bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of hypoxemia on muscle sympathetic nerve activity and cardiovascular function: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tymko Michael M. , Young Desmond , Vergel Daniel , Matenchuk Brittany A. , Maier Lauren E. , Sivak Allison , Davenport Margie H. , Steinback Craig D.
Published: August 2023

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of acute poikilocapnic, high-altitude, and acute isocapnia hypoxemia on muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and cardiovascular function. A comprehensive search across electronic databases was performed until June 2021. All observational designs were included: population (healthy individuals); exposures (MSNA during hypoxemia); comparators (hypoxemia severity and duration); outcomes (MSNA; heart rate, HR; and mean arterial pressure, MAP). Sixty-one studies were included in the meta-analysis. MSNA burst frequency increased by a greater extent during high-altitude hypoxemia [ P < 0.001; mean difference (MD), +22.5 bursts/min; confidence interval (CI) = −19.20 to 25.84] compared with acute poikilocapnic hypoxemia ( P < 0.001; MD, +5.63 bursts/min; CI = −4.09 to 7.17) and isocapnic hypoxemia ( P < 0.001; MD, +4.72 bursts/min; CI = −3.37 to 6.07). MSNA burst amplitude was only elevated during acute isocapnic hypoxemia ( P = 0.03; standard MD, +0.46 au; CI = −0.03 to 0.90), and MSNA burst incidence was only elevated during high-altitude hypoxemia [ P < 0.001; MD, 33.05 bursts/100 heartbeats; CI = −28.59 to 37.51]. Meta-regression analysis indicated a strong relationship between MSNA burst frequency and hypoxemia severity for acute isocapnic studies ( P < 0.001) but not acute poikilocapnia ( P = 0.098). HR increased by the same extent across each type of hypoxemia [ P < 0.001; MD +13.81 heartbeats/min; 95% CI = 12.59–15.03]. MAP increased during high-altitude hypoxemia ( P < 0.001; MD, +5.06 mmHg; CI = 3.14–6.99), and acute isocapnic hypoxemia ( P < 0.001; MD, +1.91 mmHg; CI = 0.84–2.97), but not during acute poikilocapnic hypoxemia ( P = 0.95). Both hypoxemia type and severity influenced sympathetic nerve and cardiovascular function. These data are important for the better understanding of healthy human adaptation to hypoxemia.
Oblique Axis Rib Stretch and Curved Planar Reformats in Patients for Rib Fracture Detection and Characterization: Feasibility and Clinical Application
Authors: Ye Jingzhi , Li Hongyi , Zhang Meng , Lin Fenghuan , Liu Jingfeng , Chen Jun , Peng Ye , Xiao Mengqiang
Published: August 2023

Objective. To assess the use of CT with oblique axis rib stretch (OARS) and curved planar reformats (CPRs) for rib fracture detection and characterization. Methods. A total of 108 forensically diagnosed patients with rib fractures were evaluated retrospectively. OARS and CPRs were independently used during the diagnosis in two groups. In each group, the final diagnosis was made after a junior radiologist’s initial diagnosis was reviewed by a senior radiologist. The images were evaluated for the presence and characterization of rib fractures. Results. A total of 2,592 ribs were analyzed, and 326 fractured ribs and 345 fracture sites were diagnosed using reference standard. Two groups of radiologists identified 331 and 333 fracture sites using the OARS method, 291 and 288 fracture sites using the CPRs method, and 274 fracture sites in forensically diagnosed patients (CR: conventional reconstruction), respectively; and all missed diagnoses were nondisplaced rib fractures. The ROC Az value of OARS1,2 was 0.98, which is higher than CPRs1,2 0.91, and CR 0.90 (all

p

 < 0.01). The Az value for detecting rib fractures using CPRs1,2 and CR has no statistical difference (

p

 = 0.14 and 0.29). More misdiagnosed patients were found using CPRs1,2 (42 and 44 cases) than OARS1,2 (1 and 2 cases) and CR (2 cases). The displaced fracture detection ratio of all methods showed no difference. Conclusions. Doctors using the OARS method could improve diagnostic performance for detecting rib fractures without the requirement of specialized software and workstation when compared with CPRs.
Susceptibility of Developing Renal and Lung Cancer in Polycystic Kidney Disease Patients: An Evidence in Reaching Consensus
Authors: Tsai Lung-Wen , Shih Chun-Ming , Li Szu-Yuan , Tseng Sung-Hui , Dubey Rajni , Wu Mai-Szu
Published: August 2023

