bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Descurainia sophia on Oxidative Stress Markers and Thirst Alleviation in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Cross-Over Clinical Trial
Authors: Asgharpour Masoumeh , Enayati Noora , Rezaei Sadrabadi Mohammad , Mohamadi Afrakati Mana , Khavandegar Armin , Mardi Parham , Alirezaei Amirhesam , Taherinia Ali , Bakhtiyari Mahmood
Published: November 2022

Background. Patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) are regularly exposed to oxidative stress and inflammation and may suffer from thirst distress with no definitive treatment to address these complications. Descurainia sophia (DS) has been used to alleviate thirst in traditional Persian medicine. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of DS on oxidation factors and thirst score in HD patients. Methods. This study was conducted on fifty-three HD patients referred to Tehran Shahid Modarres hospital. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 received DS for six weeks, then underwent four weeks of washout period followed by six weeks of placebo treatment, while group 2 received placebo initially followed by treatment with DS. Biochemistry, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured in four phases: at the beginning, before washout, after washout, and at the end of the study. The patient’s body weight was recorded at the start of each session to assess interdialytic weight gain. Thirst scores also were measured using a visual analog scale. Results. A total of 53 patients, including 23 (43.4%) male and 30 (56.6%) female subjects, were included in the study. The results showed a reduction in thirst score (

p
=
0.001

), cholesterol levels (

p
=
0.046

), triglycerides (0.003), and MDA (

p
<
0.001

) following the four-week administration of DS treatment in HD patients. The mean levels of TAC were increased (

p
<
0.001

), and calcium, as well as Na+, remained unchanged (

p
>
0.05

). Also, a significant decrease in the patient’s weight was observed (

p

value <0.001). This effect persisted after shifting to a placebo. However, the two groups had no significant difference (

p

value = 0.539). Conclusion. DS powder-mixed syrup may benefit HD patients by facilitating free radical scavenging and alleviating thirst distress with minimal adverse effects. The seeds could therefore be utilized as a complementary therapy for hemodialysis patients.
Establishment of Difficult Caudal Epidural Blockade Prediction Model
Authors: Xie Guohao , Zhao Jialian , Chu Lihua , Song Shengwen , Wang Ya , Lai Dengming , Cheng Baoli , Fang Xiangming
Published: November 2022

Background. We aimed to develop a predictive difficult caudal epidural blockade (pDCEB) model when ultrasound was not available and verified the role of ultrasound in difficult caudal epidural blockade (CEB). Methods. From October 2018 to March 2019, this study consisted of three phases. First, we prospectively enrolled 202 patients scheduled to undergo caudal epidural anesthesia and assessed risk factors by binary logistic regression to develop the predictive scoring system. Second, we enrolled 87 patients to validate it. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the performance of the prediction model. Youden-index was used to determine the cut-off value. Third, we enrolled 68 patients with a high risk of difficult CEB (pDCEB score ≥3) and randomized them into ultrasound and landmark groups to verify the role of ultrasound. Result. The rate of difficult CEB was 14.98% overall 289 patients. We found a correlation between unclear palpation of the sacral hiatus (OR 9.688) and cornua (OR 4.725), the number of the sacral hiatus by palpation ≥1 (OR 4.451), and history of difficult CEB (OR 39.282) with a higher possibility of difficult CEB. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the pDCEB model involving the aforementioned factors was 0.889 (95% CI, 0.827–0.952) in the development cohort and 0.862 (95% CI, 0.747–0.977) in the validation cohort. For patients with a pDCEB score ≥3, a preprocedure ultrasound scan could reduce the incidence of difficult CEB (55.56% in the Landmark group vs. 9.38% in the ultrasound group,

p
<
0.001

). Conclusion. This novel pDCEB score, which takes into account palpation of the sacral hiatus/cornua, number of the sacral hiatus by palpation ≥1, and history of difficult CEB, showed a good predictive ability of difficult CEB. The findings suggested that performing an ultrasound scan is essential for patients with a pDCEB score ≥3. Trial registration: No: ChiCTR1800018871, Site URL: https://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=31875&htm=4; Principal investigator: Jialian Zhao, Date of registration: 2018.10.14.
Relationship between Red Blood Cell Indices (MCV, MCH, and MCHC) and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Anemic and Nonanemic Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Zhang Zhanyi , Gao Shanshan , Dong Mengya , Luo Jian , Xu Chenbo , Wen Wen , Huang Yuzhi , Wu Yue , Zhou Juan , Yuan Zuyi
Published: November 2022

