bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament, Anterolateral Complex, and Lateral Meniscus Posterior Root in Anterolateral Rotatory Knee Instability: A Biomechanical Study
Authors: Willinger Lukas , Athwal Kiron K. , Holthof Sander , Imhoff Andreas B. , Williams Andy , Amis Andrew A.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), Kaplan fibers (KFs), anterolateral capsule/ligament (C/ALL), and lateral meniscus posterior root (LMPR) have been separately linked to anterolateral instability.

Purpose:

To investigate the contributions of the ACL, KFs, C/ALL, and LMPR to knee stability and to measure instabilities resulting from their injury.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Ten fresh-frozen human knees were tested robotically to determine restraints of knee laxity at 0° to 90° of flexion. An 88-N anterior-posterior force (anterior and posterior tibial translation), 5-N·m internal-external rotation, and 8-N·m valgus-varus torque were imposed and intact kinematics recorded. The kinematics were replayed after sequentially cutting the structures (order varied) to calculate their contributions to stability. Another 10 knees were tested in a kinematics rig with optical tracking to measure instabilities after sequentially cutting the structures across 0° to 100° of flexion. One- and 2-way repeated-measures analyses of variance with Bonferroni correction were used to find significance ( P < .05) for the robotic and kinematics tests.

Results:

The ACL was the primary restraint for anterior tibial translation; other structures were insignificant (<10% contribution). The KFs and C/ALL resisted internal rotation, reaching 44% ± 23% (mean ± SD; P < .01) and 14% ± 13% ( P < .05) at 90°. The LMPR resisted valgus but not internal rotation. Anterior tibial translation increased after ACL transection ( P < .001) and after cutting the lateral structures from 70° to 100° ( P < .05). Pivot-shift loading increased anterolateral rotational instability after ACL transection from 0° to 40° ( P < .05) and further after cutting the lateral structures from 0° to 100° ( P < .01).

Conclusion:

The anterolateral complex acts as a functional unit to provide rotatory stability. The ACL is the primary stabilizer for anterior tibial translation. The KFs are the most important internal rotation restraint >30° of flexion. Combined KFs + C/ALL injury substantially increased anterolateral rotational instability while isolated injury of either did not. LMPR deficiency did not cause significant instability with the ACL intact.

Clinical Relevance:

This study is a comprehensive biomechanical sectioning investigation of the knee stability contributions of the ACL, anterolateral complex, and LMPR and the instability after their transection. The ACL is significant in controlling internal rotation only in extension. In flexion, the KFs are dominant, synergistic with the C/ALL. LMPR tear has an insignificant effect with the ACL intact.
Attribution of Blame in an Intimate Partner Violence Situation: The Effect of Victim Sexuality and Observer Sex
Authors: Hill Emily , Moreland Georgia , Boduszek Daniel , Debowska Agata
Published: March 2023

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is an extensive public health concern, largely affecting women aged 20 to 24 years. Research suggests that bisexual women are more likely than heterosexual and homosexual women to be victims of IPV. Bisexual women are also more likely to be blamed for their abuse experiences after disclosing, a phenomenon known as victim blame attribution (VBA). However, very little VBA research recognizes bisexuality as a separate category. Therefore, the main aim of this quasi-experimental study was to investigate the role of female victim sexuality (bisexuality, homosexuality, and heterosexuality) and observer sex in the attribution of blame to the victim and perpetrator of IPV. Participants ( N = 232; aged 18–24 years, M = 21.05, SD = 1.73) were randomly assigned into one of four conditions (heterosexual victim, bisexual victim with same-sex partner, bisexual victim with different-sex partner, homosexual victim), each containing a vignette portraying IPV within a relationship. Randomization checks were performed to ensure that participants in the four conditions did not differ significantly on underlying attitudes (institutional heterosexism (IH), aversive heterosexism (AH), heterosexual privilege (HP), sexist attitudes, just world beliefs) that may have affected their responses on outcome measures. Main analyses demonstrated that bisexual victims with a same-sex partner received the highest attribution of blame, whereas perpetrators in this condition received the lowest blame attribution. Male participants attributed significantly higher blame to victims than did female participants, regardless of victim sexuality. These findings substantiate the role of victim sexuality and observer sex in IPV blame attribution patterns. This research aimed to promote equality and rightful treatment to all victims of IPV regardless of their sexuality.
Longitudinal Associations Between Community Violence Exposure and Mental Health Problems in Inner-City Youth: Ethnicity and Gender Perspectives
Authors: Ruchkin Vladislav , Isaksson Johan , Stickley Andrew , Schwab-Stone Mary
Published: March 2023

