bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD31 as a Therapeutic Target in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Caligiuri Giuseppina
Published: April 2020

The potential of CD31 as a therapeutic target in atherosclerosis has been considered ever since its cloning in the 1990s, but the exact role played by this molecule in the biologic events underlying atherosclerosis has remained controversial, resulting in the stalling of any therapeutic perspective. Due to the supposed cell adhesive properties of CD31, specific monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins were regarded as blocking agents because their use prevented the arrival of leukocytes at sites of acute inflammation. However, the observed effect of those compounds likely resulted from the engagement of the immunomodulatory function of CD31 signaling. This was acknowledged only later though, upon the discovery of CD31’s 2 intracytoplasmic tyrosine residues called immunoreceptor tyrosine inhibitory motifs. A growing body of evidence currently points at a therapeutic potential for CD31
agonists
in atherothrombosis. Clinical observations show that CD31 expression is altered at the surface of leukocytes infiltrating unhealed atherothrombotic lesions and that the physiological immunomodulatory functions of CD31 are lost at the surface of blood leukocytes in patients with acute coronary syndromes. On the contrary, translational studies using candidate therapeutic molecules in laboratory animals have provided encouraging results: synthetic peptides administered to atherosclerotic mice as systemic drugs in the acute phases of atherosclerotic complications favor the healing of wounded arteries, whereas the immobilization of CD31 agonist peptides onto coronary stents implanted in farm pigs favors their peaceful integration within the coronary arterial wall.
Reimagining What We Measure in Atherosclerosis—a “Phenotype Stack”
Authors: MacRae Calum A. , Califf Robert M.
Published: April 2020

The term phenotype is so commonly used that we often assume that we each mean the same thing. The general definition, the set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of their genotype with the environment, is often left to the eye of the beholder. Whether applied to the multiple levels of biological phenomena or the intact human being, our ability to characterize, classify, and analyze phenotype has been limited by measurement deficits, computing limitations, and a culture that avoids the generalizable. With the advent of modern technology, there is the potential for a revolution in phenotyping, which incorporates old and new in structured ways to dramatically advance basic understanding of biology and behavior and to lead to major improvements in clinical care and public health. This revolution in how we think about phenotypes will require a radical change in the scale at which biomedicine operates with significant changes in the unit of action, which will have far-reaching implications for how care, translation, and discovery are implemented.
Oxygen Exposure During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Is Associated With Cerebral Oxidative Injury in a Randomized, Blinded, Controlled, Preclinical Trial
Authors: Marquez Alexandra M. , Morgan Ryan W. , Ko Tiffany , Landis William P. , Hefti Marco M. , Mavroudis Constantine D. , McManus Meagan J. , Karlsson Michael , Starr Jonathan , Roberts Anna L. , Lin Yuxi , Nadkarni Vinay , Licht Daniel J. , Berg Robert A. , Sutton Robert M. , Kilbaugh Todd J.
Published: April 2020

Background

Hyperoxia during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may lead to oxidative injury from mitochondrial‐derived reactive oxygen species, despite guidelines recommending 1.0 inspired oxygen during
CPR
. We hypothesized exposure to 1.0 inspired oxygen during
CPR
would result in cerebral hyperoxia, higher mitochondrial‐derived reactive oxygen species, increased oxidative injury, and similar survival compared with those exposed to 21% oxygen.

Methods and Results

Four‐week‐old piglets (n=25) underwent asphyxial cardiac arrest followed by randomization and blinding to
CPR
with 0.21 (n=10) or 1.0 inspired oxygen (n=10) through 10 minutes post return of spontaneous circulation. Sham was n=5. Survivors received 4 hours of protocolized postarrest care, whereupon brain was obtained for mitochondrial analysis and neuropathology. Groups were compared using Kruskal‐Wallis test, Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, and generalized estimating equations regression models. Both 1.0 and 0.21 groups were similar in systemic hemodynamics and cerebral blood flow, as well as survival (8/10). The 1.0 animals had relative cerebral hyperoxia during
CPR
and immediately following return of spontaneous circulation (brain tissue oxygen tension, 85% [interquartile range, 72%–120%] baseline in 0.21 animals versus 697% [interquartile range, 515%–721%] baseline in 1.0 animals;
P
=0.001 at 10 minutes postarrest). Cerebral mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production was higher in animals treated with 1.0 compared with 0.21 (
P
<0.03). Exposure to 1.0 oxygen led to increased cerebral oxidative injury to proteins and lipids, as evidenced by significantly higher protein carbonyls and 4‐hydroxynoneals compared with 0.21 (
P
<0.05) and sham (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Exposure to 1.0 inspired oxygen during
CPR
caused cerebral hyperoxia during resuscitation, and resultant increased mitochondrial‐derived reactive oxygen species and oxidative injury following cardiac arrest.
Women in Early Human Cytogenetics: An Essay on a Gendered History of Chromosome Imaging
Authors: Santesmases María Jesús
Published: April 2020