Objective. The association between Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and susceptibility to developing oncogenicity states remains controversial, and no consensus has yet been reached. Large-scale studies on this association are also lacking. Therefore, we identified the risk of developing cancer in PKD patients. Methods. Patients diagnosed with PKD between 2000 and 2010 were enrolled in the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD)-derived Longitudinal Health Insurance. Patients with antecedent cancer, end-stage renal disease, or those diagnosed with cancer within one year were excluded. Using a Standardized Incidence Ratio (SIR), we compared the patterns of cancer incidence in PKD patients and the general population. Results. The entire cohort was observed for 8,014 people, and a total of 1820 PKD patients were included, and after a median follow-up of 4.43 years, 82 patients developed cancer. Though the risk of overall cancers was comparable between PKD patients and the general population, the PKD patients exhibited a higher risk of kidney malignancy (SIR 3.72, 95% CI 1.60∼7.33). The female PKD patients were at a higher risk of lung and mediastinal cancer (SIR: 2.83, 95% CI 1.03∼6.16). The subgroup analysis revealed a significantly higher risk of kidney cancer in the patients aged <65 years (SIR 7.39, 95% CI 1.99∼18.93) than those elderly patients, especially in the females (SIR 9.81, 95%1.10∼35.41,

p
<
0.05

). The multivariate analysis showed significant risk factors for cancer among the PKD population, including 1-year age (HR 1.04; 95% CI 1.02–1.06;

p
<
0.001

), male gender (HR 1.85; 95% CI 1.14–3.00;

p
=
0.012

), and chronic liver disease (HR 2.03; 95% CI 1.31–3.13;

p
<
0.001

). Conclusion. PKD patients may be more susceptible to developing renal, lung, and mediastinal cancer than the control population, which might be attributed to PKD genetic instability.
Tendon Extracellular Matrix Promotes Myotendinous Junction Protein Expression in Engineered Muscle Tissue under Both Static and Mechanically Stimulated Culture Conditions
Authors: Gaffney Lewis S. , Fisher Matthew B. , Freytes Donald O.
Published: August 2023

Studying the crosstalk between the muscle and tendon tissue is an important yet understudied area in musculoskeletal research. In vitro models can help elucidate the function and repair of the myotendinous junction (MTJ) under static and dynamic culture conditions using engineered muscle tissues. The goal of this study was to culture engineered muscle tissues in a novel bioreactor in both static and mechanically stimulated cultures and evaluate the expression of MTJ-specific proteins within the muscle-tendon unit(paxillin and type XXII collagen). C2C12 myoblasts were seeded in hydrogels made from type I collagen ortendon-derived extracellular matrix (tECM) and allowed to form around movable anchors. Engineered tissues were allowed to form and stabilize for 10 days. After 10 days in the culture, stimulated cultures were cyclically stimulated for 3 hours per day for 2 and 4 weeks alongside static cultures. Strain values at the maximum displacement of the anchors averaged about 0.10, a target that has been shown to induce myogenic phenotype in C2C12s. Protein expression of paxillin after 2 weeks did not differ between hydrogel materials in static cultures but increased by 62% in tECM when mechanically stimulated. These differences continued after 4 weeks, with 31% and 57% increases in tECM tissues relative to type I collagen. Expression of type XXII collagen was similarly influenced by hydrogel material and culture conditions. Overall, this research combined a relevant microenvironment to study muscle and tendon interactions with a novel bioreactor to apply mechanical strain, an important regulator of the formation and maintenance of the native MTJ.
Endothelial Glycocalyx Injury in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Targeted Therapy
Authors: Lv Bingxuan , Huang Shengshi , Huang Hong , Niu Na , Liu Ju
Published: August 2023

This review aims at summarizing state-of-the-art knowledge on glycocalyx and SARS-CoV-2. The endothelial glycocalyx is a dynamic grid overlying the surface of the endothelial cell (EC) lumen and consists of membrane-bound proteoglycans and glycoproteins. The role of glycocalyx has been determined in the regulation of EC permeability, adhesion, and coagulation. SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus belonging to β-coronavirus that causes the outbreak and the pandemic of COVID-19. Through the respiratory tract, SARS-CoV-2 enters blood circulation and interacts with ECs possessing angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Intact glycolyx prevents SARS-CoV-2 invasion of ECs. When the glycocalyx is incomplete, virus spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 binds with ACE2 and enters ECs for replication. In addition, cytokine storm targets glycocalyx, leading to subsequent coagulation disorder. Therefore, it is intriguing to develop a novel treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection through the maintenance of the integrity of glycocalyx. This review aims to summarize state-of-the-art knowledge of glycocalyx and its potential function in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Evaluation of Wound-Healing Activity of Hydrogel Extract of Sansevieria trifasciata Leaves (Asparagaceae)
Authors: Yuniarsih Nia , Hidayah Himyatul , Gunarti Neni Sri , Kusumawati Anggun Hari , Farhamzah Farhamzah , Sadino Asman , Alkandahri Maulana Yusuf
Published: August 2023

For centuries, communities have used medicinal plants to treat various diseases, such as Sansevieria trifasciata (Asparagaceae), for wound healing. However, a study on the wound-healing activity of this plant has not been conducted. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the hydrogel formulations of S. trifasciata extract (HESt) and its activity in wound healing. The HESt formulations were subjected to physical examination, pH measurement, spreading coefficient, rheological study, stability test, and wound-healing activity. Furthermore, the HPMC and carbopol 940 gel-forming agents were used to obtain this formulation. In the incision wound model, the experiment was divided into 5 groups, each consisting of 4 mice. Groups 1 and 2 served as a negative and positive control (octenidine gel), while 3, 4, and 5 were given HESt formulations of 15%, 20%, and 25% (w/w), respectively, for 15 days. Based on the wound healing activity test, HESt 20% and 25% (w/w) groups showed significant (

p

 < 0.05) wound closure area on day 4 and from day 2 to 16. However, the HESt 15% (w/w) group showed no significant difference in wound-healing activity but had a higher closure than the negative control. Based on the evaluation of the hydrogel, all HESt formulations were reported to have fulfilled the standard requirements. The HESt formulations were also reported to be stable at various temperatures in the stability test. Therefore, S. trifasciata leaves extract has the potential to be developed as a wound-healing drug derived from herbal plants formulated into hydrogel preparations.
Density Functional Theory-Based Predictions and Experimental Evaluations of Ferrocene Derivatives Considered as Mediator for Anodic Catalysts of Glucose and Oxygen Enzymatic Biofuel Cells
Authors: Lee Joonyoung , Ji Jungyeon , Lee Jae Jun , Kim Cheal , Kwon Yongchai
Published: August 2023

