes geometry in [Formula: see text] theory gravity, where [Formula: see text] is the Ricci scalar. The wormhole solutions for some assumed [Formula: see text] functions are presented. The assumption of [Formula: see text] is based on the fact that its behavior changed with an assumed parameter [Formula: see text] rather than the deceleration parameter. Three models are presented based on the physically motivated shape function and their behaviors are studied.
Discotic liquid crystals of transition metal complexes 58 : Novel phthalocyanine-based mesogenic monomers and polymers exhibiting spontaneous homeotropic alignment and helical tetragonal columnar structure
Authors: Suzuki-Ichihara Ayumi , Sugibayashi-Kajita Makiko , Ariyoshi Masahiro , Yasutake Mikio , Ohta Kazuchika
Published: April 2021

Two synthetizations of a novel series of phthalocyanine-based discotic liquid crystals substituted by a polymerizable group, acryloyl group or a norbornene group: 2-(12-acryloyloxydodecyloxy)-3-methoxy-9,10,16,17,23,24-hexakis (3,4-dialkoxyphenoxy)phthalocyaninato copper(II) [abbreviated as (n,12)PcCu(OCH[Formula: see text])(Acryloyl) (7: e ([Formula: see text] = 10), f ([Formula: see text] = 12), g ([Formula: see text] = 14))] and 2-(12-norborn-2-ene carbonyloxydodecyloxy)-3-methoxy-9,10,16,17,23,24-hexakis(3,4-dialkoxyphenoxy)-phthalocyaninato copper(II): [abbreviated as (n, 12)PcCu(OCH[Formula: see text])(Norb) (9e, f, g)]. Their liquid crystalline properties and homeotropic alignment were investigated using a polarizing microscope, a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and a temperature-variable X-ray diffractometer. As a result, each of the derivatives gave a Col[Formula: see text] mesophase in the higher temperature region, displaying perfect homeotropic alignment between the two glass plates. In order to obtain the thin film while keeping their homeotropic alignment at room temperature, attempts to polymerize the monomers, 7 and 9, in the Col[Formula: see text] phase showed homeotropic alignment. The polymerization of the acryloyl-substituted monomers (7) was not successful in any of the methods, whereas the polymerization of norbornene-substituted monomers (9) was quite successful by ring-opening metathesis polymerization with a Grubbs catalyst to obtain the novel polymers, poly-(n, 12)PcCu(OCH[Formula: see text])(Norb) (10e, f, g). Each of the polymers (10) were found to show a perfect homeotropic alignment from room temperature to ca. 200[Formula: see text]C of the decomposition temperature. Moreover, it was also revealed from temperature-variable small-angle X-ray diffraction studies that each of the polymers 10 showed a helical Col[Formula: see text] (helical tetragonal columnar) structure. The helical Col[Formula: see text] phase structure may be able for use in organic electroluminescent devices and solar cells in the future.
Topology Optimization Design of Adjustable Thermal Expansion Metamaterial Based on Independent Continuous Variables
Authors: Ye Hong Ling , Zhang Xing , Wei Nan
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a topology optimization method to construct adjustable thermal expansion metamaterials. The negative thermal expansion (NTE) and extreme positive thermal expansion (EPTE) microstructures are designed, respectively. First, the effective elastic modulus and the effective thermal expansion coefficient of microstructure are derived by the multiscale asymptotic homogenization theory based on the periodic characteristics of the metamaterial. Second, a topology optimization model aiming at extreme thermal expansion coefficient is established and solved based on independent continuous topological variables, which is subjected to the effective elastic modulus and structure weight fraction. Then a cross-precision progressive optimization method is provided to save the computation time and make a smoother boundary. In addition, the specific topological feature for the initial configuration is discussed. Five holes are the necessary condition to obtain adjustable thermal expansion metamaterials for four-axisymmetric structures. Finally, a transformation strategy from NTE to EPTE and the change law of thermal expansion coefficient bounds with effective elastic modulus are studied. Numerical examples show that the NTE and EPTE can be designed in the range of effective elastic modulus from 0.01 to 0.05. The proposed method provides a reference for the novel configuration design of metamaterials.
In VivoMeasurement of the Mechanical Properties of Facial Soft Tissue Using a Bi-Layer Material Model
Authors: Wei Huixin , Liu Xuliang , Dai Anna , Li Linan , Li Chuanwei , Wang Shibin , Wang Zhiyong
Published: April 2021

