bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Actions of AT
1
(Type 1 Angiotensin) Receptors in Cardiomyocytes Do Not Contribute to Cardiac Hypertrophy
Authors: Sparks Matthew A. , Rianto Fitra , Diaz Edward , Revoori Ritika , Hoang Thien , Bouknight Lucas , Stegbauer Johannes , Vivekanandan-Giri Anuradha , Ruiz Phillip , Pennathur Subramaniam , Abraham Dennis M. , Gurley Susan B. , Crowley Steven D. , Coffman Thomas M.
Published: January 2021

Activation of AT
1
(type 1 Ang) receptors stimulates cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro. Accordingly, it has been suggested that regression of cardiac hypertrophy associated with renin-Ang system blockade is due to inhibition of cellular actions of Ang II in the heart, above and beyond their effects to reduce pressure overload. We generated 2 distinct mouse lines with cell-specific deletion of AT
1A
receptors, from cardiomyocytes. In the first line (C-SMKO), elimination of AT
1A
receptors was achieved using a heterologous
Cre recombinase
transgene under control of the
Sm22
promoter, which expresses in cells of smooth muscle lineage including cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells of conduit but not resistance vessels. The second line (R-SMKO) utilized a
Cre
transgene knocked-in to the
Sm22
locus, which drives expression in cardiac myocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells in both conduit and resistance arteries. Thus, although both groups lack AT
1
receptors in the cardiomyocytes, they are distinguished by presence (C-SMKO) or absence (R-SMKO) of peripheral vascular responses to Ang II. Similar to wild-types, chronic Ang II infusion caused hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy in C-SMKO mice, whereas both hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy were reduced in R-SMKOs. Thus, despite the absence of AT
1A
receptors in cardiomyocytes, C-SMKOs develop robust cardiac hypertrophy. By contrast, R-SMKOs developed identical levels of hypertrophy in response to pressure overload–induced by transverse aortic banding. Our findings suggest that direct activation of AT
1
receptors in cardiac myocytes has minimal influence on cardiac hypertrophy induced by renin-Ang system activation or pressure overload.
The Enigmatic Vascular NOX: From Artifact to Double Agent of Change
Authors: Pagano Patrick J. , Cifuentes-Pagano Eugenia
Published: January 2021

NOXs (NADPH oxidases) comprise a family of proteins whose primary function is the production of reactive oxygen species, namely, superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide. The prototype first being discovered and characterized in neutrophils, multiple NOXs are now known to be broadly expressed in cell and organ systems and whose phylogeny spans countless life forms beginning with prokaryotes. This long-enduring evolutionary conservation underscores the importance of fundamental NOX functions. This review chronicles a personal perspective of the field beginning with the discovery of NOXs in the vasculature and the advances achieved through the years as to our understanding of their mechanisms of action and role in oxidative stress and disease. Furthermore, applications of isoform-selective inhibitors to dissect the role of NOX isozymes in vascular biology, focusing on inflammation, pulmonary hypertension, and aging are described.
Loss of Chloride Channel 6 (CLC-6) Affects Vascular Smooth Muscle Contractility and Arterial Stiffness via Alterations to Golgi Calcium Stores
Authors: Klemens Christine A. , Chulkov Evgeny G. , Wu Jing , Hye Khan Md Abdul , Levchenko Vladislav , Flister Michael J. , Imig John D. , Kriegel Alison J. , Palygin Oleg , Staruschenko Alexander
Published: January 2021

Genome-wide association studies have found a number of potential genes involved in blood pressure regulation; however, the functional role of many of these candidates has yet to be established. One such candidate gene is
CLCN6
, which encodes the transmembrane protein, chloride channel 6 (ClC-6). Although the
CLCN6
locus has been widely associated with human blood pressure regulation, the mechanistic role of ClC-6 in blood pressure homeostasis at the molecular, cellular, and physiological levels is completely unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that rats with a functional knockout of ClC-6 on the Dahl Salt-Sensitive rat background (SS-
Clcn6
) have lower diastolic but not systolic blood pressures. The effect of diastolic blood pressure attenuation was independent of dietary salt exposure in knockout animals. Moreover, SS-
Clcn6
rats are protected from hypertension-induced cardiac hypertrophy and arterial stiffening; however, they have impaired vasodilation and dysregulated intracellular calcium handling. ClC-6 is highly expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells where it is targeted to the Golgi apparatus. Using bilayer electrophysiology, we provide evidence that recombinant human ClC-6 protein can function as a channel. Last, we demonstrate that loss of ClC-6 function reduces Golgi calcium stores, which may play a previously unidentified role in vascular contraction and relaxation signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells. Collectively, these data indicate that ClC-6 may modulate blood pressure by regulating Golgi calcium reserves, which in turn contribute to vascular smooth muscle function.
Centering the Periphery: Reassessing Swiss Graphic Design Through the Prism of Regional Characteristics
Authors: Zeller Sara
Published: January 2021

