bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes in patients with smaller body surface area after HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device implantation
Authors: Molina Ezequiel J. , Ahmed Sara , Jain Amiti , Lam Phillip H. , Rao Sriram , Hockstein Michael , Kadakkal Ajay , Hofmeyer Mark , Rodrigo Maria E. , Najjar Samer S. , Sheikh Farooq H.
Published: September 2021

Background

Due to anatomic and physiologic concerns, prior generations of the left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) have frequently been denied to patients with small body size. However, outcomes in patients with small body surface area (BSA) following HeartMate 3 (HM3) LVAD implantation remain relatively unknown.

Methods

A cohort of 220 patients implanted at a single center was divided into two groups: BSA ≤1.8 m2 (small BSA, n = 37) and BSA >1.8 m2 (large BSA, n = 183). We investigated baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes including survival and incidence of adverse events.

Results

Small BSA patients were older (60 vs. 57 years), more likely female (60% vs. 20%), had a lower body mass index (24 vs. 32 kg/m2), lower incidence of diabetes (32% vs. 51%), history of stroke (5% vs. 19%), and left ventricular thrombus (0% vs. 11%). They had smaller left ventricular end diastolic diameter (64.8 vs. 69.3 mm). Pump speed and pump flows at discharge were lower in the small BSA group. Survival at 1 year and 2 years was 86% versus 87% and 86% versus 79% for small versus large BSA groups (p = 0.408), respectively. The rates of adverse events were similar between groups and there were no cases of confirmed pump thrombosis. The incidence of readmissions for low flow alarms was higher in the small BSA group (0.55 vs. 0.24 EPPY).

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate comparable outcomes in patients with small body size and suggest that this parameter should not be an exclusion criterion on patients who are otherwise candidates for HM3 LVAD implantation.
Impact of left ventricular unloading using a peripheral Impella®‐pump in eCPR patients
Authors: Gaisendrees Christopher , Djordjevic Ilija , Sabashnikov Anton , Adler Christopher , Eghbalzadeh Kaveh , Ivanov Borko , Walter Sebastian , Schlachtenberger Georg , Merkle‐Storms Julia , Gerfer Stephen , Carstens Henning , Deppe Antje‐Christin , Kuhn Elmar , Wahlers Thorsten
Published: September 2021

Background

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) is a rapidly growing treatment strategy due to increasing survival rates in selected patients. Additional left ventricular mechanical unloading, using a transfemoral micro‐axial blood pump (Impella® Denver, Massachusetts, USA), might improve patients’ outcomes. In this regard, we sought to investigate patients who suffered OHCA (out‐of hospital cardiac arrest) or IHCA (in‐hospital cardiac arrest) with subsequent eCPR via VA‐ECMO (veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) and concomitant Impella® implantation based on survival and feasibility of ECMO weaning.

Methods

From January 2016 until December 2020, 108 patients underwent eCPR at our institution. Data prior to eCPR and early outcome parameters were analyzed comparing patients who were supported with an additional Impella® (2.5 or CP) (ECMO+Impella®, n = 18) and patients without additional (ECMO, n = 90) support during V‐A ECMO therapy. The primary endpoint was in‐hospital mortality; secondary endpoints were, among others: ECMO explantation, need for hemodialysis, stroke, and need for blood transfusions.

Results

Low‐flow time was significantly lower in the ECMO+Impella group (60 min vs. 55 min, p = .01). All‐cause mortality was significantly lower in the ECMO+Impella® group (82% vs. 56%, p = .01). The time of circulatory support was shorter in the ECMO cohort (2.0 ± 1.73 vs. 4.76 ± 2.88 p = .05). ECMO decannulation was significantly more feasible in patients with ECMO+Impella® (72% vs. 32%, p = .01). Patients treated with additional Impella® showed significantly more acute kidney injury with the need for dialysis (72% vs. 18%, p ≤ .01).

Conclusion

Concomitant Impella® support might positively influence survival and ECMO weaning in eCPR patients. Treatment‐associated complications such as the need for dialysis were more common in this highly selected patient group. Further studies with larger numbers are necessary to evaluate the clinical relevance of concomitant LV‐unloading in eCPR patients using an Impella® device.
Neutrophil dysfunction due to continuous mechanical shear exposure in mechanically assisted circulation in vitro
Authors: Sun Wenji , Zhang Jiafeng , Shah Aakash , Arias Katherin , Berk Zachary , Griffith Bartley P. , Wu Zhongjun J.
Published: September 2021

Objective

Leukocytes play an important role in the body's immune system. The aim of this study was to assess alterations in neutrophil phenotype and function in pump‐assisted circulation in vitro.

Methods

Human blood was circulated for four hours in three circulatory flow loops with a CentriMag blood pump operated at a flow of 4.5 L/min at three rotational speeds (2100, 2800, and 4000 rpm), against three pressure heads (75, 150, and 350 mm Hg), respectively. Blood samples were collected hourly for analyses of neutrophil activation state (Mac‐1, CD62L, CD162), neutrophil reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis, and neutrophil phagocytosis.