Alongside the renowned male pioneers of medical cytogenetics, many women participated in investigations at the laboratory bench and the bedside, both in Europe and the Americas. These women were committed to this new biological and clinical practice—cytogenetics, the origins of contemporary genetic diagnosis—and contributed to the creation of new biological concepts and settings centered on the study of chromosome imaging. This paper will review the contributions made by a group of woman scientists from a wide geographical distribution, situating their names and research agendas within the history of a field dating back to early plant and insect cytogenetics. Rather than an exhaustive compendium of women geneticists, this essay presents a kind of historical reconstruction that can be achieved by placing women at center stage in their geographies and networks of circulating cytogenetic knowledge and practices thereby relating a history of genetic images though the work carried out by women, retrieving their agency and constructing an inclusive history of an influential contemporary biomedical practice as it gained increasing influence in the laboratory and the clinic.
Women and the Workplace. Collaborative Networks of Women Geneticists in Mexico in the 1960s and early 1970s
Authors: Barahona Ana
Published: April 2020

This paper will address the collaborative networks and the gendered organization of the scientific work at the first Unit on Human Genetics of the Mexican Institute for Social Security. There, women and men had different tasks, duties and authority according to their gender and individual and professional skills. I will focus on physician Susana Kofman, who specialized in cytogenetics with Jérôme Lejeune and Jean de Grouchy in France, and physician Leonor Buentello, who graduated in virus genetics in Germany. This narrative intends to return them to the forefront of the history of cytogenetics and to illustrate the contribution of women to scientific developments when research on human genetics was becoming a medical domain for diagnosis at an international level.
The Iconostasis and Darśan in Orthodox Christianity and Mahāyāna Buddhism
Authors: Shin Junhyoung Michael
Published: April 2020

This essay discusses how Orthodox Christianity and Mahāyāna Buddhism understood the acts of both seeing and being seen by the divine, and how such ideas affected the making and use of icons in these two religious traditions. I focus on the visual culture of the Byzantine and Russian Orthodox churches between the eleventh and fifteenth centuries, and that of the East Asian Pure Land and Esoteric schools between the ninth and fourteenth centuries, respectively. I interpret the function of the iconostasis as an enduring remnant of the Jewish veil used to obstruct God’s vision. Here, Jacques Lacan’s concepts of the gaze and the screen provide a thought-provoking rationale. In turn, I investigate the mandala and icon in Japanese Esoteric Buddhism, in which both seeing and being seen by the divine were deemed spiritual blessings granted by the divine being. This thematic comparison brings to light the less discussed aspects of Christian and Buddhist visual experiences.
The Question of Justice in the Novel of Consciousness
Authors: Vander Weele Michael
Published: April 2020

Marilynne Robinson’s achievement in the third novel of the Iowa trilogy can be seen more clearly if measured against Erich Auerbach’s ambivalence about the novel of consciousness. Using Auerbach’s final chapter of Mimesis, on Virginia Woolf, as the horizon for Robinson’s work clarifies two points: Robinson’s work should be viewed within a novel-of-consciousness tradition that is as much European as American; and Robinson’s religious interests turn that tradition toward a more anthropological concern with the complexity of consciousness framed by the concern for justice. While Nicholas Damas’s recent essay in The Atlantic, “The New Fiction of Solitude” (April 2016), claimed that much new fiction “imagines teaching us how to be separate” and Walter Benjamin already wrote at mid-century that “the ability to exchange experiences” disappeared sometime after World War I, in Lila it is as if Marilynne Robinson set out to show both the difficulty and the possibilities of such exchange.
Environmental correlates of the European common toad hybrid zone
Authors: Arntzen Jan W. , Canestrelli Daniele , Martínez-Solano Iñigo
Published: April 2020

The interplay between intrinsic (development, physiology, behavior) and extrinsic (landscape features, climate) factors determines the outcome of admixture processes in hybrid zones, in a continuum from complete genetic merger to full reproductive isolation. Here we assess the role of environmental correlates in shaping admixture patterns in the long hybrid zone formed by the toads Bufo bufo and B. spinosus in western Europe. We used species-specific diagnostic SNP markers to genotype 6584 individuals from 514 localities to describe the contact zone and tested for association with topographic, bioclimatic and land use variables. Variables related to temperature and precipitation contributed to accurately predict the distribution of pure populations of each species, but the models did not perform well in areas where genetically admixed populations occur. A sliding window approach proved useful to identify different sets of variables that are important in different sections of this long and heterogeneous hybrid zone, and offers good potential to predict the fate of moving contact zones in global change scenarios.
Aphanta asiatica sp. nov. (Orthogonacladiaceae, Rhodophyta), a new species from the Asia-Pacific region with the first description of reproductive structures in this genus

Authors: WANG XULEI , SUN ZHONGMIN , XIA BANGMEI , WANG GUANGCE
Published: April 2020