Background. Previous studies have shown that increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is an independent predictor for worse outcomes in coronary artery disease. However, as parameters to classify different types of anemia together with MCV, the relationship between mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and long-term outcomes in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains obscure. Moreover, few studies have compared the prognostic value of these red blood cell indices in anemic and nonanemic patients with ACS. Methods and Results. In this single-center observational cohort study, we enrolled 393 patients diagnosed with ACS, including 75 anemic and 318 nonanemic patients. The composite end points were defined as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). After a median follow-up of 31.24 months, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that higher MCV and MCH but not MCHC were significantly associated with increased MACEs in nonanemic ACS patients. Among the enrolled ACS patients without anemia, Cox regression analysis revealed that high MCV and MCH were correlated with increased MACEs after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis further confirmed the predictive value of high MCV and MCH. In bivariate correlation and linear regression analysis, plasma homocysteine was positively correlated with MCV and MCH but not MCHC in the nonanemic group even after adjusting for age, male sex, BMI, SBP, DBP, smoking, and diabetes. However, MCV, MCH, and MCHC showed no predictive value for MACEs, and no correlation was found between these red blood cell indices and homocysteine in ACS patients with anemia. Conclusion. After adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, this study showed that higher admission MCV and MCH but not MCHC were independent predictors for long-term MACEs and positively correlated with homocysteine levels in the blood among the nonanemic but not anemic patients with ACS in China.
Effects of Supply Reliability, Risk Aversion, and Wealth on Retailer’s Optimal Order Strategy
Authors: Peng Liangjun , Liu Yawei , Zou Zichen , Zhang Linbo
Published: November 2022

This study examines the effects of supply reliability, risk aversion, and wealth on the optimal order strategy of retailers in the case of uncertain demand by measuring the degree of risk aversion. A more practical model of optimal ordering strategy is proposed, considering supply reliability, demand uncertainty, risk aversion, and retailer wealth, in which two random variables, supply reliability factors and demand, are introduced into the retailer’s function of expected utility. To avoid nonconvergence at both ends, the demand follows a triangular rather than a normal distribution. It is found that the optimal order quantity will increase with the improvement of supply reliability when the risk-averse degree is fixed. The results also show that the optimal order quantity of risk-averse retailers is smaller than that of risk-neutral retailers. Additionally, the optimal order quantity for the risk-averse retailer decreases as the degree of risk aversion increases, when supply reliability is fixed. Further research shows that the retailer is a constant absolute risk aversion (CARA). That means retailer’s wealth has nothing to do with the risk aversion and changes in the retailer’s wealth will not affect the retailer’s optimal order quantity. This study provides valuable insights for sustainable supply chain management and marketing.
Research on the Ability of Geodetic Records to Explain the Slip Distribution of Wenchuan, China, Earthquake
Authors: Deyu Yin
Published: November 2022

We establish a reasonable 3D complex fault model. The Global Positioning System (GPS) data is adopted to reproduce the slip distribution of the 2008 Mw7.9 Wenchuan earthquake. Utilizing the nonnegative least square method, the slip distribution of the fault plane is recovered. The results are as follows: (1) The released seismic moment of Wenchuan earthquake is

0.959
×

10

21

 
N
·
m

. The deep of the rupture is mainly within 15 km. (2) The rupture mainly occurred along the Beichuan fault, indicating that the Beichuan fault is the main rupture fault. On the southern section of the Beichuan fault, the rupture is concentrated from Yingxiu to Longmenshan and from Yuejiashan to Qingping areas, with mainly thrust slip. On the northern section of the Beichuan fault, the slip is concentrated near the surface of Beichuan and Nanba areas, with thrust and strike slip. On the Pengguan fault, the slip is mainly located near Hanwang with thrust and strike slip. (3) The GPS data are useful for defining the slip in the shallow part but are useless to determine the slip in the deep part. Meanwhile, the time information of the rupture cannot be reproduced.
Terahertz Absorption Characteristics of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Aqueous Dispersion Measured by Microfluidic Technique
Authors: Li Yuchai , Qian Siyu , Zhou Hangyu , Jiang Huimin , Wang Xue , Su Bo , Zhang Cunlin
Published: November 2022

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have excellent electronic, mechanical, and structural characteristics; however, their poor dispersion structure and large aggregates severely inhibit their function. A stable MWCNT dispersion in an aqueous solvent has been realized via ultrasonic dispersion and surfactant modification, providing a reference for improving MWCNT dispersion in various materials and solvents. In this study, a cyclic olefin copolymer with high transmittance to terahertz (THz) waves is used to prepare microfluidic chips. Then, the microfluidic and THz technologies are combined to study the THz absorption characteristics of MWCNT aqueous dispersion under different electric field (EF) intensities, magnetic field (MF) intensities, and MF action time. The results show that the THz spectral intensity of MWCNT aqueous dispersion decreases and the absorption coefficient increases with the increase of EF intensity, MF intensity, and MF action time. This phenomenon is explained from a microscopic perspective. The combination of microfluidic and THz technologies provides technical support for studying the characteristics of MWCNT aqueous dispersion and lays a foundation for elucidating the molecular microstructure of MWCNT aqueous dispersion.
Giaccardi Inequality for s‐Convex Functions in the Second Sense for Isotonic Linear Functionals and Associated Results
Authors: Chen Dong , Abuzaid Dina , Rehman Atiq Ur , Rani Aqsa
Published: November 2022

In this paper, a well‐known inequality called Giaccardi inequality is established for isotonic linear functionals by applying s‐convexity in the second sense, which leads to notable Petrović inequality. As a special case, discrete and integral versions of Giaccardi inequality are derived along with the Petrović inequality as a particular case. In application point of view, newly established inequalities are derived for different time scales.
Circular RNAs Regulate Vascular Remodelling in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Xu Shuang-Lan , Liu Jie , Xu Shuang-Yan , Fan Ze-Qin , Deng Yi-Shu , Wei Li , Xing Xi-Qian , Yang Jiao
Published: November 2022

