bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stem/Progenitor Cells and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Pu Xiangyuan , Du Luping , Hu Yanhua , Fan Ye , Xu Qingbo
Published: October 2020

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease characterized by endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling. Despite significant advancement in our understanding of the pathogenesis of PAH in recent years, treatment options for PAH are limited and their prognosis remains poor. PAH is now seen as a severe pulmonary arterial vasculopathy with structural changes driven by excessive vascular proliferation and inflammation. Perturbations of a number of cellular and molecular mechanisms have been described, including pathways involving growth factors, cytokines, metabolic signaling, elastases, and proteases, underscoring the complexity of the disease pathogenesis. Interestingly, emerging evidence suggests that stem/progenitor cells may have an impact on disease development and therapy. In preclinical studies, stem/progenitor cells displayed an ability to promote endothelial repair of dysfunctional arteries and induce neovascularization. The stem cell-based therapy for PAH are now under active investigation. This review article will briefly summarize the updates in the research field, with a special focus on the contribution of stem/progenitor cells to lesion formation via influencing vascular cell functions and highlight the potential clinical application of stem/progenitor cell therapy to PAH.
Oxidative Stress Product, 4-Hydroxy-2-Nonenal, Induces the Release of Tissue Factor-Positive Microvesicles From Perivascular Cells Into Circulation
Authors: Ansari Shabbir A. , Keshava Shiva , Pendurthi Usha R. , Rao L. Vijaya Mohan
Published: October 2020

Objective:

TF (Tissue factor) plays a key role in hemostasis, but an aberrant expression of TF leads to thrombosis. The objective of the present study is to investigate the effect of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), the most stable and major oxidant produced in various disease conditions, on the release of TF
+
microvesicles into the circulation, identify the source of TF
+
microvesicles origin, and assess their effect on intravascular coagulation and inflammation.

Approach and Results:

C57BL/6J mice were administered with HNE intraperitoneally, and the release of TF
+
microvesicles into circulation was evaluated using coagulation assays and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Various cell-specific markers were used to identify the cellular source of TF
+
microvesicles. Vascular permeability was analyzed by the extravasation of Evans blue dye or fluorescein dextran. HNE administration to mice markedly increased the levels of TF
+
microvesicles and thrombin generation in the circulation. HNE administration also increased the number of neutrophils in the lungs and elevated the levels of inflammatory cytokines in plasma. Administration of an anti-TF antibody blocked not only HNE-induced thrombin generation but also HNE-induced inflammation. Confocal microscopy and immunoblotting studies showed that HNE does not induce TF expression either in vascular endothelium or circulating monocytes. Microvesicles harvested from HNE-administered mice stained positively with CD248 and α-smooth muscle actin, the markers that are specific to perivascular cells. HNE was found to destabilize endothelial cell barrier integrity.

Conclusions:

HNE promotes the release of TF
+
microvesicles from perivascular cells into the circulation. HNE-induced increased TF activity contributes to intravascular coagulation and inflammation.
Bilaterally Asymmetric Associations Between Extracranial Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis and Ipsilateral Middle Cerebral Artery Stenosis in Symptomatic Patients
Authors: Shi Honglu , Shao Sai , Wang Guangbin , Zhao Xihai , Li Rui , Yao Bin , Sun Qinjian , Watase Hiroko , Hippe Daniel S. , Yuan Chun ,   CARE-II Investigators
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To determine the bilaterally asymmetrical associations between extracranial carotid artery atherosclerosis and ipsilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis in symptomatic patients using magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging.

