bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human ES Cell Culture Conditions Fail to Preserve the Mouse Epiblast State
Authors: Devika A. S. , Montebaur Anna , Saravanan S. , Bhushan Raghu , Koch Frederic , Sudheer Smita
Published: March 2021

Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and mouse epiblast stem cells (mEpiSCs) are the pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), derived from the inner cell mass (ICM) of preimplantation embryos at embryonic day 3.5 (E3.5) and postimplantation embryos at E5.5-E7.5, respectively. Depending on their environment, PSCs can exist in the so-called naïve (ESCs) or primed (EpiSCs) states. Exposure to EpiSC or human ESC (hESC) culture condition can convert mESCs towards an EpiSC-like state. Here, we show that the undifferentiated epiblast state is however not stabilized in a sustained manner when exposing mESCs to hESC or EpiSC culture condition. Rather, prolonged exposure to EpiSC condition promotes a transition to a primitive streak- (PS-) like state via an unbiased epiblast-like intermediate. We show that the Brachyury-positive PS-like state is likely promoted by endogenous WNT signaling, highlighting a possible species difference between mouse epiblast-like stem cells and human Embryonic Stem Cells.
PAC-Mediated AKI Protection Is Critically Mediated but Does Not Exclusively Depend on Cell-Derived Microvesicles
Authors: Dihazi H. , Schwarze K. , Patschan S. , Müller G. A. , Ritter O. , Zeisberg M. , Patschan D.
Published: March 2021

Introduction. Acute kidney injury (AKI) significantly worsens the prognosis of hospitalized patients. In recent years, cell-based strategies have been established as a reliable option for improving AKI outcomes in experimental AKI. Our previous studies focused on the so-called proangiogenic cells (PACs). Mechanisms that contribute to PAC-mediated AKI protection include production/secretion of extracellular vesicles (MV, microvesicles). In addition, the cells most likely act by paracrinic processes (secretome). The current study evaluated whether AKI may be preventable by the administration of either PAC-derived MV and/or the secretome alone. Methods. AKI was induced in male C57/Bl6N mice (8–12 weeks) by bilateral renal ischemia (IRI-40 minutes). Syngeneic murine PACs were stimulated with either melatonin, angiopoietin-1 or -2, or with bone morphogenetic protein-5 (BMP-5) for one hour, respectively. PAC-derived MV and the vesicle-depleted supernatant were subsequently collected and i.v.-injected after ischemia. Mice were analyzed 48 hours later. Results. IRI induced significant kidney excretory dysfunction as reflected by higher serum cystatin C levels. The only measure that improved AKI was the injection of MV, collected from native PACs. The following conditions worsened after ischemic renal function even further: MV + Ang-1, MV + BMP-5, MV + melatonin, and MV + secretome + Ang-1. Conclusion. Together, our data show that PAC-mediated AKI protection substantially depends on the availability of cell-derived MV. However, since previous data showed improved AKI-protection by PACs after cell preconditioning with certain mediators (Ang-1 and -2, melatonin, BMP-5), mechanisms other than exclusively vesicle-dependent mechanisms must be involved in PAC-mediated AKI protection.
A Simple Benchmark Problem for the Numerical Methods of the Cahn–Hilliard Equation
Authors: Li Yibao , Lee Chaeyoung , Wang Jian , Yoon Sungha , Park Jintae , Kim Junseok
Published: March 2021

We present a very simple benchmark problem for the numerical methods of the Cahn–Hilliard (CH) equation. For the benchmark problem, we consider a cosine function as the initial condition. The periodic sinusoidal profile satisfies both the homogeneous and periodic boundary conditions. The strength of the proposed problem is that it is simpler than the previous works. For the benchmark numerical solution of the CH equation, we use a fourth-order Runge–Kutta method (RK4) for the temporal integration and a centered finite difference scheme for the spatial differential operator. Using the proposed benchmark problem solution, we perform the convergence tests for an unconditionally gradient stable scheme via linear convex splitting proposed by Eyre and the Crank–Nicolson scheme. We obtain the expected convergence rates in time for the numerical schemes for the one-, two-, and three-dimensional CH equations.
Морфологічні особливості грануляційної тканини лапаротомної рани при внутрішньочеревній гіпертензії в експерименті
Authors: Morar I. K.
Published: March 2021

Мета роботи: в експерименті на дрібних лабораторних тваринах дослідити вплив внутрішньочеревної гіпертензії на морфологічні особливості грануляційної тканини лапаротомної рани.

Матеріали і методи. Експеримент виконано на 102 лабораторних щурах, яким виконано серединну лапаротомію та зведено краї рани простими вузловими швами. Основну групу склали 72 тварини, яким створювали внутрішньочеревну гіпертензію. Групу порівняння склали 48 тварини без внутрішньочеревної гіпертензії. Забір біологічного матеріалу проводили на 1-у, 3-ю та 5-у доби після створення внутрішньочеревної гіпертензії.