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a newly identified type of noncoding RNA molecule with a unique closed-loop structure. circRNAs are widely expressed in different tissues and developmental stages of many species, participating in many important pathophysiological processes and playing an important role in the occurrence and development of diseases. This article reviews the discovery, characteristics, formation, and biological function of circRNAs. The relationship between circRNAs and vascular remodelling, as well as the current status of research and potential application value in pulmonary hypertension (PH), is discussed to promote a better understanding of the role of circRNAs in PH. circRNAs are closely related to the remodelling of vascular endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. circRNAs have potential application prospects for in-depth research on the possible pathogenesis and mechanism of PH. Future research on the role of circRNAs in the pathogenesis and mechanism of PH will provide new insights and promote screening, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of this disease.
Monitoring Area Coverage Based on Adjusting Node Spacing in Mixed Underwater Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Li Qiangyi , Liu Ningzhong
Published: November 2022

Wireless sensor nodes have the characteristics of small size, light weight, simple structure, and limited energy. They are random during deployment in the monitoring area, and the location of nodes is uncertain after deployment. It is easy to have uneven node distribution, resulting in dense nodes in some areas and sparse nodes in some areas. In the area with dense nodes, the monitoring area is covered repeatedly due to the distance between nodes which is too close. In the area with sparse nodes, the problem of covering blind areas appears due to the distance between nodes which is too far. Aiming at the complex structure of underwater wireless sensor networks, a coverage algorithm based on adjusting the nodes spacing is proposed. The algorithm calculates the reasonable distance between adjacent nodes before the wireless sensor node moves. The distance between wireless sensor nodes increases gradually. The simulation results show that the algorithm can make the clustered wireless sensor nodes disperse gradually by reasonably adjusting the distance between wireless sensor nodes, improve the coverage effect of wireless sensor networks, and reduce the energy consumption of wireless sensor nodes.
Coordination of New Energy Vehicles Closed‐Loop Supply Chain under Government Subsidies and Different Power Structures
Authors: Wu Yuping , Tian Zhaoyang , Chang Guilin
Published: November 2022

With the gradual retirement of the first batch of new energy vehicles in recent years, determining the optimal recycling mode has become an urgent concern. Considering the closed‐loop supply chain, the government subsidy system, and different market power structures, this paper studies new energy vehicle recycling decisions and supply chain contract coordination. The results show that given an increase in government subsidies, the profit of the dominant agent in the closed‐loop supply chain will be higher than that of the follower, and an increase in wholesale and recovery prices may lead to an increase in sales prices. In addition, the effect of government subsidies on battery recovery is better in cases of vehicle manufacturer dominance than in those of battery manufacturer dominance. Finally, when a battery manufacturer is in the dominant position, a revenue sharing contract can incentivize supply chain coordination; when a vehicle manufacturer is in the dominant position, a two‐part tariff contract can realize coordination in the supply chain.
Difficulty-Based Knowledge Point Clustering Algorithm Using Students’ Multi-Interactive Behaviors in Online Learning
Authors: Shou Zhaoyu , Lai Jun-Li , Wen Hui , Liu Jing-Hua , Zhang Huibing
Published: November 2022

To improve learners’ performance in online learning, a teacher needs to understand the difficulty of knowledge points learners of different cognitive encounter levels in the learning process. This paper proposes a difficulty-based knowledge point clustering algorithm based on collaborative analysis of multi-interactive behaviors. Firstly, combining the group-directed learning path network, forgetting factors and the degree of student-system interaction, we propose a measurement model to calculate the similarity of the difficulty between knowledge points on student-system interactive behavior. Secondly, to solve the data sparsity problem of interaction, we propose an improved similarity model to calculate the similarity of the difficulty between knowledge points on student-teacher and student-student interactive behavior. Finally, the knowledge point difficulty similarity matrix is obtained by integrating the difficulty similarity of knowledge points obtained from student-system interactive behavior, student-teacher interactive behavior, and student-student interactive behavior. The spectral clustering algorithm is used to achieve knowledge point difficulty classification based on the obtained similarity matrix. The experiments on real datasets show that the proposed method has better knowledge point difficulty classification results than the existing methods.
Predictive Role of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio in Adnexal Torsion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Khanzadeh Shokoufeh , Tahernia Hossein , Hernandez Jairo , Sarcone Camila , Lucke-Wold Brandon , Salimi Amirhosseinn , Tabatabaei Fatemeh
Published: November 2022