There is a lack of agreement on whether children and adolescents with different cultural/ethnic backgrounds react to trauma in a similar fashion. This study adds to the existing literature by providing ethnicity and gender perspectives on the longitudinal associations between the degree of community violence exposure (CVE) and mental health problems in U.S. inner-city youth. The study was conducted on a representative sample of predominantly ethnic minority youth ( N = 2,794; 54.1% female; age 11–16 years old ( M [ SD] = 12.77 [1.29]); 60.0% African-American, 26.1% Hispanic American, 13.9% White). Self-reported information was obtained on CVE in year 1 and on mental health problems (depressive symptoms, posttraumatic stress, alcohol use, and conduct problems) in year 1 and year 2. Multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVA) were used to compare mental health problems in youth from the three ethnic groups in relation to the different degrees of CVE experienced one year prior, while controlling for their baseline mental health problem levels, age, and socio-economic status. Mental health problems in year 2 increased in a similar fashion in relation to the degree of severity of CVE in year 1 in all three ethnic groups. The interaction effects suggested a gender-specific response to CVE, where girls in the three ethnic groups reported higher levels of depression and posttraumatic stress in relation to the same degree of CVE, as compared to boys. Adolescents from different ethnic backgrounds respond similarly to differing degrees of CVE with an increase in mental health problems over time. In response to a similar degree of exposure, girls tend to experience greater levels of internalizing problems than boys. Timely recognition of traumatic exposure and associated mental health problems is important for early prevention and intervention strategies.
Women’s and Men’s Status: Revisiting the Relationship Between Gender Equality and Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in Europe
Authors: Gómez-Casillas Amalia , van Damme Maike , Permanyer Iñaki
Published: March 2023

The first European Union Survey on Violence against Women (EU-VAW) released in 2014 revealed the unexpected result indicating that the world’s most egalitarian countries have relatively high rates of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women (IPVAW). This phenomenon, referred to as the “Nordic Paradox,” revived a heated, intermittently ongoing discussion dating back four decades where several competing hypotheses about the relationship between gender inequality and IPVAW have been proposed, but no consensus has been reached. The main aim of this paper is to revisit the most important of such hypotheses proposed in the last four decades, while proposing a new one that could potentially throw some light on understanding the “Nordic Paradox.” Multilevel linear regression models are estimated using data from the EU-VAW survey conducted in 2012, and an alternative operationalization of the Gender Equality Index (GEI) (our measure of gender equality). We did not find any significant effect of gender equality on IPVAW repetition. However, we found that higher country-level status of women and men go together with less IPVAW, with a larger effect of women’s status in economic domains compared to the impact of men’s economic status, and a larger effect of men’s overall status. These findings support the Marxist feminist hypothesis, stating that women’s absolute status in the economic and labor domain is critical in lessening IPVAW, as women’s real and potential access to resources is key for leaving a violent relationship. At the same time, our results support the “male privilege protection” hypothesis, which states that gains in women’s status in certain domains—such as in the economic sphere considering our results for the European Union—would not suppose a threat to men, allowing ameliorative effects. In contrast, if the overall status of men is threatened, backlash effects would be triggered.
“It is Hard to Think About”: A Mixed-Method Exploration into the Application of the Theory of Compassion Collapse to the #MeToo Movement
Authors: Kulp Simeon , Johnson Nicole L. , Xu Ge , Stone Hallie K. , Ahmed Sabira
Published: March 2023

After the popularization of #MeToo in 2017, the conversation around sexual violence was brought to global attention. The collapse of compassion theory is proposed to occur in situations where individuals no longer feel increased levels of empathy due to an increase in the number of victims. This theory was employed to attempt to understand negative responses to #MeToo. The current study used a mixed methods exploratory approach to understand how exposure to multiple versus single victim(s) (image(s) and vignette) of sexual violence may affect participants’ perception of survivors of sexual violence. We hypothesized that individuals who were exposed to multiple victims would demonstrate less compassion, higher levels of distance, more diffusion of responsibility, lower perceived efficacy, and less belief of the victim’s story compared to individuals who were exposed to a single victim. We hypothesized that individuals with higher levels of rape myth acceptance (RMA) would endorse greater rates of distance and diffusion, and lower rates of compassion, efficacy, and belief. Participants, recruited via MTurk, were randomized into a single-image group or an eight-image group accompanied by a vignette explaining that the woma(e)n were victim(s) of sexual violence and naming the #MeToo movement. Participants in the single-image group expressed more belief in the victim’s story and endorsed higher levels of psychological distance than the eight-image group. Higher rates of RMA related to less belief and compassion for victims and increased distance. In the qualitative analysis, three content areas were identified: (a) comments on woman(en), (b) comments on #MeToo, and (c) comments on sexual violence. The majority of responses expressed support for the #MeToo movement, with a smaller percentage expressing highly critical views including questions on the inclusivity of #MeToo and sexualization of the woman(en) in the vignettes. Implications and integration of results are discussed.
Resonant air coupled inspection of glass fiber reinforced polymer composite plate using single sided access of near and far side of low velocity impact damage
Authors: Hanuman Nudurupati SVN , Bose Tanmoy
Published: March 2023