Approach and Results:

Patients with symptomatic carotid artery atherosclerosis were recruited from the Chinese Atherosclerosis Risk Evaluation, a multicenter study. All subjects underwent intracranial magnetic resonance angiography and extracranial carotid artery magnetic resonance imaging. Severe stenosis (stenosis ≥50%) of MCA, carotid moderate-to-severe stenosis (stenosis ≥50%), plaque compositions, and high-risk plaque on symptomatic side were evaluated in all subjects. Associations between ipsilateral MCA stenosis and extracranial carotid plaque features were evaluated. A total of 363 patients (mean age: 61.2±10.4 years old; 254 males) were included. In the left symptomatic cerebrovascular group (n=186), carotid moderate-to-severe stenosis (odds ratio [OR], 3.00 [95% CI, 1.03–8.79];
P
=0.045), intraplaque hemorrhage (OR, 3.68 [95% CI, 1.21–11.19];
P
=0.021), fibrous cap rupture (OR, 5.70 [95% CI, 1.60–20.31];
P
=0.007), and high-risk plaque (OR, 2.95 [95% CI, 1.19–7.35];
P
=0.020) were significantly associated with ipsilateral severe MCA stenosis, after adjusting for confounding factors. In the right symptomatic cerebrovascular group (n=177), severe MCA stenosis was significantly associated with ipsilateral carotid moderate-to-severe stenosis (OR, 3.98 [95% CI, 1.54–10.32];
P
=0.004) but not with other extracranial carotid plaque features (all
P
>0.05), after adjusting for confounding factors.

Conclusions:

In the symptomatic arteries, vulnerable plaque features are independently associated with ipsilateral severe MCA stenosis on the left side, but this association is not found on the right side, indicating the associations of atherosclerotic disease between intracranial and extracranial carotid arteries are asymmetrical.
Cross-Center Virtual Education Fellowship Program for Early-Career Researchers in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Ajayi Tinuola B. , Remein Christy D. , Stafford Randall S. , Fagerlin Angela , Chung Mina K. , Childs Ellen , Benjamin Emelia J.
Published: October 2020

Background:

It is estimated that over 46 million individuals have atrial fibrillation (AF) worldwide, and the incidence and prevalence of AF are increasing globally. There is an urgent need to accelerate the academic development of scientists possessing the skills to conduct innovative, collaborative AF research.

Methods:

We designed and implemented a virtual AF Strategically Focused Research Network Cross-Center Fellowship program to enhance the competencies of early-stage AF basic, clinical, and population health researchers through experiential education and mentorship. The pedagogical model involves significant cross-center collaboration to produce a curriculum focused on enhancing AF scientific competencies, fostering career/professional development, and cultivating grant writing skills. Outcomes for success involve clear expectations for fellows to produce manuscripts, presentations, and—for those at the appropriate career stage–grant applications. We evaluated the effectiveness of the fellowship model via mixed methods formative and summative surveys.

Results:

In 2 years of the fellowship, fellows generally achieved the productivity metrics sought by our pedagogical model, with outcomes for the 12 fellows including 50 AF-related manuscripts, 7 publications, 28 presentations, and 3 grant awards applications. Participant evaluations reported that the fellowship effectively met its educational objectives. All fellows reported medium to high satisfaction with the overall fellowship, webinar content and facilitation, staff communication and support, and program organization.

Conclusions:

The fellowship model represents an innovative educational strategy by providing a virtual AF training and mentoring curriculum for early-career basic, clinical, and population health scientists working across multiple institutions, which is particularly valuable in the pandemic era.
Histopathologic and Ultrastructural Findings in Human Myocardium After Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Recalcitrant Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Kiani Soroosh , Kutob Leila , Schneider Frank , Higgins Kristin A. , Lloyd Michael S.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a novel treatment for refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT). While outcomes have been described in small studies, histological findings after SBRT for VT are unknown.

Methods:

We identified 4 explanted hearts in the context of transplant that received prior SBRT as part of an 11-patient compassionate use series at our institution. Clinical VTs and computed tomography–defined target volume areas of SBRT were correlated to the anatomic specimens. Gross pathological, histological, and ultrastructural examination of tissue in the target area of SBRT was performed.

