bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered Reward Circuit Function Moderates the Relationship between Childhood Maltreatment and Depression Severity in Adolescents
Authors: Li Weicheng , Hu Zhibo , Wang Chengyu , Lan Xiaofeng , Zhang Ming , Zhang Fan , You Zerui , Ye Yanxiang , Liu Haiyan , Luo Zhanjie , Zeng Yexian , Chen Yiying , Chen Yifang , Wu Kai , Lao Guohui , Chen Jun , Li Guixiang , Zhou Yanling , Ning Yuping
Published: September 2023

Background. The role of childhood maltreatment (CM) is believed to be crucial in the aberrant function of reward circuit in adolescent-onset major depressive disorder (AO-MDD). Nevertheless, the impact of abnormalities in the GP-based reward circuit on the association between CM and the severity of AO-MDD remains largely unknown. Methods. The GP-based resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) was analyzed in a sample of 75 patients with AO-MDD and 80 healthy controls in order to identify potential abnormalities in the GP-based reward circuit in AO-MDD patients. Furthermore, we investigated the possible associations between aberrant GP-based reward circuit functioning, CM and its subtypes (namely, childhood abuse and childhood neglect), and the severity of AO-MDD. Results. Compared to the healthy control group, patients with AO-MDD demonstrated a reduction in RSFC between the left posterior GP and the right dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC). Our moderation analysis revealed that the abnormal RSFC between the posterior GP and DMPFC had a moderating effect on the relationship between CM and the severity of AO-MDD. Furthermore, upon further interaction decomposition, we observed a positive correlation between CM and AO-MDD severity exclusively in patients with AO-MDD who exhibited lower RSFC between the posterior GP and DMPFC. For AO-MDD patients with higher RSFC between posterior GP and DMPFC, the relationship between CM and AO-MDD severity was not discernible. Conclusions. Our findings underscore the crucial role of anomalies in the reward circuit in AO-MDD and furnish novel leads for probing the relationship among CM, malfunctioning of the reward circuit, and AO-MDD.
Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Derived Exosome Mimetic Vesicles Regulation of the MAPK Pathway and ROS Levels Inhibits Glucocorticoid-Induced Apoptosis in Osteoblasts
Authors: Lu Hongxu , Zhang Zhaoxia , Wang Zhaoying , Wang Jinkui , Mi Tao , Jin Liming , Wu Xin , Luo Junyi , Liu Yimeng , Liu Junhong , Cai Wenquan , Guo Peng , He Dawei
Published: September 2023

Background. Long-term extensive use of glucocorticoids will lead to hormonal necrosis of the femoral head, and osteoblasts play an important role in the prevention of osteonecrosis. However, there is no complete cure for necrosis of the femoral head. Mesenchymal stem cell- (MSCs-) derived exosomes are widely used for the repair of various tissue lesions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of dexamethasone- (DEX-) induced osteoblast apoptosis and the therapeutic effect of human umbilical cord MSC- (hucMSC-) derived exosome mimetic vesicles (EMVs) on osteoblast-induced apoptosis by DEX. Methods. The viability and apoptosis of primary MC3T3-E1 cells were determined by the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), FITC-Annexin V/PI staining and immunoblot. The intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) after DEX treatment were measured by 2′, 7′ -dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining. In this study, hucMSC-EMVs and N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) were used as therapeutic measures. The expression of B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X, Bcl 2, HO-1, and nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 and MAPK- signaling pathway in osteogenic cell MC3T3-E1 cells treated with Dex was analyzed by the immunoblotting. Results. DEX significantly induced osteoblasts MC3T3-E1 apoptosis and ROS accumulation. MAPK-signaling pathway was activated in MC3T3-E1 after DEX treatment. hucMSC-EMVs intervention significantly downregulated DEX-induced MAPK-signaling pathway activation and ROS accumulation. In addition, hucMSC-EMVs can reduce the apoptosis levels in osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells induced by DEX. Conclusions. Our study confirmed that hucMSC-EMVs regulates MAPK-signaling pathway and ROS levels to inhibit DEX-induced osteoblast apoptosis.
Identification of a Novel Variant of PDGFC Associated with Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and Palate in a Chinese Family
Authors: Yu Xin , Yang Simin , Xia Wenqian , Zhou Xiaorong , Gao Meiqin , Shi Hui , Zhou Yan
Published: September 2023

Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) accounts for 70% of the total number of patients with cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) and is the most common type of congenital deformity of the craniomaxillofacial region. In this study, whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing were performed on affected members of a Han Chinese family, and a missense variant in the platelet-derived growth factor C (PDGFC) gene (NM_016205: c.G93T: p.Q31H) was identified to be associated with NSCL/P. Bioinformatic studies demonstrated that the amino acid corresponding to this variation is highly conserved in many mammals and leads to a glutamine-to-histidine substitution in an evolutionarily conserved DNA-binding domain. It was found that the expression of PDGFC was significantly decreased in the dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) of NSCL/P cases, compared to the controls, and that the variant (NM_016205: c.G93T) reduced the expression of PDGFC. In addition, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that Pdgfc deficiency disrupted NSCL/P-related signaling pathways such as the MAPK signaling pathway and cell adhesion molecules. In conclusion, our study identified a missense variant (NM_016205: c.G93T) in exon 1 of PDGFC potentially associated with susceptibility to NSCL/P.
First Clinical Nutrition Outpatient Consultation: A Review of Basic Principles in Nutritional Care of Adults with Hematologic Disease
Authors: da Silva Goncalves dos Santos Julia , de Farias Meirelles Barbara , de Souza da Costa Brum Isabela , Zanchetta Mariana , Xerem Bruna , Braga Lucas , Haiut Marcia , Lanziani Renata , Musa Taha Hussein , Cordovil Karen
Published: September 2023

Background and Aim. Hematological disorders (HD) affect millions of people annually worldwide. Nutritional care is essential in acute or chronic HD, especially in controlling metabolic and gastrointestinal disorders that affect the nutritional status of individuals. Methods. A bibliographic survey was carried out between 2020 and 2022 using two databases: PubMed/MEDLINE and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and the information source Academic Google, irrespective of language or geography. Results. In the first nutrition consultation (FNC), there should be an investigative direction focused on nutritional interventions in the short, medium, and long term. The record in the patient’s medical record is relevant for carrying out the consultation, according to the recommendations of the normative councils of medicine and nutrition. The main steps to be followed are the investigation of the presence of food allergies and intolerances; the drugs/nutritional supplements in use; changes in the digestive tract; the presence or absence of picamalacia; and socioeconomic and lifestyle data. In addition, it is necessary to carry out laboratory evaluations, semiological assessment, anthropometric assessment, and assessment of food consumption. In the end, the nutritional approach should be composed of calculation of energy and macronutrient and micronutrient needs, intervention in nutritional status deviations, nutritional guidelines, and nutritional therapeutic planning of return, focusing on adherence to treatment. Conclusion. The first nutrition consultation may represent investigative steps that help the clinical nutritionist in the management, allowing a longitudinal and specific nutritional therapeutic planning for patients assisted in large reference centers for hematological disease.
Note on the Corrected Hawking Temperature of a Parametric Deformed Black Hole with Influence of Quantum Gravity
Authors: Li Zhonghua
Published: September 2023

In this paper, using the Hamilton-Jacobi method, we discuss the tunnelling of fermions when the dual influence of quantum gravity and the deformation of a parameterized black hole are taken into account. With the influence of the generalized uncertainty principle, there exists an offset around the standard Hawking temperature. We investigate a parametric deformed black hole and find that the corrected temperature is lower than the standard one, so there exists a remnant of the black hole, and the correction is not only determined by the mass and the energy of the emitted fermion but also determined by the mass of the black hole and the deformation parameter. Under the dual influence of quantum gravity and deformation, the correction effect of quantum gravity is the main influencing factor, while the correction effect of the deformation parameter is secondary. For both the massive and massless cases, the quantum gravity correction factor is only determined by the energy of the emitted fermion, while the deformation correction factor is only determined by the mass of the black hole.
Ten-Patient Trial: Remarkable Responses in Pediatric Cancers
Authors: Mardis Elaine R.
Published: September 2023

A clinical trial of nivolumab in 10 patients with pediatric cancer with high tumor mutational burden demonstrated complete responses in 50% of patients. This result recapitulates multiple clinical trial results in high mutation–burden adult cancers and may redefine best practice in the setting of germline DNA mismatch repair–based susceptibility.

See related article by Das et al., p. 4770
Figure S16 from miR-146a Exerts Differential Effects on Melanoma Growth and Metastatization
Authors: Raimo Monica , Orso Francesca , Grassi Elena , Cimino Daniela , Penna Elisa , De Pittà Cristiano , Stadler Michael B. , Primo Luca , Calautti Enzo , Quaglino Pietro , Provero Paolo , Taverna Daniela
Published: September 2023

ROCK1 and ITGAV are crucial players in melanoma cells motility.
Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Kidney Involvement
Authors: De Simone Emanuele , Sciascia Savino , Fenoglio Roberta , Oddone Valentina , Barreca Antonella , Roccatello Dario
Published: September 2023