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Створена внутрішньочеревна гіпертензія призводить до нерівномірного повнокров’я як м’язово-апоневротичного шару, так і грануляційної тканини, збільшення об’єму останньої, а також до переважання відсотка лімфоїдних клітин над фібробластами, що свідчить про затримку репаративних процесів у ділянці рубця. Особливістю венозного повнокров’я за створеної внутрішньочеревної гіпертензії є сладж еритроцитів у венулах та “порожні” артеріоли. Ступінь вираження патогістологічних змін, спричинених внутрішньочеревною гіпертензією, залежить від рівня внутрішньочеревного тиску та тривалості його дії.
Індивідуалізована хірургічна тактика при синдромі діабетичної стопи
Authors: Polyovyy V. P. , Khorshani Bilel , Rotar O. V. , Plehutsa O. M. , Volianiuk P. M. , Khomko О. Y. , Kyfyak P. V. , Plehutsa І. М. , Sydorchuk R. I.
Published: March 2021

Мета роботи: розробити індивідуалізований алгоритм хірургічного лікування хворих на синдром діабетичної стопи (СДС).

Матеріали і методи. Комплексне клінічне дослідження охоплює 123 випадки хірургічного лікування СДС (хворі різних ступенів за класифікацією PEDIS, І-V стадій за F. Wagner, з легкою, помірною, тяжкою інфекцією за IDSA). Розробку алгоритму хірургічної активності при СДС здійснювали згідно з рекомендаціями Institute for Algorithmic Medicine (Гʼюстон, США), з використанням програмного (HTML/XML/GMT) пакету Document Exploration and Linking Tool / Addons (DELTA), розробленого Vienna University of Technology, Institute of Software Technology and Interactive Systems, Information Engineering Group, Vienna, Austria.

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Ангіографічний або технічний успіх ендоваскулярних втручань, що призводить до істотного збільшення просвіту судини в зоні стенозу або оклюзії, ми отримали в 94,3 % спостережень. Технічний успіх балонної ангіопластики спостерігали практично в усіх випадках, дещо гірші ангіографічні результати отримано при втручаннях на декількох артеріях гомілки – 55,0–94,1 % успішних ангіопластик. При ішемічній та змішаній нейроішемічній формах у більшості хворих вдавалося компенсувати критичну ішемію виконанням судинних втручань. Запропонований алгоритм хірургічних втручань при СДС потребує подальшого вивчення за умов більшої рандомізації та розширення когорти пацієнтів.
Деструктивний поліоніхомікоз із вторинною інкарнацією нігтів: аналіз клінічних спостережень, авторські погляди на комплексне лікування
Authors: Vergun A. R. , Krasnyi M. R. , Kit Z. M. , Vergun O. M.
Published: March 2021

Мета роботи: оптимізувати комплексне лікування та хірургічні інтервенції при хронічній оніхопатології, асоційованій з оніхомікозом та інкарнацією нігтів, включно ускладнені, комбіновані та рецидивуючі ураження.

Матеріали і методи. Здійснено ретроспективний та проспективний аналіз клінічних особливостей і результатів лікування 919 пацієнтів за 10-річний період: 503 чоловіків та 416 жінок віком 5–92 роки. Також симультанно досліджено деякі біохімічні лабораторні девіації. Видалення уражених нігтів у хворих на поліоніхомікоз здійснювали послідовними етапами на фоні системної терапії. Застосовували системну ад’ювантну пульс-терапію 400 мг ітраконазолу впродовж двох днів до первинної хірургічної корекції вторинних інкарнацій та впродовж перших трьох днів післяопераційного періоду. Санацію інших уражених нігтів з метою запобігання реінфекції мікозом проводили антимікотичним 5 % аморолфінним лаком або 8 % циклопіроксовмісним лаком для нігтів. Використовували клінічні, параклінічні, мікробіологічні методи, функціональну діагностику, рентгенологічні, біохімічні, морфологічні та статистичні методи.

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Комплексне лікування гнійної оніхеальної патології включає хірургічну резекцію або видалення нігтя, некректомію, дренування гнійних вогнищ, санацію уражень м’яких тканин, консервативне лікування мікозу та супутніх уражень. Схему комплексного лікування, що включає пульс-терапію ітраконазолом, видалення уражених нігтів, обробку нігтьового ложа полівідонйодом, використання лініменту тербінафіну та санацію інших нігтьових пластин антимікотичними лаками – циклопіроксом або аморолфіном можна використовувати для лікування тяжких випадків поліоніхомікозу. Встановлено, що піднігтьовий гіперкератоз та дерматофітома внаслідок здавлення центральної частини нігтя детермінують вторинне вростання його країв, χ2=20,87, p<0,01. Вогнища оніхолізису (оніхомадезу) та деструкції гіперкератозу, що призводять до вторинного оніхолізису, відшарування нігтьової пластини, χ2=15,23, р<0,0211, визначають та обґрунтовують доцільність малотравматичної оніхоектомії. Видалення уражених нігтів у пацієнтів з деструктивним оніхомікозом, ускладненим піднігтьовим гіперкератозом або оніхогрифозом з інкарнацією нігтя, ми здійснювали з використанням менш травматичної мобілізації нігтьової пластини через локуси оніхолізису, оніхолізовані структури за допомогою послідовного застосування стерильного леза педикюрного інструменту PE-60/1, із застосуванням стерильних манікюрних лез PE-10/2 та стерильного інструменту PE-30 (заокругленого пушера із зігнутим сепараційним лезом), одночасним видаленням гіперкератозу, оніхоматрикоми (дерматофітоми), змінених тканин у ділянках вростання та гіпергрануляцій, що значно зменшує травматичність процедури та детермінує зменшення післяопераційного больового синдрому (χ2=48,32, p<0,01), прискорення загоєння ран, поліпшення якості життя пацієнтів.
Характеристика структурно-функціонального стану кісткової тканини у хворих похилого та старечого віку з переломами вертлюгової ділянки стегнової кістки
Authors: Valovina Y. D. , Vitvitsky Z. Y. , Valovina N. Y.
Published: March 2021