We analyzed mitochondrial COI-5P and plastid rbcL sequences from specimens of Aphanta collected from China and Japan and accessed morpho-anatomical data in detail. The results revealed the presence of a novel species of this genus, Aphanta asiatica, described here. Aphanta asiatica was characterized by a turf-forming habit of thalli with anastomosing branches, and a thick, wide, and flattened axis with subpinnate to pinnate branches, and characterized by its robust and branched prostrate system bearing complex peg-like haptera which were either typical or non-typical. Rhizoidal filaments were abundant in the inner cortex and distal ends of the axis, and interspersed in the medulla. Tetrasporangial and spermatangial sori were produced on the terminal ends of the branchlets and axes. Tetrasporangia were irregularly arranged and cruciately divided, and spermatangia were cut off from the outermost cortical cells. In phylogenies of the COI-5P and rbcL sequences, A. asiatica was closely related to Aphanta pachyrrizha. In conclusion, the present study is the first to document reproductive structures in, and contribute further to our understanding of, the genus Aphanta.
Morphology Adjustment of TiO2 Nanostructures for Enhanced Photocatalytic Properties
Authors: Zheng Haibin , Bu Hongxia
Published: April 2020

Titanium dioxides (TiO2) nanoarchitectures including microspheres surrounded by nanosheets were synthesized using simple, quick and effective hydrothermal method with moderate temperature (150 °C). We systematically investigated how reaction time affected final morphologies
of TiO2. At reaction times equal to 4 and 8 hours (named as TS-4 and TS-8, respectively), TiO2 formed with morphology of irregular microspheres. At longer reaction times (12 hours, named as TS-12), urchin-like TiO2 nanocrystals formed. Photocatalytic activities
of the formed TiO2 with different morphologies were evaluated against decomposition of methylene orange and blue (MO and MB, respectively) as well as rose-bengal (RB). Urchin-like TiO2 demonstrated high degradation ratio similar to the commercial catalyst PS 25 on MO
(96%). Degradation ratios of samples synthetized for 4 and 8 hours were much lower: 60 and 80%, respectively. During 30 minutes reaction time, TiO2 with urchin-like morphology showed much higher selectivity towards neutralization of MB (99.5%) than towards MO (73%) and RB (88.7%).
Self-Powered Wearable Sweat-Lactate Analyzer for Scheduling Training of Boat Race
Authors: Mao Yupeng , Ba Ning , Gao Xinchao , Wang Ziqi , Shen Mailun , Liu Bing , Li Boyang , Ma Xiaofei , Chen Song
Published: April 2020

Self-powered wearable sweat-lactate analyzer has been developed for training analysis of rowing. Tetrapodshaped ZnO nanowires are attached onto ordinary textiles to form a device. Based on the coupling of enzymatic reaction (lactate oxidase and lactic acid) and piezoelectric effect,
the device can be attached to the tester to monitor the driving frequency, rowing distance and sweat lactic acid concentration of the tester in real-time. The relationship between the rowing frequency and physiological state is obtained by monitoring the rowing process of the tester, which
is helpful to formulate a training plan belonging to the rowing tester. This study provides a new direction for the scientific monitoring of kinematics and accelerates the development of wearable sports equipment.
Facile Hydrothermal Synthesis and Electrochemical Performance of NiCo2O4 Nanoneedles
Authors: Cui Duo , Zhao Rongda , Xiang Jun , Wu Fufa , Xin Lijun , Zhang Yue , Ma Shengnan
Published: April 2020

NiCo2O4 nanoneedles on the surface of Ni foam were grown by a simple one step hydrothermal method, which is used as the working electrode for asymmetric supercapacitors. Its area specific capacitance is 981.64 C cm–2 at 1 mA cm–2,
and the cycling stability can reach 100% after 10000 cycles at 4 mA cm–2. The spatial structure of the nanoneedle has important influence on the cyclic stability of NiCo2O4 electrode. The hybrid supercapacitors are prepared on the basis of the prepared
NiCo2O4 nanoneedle electrodes. After 8000 cycles, its cycle life is stable and the capacitance retention rate reaches 100%.
Sodium Alanate Dehydrogenation Properties Enhanced by MnTiO3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Sun Yujie , Yang Xia , Huang Yue , Li Jianquan , Cen Xinghua , Cen Wenlong , Xia Yongpeng , Wei Sheng , Xu Fen , Sun Lixian
Published: April 2020

In this study, we investigated the influence of MnTiO3 nanoparticles additive on hydrogen released performance of NaAlH4 for the first time. The MnTiO3 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using conventional solid-state ceramic route. It was found
that the hydrogen released performance of NaAlH4 can be significantly improved by the addition of MnTiO3 nanoparticles. Meantime, the composite of NaAlH4 doped 5 wt% MnTiO3 possessed excellent dehydrogenation properties, the onset dehydrogenation
temperature was only 70.6 °C, reduced by about 105 °C in comparison with the pristine NaAlH4, and approximately 5.01 wt% of hydrogen could be released from composite with temperature heated to 220 °C. The isothermal dehydrogenation test results indicated that the amount
of hydrogen released by NaAlH4-5 wt% MnTiO3 composite could reach 4.4 wt% under 200 °C within 25 min. According to the analysis of X-ray diffraction, the presence of MnTiO3 nanoparticles did not alter the overall dehydrogenation pathway of NaAlH4,
and the Al3 Ti phases formed after dehydrogenation, which enhanced hydrogen desorption performances of NaAlH4 .
Synergistic Effect of Photonic Crystals and Oxygen Vacancies on Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting of TiO2 Nanotube
Authors: Meng Ming , Qin Wei , Li Chunyang , Xu Kun , Xu Liuyang , Li Jian , Ma Le , Liu Kuili , Li Jitao , Qin Nan , Zhu Yu
Published: April 2020