The redox potential (ERedox) of a ferrocene (Fc) derivative differs, depending on its functional group. In this study, the various Fc derivatives are considered as mediators of anodic catalysts to promote glucose oxidation reaction (GOR) in glucose/oxygen enzymatic biofuel cells (EBFCs). Initially, their lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energies are calculated using density functional theory to predict their ERedox pattern. According to the calculations, the LUMO and HOMO energies of Fc derivatives combined with electron-donating groups (EDGs) are higher than those of Fc derivatives combined with electron-withdrawing groups (EWGs), including the results that Fc(NH2) has the highest molecular orbital (MO), while Fc(CHO) has the lowest. To verify the prediction for ERedox pattern, electrochemical evaluations are conducted. When glucose is provided, the onset potential (EOnset) of GOR is measured, while the ERedox of Fc derivatives and EOnset of GOR are linearly proportional to each other (

R

2

=
0.98

) and DFT calculations. As the energies increase, the above two potentials are shifted more negatively. More specifically, the ERedox of Fc(NH2) and EOnset of GOR show the most negative values at (−0.112 and −0.17) V, respectively, while the ERedox of Fc(CHO) and EOnset of GOR show the most positive values at (0.496 and 0.40) V, respectively. Then, when this correlation is adopted for EBFCs, EBFCs using Fc(NH2) combined with EDG show 3.7 times higher maximum power density than those using Fc(COOH), as representatives combined with EWG. Based on that, it is well established how DFT and electrochemical evaluations should be used to design anodic catalysts including Fc derivatives as mediators for GOR.
Assessing the Genomic Landscape of Cervical Cancers: Clinical Opportunities and Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Friedman Claire F. , Ravichandran Vignesh , Miller Kathryn , Vanderbilt Chad , Zhou Qin , Iasonos Alexia , Vivek Malavika , Mishra Pamela , Leitao Mario M. , Broach Vance , Sonoda Yukio , Kyi Chrisann , Zamarin Dmitriy , O'Cearbhaill Roisin E. , Konner Jason , Berger Michael F. , Weigelt Britta , Momeni Boroujeni Amir , Park Kay J. , Aghajanian Carol , Solit David B. , Donoghue Mark T.A.
Published: August 2023

Purpose:

Tumor genomic profiling is increasingly used to guide treatment strategy in patients with cancer. We integrated tumor genomic, clinical demographic, and treatment response data to assess how prospective tumor-normal sequencing impacted treatment selection in patients with cervical cancer.

Experimental Design:

Cervical cancers were prospectively analyzed using the MSK-IMPACT (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets) next-generation sequencing panel. Clinical data, including histology, stage at diagnosis, treatment history, clinical trial enrollment and outcomes, date of last follow-up, and survival status were obtained from medical records.

Results:

A total of 177 patients with cervical cancer (squamous, 69; endocervical adenocarcinoma, 50; gastric type, 22; adenosquamous, 21; and other, 15) underwent MSK-IMPACT testing. The most prevalent genomic alterations were somatic mutations or amplifications in PIK3CA (25%), ERBB2 (12%), KMT2C (10%), and KMT2D (9%). Furthermore, 13% of patients had high tumor mutational burden (TMB >10 mut/Mb), 3 of which were also microsatellite instability–high (MSI-H). Thirty-seven percent of cases had at least one potentially actionable alteration designated as a level 3B mutational event according to the FDA-recognized OncoKB tumor mutation database and treatment classification system. A total of 30 patients (17%) were enrolled on a therapeutic clinical trial, including 18 (10%) who were matched with a study based on their MSK-IMPACT results. Twenty patients (11%) participated in an immune checkpoint inhibition study for metastatic disease; 2 remain progression free at >5 years follow-up.

Conclusions:

Tumor genomic profiling can facilitate the selection of targeted/immunotherapies, as well as clinical trial enrollment, for patients with cervical cancer.
TABLE 1 from A Survey of Cancer Risk Behaviors, Beliefs, and Social Drivers of Health in New Hampshire and Vermont
Authors: Skipper Thomas A. , Weiss Julie E. , Carlos Heather A. , Gunn Christine M. , Hasson Rian M. , Peacock Janet L. , Schiffelbein Jenna E. , Tosteson Anna N.A. , Lansigan Frederick , Rees Judy R.
Published: August 2023