Results:

All 4 patients had nonischemic cardiomyopathy, and 3 had left ventricular assist devices. In all cases, patients had recurrent sustained VT and had failed multiple antiarrhythmics and radiofrequency ablations. Four patients underwent 5 total SBRT therapy sessions with 25-Gy single-fraction dose delivered to the area of culprit scar. The time from SBRT to explant ranged from 12 to 250 days. Histopathologic features following radiation were comparable in all patients and were characterized by areas of subendocardial necrosis surrounded by a rim of fibrosis. In 1 patient, the surrounding myocardium showed cytoplasmic vacuolization in myocytes and in another patchy interstitial fibrosis. Vascular changes consisted of myointimal thickening with prominence of endothelial cells. Electron microscopy of myocardium showed irregular, convoluted intercalated disc regions, loss of contractile elements with disrupted and haphazardly arranged myofibrils, and edematous mitochondria with loss of cisternae.

Conclusions:

Here, we report the first series of findings in human tissue in 4 patients after SBRT. Histopathologic features were consistent across all 4 patients and were indicative of cell injury, death, and to a lesser extent, fibrosis. Electron microscopy demonstrated features consistent with acute injury. These specimens provide radiobiological mechanisms of acute cellular injury during SBRT for VT, which may have an antiarrhythmic effect before the onset of fibrosis.
Role of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in Isoflurane Conditioning‐Induced Neurovascular Protection in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Athiraman Umeshkumar , Jayaraman Keshav , Liu Meizi , Giri Tusar , Yuan Jane , Zipfel Gregory J.
Published: October 2020

Background

Delayed cerebral ischemia remains a common and profound risk factor for poor outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The aim of our current study is to define the role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in isoflurane conditioning‐induced neurovascular protection after SAH.

Methods and Results

Ten‐ to 14‐week‐old male wild‐type mice (C57BL/6) as controls and eNOS knockout male mice (strain # 002684) were obtained for the study. Animals underwent either sham surgery, SAH surgery, or SAH with isoflurane conditioning. Anesthetic post conditioning was performed with isoflurane 2% for 1 hour, 1 hour after SAH. Normothermia was maintained with the homeothermic blanket. In a separate cohort, nitric oxide synthase was inhibited by a pan nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, L‐nitroarginine methyl ester. Vasospasm measurement was assessed 72 hours after SAH and neurological function was assessed daily. Isoflurane‐induced changes in the eNOS protein expression were measured. eNOS protein expression was significantly increased by isoflurane conditioning in naïve mice as well as mice subjected to SAH. Vasospasm of the middle cerebral artery and neurological deficits were evident following SAH versus sham surgery, both in wild‐type mice and eNOS knockout mice. Isoflurane conditioning attenuated vasospasm and neurological deficits in wild‐type mice. This delayed cerebral ischemia protection was lost in L‐nitroarginine methyl ester ‐administered mice and eNOS knockout mice.

Conclusions

Our data indicate isoflurane conditioning provides robust protection against SAH‐induced vasospasm and neurological deficits, and that this delayed cerebral ischemia protection is critically mediated via isoflurane‐induced augmentation of eNOS.
Thraulodes marianoi sp. nov., a remarkable new species of mayfly (Ephemeroptera: Leptophlebiidae) with dark wings from the southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: DE ASSIS SILVA VINÍCIUS , SALLES FREDERICO FALCÃO , PINTO ÂNGELO PARISE
Published: October 2020