In vivo characterization of facial soft tissue is of great significance for facial plastic surgery, animation and dermatology. This paper presents an in vivo experimental method to characterize the macroscopic mechanical properties of facial soft tissue. In this method, a bi-layer material (BLM) model is established with the skeleton as the substrate under the facial soft tissue and the relationship between the mechanical properties of soft tissue and force–displacement curve is obtained. A novel indentation apparatus is also developed to experimentally measure the force-displacement curve of the facial soft tissue in vivo. Using the apparatus, experiments were conducted on artificial skins to verify the theoretical model. Experiments on facial soft tissue were finally conducted on four volunteers to obtain Young’s moduli at five facial locations using an optimal indenter whose radius is determined by the verification experiment. Our experiment results indicate that a slight difference is observed in Young’s moduli of facial soft tissue among different volunteers and indentation location. At locations of the left-hand cheek near the lips (NE) and center of the left-hand jaw (CJ), Young’s moduli [Formula: see text] are relatively large ranging from 2.653[Formula: see text]kPa to 4.437[Formula: see text]kPa. Nevertheless, at other locations of the center of the cheek (CC), left-hand zygomatic region (ZYG) and left-hand cheek near the lips (NL), the contact forces are smaller, and Young’s moduli [Formula: see text] are between 1.649[Formula: see text]kPa and 3.395[Formula: see text]kPa.
Preparation and Characterization of Wheat Spike CuO Array Thin Film
Authors: Zheng Xiaoyan , Tian Lecheng , Qi Yan , Zhao Xin , Lu Dongxiao
Published: April 2021

In this paper, the Cu/Cu2O/CuO three-phase coexistence system was obtained by one-step electrochemical deposition method, and CuO nanowheat spike array film was successfully prepared by annealing treatment eventually. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was used to characterize the growth evolution of the synthesized product by adjusting the concentration of copper acetate and the deposition time. The results showed that the concentration of copper acetate plays a key effect on the morphology of the sample. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results exhibited that the synthesized samples (Cu/Cu2O/CuO three-phase) have good crystallinity. With the increase of annealing temperature, the sample changed from Cu/Cu2O/CuO three-phase to CuO single-phase gradually. In addition, the UV–Vis, Nyquist plots and photoelectrochemical analysis were employed for characterization of the samples annealed at different temperatures. These studies showed that the samples annealed at 350∘C exhibit the best photoelectric properties.
A new family of generalized quadrature methods for solving nonlinear equations
Authors: Liu Chein-Shan , Lee Tsung-Lin
Published: April 2021

Weerakoon and Fernando [A variant of Newton’s method with accelerated third-order convergence, Appl. Math. Lett. 13 (2000) 87–93] were resorted on a trapezoidal quadrature rule to derive an arithmetic mean Newton method with third-order convergence of the iterative scheme to solve nonlinear equations. Different quadrature methods have been developed, which form a special class of third-order iterative schemes requiring three evaluations of functions on [Formula: see text] per iteration, where [Formula: see text] is generated from the first Newton step. As an extension of these methods, we derive a new family of iterative schemes by using a new weight function [Formula: see text] to generalize the quadrature methods, of which [Formula: see text] signifies an approximate area under the curve [Formula: see text] between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Then, a generalization of the midpoint Newton method is obtained by using another weight function, which is based on three evaluations of functions on [Formula: see text] per iteration. The sufficient conditions of these two weight functions are derived, which guarantee that the convergence order of the proposed iterative schemes is three.
Li-Salt Concentration Effects on Quick-Charge Performances of Spinel Lithium Titanium Oxide Negative Electrodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Kim Hyun-seung , Kim Jongjung , Yoo Seong Tae , Ryu Ji Heon , Oh Seung M.
Published: April 2021