Results

Activated neutrophils indicated by both Mac‐1 expression and decreased surface expression of CD62L and CD162 receptors increased with time in three loops. The highest level of neutrophil activation was observed in the loop with the highest rotational speed. Platelet‐neutrophil aggregates (PNAs) progressively increased in two loops with lower rotational speeds. PNAs peaked at one hour after circulation and decreased subsequently in the loop with the highest rotational speed. Neutrophil ROS production dramatically increased at one hour after circulation and decreased subsequently in all three loops with similar levels and trends. Apoptotic neutrophils increased with time in all three loops. Neutrophil phagocytosis capacity in three loops initially elevated at one hour after circulation and decreased subsequently. Apoptosis and altered phagocytosis were dependent on rotational speed.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that the pump‐assisted circulation induced neutrophil activation, apoptosis, and functional impairment. The alterations were strongly associated with pump operating condition and duration.
Dementia care, robot pets, and aliefs
Authors: Martens Rhonda , Hildebrand Christine
Published: September 2021

Studies have shown that using robot pets in dementia care contributes to a reduction in loneliness and anxiety, and other benefits. Studies also show that, even when people know they are dealing with robots, they often treat the robot as though it is a real pet with genuine emotions. This disconnect between beliefs and behavior occurs not just for people living with dementia, but with cognitively healthy adults, including those who are knowledgeable about how robots work. One possible explanation is that robot pets prompt contradictory beliefs, and so the use of robot pets encourages self‐deception. Sparrow argues that this makes the use of robot pets in dementia care morally objectionable. We disagree. We argue that Gendler's concept of alief offers a better explanation of the belief‐behavior disconnect observed when people interact with robot pets. An alief is a mental state composed of an automatic, arational, emotional, and behavioral response to representational input. Aliefs are not beliefs and are not subject to truth norms. Thus, on our view, harms associated with the use of robot pets in dementia care are not likely to include the self‐deceptions that Sparrow suggests. It might seem like philosophical hair‐splitting to claim that deception has not occurred because discordant aliefs rather than false beliefs have been formed, but this distinction matters. We argue that aliefs carry their own risks. These risks are important to consider when using robot pets in dementia care.
Cultural diversity approaches in schools and adolescents’ willingness to support refugee youth
Authors: Aral Tuğçe , Schachner Maja K. , Juang Linda , Schwarzenthal Miriam
Published: September 2021

Background

Culturally diverse schools contribute to adolescents’ intergroup relations. Complex and inclusive social identities are mechanisms that can explain the link between structural school cultural diversity (i.e., proportion of students of immigrant descent and the number of different ethnic groups) and positive intergroup relations. We expected that similar mechanisms might be at play linking cultural diversity approaches in schools with adolescents’ intergroup relations.

Aim

We examined the link between two sub‐dimensions of cultural diversity approaches (i.e.,equal treatment; heritage and intercultural learning) and adolescents’ prosocial intentions and behaviour towards refugee youth. Then, we explored the mediating role of identity inclusiveness (i.e., perceived similarity of the self with others).

Sample and methods

We sampled culturally diverse eighth grade adolescents from 54 classrooms in Berlin (N = 503,Mage = 13.76 years, 50.6% female). Surveys measured perceived cultural diversity norms, adolescents’ perceived identity inclusiveness with refugee youth, prosocial intentions to support refugee youth, and willingness to donate to a project for refugee youth.

Results

Multilevel models revealed that adolescents’ perception ofheritage and intercultural learningpredicted adolescents’ prosocial intentions towards refugee youth, but not their willingness to donate.Equal treatmentwas not a significant predictor of adolescents’ prosocial intentions towards refugee youth, or their willingness to donate. Identity inclusiveness did not mediate the relation between cultural diversity approaches and prosocial intentions. However, identity inclusiveness did positively relate adolescents’ prosocial intentions and willingness to donate.

Conclusions

We conclude that culturally diverse schools that engage inheritage and intercultural learningmight help to promote positive relations between local and refugee youth in schools and society. Fostering inclusive identities may enhance local adolescent’s prosocial intention and behaviour.
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome using treosulfan based compared to other reduced‐intensity or myeloablative conditioning regimens. A report of the chronic malignancies working party of the EBMT
Authors: Shimoni Avichai , Robin Marie , Iacobelli Simona , Beelen Dietrich , Mufti Ghulam J. , Ciceri Fabio , Bethge Wolfgang , Volin Liisa , Blaise Didier , Ganser Arnold , Luft Thomas , Chevallier Patrice , Schwerdtfeger Rainer , Koster Linda , de Witte Theo , Kröger Nicolaus , Nagler Arnon , Yakoub-Agha Ibrahim
Published: September 2021