Background: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the development of autoantibodies and the impairment of the coagulation system. Knowledge about this syndrome is increasing over time, but kidney involvement, especially APS nephropathy, still represents a challenge for physicians. Summary: A “two hit” model has been hypothesized to explain APS pathophysiology, and the role played by some factors, such as the complement system, is becoming more and more clear. From a clinical point of view, along with thrombosis in any site and/or obstetric morbidities, that are the hallmarks of APS, a constellation of several other clinical symptoms is related to APS. These symptoms alone are not sufficient to fulfill Sydney criteria for APS and this could potentially lead to omitting some diagnoses. The mainstay of management of APS is antithrombotic therapy, but there are expectations for new drugs that regulate the immune system. APS could affect the kidneys in many ways and among them, APS nephropathy is an intriguing entity that has been overlooked in recent years. Novel studies on APS nephropathy are lacking. Key Messages: In this review, we discuss what we currently know about APS and its relationship with the kidney, with an eye toward the future perspectives. Multicenter studies on APS nephropathy are necessary in order to develop targeted therapies.
Oral Anticoagulation Use and Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion in LAAOS III
Authors: Connolly Stuart J. , Healey Jeff S. , Belley-Cote Emilie P. , Balasubramanian Kumar , Paparella Domenico , Brady Katheryn , Reents Wilko , Danner Bernhard C. , Devereaux P.J. , Sharma Mukul , Ramasundarahettige Chinthanie , Yusuf Salim , Whitlock Richard P.
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

LAAOS III (Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Study III) showed that left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion reduces the risk of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing cardiac surgery. This article examines the effect of LAA occlusion on stroke reduction according to variation in the use of oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy.

METHODS:

Information regarding OAC use was collected at every follow-up visit. Adjusted proportional hazards modeling, including using landmarks of hospital discharge, 1 and 2 years after randomization, evaluated the effect of LAA occlusion on the risk of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism, according to OAC use. Adjusted proportional hazard modeling, with OAC use as a time-dependent covariate, was also performed to assess the effect of LAA occlusion, according to OAC use throughout the study.

RESULTS:

At hospital discharge, 3027 patients (63.5%) were receiving a vitamin K antagonist, and 879 (18.5%) were receiving a non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (direct OAC), with no difference in OAC use between treatment arms. There were 2887 (60.5%) patients who received OACs at all follow-up visits, 1401 (29.4%) who received OAC at some visits, and 472 (9.9%) who never received OACs. The effect of LAA occlusion on the risk of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism was consistent after discharge across all 3 groups: hazard ratios of 0.70 (95% CI, 0.51–0.96), 0.63 (95% CI, 0.43–0.94), and 0.76 (95% CI, 0.32–1.79), respectively. An adjusted proportional hazards model with OAC use as a time-dependent covariate showed that the reduction in stroke or systemic embolism with LAA occlusion was similar whether patients were receiving OACs or not.

CONCLUSIONS:

The benefit of LAA occlusion was consistent whether patients were receiving OACs or not. LAA occlusion provides thromboembolism reduction in patients independent of OAC use.
Ascertainment and Statistical Issues for Randomized Trials of Cardiovascular Interventions for Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Authors: Pajewski Nicholas M. , Donohue Michael C. , Raman Rema , Espeland Mark A.
Published: September 2023

There has been considerable progress in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, reducing the population burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Recently, some randomized trials, including the SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial), have suggested that improvements in cardiovascular risk factors may also slow cognitive decline and reduce the eventual development of dementia. Unfortunately, the randomized trial template that has been used repeatedly to successfully demonstrate reductions in major adverse cardiac events faces several design and analytic obstacles when applied in the context of cognitive decline and dementia. Here, we review these obstacles, motivated by SPRINT and the context of selecting an appropriate cognitive end point for future preventive randomized trials. A few options are available, spanning neuropsychological test scores or composites reflecting specific domains of cognitive function, adjudicated cognitive impairment, or potentially physiological biomarkers. This choice entails considerations around statistical power, modes of ascertainment, the clinical relevance of treatment effects, a myriad of statistical issues (interval censoring, missing data, the competing risk of death, practice effects, etc), as well as ethical considerations around equipoise. Collectively, these considerations indicate that trials aiming to mitigate the cardiovascular contribution to cognitive decline and dementia will generally need to be large, inclusive of a wide age range of older adults, and with multiple years of follow-up.
Development of Narratives in Children Aged 6-8 Years Depending on the Level of Executive Functions
Authors: Oshchepkova Ekaterina S. , Shatskaya Arina N.
Published: September 2023

Background. Language development is one of the most important tasks of education. Therefore, the study of those factors that affect it remains in demand. Though the relationship between language development and executive functions has been broadly studied recently, there is no data on their relationship in a longitudinal perspective in children aged 6 to 8 years. A comprehensive analysis of the relationship between language development and executive functions is of great importance for transition from kindergarten to primary school. Objective. The study focuses on how narrative ability develops in children from preschool to the middle of elementary school and how it is associated with the level of executive functions. Sample. The material was obtained during a three-year longitudinal study. The study sample data was collected in two sections: a) in kindergarten (n = 288, M = 6.59 years, SD = 4.11 months) and b) in the second grade of primary school (n = 210, M = 8.75 years, SD = 3.84 months). Methods. The children's executive functions were assessed with the NEPSY-II diagnostic toolkit, as well as with the DCCS method. The children’s narratives were assessed with the method of creating stories based on a series of pictures. Results. 1) A statistically significant increase in micro- and macrostructure of narratives was found. 2) In kindergarten, girls demonstrate higher indicators in both macro- and microstructure of narrative than boys. However, by the 2nd grade, these significant differences are no longer observed. 3) Analysis of the relationship between narrative indicators and components of executive functions revealed that the strongest positive relationship is observed between auditory working memory and macro-microstructure in the preparatory group, however, by the 2nd grade, this relationship ceases to be significant. 4) It was shown that children who demonstrated higher rates in all executive functions at preschool age have higher results in narratives at school. Conclusions. The important role of the development of executive functions during the preschool period of childhood in the development of narrative ability at school age is shown.
Sometimes the Bear Eats You, Sometimes You Eat the Bear: Values Surrounding Urban Bears
Authors: Booth Annie L. , Ryan Daniel A.J.
Published: September 2023