TiO2 nanotube photonic crystals with a mass of oxygen vacancies (VO-TiO2 NTPCs) are prepared through a simple electrochemical reduction. The novel VO-TiO2 NTPCs produce a photocurrent density of 1.4 mA/cm2
at 0.22 V versus Ag/AgCl with Faradic efficiency of 100%, which is 1.75 times that of pristine TiO2NTPCs. The improved performance is contributed to the fact that the oxygen vacancies created by electrochemical reduction, which not only promote efficient utilization of the visible
light absorption, but also increase electrical conductivity. This work will contribute to the design and fabrication of the TiO2nanotube-based photoelectric devices.
Band Gap Narrowed P Doped 1T@2H MoS2 Nanosheets Towards Synergistically Enhanced Visible Light Photochemical Property
Authors: Wang Yipin , Zhang Rongfang , Han Genliang , Gao Xiaoping
Published: April 2020

The weak transport charge efficiency and great band gap energy of layered MoS2 hamper its further commercial application. To overcome these deficiencies, we report a simple, controlled and handy hydrothermal process for realizing 2H MoS2 to 1T MoS2 transition
with P source. Due to the more conductive ability and larger surface area, P-doped 1T@2H MoS2 nanosheets show an outstanding catalytic activity. Noticeably, P-doped 1T@2H MoS2 nanosheets with narrowed bandgap exhibits a remarkable optical photochemical performance. It
fully eliminates 50 ml of 20 mg L–1 RhB in 70 minutes with outstanding recycling and structural stability by using 10 mg catalyst.
Spintronic Transport Performances of VSe2 Nanoribbons
Authors: Zhang Wei-Chao , Sun Wei-Feng
Published: April 2020

The spin-resolved electronic transport behaviors of VSe2 nanoribbons are theoretically investigated to explore their applications in spintronic devices, employing by the first-principles calculations combined with nonequilibrium Green's function scheme. The band structure,
current varying curves with bias voltage between nanoribbon terminal electrodes and electronic transmission spectra of two representative VSe2 nanoribbons along zigzag and armchair crystallographic orientations are calculated respectively. The evident negative differential resistance
under the bias voltage of ∼0.6 V for the armchair orientation has been found, implying the significant crystal anisotropy of VSe2 monolayer. Meanwhile, both the VSe2 nanoribbon devices along zigzag and armchair directions represent favorable spin filtering effect,
suggesting they are prospective candidates as a multifunction material in spintronic and digital applications.
Strongly Coupled Data Assimilation Using Leading Averaged Coupled Covariance (LACC). Part III: Assimilation of Real World Reanalysis
Authors: Sun Jingzhe , Liu Zhengyu , Lu Feiyu , Zhang Weimin , Zhang Shaoqing
Published: April 2020

Recent studies proposed leading averaged coupled covariance (LACC) as an effective strongly coupled data assimilation (SCDA) method to improve the coupled state estimation over weakly coupled data assimilation (WCDA) in a coupled general circulation model (CGCM). This SCDA method, however, has been previously evaluated only in the perfect model scenario. Here, as a further step toward evaluating LACC for real world data assimilation, LACC is evaluated for the assimilation of reanalysis data in a CGCM. Several criteria are used to evaluate LACC against the benchmark WCDA. It is shown that despite significant model bias, LACC can improve the coupled state estimation over WCDA. Compared to WCDA, LACC increases the globally averaged anomaly correlation coefficients (ACCs) of sea surface temperature (SST) by 0.036 and atmosphere temperature at the bottom level (Ts) by 0.058. However, there also exist regions where WCDA outperforms LACC. Although the reduction in the anomaly root-mean-square error (RMSE) is not as consistently clear as the increase in ACC, LACC can largely correct the biased model climatology.
Fibre direction strain measurement in a composite ply under pure bending using Digital Volume Correlation and Micro-focus Computed Tomography
Authors: Schöberl Erich , Mavrogordato MN , Sinclair I , Spearing SM
Published: April 2020

This paper presents an experimental demonstration and validation of high-resolution three-dimensional experimental strain measurement using Digital Volume Correlation (DVC) on Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Polymers, via through-thickness strain analysis under a state of pure bending. To permit the application of DVC to displacements and/or strain measurements parallel to the fibre direction in well-aligned unidirectional materials at high volume fractions, a methodology was developed for the insertion of sparse populations of 400 nm BaTiO3 particles within the matrix to act as displacement trackers (i.e. fiducial markers). For this novel material system, measurement sensitivity and noise are considered, along with the spatial filtering intrinsic to established DVC data processing. In conjunction with Micro-focus Computed Tomography, the technique was applied to a simple standard specimen subjected to a four-point flexural test, which resulted in a linear strain distribution through the beam thickness. The high-resolution, fibre-level strain distributions (imaged at a voxel resolution of ∼0.64 µm) were compared against the classical beam theory (Euler–Bernoulli) in incrementally decreasing averaging schemes and different sub-set sizes. Different sampling and averaging strategies are reported, showing that DVC outputs can be obtained that are in very good agreement with the analytical solution. A practical lower limit for the spatial resolution of strain is discerned for the present materials and methods. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of DVC in measuring local strains parallel to the fibre direction, with corresponding potential for calibration and validation of micromechanical models predicting various fibre-dominated damage mechanisms.
Positive Affective and Enjoyment Responses to Four High-Intensity Interval Exercise Protocols
Authors: Marques Marcelo , Alves Elaine , Henrique Nayana , Franchini Emerson
Published: April 2020