Allogeneic haematopoietic‐cell transplantation (allo‐HCT) is a potentially curative therapy for high‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Reduced‐intensity conditioning (RIC) is usually associated with lower non‐relapse mortality (NRM), higher relapse rate and similar overall‐survival (OS) as myeloablative‐conditioning (MAC). Fludarabine/treosulfan (FT) is a reduced‐toxicity regimen with intense anti‐leukaemia activity and a favourable toxicity profile. We investigated post‐transplant outcomes in 1722 MDS patients following allo‐HCT with FT (n = 367), RIC (n = 687) or MAC (n = 668). FT and RIC recipients were older than MAC recipients, median age 59, 59 and 51 years, respectively (P < 0·001) but other disease characteristics were similar. The median follow‐up was 64 months (1–171). Five‐year relapse rates were 25% (21–30), 38% (34–42) and 25% (22–29), after FT, RIC and MAC, respectively, (P < 0·001). NRM was 30% (25–35), 27% (23–30) and 34% (31–38, P = 0·008), respectively. Five‐year OS was 50% (44–55), 43% (38–47), and 43% (39–47), respectively (P = 0·03). In multivariate analysis, FT was associated with a lower risk of relapse (HR 0·55, P < 0·001) and better OS (HR 0·72, P = 0·01). MAC was associated with higher NRM (HR 1·44, P = 0·001). In conclusion, FT is associated with similar low relapse rates as MAC and similar low NRM as RIC, resulting in improved OS. FT may be the preferred regimen for allo‐HCT in MDS.
The Psychoanalyst As Revolutionary
Authors: Karbelnig Alan Michael
Published: September 2021

By comparing psychoanalytic transformational processes to political revolutions, the author advances the psychoanalytic project in several ways. The analogy extends British object relations theory by elaborating upon Fairbairn's (1952) observation that psychoanalysts arduously compete with their patients' devotions to their internal worlds. In essence, he argues, and by exploiting the ‘mutual but asymmetrical’ (Aron, 1991) intimacy of the psychoanalytic dyad, psychoanalysts foment change in individuals like revolutionaries alter governments. The comparison to political revolutions also highlights how changes in the behaviour of other persons in patients' lives are necessary for transformation. Clinical insurgencies, when successful, alter patients' intra‐psychic structures, interpersonal relationships, and overall behavioural patterns. The paper includes two case examples, one a successful revolution and the other not, as illustrations.
The impact of service and goods offshoring on employment: Firm‐level evidence
Authors: Ornaghi Carmine , Van Beveren Ilke , Vanormelingen Stijn
Published: September 2021

We use a newly constructed database of Belgian firms that combines individual transaction‐level data on international trade in goods and services with annual financial accounts to produce fresh evidence on the impact of goods and service offshoring on employment and other firms’ outcomes for both the manufacturing industry and service sector. Our results show that: (i) goods offshoring has a positive impact on employment growth of both low‐ and high‐educated workers in manufacturing, but this effect is substantially reduced when controlling for scale effects, (ii) service offshoring has a negative impact on employment growth among high‐educated workers in the service sector and (iii) the substitutability between offshoring and domestic non‐labour inputs is higher than the one between offshoring and labour.
Evaluating the impact of storytelling in Facebook advertisements on wildlife conservation engagement: Lessons and challenges
Authors: Shreedhar Ganga
Published: September 2021

Social media ad stories are widely used to grow engagement in wildlife conservation. Yet the benefits of different types of story character and content are unclear. In four video stories, we explored the impact of varying the type of protagonist species (Elephant and WildDog) and content about the role of humans in causing wildlife loss (Elephant + HumanAction and WildDog + HumanAction) using Facebook A/B split tests. Counter to prior perceptions that traditional charismatic flagships are more appealing, stories featuring wild dogs—with and without human‐caused harm—elicited higher traffic to a conservation organization's donation website. Only the Elephant video elicited one donation. These results show that storytelling in social media ads, by choosing character and content, can help raise engagement. Yet the failure to raise funds and limitations arising from Facebook's opaque algorithms, underscores the need for greater experimentation to build knowledge about how to convert engagement into donations.
Donor factors and risk of primary graft dysfunction and mortality post lung transplantation: A proposed conceptual framework
Authors: Venkata‐Subramani Mrinalini , Nunley David R. , Roman Jesse
Published: September 2021

Lung transplantation remains a therapeutic option in end‐stage lung disease. However, despite advances in the field, early allograft function can be compromised by the development of primary graft dysfunction (PGD); this being the leading cause of morbidity and mortality immediately following the lung transplant procedure. Several recipient factors have been associated with increased risk of PGD, but less is known about donor factors. Aging, tobacco, and chronic alcohol use are donor factors implicated, but how these factors promote PGD remains unclear. Herein, we discuss the available clinical data that link these donor factors with outcomes after lung transplantation, and how they might render the recipient susceptible to PGD through a two‐hit process.
A melting pot in the Arctic: Analysis of mitogenome variation in Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) reveals a 1000‐km contact zone between highly divergent lineages
Authors: Jacobsen Magnus W. , Jensen Nana W. , Nygaard Rasmus , Præbel Kim , Jónsson Bjarni , Nielsen Nynne Hjort , Pujolar Jose M. , Fraser Dylan J. , Bernatchez Louis , Hansen Michael M.
Published: September 2021