Bears evoke many responses in humans, both to their social/cultural presence and to their physical/ecological reality. This study examines attitudes towards bears in two cities in British Columbia, Canada. Focusing largely upon black bears (Ursus americanus), open-ended survey responses are analyzed to identify the key values that participants identified for the bears with whom they share space (both cities have large populations of urban bears). The largely positive nature of the values articulated suggests that there is hope for the long-term survival of these charismatic creatures even in largely urbanized settings.
Decentering Exile
Authors: Cunningham Marshall A.
Published: September 2023

I argue that the Levitical Prayer offered in Neh 9:5–37 (LP) offers a version of Judean history that does not include the Babylonian exile. Instead, it narrates an unbroken chain of possession of Judean territory that spans from the conquest and settlement of Canaan to the post-monarchic context of the prayer’s composition. Drawing insights from the study of cultural trauma, I make the case that the interpretive importance of such a catastrophic event cannot be assumed for subsequent Judean communities who sought to form a sense of cultural identity through the retelling of a shared past. Potentially traumatic events like the Babylonian exile are not actualized naturally; communal trauma is instead the product of social processes in the present that serve the needs of present and future communities. An elision of the Babylonian exile from a piece of post-monarchic period literature like the LP does not, therefore, require the interpretative conclusion that the prayer was written by the descendants of Judeans who avoided exile and remained in Judea during the sixth century ʙᴄᴇ. Importantly, neither does it exclude the possibility that the LP was produced by a community whose ancestors were displaced and resettled in Babylonia during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II. Through this analysis I invite scholars to explore a broader range of interpretative possibilities in their study of Ezra-Nehemiah as a composition and the understanding of the defining elements of Judean identity in the post- monarchic period.
The Great Mother Goddess on the Thracian Coast of Pontos Euxeinos: Forms and Traditions
Authors: Chiekova Dobrinka
Published: September 2023

This paper focuses on the worship of the Mother Goddess in the Greek colonies on the west coast of the Black Sea from the Archaic to the Roman period. The epigraphic and the archaeological evidence demonstrate the importance of the Milesian colonies in the spread of the cult. The political aspect of the Goddess’s personality is prominent and reminds of her Phrygian position. A Great Goddess very similar to the Phrygian Matar was worshiped in Thrace and on the western shores of the Black Sea before the arrival of the Greeks in 7th century BC. The Greek colonists and the Thracians were able to recognize simultaneously the continuum and the distinction in the forms and characteristics of their respective Great Goddess.
Phylogeny of North America’s largest cicada radiation redefines Tibicinoides and Okanagana (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadidae: Tibicininae)
Authors: COLE JEFFREY A. , CHATFIELD-TAYLOR WILL , SMEDS ELLIOTT A. , COOLEY JOHN R. , GONZALEZ VALORIE A. , WONG CARESSA
Published: September 2023

Tibicinoides, with three small endemic California cicada species, has a confusing, intertwined systematic history with Okanagana that we unravel here. An ingroup including all species of Tibicinoides and the majority (84.7%) of Okanagana species were sampled for six gene regions, polarized with Clidophleps, Okanagodes, Subpsaltria, and Tibicina outgroups, and subjected to Bayesian phylogenetic analysis. Although the ingroup was monophyletic from all outgroups including Tibicina, Tibicinoides rendered Okanagana paraphyletic among two major ingroup clades. To bring classification into agreement with phylogeny, we redescribe and redefine Tibicinoides to include all Okanagana species with a hooked uncus in the male genitalia, all of which grouped with the type T. cupreosparsa (Uhler, 1889) in the first of these clades: T. boweni (Chatfield-Taylor & Cole, 2020) comb. n., T. catalina (Davis, 1936) comb. n., T. hesperia (Uhler, 1876) comb. n., T. mercedita (Davis, 1915), T. minuta (Davis, 1915), T. pallidula (Davis, 1917a) comb. n., T. pernix (Bliven, 1964) comb. n., T. rubrovenosa (Davis, 1915) comb. n., T. simulata (Davis, 1921) comb. n., T. striatipes (Haldeman, 1852) comb. n., T. uncinata (Van Duzee, 1915) comb. n., T. utahensis (Davis, 1919) comb. n., and T. vanduzeei (Distant, 1914) comb. n. Okanagana is redescribed and restricted to the species of the second major clade which contained the type O. rimosa (Say, 1830). We describe two new genera for morphologically distinct orphan lineages: Chlorocanta gen. nov. for C. viridis (Davis, 1918) comb. n. and Hewlettia gen. nov. for H. nigriviridis (Davis, 1921) comb. n. We recognize O. rubrobasalis Davis, 1926 stat. rev. as a species and relegate two former species to junior subjective synonyms: O. noveboracensis (Emmons, 1854) = O. canadensis (Provancher, 1889) and O. occidentalis (Walker in Lord, 1866) = O. lurida Davis, 1919. Tibicinoides and Okanagana together represent a rapid radiation that presents challenges to phylogenetic analysis including suboptimal outgroups and short internodes.
Polymer Characterization of Submerged Plastic Litter from Lake Tahoe, United States
Authors: Davidson Julia , Arienzo Monica M. , Harrold Zoe , West Colin , Bandala Erick R. , Easler Sadye , Senft Katie
Published: September 2023