Several variables can be manipulated to compose high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) protocols, and these different combinations may evoke different psychological responses (affect, enjoyment, mood, and perceived exertion). This study investigated psychological responses during four HIIE protocols. Following anthropometric measurements and two maximal exercise tests, 23 physically inactive adults (11 males [ Mage = 25.6, SD =  4.8 years; Mbody mass = 68.5, SD =  12.2 kg; Mheight = 1.72, SD =  0.08 m] and 12 females [ Mage = 25.0, SD = 3.5 years; Mbody mass = 57.2, SD =  8.7 kg; Mheight = 1.59, SD = 0.06 m]) performed four different types of HIIE on different days: (a) Long-interval HIIE (HIIEL—10 × 60 seconds:60 seconds), (b) Short-interval HIIE (HIIES—2 blocks of 10 × 30 seconds:30 seconds with 120 seconds between blocks), (c) Repeated Sprint Training (19 × 6 seconds all out:40 seconds), and (d) Sprint Interval Training (4 × 30 seconds all-out efforts: 240 seconds). We used a final session to assess participants’ HIIE preference. We recorded participant reports of affect, mood, and perceived exertion throughout protocols, and we recorded enjoyment after exercise session. Perceived exertion significantly increased across all HIIE protocols ( p <  .001), with higher values in the first quartile during Sprint Interval Training versus HIIEL ( p =  .033). Affective response presented higher values pre-exercise and at the first quartile compared with all other moments ( p <  .001). Tension ( p <  .001) and depression ( p =  .013) decreased from pre- to post-exercise in all experimental conditions. At pre-exercise, female participants were tenser than males ( p =  .018), though males presented higher pre-exercise vigor scores than females ( p =  .023). Vigor increased over time for females ( p =  .022). Enjoyment did not vary between sexes or protocols. Participants expressed a higher preference for Repeated Sprint Training. HIIE protocols promoted positive psychological responses for physically inactive young adults, and exercise designs may modulate psychological responses.
The pragmatics of discovery constrains children’s tendency to map novel labels onto novel objects
Authors: Wall Jenna L. , Merriman William E.
Published: April 2020

When taught a label for an object, and later asked whether that object or a novel object is the referent of a novel label, preschoolers favor the novel object. This article examines whether this so-called disambiguation effect may be undermined by an expectation to communicate about a discovery. This expectation may explain why 4-year-olds do not show the disambiguation effect if a sense modality shift occurs between training and test. In Study 1, 3- and 4-year-olds learned a label for a visible object, then examined two hidden objects manually and predicted which one they would be asked about. Only the older group predicted that they would be asked about the object that matched the visible object. Study 1 also included a test of the standard disambiguation effect, where both the training and test objects were visible. Both 3- and 4-year-olds showed a weaker disambiguation effect in this test when the matching object was unexpected rather than expected. In Study 2, both age groups predicted they would be asked about this object when it was unexpected. In Study 3, both age groups showed a stronger disambiguation effect when allowed to communicate about this object before deciding which object was the referent of a novel label. Metacognitive ability predicted the strength of this disambiguation effect even after controlling for age and inhibitory control. The article discusses various explanations for why only 4-year-olds abided by the pragmatics of discovery in the test of the cross-modal disambiguation effect, but both 3- and 4-year-olds abided by it in the test of the standard disambiguation effect.
Mission Accomplished: The ACVP/STP Coalition for Veterinary Pathology Fellows Completes Its Objectives, but Its Legacy and Spirit Live On
Authors: Adler Rick , Clark Elizabeth , Cline Mark , Conner Michael , Crabbs Torrie , Fossey Stacey , Malarkey David , Meseck Emily , Vernau William , Tornquist Susan , McDorman Kevin , Rees Susan , Cockerell Gary
Published: April 2020

After 15 years of existence, the ACVP/STP Coalition for Veterinary Pathology Fellows will dissolve, primarily due to lack of renewed financial sponsorship. While in operation, the Coalition organized 32 new training position for veterinary pathologists, supported by $7.4 M from sponsors, including pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, contract research organizations, private individuals and allied veterinary pathology support groups. All residual funds will be donated to ACVP and STP with the understanding that the two organizations will use these funds to enhance training by collaborating on outreach efforts, thus maintaining the legacy and spirit of the Coalition.
Air inclusions in the polymer melt functioning as intrinsic physical blowing agents for the generation of foams in rotational molding
Authors: Werner Jannik , Vetter Lukas , Hertle Sebastian , Wolf Michael , Drummer Dietmar
Published: April 2020