Resonance based nonlinear techniques works efficiently in detecting small size damages in the composite structures. Local defect resonance (LDR) is a resonance based nonlinear technique which enables to activate the damage directly. In this study, recently developed LDR based automated methodology is carried out from far side of the impact damage to detect the LDR frequency and mode shape of the impact damage. This methodology is implemented by carrying out experiments on glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) plate using air coupled emission (ACE) technique. This plate contains three artificial delaminations and one low velocity impact damage. Initially, the LDR frequency and mode shape of each damage is accomplished using ACE testing, justified with Laser Doppler Vibrometry (LDV). Later, the Otsu’s algorithm is performed to get the accurate size of the impact damage. Subsequently, a broadband backward sweep is used to detect all delamination including the impact damage. Then, maximum amplitude of each frame has been found from output data of all spatial nodes. Later, the LDR frequency frame ( N L) has been identified in the time domain from the slope and curvature plots followed by Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) to detect the LDR frequency and mode shape of the damage. So, it has been observed that less than defect size is obtained when inspected from the far side. Further, this method will be extended to find out the depth of individual damage.
Serum levels and significance of soluble B-cell maturation antigen in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus with renal involvement
Authors: Lin Zhilang , Yu Nannan , Cheng Cheng , Jin Bei , Zhang Qiufang , Zhuang Hongjie , Jiang Xiaoyun
Published: March 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate serum levels of soluble B-cell maturation antigen (sBCMA) in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematous (cSLE) patients with renal involvement, and to elucidate their association with clinical characteristics.

Methods

116 cases of cSLE patients with renal involvement (84 females and 32 males; median age 11.6 (10.1, 12.9) years) hospitalized in Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University and 31 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. Serum concentrations of sBCMA were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Clinical and laboratory information of cSLE patients were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Serum sBCMA levels were significantly increased in primary cSLE when compared with treated cSLE patients and HCs, whereas there was no significant difference between treated cSLE patients and HCs. Patients with high disease activity displayed higher serum sBCMA levels compared with those with no or mild to moderate disease activity. Positive correlation was observed between serum sBCMA levels and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index-2K (SLEDAI-2K), antinuclear antibody titers, anti-double-stranded DNA titers, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and immunoglobulin G levels, while sBCMA levels were negatively correlated with blood white blood cell count, hemoglobin, platelet count, complement C3 and C4 levels. Serum sBCMA levels decreased as disease ameliorated after treatments among 11 cases with follow-up examinations.

Conclusions

In cSLE patients with renal involvement, serum sBCMA levels correlated significantly with disease activity, immunological, and hematological parameters, but not with renal parameters. Our results suggest the potential and significance of serum sBCMA as a biomarker in cSLE patients.
Mitochondrial bioenergetic changes in systemic lupus erythematosus immune cell subsets: Contributions to pathogenesis and clinical applications
Authors: Yennemadi Anjali S , Keane Joseph , Leisching Gina
Published: March 2023

The association of dysregulated metabolism in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) pathogenesis has prompted investigations into metabolic rewiring and the involvement of mitochondrial metabolism as a driver of disease through NLRP3 inflammasome activation, disruption of mitochondrial DNA maintenance, and pro-inflammatory cytokine release. The use of Agilent Seahorse Technology to gain functional in situ metabolic insights of selected cell types from SLE patients has identified key parameters that are dysregulated during disease. Mitochondrial functional assessments specifically can detect dysfunction through oxygen consumption rate (OCR), spare respiratory capacity, and maximal respiration measurements, which, when coupled with disease activity scores could show potential as markers of disease activity. CD4+ and CD8 + T cells have been assessed in this way and show that oxygen consumption rate, spare respiratory capacity, and maximal respiration are blunted in CD8 + T cells, with results not being as clear cut in CD4 + T cells. Additionally, glutamine, processed by mitochondrial substrate level phosphorylation is emerging as a key role player in the expansion and differentiation of Th1, Th17, ϒδ T cells, and plasmablasts. The role that circulating leukocytes play in acting as bioenergetic biomarkers of diseases such as diabetes suggests that this may also be a tool to detect preclinical SLE. Therefore, the metabolic characterization of immune cell subsets and the collection of metabolic data during interventions is also essential. The delineation of the metabolic tuning of immune cells in this way could lead to novel strategies in treating metabolically demanding processes characteristic of autoimmune diseases such as SLE.
The end of (reproductive) liberty as we know it: A note on Dobbs V. Jackson Women’s Health 597 USC __ (2022)
Authors: Romanis Elizabeth Chloe
Published: March 2023

In Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, a 6–3 majority of the US Supreme Court overturned 50 years of established precedent, ruling that the Constitution confers no right to abortion. Since first recognition that the constitutional right to privacy encompassed a (negative) right to pre-viability abortion in 1973, Supreme Court decisions have slowly chipped away at the substance of this right. Dobbs, however, marks a significant shift in abortion (and general) jurisprudence, by deploying an originalist interpretation of the constitution to deny that such a right exists. Consequently, States may now regulate abortion how they see fit, including by introducing complete prohibitions. This note illustrates how Dobbs has dire consequences for reproductive freedom as we have known it, with disastrous legal and practical ramifications for abortion-seekers, pregnant people, and all people with the physiology to become pregnant. Furthermore, the Court’s use of an originalist approach to rescind a constitutional protection signals further moves to derecognise other rights such as contraception, as well as same-sex intimacy.
(How) is COVID-19 reframing interaction between the NHS and private healthcare?
Authors: Guy Mary
Published: March 2023