Мета роботи: проаналізувати структурно-функціональний стан кісткової тканини (СФСКТ) у людей похилого та старечого віку та структуру переломів вертлюгової ділянки стегнової кістки (ВДСК) на ґрунті порушень мінеральної щільності кісткової тканини (МЩКТ).

Матеріали і методи. У роботі проаналізовано результати обстеження 98 хворих похилого та старечого віку, які перебували на лікуванні в КНП “Івано-Франківська обласна клінічна лікарня Івано-Франківської обласної ради” впродовж 2008–2018 рр. Середній вік хворих складав 75,4±10,8 (від 60 до 90 років). І групу склали 46 хворих із переломами ВДСК (основна група), які отримали низькоенергетичні пошкодження. До контрольної групи увійшли 52 особи, котрі обстежувались з приводу захворювань опорно-рухового апарату. Усім хворим виконано двохенергетичну рентгенівську абсорбціометрію (DEXA) поперекового відділу хребта. У хворих І групи визначали тип перелому за класифікацією AO/ASIF.

Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Порушення показників МЩКТ виявлено у 72 (73,5 %) хворих обох груп. У хворих І групи максимальний показник зниження кісткової маси Т індекс становив -3,5, у хворих ІІ групи – Т= -2,8. У хворих похилого віку І групи середній показник Т індексу становив -1,32, а у хворих старечого віку І групи – -1,86. У хворих похилого віку ІІ групи середній показник Т становив -0,85, а у хворих старечого віку ІІ групи – -1,33. Серед хворих І групи, в яких при денситометрій виявлено порушення структури кісткової тканини, більшість переломів за класифікацією AO/ASIF були складними, тобто уламкові зі зміщенням, і становили 39(84,8 %) випадків. Порушення показників МЩКТ в обстежених хворих похилого та старечого віку та висока частота складних уламкових переломів вказують на необхідність подальшого вивчення СФСКТ та оптимізації лікування у хворих цієї вікової категорії.
Comunicação, dispositivo e espaço corporativo: a estratégia da promessa na dinâmica das organizações no capitalismo
Authors: Gonçalves Daniela Norcia , Trivinho Eugênio Rondini
Published: March 2021

O artigo reflete sobre o dispositivo de comunicação e seu desdobramento corporativo como promessa da comunicação. A temática, pouco presente em estudos brasileiros sobre comunicação organizacional e afins, comparece fortemente na produção teórica francesa das duas últimas décadas. Inspirado na biopolítica de Michel Foucault e em abordagens francesas sobre o dispositivo de comunicação, o texto apreende a relação entre espaço corporativo e macrodispositivo do social, abrindo caminho para caracterizar a promessa da comunicação como estratégia inseparável da reprodução do capitalismo.
Administração que cala consente? Dever de decidir, silêncio administrativo e aprovação tácita
Authors: Marrara Thiago
Published: March 2021

o artigo aborda os passos do ordenamento brasileiro no combate à omissão de decidir da Administração Pública. Em seguida, examina a aprovação tácita nos termos previstos pela Lei de Liberdade Econômica e seu Decreto Regulamentar. Abordam-se seus requisitos explícitos e implícitos, as hipóteses de vedação, os efeitos posteriores ao ato fictício e a questão da aplicabilidade do instituto a Estados e Municípios
Prospective Study on Plasma MicroRNA‐4286 and Incident Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Shen Miaoyan , Xu Xuedan , Liu Xuezhen , Wang Qiuhong , Li Wending , You Xiaomin , Peng Rong , Yuan Yu , Long Pinpin , Niu Rundong , Yang Handong , Cheng Xiang , Pan An , Tanguay Robert M. , Zhang Xiaomin , He Meian , Wang Chaolong , Liang Liming , Wu Tangchun
Published: March 2021

Background

Mounting evidence suggests that circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are critical indicators of cardiovascular disease. However, prospective studies linking circulating miRNAs to incident acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are limited, and the underlying effect of associated miRNA on incident ACS remains unknown.