Analysing the geographical distribution of evolutionary linages can reveal the potential locations of past refugia and colonisation routes and thus can improve understanding of current patterns of genetic variation and adaptive potential. We analysed 94 full mitogenome sequences to assess phylogeographic relationships amongst ten Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) populations, from western Greenland, eastern Greenland, Iceland and Norway. In addition, we excised D‐loop sequences, which were combined with previously published data in order to provide a circumpolar phylogeographical overview. In western Greenland, a secondary contact zone between Arctic and Atlantic evolutionary lineages was identified, spanning >1000 km, which geographically parallels a similar contact zone in Labrador, Canada. In eastern Greenland, Iceland and Norway, the Atlantic lineage was exclusively observed, whereas the northernmost western Greenland populations belonged to the Arctic lineage. The Arctic and Atlantic lineages were estimated to have diverged ca. 400,000 years BP, corresponding to the onset of the Saale glaciation, whereas the time of the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) of the Arctic lineage was ca. 15,000 years BP. The Atlantic lineage comprised two subclades, with an estimated TMRCA of 60,000 BP, suggesting a complex history involving cryptic refugia or multiple recolonisations. Codon‐based tests revealed no evidence for positive selection within the 13 coding genes, indicating that there are no mitochondrial genetic adaptations within or between lineages. Higher genetic diversity observed within the contact zone likely correlates with higher standing genetic variation that could contribute to adaptive responses and morphological diversification, which Arctic char is renowned.
First record of the bay sucker, Lauritrioza alacris (Flor) (Hemiptera: Triozidae), in Jordan
Authors: Bader Ahmad Katbeh , Al‐Jboory Ibrahim , Al Qaisy Aseel
Published: September 2021

The bay sucker, Lauritrioza alacris (Flor), is recorded for the first time in Jordan. It was found on bay trees (Laurus nobilis) in home gardens in several localities in the capital Amman. Slide mounts were prepared and voucher specimens were preserved at the University of Jordan Insects Museum. Original images for an adult male and female, their genitalia, head, wings and infestation symptoms on the host are provided. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the number of generations per year, the distribution of the pest, the degree of infestation, the damage caused and to study natural enemies of the pest.
An Experience of Entitlement: The Intersection of High Socioeconomic Status, Self, and Early Recollections
Authors: Levitt‐Frank Mia , Shoshana Avihu
Published: September 2021

This qualitative study explores the links between high socioeconomic class, self, and adults’ early recollections. Social class affects psychological functioning and the concept of self. Early recollections—specific memories from childhood—depict individuals’ core concepts about self and life. We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 14 high‐socioeconomic‐status participants and elicited at least 3 early recollections per participant (resulting in a total of 50 recollections). Themes that emerged from analysis of the early recollections include a capacity for controlling reality, sense of entitlement, and self‐focus. Sense of entitlement includes the categories of uniqueness, deserving special attention, and taking a critical stand. We view these characteristics as both personal assets and expressions of a collective class‐related superior sense of self. We suggest that together, these qualities serve as a mechanism for cultivating privileges and an elite sense of self. We encourage increased awareness and sensitivity toward the multifaceted power of these resources in educational and therapeutic settings. [social class, self, early recollection, sense of entitlement]

חווית זכאות: 

המפגש בין מעמד סוציו אקונומי גבוה, העצמי וזכרונות מוקדמים

תקציר:

מחקר איכותני זה בוחן את היחסים בין מעמד סוציו אקונומי גבוה, מושג‐העצמי וזכרונות מוקדמים של מבוגרים. מעמד חברתי נמצא במחקרים קודמים כקשור במושג העצמי ובתפקוד פסיכולוגי. זכרונות מוקדמים, זכרונות ספציפיים מתקופת הילדות, מייצגים את תפיסות הפרט לגבי העצמי ולגבי החיים. קיימנו ראיונות חצי מובנים עם 14 משתתפים מהמעמד הסוציו אקונומי הגבוה, ואספנו לפחות שלושה זכרונות מוקדמים מכל משתתף (סה”כ חמישים זכרונות). התימות שהופיעו בנתונים כוללות את היכולת לשלוט במציאות, תחושת זכאות ומיקוד בעצמי. תחושת זכאות כוללת קטגוריות של ייחודיות, זכאות לתשומת לב מיוחדת, ונקיטת עמדה ביקורתית. אנו רואים מאפיינים אילו הן כמשאבים אישיים, והן כביטויים של תפיסת עצמ הקשורה למעמד. אנו מציעים שאיכויות אילו ביחד משמשים כמנגנון המטפח תפיסת עצמי אליטיסטית.
Environmental requirements and heterogeneity of rheophilic fish nursery habitats in European lowland rivers: Current insights and future challenges
Authors: Stoffers Twan , Buijse Antonie D. , Verreth Johan A. J. , Nagelkerke Leopold A. J.
Published: September 2021

The large‐scale degradation of riparian ecotones and of the connectivity between rivers and their floodplains has resulted in a drastic decline of rheophilic fish populations in European temperate lowland rivers. Recent river restoration projects have had variable success in effectively restoring these fish populations. Knowledge on nursery habitat requirements is considered essential for effective population restoration. However, a detailed understanding of the role of habitat heterogeneity in young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) fish population development is limited. Therefore, we carried out a synthesis of the available knowledge on nursery habitat requirements of rheophilic fish species found in European temperate lowland rivers (<200 m elevation). From a total of 603 papers, 77 studies with primary information were selected, containing 390 associations between habitat features and YOY fish. As expected, most studies focused on static components of physical riparian habitat. Generally, YOY fish require habitats of shallow depth (<0.5 m), with slow‐flowing water (<0.2 m/s), gentle bank slope (<20°), variety in substratum types (fine sand to gravel), relatively warm water and high food availability. Surprisingly, no clear ontogenetic habitat shifts between larvae and juveniles were found, which may be explained by the limited spatial–temporal resolution of most studies. Since 2011, studies on habitat heterogeneity have increased, but few have explicitly assessed its role in relation to movement patterns of YOY fish for nursery success. Therefore, we recommend that future research focuses on fish movement patterns between habitat patches in heterogeneous (river‐floodplain) environments, to increase the knowledge base for effective recovery of rheophilic fish populations.
Integrating seabird dietary and groundfish stock assessment data: Can puffins predict pollock spawning stock biomass in the North Pacific?
Authors: Sydeman William J. , Thompson Sarah Ann , Piatt John F. , Zador Stephani G. , Dorn Martin W.
Published: September 2021