In March 2020 a ‘major deal’ was struck between the National Health Service (NHS) and private healthcare sector to facilitate ‘crisis’ and ‘continuity’ responses to COVID-19. A further deal was struck in January 2022 to support the NHS in tackling the Omicron variant, suggesting that the pandemic was evolving, rather than definitively over. The legal basis for these deals was a Public Policy Exclusion Order, a temporary relaxation mechanism in UK competition law defined by a ‘disruption period’. In a global pandemic, the ‘healthcare disruption period’ might be considered to be of a different scope and nature to short-term disturbances experienced in other sectors, such as groceries. This article examines the Public Policy Exclusion Orders issued in respect of health services in England and Wales, and the Collective Agreements notified under these between March 2020 and March 2021, and again in March 2022. Amid ongoing tensions surrounding ‘NHS privatisation’, this enables a timely analysis of whether the underlying relationship between the NHS and private healthcare may be changing in response to COVID-19, and how considerations of ethical frameworks are also relevant to this aspect of the pandemic response.
Export Policy Initiatives: Conceptualization of Valid Measurement Scales and Constructs for Empirical Assessment
Authors: Jamir Imtinungsang
Published: March 2023

Firms view export policies as an external change agent that stimulates international business activities. In the past decades, developing countries have witnessed significant changes in their export policies to reduce financial and infrastructural barriers to international trade. India, with an objective to double its market share at the global level by 2020, has initiated a mix of policy measures in its Foreign Trade Policy since 2009. However, to measure the effectiveness of these policy initiatives on export business, no valid measurement scales or constructs have been developed for empirical assessment. Moreover, there is very little agreement in the literature about a conceptual definition of government export assistance as well as its operational definition. Hence, the objective of this study is to identify relevant policy initiatives and develop sub-dimensional constructs with valid measurement scales. This conceptualization is explored empirically with data from 400 exporters. The data identified four sub-dimensional measurement models that can be considered for future operations. The findings also provide useful practical guidelines and recommendations to exporters, policymakers and researchers.
High-Performance Work Systems and Employees’ Innovative Work Behaviour: An Empirical Investigation Based on Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Theory
Authors: Bhattacharjee Arindam , Sarkar Anita
Published: March 2023

The drivers of individual-level innovation remain an underresearched area. Based on JD-R theory, we argue that (a) high-performance work systems (HPWS) enhance employees’ innovative work behaviours (IWB) through an increase in employees’ work engagement, and (b) that the positive relationship between HPWS and work engagement will be magnified at high levels of work overload. We collected data from 313 supervisor-subordinate dyads in an engineering R&D organization in India. Structural equation modelling results supported all the hypotheses except the moderation hypotheses. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed, and we also suggest a few avenues for future research.
In Utero Exposure to Maternal Electronic Nicotine Delivery System use Demonstrate Alterations to Craniofacial Development
Authors: Kishinchand Rajiv , Boyce Mark , Vyas Heema , Sewell Leslie , Mohi Amr , Brengartner Lexie , Miller Roy , Gorr Matthew W. , Wold Loren E. , Cray James
Published: March 2023

Objective

Develop a model for the study of Electronic Nicotine Device (ENDS) exposure on craniofacial development.

Design

Experimental preclinical design followed as pregnant murine dams were randomized and exposed to filtered air exposure, carrier exposure consisting of 50% volume of propylene glycol and vegetable glycine (ENDS Carrier) respectively, or carrier exposure with 20 mg/ml of nicotine added to the liquid vaporizer (ENDS carrier with nicotine).

Setting

Preclinical murine model exposure using the SciReq exposure system.

Participants

C57BL6 adult 8 week old female pregnant mice and exposed in utero litters.

Interventions

Exposure to control filtered air, ENDS carrier or ENDS carrier with nicotine added throughout gestation at 1 puff/minute, 4 h/day, five days a week.

Main Outcome Measures

Cephalometric measures of post-natal day 15 pups born as exposed litters.

Results

Data suggests alterations to several facial morphology parameters in the developing offspring, suggesting electronic nicotine device systems may alter facial growth if used during pregnancy.