Methods and Results

Based on a 2‐stage prospective nested case–control design within the Dongfeng‐Tongji cohort, we profiled plasma miRNAs from 23 pairs of incident ACS cases and controls by microarray and validated the candidate miRNAs in 572 incident ACS case–control pairs using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. We observed that plasma miR‐4286 was associated with higher risk of ACS (adjusted odds ratio according to an interquartile range increase, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.07–1.48]). Further association analysis revealed that triglyceride was positively associated with plasma miR‐4286, and an interquartile range increase in triglyceride was associated with an 11.04% (95% CI, 3.77%–18.83%) increase in plasma miR‐4286. In addition, the Mendelian randomization analysis suggested a potential causal effect of triglyceride on plasma miR‐4286 (
β
coefficients: 0.27 [95% CI, 0.01–0.53] and 0.27 [95% CI, 0.07–0.47] separately by inverse variance‐weighted and Mendelian randomization‐pleiotropy residual sum and outlier tests). Moreover, the causal mediation analysis indicated that plasma miR‐4286 explained 5.5% (95% CI, 0.7%–17.0%) of the association of triglyceride with incident ACS.

Conclusions

Higher level of plasma miR‐4286 was associated with an increased risk of ACS. The upregulated miR‐4286 in plasma can be attributed to higher triglyceride level and may mediate the effect of triglyceride on incident ACS.
A risk prediction score to identify patients at low risk for COVID-19 infection
Authors: Chew Wui Mei , Loh Chee Hong , Jalali Aditi , Fong Grace Shi En , Kumar Loshini Senthil , Sim Rachel Hui Zhen , Tan Russell Pinxue , Gill Sunil Ravinder , Liang Trilene Ruiting , Koh Jansen Meng Kwang , Tay Tunn Ren
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Singapore’s enhanced surveillance programme for COVID-19 identifies and isolates hospitalised patients with acute respiratory symptoms to prevent nosocomial spread. We developed risk prediction models to identify patients with low risk for COVID-19 from this cohort of hospitalised patients with acute respiratory symptoms.

Methods:

This was a single-centre retrospective observational study. Patients admitted to our institution’s respiratory surveillance wards from 10 February to 30 April 2020 contributed data for analysis. Prediction models for COVID-19 were derived from a training cohort using variables based on demographics, clinical symptoms, exposure risks and blood investigations fitted into logistic regression models. The derived prediction models were subsequently validated on a test cohort.

Results:

Of the 1,228 patients analysed, 52 (4.2%) were diagnosed with COVID-19. Two prediction models were derived, the first based on age, presence of sore throat, dormitory residence, blood haemoglobin level (Hb), and total white blood cell counts (TW), and the second based on presence of headache, contact with infective patients, Hb and TW. Both models had good diagnostic performance with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.934 and 0.866, respectively. Risk score cut-offs of 0.6 for Model 1 and 0.2 for Model 2 had 100% sensitivity, allowing identification of patients with low risk for COVID-19. Limiting COVID-19 screening to only elevated-risk patients reduced the number of isolation days for surveillance patients by up to 41.7% and COVID-19 swab testing by up to 41.0%.

Conclusion:

Prediction models derived from our study were able to identify patients at low risk for COVID-19 and rationalise resource utilisation.
Assessing the Impact of an Online Climate Science Community: The Early Career Climate Forum
Authors: Guckian Meaghan L. , Markowitz Ezra M. , Tucker Clay S. , Kiekebusch Elsita , Klemm Toni , Middleton Lindsey , Wootten Adrienne , Staudinger Michelle D.
Published: March 2021

Online science communities can serve as powerful platforms for advancing scientific knowledge, capacity, and outreach by increasing collaboration and information sharing among geographically distant peers, practitioners, and the public. Here, we examine the value and role of the Early Career Climate Forum (ECCF), a climate-focused online science community that is based in the United States and is dedicated to training and providing support to the next generation of climate scientists. In a survey of community users and contributors, we find that the ECCF played a unique role in providing users access to career resources as well as climate-related research and insights. Respondents also indicated that the ECCF provides them with a strong sense of community and a sense of hope for the future of climate science research. These findings highlight the importance of online science communities in shaping and supporting the next generation of scientists and practitioners working at the science–management interface on climate change issues.
Increased Carotid Intima–Media Thickness and Endothelial Cell-Specific Molecule-1 (Endocan) Levels in Obese Children
Authors: Nalbantoğlu Ayşin , Kızılca Özgür , Güzel Savaş , Emeksiz Hamdi Cihan , Nalbantoğlu Burçin
Published: March 2021

Obesity in children appears to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases later in life. Early development of insulin resistance (IR) may lead to endothelial dysfunction and increased carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT) even in childhood. We compared endothelial cell-specific molecule-1 (endocan) levels in pediatric obese patients with those in healthy controls to determine whether endocan could be used as a biological marker of complications caused by endothelial damage. In 80 obese pubertal children (44 males [M] and 36 females [F], mean age: 12.8 ± 2.5 years), anthropometric measurements, cIMT, endocan levels, and IR indices (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]) were evaluated and compared with 80 healthy pubertal patients (42M/38F, mean age: 12.3 ± 3.2 years). High-resolution ultrasound was used to measure the cIMT. Obese children had higher levels of endocan compared with the controls ( P < .001). Fasting insulin levels and HOMA-IR were also higher in obese children ( P < .001 for both). In addition, obese children had an increased cIMT ( P < .001). In obese children, there was a significant correlation between cIMT and HOMA-IR (β = −1.314, P = .002) and between cIMT and endocan (β = .483, P = .004). Measuring cIMT and endocan levels (noninvasive investigations) in obese children, together with early preventive measures, could significantly decrease morbidity and mortality in adulthood.
Comparison of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein vs. C-reactive protein for diagnostic accuracy and prediction of mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Hofer Felix , Perkmann Thomas , Gager Gloria , Winter Max-Paul , Niessner Alexander , Hengstenberg Christian , Siller-Matula Jolanta M
Published: March 2021

Background

The role of chronic inflammation in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis has been unequivocally proven. However, the prognostic impact of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammatory response in patients with acute myocardial infarction has not been fully clarified. Furthermore, there is no direct comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of C-reactive protein and high sensitivity C-reactive protein in the acute myocardial infarction population.