Survey participant characteristics by rurality (rural vs. urban) and educational attainment (high school or less vs. more than high school). 1,717 NH and VT residents were surveyed by phone in February–March 2022
Supplementary Table 2 from The Genetic Landscape of Ocular Adnexa MALT Lymphoma Reveals Frequent Aberrations in NFAT and MEF2B Signaling Pathways
Authors: Magistri Marco , Happ Lanie E. , Ramdial Jeremy , Lu XiaoQing , Stathias Vasileios , Kunkalla Kranthi , Agarwal Nitin , Jiang Xiaoyu , Schürer Stephan C. , Dubovy Sander R. , Chapman Jennifer R. , Vega Francisco , Dave Sandeep , Lossos Izidore S.
Published: August 2023

Driver Gene mutations
Supplementary Table 1 from The Genetic Landscape of Ocular Adnexa MALT Lymphoma Reveals Frequent Aberrations in NFAT and MEF2B Signaling Pathways
Authors: Magistri Marco , Happ Lanie E. , Ramdial Jeremy , Lu XiaoQing , Stathias Vasileios , Kunkalla Kranthi , Agarwal Nitin , Jiang Xiaoyu , Schürer Stephan C. , Dubovy Sander R. , Chapman Jennifer R. , Vega Francisco , Dave Sandeep , Lossos Izidore S.
Published: August 2023

Sequencing Quality control (A), Mutational signature (B) and Geneset Sources (C)
Climate & Language: An Entangled Crisis
Authors: Fine Julia C. , Love-Nichols Jessica , Perley Bernard C.
Published: August 2023

Rising ocean levels threaten entire communities with relocation. The continued erosion of Arctic coastlines due to melting ice sheets and thawing permafrost has forced Inuit communities to move to more secure locations. Each move dislodges Indigenous peoples and their languages from ancestral landscapes and ways of knowing, obligating communities to adopt colonial or majority languages. Scholars and activists have documented the intersections of climate change and language endangerment, with special focus paid to their compounding consequences. We consider the relationship between language and environmental ideologies, synthesizing previous research on how metaphors and communicative norms in Indigenous and colonial languages and cultures influence environmental beliefs and actions. We note that these academic discourses-as well as similar discourses in nonprofit and policy-making spheres-rightly acknowledge the importance of Indigenous thought to environmental and climate action. Sadly, they often fall short of acknowledging both the colonial drivers of Indigenous language “loss” and Indigenous ownership of Indigenous language and environmental knowledge. We propose alternative framings that emphasize colonial responsibility and Indigenous sovereignty. Finally, we reflect on emergent vitalities and radical hope in Indigenous language movements and climate justice movements.
Language on Trial
Authors: King Sharese , Rickford John R.
Published: August 2023

This essay draws on the case study we conducted of Rachel Jeantel's testimony in the 2013 trial of George Zimmerman v. The State of Florida.1 Although Jeantel, a close friend of Trayvon Martin, was an ear-witness (by cell phone) to all but the final minutes of Zimmerman's interaction with Trayvon, and testified for nearly six hours about it, her testimony was disregarded in jury deliberations. Through a linguistic analysis of Jeantel's speech, comments from a juror, and a broader contextualization of stigmatized speech forms and linguistic styles, we argue that the lack of acknowledgment of dialectal variation has harmful social and legal consequences for speakers of stigmatized dialects. Such consequences include limits on criminal justice, employment, and fair access to housing, as well as accessible and culturally sensitive education. We propose new calls to action, which include the ongoing work the coauthors are doing to address such harms, while also moving to inspire concerned citizens to act.
First record of the family Diplommatinidae Gray, 1847 (Gastropoda: Architaenioglossa) from Ecuador with description of a new Adelopoma Doering, 1885
Authors: GREĶE KRISTĪNE , KAGAINIS UĢIS , TELNOV DMITRY
Published: August 2023

Diplommatinidae Gray, 1847, a family of minute cyclophoroid gastropods, is recorded from Ecuador for the first time. Adelopoma gracile Greķe, sp. nov. is described and illustrated from River Pastaza valley, central Ecuador. Differential diagnosis is provided for similar congeners. An annotated checklist of and a preliminary key to the Adelopoma Doering, 1885 species are provided.
A Moving-Wave Implementation in WRF to Study the Impact of Surface Water Waves on the Atmospheric Boundary Layer
Authors: Zhu Peiyun , Li Tianyi , Mirocha Jeffrey D. , Arthur Robert S. , Wu Zhao , Fringer Oliver B.
Published: August 2023

While numerous modeling studies have focused on the interaction of ocean surface waves with the atmospheric boundary layer, most employ idealized waves that are either monochromatic or synthetically generated from a theoretical wave spectrum, and the atmospheric solvers are typically incompressible. To study wind–wave coupling in real-world scenarios, a model that can simulate both realistic meteorological and wave conditions is necessary. In this paper we describe the implementation of a moving bottom boundary condition into the Weather Research and Forecasting Model for large-eddy simulation applications. We first describe the moving bottom boundary conditions within WRF’s pressure-based vertical coordinate system. We then validate our code with idealized test cases that have analytical solutions, including flow over a monochromatic wave with and without viscosity. Finally, we present results from turbulent flows over a moving monochromatic wave with different wave ages, and demonstrate satisfactory agreement of the wave growth rate with results from the literature. We also compare atmospheric stress and wind parameters from two physically equivalent cases. The first specifies a wind moving in the same direction as a propagating wave, while the second involves a stationary wave with the wind adjusted such that the wind relative to the wave is the same as in the first case. Results indicate that the velocity and Reynolds stress profiles for the two cases match, further validating the moving bottom implementation.
Stratified Sampling: Some Associated Problems
Authors: Mukherjee S. P.
Published: August 2023

Stratified sampling has been commonly used in many large-scale surveys. The two inter-related problems of determining strata boundaries where strata have to be developed using some variable(s) whose values can be accessed while designing the survey and of allocating the total sample size among the strata have been studied during a long period, initially without involving mathematical programming and subsequently using concurrent developments in constrained optimization methods and algorithms. The present article provides a critique of some of these studies, especially those dealing with multiple stratification variables and multiple parameters to be estimated.