Conclusions

Future research should concentrate on varied formulations and exposure regimens of ENDS to determine timing windows of exposures and ENDS formulations that may be harmful to craniofacial development.
Compliance Trends in a 14-Week Ecological Momentary Assessment Study of Undergraduate Alcohol Drinkers
Authors: Howard Andrea L. , Lamb Megan
Published: March 2023

High compliance is a priority for successful ecological momentary assessment (EMA) research, but meta-analyses of between-study differences show that reasons for missed prompts remain unclear. We examined compliance data from a 14-week, 182-survey EMA study of undergraduate alcohol use to test differences over time and across survey types between participants with better and worse compliance rates, and to evaluate the impact of incentives on ongoing participation. Participants were N = 196 students (65.8% female; Mage= 20.6). Overall compliance was 76.5%, declining gradually from 88.9% to 70% over 14 weeks. Declines were faster in participants with lower overall compliance, but we found no demographic, personality, mental health, or substance use differences between participants with better versus worse compliance rates. Compliance varied by survey type, and unannounced bonus incentives did not impact compliance rates. Participants completed fewer surveys the week after winning a gift card. We offer recommendations for designing future EMA studies.
A stability guaranteed nonfragile fault-tolerant control approach for Markov-type vehicle active suspension system subject to faults and disturbances
Authors: Pang Hui , Luo Jibo , Wang Mingxiang , Wang Lei
Published: March 2023

This study proposes a non-fragile fault-tolerant control design based on adaptive robust observer for a type of Markov-type active suspension system with sensor and actuator faults under the external road disturbance. First, the faulty active suspension system is reconfigured into an augmented system by extending the sensor fault as part of the system state vector. Then, an appropriate adaptive observer is designed to estimate the sensor fault, the actuator fault, as well as the active suspension system states simultaneously. Afterwards, an expected non-fragile fault-tolerant control scheme based on state feedback technology is presented to asymptotically stabilize the vertical and pitch motions of the faulty active suspension system. Benefit from its non-fragility, the proposed controller has been proven to be highly stable against its internal gain perturbation. Finally, the comparative simulation results of a half-vehicle active suspension system are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed fault-tolerant controller. It is shown that the designed adaptive observer can precisely estimate the sensor and actuator faults, together with the active suspension system states, and the designed non-fragile fault-tolerant control controller can effectively compensate the performance loss of the faulty active suspension system and improve the reliability of the vehicle active suspension system.
The optimum design of particle tuned mass damper for structural seismic control considering soil-structure interaction
Authors: Liu Shutong , Li Haochen , Zhang Fengyu , Lu Zheng , Yang Shutong , Li Peizhen
Published: March 2023

Particle tuned mass damper has received considerable attention on mitigating structural seismic responses recently. However, soil-structure interaction effects have not been considered for the optimization design of particle tuned mass damper in the previous studies yet, which may play significant roles in particle tuned mass damper’s effectiveness. This paper investigates the seismic control performance of particle tuned mass damper for tall buildings considering SSI effects. A 40-story benchmark structure is adopted as the primary structure, and different soil conditions including soft, medium, dense soil, and the fixed-base case are considered. Based on the Cuckoo Search algorithm, an optimum design approach for the particle tuned mass damper implemented in SSI system under earthquake excitations is proposed, and the optimum parameters of particle tuned mass damper are obtained from the optimum design process. The optimum results indicate that the optimized particle tuned mass damper can effectively decrease the displacement response without the increase of peak acceleration, and the reduction rates could exceed 30% in some cases. Compared with other soil type cases, under soft soil condition, the optimum parameters of particle tuned mass damper are especially different, and the mitigation effects of the optimized particle tuned mass damper on maximum displacement weaken. Hence, it is necessary to consider the SSI effects for particle tuned mass damper’s seismic design. Furthermore, the interaction effects between the primary structure and particle tuned mass damper in SSI system are also evaluated through energy analysis. The results show that considering SSI effects, the optimized particle tuned mass damper device dissipates the overwhelming majority of the input energy, and it greatly decreases the structural energy, displaying excellent energy dissipation performance on seismic vibration control of structure.
No Escape: Mass Incarceration and the Social Ecology of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women
Authors: McKay Tasseli
Published: March 2023

Women in heavily policed and incarcerated communities face extremely high rates of intimate partner violence (IPV)—but how criminal legal system contact affects such violence remains poorly understood. This study explores the social ecology of IPV by fitting structural equation models to longitudinal, dyadic data from households in contact with the criminal legal system ( N = 2,224) and their local communities. Results suggest that a complex of factors at multiple social-ecological levels—including adverse local conditions, dysfunctional couple conflict, and men's behavioral health and perceptions of their neighborhoods—may put women at heightened risk of IPV victimization in a time of mass incarceration.
Unmasking State Harm: The Border as a Theatrical Space of Gendered Violence
Authors: Marmo Marinella
Published: March 2023

Systemic gendered violence at the borders of the Global North is perpetrated by state actors and their proxies, and yet remains underdiscussed. This article presents numerous cases of such violence to argue that it is not random, does not occur in a vacuum or at the whim of wayward officers. Rather, this gendered state violence is the expression of a patriarchal and hegemonic state that positions the woman at the border as out of place. Deploying performative theories, this article unmasks the masculine agenda enacted at the border to reveal that its violent exhibition of power serves many purposes.
Raising Awareness of Female Genital Mutilation Through Theater
Authors: Cavallaro Daniela
Published: March 2023