Information on the annual variability in abundance and growth of juvenile groundfish can be useful for predicting fisheries stocks, but is often poorly known owing to difficulties in sampling fish in their first year of life. In the Western Gulf of Alaska (WGoA) and Eastern Bering Sea (EBS) ecosystems, three species of puffin (tufted and horned puffin, Fratercula cirrhata, Fratercula corniculata, and rhinoceros auklet, Cerorhinca monocerata, Alcidae), regularly prey upon (i.e., “sample”) age‐0 groundfish, including walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogramma, Gadidae) and Pacific cod (Gadus microcephalus, Gadidae). Here, we test the hypothesis that integrating puffin dietary data with walleye pollock stock assessment data provides information useful for fisheries management, including indices of interannual variation in age‐0 abundance and growth. To test this hypothesis, we conducted cross‐correlation and regression analyses of puffin‐based indices and spawning stock biomass (SSB) for the WGoA and EBS walleye pollock stocks. For the WGoA, SSB leads the abundance of age‐0 fish in the puffin diet, indicating that puffins sample the downstream production of the WGoA spawning stock. By contrast, the abundance and growth of age‐0 fish sampled by puffins lead SSB for the EBS stock by 1–3 years, indicating that the puffin diet proxies incoming year class strength for this stock. Our study indicates connectivity between the WGoA and EBS walleye pollock stocks. Integration of non‐traditional data sources, such as seabird diet data, with stock assessment data appears useful to inform information gaps important for managing US fisheries in the North Pacific.
Developing students' solidarity disposition: A case for translation in community‐based service‐learning
Authors: Drewelow Isabelle , Granja Ibarreche Xabier
Published: September 2021

This study investigates the ways students' disposition toward solidarity can be fostered during a community‐based service‐learning (CBSL) project performed remotely, not requiring direct contact or interactions with community members. Seventeen students were enrolled in an advanced Spanish grammar course section with a service‐learning component and collaborated throughout the semester to translate documents from English to Spanish for three local non‐profit organizations. The analysis of their end‐of‐semester reflection papers reveals that the high stakes of the outcome (facilitating the local Spanish‐speaking population's access to essential social services) influenced students' engagement in the task, triggered by an emotional buy‐in with the nonprofit organization's missions. Participation in the CBSL project fostered solidarity disposition as students considered opportunities to get involved and reflected on how they might be able to support Spanish speakers in their future jobs. The article concludes with suggested guidelines for the design of remote CBSL opportunities to nurture solidarity disposition as a primary objective.
Consequential choices: A language ideological perspective on learners' (non‐)adoption of a dialectal variant
Authors: Grammon Devin
Published: September 2021

This article employs a language ideological framework to explore how particular language attitudes and beliefs shaped one group of U.S. students' choices to avoid producing a dialectal variant, Castilian Spanish [θ], in the context of an undergraduate Spanish pronunciation class. An analysis of ethnographic data points to the significance of three common beliefs that frame the appropriate use of [θ] in idealized monolingual terms that are incongruous with a U.S. national identity. The instructor mobilized these beliefs at key moments to establish normative expectations that discouraged learners from producing [θ]. Students also alluded to these beliefs and the consequences of being unable to use [θ] appropriately to explain their decisions to eschew this variant following the class. These findings suggest that language attitudes and beliefs shape learners' choices to adopt dialectal variants in production as an effect of language ideologies on the L2 development of phonology and sociolinguistic competence.
Study on corrosion resistance of TC4 titanium alloy micro‐arc oxidation/(PTFE + graphite) composite coating
Authors: Chen Xiaowen , Hu Jie , Zhang Defen , Ren Peng , Liao Dandan , Cai Liping
Published: September 2021

Micro‐arc oxidation (MAO) coating was prepared on the surface of TC4 titanium alloy and sealed with (polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE] + graphite) emulsion to obtain MAO/(PTFE + graphite) composite coating. The surface morphology and phase composition of the MAO coating were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X‐ray diffractometer (XRD). The corrosion resistance of the coating was studied by the potentiodynamic polarization curve and the scanning Kelvin probe (SKP) micro‐area voltage. The results show that the TiO2 ceramic oxide coating formed on the surface of the titanium alloy substrate has the characteristics of porous structure, which will become a channel for corrosive media to enter the coating and accelerate the corrosion of the MAO coating. However, the MAO/(PTFE + graphite) composite coating can prevent corrosive media from entering the coating and improve the corrosion resistance of the composite coating. The corrosion potential increased from 0.146 V to 0.241 V, the corrosion current density decreased from 4.31 × 10–7 A/cm2 to 7.92 × 10–8 A/cm2, and the self‐corrosion current dropped to one fifth of the MAO coating. In addition, the charge transfer resistance has also increased from 5.305 × 104Ω·cm2 to 2.493 × 105Ω·cm2.
The molecular mechanism of RIG‐I activation and signaling
Authors: Thoresen Daniel , Wang Wenshuai , Galls Drew , Guo Rong , Xu Ling , Pyle Anna Marie
Published: September 2021