Thraulodes marianoi sp. nov. is described, illustrated and diagnosed based on a single male imago from a subtropical forest at Pico do Marumbi State Park, in the protected area of Mananciais da Serra, state of Paraná, Brazil. Based on the dark coloration of legs and the large dark spot at base of forewing, T. marianoi sp. nov. is similar to species of the niger-group (Peruvian Amazonia) and to T. basimaculatus Giordano & Domínguez, 2005, a species endemic to Bolivia. The new species can be distinguished from all other species in the genus Thraulodes Ulmer, by the combination of following characteristics: (1) four cross-veins basal to bulla in forewing; (2) brown area covering about of proximal half of the forewing; (3) pleura violet; (4) middle and posterior femora yellowish washed with dark brown; (5) terga and sterna I–IV white washed with dark brown on posterior and lateral margin terga and sterna V–X dark brown; (6) penes short and wide with distolateral area, “ear-like” and poorly developed lateral pouch; (7) styliger plate triangular, median projection short and rounded on the apex. This new species represents the first record of the genus from the state of Paraná, Brazil.
Bactericidal and Antibiofilm Activity of Anacardic Acid Loaded-Zein Nanoparticles Against Enterococcus faecalis Ex Vivo
Authors: Borges Ialle Gurgel , de Araújo Jennifer Thayanne Cavalcante , de Sousa Francisco Fábio Oliveira
Published: October 2020

Anacardic acid has demonstrated extraordinary antibacterial properties. This study aimed to evaluate the bactericidal activity of zein nanoparticles containing anacardic acid and its effectiveness against Enterococcus faecalis biofilms. The minimum inhibitory and bactericide
concentrations of zein blank and loaded nanoparticles were determined using the microdilution method. Fifty-four human root specimens were used in 4 groups as follows: anacardic acid nanoparticles; blank zein nanoparticles; chlorhexidine gluconate 2% solution; sterile saline solution 0.9%
(negative control) to evaluate the antibiofilm activity over 30 days. An inoculum-free group was used to validate the experimental protocol. Microbial collections were done before and 7, 14, 21 and 30 days after the treatments. Anacardic acid nanoparticles presented remarkable inhibitory (0.042
yiig/ml) and bactericide (0.083 yiig/ml) activity against E. faecalis. The groups anacardic acid and blank zein nanoparticles presented a considerable reduction on the viable bacteria levels over 30 days (99.93 and 99.55%, respectively), comparable to chlorhexidine. No treatment was
able to fully eliminate E. faecalis biofilms overtime. Blank nanoparticles also demonstrated satisfactory results, even so no inhibition was observed in the microdilution method. Scanning Electron Microscopic images revealed the presence of residual biofilms on the dentin surfaces of
all groups and stages evaluated. Anacardic acid nanoparticles were found to be a potent bactericide agent against E. faecalis. While chlorhexidine and anacardic acid nanoparticles acted chemically; blank zein nanoparticles possibly functioned as a physical barrier preventing E. faecalis
proliferation.
Evolutionary Algorithm Based Solution of Rössler Chaotic System Using Bernstein Polynomials
Authors: Alharbey Rania A. , Sultan Kiran
Published: October 2020

Chaotic systems have gained enormous research attention since the pioneering work of Lorenz. Rössler system stands among the extensively studied classical chaotic models. This paper proposes a technique based on Bernstein Polynomial Basis Function to convert the three-dimensional
Rössler system of Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) into an error minimization problem. First, the properties of Bernstein Polynomials are applied to derive the fitness function of Rössler chaotic system. Second, in order to obtain the values of unknown Bernstein coefficients
to optimize the fitness function, the problem is solved using two versatile algorithms from the family of Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs), Genetic Algorithm (GA) hybridized with Interior Point Algorithm (IPA) and Differential Algorithm (DE). For validity of the proposed technique, simulation
results are provided which verify the global stability of error dynamics and provide accurate estimation of the desired parameters.
Multiscale Forecasting of High-Impact Weather: Current Status and Future Challenges
Authors: Majumdar Sharanya J. , Sun Juanzhen , Golding Brian , Joe Paul , Dudhia Jimy , Caumont Olivier , Chandra Gouda Krushna , Steinle Peter , Vincendon Béatrice , Wang Jianjie , Yussouf Nusrat
Published: October 2020