Introduction. The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to consolidate the available data on the role of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting adnexal torsion (AT), to help guide clinical decision-making and outcomes. Methods. We used Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus to conduct a systematic search for relevant publications published before June 26, 2022. We reported standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Because a significant level of heterogeneity was found, we used the random-effects model to calculate pooled effects. We used the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) too for quality assessment. Results. Overall, 15 articles were included in the analysis. A random-effects model revealed that patients with AT had elevated levels of NLR compared to those with other adnexal masses (SMD=1.06,95%CI=0.67to 1.45,p<0.001). So, NLR had diagnostic value. In the subgroup analysis according to ethnicity, we found that Caucasian patients with AT had elevated levels of NLR compared to patients who were operated due to adnexal mass and reported as having a benign ovarian cyst, without torsion (SMD=1.12,95%CI=0.71to 1.54,p<0.001). However, in the case of East Asian patients, there was no difference between cases and controls (SMD=0.86,95%CI=−0.21to 1.94,p=0.11). The pooled sensitivity of NLR was 0.79 (95%CI=0.72–0.85), and the pooled specificity was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.74–0.91). Conclusion. In conclusion, there has been an interest in the use of NLR as a diagnostic marker for AT.
Subcapsular Sinus Macrophages Promote Melanoma Metastasis to the Sentinel Lymph Nodes via an IL1α–STAT3 Axis
Authors: Virgilio Tommaso , Bordini Joy , Cascione Luciano , Sartori Giulio , Latino Irene , Molina Romero Daniel , Leoni Cristina , Akhmedov Murodzhon , Rinaldi Andrea , Arribas Alberto J. , Morone Diego , Seyed Jafari S. Morteza , Bersudsky Marina , Ottolenghi Aner , Kwee Ivo , Chiaravalli Anna Maria , Sessa Fausto , Hunger Robert E. , Bruno Antonino , Mortara Lorenzo , Voronov Elena , Monticelli Silvia , Apte Ron N. , Bertoni Francesco , Gonzalez Santiago F.
Published: November 2022

During melanoma metastasis, tumor cells originating in the skin migrate via lymphatic vessels to the sentinel lymph node (sLN). This process facilitates tumor cell spread across the body. Here, we characterized the innate inflammatory response to melanoma in the metastatic microenvironment of the sLN. We found that macrophages located in the subcapsular sinus (SS) produced protumoral IL1α after recognition of tumoral antigens. Moreover, we confirmed that the elimination of LN macrophages or the administration of an IL1α-specific blocking antibody reduced metastatic spread. To understand the mechanism of action of IL1α in the context of the sLN microenvironment, we applied single-cell RNA sequencing to microdissected metastases obtained from animals treated with the IL1α-specific blocking antibody. Among the different pathways affected, we identified STAT3 as one of the main targets of IL1α signaling in metastatic tumor cells. Moreover, we found that the antitumoral effect of the anti-IL1α was not mediated by lymphocytes because Il1r1 knockout mice did not show significant differences in metastasis growth. Finally, we found a synergistic antimetastatic effect of the combination of IL1α blockade and STAT3 inhibition with stattic, highlighting a new immunotherapy approach to preventing melanoma metastasis.
Goal-Directed and Habitual Control in Human Substance Use: State of the Art and Future Directions
Authors: Doñamayor Nuria , Ebrahimi Claudia , Arndt Viktoria A. , Weiss Franziska , Schlagenhauf Florian , Endrass Tanja
Published: November 2022

Theories of addiction posit a deficit in goal-directed behavior and an increased propensity toward habitual actions in individuals with substance use disorders. Control over drug intake is assumed to shift from goal-directed to automatic or habitual motivation as the disorder progresses. Several diagnostic criteria reflect the inability to pursue goals regarding reducing or controlling drug use and performing social or occupational functions. The current review gives an overview of the mechanisms underlying the goal-directed and habitual systems in humans, and the existing paradigms that aim to evaluate them. We further summarize the current state of research on habitual and goal-directed functioning in individuals with substance use disorders. Current evidence of alterations in addiction and substance use are mixed and need further investigation. Increased habitual responding has been observed in more severely affected groups with contingency degradation and some outcome devaluation tasks. Reduced model-based behavior has been mainly observed in alcohol use disorder and related to treatment outcomes. Motor sequence learning tasks might provide a promising new approach to examine the development of habitual behavior. In the final part of the review, we discuss possible implications and further developments regarding the influence of contextual factors, such as state and trait variations, and recent advances in task design.
Serous Choroidal Detachment and Scleritis Associated with Necrotic Choroidal Tumors
Authors: Ebert Jared J. , Di Nicola Maura , Hansen Eric D. , Collon Sean M. , Hagen Matthew C. , Williams Jr. Basil K.
Published: November 2022

Purpose: The aim of the study was to describe choroidal detachments and concurrent scleritis associated with necrotic choroidal metastasis or melanoma. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case series. Results: We report 4 patients with scleritis and choroidal detachment with an underlying malignant choroidal tumor. All patients underwent fine-needle aspiration biopsy for cytopathologic characterization of their choroidal tumor, and they all demonstrated evidence of tumor necrosis. Two patients were diagnosed with choroidal metastasis from lung and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Both patients ultimately expired from systemic metastasis. The remaining 2 patients were diagnosed with choroidal melanoma and were successfully treated with plaque radiotherapy. Conclusion: Choroidal detachment with concurrent scleritis can occur as a rare sequelae of tumor necrosis of an underlying choroidal malignancy.
“Outras flechas para o seu arco”: as críticas de José Saramago na revista "Seara nova"
Authors: Gonçalves Neto Nefatalin
Published: November 2022