Monitoring plastic litter in the environment is critical to understanding the amount, sources, transport, fate, and environmental impact of this pollutant. However, few studies have monitored plastic litter on lakebeds which are potentially important environments for determining the fate and transport of plastic litter in freshwater basins. In this study, a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus was used for litter collection at the lakebed along five transects in Lake Tahoe, United States. Litter was brought to the surface and characterized by litter type. Plastic litter was subsampled, and polymer composition was determined using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The average plastic litter from the lakebed for the five dive transects was 83 ± 49 items per kilometer. The top plastic litter categories were other plastic litter (plastic litter that did not fall in another category), followed by food containers, bottles <2 L, plastic bags, and toys. These results are in line with prior studies on submerged litter, and intervention approaches or ongoing education are needed. The six polymers most frequently detected in the subsamples were polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene/expanded polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate/polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyamide. These observations reflect global plastic production and microplastic studies from lake surface water and sediments. We found that some litter subcategories were primarily comprised of a single polymer type, therefore, in studies where the polymer type cannot be measured but litter is categorized, these results could provide an estimate of the total polymer composition for select litter categories.
Variations in Hate Crime Cases by Bias Motivation Type: Findings From the National Hate Crime Investigation Study (NHCIS)
Authors: Turner Heather A. , Jones Lisa M. , Mitchell Kimberly J. , Brown Adrienne
Published: September 2023

Accurate and detailed information on the nature of hate crimes in the United States has been hindered by limitations in the compiling of hate crime statistics. The National Hate Crime Investigation Study (NHCIS) collected data from a nationally representative sample of law enforcement agencies across the U.S. about the numbers of hate crimes investigated during 2018. Results show differences in a variety of case characteristics across four major categories of bias motivation (race/ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation/gender identity, and disability). Results suggest that police may miss hate crimes with bias motivations that are not clearly connected to common culturally recognized indicators. Training around non-stereotypical hate crime cases may help to identify and strengthen hate crime evidence.
What matters in the queer archive? Technologies of memory and Queering the Map
Authors: Watson Ash , Kirby Emma , Churchill Brendan , Robards Brady , LaRochelle Lucas
Published: September 2023

Queering the Map ( queeringthemap.com ) is a novel digital platform: a storymap, an anonymous collaborative record, an archive of queer experiences. To contribute to the platform, visitors make their own mark by clicking on an empty space on the map. As to what visitors contribute, the platform’s About section suggests, simply, ‘If it counts for you, then it counts for Queering the Map’. In this article, we probe this guiding principle. What does count in this context? What matters in the queer archive? Drawing on interviews with 14 site users and an analysis of nearly 2000 stories pinned to Australia on the map, we consider what platform practices reveal about queer collective memory-making, to illuminate the how and why of a queer archive. We see that relatability matters because of the affective, affirming and community-building seeds it can generate; situation matters because it is through participatory practices that recognition, visibility and community place- making are enacted; and, the everyday matters as the archive’s visitors collectively claim and gift their varied personal experiences. Through these themes we explore queer contributions or how site visitors are oriented towards giving something of themselves to the archive. We discuss how archival properties of the platform are key to (queer) participation, and to meaning-making – as distinct, as queer, as a valued record. Queering the Map, we argue, is significant in how space is made for queer representation, carving new contours for archival ‘evidence’ and community histories.
Towards an empirically robust theory of stigma resistance in the ‘new’ sociology of stigma: Everyday resistance in sheltered workshops
Authors: Sebrechts Melissa
Published: September 2023