Methods

In this prospective observational cohort study, 344 patients with acute myocardial infarction were enrolled. All-cause mortality was a primary endpoint. Patients were followed prospectively for a median of six years.

Results

The correlation between high sensitivity C-reactive protein and C-reactive protein ( r = 0.99; P < 0.001) and the diagnostic accuracy (98.6%) was high. The ROC analysis revealed that C-reactive protein and high sensitivity C-reactive protein had a low AUC for prediction of mortality (C-reactive protein: 0.565, 95% CI [0.462–0.669], vs. high sensitivity C-reactive protein: 0.572, 95% CI [0.470–0.675]) or major adverse cardiac events (C-reactive protein: AUC 0.607, 95% CI [0.405–0.660], vs. high sensitivity C-reactive protein: AUC 0.526, 95% CI [0.398–0.653]) when assessed at time point of acute myocardial infarction. In contrast, longitudinal inflammatory risk assessment with serial C-reactive protein measurements in the stable phase of the disease revealed a 100% specificity, 100% negative predictive value, 32% sensitivity and 12% positive predictive value of C-reactive protein to predict long-term mortality. The Kaplan Meier analysis showed a significant survival benefit for patients at low residual inflammatory risk ( P =  0.014).

Conclusion

C-reactive protein and high sensitivity C-reactive protein provide a similar diagnostic accuracy, highlighting that C-reactive protein might replace high sensitivity C-reactive protein in routine assessments. Furthermore, low inflammatory status during the stable phase after acute myocardial infarction predicts favourable six-year survival.
Team and Nation: Sports, Nationalism, and Attitudes Toward Refugees
Authors: Rosenzweig Leah R. , Zhou Yang-Yang
Published: March 2021

How do major national events influence attitudes toward non-nationals? Recent research suggests that national sports team wins help foster national pride, weaken ethnic attachments, and build trust among conational out-group members. This paper asks a related question: By heightening nationalism, do these victories also affect attitudes toward foreign out-groups, specifically refugees? We examine this question using the 2019 Africa Cup football match between Kenya and Tanzania, which Kenya narrowly won, coupled with an online survey experiment conducted with a panel of 2,647 respondents recruited through Facebook. We find that winning increases national pride and preferences for resource allocation toward conationals, but it also leads to negative views of refugees’ contribution to the country’s diversity. However, we present experimental evidence that reframing national sports victories as a product of cooperation among diverse players and highlighting shared superordinate identities can offset these views and help foster positive attitudes toward refugees.
PEMFC application through coal gasification along with cost-benefit analysis: A case study for South Africa
Authors: Gilani Imtiaz H , Amjad Mohsin , Khan Saad S , Khan Irfan , Larkin Stephen , Raw Brendon , Abbas Zeshan
Published: March 2021

The availability of cost-effective and environmentally friendly electricity to the entire population is a prime concern of the South African government. It has brought attention to microgrid projects, especially when rural population is considered properly. To address the energy needs of any country, the focus line should be the cost and availability of local resources. Due to the abundance of coal reserves and lack of alternative resources, coal dependence cannot be overlooked in the near future. This paper focuses not only on microgrid needs in South Africa but also on the possible use of hydrogen extracted from coal as a fuel in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) in microgrids. The complete assembly of PEMFC and its use in the microgrid are discussed. To make the H2 extraction process eco-friendly and hence worth considering, Carbon capture and sequestration process is discoursed. Furthermore, cost benefit analysis and the long term benefit of the use of PEMFC in microgrids with coal-based hydrogen production are presented in this research.
Fragmented governance architectures underlying residential property production in Amsterdam
Authors: Taşan-Kok Tuna , Özogul Sara
Published: March 2021

While the entrepreneurialisation of local administrations is widely acknowledged, the extent and format of institutional and organisational structures that accompany market-oriented ideological shifts and transitions in urban governance often remain unnoticed. This article provides an original theoretical argument and frame of analysis to forensically study the underlying infrastructures of entrepreneurial governance systems. We argue that complex institutional and organisational arrangements in market-oriented urban development can be comprehended through fragmented governance architectures, a conceptual perspective that we borrowed from governance studies and operationalised in relation to property development. We illustrate the application of the framework by examining entrepreneurial transformations in Amsterdam’s residential property production. Based on rich empirical evidence, including discourse analysis, policy analysis and in-depth interviews with key policy and property industry actors, we illuminate divergent public-sector regulation of market activities, intra-organisational discrepancies, and fuzzy narratives in policy interventions which are tied to specific spatial interventions mushrooming in the city. Uncoordinated and sometimes contradictory institutional ties link public and private actors in these property production processes, forming a complex and chaotic landscape of regulations, actors, and relations. This fragmentation, we posit, warrants recognition as it lies at the heart of scattered investments in the urban built environment.
Optimizing Right-Turn Signals to Benefit Pedestrian–Vehicle Interactions
Authors: Wang Jiawen , Yang Chengcheng , Dong Jieshuang , Zhou Xizhao
Published: March 2021