Apresentamos, em nossa análise, a organização discursiva de alguns artigos publicados por José Saramago entre 1967 e 1968 na "Revista Seara Nova". Nosso intuito é averiguar quais particularidades e linhas teórico-diretivas seguidas pelo autor para, posteriormente, constatar como essa perspectiva serve como embasamento para que o escritor encontre um ponto de síntese necessária que ultrapassasse o mero engajamento político de escritos empenhados e encontrasse uma via de acesso em que arte e ideologia pudessem conviver de forma amistosa e complementar em um produto literário.
Entre ficção e história: a organização estética no romance de José Saramago
Authors: Santos Iago Nunes dos
Published: November 2022

O presente artigo tem como objetivo compreender a discussão do papel da História de Portugal no modo da organização estética no romance de José Saramago que gera a materialização do objeto estético. Para fins de análise utilizar-se-á como objeto artístico de análise o romance "História do Cerco de Lisboa", pois crê-se que a organização do objeto estético saramaguiano se dá através do jogo entre ficção e história, cumprindo uma função estética composicional determinada pela organização arquitetônica pensada pelo autor criador. Entrar em contato com essa forma de organização específica de Saramago, é entrar também contato com a imagem da tradição que a História tem no país e como isso está relacionado com os sujeitos que ali transitam.  Assim como, neste artigo, o estudo sobre o romance, postulado por Mikhail Bakhtin (2014), ajuda a visualizar essa constituição desse objeto estético contemporâneo, os estudos de Eduardo Lourenço e da Profª Dra. Teresa Cristina Cerdeira auxiliam a entender a relação dos portugueses com a História, e o conceito desenvolvido por Hayden White (2014) guiam o olhar para a forma de constituição de um discurso histórico, bem como a sua relação quase que direta com o discurso artístico-literário. Pretende-se concluir que o romance de José Saramago é constituído por meio da relação estabelecida entre ficção e história, sendo que essa relação é determinada pela valoração posta no plano arquitetônico elaborado pelo autor-criador.
O futuro fabuloso dos ibéricos em "A jangada de pedra": um manifesto dissonante como resposta à Europa
Authors: Pinto Ubiratan Machado
Published: November 2022

O presente artigo estabelece uma discussão teórica a respeito do romance "A jangada de pedra" (1986), de José Saramago, conferindo-se na narrativa o debate político que o autor promove através de personagens emblemáticos para a história de Portugal e Espanha. Pertencer ou não à Europa é um dos pontos cruciais de reflexão que o narrador nos oferece em forma de crítica ao longo do texto, uma vez que a Península Ibérica passa a navegar pelos mares, desprendida do Velho Mundo.
Clinical and Experimental Evidence for a Strain-Based Classification of Left Bundle Branch Block-Induced Cardiac Remodeling
Authors: Calle Simon , Duchenne Jürgen , Beela Ahmed S. , Stankovic Ivan , Puvrez Alexis , Winter Stefan , Fehske Wolfgang , Aarones Marit , De Buyzere Marc , De Pooter Jan , Voigt Jens-Uwe , Timmermans Frank
Published: November 2022

Background:

Septal strain patterns measured by echocardiography reflect the severity of left bundle branch block (LBBB)-induced left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. We investigated whether these LBBB strain stages predicted the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy in an observational study and developed a sheep model of LBBB-induced cardiomyopathy.

Methods:

The clinical study enrolled cardiac resynchronization therapy patients who underwent echocardiographic examination with speckle-tracking strain analysis before cardiac resynchronization therapy implant. In an experimental sheep model with pacing-induced dyssynchrony, LV remodeling and strain were assessed at baseline, at 8 and 16 weeks. Septal strain curves were classified into 5 patterns (LBBB-0 to LBBB-4).

Results:

The clinical study involved 250 patients (age 65 [58; 72] years; 79% men; 89% LBBB) with a median LV ejection fraction of 25 [21; 30]%. Across the stages, cardiac resynchronization therapy resulted in a gradual volumetric response, ranging from no response in LBBB-0 patients (ΔLV end-systolic volume 0 [−12; 15]%) to super-response in LBBB-4 patients (ΔLV end-systolic volume −44 [−64; −18]%) (
P<
0.001). LBBB-0 patients had a less favorable long-term outcome compared with those in stage LBBB≥1 (log-rank
P
=0.003). In 13 sheep, acute right ventricular pacing resulted in LBBB-1 (23%) and LBBB-2 (77%) patterns. Over the course of 8−16 weeks, continued pacing resulted in progressive LBBB-induced dysfunction, coincident with a transition to advanced strain patterns (92% LBBB-2 and 8% LBBB-3 at week 8; 75% LBBB-3 and 25% LBBB-4 at week 16) (
P
=0.023).