Recent works on stigma have emphasised the importance of ‘looking up’ towards issues of power and stigma production. In that process, empirical attention to stigma resistance ‘from below’ has remained limited. When resistance is discussed, it typically takes the form of collective, organised and explicit resistance. Drawing on insights from resistance studies, this article pays attention to everyday practices of resistance that are subtle, unorganised and implicit and calls for an empirically robust theory of stigma resistance. In doing so, it contributes to the recent revival of the sociology of stigma. Based on ethnographic research methods, the article discusses the stigmatisation of people with intellectual disabilities in sheltered workshops and identifies three anti-stigma practices: (1) redirecting, (2) replacing and (3) redefining stigmatising norms. Two lessons can be learned from this study and inform future research. First, everyday resistance is ambivalent: it implies a partial incorporation and partial rejection of norms. Second, rather than political intention (only), stigma resistance can be based on a variety of desires and needs. Recognising this allows us to see stigmatised people as individuals who have at least some power to fight and transform stigma.
Lesslie Newbigin’s missionary encounter with Western culture twenty-five years on
Authors: Armstrong John G.
Published: September 2023

This article looks at the reception of Lesslie Newbigin’s missionary encounter with Western culture. It seeks to answer some of the most important criticisms of Newbigin’s project and looks at two attempts to apply Newbigin’s ideas to concrete ecclesial situations. It shows that Newbigin’s project is not just of historical interest but can be regarded as having an ongoing validity.
Effect of Structural Anisotropy on Thermal Ageing in Rigid PU Foams
Authors: Boscoletto A. Boscolo , Cellarosi B.
Published: September 2023

The use of some alternative blowing agents from conventional CFC's and the quality of foamy processes can lead to non-homogeneity of foam structure with presence of defects along the panel thickness. These defects appear as holes in cell windows or cavities. Accurate measurements of thermal conductivity were made on test specimens having different thicknesses obtained by cutting away the external faces of the production panels.

This type of characterisation of foams blown with alternative blowing agents allowed us to understand their ageing behaviour (natural and accelerated) and the problems related to the scaling factor. Moreover this study pointed out how the effective diffusion coefficients of gases involved in the ageing process can have different values along the thickness of a sample. All these observations were connected with morphological analyses and radiant conductivity data.

Our studies showed that sampling procedure and design of models are very important for a correct analysis of ageing phenomena. Good fit between experimental and theoretical data was found, allowing us to verify the validity of the method used to characterise non-homogeneous foams.
Electron Beam Crosslinking of Ethylene-Propyiene Rubber
Authors: Aoshima M. , Jinno T. , Sassa T.
Published: September 2023

Ethylene-propylene rubber is particularly excellent in heat resistance, weather resistance and ozone resistance. It is widely used in automotive rubber parts, rubber sheets, etc. This report describes the research on electron beam crosslinking of ethylene-propylene rubber and its application in rubber products.
An Automated Image Analysis Method for the Characterisation of Flexible Foam Cellular Structure
Authors: Chaffanjon P. , Verhelst G.
Published: September 2023

The mechanisms which control the formation and the final configuration of the cellular structure of a flexible foam are not completely understood. This also applies to the relationship between this structure and foam properties. An indepth investigation of these two aspects has been initiated with a specific interest for MDI-based cold cure foams. It is aimed in a first instance at building up a good understanding of the phenomena mentioned above. This will then be used in the development of new PU formulations more fitted to market needs by considering the optimisation of the cellular structure to meet the required properties.

In this respect, an automated method for quantifying the cellular structure of flexible foams has been defined. The quantification is made by reconstructing cut cells of a foam cross-section by using recent developments of image analysis techniques. The method allows fast measurement and has been optimised to be suitable for a wide range of flexible foams.

Using selected parameters from the measurements representative of the cell size and cell size distribution, it willbe shown that this method gives a statistical description of the structure and that reproducible results are obtained.

It willbe shown that the measurements can be applied to practical situations. The effect of the mixing conditions of the reactants on the foam structure will be quantified and different mixing technologies will be compared. Achievements in controlling the cellsize of polyurethane flexiblefoams willbe presented and some correlations with foam properties willbe discussed. Finally it willbe shown how the defined method can be used as a classification of foam by its cellular structure and a scale will be proposed.
Combustion Modified Moulded Polyurethane Flexible Foam for the Furniture Industry
Authors: Barker M. , Hannaby MP. , Lockwood F.J.
Published: September 2023

Current trends in legislation are based on a move towards more severe fire testing of flexible foam products used in the construction of domestic and contract furniture and mass transit seating. Large scale ignition tests, such as CaliforniaT.B. 133intheU.SA., BS 5852 crib 5in the UKand the AAstandard in Japan, are becoming the accepted norm around the world. ICI has now developed a combustion modified system capable of meeting even these most stringent fire tests. In addition, the polyol blend used is storage stable against any settling out of the solid fire retardant component. This has been achieved in a CFC free system without compromising the superior processing associated with MDI technology. In fact, it is found that the reproducibility of the fire performance of the resulting foam is enhanced due to superior dispersion of the solid fire retardant.

Careful development of both polyol and isocyanate components has minimized the detrimental effects of the fire retardant package on foam physical properties. Significant joint customer development work has led to the definition of a seat design concept incorporating ICI's combustion modified foam which can satisfy California T.B. 133, recognized as one of the world's most severe fire performance tests.