In most right-driving urban signalized intersections, right-turn vehicle signals do not usually control turns. To address the problem of signal control in a pedestrian–vehicle interaction, this paper establishes a right-turn signal optimization (RTSO) model that considers both efficiency and safety. First, the main factors influencing the behavior of vehicle and pedestrian during pedestrian–vehicle interaction are analyzed, and a pedestrian–vehicle interaction model (PVI model) at an urban road crosswalk is established. This model is used to determine the probabilities of four pedestrian–vehicle interaction situations. Then, based on the traffic conflict theory, the next step was to construct an objective function that minimizes the total delay of traffic participants considering pedestrian–vehicle interactions, and another objective function that minimizes the potential conflicts considering pedestrian–vehicle interactions. Then, an RTSO model is obtained by introducing a safety-efficiency coefficient to combine the previously described two constructed functions. Finally, the PVI model and delay model are verified through video observation data and the establishment of a cellular automata simulation platform of pedestrian–vehicle interaction. Using these models, a field signal plan, the delay minimization scheme, the conflict minimization scheme, and the proposed scheme are numerically analyzed under different yielding rates. This proposed scheme is further numerically analyzed under different safety-efficiency coefficients. The results show that this paper’s RTSO model has certain advantages in increasing safety and reducing delay. In addition, using these results, this paper gives a recommended value for the safety-efficiency coefficients in different application scenarios.
Influence of Preoperative Tunnel Widening On the Outcomes of a Single Stage–Only Approach to Every Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: An Analysis of 409 Consecutive Patients From the SANTI Study Group
Authors: Pioger Charles , Saithna Adnan , Rayes Johnny , Haidar Ibrahim M. , Fradin Thomas , Ngbilo Cedric , Vieira Thais Dutra , Cavaignac Etienne , Sonnery-Cottet Bertrand
Published: March 2021

Background:

Preoperative tunnel widening is a frequently reported indication for performing a 2-stage revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) instead of a single-stage procedure. However, the strength of the available evidence to support a 2-stage strategy is low.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a single stage–only approach to revision ACLR. It was hypothesized that this approach would be associated with significant improvements from baseline in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and knee stability and that there would be no significant differences in any postoperative outcomes between patients with and without preoperative tunnel widening.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was conducted of a large series of consecutive patients undergoing revision ACLR with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Preoperative tunnel widening was assessed using digital radiographs. All patients underwent single-stage surgery with an outside-in technique, regardless of the degree of tunnel widening. Clinical outcomes were compared according to whether tunnel widening was present (either tunnel ≥12 mm) or not (both tunnels <12 mm).

Results:

The study included 409 patients with a mean ± SD follow-up of 69.6 ± 29.0 months. After revision ACLR, there was a significant reduction in the side-to-side anteroposterior laxity difference, from 7.7 ± 2.2 mm preoperatively to 1.2 ± 1.1 mm at 2 years ( P < .001). The mean International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and all subscales of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) exceeded the thresholds for the Patient Acceptable Symptom State defined for primary ACLR. An overall 358 patients had retrievable preoperative radiographs. According to the tunnel diameter measurements, 111 patients were allocated to group A (both tunnels <12 mm) and 247 patients to group B (either/both tunnels ≥12 mm). There were no significant differences between groups with respect to anteroposterior side-to-side laxity difference, graft rupture rates, non–graft rupture related reoperations, or contralateral anterior cruciate ligament injury rates. There was also no significant difference between groups that exceeded minimal detectable change thresholds for any of the PROMs recorded (ACL-RSI [Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Return to Sports After Injury], Lysholm, Tegner, IKDC, KOOS).

Conclusion:

A single-stage approach to revision ACLR is associated with excellent clinical results when an outside-in drilling technique is utilized. The presence of preoperative tunnel widening does not significantly influence PROMs, knee stability, graft rupture rates, or non–graft rupture related reoperation rates.
Imprecision About Body Mechanics When Child Witnesses Are Questioned About Sexual Abuse
Authors: Sullivan Colleen , George Suzanne St. , Stolzenberg Stacia N. , Williams Shanna , Lyon Thomas D.
Published: March 2021