AMS Subject Classification: 62D05
Need for Policy Reforms in the Aftermath of COVID-19? An Analysis of Indian Pharmaceutical Sector
Authors: Banik Nilanjan , Chakraborty Debashis , Dash Sampada Kumar
Published: August 2023

Acknowledging coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a persistent health challenge in the foreseeable future, there is a need to evaluate how India can emerge as a major exporter in this category. This analysis with 41 COVID-19-related pharmaceutical products indicates that India currently lacks comparative advantage in several categories, for example, active pharmaceutical ingredient, medical equipment and devices, disinfectants and sterilisation products, and personal protective equipment. The country, however, enjoys a comparative advantage in manufacturing vaccines and formulations. Interestingly, India imposes higher tariffs and non-tariff measures (NTMs) on both sets of products, irrespective of the comparative advantages. Additionally, the article identifies important operational, logistic, and financial issues that can improve the efficiency of the pharmaceutical supply chain (PSC), which in turn can ensure smoother availability of these pharmaceutical products in the domestic market. While the operational issues underline the need for better coordination between multiple stakeholders, the logistic bottlenecks call for a general improvement at the infrastructure level. The financial issues correspond to infrastructural bottlenecks, transport costs and resulting cost escalation. The article concludes that the policymakers need to focus on the reduction of import barriers and improve the PSC to ensure the easier availability of COVID-19 medicines, vaccines, and related products.

JEL Codes: F13, F15, I18, O25
Exploring the Motivation to Lead in a Demanding Environment: The Role of Achievement Values, Grit, and Psychological Capital
Authors: LaRocca Michael A. , Marshall Daniel R. , Groves Kevin S.
Published: August 2023

As leaders across organizational contexts continue to face volatile and often stressful environments, a greater understanding of the psychological underpinnings of the motivation to lead (MTL) in challenging circumstances is needed. Based on a sample of 242 cadets holding leadership positions in a military college, we utilized a distal and proximal conceptualization of MTL to test achievement values, grit, and psychological capital (PsyCap) as antecedents to the three factors of MTL. Controlling for gender, prior leadership positions, and leader tenure, regression modeling revealed grit and achievement values to be positively associated with affective/identity MTL, while PsyCap was positively associated with all three MTL factors. In addition, PsyCap mediated the relation between grit and all three MTL factors. Our findings suggest that PsyCap plays a critical proximal role in MTL in demanding environments, and further implications for research and practice are discussed.
Historical descriptions of nystagmus and abnormal involuntary eye movements in various ancient cultures
Authors: Gerb Johannes , Brandt Thomas , Huppert Doreen
Published: August 2023

Original texts and expert translations from various ancient cultures covering a time span from the 2nd millennium BC to the ninth century AD were searched for historical observations of involuntary eye movements. Abnormal, spontaneous eye movements are an easily recognisable neuro-ophthalmological symptom that can be both congenital and acquired. Ocular oscillations termed ‘hippos’ by Hippocrates (460–370BC) and Galenos (129–216AD) are synonymous with nystagmus, a term first introduced in the eighteenth century. The original description of hippos suggests an innate onset, which retrospectively can be related to either congenital (infantile) nystagmus or continuous involuntary eye movements of the blind. Other descriptions of abnormal involuntary eye movements with different beating directions, possibly associated with vertigo, seizures or ear symptoms and their impact on patients’ quality of life (e.g. oscillopsia, blurred vision) are preserved in many fragmentary ancient documents including papyrus scrolls and stone tablets from Egypt, Mesopotamia, India, China, Greece, Rome and the Middle East. Although the sparse original descriptions of the direction and type of eye movements may inspire daring medical interpretations, caution is required when attempting to assign them to distinct nystagmus forms according to our current clinical classification of ocular motor disorders.
Basic Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil: Education That Suits Capital
Authors: Previtali Fabiane Santana , Fagiani Cílson César
Published: August 2023

In Brazil in 2020 and 2021, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bolsonaro administration further solidified its neoliberal policies of dismantling public services while imposing denialism and antiscientism in fighting the virus, imposing new forms of subjection on the working class. Public basic education, which accounts for around 80 percent of enrollments of children and young people and employs approximately 1,700,000 teachers, was part of this scenario. In 2020, as a result of social isolation, teachers were forced to reinvent themselves for remote teaching without any emphasis on their working conditions. In 2021, education entrepreneurs and the authorities demanded a return to in-person learning despite an increase in COVID-19 cases, shedding light on the true interests of capital.