RIG‐I is our first line of defense against RNA viruses, serving as a pattern recognition receptor that identifies molecular features common among dsRNA and ssRNA viral pathogens. RIG‐I is maintained in an inactive conformation as it samples the cellular space for pathogenic RNAs. Upon encounter with the triphosphorylated terminus of blunt‐ended viral RNA duplexes, the receptor changes conformation and releases a pair of signaling domains (CARDs) that are selectively modified and interact with an adapter protein (MAVS), thereby triggering a signaling cascade that stimulates transcription of interferons. Here, we describe the structural determinants for specific RIG‐I activation by viral RNA, and we describe the strategies by which RIG‐I remains inactivated in the presence of host RNAs. From the initial RNA triggering event to the final stages of interferon expression, we describe the experimental evidence underpinning our working knowledge of RIG‐I signaling. We draw parallels with behavior of related proteins MDA5 and LGP2, describing evolutionary implications of their collective surveillance of the cell. We conclude by describing the cell biology and immunological investigations that will be needed to accurately describe the role of RIG‐I in innate immunity and to provide the necessary foundation for pharmacological manipulation of this important receptor.
Regnase‐1–related endoribonucleases in health and immunological diseases
Authors: Mino Takashi , Takeuchi Osamu
Published: September 2021

Dynamic changes in gene expression are key factors in the development and activation of immune cells. RNA metabolism is one of the critical steps for the control of gene expression. Together with transcriptional regulation, mRNA decay by specific ribonucleases (RNases) plays a vital role in shaping gene expression. In addition to the canonical exoribonuclease‐mediated mRNA degradation through the recognition of cis‐elements in mRNA 3′ untranslated regions by RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs), endoribonucleases are involved in the control of mRNAs in immune cells. In this review, we gleam insights on how Regnase‐1, an endoribonuclease necessary for regulating immune cell activation and maintenance of immune homeostasis, degrades RNAs involved in immune cell activation. Additionally, we provide insights on recent studies which uncover the role of Regnase‐1–related RNases, including Regnase‐2, Regnase‐3, and Regnase‐4, as well as N4BP1 and KHNYN, in immune regulation and antiviral immunity. As the dysregulation of immune mRNA decay leads to pathologies such as autoimmune diseases or impaired activation of immune responses, RNases are deemed as essential components of regulatory feedback mechanisms that modulate inflammation. Given the critical role of RNases in autoimmunity, RNases can be perceived as emerging targets in the development of novel therapeutics.
Densifying (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ta0.2Nb0.2Ti0.2)C high‐entropy ceramics by two‐step pressureless sintering
Authors: Yu Duo , Zhang Buhao , Yin Jie , Wang Yichen , Liu Xuejian , Reece Michael J. , Huang Zhengren
Published: September 2021

A pressureless two‐step sintering method was used to densify high‐entropy carbide (Ti0.2Zr0.2Hf0.2Nb0.2Ta0.2)C, with high density and good mechanical performance. The material was heated up to 2200°C and subsequently soaked at 1900°C for 2–8 h with the incorporation of 2–4 wt.% phenolic resin. With increasing resin content, the large‐sized pores disappeared, and the average grain size decreased. However, with increased holding time from 2 to 8 h, the average grain and pore size did not change significantly, the density increased up to 96.2%, and evident grain growth of graphite was observed. The mechanical properties of (Ti0.2Zr0.2Hf0.2Nb0.2Ta0.2)C with 4 wt.% phenolic resin addition and 8 h soaking at 1900°C were measured as follows: flexural strength 361±28 MPa, Vickers hardness 16.0±0.3 GPa, and elastic modulus 426±2 GPa.
Flash sintering and dielectric properties of K0.5Na0.5NbO3
Authors: Şavklıyıldız İlyas , Okur Çiğdem , Akdoğan E. Koray
Published: September 2021