In the literature, the history of Swiss graphic design is regularly told as a linear development from illustrative tendencies to Modernist abstraction. Recent research has shown that these narratives were constructed and disseminated by a group of Modernist graphic designers through journals and their own publications. By the mid-1950s, the Modernists themselves began dividing designers of the time into two camps: the individual or illustrative versus the abstract or Modern. This dichotomy, which established itself quickly, continues to shape the narrative of Swiss graphic design to this day. However, this article argues that the reality of graphic design practice in Switzerland in the 1950s was more diverse than previously assumed. Outside an exclusive circle of practitioners, illustration and abstraction were understood more as design methods than as attitudes. Taking this as its starting point, this article looks beyond this dichotomy by drawing on unpublished sources of the time and, thereby, challenges the traditional understanding of Swiss graphic design.
Revision of the Old World genus Mesocomys Cameron (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae)
Authors: GIBSON GARY A.P.
Published: January 2021

The Old World genus Mesocomys Cameron (1905) (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae: Eupelminae) is revised. Eleven species, including two newly described species, are recognized and keyed in two previously established species groups, the albitarsis and the pulchriceps species groups sensu Gibson (1995), but with additional features provided to distinguish members of the two groups. Five species are recognized in the pulchriceps group—Mesocomys anelliformis n. sp., M. longiscapus n. sp., M. orientalis Ferrière, 1935, M. pauliani Ferrière, 1951, and M. pulchriceps Cameron, 1905. Seven species are assigned to the albitarsis group, but one, M. aegeriae Sheng, 1996 is treated as a nomen dubium; the six recognized and keyed species in the albitarsis group are M. albitarsis (Ashmead, 1904), M. breviscapis Yao, Yang & Zhao, 2009, M. menzeli (Ferrière, 1930b), M. obscurus (Ferrière, 1930b) revised stat., M. superansi Yao, Yang & Zhao, 2009, and M. trabalae Yao, Yang & Zhao, 2009. Within the albitarsis group, the species are further discussed relative to two newly established species subgroups, the albitarsis subgroup for M. albitarsis, M. menzeli and M. obscurus, and the aegeriae subgroup for M. aegeriae, M. breviscapis, M. superansi and M. trabalae. Females of the albitarsis subgroup possess a finely sculptured mesoscutal medial lobe in combination with partly infuscate fore wings and/or at least partly pale flagellum, whereas females of the aegeriae subgroup possess a much more coarsely sculptured mesoscutal medial lobe and hyaline fore wings in combination with a dark flagellum. Members of the albitarsis species group are restricted to the Oriental and eastern Palaearctic regions except for a single female of the aegeriae subgroup seen from Algeria that is provisionally identified as M. breviscapis; members of the pulchriceps group are restricted to the Afrotropical region except for M. orientalis from the Oriental region. Newly placed in synonymy are M. aegeriae Sheng, 1998 under M. aegeriae Sheng, 1996 n. syn., M. sinensis Yao, Yang & Zhao, 2009 under M. breviscapis Yao, Yang & Zhao, 2009 n. syn., M. atulyus Narendran, 1995 under M. orientalis Ferrière, 1935 n. syn., M. vuilleti (Crawford, 1912) under M. pulchriceps Cameron, 1905 n. syn., and Semianastatus orientalis Kalina, 1984 and Mesocomys kalinai Özdikmen, 2011 under M. albitarsis (Ashmead, 1904) n. syns. Lectotypes are newly designated for M. menzeli, M. obscurus, M. orientalis, M. pauliani, M. pulchriceps and M. vuilleti. Morphological features characteristic of the genus and of the highly dimorphic sexes are described and illustrated, and the species are keyed, described, and illustrated through macrophotography. Phylogenetics are discussed for the genus, the two species groups, and species within the pulchriceps group. Distribution and host records are also summarized for each species.
Chemometrics and Experimental Design for the Quantification of Nitrate Salts in Nitric Acid: Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Absorption Analysis
Authors: Sadergaski Luke R. , Toney Gretchen K. , Delmau Laetitia H. , Myhre Kristian G.
Published: January 2021

Implementing remote, real-time spectroscopic monitoring of radiochemical processing streams in hot cell environments requires efficiency and simplicity. The success of optical spectroscopy for the quantification of species in chemical systems highly depends on representative training sets and suitable validation sets. Selecting a training set (i.e., calibration standards) to build multivariate regression models is both time- and resource-consuming using standard one-factor-at-a-time approaches. This study describes the use of experimental design to generate spectral training sets and a validation set for the quantification of sodium nitrate (0–1 M) and nitric acid (0.1–10 M) using the near-infrared water band centered at 1440 nm. Partial least squares regression models were built from training sets generated by both D- and I-optimal experimental designs and a one-factor-at-a-time approach. The prediction performance of each model was evaluated by comparing the bias and standard error of prediction for statistical significance. D- and I-optimal designs reduced the number of samples required to build regression models compared with one-factor-at-a-time while also improving performance. Models must be confirmed against a validation sample set when minimizing the number of samples in the training set. The D-optimal design performed the best when considering both performance and efficiency by improving predictive capability and reducing number of samples in the training set by 64% compared with the one-factor-at-a-time approach. The experimental design approach objectively selects calibration and validation spectral data sets based on statistical criterion to optimize performance and minimize resources.
Parity of participation for autistic students: Mapping provision across UK higher education institutions
Authors: Vincent Jonathan , Rowe Helen , Johnson Jo
Published: January 2021