This article considers several plays by European playwrights that focus on cases of female genital mutilation, with the goal of raising awareness among their communities of the practice itself, the reason it exists or persists, and the consequences it has had on the lives of the women who have undergone it. The plays discussed are “Kubra” by Dacia Maraini (2016); Little Stitches by Bahar Brunton, Karis E. Halsall, Isley Lynn and Raúl Quirós Molina (2014); and Cuttin’ It by Charlene James (2016).
Endogenous Glucose Production in Type 2 Diabetes: Basal and Postprandial. Role of Diurnal Rhythms
Authors: Pye Jerry Radziuk, Susan
Published: March 2023

Glycemia in type 2 diabetes is characterized by a nonsteady but stable diurnal cycle. This leads to morning fasting hyperglycemia. It arises from an underlying circadian pattern in endogenous glucose production because the metabolic clearance rate of glucose is decreased but constant. Therefore, it is important to use appropriate nonsteady tracer methods to measure this rate even under basal conditions. Postprandially, in diabetes, the endogenous glucose production continues to decrease, with only minor deviations from the slope of the basal curve. This suggests a decoupling of endogenous glucose production from the regulatory factors (insulin, glucose) that prevail under normal circumstances. As the duration of diabetes increases, metabolic clearance of glucose continues to deteriorate. This may be partially compensated by a decrease in glucose production. This rate remains, however, inappropriate because its impact on glycemia does not decline.
Monitoring Participant Safety in Phase I and II Interventional Trials: Options and Controversies
Authors: Hibberd Patricia L. , Weiner Debra L.
Published: March 2023

Background

The need for phase I and II clinical trials to have a data and safety monitoring plan (DSMP) is widely accepted; however, whether and/or when these trials should also have oversight by a data and safety monitoring board (DSMB) is controversial. Monitoring requirements also depend on whether the study is funded by the National Institutes of Health, funded and/or monitored by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or funded by industry. However, there is little guidance about when and how to constitute a DSMB for phase I and II clinical trials. Objectives: The objectives of this article are to suggest guidelines for when and how to constitute a DSMB for phase I and II studies and to highlight the similarities and differences between DSMBs monitoring phase I and II versus phase III clinical studies. We highlight the utility of these guidelines in the safety monitoring of a mechanism of disease–based study of inhaled nitric oxide for acute vaso-occlusive crisis in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease that was funded and regulated by the FDA.

Conclusion

The goal of DSMPs regardless of the phase of the clinical trial is to protect participant safety and ensure the integrity and validity of the data. A DSMB can ensure that risks and data are evaluated in a timely, efficient, and unbiased manner. We describe “risk-based” guidelines to determine situations in which a DSMB may be an appropriate addition to a DSMP for phase I and II clinical trials. We also address the roles and responsibilities of the DSMB for these studies.
Ectonucleotidase NTPDase2 is Selectively Down-Regulated in Biliary Cirrhosis
Authors: Dranoff Jonathan A. , Kruglov Emma A. , Toure Joahd , Braun Norbert , Zimmermann Herbert , Jain Dhanpat , Knowles Aileen F. , Sévigny Jean
Published: March 2023

Background

Portal fibroblasts are newly identified, potentially fibrogenic liver cells that are distinct from hepatic stellate cells. The ectonucleotidase* nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 2 (NTPDase2) is restricted to portal fibroblasts in the normal liver. However, the fate of NTPDase2 after bile duct ligation (BDL) is unknown.

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of experimental rat and disease-mediated human biliary cirrhosis on NTP-Dase2 expression in the liver.

Methods

Cirrhosis was induced in experimental rats via BDL and carbon tetrachloride (CCI4) administration. Archived human liver biopsy specimens from normal liver, primary biliary cirrhosis, or hepatitis C cirrhosis were examined. Changes in expression of NTPDase2 were determined using confocal immunofluorescence, immunoblot, and real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Confocal immunofluorescence demonstrated a decrease in NTPDase2 expression after BDL. Immunoblot and real-time polymerase chain reaction demonstrated a decrease in NTPDase2 expression by portal fibroblasts after BDL. No decrease in NTP-Dase2 protein was noted after CCI4 administration, and NTPDase2 messenger ribonucleic acid was markedly up-regulated after CCI4 administration. Confocal immunofluorescence demonstrated a shift of NTPDase2 expression from portal areas to central areas that colocalized with α-smooth muscle actin after CCI4 administration. In human biopsy specimens, NTPDase2 expression was lost in cirrhosis owing to primary biliary cirrhosis, whereas NTPDase2 expression was shifted to bridging fibrous bands in cirrhosis owing to hepatitis C.