In recent years, foams have experienced a major economic uprise, not least due to their lightweight construction potential. In this article, a new process variation is presented, which enables the generation of foamed structures in rotational molding by the utilization of vacuum. The novel method is based on entrapped air in the melt as an intrinsic physical blowing agent. By applying negative pressure in the cooling or solidification phase, the air bubbles expand. The crystallization freezes the existing conditions and thus forms the foamed structure. The investigations presented consider influences by different pressures as well as the temperature at which the vacuum is applied. The results with polyethylene show that by varying the pressure as well as the application temperature of the vacuum, components with different densities and cell characteristics result. The resulting foamed components excel by an improved stiffness per unit weight ratio.
A Votive Isis-Throne for Minmose (Ashmolean Museum AN 1888.561)?
Authors: Frood Elizabeth , Alvarez Christelle
Published: April 2020

This article is the publication of Ashmolean Museum AN 1888.561, a small, damaged limestone object carved with images of deities and texts relating to the Nineteenth Dynasty high priest of Onuris, Minmose. These features, as well as the object’s distinctive form, are described, and a brief commentary is given for the texts. It is suggested that the object might be a votive Isis-throne.
Correlating Laboratory Conditioning with Field Aging for Asphalt using Rheological Parameters
Authors: Zhang Runhua , Sias Jo E. , Dave Eshan V.
Published: April 2020

Aging has a significant effect on performance of asphalt materials. Reliable characterization of asphalt binder properties with aging is crucial to improving asphalt binder specifications as well as modification and formulation methods. The objective of this study is to correlate the laboratory conditioning methods with field aging using evolution of binder rheological parameters with time and pavement depth. Loose mixtures are aged in the lab (5 and 12 days aging at 95°C, and 24 h at 135°C) and recovered binder rheological properties are compared with those from different layers of field cores. The virgin binder results with 20 h pressure aging vessel (PAV) aging are also included. Binder testing is conducted using a dynamic shear rheometer with a 4 mm plate over a wide range of frequencies and temperatures. Rheological parameters calculated from the master curves, performance grade system, and binder Christensen–Anderson–Marasteanu model are used to evaluate changes with aging. The field aging gradient is evaluated, and the laboratory conditioning durations corresponding with the field aging durations at different pavement depths are calculated. The results show that 5 days of aging can simulate around 8 years of field aging (in New Hampshire) for the top 12.5 mm pavement, and 12 days’ aging can simulate approximately 20 years; 20 h PAV binder aging is not adequate to capture the long-term performance of the pavement. This study provides a way to optimize the laboratory conditioning durations and evaluate the performance of asphalt material with respect to pavement life (time) and depth (location) within the pavement structure.
Deceased organ donation in Nova Scotia: Presumed consent and system transformation
Authors: Krmpotic Kristina , Isenor Cynthia , Beed Stephen
Published: April 2020

In recent years, rates of deceased organ donation in Nova Scotia have remained stagnant, falling behind provinces that have invested in their organ donation programs. The Nova Scotia provincial government has recently committed to health system transformation, which will include enactment of presumed consent legislation in 2020. Although impressive rates of deceased organ donation are often observed in countries with presumed consent legislation, improvements in performance can more often be attributed to the accompanying health system transformation. Key components of high performing deceased organ donation systems include highly trained organ donation specialists, practice guidelines, healthcare professional education, performance metric reviews, accountability frameworks, and public awareness campaigns in addition to adequate legislation. For Nova Scotia’s organ donation program to succeed, the provincial government must also invest the frontline financial resources required to develop and maintain adequate program infrastructure and implement key strategies to support a culture of donation.
Development and ex-vivo skin permeation studies of finasteride–poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) and minoxidil–chitosan nanoparticulate systems
Authors: Pervaiz Fahad , Saleem Madiha , Ashames Akram , Rehmani Sahrish , Qaiser Rubina , Noreen Sobia , Murtaza Ghulam
Published: April 2020

This study was designed to improve the permeability of two drugs (finasteride and minoxidil) through the skin. Finasteride-loaded poly(lactic acid- co-glycolic acid) and minoxidil-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation and ionic gelation method, respectively, and subsequently incorporated into semisolid Carbopol 940 gel. These fabricated nanoparticles were characterized for their pharmaceutical and chemical behavior. Nanoparticles were found a nearly spherical shape in the scanning electron microscopic studies and exhibited particle size in a range of 211–1012 nm. Finasteride- and minoxidil-loaded nanoparticles were optimized for relatively higher entrapment efficiency of 98% and 95%, respectively, by using the optimal concentration of polymers and stabilizers. All formulations were clear with smooth homogeneous texture and having pH values compatible with that of skin. This nanoparticulate system suspended in gel prolonged the release of drugs for up to 24 h and enhanced the drug permeability through the skin and retention of drug-loaded nanoparticles within the hair follicular routes. Therefore, these nanoparticles incorporated in the gel were found as a promising candidate for topical application in the treatment of alopecia by reducing the dosing frequency and adverse effects and as an effective strategy for improving the patient compliance toward therapy.
Discriminant Function Analyses: Classifying Drugs/Violence Victimization Typologies Among Incarcerated Rural Women
Authors: Victor Grant A. , Staton Michele
Published: April 2020