This paper systematically identifies, maps and evaluates specific types of provision for autistic students published on university websites at 120 institutions throughout the UK. Within these data we identify trends in relation to geographical region, university group, and the Teaching Excellence Framework rating. We employ Nancy Fraser’s theory of social justice to unpack the reasons that underlie the differentials in provision across UK higher education institutions. Findings identify eight categories of provision tailored specifically for autistic students from ‘supporting transition to university’ to ‘social groups’ and suggest that there are institutions across the UK with evidence of more developed provision. Our data show, however, that resources and provision are not distributed equitably, raising implications for autistic students’ parity of participation in higher education.
“He loved his father but next to adored his mother”: Nigh(ly), Near, and Next (To) as Downtoners
Authors: Brinton Laurel J.
Published: January 2021

In Present-Day English, nearly functions as an approximator downtoner meaning ‘almost, all but, virtually,’ as do earlier variants based on the same root— nigh, nighly, near, next ( to)—though more rarely and in more restricted contexts. Nigh functions as an approximator downtoner in Old and Middle English. When near displaces nigh, nigh is retained as a downtoner with lexical adjectives expressing negative semantic prosody. Near is used as a downtoner in later Middle and Early Modern English. However, degree adjunct uses are not well attested, thus pointing to incomplete grammaticalization. During the eighteenth century, the new -ly form ( nearly) takes over the innovative downtoner function and the old form ( near) is retained in the original locative sense, with some remnant downtoner uses. Next ( to) grammaticalizes as a downtoner, but proceeds only to the degree modifier stage and involves a high degree of idiomaticization, thus suggesting incipient grammaticalization. As spatial adverbs, nigh/ near/ next ( to)/ nearly represent one of the well-known sources for the grammaticalization of degree adverbs. However, these forms seem to follow a pathway where the degree modifier use (adjective/participle modifier) precedes the degree adjunct use (verb modifier), contrary to the reverse pathway postulated for other degree adverbs.
The pirates of the Defensor de Pedro (1828–30) and the sanitisation of a pirate legend
Authors: Craze Sarah , Pennell Richard
Published: January 2021

In late 1827, the crew of a Brazilian slaver, the Defensor de Pedro, mutinied and became pirates. The article follows the narrative of their attacks on ships, including the British Morning Star off Ascension Island in February 1828 and the American merchant Topaz. The Spanish authorities in Cádiz captured most of the crew and tried and executed them. Their captain, Benito de Soto, was tried and hanged in Gibraltar. Using trial papers the article reconstructs the events. It then examines how reworkings of the narrative have changed mass murderers and rapists into popular heroes, both in the general literature on piracy (e.g. Phillip Gosse and Basil Lubbock) and in more recent academic literature and in public celebrations. It argues that this has resulted from misunderstanding and misusing the theories of social banditry and working-class revolt put forward by Eric Hobsbawm and Marcus Rediker, and from commercialisation.
The curious case of the ‘Steam Yacht’ Caroline: An incident from the Russo-Japanese War in 1904
Authors: Dence Roger
Published: January 2021

In 1903, the shipbuilder Yarrow & Company launched two experimental vessels of torpedo-boat design. During the Russo-Japanese War 1904–1905, Britain’s shipyards were directed not to accept foreign warship orders without authority. Yarrow was approached in mid-1904 by a prospective purchaser for a ‘fast yacht’, ostensibly on behalf of an American client but actually intended for Russian interests. An offer to purchase one of the vessels was accepted and a deposit paid to complete it as a ‘steam yacht’. By October 1904, the vessel, now named Caroline, was on trials when news of its imminent detention prompted a hasty departure from British waters. Suspicions about the ‘yacht’ were aroused further on arrival at Cuxhaven. On leaving the Kiel Canal, orders to stop were ignored, the vessel going to Libau where it was taken into Russian naval service. The affair raised questions about Britain’s neutrality, legal policies and government decision-making.
‘Beyond the limit of human endurance’: The stolen Manx history of Dunkirk
Authors: Kneale David
Published: January 2021