No Brasil, o Governo Bolsonaro, ao longo dos anos 2020 e 2021, no auge da pandemia da COVID-19, aprofundou as políticas neoliberais de desmoste dos serviços públicos, além de ter imposto o negacionismo e o anti-cientificismo no combate ao vírus, penalizando drasticamente a classe que vive do trabalho e impingindo-lhe novas formas de sujeição. A educação básica pública, que responde por cerca de 80% das matrículas de crianças e jovens e emprega aproximadamente 1.700.000 professores, não ficou alheia a esse cenário. Em 2020, em função do isolamento social, os professores foram obrigados a se reiventar para o ensino remoto e o teletrabalho sem atenção às condições laborais. Em 2021, empresários da educação e poder público passaram a exigir o retorno às aulas presenciais mesmo diante do aumento dos casos de COVID-19, lançando luzes sob os reais interesses do capital.
Polyol Recovery from Rigid Polyurethane Waste
Authors: Simioni F. , Bisello S. , Tavan M.
Published: August 2023

Glycolysis of rigid polyurethane foams is an efficient process for chemical recycling of waste products into raw materials. Secondary reactions leading, to some extent, to formation of amines are also involved in the process. The choice of catalyst is an important factor in selecting the type of reaction as well as the reaction rate. The best results are obtained with dipropylene glycol and potassium acetate. Reaction rates are high and a simple and easy process leads straight to raw materials that can be used without further treatment for the production of rigid methane foams. The properties of the foams are at least comparable to those of foams obtained from fresh polyols.
RIM Nylon Foam
Authors: Penny M.T.
Published: August 2023

In light of the growing interest interaction injection moulding process, a research project was undertaken at Rapra Technology Limited to investigate the possibility of manufacturing nylon foam products by this means. The main part of the research concentrated on the selection of a suitable blowing agent and included studies on the use of chemical agents and aprotic liquids. The later approach appeared to be the most promising: ethyl benzene, for example, gave foams with densities from 0.3 to 1.0 mg/m3.

Trials were also undertaken on the suitability of phtholocyanine blue and cadmium yellow as pigments for the foams.
Tailor Made Polyester Polyurethane Elastomers for Shoe Soling
Authors: Schwab J. , Bagaglio G.C. , Bentley J.M. , Christfreund A.
Published: August 2023

The production of shoe soles using cellular polyurethane elastomers on an industrial scale has been in progress for almost 20 years. Now, polyurethane shoe-soling systems are used not only for house and town shoes but also for work and safety boots as well as sport and leisure shoes. With the development of dual-density technology a large number of polyurethane soling systems are offered today.

Further progress depends on improvements to processability and certain properties. This publication gives details of those in polyester-based systems.

Developments reported in this paper include:

• a new prepolymer, PBA 2224, with improved resistance to freezing

• a new range of polyester polyols with improved storage stability that remain processable for more than 6 days under machine recirculation conditions at 45°C

• a new range of polyesters that allows greater mixing ratio latitude

• special, tailor-made polyesters and prepolymers optimised for special applications such as systems with improved

– humid-ageing resistance

– flexlife at low temperatures

– light stability – particularly of white-coloured shoe-soling systems

Such developments have led to an improved robustness in processing which, the authors postulate, should lead to an increase in market demand for polyurethanes as shoe-soling materials.
Physics Comes to a Head
Authors: Parr David
Published: August 2023

The quest for a decent pint has recently become that much easier. A breakthrough in technology now allows you to enjoy real draught Guinnes in your own home.
Facts on Formaldehyde in relation to Foamed Aminoplastics
Authors: Baumann Heinz
Published: August 2023

The author can look back on some forty years’ industrial experience in the handling and use of the chemical – formaldehyde – as well as the products based on it. He was able to follow in detail, the increasing depth in the knowledge about its toxicology. Based on this information and his practical experience, an attempt is made to answer questions, frequently posed, about a possible danger to health from this chemical.
The Surface Coating of Polyurethane Substrates, Part 3: Some Properties of Polyurethane Surfaces and Interfaces
Authors: Heath R.J. , Bidari K.
Published: August 2023

The adhesion properties developed between a PU substrate coated with a PU-based paint are normally excellent. However, the industrial tendency to readily accept such adhesion without relating it to the theories of surface and interfacial science, means that commercial systems often will underperform.

In a long research programme, attempts have been made to identify and quantify the order and magnitude of interfacial properties of coated PU substrates used commercially: some of this work is reported here. The approach was to produce conditions that would ‘age’ a substrate in some appropriate way. It was hoped this would allow the isolation of particular interfacial phenomena: this has had some success. Electron microscopy and spectro-analysis of PU/PU surfaces and interfaces were used, although x-ray photospectrometry (XPS) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) techniques need to be refined for the molecular subtlies of joined PU systems.