Conclusions:

The strain-based LBBB classification reflects a pathophysiological continuum of LBBB-induced remodeling over time and is associated with the extent of reverse remodeling in observational cardiac resynchronization therapy-eligible patients.
Loss of ADAM15 Exacerbates Transition to Decompensated Myocardial Hypertrophy and Dilation Through Activation of the Calcineurin Pathway
Authors: Aujla Preetinder K. , Hu Mei , Hartley Bridgette , Kranrod Joshua W. , Viveiros Anissa , Kilic Tolga , Owen Caroline A. , Oudit Gavin Y. , Seubert John M. , Julien Olivier , Kassiri Zamaneh
Published: November 2022

Background:

Myocardial hypertrophy and dilation are key features of cardiomyopathies and involve several cellular and molecular events. ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinases) are membrane-bound proteinases with diverse functions whose role in heart disease remains underexplored. ADAM15 is expressed in the heart and is downregulated in the failing human heart. We investigated the role ADAM15 in pressure overload cardiomyopathy.

Methods:

We assessed ADAM15 levels in myocardial specimens from patients. Its direct role in pressure overload was investigated by subjecting wildtype and
Adam15
-deficient mice to transverse aortic constriction (TAC).

Results:

ADAM15 levels did not change in patients with concentric hypertrophy, but markedly decreased in eccentric hypertrophy and heart failure. Loss of ADAM15 alone did not cause cardiomyopathy in mice (1 year old). After TAC,
Adam15
-/-
mice exhibited worsened eccentric hypertrophy and dilation with greater increase in hypertrophy markers (pJNK, pERK1/2;
Nppb, Nppa
,
Myh7
,
Acta1
) compared with wildtype-TAC. Expression of integrin-α7 (but not integrin β1) increased significantly more in
Adam15
-/-
-TAC hearts, while the interaction of these integrins with basement membrane (laminin), decreased consistent with worsened left ventricle dilation. In vitro, ADAM15 knockdown increased cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in response to mechanical stretch.
Adam15
-/-
-TAC hearts exhibited increased calcineurin activity and de-phosphorylation of nuclear factor of activated T cells. Calcineurin inhibition (cyclosporin-A) blocked the excess hypertrophy and dilation in
Adam15
-/-
-TAC mice. Proteome profiling demonstrated the increased abundance of the key proteins linked to worsened DCM in
Adam15
-/-
-TAC.

Conclusion:

This is the first report demonstrating that ADAM15 can suppress hypertrophy through regulating the integrin-laminin interaction and the calcineurin pathway.
Predictive Coding or Just Feature Discovery? An Alternative Account of Why Language Models Fit Brain Data
Authors: Antonello Richard , Huth Alexander
Published: November 2022

Many recent studies have shown that representations drawn from neural network language models are extremely effective at predicting brain responses to natural language. But why do these models work so well? One proposed explanation is that language models and brains are similar because they have the same objective: to predict upcoming words before they are perceived. This explanation is attractive because it lends support to the popular theory of predictive coding. We provide several analyses that cast doubt on this claim. First, we show that the ability to predict future words does not uniquely (or even best) explain why some representations are a better match to the brain than others. Second, we show that within a language model, representations that are best at predicting future words are strictly worse brain models than other representations. Finally, we argue in favor of an alternative explanation for the success of language models in neuroscience: These models are effective at predicting brain responses because they generally capture a wide variety of linguistic phenomena.
The Legitimation of Rewards to Education
Authors: Evans M. D. R. , Kelley Jonathan
Published: November 2022

Everywhere, education is well rewarded, roughly 5% to 15% for each additional year of university, hence a major source of income inequality. Why do ordinary people see income rewards to education as legitimate? Two key theories: (1) their moral views might align with classical equity arguments asserting a moral entitlement to rewards in proportion to contributions. (2) Alternatively, they might see rewards to education as fair returns on investment, a morally infused folk version of human capital. These share almost all their predictions, but they differ if an employer fully finances the education. Analysis of a large representative Australian sample reveals that the public’s ideal returns to education match equity justifications (~80%), not economists’ fair return on investments (~10%).
Perceptions of Living Conditions across Europe and Their Impact on Xenophobia
Authors: Kiess Johannes
Published: November 2022

This study investigates whether European reference frames – the rating of living conditions in other countries – affect the prevalence of xenophobia among respondents in different European countries. For justifying such assumption, the author builds on two literatures: a large body of literature investigates the effect of individual and collective relative deprivation on xenophobia. Moreover, studies in the field of European sociology show that, in light of deepening European integration, people compare living conditions in different European countries. The author argues that such European reference frames matter for the development of stereotyped categorization processes and thus xenophobia. Based on original survey data, the author shows that country comparisons matter at least indirectly and he points at apparently important country differences, indicating the salience of the respective countries in public debates and warranting further research. With these insights, this article offers an important contribution to research on xenophobia as well as to European sociology.
Taxonomic review of the genus Tetraechma Blanchard, 1842 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Deltochilini)
Authors: Nunes Luis Gabriel de O.A. , Vaz-de-Mello Fernando Z.
Published: November 2022