This article reappraises the experience of the civilian crews aboard Manx personnel vessels engaged in Operation Dynamo, and the contested aftermath. More than 20,000 troops were retrieved by nine ships of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, three of which were sunk in and off Dunkirk. There is more than enough material for a heroic narrative to emerge, yet a sense of scandal seems to cling to these particular civilian crews. Various political, social and cultural forces foster distinctly separate narratives between the United Kingdom and Isle of Man. However, empirical research in Manx and UK archives, including access to a hitherto closed file, reveals a different story: that the official Admiralty narrative of Operation Dynamo was intentionally weaponized against the Manx civilian crews for political reasons. This was achieved through the creation of reports that were false, misleading or unsupported by evidence, the provocation of the Isle of Man’s Lieutenant Governor into acts of reprisal, and through the work of an unseen editorial hand in Admiralty archives. The influence of this hostile narrative, which continues to be reinforced, has obscured the contributions of the true civilians of Dunkirk.
Natural, artificial or imported? Ice supplies for the German distant-water fisheries as an example of renewable vs. fossil-fuel based supplies
Authors: Heidbrink Ingo
Published: January 2021

From the early decades of the twentieth century the distant-water fishing fleets relied more or less completely on the use of artificially manufactured ice for the preservation of their catches. Large-scale fossil-fuel powered ice factories in the main European fishing ports provided the ice taken onboard trawlers before they left port for the fishing trip. When the fishing grounds of the Barents Sea and the Svalbard region were developed in the 1930s, bunker capacities of trawlers were no longer sufficient for a journey without re-bunkering coal or ice. Northern Norwegian ports therefore became regularly used as bunker stations for coal and ice, with huge natural ice factories being developed in northern Norway for the supply of trawlers. Those with interests in artificial ice production in continental Europe, particularly in Bremerhaven/Geestemünde, started a campaign against the use of natural ice based on the argument that natural ice was unsanitary and would cause bacterial contamination of the fish. Several authorities became involved and finally an expedition by the Reichskuratorium für Technik in der Landwirtschaft was organized to investigate the issue of bacterial contamination of ice manufactured in northern Norway. With the findings of this expedition clearly showing that there was no contamination issue with the natural ice, it became obvious that the whole campaign against natural ice was not guided by quality concerns, but by the commercial interests of German artificial ice producers. In the end, the whole story can be understood as a key example of how a fossil-fuel powered industry tried to push a competitor using a renewable resource (natural ice) out of the market, and how certain authorities were complicit in this attempt.
The development of maritime radar. Part 1: Before the Second World War
Authors: Ilcev Dimov Stojce
Published: January 2021

This research note identifies the precursors for development of shipborne radar for commercial and military applications. It comprises three main sections: first, the evolution of radar starting from the first practical demonstrations provided by Russian professor Aleksandar Stepanovich Popov in 1897; second, the invention of radar in eight nations; and third, early experiments with shipborne radars up to 1939.
Risk Factors for Hydrocephalus in Neonatal Purulent Meningitis: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Chen Bin , Zhai Qian , Ooi Kokwin , Cao Yun , Qiao Zhongwei
Published: January 2021

Objective:

Hydrocephalus is a potentially lethal complication of neonatal purulent meningitis. Early detection of hydrocephalus helps to determine optimal treatment, improve prognosis, and reduce financial burden. We aimed to analyze the risk factors for hydrocephalus in neonates with purulent meningitis and discuss the characteristics of the disease.

Methods:

The records of neonatal purulent meningitis admitted to the Children Hospital of Fudan University from January 2013 to September 2019 were retrospectively included in the study cohort. The data of clinical, laboratory, and cranial magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were collected and analyzed (except discharge data) by univariate analysis, and P values <.05 were further analyzed by multivariate logistic regression.

Results:

A total of 197 children who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study cohort. Overall, 39.6% (78/197) of the patients had positive pathogen cultures, and 60.4% (119/197) of patients had clinical diagnosis of meningitis with negative pathogen cultures. Among 197 children, 67 of them experienced hydrocephalus, and the factors that were significantly associated with hydrocephalus in multivariate analysis were female sex, cerebrospinal fluid glucose <2 mmol/L, periventricular leukomalacia, punctate white matter lesions, and pyogenic intraventricular empyema. Children with hydrocephalus had a lower cure rate of meningitis (31.3% vs 75.4%), and poor discharge outcomes. In addition, they had longer length of hospital stay and higher hospital cost.

Conclusions:

Female sex, cerebrospinal fluid glucose <2 mmol/L, periventricular leukomalacia, punctate white matter lesions, and pyogenic intraventricular empyema were identified as risk factors for hydrocephalus in neonatal purulent meningitis. Children with hydrocephalus had poor discharge outcomes and increased financial burden on their families.
Neutropenia in Children Treated With Ketogenic Diet Therapy
Authors: Munro Kristen , Keller Anne E. , Lowe Helen , Ferrara Enza , Whitney Robyn , Liu Christiana Y. M. , Zak Maria , Chan Valerie , Kobayashi Jeff , Donner Elizabeth J.
Published: January 2021

Objectives:

The objectives were to investigate the relationship between ketogenic diet therapy and neutropenia in children with epilepsy.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of children who initiated ketogenic diet at the Hospital for Sick Children between January 1, 2000, and May 1, 2018 was performed. Factors associated with the development of neutropenia during ketogenic diet therapy were evaluated and the relationship between development of a significant or suspected infection and neutrophil count was analyzed.