Research provided some predictions as to the types of bond and their strengths that may be expected for particular PU/PU systems. Such predictions made with some free interpretation of test findings, married together current interfacial theories. With a ‘well-made’ post coated product there will be expectations of most interfacial bonding types contributing to the total adhesive properties, although electrical double layer effects are a matter of debate. With in-mould coated systems there are indications that chemisorption may occur along with every other interfacial effect, especially with two-pack and possibly with one-pack paints.
Progress in the Reduction and Elimination of the Use of CFCs in Rigid Polyurethane Foam
Authors: Jeffs G.M.F. , Sparrow D.J.
Published: August 2023

There is a growing consensus that CFCs will be phased out by the year 2000. Finding other ways of blowing polyurethane foams whilst retaining their excellent insulation properties is the major technical challenge currently facing the polyurethanes industry. The most promising technical solution to date is the replacement of CFC 11, the principal blowing agent for rigid polyurethane foams, by either HFA 123 or HFA 141b. Both are proving to be viable alternatives.

Significant progress has already been made in reducing substantially the amount of CFC 11 needed for foam manufacture by using a dual-blowing approach – up to 50% of CFC 11 is replaced by an equimolar amount of carbon dioxide. This has been achieved by systems optimisation without compromising insulation values or other properties. Such systems are in production in the appliance industry in Western Europe and are now being commercialised in the USA and Far East. Similar technology has been developed for panels and laminates in the construction industry and systems are now being commercialised.

A variety of options to replace CFC 11 totally is under investigation. Complete blowing with carbon dioxide has several drawbacks, but has to be given further consideration. The development of a wider range of air-impermeable facing materials to eliminate rapid λ-value ageing is seen as a key technical requirement.

However, hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) products are seen increasingly by the polyurethanes industry as the most viable alternatives for polyurethane foam blowing. HFA 123 and HFA 141b have greatly reduced capabilities for ozone depletion and their global warming potentials are also significantly less than CFC 11. Since toxicity testing is not yet complete, commercial production of either product is unable to start before 1993, given the most optimistic progress. Short-term solutions are being developed for some markets before these alternatives are introduced, but availability of at least one of these HFAs is considered to be essential for polyurethane foam manufacture over a 30 to 40 year timescale.
Cellular Glass – A Solution to Insulation Problems
Authors: Robert H.
Published: August 2023

Foamed glass or cellular glass is an inorganic substance which has gained wide acceptance as an insulation material in the petrochemical and chemical processing industries. Foamed glass is non-combustible, water and water vapour proof, inert and can be easily cut or shaped to fit any processing plant or pipework. It has been recognised as a unique insulation n aterial for cryogenic use and is now gaining acceptance for high temperature and dual temperature conditions. The physical properties of this unique insulation do not deteriorate with time and meet all criteria for off shore application.
Progress in Reducing CFCs in Polyurethane Foams
Authors: Mann M. , Weigand E.
Published: August 2023

This paper reports on recent developments pertaining to a reduction in CFC usage and an eventual phase out of CFCs in PU foams.

For some integral skin foam applications it has been possible to introduce new solutions into the market that do not require a physical blowing agent at all. In other cases, predominantly in the rigid PU foam field, HCFCs with an acceptable compromise between their effects on the environment and the resulting k-factors of the foams are still our best bet for a quick and responsible phase out of the fully halogenated CFCs. In some cases the complete phase-out of CFCs will have to wait for the completion of toxicological and ecotoxicological tests and subsequent commercial availability of newly developed alternatives, e.g. HCFC 123. This may be as late as 1994/95. Benefitsand limitations of other blowing agents, especially for rigid PU-foams are discussed as well.
Novel Rigid Polyurethane Foam Systems in Support of CFC Reduction/Elimination and Energy Conservation Standards
Authors: Jeffs G.M.F. , Rosbotham I.D. , Thomas A.K.
Published: August 2023

The U.S. domestic refrigerator appliance industry is currently facing two challenges. It has to reduce its use of CFC's, including CFC-11, which endows the insulating foam used in the appliances with excellent energy saving properties whilst it has to meet increasingly stringent energy standards culminating in the 1993 D.O.E. measures.

Significant reductions in CFC-11 use without any change in energy consumption can be achieved with novel foam systems which are now in commercial use. Systems have also been developed, and are undergoing application testing, where the CFC-11 is replaced by either HFA 123 or HFA 141b. Similar thermal conductivities are achieved to those for systems based on CFC-11.

The options available to help meet the 1993 DOE standards are discussed. These include increased wall thickness and the incorporation of vacuum panels. The characteristics of optimised foam systems for use in these options are presented.
Tailor-Made All MDI Based Moulded Floor Systems for the Automotive Industry
Authors: Hilyard N.C. , Elliot A.M. , Cunningham A. , MacFarland D.
Published: August 2023

MDI based, CFC free, moulded polyurethane foam floor pan carpet composites are in production world wide. They will play an increasingly important role as a versatile and economic solution to the reduction of interior vehicle noise. This paper reviews current processing experience with ICI all-MDI acoustic foam systems and describes some of the results of the acoustic development programme which has been underway for the past two years. Simple model representations for airborne and structure borne noises are presented and analysed. A laboratory test rig is described which is used for the evaluation of the airborne noise and vibration radiated noise Insertion Loss of non-bonded carpet composites. Data are presented showing how system and material design parameters affect acoustic performance. Analysis of data shows that performance is controlled primarily by system parameters, namely area mass of heavy layer and thickness of foam isolating core. It is shown that control of foam properties such as density, stiffness, and clamping can be used to optimise system performance for a vehicle having a particular noise and vibration signature.
Trajectories of translation
Authors: Hammond Timur , Cook Brittany
Published: August 2023