In child sexual abuse cases, a central part of the child’s testimony is their description of the abuse episode. However, it is often difficult for children to describe the body mechanics of abuse, and miscommunications are likely to occur. In the present study, we examined questions about the mechanics of abuse in trial transcripts ( N = 63) to identify sources of miscommunication ( N = 130) between attorneys and children (5–12 years old, M age at trial = 9.44, SD = 1.97). We found that both attorneys and children used imprecise language, which led to miscommunication. Specifically, the imprecise use of sexual terminology and the word “touch,” polarity items, broad open-ended questions, anaphora and elliptical questions, and “how” questions led to imprecision in attorneys’ questions. Imprecise attorney questions often elicited underinformative answers from children, including misinterpretations of the grain size (i.e., level of detail) requested. In response to these underinformative answers, attorneys at times asked highly focused and leading questions, which led to further miscommunications. Implications and recommendations for future research on how best to elicit details about the mechanics of abuse from children are discussed.
Uncoupled: American Widows in Times of Uncertainty and Ambiguous Norms
Authors: Kenen Regina
Published: March 2021

This study uses the concept of uncertainty in general, and specifically objective and subjective uncertainty, as a framework for understanding how a widow experiences grief and attempts to reestablish her sense of self. It investigates how widows understand, internalize, and act on objective and subjective uncertainty and the interplay between them. Objective uncertainty usually refers to more concrete situations or conditions, for example, health and finances, and there is more consensus regarding them, whereas subjective uncertainty is more individual and volatile, and refers to relationships or interpretation of the objective conditions. The researcher used a combination of participant observation and semistructured interviews. of widows from different socioeconomic classes and ethnic groups. The research revealed that uncertainty plays a large role in the widows’ attempt to live new “suddenly single” lives and that they experience both subjective and objective uncertainty, with subjective uncertainty playing a greater role. Further research is needed to understand the effect of different familial and societal “uncertainty avoidance cultures” on widows experiencing multi-ethnic or multinational identities either by descent of intercultural marriage.
Effectiveness of multiple jets for a finned large slenderness ratio missile in supersonic crossflows
Authors: Li Longfei , Wang Jiangfeng , Wang Ding , Yang Tianpeng , Li Jiawei
Published: March 2021

The reaction control system with multiple lateral jets shows great advantages in agility and maneuverability for supersonic air vehicles. Interactions among sonic jet plumes, X-shape fins, and supersonic crossflow at Mach 4.5 and Reynolds number 3.8 × 107 are numerically studied considering different number of jets for a large slenderness ratio missile with 7 jet exits. Three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations closed by Spalart–Allmaras turbulence model for the structured grid are validated and solved. The overall force and moment amplification factors of configurations with and without fins are analyzed and compared. Moreover, the force and moment amplification factors on fins and ratio of force and moment on fins are proposed and discussed to measure the jet effectiveness contributed from fins. The number of jet plumes is under consideration for all cases. Results show that the increment of effectiveness decreases as the number of jets increases for the finned configuration. Fins can significantly improve the jet effectiveness with more than 70% force and 50% moment increment, which shows great advantages to the jet effectiveness as well as the overall aerodynamic performance.
Synthetic cathinone poisoning from ingestion of drug-laced “instant coffee packets” in Taiwan
Authors: Chou H-H , Hsieh C-H , Chaou C-H , Chen C-K , Yen T-H , Liao S-C , Seak C-J , Chen H-Y
Published: March 2021

Background:

Synthetic cathinone abuse is a global health issue. Synthetic cathinones emerged in Taiwan in 2009, and their prevalence rapidly rose. They are usually made into “instant coffee packets,” and these so-called “toxic coffee packets” may also contain psychoactive drugs other than synthetic cathinones. Due to the diversity of the ingredients, clinical presentations can be complex.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of emergency department (ED) patients who reported ingesting toxic coffee packets at three Chang-Gung Memorial Hospitals located in northern Taiwan between January, 2015 and December, 2019.

Results:

Sixty patients were included. Their mean age was 28.85 ± 9.24 years and 47(78.33%) were male. The most common presentations were palpitation, agitation, hallucination, and altered consciousness. Tachycardia and hypertension were common, while hyperthermia was observed in only three patients. Three patients (5%) developed rhabdomyolysis, and one underwent transient hemodialysis. Most patients were discharged from the ED, but 15(25%) were admitted, of whom nine (15%) were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and one eventually died. Confirmation tests (mass-spectrometry-based analysis) were available in 10 patients; all reported positive for at least one type of synthetic cathinone. Polysubstance exposure was common. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, Glasgow coma scale ≤13 and the presence of seizure were associated with ICU admission.

Conclusion:

Patients who report ingesting toxic coffee packets are very likely to have been exposed to synthetic cathinones. Polysubstance exposure is common following ingestion. Cardiovascular and neurological symptoms are the main presentations, and severe complications such as rhabdomyolysis and life-threatening dysrhythmia can occur.
Member State nationality under EU law – To be or not to be a Union Citizen?
Authors: Wagner Lorin-Johannes
Published: March 2021

The question of who ought to be regarded as Union citizen is a central but not an easily answered question. Drawing on an analysis of the ECJ’s case-law and the underlying constitutional set up of Union citizenship, this article argues that the notion of nationality in EU law is based on a jurisdictional conception that builds on the idea of a genuine link and a territorial link with the EU. Relying on this understanding the article assesses the peculiar cases of Germany, the UK and Denmark, establishing not only if and how Member States can reconfigure the meaning of their nationality under EU law but also highlighting that the notion of nationality as a peremptory marker for Union citizenship is defined within the constitutional realm of EU law. The understanding that Member States are free to define their nationality within EU law, hence, is a misplaced overstatement of sovereignty. Against this backdrop the last part of the article turns to the case of Latvian non-citizens, arguing that Latvian non-citizens, who are generally not regarded as Union citizens, have been Union citizens all along.
Tolerance and intolerance: Cultural meanings and discursive usage
Authors: Verkuyten Maykel , Kollar Rachel
Published: March 2021