Results:

One hundred two children met inclusion criteria and were followed on the diet for up to 24 months. Thirteen of 102 (13%) children were neutropenic at diet initiation. In the remaining 89 children, 27 developed neutropenia. Developing neutropenia was significantly associated with the ketogenic diet at 6 (13%), 12 (23%), and 24 (25%) months follow-up. Developing neutropenia was associated with higher urinary ketones (OR = 4.26, 95% CI: 1.27, 14.15) and longer duration of ketogenic diet therapy (OR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.42, 7.96). There was no significant association between development of a clinically significant infection and neutropenia.

Conclusion:

Ketogenic diet therapy is associated with neutropenia in children with epilepsy, however, it does not have a significant clinical impact. Concern regarding neutropenia should not discourage the use of the ketogenic diet in children.
Evaluation of tractor driving comfort according to the steering angle and speed using a virtual prototype
Authors: Jiang Qing , Ni Weiqiang , Zhang Xingju , Chen Pushuang , Xu Liangyuan , Yang Yang
Published: January 2021

As tractors mainly transit rural roads, drivers can suffer from harmful vibrations transmitted though their seats. Thus, the driving comfort in tractors with agricultural equipment should be evaluated. To investigate the effects of forward motion and front-wheel steering on the driving comfort of two-wheel-drive tractors with agricultural equipment, we establish a man–machine–road virtual prototype for simulations and validate it experimentally. First, a tractor that has suspended agricultural equipment and is operating at front-wheel steering angles of 0°, 12°, 24°, and 36° is driven on a random level-D road. Simultaneously, the vibration accelerations experienced by the driver are obtained along the X, Y, and Z axes with the coordinate system defined according to the ISO 2631-1 standard. The combined weighted root-mean-square (RMS) acceleration corresponding to the driver’s whole-body vibration increases from 0.205 to 0.909 m/s2 when increasing the steering angle. Then, considering the forward speed as the variable, the front-wheel steering angle is set at 30°, and the vibration accelerations experienced by the driver are obtained when the tractor travels at 4, 5, and 6 km/h on a random level-D road. The combined weighted RMS acceleration corresponding to the driver’s whole-body vibration increases from 0.68 to 1.03 m/s2 when increasing the speed. Therefore, we found that the velocity of a tractor should be reduced while steering, and excessively large front-wheel steering angles should be avoided to increase driving comfort.
Vibration control of improved LQG for wheel drive electric vehicle based on uncertain parameters
Authors: Yu Xueguang , Liu Xintian , Wang Xu , Wang Xiaolan , Wang Yansong
Published: January 2021

To improve the ride comfort of wheel drive electric vehicle, a quarter dynamic model is established for vehicle active and passive suspension. Based on the response root mean square (RMS), the evaluation index of vehicle ride comfort is derived. According to the influence of uncertain parameters on system minimum RMS, the optimal vehicle parameters are determined. To avoid experience value of uncertain weight coefficient affecting the LQG control, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is adopted to determine the weighting coefficient of vehicle performance evaluation index. And the LQG controller of vehicle active suspension is designed based on optimal control theory. Compared with the analysis results of passive suspension, the effectiveness of active control scheme is verified.
The unconscious in a new guise: Latent processes in two theories of the third wave of cognitive behavioral therapy
Authors: Romanowska Monika , Dobroczyński Bartłomiej
Published: January 2021

The concept of the unconscious is associated mainly with the psychodynamic approaches, as well as with research on latent processes in cognitive and social psychology. The aim of this article is to determine the status of this concept in Hayes’s relational frame theory (RFT) and in the interacting cognitive subsystems (ICS) theory by Teasdale and Barnard. These two theories serve as the theoretical basis for therapies that underscore aspects associated with acceptance and mindfulness. The mindfulness movement is an interesting phenomenon at the interface of science and spirituality. We believe that ICS and RFT are two different examples of how psychology can use the concept of the unconscious. ICS, adopting a cognitive model, relies on a computer metaphor of the unconscious. What it lacks is a conceptualization of the conflict of representations or needs. RFT, adopting a behavioral model, has a greater potential for explaining conflict.
Distributed fault-tolerant formation control for multiple unmanned aerial vehicles under actuator fault and intermittent communication interrupt
Authors: Han Bing , Jiang Ju , Yu Chaojun
Published: January 2021

This article develops a distributed adaptive fault-tolerant formation control scheme for the multiple unmanned aerial vehicles to counteract actuator faults and intermittent communication interrupt, where the issues on control input saturation and mismatched uncertainties are also addressed. The discontinuous communication protocol technique is exploited to achieve the stability of the formation system, if the conditions of dwell time and the rate of communication are satisfied. On the basis of the local information of neighboring unmanned aerial vehicles, a novel distributed adaptive mechanism is designed to estimate the bounds of actuator faults and uncertainties, where the input saturation is explicitly taken into consideration. The stability of the whole formation system under the designed fault-tolerant formation control strategy is analyzed using the Lyapunov approach. Finally, simulation results are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Majorities for Minorities: Participatory Constitution Making and the Protection of Minority Rights
Authors: Fruhstorfer Anna , Hudson Alexander
Published: January 2021