K0.5Na0.5NbO3 (KNN) of 4‐μm average particle size was flash sintered in parallel plate capacitor configuration (PPCC) under 100 V/mm (0.8 mA/mm2 cut‐off) with 10°C/min heating rate in air. Precipitous densification occurred from Tf = 662–670°C (Tf–furnace temperature) in 60 s with 55 mW/mm3 peak power absorption at Tf = 667°C, resulting in 98% dense ceramic of < 5‐μm grains size. No grain growth was observed. A cubic grain morphology was inherited from the starting KNN powder. No sign of liquid phase formation on grain boundaries (GBs) was detected. A 147°C rise above Tf = 667°C due to Joule heating is predicted. At 25°C and 1 kHz, relative permittivity (εr) and dielectric loss (tan(δ)) are 4096 and 2.9%, respectively. From 0.1 to 100 kHz, εr and tan(δ) undergo relaxation, reaching εr = 577 and tan(δ) = 0.2% at 1000 kHz. Variation of εr with temperature revealed Amm2 → P4mm and P4mm → Pm3m transitions at ∼204°C and 409°C, respectively. As per Curie–Weiss analysis, Curie temperature and Curie–Weiss constant are θ = 375°C and C = 3.1 × 10−5°C for the P4mm → Pm3m transition, respectively. The transition is first order as Ttr > θ with a diffusiveness exponent γ = 1.04, indicating normal ferroelectric behavior. The low‐frequency dielectric relaxation is attributed to the space charge in the vicinity of GBs, which is a remnant of flash sintering. Joule heating cannot alone account for the densification in 60 s, which we substantiate within the framework of phase equilibrium and diffusion kinetics. We conjecture that oxygen vacancies start ionizing at Tf = 662°C, couple with the applied electric field via the Lorentz force, and increase their electrochemical potential, causing ultrafast densification. The effects of sample shape, size, and PPCC contributing to high sintered density are also discussed.
Role for calcium‐activated potassium channels (BK) in migration control of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: He Yuan , Lin Yingying , He Fei , Shao Lijuan , Ma Wei , He Fei
Published: September 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Its high metastasis rate is significantly correlated with poor patient prognosis. Elucidating the molecular mechanism underlying HCC metastasis is essential for HCC treatment. Owing to their high conductance, large‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels (BK channels) play a critical role in the control of membrane potential and have repeatedly been proposed as potential targets for cancer therapy. Emerging evidence suggests that BK channels are involved in the progression of cancer malignancies. The present study investigated the role of BK channels in mediating the hypoxia‐stimulated migration of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo in the absence and presence of various BK channels modulators. We found that BK channels were functionally expressed on the membranes of the SMMC‐7721 and Huh7 HCC cell lines. Furthermore, blockage or activation of BK channels on the surface of HCC cells correspondingly inhibited or promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in hypoxia conditions, with altered expression and distribution of cell‐cell adhesion molecule E‐cadherin and typical marker of mesenchymal cells, Vimentin, but not N‐cadherin. Hypoxia conditions did not alter BK channels expression but increased its open probability. Moreover, BK channels blocker IbTX significantly inhibited HCC cell remote colonization in HCC cell xenografted mice. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that blocking BK channels offers an attractive strategy for treating HCC.
Power or Luck? The Limitations of the European Commission's Agenda Setting Power and Autonomous Policy Influence
Authors: Oztas Buket , Kreppel Amie
Published: September 2021

Building on the existing research on the European Commission's agenda‐setting powers, this study examines the relationship between the policy priorities of the Commission and those of the other key policy actors in the European Union to determine the impact of other EU institutional actor preferences on the success of Commission priority initiatives. By using new and existing datasets to compare the European Commission's Work Programmes with European Council Summit Conclusions, the European Parliament's own initiative reports and Council Presidency Work Programmes, we are able to analyse the effect of policy priority congruence on the Commission's success and measure the autonomous policy influence of the Commission more accurately. Our results demonstrate that the Commission's priority initiatives are significantly more likely to result in legislative outcomes when they address policy topics already highlighted (whether fortuitously or as a result of Commission efforts) by the other key EU institutions. They also suggest that interpretations of the EU political system that ascribe the role of political executive to the Commission misconstrue its role.
Economic Sentiment and Aggregate Activity: A Tale of Two European Cycles*
Authors: Sorić Petar , Lolić Ivana , Logarušić Marija
Published: September 2021

Departing from the mainstream literature on European monetary integration, we acknowledge the interdependence of economic sentiment synchronisation and business cycle co‐movements for 17 European countries and the euro area (EA). Building on national accounts and survey data, we find non‐negligible evidence that sentiment cycles are the driving force behind general economic cycle synchronization. We demonstrate that recent EA acquisitions have witnessed an intensification of cycle synchronization with the EA core after the introduction of a common currency, corroborating the beneficial effects of the Eurosystem. Our results show a certain degree of dependence on the business cycle. The synchronization of 17 examined countries vis‐à‐vis the EA is mostly of equal magnitude or even more intensive during recessions than in expansions. In other words, the common monetary policy of the European Central Bank (ECB) should be able to effectively act as a countercyclical tool when an individual economy is facing a recession.
Implementation of uncertainty analysis and moment‐independent global sensitivity analysis for full‐scale life cycle assessment models
Authors: Cucurachi Stefano , Blanco Carlos Felipe , Steubing Bernhard , Heijungs Reinout
Published: September 2021

Life cycle assessment (LCA) models and databases have increased in size, resolution, and complexity, requiring analysts to rely on an ever‐increasing number of uncertain model inputs. Such increased complexity calls for systematic approaches to assessing the uncertainty of the output results of LCA models and the sensitivity of LCA model outputs to the model's uncertain inputs. In this contribution, we provide a theoretical basis and present a practical software implementation that combines uncertainty analysis and moment‐independent global sensitivity analysis, which can be readily applied to full‐scale LCA models. We implemented our approach in the Activity‐Browser open source LCA software and it is made available for use in LCA studies. We demonstrate the approach and software implementation with a case study of crystalline silicon photovoltaics.
Phasic spiking in vasopressin neurons: How and Why
Authors: MacGregor Duncan J.
Published: September 2021