The effect of Li-salt concentration in an electrolyte on the quick-charge performance of spinel lithium titanium oxide (LTO) is evaluated and analyzed. At a low C-rate application, the lithiation polarization of LTO decreases with the low Li-salt concentration because the Li diffusion coefficient increases at low Li-ion concentrations compared with those of concentrated electrolytes. Hence, a moderately Li-ion dissolved electrolyte is suitable for low-power applications as it enhances the energy efficiency of batteries. Whereas the low C-rate cycle efficiency is improved when using moderately Li-ion dissolved electrolytes, the electrochemical performances at a high C-rate application deteriorate owing to the abrupt depletion of Li ions near the surface of LTO. The voltage efficiency at a low C-rate application improves when a moderately Li-ion dissolved electrolyte is used, but the salt concentration significantly affects the high C-rate kinetics because Li ions from the electrolyte are supplied continuously for facile charges. Hence, the Li salt in the electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries should be designed to achieve high power performances and energy efficiency in batteries.
Exponential Synchronization of Memristive Neural Networks with Discrete and Distributed Time-Varying Delays via Event-Triggered Control
Authors: Li Biwen , Zhou Wenbo
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we investigate the exponential synchronization problem of memristive neural networks (MNNs) with discrete and distributed time-varying delays under event-triggered control. An event-triggered controller with the static and dynamic event-triggering conditions is designed to improve the efficiency of resource utilization. By constructing a new Lyapunov function, some sufficient criteria are obtained to realize the exponential synchronization of considered drive-response MNNs under the designed event-triggered controller. In addition, the Zeno behavior will not occur by proving that the event-triggering interval has a positive lower bound under different event-triggering conditions. Finally, a numerical example is provided to prove the validity of our theoretical results.
LRG1 Mitigates Renal Interstitial Fibrosis through Alleviating Capillary Rarefaction and Inhibiting Inflammatory and Pro-Fibrotic Cytokines
Authors: Liu Ting-Ting , Luo Ran , Yang Yi , Cheng Yi-Chun , Chang Dan , Dai Wei , Li Yue-Qiang , Ge Shu-Wang , Xu Gang
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Increasing evidence has demonstrated that loss of peritubular capillaries plays a critical role in renal interstitial fibrosis. Leucine-rich α2-glycoprotein-1 (LRG1) has been observed promoting angiogenesis in the ocular disease mouse model and myocardial infarction model. We aimed to explore the role of LRG1 in renal interstitial fibrosis. Methods: We analyzed the expression of LRG1 in the plasma and kidney of CKD patients by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Relationships between the expression of LRG1 in plasma and kidney and renal fibrosis and inflammation were analyzed. Tube formation assay was used to detect the angiogenesis in the human umbilical vein endothelial cell lines (HUVECs). And real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of LRG1, inflammatory factors, renal tubular injury indicators, pro-fibrotic cytokines, and CD31. We examined the effects of genetic ablation of LRG1 on renal fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice model at day 7. Results: We demonstrated that the expression of LRG1 in renal tissues and plasma samples was upregulated in CKD patients. And the expression of LRG1 was elevated in human renal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2) cells in response to the stimulation of TNF-α in vitro, and in kidney after UUO in vivo. The deficiency of the LRG1 gene aggravated renal fibrosis, inflammatory cells infiltration, and capillary rarefaction after UUO. In vitro, LRG1 promoted the tube formation of HUVEC cells. LRG1 inhibits fibronectin secretion induced by TGF-β1 in HK-2 and overexpression of LRG1 in HK-2 cells decreased fibronectin secretion. Conclusion: LRG1 may prevent renal fibrosis by inhibiting the secretion of inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines and promoting angiogenesis.
Fenômeno e conflito: Sexto contra Porchat
Authors: Schvartz Vítor Hirschbruch
Published: April 2021