Conclusions

Loss of NTPDase2 is a common pathway in both rat and human manifestations of biliary cirrhosis. Conversely, in nonbiliary cirrhosis, NTPDase2 is shifted from the portal area to bridging fibrous bands. Elucidations of the mechanisms regulating NTP–Dase2 expression may lead to new therapeutic approaches to fibrotic liver disease.
Accelerating cluster dynamics simulation of fission gas behavior in nuclear fuel on deep computing unit–based heterogeneous architecture supercomputer
Authors: Bai He , Hu Changjun , Zhu Yuhan , Chen Dandan , Chu Genshen , Ren Shuai
Published: March 2023

High fidelity simulation of fission gas behavior is able to help us understand and predict the performance of nuclear fuel under different irradiation conditions. Cluster dynamics (CD) is a mesoscale simulation method which is rapidly developed in nuclear fuel research area in recent years, and it can effectively describe the microdynamic behavior of fission gas in nuclear fuel; however, due to the huge cost of computation needed for CD model solution, the application scenario of CD has been limited. Thus, how to design the acceleration algorithm for the given computing resources to improve the computing efficiency and simulation scale has become a key problem of CD simulation. In this work, we present an accelerating cluster dynamics model based on the spatially dependent cluster dynamics model, combined with multi optimization methods on a DCU (deep computing unit)-based heterogeneous architecture supercomputer. The correctness of the model is verified by comparing with experimental data and Xolotl—a software of SciDAC program from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. Furthermore, our model implementation has a better computing performance than Xolotl’s GPU version. Our code has gained great strong/weak scaling performance with more than 72.75%/84.07% parallel efficiency on 1024 compute nodes. This work developed a new efficient model for CD simulation of fission gas in nuclear fuel.
Cultivating Resilience in Organizational Frontline Employees
Authors: Good Valerie , Fehl Amy Greiner , LaBrecque Alexander C. , Voorhees Clay
Published: March 2023

This research examines the antecedents and outcomes of organizational frontline employees’ (FLEs’) resilience. Developing a better understanding of resilience, defined as an employee’s ability to overcome or bounce back from adversity, has become critical, as managers increasingly are struggling to manage change on the front lines. The results from three studies conducted in organizational frontline contexts confirm the importance of FLE resilience, demonstrating its association with increased effort and reduced turnover intentions. Moreover, using an experience sampling methodology, we find that nearly half the variance in resilience lies within individuals, which suggests that resilience is not merely a trait but rather malleable. As such, the main contribution of this research is to offer fresh insights into what leads to greater resilience in customer-facing roles. The results show that rather than being motivated by a desire for monetary compensation, FLEs’ resilience is driven by a sense of competence and relatedness to not only coworkers but also customers. Moreover, we find that autonomy is negatively related to resilience when customer orientation is low. For managers, our findings offer guidance on how to cultivate resilience to improve FLE effort and reduce turnover intentions in the face of adversity.
The use of Nicotinamide and Nicotinamide riboside as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of glaucoma
Authors: Goulart Nacácio e Silva Samuel , Occhiutto Marcelo Luís , Costa Vital Paulino
Published: March 2023

Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy characterized by death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which leads to progressive visual field loss and may result in blindness. Currently, the only available treatment to avoid or delay progression in glaucoma patients is to decrease intraocular pressure (IOP). However, despite adequate IOP control, approximately 25% of the patients continue to progress. To delay or prevent optic nerve damage in glaucoma, two forms of vitamin B3, nicotinamide (NAM) and nicotinamide riboside (NR) are emerging as viable adjuvant therapies. These compounds are nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) precursors. NAD is essential for proper cell functioning and is involved in several metabolic activities, including protection against reactive oxygen species, contribution to the performance of various enzymes, and maintenance of mitochondrial function. Due to its beneficial effects and to the evidence of the reduction of NAD bioavailability with aging, researchers are seeking ways to replenish the cellular NAD pool, by administrating its precursors (NAM and NR), believing that it will reduce the RGC vulnerability to external stressors, such as increased IOP. This article attempts to analyze the current knowledge regarding the use of NAM and NR for the prevention and/or treatment of glaucoma.
Ear Portal: An urban-based ear, nose, and throat, and audiology referral telehealth portal to improve access to specialist ear health services for children
Authors: Alenezi Eman MA , Veselinović Tamara , Tao Karina FM , Altamimi Ali AH , Tran Tu Trang , Herbert Hayley , Kuthubutheen Jafri , McAullay Daniel , Richmond Peter C , Eikelboom Robert H , Brennan-Jones Christopher G
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Shortage of ear, nose, and throat specialists in public hospitals can result in delays in the detection and management of otitis media. This study introduced a new hospital-based telehealth service, named the Ear Portal, and investigated its role in improving access to specialist care.

Methods

The study included 87 children (aged 6 months to 6 years) referred to a tertiary children's hospital due to otitis media-related concerns. A specialist multidisciplinary team met fortnightly to review pre-recorded data and provide care plans.

Results

The service resulted in a median waiting time of 28 days to receive a diagnosis and care plan by the multidisciplinary team, compared to a mean waiting time of 450 days for a reference group receiving standard healthcare services. Most children (90.3%) received bilateral ear diagnosis. Normal findings were found in 43.9%. However, the majority required further ear, nose, and throat with or without audiology face-to-face follow-up due to a diagnosis of middle-ear disease, unknown hearing status, or concerns not related to ears. The mean time required for clinical assessments completion by research assistants and multidisciplinary team review was 37.6 and 5.1 min per participant, respectively.