The plain title might have been an almost retro sounding grumpy retort, but it has inspired a journey of sorts, and something along the way I hope you won’t have come across before. An opinionated exploration of the distinctive phasic spiking patterns of magnocellular vasopressin neurons of the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus. A mostly life essential population of neurons that signal the kidneys to regulate water loss in response to signals that encode plasma volume and osmotic pressure, as well as regulating blood pressure, and possibly metabolism and social behaviour. The viewpoint of a modeller shorn of any explicit maths.
Nurses’ perceptions of social rejection, resilience and well‐being during COVID‐19: A national comparative study
Authors: Benbenishty Julie , Ashkenazy Shelly , Levdov Avital Iris , Jakobson Levana , Kolpak Orly , DeKeyser Ganz Freda
Published: September 2021

Aims and Objectives

To determine the level of social rejection and well‐being of nurses, whether resilience is a mediator between them and to compare nurses who worked versus did not work on COVID‐19 wards.

Background

During the COVID‐19 pandemic health care workers reported psychological distress and social rejection.

Methods

An online survey was sent to nursing social media groups in Israel. Respondents completed a Demographic, Social Rejection, Resilience and General Well‐being questionnaire.

Results

Two hundred and forty‐seven nurses responded. The majority were female with a mean age of 43.6 years Approximately one‐third were worried about infecting their family members and many agreed that their family fears that the nurse will infect them. Nurses reported their partner, family members, neighbours and the public physically distanced themselves from them. Approximately one quarter reported feeling lonely. Statistically significant differences were found between those who worked versus not work on a COVID‐19 unit on general well‐being, and social rejection. No differences were found in resilience scores.

Conclusions

Social rejection was felt by many nurses as shown by an inverse relationship between the closeness of the relationship and the sense of social rejection and a high level of loneliness and depression. A higher level of social rejection and lower well‐being were found among nurses working on COVID‐19 wards as opposed to those who did not. General well‐being was found to be exceptionally low during COVID‐19. Resilience did not mediate the relationship between social rejection and general well‐being.

Relevance to clinical practice

Perceived social rejection might be associated with decreased well‐being. The level of resilience is related to the level of well‐being among nurses in general. Nurses not working in COVID‐19 wards have higher levels of well‐being and less social rejection compared with nurses working in these wards.
Pulpal and Periapical Status of the Vital Teeth Used as Abutment for Fixed Prosthesis—A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Kohli Shivani , Bhatia Shekhar , Al‐Haddad Afaf , Pulikkotil Shaju Jacob , Jamayet Nafij Bin
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This is a systematic review to identify the incidence of pulp necrosis and/or periapical changes among vital teeth which are used as an abutment for crown and fixed partial dentures (FPDs).

Materials and Methods

Two reviewers independently searched two electronic databases, PubMed and Scopus. The search was complemented from references of included studies and published reviews. Studies published in the English language through January 2021 that had assessed and documented the clinical and radiographic failure of crown or FPD in vital permanent teeth due to pulpal or periapical pathology with a follow‐up of at least 12 months were selected. Data screening, data collection and extraction of data was performed. Quality of studies involved was analyzed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for cohort studies. Meta‐analysis was done using random effects model. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots.

Results

Electronic searches provided 10,075 records among which 20 studies were selected for systematic review and 7 studies were selected for meta‐analysis. With respect to quality assessment, all the studies involved were considered as high quality as the score in scale ranged between 6 and 9 as per the Newcastle‐Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for cohort studies. The meta‐analyses showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of the loss of pulp vitality or pulp necrosis through clinical and radiographic examination with the follow up period of 5 years: p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.96‐1.00, I2 = 77.84%; 10 years: p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.88‐0.95, I2 = 93.59%; 15 years: p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.92‐0.96, I2 = 94.83%; and 20 years: p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.94‐0.96, I2 = 95.01%.

Conclusions

The meta‐analysis revealed clinical and radiographic success rate ranging between 92% to 98% at different follow up periods ranging between 5 years and 20 years. Future high‐quality randomized clinical controlled trials with a larger population are required to confirm the evidence as only observational studies were considered in this paper.
One policy, different effects: Estimating the region‐specific impacts of EU cohesion policy
Authors: Di Caro Paolo , Fratesi Ugo
Published: September 2021

Many academic papers have looked at the economic effects of the EU cohesion policy, which still remain an open empirical issue. The focus of the most recent literature has been on the heterogeneous effects of the policy and the identification of regional conditioning factors. However, most of the existing studies generally assume slope homogeneity for different cross‐sectional units (i.e., regions) and they estimate the average effects of the policy for all the European regions and/or selected groups of regions. Past works also employ data covering few programming periods. This paper has two main goals. First, we study the heterogeneous consequences of EU cohesion policy on regional economic growth in Europe over the past three decades, by applying a heterogeneous coefficient approach to new panel‐time series data. We calculate the region‐specific effects of the policy in terms of long‐run gross domestic product growth. Second, we study regional differences in terms of policy effects depending on the level of assistance received by the regions. We make a distinction among cases of effective, ineffective, trigger and marginal policy. We also document that the effectiveness of EU cohesion policy in the long run can be explained by some of the key factors used in the literature. Finally, we discuss the need for ineffective cases to learn from effective and trigger ones.