A leitura da obra de Sexto Empírico que Porchat nos legou apresenta uma inovadora interpretação do conceito cético de phainómenon. Tal interpretação explicitou, ao contrário do que comumente é feito, o enorme alcance e largo escopo de tal conceito, sem, contudo, subtrair do pirronismo boa parte do radicalismo típico de uma filosofia sem crenças. O fenômeno, ou “aquilo que aparece”, é o critério de ação do ceticismo, após a conhecida suspensão do juízo sobre tudo. Ele desempenha também, não obstante, um curioso papel no conflito de ideias que levava o pirrônico grego à equipolência e à consequente retenção do assentimento, ao contribuir frequentemente, segundo o próprio Sexto Empírico, para um dos lados de algumas das disputas mais essenciais da História da Filosofia, como a da querela com o imobilismo. Tal aspecto da noção de phainómenon pode apontar para um lado curioso e um tanto anacrônico da filosofia sextiana que, não notado por Porchat, nos apresenta uma figura do cético bastante diferente da do neopirrônico contemporâneo: alguém profundamente impactado filosoficamente tanto pela metafísica quanto por aquilo que aparece.
Cooperative Binding of ETS2 and NFAT Links Erk1/2 and Calcineurin Signaling in the Pathogenesis of Cardiac Hypertrophy
Authors: Luo Yuxuan , Jiang Nan , May Herman I. , Luo Xiang , Ferdous Anwarul , Schiattarella Gabriele G. , Chen Guihao , Li Qinfeng , Li Chao , Rothermel Beverly A. , Jiang Dingsheng , Lavandero Sergio , Gillette Thomas G. , Hill Joseph A.
Published: April 2021

Background:

Cardiac hypertrophy is an independent risk factor for heart failure, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The calcineurin/NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) pathway and the MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)/Erk (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) pathway contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy as an interdependent network of signaling cascades. How these pathways interact remains unclear and few direct targets responsible for the prohypertrophic role of NFAT have been described.

Methods:

By engineering cardiomyocyte-specific ETS2 (a member of the E26 transformation-specific sequence [ETS] domain family) knockout mice, we investigated the role of ETS2 in cardiac hypertrophy. Primary cardiomyocytes were used to evaluate ETS2 function in cell growth.

Results:

ETS2 is phosphorylated and activated by Erk1/2 on hypertrophic stimulation in both mouse (n=3) and human heart samples (n=8 to 19). Conditional deletion of ETS2 in mouse cardiomyocytes protects against pressure overload–induced cardiac hypertrophy (n=6 to 11). Silencing of ETS2 in the hearts of calcineurin transgenic mice significantly attenuates hypertrophic growth and contractile dysfunction (n=8). As a transcription factor, ETS2 is capable of binding to the promoters of hypertrophic marker genes, such as
ANP
,
BNP
, and
Rcan1.4
(n=4). We report that ETS2 forms a complex with NFAT to stimulate transcriptional activity through increased NFAT binding to the promoters of at least 2 hypertrophy-stimulated genes:
Rcan1.4
and microRNA-223 (=n4 to 6). Suppression of microRNA-223 in cardiomyocytes inhibits calcineurin-mediated cardiac hypertrophy (n=6), revealing microRNA-223 as a novel prohypertrophic target of the calcineurin/NFAT and Erk1/2-ETS2 pathways.

Conclusions:

Our findings point to a critical role for ETS2 in calcineurin/NFAT pathway-driven cardiac hypertrophy and unveil a previously unknown molecular connection between the Erk1/2 activation of ETS2 and expression of NFAT/ETS2 target genes.
Zur Etymologie von ahd. sumbar ‚(geflochtener) Korb, Gefäß‘
Authors: Schuhmann Roland
Published: April 2021

The Old High German word sumbar m./n. ‘basket, vessel’ is up to now without a convincing etymology. It is shown that the word sumbar continues PIE *sm̥-bhoro‑ ‘one-carrier’, i.e. an object with one handle and that this is a parallel formation to Old High German zwibar, zubar n. ‘tub, jug’ < PIE *du̯i-bhoro‑ ‘two-carrier’, i.e. an object with two handles.
Lutherische Ethik der ‘Geselligkeit’
Authors: Voigt-Goy Christopher
Published: April 2021