Formulation development work has been underpinned by the development of an understanding of the fundamental mechanism at work during combustion of the CMHR foam. This has been achieved by the use of analytical techniques including a study by cone calorimetry.
New Perceptions of Legionella
Authors: Baumann Heinz H.
Published: September 2023

In a previous article, which appeared in IKZ-HAUSTECHNIK, No. 23/90, pages 50 - 53, the individual growth stages of Legionella pneumophila were shown. Various studies have established that all pipe systems, irrespective of their material, can act as development habitats for Legionella. They adhere to a biofilm, on which they grow and multiply. They protect themselves against toxic agents by forming a fungus-like biogenic mass.
Development of CFC-free Integral Skin Foam for Steering Wheels*
Authors: Hobby R.T. , Heather M. , Christfreund A. , Dobinson D.
Published: September 2023

The elimination of CFC 11 in the manufacture of integral skin foam (ISF) remains a challenge for the polyurethanes industry. The use of HFA 22, which has significantly lower ozone depletion potential (ODP), is a step in the right direction but is not the ultimate solution.

HFA 123, pentane and water blowing have been evaluated as potential altematives. But each change in the Chemical system results in the need for other modifications. Integration of all these into the manufacturing process places severe pressure on the steering wheel producer, working inside increasingly stringent time constraints.

UTA-Clifford and ICI Polyurethanes recognised that further development of water-blowing technology was the preferred way forward, and that the fastest route to solve these pressing problems was through close partnership. So, a joint development programme was undertaken, using statistical design of experiment techniques.

This proved to be a powerful approach, significantly reducing development time and providing an optimum solution. Confirmation was obtained during a pre-production trial at UTA-Clifford, when a wide range of steering wheels was successfully produced. The optimised system was fully acceptable when used in combination with an in-mould coating; UTA-Clifford will introduce the technology into production in 1992.
Foams for Refrigeration Applications
Authors: Bazzo Walter
Published: September 2023

Rigid polyurethanes have been used in the manufacture of household appliances for three decades. Their use has helped turn refrigerator manufacture into a major world activity, allowing completely new approaches to design and production.

This paper reviews the polyurethane properties that have enabled the domestic refrigeration industry to grow and describes current manufacturing and assembly techniques. Issues such as CFC phase-out, and the manufacturing implications, are discussed, along with likely trends for the future. It shows that for the polyurethanes industry to be an effective supplier to the refrigeration industry, it must continue to provide strong support over the next few years.
Calorimetric Combustion Assessment of Polyurethane Flexible Foam and Fabric Composites
Authors: Vanspeybroeck R. , Van Wesemael E. , Van Hees P. , Vandevelde P.
Published: September 2023

This paper summarizes the second part of a study over a two year period carried out at the Laboratory for Fuel Technology and Heat Transfer of the University of Gent in cooperation with Dow Benelux N.V. The first part of the study, focusing on the effects of cone calorimeter test variables as well as polyurethane (PU) flexible foam variables on the foam combustion characteristics, has been published recently(1).

In the second part of the study, the relative contributions of foams and fabrics on important fire hazard parameters such as ignition performance, peak rate of heat, smoke and carbon monoxide release and time to peak rate of heat release, were measured with the cone calorimeter and the Nordtest NT 032 calorimeter and compared. The study was carried out on sixteen different composites of main commercial fabrics and PU flexible foams.

The same trends were found with both test methods: post-ignition composite performance is mainly determined by the fabric whereas ignition is influenced by foam and fabric to about the same extent. However, it was not possible to draw precise quantitative correlations, and to predict large-scale Nordtest NT 032 performance on the basis of cone calorimetry results.
Uses of the Cone Calorimeter
Authors: Paul Keith
Published: September 2023

This paper describes a series of small experimental programmes to investigate the use of the cone calorimeter with different materials. The difficulties of testing materials which swell or shrink significantly when heated and the nature of the cone calorimeter fire model were also investigated.
Epoxy Materials Prepared from the Chemically Reclaimed Products of Waste Rigid Polyurethane Foams
Authors: Xue Shuchang , He Feifeng , Hidai Takao , Asano Tsuneo , Imai Yoshio
Published: September 2023

The combined waste rigid polyurethane foams were decomposed by the glycolysis method and the reclaimed product obtained was directly used as one component in epoxy materials. Effects of curing condition, reclaimed product/ epoxy resin ratio, foam/decomposer ratio, adding amine and filler on the mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of epoxy materials were investigated. The results show that the reclaimed product could completely harden epoxy resin at temperatures above 120°C. The mechanical and heat-resistant properties of the materials could be improved by increasing foam/decomposer ratio and adding aromatic amines or fillers. The electrical insulating property could also be improved by adding aromatic amine. The materials exhibit 15 and 10 MPa of shear strength at room temperature and 60°C respectively, more than 50 MPa of tensile strength, more than 1013 W of surface resistivity, and more than 1013 W cm of volume resistivity.
Comparison of Experimental and Predicted Ageing of Polyurethane Foams Blown with CFC Alternatives*
Authors: Biesmans G. , Vos R. De , Rosbotham I.D.
Published: September 2023

Accelerated ageing tests have been the industry standard for many years. With the introduction of CFC alternatives these accelerated ageing tests have become questionable. This paper describes how the ageing of foams, based on novel blowing agents, can be predicted. The comparison of an ‘experimental data set’ with a ‘calculated data set’ shows the accuracy and reliability of the method presented in this paper.