Improving the forecasting and communication of weather hazards such as urban floods and extreme winds has been recognized by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) as a priority for international weather research. The WMO has established a 10-yr High-Impact Weather Project (HIWeather) to address global challenges and accelerate progress on scientific and social solutions. In this review, key challenges in hazard forecasting are first illustrated and summarized via four examples of high-impact weather events. Following this, a synthesis of the requirements, current status, and future research in observations, multiscale data assimilation, multiscale ensemble forecasting, and multiscale coupled hazard modeling is provided.
The Impacts of Horizontal Grid Spacing and Cumulus Parameterization on Subseasonal Prediction in a Global Convection-Permitting Model
Authors: Weber Nicholas J. , Mass Clifford F. , Kim Daehyun
Published: October 2020

Monthlong simulations targeting four Madden–Julian oscillation events made with several global model configurations are verified against observations to assess the roles of grid spacing and convective parameterization on the representation of tropical convection and midlatitude forecast skill. Specifically, the performance of a global convection-permitting model (CPM) configuration with a uniform 3-km mesh is compared to that of a global 15-km mesh with and without convective parameterization, and of a variable-resolution “channel” simulation using 3-km grid spacing only in the tropics with a scale-aware convection scheme. It is shown that global 3-km simulations produce realistic tropical precipitation statistics, except for an overall wet bias and delayed diurnal cycle. The channel simulation performs similarly, although with an unrealistically higher frequency of heavy rain. The 15-km simulations with and without cumulus schemes produce too much light and heavy tropical precipitation, respectively. Without convection parameterization, the 15-km global model produces unrealistically abundant, short-lived, and intense convection throughout the tropics. Only the global CPM configuration is able to capture eastward-propagating Madden–Julian oscillation events, and the 15-km runs favor stationary or westward-propagating convection organized at the planetary scale. The global 3-km CPM exhibits the highest extratropical forecast skill aloft and at the surface, particularly during week 3 of each hindcast. Although more cases are needed to confirm these results, this study highlights many potential benefits of using global CPMs for subseasonal forecasting. Furthermore, results show that alternatives to global convection-permitting resolution—using coarser or spatially variable resolution—feature compromises that may reduce their predictive performance.
NWP and Radar Extrapolation: Comparisons and Explanation of Errors
Authors: Wilson James , Megenhardt Dan , Pinto James
Published: October 2020

This paper examines nowcasts of precipitation from the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRRv2) model from the summer of 2017 along the Colorado Front Range. It was found that model nowcasts (2 h or less) of precipitation amount were less skillful than extrapolation of the KFTG WSR-88-D data at a spatial scale of 120 km. It was also found that local-scale (mesoscale) influences on rainfall intensity and amount have a much greater impact on rainfall intensity than large-scale (synoptic) influences. Thus, large-scale trends are not useful for modifying extrapolation nowcasts on the local scale. Errors in the HRRR nowcasts are attributed to an inability of the model and data assimilation to resolve convergence along outflow boundaries and other terrain-influenced mesogamma-scale flows that contribute to storm formation and evolution. While the HRRRv2 1-h nowcasts were strongly correlated with observed precipitation events, the nowcast precipitation amounts were in error by more than a factor of 2 about 50% of the time, with half of the cases being overestimates and half being underestimates. A large fraction of the HRRRv2 overestimates were associated with stratiform rain events. It is speculated that this was a result of misinterpretation of the radar bright band as more intense precipitation aloft by the data assimilation scheme. A large fraction of the HRRRv2 underestimates occurred when the data assimilation and model were unable to fully resolve the low-level convergence along small-scale, narrow boundaries that led to new storm initiation and/or storm growth.
ISREA: An Efficient Peak-Preserving Baseline Correction Algorithm for Raman Spectra
Authors: Xu Yunnan , Du Pang , Senger Ryan , Robertson John , Pirkle James L.
Published: October 2020