Translation has been a core concern for geographers, particularly in the context of our discipline’s ongoing debate about how to world Geography otherwise. Rather than seeing translation as simply an act of bridging pre-existing differences, this article conceptualizes translation as an act producing differences-in-relation. It traces four “trajectories of translation” that bring geographers’ discussions of translation into new configurations: (1) Topoglossia, foregrounding the linkage between place and language; (2) imbrication, a metaphor for thinking difference-in-relation; (3) relays, an alternative to the metaphor of the bridge; and (4) communities, defined not by self-identity but by their shared practice of translation.
Reinforcement Learning for Dynamic Pricing of Shared-Use Autonomous Mobility Systems Considering Heterogeneous Users: Model Development and Scenario Testing
Authors: Abkarian Hoseb , Mahmassani Hani
Published: August 2023

A key aspect of the success of shared-use autonomous mobility systems will be the ability to price rides in real time. As these services become more prevalent, it becomes of high importance to detect shifts in behavior to quickly optimize the system and ensure system efficiency and economic viability. Therefore, (1) pricing algorithms should be able to price rides according to complex underlying demand functions with heterogeneous customers and (2) the algorithm should be able detect nonstationary behavior (e.g., changing customers’ willingness to pay) from its previously learnt decisions and alter its pricing mechanism accordingly. We formulate a dynamic pricing and learning problem as a Markov decision process and subsequently solve it through a reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm, with heterogeneous customers accepting the trip characteristics (price, expected wait time) probabilistically. Insights from a fixed fleet operation of an autonomous private ridesourcing system in Chicago are presented. Given our formulation of the demand model, the algorithm learns in 25 days, increasing revenue by 90% and decreasing customer wait times by 90% compared to day 5. After gathering insights from the RL algorithm and applying optimal static pricing (i.e., a constant specific surge multiplier), we find that RL can achieve near 90% optimality in revenue. The RL algorithm, nevertheless, proves to be robust. Two scenarios are tested where a sudden shock occurs or customers slowly change their willingness to pay, illustrating that RL can quickly adapt its parameters to the situation.
An adaptive robust path-tracking control algorithm of multi-articulated and redundantly actuated virtual track train
Authors: Zhang Zhonghua , Yang Caijin , Zhang Weihua
Published: August 2023

Multi-articulated and redundantly actuated virtual track trains (VTTs) are inevitably exposed to unknown exogenous disturbances and various operating conditions. To address the complex over-actuated tracking-control problem, this study proposes a decoupling control scheme for an all-wheel independent drive and all-wheel active steering VTT composed of multiple modules, wherein the adaptive robust path-tracking and longitudinal speed control algorithms of the VTT are decoupled. An appropriate control-oriented nonlinear dynamic model for VTT path-tracking control is formulated using Lagrange’s equations. To compensate for the model uncertainties and environmental disturbances without priors and parameter estimations, a robust control algorithm using radial basis function neural network and sliding mode is proposed. The asymptotic stability of the algorithm is proved, and its adaptation law is derived using the Lyapunov theory. Moreover, a novel traction/braking control algorithm based on the wheel speed distribution model and double closed-loop control algorithm is suggested. Using a multi-body dynamic model of the VTT with seven modules, simulations are performed to evaluate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed path-tracking algorithm. The obtained results indicate that the proposed algorithm could realise the expectable performance of the VTT path tracking and longitudinal speed control. Moreover, the proposed control algorithm has good scalability for multi-articulated and redundantly actuated VTT.
Dietary Patterns and Physical Activity Levels Among People With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Rashid Thamina , Afnan Badder Hina , Baloch Akhter Ali , Mughal Saba , Hasan Mohammad , Khan Muhammad Umar
Published: August 2023

Objective:

The aim of our study was to assess the association of eating habits with the dietary patterns of people with diabetes.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted at National Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology (NIDE), Dow University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. A total 301 patients aged >18 with type 2 diabetes came to Outpatient department were recruited. Structured questionnaire was used to assess general characteristics, Anthropometric measurements, biochemical markers, and dietary intake.

Results:

A total of 301 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included in this study. The average age of patients was 51.6 (SD ± 11.1) years which ranged from 21 to 80 years whereas the average BMI was 27.2 kg / m2 (SD ± 5.6). Overall, 42% of patients were found to often have less than 1 serving of fruit, and 45% had less than 3 servings of vegetables daily. Of all, 77 (26%) patients often distributed carbohydrates all over the day. Results revealed that HbA1c was higher in those patients who took more than 3 roti (approximately each roti weight 60-80 g) ( P-value < .001) and full plate rice approximately 300 to 355 g cooked weight in a whole day ( P-value < .001) as compared to those patients whose intake of roti was 3 or less than 3 and rice was a half plate. Moreover, out of 301 patients, 102 were found physically active (52% females and 48% males), while 199 were not active. Pain in legs and lack of motivation were common barrier to physical activity.

Conclusion:

Our study revealed that patients’ fruits and vegetable intake was not optimum, diet was not balanced and the quantity of starchy carbohydrates was not controlled which may affect their HBA1C levels. Proper counseling and awareness about the importance of a balanced diet and portion control in diabetes are needed.