The calculated data set is generated via the determination of fundamental foam physical properties and an ageing calculation model. The two most important factors are the effective diffusion constant and the initial cell gas composition. The influence of temperature on both the effective diffusion constants and gas content is determined. Finally the foam structure is described in terms of cell size, polymer distribution over struts and windows and foam void volume.

The experimental data is based on the actual K-values measured on foam samples after exposure to a number of different ageing conditions. Parameters that were investigated are foam dimensions and exposure temperature. A comparison between model prediction and data obtained from long term field exposures is made.

The method presented allows for a K-value ageing prediction under well defined conditions without the need for extended exposure experiments.
CFC-Free Rigid Polyurethane Foam Insulation Products
Authors: Ball G.W.
Published: September 2023

This paper provides an overview of the commercially successful CFC-free rigid polyurethane insulating products now established in the UK market, which have been made available because of the need to move away from the use of potent ozone depleting CFC blowing agents used for the past 35 years. Detailed evidence is included to support the claim that the performance of these new products and their life expectancy is equal to that of their CFC based counterparts. It shows that because of the great diversity of products and applications, that currently five different blowing agents are used since whilst many ozone benign blowing agents exist, none matches the other unique features of the CFCs R11 and R12 entirely. Nevertheless it is demonstrated that the products now in use in the UK, by comparison with their CFC counterparts, are playing a significant part in eliminating the threat to the ozone layer, whilst at the same time being able to continue to make their significant contribution to the reduction of CO2 emissions, believed to be the main cause of global warming.
MDI Comfort Cushioning for Automotive Applications
Authors: Cunningham A. , Huygens E. , Leenslag J.W.
Published: September 2023

This paper seeks to investigate the dynamic aspects of seat comfort which are known to be strongly influenced by the intrinsic properties of the flexible foam used. Within this framework, a comparative analysis of the dynamic comfort performance of conventional seating foam and ICI's new comfort foam technology is presented.
Changes in Self-Reported and Device-Measured Physical Activity Before Abdominal Resection Surgery: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mylius Caspar F , Mooiweer Yvet , Krijnen Wim P , Takken Tim , van Munster Barbara C , van der Schans Cees P , Klaase Joost M
Published: September 2023

Objective

To determine the effect of interventions on physical activity levels of patients awaiting abdominal resection surgery using self-reported as well as device-measured outcome measures.

Data source

PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched on the 18th of April 2023 up to April 2023 for studies on interventions to promote physical activity during the preoperative phase.

Review methods

Studies were included if pre- and post-intervention physical activity was measured between diagnosis and abdominal surgery. Risk of bias was assessed by the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) assessment tool for trials. Meta-analyses were performed to assess the effect of the pre-surgery activity promoting interventions on self-reported and device-measured physical activity.

Results

Seventeen studies were included in the analysis with 452 subjects in the intervention groups. The random-effect meta-analysis showed a moderate improvement in intervention groups measures in pre-surgery physical activity levels compared to the baseline (SMD = 0.67, [CI = 0.30;1.03], I2 = 79%). The self-reported subgroup meta-analysis showed the largest increase in performed physical activity, (SMD = 0.78, [CI = 0.4;1.15], I2 = 79%) whilst non-significant increase was shown in the device-measured subgroup (SMD = 0.16, [CI = −0.64;0.97], I2 = 58%).

Conclusion

Increasing physical activity in the preoperative phase is feasible. Self-reported physical activity outcome measures show larger effects compared to device-measured outcome measures. More high-quality research should be performed utilizing objective measures.
Putting the “Mix” in Mixed Methods: How to Integrate Quantitative and Qualitative Research in Early Childhood Special Education Research
Authors: Love Hailey R. , Fettig Angel , Steed Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2023

Mixed methods research (MMR) has the potential to be a powerful tool to expand the ways early intervention/early childhood special education (EI/ECSE) scholarship understands and informs practice. Integration, or the purposeful combination of quantitative and qualitative research approaches, is central for rigorous MMR. However, it can be challenging to identify and enact integration because integration processes and procedures can vary greatly depending on a study’s purpose(s), design, and underlying philosophical assumptions and priorities. In this article, we offer guidance on ways EI/ECSE researchers can engage in meaningful and purposeful integration. We highlight three critical decision-making points: integration dimension or type, integration timing, and relative emphasis of methods when integrating. Additionally, we discuss related considerations to particularly ensure strong qualitative designs and integration within MMR.