Does the process of making a constitution affect the expansiveness of rights protections in the constitution? In particular, is more participation in constitution-making processes better for minority rights protections? While the process of constitution making and its impact on various outcomes have received significant attention, little is known about the impact public participation or deliberation in this process has on the scope and content of minority rights. Using a wide variety of data to empirically assess the relationship between constitution-making processes and the protection of rights for minorities, we find a positive relationship between participatory drafting processes and the inclusion of minority protections in constitutions under some conditions. The article’s findings have important implications for understanding political representation and lend support to core arguments about the role of the public in constitutional design.
Key Components of the Batterer Intervention Program Process: An Analysis of Observational Data From Two Community-Based BIPs
Authors: Morrison Penelope K. , Goodkind Sara , Holland Cynthia L. , Cluss Patricia A. , Miller Elizabeth , George Donna , Fleming Rhonda , Chang Judy C.
Published: January 2021

Qualitative research on batterer intervention programs (BIPs) has primarily consisted of interview-based studies of clients and facilitators. To date, no research has utilized observational data to understand how BIPs “work,” or the processes occurring in BIPs that promote prosocial behavioral change. Forty-four observations of BIP group sessions were conducted. Two key processes were found: “facilitator processes” (e.g., managing group dynamics and engaging clients in learning) and “client processes” (e.g., mutual aid, help-seeking, and support). More observational research on BIPs is needed to uncover the full range of processes occurring during BIPs and that can link group processes to client outcomes.
Influence of non-local diffusion in avascular tumour growth
Authors: Ramírez-Torres Ariel , Di Stefano Salvatore , Grillo Alfio
Published: January 2021

The availability and evolution of chemical agents play an important role in the growth of a tumour and, therefore, the mathematical description of their consumption is of special interest. Usually, Fick’s law of diffusion is adopted for describing the local character of the evolution of chemicals. However, in a highly complex, heterogeneous medium, as is a tumour, the progression of chemical species could be influenced by non-local interactions. In this respect, our goal is to investigate the influence of such types of diffusion on the growth of a tumour in the avascular stage. For our purposes, we consider a diffusion equation for the evolution of the chemical agents that accounts for the existence of non-local interactions in a non-Fickean manner, and that involves notions of fractional calculus. In particular, the introduction of derivatives or integrals of fractional type of order [Formula: see text] has proven to be an effective mathematical tool in the description of various non-local phenomena. To achieve our goals, we adopt part of the modelling assumptions outlined in previous works, in which the growth of a tumour is described in terms of mass transfer among the tumour’s constituents and structural changes that occur in the tumour itself in response to growth. The latter ones are characterised by means of the Bilby–Kröner–Lee decomposition of the deformation gradient tensor. We perform numerical simulations, whose results indicate the relevance of embracing a fractional framework in modelling tumour growth. Specifically, the real parameter [Formula: see text]‘dominates’ the way in which the tumour grows, since it permits the modelling of a variety of growth patterns ranging from the standard growth to no growth at all.
Learner-generated content and the lexical recall of beginning-level learners of Chinese as a foreign language
Authors: Lambert Craig , Gong Qian , Zhang Grace
Published: January 2021

This study investigates the effect of personal investment in the form of learner-generated content (LGC) on the lexical recall of beginning-level learners of Chinese. The study employed a 2 × 2 repeated-measures design with content at two levels – teacher-generated content or TGC, and learner-generated content or LGC – and time at two levels (immediate, delayed). Quantitative results were triangulated with qualitative thematic analyses of follow-up interviews. The study was conducted at an Australian university and aimed to identify a way of modifying current intentional vocabulary learning activities to increase learner investment in the learning process and improve retention. Participants completed two versions of a picture description activity that was commonly used to introduce and practice new vocabulary in the program. The first version (TGC) was based on a picture that Chinese teachers chose to illustrate ten words learners did not know and that were pedagogic targets. The second (LGC) was based on pictures that learners selected as being personally meaningful and that illustrated ten words that they did not know in Chinese but wanted to learn. Findings revealed significant differences in recall for LGC words over TGC words on both immediate and delayed post-tests, and a significant interaction between content and time, demonstrating a faster rate of decay in memory for TGC words than LGC words. Follow-up interviews indicated that LGC words were more meaningful to learners in terms of relevance, interest, emotional value and associations with world knowledge. Results are discussed in terms of how LGC vocabulary activities might be used in second language (L2) courses.
Lubricity assessment of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD), biodiesel, and their blends, in conjunction with pure hydrocarbons and biodiesel based compounds
Authors: Tat Mustafa Ertunc , Çelik Osman Nuri , Er Umit , Gasan Hakan , Ulutan Mustafa
Published: January 2021