The notion of tolerance is widely embraced across many settings and is generally considered critical for the peaceful functioning of culturally diverse societies. However, the concepts of tolerance and intolerance have various meanings and can be used in different ways and for different purposes. The various understandings raise different empirical questions and might have different implications for the subject positions of those who are tolerant and those who are tolerated. In this study, we focus on cultural understandings of tolerance and intolerance and how these terms are used in discourses. We first describe how in an open-ended question in a national survey lay people use a classical and a more modern understanding of tolerance to describe situations of tolerance and intolerance. Second, we analyze how those who tolerate and those who are tolerated can flexibly use these different understandings of (in)tolerance for discursively making particular “us–them” distinctions. It is concluded that the notions of tolerance and intolerance have different cultural meanings which both can be used for progressive or oppressive ends.
Bulgarian LGBTQI movement: Generations, identifications, and tendencies
Authors: Darakchi Shaban
Published: March 2021

Based on 27 in-depth interviews, web platforms analysis, and participatory observations this study investigates (a) the emergence and the development of the Bulgarian lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning and intersex (LGBTQI) movement; and (b) the activists' motivation for engagement with the movement. Challenging the new social movements’ theories the data from the study suggest that (a) the LGBTQI movement in Bulgaria emerged within the political and the economic transformations marked by anti-communist rhetoric, rather than collective sexual identity; (b) most of the diverse activist communities and the incorporation of “bottom-up” approach did not emerge spontaneously but were established by funded and professionalized project activities; (c) an increasing number of younger activists use left-oriented intersectional approaches in their activism emphasizing on the economic rather than the cultural conditions: (d) the stable financial and social resources of the anti-gender campaigns require reconsideration of the resources and the structure of the LGBTQI movements seen primarily as social entities, often neglecting the economic and the political structures.
Pathogenesis and brain functional imaging in nocturnal enuresis: A review
Authors: Dang Jiawen , Tang Zhanghua
Published: March 2021

Nocturnal enuresis is a common and distressing developmental disease, which may cause various degrees of psychosocial stress and impairment to self-esteem in affected children as well as agitation to their parents or caregivers. Nevertheless, the etiology and pathogenesis of nocturnal enuresis are not understood. Currently, nocturnal enuresis is generally considered a multifactorial disease associated with a complex interaction of somatic, psychosocial, and environmental factors. A variety of postulations have been proposed to explain the occurrence and progression of nocturnal enuresis, including hereditary aberration, abnormal circadian rhythm of antidiuretic hormone secretion during sleep, bladder dysfunction, abnormal sleep, difficulties in arousal, neuropsychological disorders, and maturational delays of the brain. In recent decades, the introduction of functional neuroimaging technologies has provided new approaches for uncovering the mechanisms underlying nocturnal enuresis. The main neuroimaging modalities have included brain morphometry based on structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), task-based and event-related functional MRI (fMRI), and resting-state fMRI. The relevant studies have indicated that nocturnal enuresis is associated with functional and structural alterations of the brain. In this review, we briefly summarized the popular hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of nocturnal enuresis and the current progress of functional neuroimaging studies in examining the underlying mechanisms thereof.
Differentiating Participation: Identifying and Defining Civic Capacities Used by Latino Immigrants in Participatory Budgeting
Authors: Meléndez José W. , Martinez-Cosio Maria
Published: March 2021

Participatory planning has faced challenges engaging predominantly Spanish-speaking immigrants beyond the bottom rungs of Arnstein’s ladder of citizen participation. Participating at any level of the ladder requires individual civic skills, or capacities, that are integral to participatory processes. However, the specific skills necessary for collective action are less certain, due in part to a lack of clear definitions and a lack of clarity about how these capacities work in practice. Drawing on two years of data from a participatory budgeting process in an immigrant community in Chicago, Illinois, the authors identify key civic capacities that Spanish-speaking immigrants activated while engaging in civic discourse, and they explore the role these capacities played in moving ideas toward collective decision making. The authors present an organizational schema that aligns the study’s findings of 17 unique civic capacities with capacities identified in the literature as helping participants engage more meaningfully in decision-making processes.
Glomus Tumor of the Thigh
Authors: Kralec Jessica
Published: March 2021

Glomus tumors are small, painful benign tumors that occur primarily in the subungual region of the hand. The presentation of glomus tumors in areas other than the hand is rare, but have been reported. Patients with glomus tumors have a prolonged history of focal pain, tenderness, and cold hypersensitivity. However, as all 3 symptoms may not present simultaneously, it can present a diagnostic challenge to clinicians and imagers, often remaining undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for many years. We report a case of an extradigital glomus tumor of the right thigh that was initially diagnosed as focal superficial thrombophlebitis. The diagnosis of glomus tumor was pathologically proven.