This study examined the relationship between drug use and violence victimization among incarcerated women in Appalachian Kentucky. The purpose of this study was to test the utility of Goldstein’s tripartite conceptual framework among rural incarcerated women, by examining whether distinct drugs/violence nexus groups could be classified based on psychopharmacological, economic-compulsive, and systemic factors. This study used secondary data from a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)-funded grant focused on risk reduction among high-risk incarcerated women in Appalachia ( N = 400). Predicted drugs/violence groups were developed using a series of discriminant function analyses. The data yielded three statistically significant discriminant models. Findings of the classified groupings indicated support for three distinct drugs/violence victimization subgroups. The psychopharmacological group showed the greatest prevalence ( n = 181; Wilks’s λ = .389, F = 3.94, p < .001), followed by the economic-compulsive group ( n = 77; Wilks’s λ = .584, F = 11.86, p < .001) and systemic group ( n = 55) significant (Wilks’s λ = .994, F = 2.247, p < .035). To date, this is the first study to report a relationship between systemic violence victimization among rural communities. These findings could offer novel considerations for theory development and implications for clinical practice regarding the drug-related risks for violence victimization among rural incarcerated women.
Systemic lupus erythematosus–associated diffuse alveolar hemorrhage: a single-center, matched case–control study in China
Authors: Sun Yiduo , Zhou Cong , Zhao Jiuliang , Wang Qian , Xu Dong , Zhang Shangzhu , Shen Min , Hou Yong , Tian Xinping , Li Mengtao , Zeng Xiaofeng
Published: April 2020

Background

This study described clinical characteristics and outcome in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH), and investigated risk factors and prognostic factors for DAH.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective nested case–control analysis in a single-center cohort. We enrolled 94 SLE patients with DAH. For each case of DAH, two age-, sex-, and SLE courses–matched controls were randomly selected from our cohort. All patients were enrolled between 2004 and 2019 and were followed until death, end of registration with the physician’s practice, or end of January 2019. We estimated the risk factors for DAH and prognostic factors for mortality using multivariate analysis.

Results

We included 4744 patients diagnosed with SLE, with 94 cases of DAH, for an incidence rate of 2.0%. DAH may occur in any stage of SLE but mostly in the early phase of disease course. Lupus nephritis (LN) was the most common concomitant involvement at DAH diagnosis. By multivariate analysis, LN, anti-SSA positivity, thrombocytopenia and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly associated with DAH in SLE patients. All-cause mortality was increased in SLE with DAH compared with SLE without DAH (adjusted hazard ratio 6.0, 95% confidence interval 2.8–13.0, p < 0.0001). Intravenous cyclophosphamide (CTX) showed an increased tendency for better survival in DAH after adjusting for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000, acute kidney injury and mechanical ventilation.

Conclusions

LN, anti-SSA positivity, thrombocytopenia and elevated CRP were independent risk factors of DAH in lupus patients. Due to a high early death rate of DAH and little long-term damage, DAH patients may benefit from early diagnosis and intensive treatment, and CTX-based therapy can be a preferential choice.
Families’ Experiences of Deaths After Police Contact in the United States: Perceptions of Justice and Injustice
Authors: Baker David , Norris Dana
Published: April 2020

This article examines deaths after police contact (DAPC) in the United States using qualitative research undertaken with families who lost loved ones after police contact. It aims to understand their perceptions of the processes they go through in the aftermath of these deaths and how this affects their worldview. The article uses the principles of procedural justice and belief in a just world (BJW) to consider how these experiences affect families’ views of justice and injustice in the United States. Key findings are that families perceive police and criminal justice system processes to be procedurally unjust in cases of DAPC and that their BJW is significantly affected as a result of the outcomes they experience. It further argues that there is a racial dimension to these experiences, as White participants appeared to feel these effects more keenly than Black and Mixed-Heritage participants.
Vitamin D Treatment Attenuates Heart Apoptosis After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Tasdighi Erfan , Hekmat Manouchehr , Beheshti Mahmoud , Baghaei Ramin , Mirhosseini Seyed Mohsen , Torbati Peyman , Pourmotahari Fatemeh , Foroughi Mahnoosh
Published: April 2020

Background:

Vitamin D plays an important role in immune system and in the regulation of inflammatory cytokines. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with an extensive inflammatory response. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of vitamin D treatment on the apoptosis and inflammatory changes developed after CABG.

Methods:

This trial was conducted on 70 patients undergoing CABG with CPB. Patients were randomly administered either in placebo or in the group of orally consuming 150 000 IU vitamin D daily for 3 consecutive days before surgery. The right atrium sample was taken to assess caspases 2, 3, and 7 activity using immunohistochemistry method. The serum level of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) were compared at intervals.