The genus Tetraechma Blanchard, 1842 is revised for the first time, and species distribution data updated. Three species previously placed in Canthon are transferred to Tetraechma; T. balteata (Boheman, 1858), comb.n., T. chlorophana (Mannerheim, 1829), comb.n., T. liturata (Germar, 1822), comb.n.. Canthon balteatus lojanus Balthasar, 1939 is considered a syn.n. of T. balteata, Canthon apicalis Lucas, 1859 is considered a syn.n. of T. chlorophana, and Ateuchus pictus Mannerheim, 1929 as syn.n. of T. liturata. Lectotypes are designated for Tetraechma sanguineomaculata Blanchard, 1845; Canthon balteatus Boheman, 1858, C. balteatus lojanus Balthasar, 1939, Canthon apicalis Lucas, 1859, Ateuchus chlorophanus Mannerheim, 1829, Ateuchus lituratus Germar, 1822, Canthon lituratus solutus Schmidt, 1920, Canthon lituratus solutus Schmidt, 1920, Canthon lituratus bifasciatus Schmidt, 1920 and Ateuchus pictus Mannerheim, 1929. Tetraechma, which was known only from two endemic species from Argentina, now has five species distributed from northern Colombia and Venezuela to the northern coast of Argentina.
Sea-State-Dependent Sea Spray and Air–Sea Heat Fluxes in Tropical Cyclones: A New Parameterization for Fully Coupled Atmosphere–Wave–Ocean Models
Authors: Barr Benjamin W. , Chen Shuyi S. , Fairall Christopher W.
Published: November 2022

Air–sea exchange in high winds is one of the most important but poorly represented processes in tropical cyclone (TC) prediction models. Effects of sea spray on air–sea heat fluxes in TCs are particularly difficult to model due to complex sea states and lack of observations in extreme wind and wave conditions. This study introduces a new sea-state-dependent air–sea heat flux parameterization with spray, which is developed using the Unified Wave Interface–Coupled Model (UWIN-CM). Impacts of spray on air–sea heat fluxes are investigated across a wide range of winds, waves, and atmospheric and ocean conditions in five TCs of various sizes and intensities. Spray generation with variable size distribution is explicitly represented by surface wave properties such as wave dissipation, significant wave height, and dominant phase speed, which may be uncorrelated with local winds. The sea-state-dependent spray mass flux is substantially different than a wind-dependent flux, especially when wave shoaling occurs with enhanced wave dissipation near the coast during TC landfall. Spray increases the air–sea enthalpy flux near the radius of maximum wind (RMW) by approximately 5%–20% when mean 10-m wind speed at the RMW reaches 40–50 m s−1. These values can be amplified significantly by coastal wave shoaling. Spray latent heat fluxes may be dampened in the eyewall due to high saturation ratio, and they consistently produce a moistening and cooling effect outside the eyewall. Spray strongly modifies the total sensible heat flux and can cause either a warming or cooling effect at the RMW depending on eyewall saturation ratio.

Significance Statement

Fluxes of heat and moisture from the ocean to the atmosphere are important for hurricane intensification, but the impact of sea spray generated by breaking waves on these fluxes is not well understood. We develop a new model for heat fluxes with spray that accounts for how waves control spray, and we apply this model to a set of five simulated hurricanes to better understand the broad range of ways that spray impacts heat fluxes in high wind conditions. We find that spray significantly affects heat fluxes in hurricanes and that impacts are strongly controlled by waves, which are not always correlated to winds. This research improves our understanding of how spray affects heat fluxes in hurricanes and provides a foundation for future studies investigating sea spray and its impacts on high-impact weather systems.
Changes in Seasonal Large-Scale Extreme Precipitation in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast United States, 1979–2019
Authors: Henny Lexi , Thorncroft Chris D. , Bosart Lance F.
Published: November 2022

This study uses Global Historical Climate Network (GHCN) data in each season to identify the days with the most extreme precipitation (“EP days”) in the mid-Atlantic and northeast United States between 1979 and 2019. These days are sorted according to the fraction of extreme precipitation attributed to tropical cyclone (TC), atmospheric river (AR), and extreme integrated vapor transport (IVT) influences. In winter and spring, there have been increases in seasonal precipitation from the most extreme days, associated with a combination of frequency and intensity changes. These increasing trends come primarily from atmospheric rivers. In summer and fall, there have also been large increases in precipitation on extreme days, in this case due entirely to increased event frequency. These changes come from a combination of AR, TC, and extreme IVT influences. Synoptic characteristics of AR-related EP days in winter and spring have changed significantly. In winter, there has been an amplification of the Atlantic ridge and a deepening of the upstream trough over the upper Great Plains, as well as enhanced AR detection and IVT on these days. The composite low has shifted north and intensified. In spring, the trough has weakened and 1000–500-hPa thickness has increased broadly to the south. These changes are related to changes in the large-scale flow. In winter and spring, the North Atlantic subtropical high (NASH) has strengthened and shifted west, leading to increased southwesterly IVT over the mid-Atlantic and Northeast United States. In summer, southerly IVT along the east coast has increased, and 1000–500-hPa climatological thickness has increased broadly in all seasons.