Discussion

Children in the Ear Portal service received a diagnosis and care plan in a median of 28 days, which is within the clinically recommended timeframes. With sufficient clinical information, this service can provide faster access to specialist care than the standard healthcare pathway. The service can reduce the time required by the specialist to provide a diagnosis and care plan which may help increase the specialists’ capacity.
Association of adiposity with morbidity in Finnish adults: A register-based follow-up study
Authors: Mäki Päivi , Harald Kennet , Lindström Jaana , Männistö Satu , Laatikainen Tiina
Published: March 2023

Aims:

The aims of this study were to update risk estimates of obesity related co-morbidities and to provide evidence of the importance of obesity prevention to decision makers.

Methods:

The study included 25- to 74-year-old participants ( N=22,977) of the National FINRISK Studies in 1997, 2002 and 2007. Body mass index was calculated from measured weight and height at baseline. Data on morbidity were ascertained via linkage to the National Hospital Discharge Register, the Cancer Register and the records of the Social Insurance Institution of Finland until the end of year 2018. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate associations between weight status and the risk of the end-point diseases during follow-up, with adjustment for age and smoking.

Results:

At baseline, 31% of participants had at least one of the investigated diseases. Overweight, obesity and severe obesity were associated with type 2 diabetes, gout, gallbladder diseases and knee and hip osteoarthritis during the follow-up in both men and women. The risk of coronary heart disease was increased in men who were overweight, obese and severely obese and in women who were obese and severely obese. Risk of asthma was increased only among women who were obese and severely obese. No associations were found between obesity and breast, prostate or colorectal cancer.

Conclusions:

The study showed a strong relationship between excess body weight and the prevalence and incidence of several diseases. Obesity prevention is essential to reduce disease burden in the future.
Nonlinear tribodynamics of an elastic shaft with a flexible bearing outer race
Authors: Turnbull Robert , Dolatabadi Nader , Rahmani Ramin , Rahnejat Homer
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a mathematical model of a rotor-bearing system is presented. The model includes modal elastodynamics of a flexible rotor as well as the in-plane radial dynamics of the bearing with a flexible outer race. Elastodynamics of the flexible shaft utilises a solution based on Green's function to provide a computationally efficient approach. The flexible bearing outer race is modelled using Timoshenko beam theory. The system model also includes detailed lubricated contact mechanics of balls-to-races contacts with viscous friction. Therefore, the rotor-bearing analysis represents a detailed multi-physics tribodynamics and modal elastodynamic responses of the system which closely represents broad-band vibration response of such systems in practice, an approach not hitherto reported in the literature. It is also demonstrated that the outer race flexibility changes the location of the stability orbital centres, as well as the spread of limit cycle vibrations. Furthermore, it accentuates the occurrence of multiples of ball pass frequency. The importance of integrated system dynamics and lubricated contact mechanics is highlighted, showing that although the elastodynamic response of the rotor's flexible elements may not be clear in the acquired vibration signal, its effect on energy efficiency of the system can be quite important.
Grandchildren of grandparents with Alzheimer’s disease: Exploratory study of the impact of the disease on their relationships
Authors: Megido Maria Jesus , Celdrán Montserrat , Ferrer Assumpta , Roca Montserrat , Pujol-Ribera Enriqueta , Zabaleta-del-Olmo Edurne
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study was to describe the perception of changes that Alzheimer’s disease in grandparents has made to the relationship with their grandchildren of between 6 and 13. Qualitative methodology was used. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 25 grandchildren living in Catalonia, Spain. Participants reported a change in roles from being the care receiver to being the caregiver, changes in the activities that they did together and a positive impact on the grandparent’s emotional wellbeing. In the physical sphere, sleeping problems were reported in grandchildren that cohabited with their grandparents. The feelings they described include fear of not being recognized by their grandparents and sadness, as well as satisfaction resulting from their affection and participating in caring. These findings suggest the need to provide information and resources for grandchildren and their families to enable them to deal with the disease.
Towards a new ‘old’ theory for planning in China: The potential of Huang-Lao thought
Authors: Hillier Jean , Cao Kang
Published: March 2023

In China, where rapid urbanisation has been accompanied by the reform of planning legislation and practice, planning theory has struggled to inform or explain policy and practice adequately. This paper makes a proposal that could provide Chinese spatial planning with a theoretical base that is culturally embedded. Confucianism, Legalism, Daoism and Huang-Lao thought are appraised as potential frames for new theory, highlighting planning-relevant concepts of jingshi (经世, statecraft), shi (势, propensity), li (礼, right action) and li (理, pattern or coherence). Ideas for spatial planning methodologies inspired by Huang-Lao thought are explored. Conclusions suggest that Huang-Lao, as a disjunctive synthesis of the other philosophies, offers a potentially rewarding approach for spatial planning theory and practice in China which grounds legal and sociopolitical order within a natural order of being.