Though sociability was not a guiding principle of early modern Lutheran ethics, it was not simply rejected by theologians in an indiscriminate manner. The following article outlines basic tenets of the 17th century Lutheran discussion of sociability in the framework of the adiaphora doctrine. The evaluation of phenomena like dance and theatre were strongly influenced by ‘confessional competition’. In demarcation to both ‘Calvinism’ and ‘Pietism’, Lutheran theologians stressed the positive function of dance and theatre, but also of gambling, for conviviality. Thus, in addition to the demand for the regulation of sociability by the government and the Church, the insight of an inherent rationale of early modern sociability gradually emerged.
Gegengeselligkeit
Authors: von Ammon Frieder
Published: April 2021

The present article focuses on the opening song Frischauf, ihr Klosterbrüder mein of the collection Studentenschmaus (‘Student Feast’) by Johann Hermann Schein (1626). The song is analyzed in form and content, and then interpreted as an example of ‘meta-sociability’, i.e. sociability is its message as well as its medium. By following the intertextual allusions to the humanistic satire Epistolae virorum obscurorum, and other references, it is shown that the ‘meta-sociability’ in Schein’s song is directed against other forms of sociability and can therefore be understood as ‘counter-sociability’.
On the validity and taxonomic status of Crypturellus obsoletus griseiventris (Salvadori, 1895) and C. o. hypochraceus (Miranda-Ribeiro, 1938) (Aves, Tinamidae)
Authors: GOMES VITOR , SILVEIRA LUÍS FÁBIO
Published: April 2021

The nine currently recognized subspecies in the Brown Tinamou (Crypturellus obsoletus) complex are disjunctly widespread in South America, and at least three of them occur in Brazil. Morphological diagnosis of most of these taxa is imprecise, in contrast with consistent vocal differences described in the literature. We conducted a taxonomic review of two Amazonian taxa, C. o. griseiventris and C. o. hypochraceus, using morphological, morphometric, and vocal characters. Our results indicate that C. o. hypochraceus (Miranda-Ribeiro, 1938) is a junior synonym of C. o. griseiventris (Salvadori, 1895), and that Crypturellus griseiventris (Salvadori, 1895) must be treated as a full species, based on unique and fully diagnosable plumage and vocal patterns.
Two new species of snailfishes of the genus Careproctus (Cottoidei: Liparidae) from the western North Pacific Ocean with a range extension of Careproctus brevipectoralis
Authors: KAI YOSHIAKI , ENDO HIROMITSU , TASHIRO FUMIHITO , NAKAYAMA NAOHIDE
Published: April 2021

Three snailfish species of Careproctus (Cottoidei: Liparidae), including two new species, are described from the deep Pacific Ocean off northern Honshu Island, Japan. Careproctus cyanogladius sp. nov., collected from the depths of 2,698–3,223 m, can be distinguished from congeneric species by having the following combination of characters: vertebrae 63; dorsal-fin rays 57–58; anal-fin rays 50; principal caudal rays 7; pectoral-fin rays 29–31; pectoral fin without a notch; uppermost pectoral-fin base below a horizontal through posterior margin of maxillary; pelvic disk oval; chin pores well separated; teeth simple; pyloric caeca 6–10; body pale blue or gray when fresh. The other new species, Careproctus orri sp. nov., collected from depths of 640–808 m, can be distinguished from congeneric species by having the following combination of characters: vertebrae 58–60; dorsal-fin rays 52–53; anal-fin rays 47–49; pectoral-fin rays 34–35; pectoral fin with a distinct notch; cephalic pores 2-6-7-2, chin pores single, unpaired; gill slit extending ventrally to 5th or 6th pectoral-fin ray; teeth strongly trilobed; peritoneum dark, stomach white. In addition, one specimen of Careproctus brevipectoralis Chernova, Thiel & Eidus, 2020 was newly collected from Japan, and is redescribed here in detail with comments on intraspecific variations.
The Intergenerational Transmission of Socioeconomic Advantage: Some Longitudinal Evidence
Authors: Cassidy Tony , McLaughlin Marian , McDowell Eimear
Published: April 2021