Significance Statement

This paper studies the days with the most extreme precipitation over the mid-Atlantic and Northeast United States in each season and finds that there have been large changes in the frequency, intensity, and characteristics of some of these days. Extreme days associated with atmospheric rivers (ARs) and tropical cyclones (TCs) have become more frequent. Precipitation on AR-related days has also become more intense in some areas. On winter extreme days associated with ARs, the pattern has become more amplified and moisture fluxes have become stronger; these changes are likely associated with strengthened high pressure over the Atlantic. Throughout all seasons, there is evidence of warming on extreme days. This is important because it adds to our understanding of how total and AR-related extreme precipitation is changing in a warming climate.
Organizational Modes of Spring and Summer Convective Storms and Associated Severe Weather over Southern China during 2015–19
Authors: Xue Chenbin , Shen Xinyong , Ding Zhiying , Wu Naigeng , Zhang Yizhi , Chen Xian , Guo Chunyan
Published: November 2022

This study investigates the organizational modes of convective storms and associated severe weather in spring and summer (March–August) of 2015–19 over southern China. These storms are classified into three major organizational structures (cellular, linear, and nonlinear), including 10 dominant morphologies. In general, cellular systems are most frequent, followed by linear systems. Convective storms are common in spring, increasing markedly from April to June, and peak in June. Convective storm cases are usually longer lived in spring, while shorter lived in summer. They also present pronounced diurnal variations, with a primary peak in the afternoon and several secondary peaks during the night to the morning. Approximately 79.7% of initial convection clearly exhibits a dominant eastward movement, with a faster moving speed in spring. Convective storms frequently evolve among organizational modes during their life spans. Linear systems produce the most severe weather observations, in which convective lines with trailing stratiform rain are most prolific. Bow echoes are most efficient in producing severe weather events among all systems, despite their rare occurrences. In spring, lines with parallel stratiform rain are abundant producers of severe wind events, ranking the second highest probability. In summer, embedded lines produce the second largest proportion of intense rainfall events, whereas lines with leading stratiform rain are most efficient in generating extremely intense rainfall and thus pose a distinct flooding threat. Broken lines produce the largest proportion of severe weather events among cellular storms. In contrast, nonlinear systems possess the weakest capability to produce severe weather events.

Significance Statement

Under the influence of the East Asian summer monsoon, severe weather events produced by convective storms occur frequently in China, leading to serious natural disasters. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the morphologies of convective storms are helpful to improve our understanding and prediction of convective storms. However, fewer attempts have been made to examine the convective morphologies over southern China. We aim to reveal the general features of convective organizational modes (e.g., frequencies, durations, variations, etc.) and determine which particular types of severe weather are more or less likely to be associated with particular convective morphologies. These results are of benefit to local forecasters for better anticipating the storm types and issuing warnings for related hazardous weather.
Has low-dose intracoronary thrombolysis gained ground in primary percutaneous intervention?
Authors: Kaddoura Rasha , Mohamed Ibrahim Mohamed Izham , Arabi Abdul Rahman
Published: November 2022

Reducing thrombus burden would improve patient’s outcomes. Low-dose intracoronary thrombolytic agent administration has been considered to improve myocardial microcirculation, cardiac function, and major adverse cardiovascular events in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and high thrombus burden. This paper discusses published meta-analyses on intracoronary thrombolysis in primary percutaneous intervention.
Rosai-Dorfman-Destombes Disease in the Pediatric Head and Neck
Authors: Lee Nam K. , Lovell Mark A. , Herrmann Brian W.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Rosai-Dorfman-Destombes disease (RDD), or sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy, is a rare form of non-Langerhans cells histiocytosis. It has a wide-ranging variability in presentation since first described in 1969 but much of its characteristics in children remain unknown.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of children diagnosed with RDD at a tertiary care children’s hospital was conducted from 2000 to 2021.

Results:

Twelve RDD patients were identified, with an average age of 7 years (SD 4.3). Males comprised 58% of the cohort, and African American ethnicity was most common (42%). Nodal RDD was found in 7 patients (58%). Nine patients (75%) presented RDD within the head and neck, 6 of whom had nodal RDD. The most common presentation was cervical lymphadenopathy, which most often involved levels V (67%), II (56%), III (44%), and I (11%), in order of frequency. Recurrence and persistence of disease after initial treatment was common, with 5 (42%) being disease free at the time of the last follow up. Fifty-eight percent (7/12) developed recurrence or had persistent disease and 4 required adjuvant systemic treatment with corticosteroids and/or chemotherapy. One patient succumbed after developing treatment related acute myelodysplastic leukemia (t-AML) from chemotherapy used to treat recurrent RDD.

Conclusion:

Pediatric RDD presents at a young age and most commonly involving cervical lymphadenopathy. Ongoing surveillance in the setting of persistence or recurrence without clearly defined prognostic risk factors is important.
State of Formic Acid Dissolved in Tar According to Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Paukshtis Evgeniy A. , Chesnokov Vladimir V. , Glazneva Tatiana S.
Published: November 2022

Formic acid is considered as a promising hydrogen carrier and can be used as a source of hydrogen in the processing of heavy oil fractions such as tar. The interaction of formic acid with tar was studied by infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy via special technique using a mirror substrate. The infrared (IR) spectra were interpreted considering density functional theory (DFT) calculations. It was shown that formic acid dissolved in tar in three forms, as dimers, monomers of cis- and trans-configurations, hydrogen-bonded to the aromatic rings of the tar compounds, and as free-rotating gas molecules (microbubbles in the tar bulk). The research performed provides an opportunity and methodological base for studying the process of tar conversion in the presence of formic acid into gasoline fractions at temperatures up to 300 oC.