This research aimed to investigate the lubricity and wear properties of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD) blended with biodiesel and doped with biodiesel-based organic compounds. In this work, neat n-dodecane served as a surrogate for ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD), Fischer Tropsch, and renewable diesel fuels. Additionally, some pure hydrocarbons were also investigated for unsaturation and carbon chain length. Tribological characterization was conducted on quenched and tempered AISI 4140 steel, substituting diesel fuel pump material, and using the ball-on-disc technique. The wear rates of biodiesel samples were about 2–4 times less than the vegetable oils. Esterification improves the lubricity of vegetable oils. The wear rate of biodiesel is about 5–7 times greater than that of fossil base commercial Eurodiesel fuel. Using biodiesel as an additive had a significant effect on the lubricity of pure n-dodecane, adding 2 wt% biodiesel resulted in 5–7 times wear rate reduction that equivalent to the lubricity level of commercial Eurodiesel fuel. Wear rates of pure hydrocarbons showed that wear is reduced with increasing chain length and unsaturation.
Evaluation of Vitamin D Levels in Patients With Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Tsitsou Sofia , Dimosthenopoulos Charilaos , Eleftheriadou Ioanna , Andrianesis Vasileios , Tentolouris Nikolaos
Published: January 2021

Low vitamin D levels have been associated with several diseases as its receptors are expressed in almost all tissues of the human body. Literature data have shown delayed diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) healing in patients with low vitamin D; however, data on the association between vitamin D levels and DFU in Mediterranean countries are scarce. In this cross-sectional study we examined for differences in serum vitamin D levels between patients with DFU, people with diabetes mellitus (DM) without DFU and healthy individuals in a Southern European country. A total of 96 subjects (33 patients with DFU, 35 patients without DFU and 28 healthy controls) were recruited. Medical and dietary history was obtained and total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were determined. Serum vitamin D levels differed significantly among the three groups of participants; sub-analysis showed that healthy individuals had higher vitamin D levels when compared with patients with and without DFU, while vitamin D levels did not differ between patients with and without DFU (17.9 ± 6.7 vs. 19.8 ± 8.7 ng/mL, P = 0.329, respectively). More than half of patients with DM with or without DFU had vitamin D levels <20 ng/ml. A positive correlation was found between vitamin D and sun exposure duration in participants without DFU. In conclusion, although serum vitamin D levels did not differ between people with and without DFU, the prevalence of deficiency and insufficiency was high in both groups in a Mediterranean country. This finding highlights the need for screening and supplementation with vitamin D in individuals with DM.
Value of sonography in assessing parametrial endometriotic involvement: Preliminary results
Authors: Bazot Marc , Delaveau Marie-Charlotte , Daraï Emile , Bendifallah Sofiane
Published: January 2021

Objectives:

The aims of the study were to evaluate ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis of parametrial endometriosis compared with surgical-pathological findings, and to define an optimal cut-off of lesion size for correlation between torus/uterosacral ligaments (USL) or rectosigmoid and parametrial involvement by deep endometriosis.

Methods:

Longitudinal study of 60 patients referred for surgical management of pelvic endometriosis, who underwent sonography performed by an experienced sonographer. The presence of parametrial endometriosis shown by US was compared with surgical and histologic findings. The presence of endometrial cysts, deep endometriotic locations, and their potential association with parametrial endometriosis was assessed by US. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive values (PV), accuracy, and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR) of US for predicting parametrial endometriosis and other pelvic endometriotic locations were assessed. Descriptive analysis, optimal cut-off analysis, categorical (Fisher’s exact test) and non-categorical variables (Mann—Whitney) were calculated.

Results:

Parametrial, ovarian, and deep endometriosis were found by surgery in respectively 30 (50%), 21 (35%), and 59 (98.63%) of the 60 patients. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, accuracy, PLR, and NLR of US for the sonographic diagnosis of parametrial endometriosis were 40%, 96.7%, 92.3%, 61.7%, 68.3%, 12, and 0.62 respectively. In patients with parametrial involvement, a relation with rectosigmoid ( p = 0.005) and USL ( p = 0.0074) endometriosis was noted. For isolated torus/USL and rectosigmoid endometriosis, optimal cut-offs suggesting parametrial involvement by DE were 11 mm and 30 mm, respectively.