A critical step in Raman spectroscopy is baseline correction. This procedure eliminates the background signals generated by residual Rayleigh scattering or fluorescence. Baseline correction procedures relying on asymmetric loss functions have been employed recently. They operate with a reduced penalty on positive spectral deviations that essentially push down the baseline estimates from invading Raman peak areas. However, their coupling with polynomial fitting may not be suitable over the whole spectral domain and can yield inconsistent baselines. Their requirement of the specification of a threshold and the non-convexity of the corresponding objective function further complicates the computation. Learning from their pros and cons, we have developed a novel baseline correction procedure called the iterative smoothing-splines with root error adjustment (ISREA) that has three distinct advantages. First, ISREA uses smoothing splines to estimate the baseline that are more flexible than polynomials and capable of capturing complicated trends over the whole spectral domain. Second, ISREA mimics the asymmetric square root loss and removes the need of a threshold. Finally, ISREA avoids the direct optimization of a non-convex loss function by iteratively updating prediction errors and refitting baselines. Through our extensive numerical experiments on a wide variety of spectra including simulated spectra, mineral spectra, and dialysate spectra, we show that ISREA is simple, fast, and can yield consistent and accurate baselines that preserve all the meaningful Raman peaks.
Comparison of Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Properties of Serum and Urine for the Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients
Authors: Zong Ming , Zhou Lan , Guan Qiunong , Lin Duo , Zhao Jianhua , Qi Hualin , Harriman David , Fan Lieying , Zeng Haishan , Du Caigan
Published: October 2020

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 10% of the global population and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In most cases, this disease is developed silently, and it can progress to the end-stage renal failure. Therefore, early detection becomes critical for initiating effective interventions. Routine diagnosis of CKD requires both blood test and urinalyses in a clinical laboratory, which are time-consuming and have low sensitivity and specificity. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is an emerging method for rapidly assessing kidney function or injury. This study was designed to compare the differences between the SERS properties of the serum and urine for easy and simple detection of CKD. Enrolled for this study were 126 CKD patients (Stages 2–5) and 97 healthy individuals. SERS spectra of both the serum and urine samples were acquired using a Raman spectrometer (785 nm excitation). The correlation of chemical parameters of kidney function with the spectra was examined using prinicpal component analysis (PCA) combined with linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and partial least squares (PLS) analysis. Here, we showed that CKD was discriminated from non-CKD controls using PCA–LDA with a sensitivity of 74.6% and a specificity of 93.8% for the serum spectra, and 78.0% and 86.0 % for the urine spectra. The integration area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.937 ± 0.015 ( p < 0.0001) for the serum and 0.886 ± 0.025 ( p < 0.0001) for the urine. The different stages of CKD were separated with the accuracy of 78.0% and 75.4% by the serum and urine spectra, respectively. PLS prediction (R2) of the serum spectra was 0.8540 for the serum urea ( p < 0.001), 0.8536 for the serum creatinine ( p < 0.001), 0.7500 for the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ( p < 0.001), whereas the prediction (R2) of urine spectra was 0.7335 for the urine urea ( p < 0.001), 0.7901 for the urine creatinine ( p < 0.001), 0.4644 for the eGFR ( p < 0.001) and 0.6579 for the urine microalbumin ( p < 0.001). In conclusion, the accuracy of associations between SERS findings of the serum and urine samples with clinical conclusions of CKD diagnosis in this limited number of patients is similar, suggesting that SERS may be used as a rapid and easy-to-use method for early screening of CKD, which however needs further evaluation in a large cohort study.
Examining the Conflicting Consequences of CEO Public Responses to Social Activist Challenges
Authors: Neville François
Published: October 2020