Intergenerational transmission of disadvantage remains a problem despite political and educational initiatives. This study explored the role of personality and psychosocial factors in occupational status in a survey of 383 participants (174 males and 209 females) over 39 years from age 16 to 55. Mother’s education, extraversion, and mastery motivation were the best predictors of current socioeconomic status. A focus on education and academic development as the single solution to social immobility has been ineffective. Instead a broader approach which includes realistic lifelong educational opportunities and an education system which enables socioemotional development as well as academic growth is recommended.
Plain Language Summary: Opioid Prescribing for Analgesia After Common Otolaryngology Operations
Authors: Anne Samantha , Finestone Sandra A. , Paisley Allison , Monjur Taskin M.
Published: April 2021

This plain language summary explains pain management and careful use of opioids after common otolaryngology operations. The summary applies to patients of any age who need treatment for pain within 30 days after having a common otolaryngologic operation (having to do with the ear, nose, or throat). It is based on the 2021 “Clinical Practice Guideline: Opioid Prescribing for Analgesia After Common Otolaryngology Operations.” This guideline uses available research to best advise health care providers, and it includes recommendations that are explained in this summary. Recommendations may not apply to every patient but can be used to facilitate shared decision making between patients and their health care providers.
Fantastic four! Problem-solving processes of a professional string quartet
Authors: Roesler Rebecca A
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to provide a rich multi-dimensional view of expert musical collaborative problem-solving processes. I analyzed the collaborative problem-solving process during three subsequent rehearsals by a professional string quartet, applying Roesler’s (2016) model of musical problem-solving components. As Roesler observed with shared problem solving during one-to-one instruction, problem-solving components were enacted by and distributed among members of the quartet in any combination. In addition, quartet members prompted problem-solving behavior from one another in a similar way that teachers prompted problem-solving behavior from students (Roesler, 2017). Leadership roles shifted fluidly among quartet members from moment to moment. Domain knowledge and musical context were a critical component of their decision-making process. Additional observed rehearsal strategies are outlined. Suggestions for future research and applications of these findings are discussed, including the learning of collaborative problem-solving skill through participation in small musical ensembles.
The People’s Champions? Populist Communication as a Contextually Dependent Political Strategy
Authors: De Bruycker Iskander , Rooduijn Matthijs
Published: April 2021

This article conceives of populist communication as a contextually dependent political strategy. We bridge actor- and communication-centered approaches by arguing that the context of issues conditions the extent to which parties employ populist communication. We draw from a content analysis of 2,085 news stories in eight news media outlets and Eurobarometer data connected to 41 EU policy issues and analyze statements from 85 political parties. Our findings show that populist parties are more prone to express populism on salient and polarized issues. Issues important to civil society groups, in contrast, make non-populist parties more inclined to express such communication.
A randomized study of natalizumab dosing regimens for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Trojano Maria , Ramió-Torrentà Lluís , Grimaldi Luigi ME , Lubetzki Catherine , Schippling Sven , Evans Karleyton C , Ren Zheng , Muralidharan Kumar Kandadi , Licata Stephanie , Gafson Arie R
Published: April 2021

Background:

REFINE was an exploratory, dose- and frequency-blinded, prospective, randomized, dose-ranging study in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients.

Objective:

To examine the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of natalizumab administered via various regimens in RRMS patients.

Methods:

Clinically stable RRMS patients previously treated with 300 mg natalizumab intravenously for ⩾12 months were randomized to one of six natalizumab regimens over 60 weeks: 300 mg administered intravenously or subcutaneously every 4 weeks (Q4W), 300 mg intravenously or subcutaneously every 12 weeks (Q12W), or 150 mg intravenously or subcutaneously Q12W. The primary endpoint was the mean cumulative number of combined unique active magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions at week 60.

Results:

In total, 290 patients were enrolled. All Q12W dosing arms were associated with increased clinical and MRI disease activity and closed early; ⩾39.5% of patients in each Q12W arm met rescue criteria. In the 300 mg intravenous and subcutaneous Q4 W arms, the mean cumulative number of combined unique active MRI lesions was 0.23 and 0.02, respectively; annualized relapse rates were 0.07 and 0.08, respectively; and trough natalizumab serum levels and α4-integrin saturation were comparable.