Conclusions:

US has low sensitivity but high specificity to diagnose parametrial endometriosis and could be used to rule in diagnosis before surgery.
Virtual Peer Support for People With Cystic Fibrosis and Their Family Members: A Program Evaluation
Authors: Jeffrey Aimee , Andracchio Lauren , Dvorak Meg , Lomas Paula , Smith Beth , Borowitz Drucy
Published: January 2021

We sought to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and benefits of a virtual one-to-one peer support program for people with cystic fibrosis and their family members through a retrospective program evaluation. This peer support program was developed in collaboration with patients, health care providers, and CF Foundation program staff. Mentees were paired with a trained peer mentor for 3-month mentoring via video, phone, email, or text. We found that the peer support program was feasible and acceptable. Success factors include a range of positive benefits including practical support as well as social and emotional support. Two-thirds of mentees reported at least 4 different benefits. Mentors reported multiple benefits after providing support through mentoring. Our program evaluation demonstrates that virtual peer support based on informal sharing of life experiences is an achievable way to provide social support and enhance health and well-being in chronic disease management.
Patient Experience and Expression of Unpleasant Emotions During Health Care Encounters
Authors: Heyman Richard E , Baucom Katherine J W , Giresi Jill , Isaac Liza J , Slep Amy M Smith
Published: January 2021

To examine the concordance between patients’ experience and expression of unpleasant emotions in a health care context, 21 patients presenting to a university dental clinic were observed for expressed unpleasant emotions and patients provided the intensity of their experienced unpleasant emotions. We found low convergence between experience and expression. Most of the time that patients experience unpleasant emotions they do not express them, and 80% of the time patients express unpleasant emotions they are not experiencing them at the time. Providers need to frequently check in with patients regarding their emotional experience during appointments, as it is infrequently accessible to providers.
Early use of nitazoxanide in mild COVID-19 disease: randomised, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Rocco Patricia R.M. , Silva Pedro L. , Cruz Fernanda F. , Melo-Junior Marco Antonio C. , Tierno Paulo F.G.M.M. , Moura Marcos A. , De Oliveira Luís Frederico G. , Lima Cristiano C. , Dos Santos Ezequiel A. , Junior Walter F. , Fernandes Ana Paula S.M. , Franchini Kleber G. , Magri Erick , de Moraes Nara F. , Gonçalves José Mário J. , Carbonieri Melanie N. , Dos Santos Ivonise S. , Paes Natália F. , Maciel Paula V.M. , Rocha Raissa P. , de Carvalho Alex F. , Alves Pedro Augusto , Proença-Módena José Luiz , Cordeiro Artur T. , Trivella Daniela B.B. , Marques Rafael E. , Luiz Ronir R. , Pelosi Paolo , Lapa e Silva Jose Roberto
Published: January 2021

Background

Nitazoxanide is widely available and exerts broad-spectrum antiviral activityin vitro. However, there is no evidence of its impact on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

Methods

In a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, adult patients presenting up to 3 days after onset of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms (dry cough, fever and/or fatigue) were enrolled. After confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection using reverse transcriptase PCR on a nasopharyngeal swab, patients were randomised 1:1 to receive either nitazoxanide (500 mg) or placebo, three times daily, for 5 days. The primary outcome was complete resolution of symptoms. Secondary outcomes were viral load, laboratory tests, serum biomarkers of inflammation and hospitalisation rate. Adverse events were also assessed.

Results

From June 8 to August 20, 2020, 1575 patients were screened. Of these, 392 (198 placebo, 194 nitazoxanide) were analysed. Median (interquartile range) time from symptom onset to first dose of study drug was 5 (4–5) days. At the 5-day study visit, symptom resolution did not differ between the nitazoxanide and placebo arms. Swabs collected were negative for SARS-CoV-2 in 29.9% of patients in the nitazoxanide armversus18.2% in the placebo arm (p=0.009). Viral load was reduced after nitazoxanide compared to placebo (p=0.006). The percentage viral load reduction from onset to end of therapy was higher with nitazoxanide (55%) than placebo (45%) (p=0.013). Other secondary outcomes were not significantly different. No serious adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

In patients with mild COVID-19, symptom resolution did not differ between nitazoxanide and placebo groups after 5 days of therapy. However, early nitazoxanide therapy was safe and reduced viral load significantly.
Face Grinding Surface Quality of High Volume Fraction SiCp/Al Composite Materials
Authors: Zhao Xu , Gong Yadong , Liang Guiqiang , Cai Ming , Han Bing
Published: January 2021

The existing research on SiCp/Al composite machining mainly focuses on the machining parameters or surface morphology. However, the surface quality of SiCp/Al composites with a high volume fraction has not been extensively studied. In this study, 32 SiCp/Al specimens with a high volume fraction were prepared and their machining parameters measured. The surface quality of the specimens was then tested and the effect of the grinding parameters on the surface quality was analyzed. The grinding quality of the composite specimens was comprehensively analyzed taking the grinding force, friction coefficient, and roughness parameters as the evaluation standards. The best grinding parameters were obtained by analyzing the surface morphology. The results show that, a higher spindle speed should be chosen to obtain a better surface quality. The final surface quality is related to the friction coefficient, surface roughness, and fragmentation degree as well as the quantity and distribution of the defects. Lower feeding amount, lower grinding depth and appropriately higher spindle speed should be chosen to obtain better surface quality. Lower feeding amount, higher grinding depth and spindle speed should be chosen to balance grind efficiently and surface quality. This study proposes a systematic evaluation method, which can be used to guide the machining of SiCp/Al composites with a high volume fraction.