While the notion that CEOs have a general influence over their firms’ stakeholder strategies is well accepted, little attention has been given to how CEOs can actively and performatively manage social activism in and around their firms. I seek to develop an initial understanding of this phenomenon by examining some of the critical consequences of CEOs’ public responses to social activist challenges. Drawing on instrumental stakeholder theory and social movement theory, I recognize the dualistic nature of CEOs’ public responses to social activist challenges; that is, a single response can influence both the direct pressure received from the focal social activists confronting the firm as well as the potential pressure the firm could face in the form of additional challenges. I argue that a CEO’s accommodative public response—seen by social activists as a sign that the CEO and firm are aligned with their beliefs, values, and motivations—will be negatively associated with the focal social activists’ willingness to punish the firm. At the same time, however, a CEO’s accommodative public response sends a broader signal—reflective of the CEO and firm’s relative openness to social activism and social issues—that will be positively associated with the perceived attractiveness of the firm’s corporate opportunity structure for social activism, increasing the potential for the firm to receive additional social activist challenges. I conduct a laboratory experiment based on a real-life case and find support for my arguments. The results yield important implications for research on strategic leadership, stakeholder strategy, and social movements.
Exploring the Relationship of Variant Degrees of National Economic Freedom to the Ethical Profiles of Millennial Business Students in Eight Countries
Authors: Weber James , McManus Warnell Jessica
Published: October 2020

This research explores the relationship of variant degrees of a country’s economic freedom to the ethical profiles of millennial business students, specifically an individual’s personal value orientation and post-conventional reasoning. Grounded in Social Identity, Personal Values, and Cognitive Moral Development theories, we construct an ethical profile to compare responses provided by millennial business students from eight countries. Our results suggest that a country’s degree of economic freedom has some association with an individual’s ethical profile, yet we also discuss other national influences on an ethical profile. These results and their implications are discussed in the article.
An exploration of the use of tactical officers in three Canadian police services
Authors: Jenkins Bryce , Semple Tori , Bennell Craig , Huey Laura
Published: October 2020

In order to better understand the use of tactical police resources in Canada we interviewed patrol and tactical officers ( N = 28) from three Canadian police services. A thematic analysis indicated that tactical officers are primarily responding to calls beyond the capabilities of patrol to resolve optimally which included high-risk calls as denoted by the presence of risk-factors and calls unfolding in special environments. Further, tactical officer response is thought to result in a reduced threat to officer and public safety. Our findings suggest that in contrast to previous claims, tactical officers are often responding to calls where significant risk is present.
The Relationship Among Demographic Factors, Transition Services, and Individual Development Account (IDA) Saving Participation Among Transition-Age Youth With Disabilities
Authors: Jones Weneaka D. , Phillips Brian N. , Hartman Ellie , Bishop Malachy , Tansey Timothy N. , Anderson Catherine A.
Published: October 2020

Saving participation in adolescence is crucial for young adults to achieve financial well-being over their lifetime. Yet, very little is known about the factors that encourage saving participation among youth with disability, including youth who receive supplemental security income (SSI). This study examines relationships between personal and family factors, transition services, and participation in Wisconsin Promoting Readiness of Minors in Supplemental Security Income (PROMISE) individual development account (IDA), within a sample of youth with disabilities who receive SSI. Results of the hierarchical binary logistic and hierarchical multiple regression analyses suggests that the PROMISE interventions variable sets emerged as the most frequent predictors of IDA saving participation among youth receiving SSI. Specifically, work incentive benefits consultation services, financial capability-focused financial coaching services, and self-advocacy training were significant predictors of a youth’s IDA saving participation. This study’s findings offer important implications for transition planning and building financial capability.
School Buildings in Mediterranean Antiquity: Notes on the Provenance of the Infancy Gospel of Thomas
Authors: Bissell Jonah
Published: October 2020