Results:

The average number of positive cells for caspases 2 and 3 were less in vitamin D group ( P = .006 and P < .001, respectively). There was an increase in serum levels of IL-10 after 3 days from vitamin D treatment before surgery (vitamin D group = 4.4 ± 4.9 ng/mL and control group = 1 ± 0.5 ng/mL, P = .001). After operation, IL-10 increased in both groups, higher level in vitamin D group ( P < .001). The comparison of serum IGF-1 showed significant difference after 3 days ( P = .006) and remained higher in vitamin D group after CPB ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

These findings suggest the apoptosis rate after CPB can be reduced by vitamin D. Vitamin D treatment may improve the inflammatory status before and after surgery. Further studies are needed to confirm the antiapoptotic property of vitamin D and clinical implication.
The Association Between Maternal Reminiscing and Maternal Perpetration of Neglect
Authors: Kuehn Molly , Lawson Monica , Speidel Ruth , Valentino Kristin
Published: April 2020

The elaborative and sensitive guidance of maternal reminiscing are robust facilitators of children’s cognitive and socioemotional development. Maternal reminiscing has been identified as impaired among maltreating mothers and as a mechanism linking maltreatment with poor developmental outcomes. Few studies, however, have examined associations between maternal reminiscing and the severity of abuse, neglect, and emotional maltreatment perpetrated by mothers. In the current study, 156 maltreated and 80 nonmaltreated preschoolers (3–6-year-olds) and their mothers reminisced about four emotional events. Maternal reminiscing was coded for elaboration and sensitive guidance. Department of Child Service records were coded for the severity of each maltreatment subtype perpetrated by the mother against the child that reminisced in the study (i.e., target child level) and against any children within the family (i.e., family level). Neglect severity at both target and family levels was negatively associated with maternal sensitive guidance during reminiscing. More severe neglect perpetrated at the family level was associated with lower maternal elaboration. Maternal reminiscing was not significantly associated with abuse severity or emotional maltreatment severity at the target and family levels. These results contribute to a nuanced understanding of maternal reminiscing among maltreating families, with implications for maltreated children’s development and relational interventions.
Effects of diabetes duration and HgA1C level on corneal endothelial morphology
Authors: Çolak Salih , Kazanci Burcu , Ozçelik Soba Dilek , Ozdamar Erol Yasemin , Yilmazbas Pelin
Published: April 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the HbA1c level and the duration of diabetes mellitus on the corneal endothelium morphology and to compare between healthy individuals and diabetes mellitus patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Material and methods:

Ninety patients who applied to the Health Sciences University Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Hospital between January 2016 and January 2017 were included in this prospective randomized study. In the study, 45 diabetes mellitus patients and 45 healthy individuals were evaluated. The diabetes patients were compared in terms of HbA1c level, diabetes mellitus duration, corneal endothelial cell density, coefficient of variation, standard deviation, and hexagonality with healthy control group.

Results:

A statistically significant difference was found in the endothelial cell densitometer, coefficient of variation, and standard deviation measurements between the diabetes mellitus patients and the control (healthy) group. But, there was no statistically significant difference between 6A (hexagonality) and central corneal thickness measurements. There was a negative correlation between HbA1c levels and diabetes mellitus times and endothelial cell densitometer values in the patients with diabetes mellitus diagnosis and standard deviation values in the positive direction. There was a statistically significant difference between diabetes mellitus patients with the diagnosis of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and proliferative diabetic retinopathy in the endothelial cell densitometer and standard deviation values. But there was not any statistically significant difference between coefficient of variation, 6A, and central corneal thickness values.

Conclusion:

The endothelial cell densitometer in diabetes mellitus patients with retinopathy is lower than that in healthy individuals. There is a negative correlation between retinopathy severity and corneal endothelial cell density. Diabetes affects negatively not only vascular tissues but also avascular cornea.
Exercise and lifestyle physical activity recommendations for people with multiple sclerosis throughout the disease course
Authors: Kalb Rosalind , Brown Theodore R , Coote Susan , Costello Kathleen , Dalgas Ulrik , Garmon Eric , Giesser Barbara , Halper June , Karpatkin Herb , Keller Jennifer , Ng Alexander V , Pilutti Lara A , Rohrig Amanda , Van Asch Paul , Zackowski Kathleen , Motl Robert W
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

To provide clinicians who treat multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with evidence-based or expert opinion–based recommendations for promoting exercise and lifestyle physical activity across disability levels.

Methods:

The National MS Society (“Society”) convened clinical and research experts in the fields of MS, exercise, rehabilitation, and physical activity to (1) reach consensus on optimal exercise and lifestyle physical activity recommendations for individuals with MS at disability levels 0–9.0 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and (2) identify and address barriers/facilitators for participation.

Recommendations:

Based on current evidence and expert opinion, the Society makes the following recommendations, endorsed by the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers: Healthcare providers should endorse and promote the benefits/safety of exercise and lifestyle physical activity for every person with MS. Early evaluation by a physical or occupational therapist or exercise or sport scientist, experienced in MS (hereafter referred to as “specialists”), is recommended to establish an individualized exercise and/or lifestyle physical activity plan. Taking into account comorbidities and symptom fluctuations, healthcare providers should encourage ⩾150 min/week of exercise and/or ⩾150 min/week of lifestyle physical activity. Progress toward these targets should be gradual, based on the person’s abilities, preferences, and safety. If disability increases and exercise/physical activity becomes more challenging, referrals to specialists are essential to ensure safe and appropriate prescriptions. When physical mobility is very limited, exercise should be facilitated by a trained assistant.