Conclusion:

Natalizumab 300 mg subcutaneous Q4W was comparable to 300 mg intravenous Q4W dosing with respect to efficacy, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, and safety.
Catholics and capital punishment: Do Pope Francis’s teachings matter in policy preferences?
Authors: Cullen Francis T , Graham Amanda , Hannan Kellie R , Burton Alexander L , Butler Leah C , Burton Velmer S
Published: April 2021

In the United States, Catholics make up more than 50 million members of the adult population, or about one in five Americans. It is unclear whether their religious affiliation shapes Catholics’ views on public policy issues, ranging from the legality of abortion to criminal justice practices. Capital punishment is especially salient, given that Pope Francis announced in 2018—as official Catholic Church teaching—that the death penalty is “inadmissible” under all circumstances. Based on two national surveys, the current project explores Catholics’ support for state executions before (2017) and after (2019) the Pope’s momentous change in the church’s Catechism. At present, little evidence exists that Pope Francis’s doctrinal reform has impacted Catholics, a majority of whom—like Americans generally—continue to favor the death penalty for murderers. Data from our additional 2020 MTurk survey show that only 17.0% of Catholic respondents could correctly identify the Church’s position on capital punishment. Despite these results, Pope Francis’s teachings provide Catholic leaders and activists with a compelling rationale for opposing the death penalty and holding Catholic public officials accountable for espousing offenders’ execution. Further, for the next generation of Catholics, instruction in the inadmissibility of capital punishment, as part of the Church’s consistent ethic of life, will be integral to their religious training.
What Should We Do When the Kids Grow Up? Studying the Long-Term Cognitive Effects of In-Utero Anti-Seizure Medication Exposure
Authors: Gerard Elizabeth E.
Published: April 2021

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The putative addressee in the persuasion of diplomatic discourse: China’s communication efforts through South African English-language newspapers
Authors: Tang Liping
Published: April 2021

This article explores the putative addressee in the persuasion of diplomatic discourse by adopting White’s recent proposals as to putative reader/addressee positioning to specifically examine China’s communication efforts through South African English-language newspapers in the Xi Jinping era. Likemindedness is found to be predominantly construed, meticulously balanced with relative frequent construal of uncommittedness and very rare construal of un-likemindedness. And a set of 12 interrelated discourses are identified as fundamental ideological tenets in legitimating China’s African engagement and its vision of world order. Findings show that the classical political discursive strategy of Us/Them polarization is typically deployed. The analysis and discussion illustrates how White’s proposed framework can be systematically applied to offer new lines of analysis of persuasion and shed some light on understanding contemporary Chinese diplomatic discourse.
Intensive care unit visiting and family communication during the COVID-19 pandemic: A UK survey
Authors: Boulton Adam J , Jordan Helen , Adams Claire E , Polgarova Petra ,   TRIC Network (Corporate Author), WMTRAIN (Corporate Author), Morris Andrew Conway , Arora Nitin
Published: April 2021

Background

Frequent visiting and communication with patients’ families are embedded within normal ICU practice, however the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged this, and it is unclear how ICUs are managing. We aimed to investigate how NHS ICUs are approaching family communications and visiting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

An electronic snapshot survey was delivered between 16th April and 4th May 2020 and was open to NHS ICUs. Replies from 134 individual ICUs with COVID patients were included.

Results

All reported that visiting was more restricted than normal with 29 (22%) not allowing any visitors, 71 (53%) allowing visitors at the end of a patient’s life (EOL) only, and 30 (22%) allowing visitors for vulnerable patients or EOL. Nearly all (n = 130, 97%) were updating families daily, with most initiating the update (n = 120, 92%). Daily telephone calls were routinely made by the medical (n = 75, 55%) or nursing team (n = 50, 37%). Video calling was used by 63 (47%), and 39 (29%) ICUs had developed a dedicated family communication team. Resuscitation and EOL discussions were most frequently via telephone (n = 129, 96%), with 24 (18%) having used video calling, and 15 (11%) reporting discussions had occurred in person. Clinicians expressed their dissatisfaction with the situation and raised concerns about the detrimental effect on patients, families, and staff.

Conclusions

COVID-19 has resulted in significant changes across NHS ICUs in how they interact with families. Many units are adapting and moving toward distant and technology-assisted communication. Despite innovative solutions, challenges remain and there may be a role for local and national guidance.