The provenance of the Infancy Gospel of Thomas (IGT) remains an open question to scholars of early Christianity. Egypt, Palestine, Syria and Asia Minor have been proffered as the most likely settings of origin (with the latter two favored especially in recent years). The educational scenes in IGT may provide helpful hints of the text’s original setting. Paul Foster, however, in comparing the details of such scenes with depictions of education in literary sources, concludes that they offer no features suggestive of a particular setting of origin. However, comparison of such scenes with material depictions of ancient education may provide more geographical precision. A reexamination of the text’s educational scenes vis-à-vis material-cultural evidence suggests that Egypt should be reconsidered as a viable setting of origin for IGT.
Public Journalism Without the Public: Problematizing the Public Sphere and Press Credibility in Academic Journals, 1991–2018
Authors: St. John Burton , Johnson Kirsten A.
Published: October 2020

A review of public journalism journal articles from 1991 through 2018 revealed significant gaps in (a) conceptualizing the public sphere, and (b) ascertaining the credibility of public journalism efforts. These gaps have implications for a press that is becoming increasingly challenged in an era of self-curated news selection and polarization. This work offers conclusions regarding how journalistic engagement efforts can better consider audience perspectives and thereby examine more sustainable footings for a citizen-engaged press.
Decolonising the political theory curriculum
Authors: Choat Simon
Published: October 2020

Recent calls to ‘decolonise the curriculum’ are especially pertinent to the teaching of political theory, which has traditionally been dominated by a canon made up overwhelmingly of White (and male) thinkers. This article explores why and how political theory curricula might be decolonised. By mapping core political theory modules provided at UK universities, and examining associated textbooks, the article shows that non-White thinkers and discussions of colonialism and race are marginalised and neglected. It then argues that there are intellectual, political, and pedagogical reasons why this neglect is problematic and should be reversed. Finally, the article reflects on the experience of rewriting and delivering a core second-year undergraduate modern political thought module at a post-92 London university, including assessing the impact of the changes on the attainment gap between White students and Black and minority ethnic students.
Cerebrovascular effects of glibenclamide investigated using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging in healthy volunteers
Authors: Al-Karagholi Mohammad Al-Mahdi , Ghanizada Hashmat , Nielsen Cherie Amalie Waldorff , Ansari Assan , Gram Christian , Younis Samaria , Vestergaard Mark B , Larsson Henrik BW , Skovgaard Lene Theil , Amin Faisal Mohammad , Ashina Messoud
Published: October 2020

Glibenclamide inhibits sulfonylurea receptor (SUR), which regulates several ion channels including SUR1-transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (SUR1-TRPM4) channel and ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel. Stroke upregulates SURl-TRPM4 channel, which causes a rapid edema formation and brain swelling. Glibenclamide may antagonize the formation of cerebral edema during stroke. Preclinical studies showed that glibenclamide inhibits KATP channel-induced vasodilation without altering the basal vascular tone. The in vivo human cerebrovascular effects of glibenclamide have not previously been investigated.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-way cross-over study, we used advanced 3 T MRI methods to investigate the effects of glibenclamide and KATP channel opener levcromakalim on mean global cerebral blood flow (CBF) and intra- and extracranial artery circumferences in 15 healthy volunteers. Glibenclamide administration did not alter the mean global CBF and the basal vascular tone. Following levcromakalim infusion, we observed a 14% increase of the mean global CBF and an 8% increase of middle cerebral artery (MCA) circumference, and glibenclamide did not attenuate levcromakalim-induced vascular changes. Collectively, the findings demonstrate the vital role of KATP channels in cerebrovascular hemodynamic and indicate that glibenclamide does not inhibit the protective effects of KATP channel activation during hypoxia and ischemia-induced brain injury.
Integrity monitoring for Kalman filter-based localization
Authors: Duenas Arana Guillermo , Abdul Hafez Osama , Joerger Mathieu , Spenko Matthew
Published: October 2020

The problem of quantifying robot localization safety in the presence of undetected sensor faults is critical when preparing for future applications where robots may interact with humans in life-critical situations; however, the topic is only sparsely addressed in the robotics literature. In response, this work leverages prior work in aviation integrity monitoring to tackle the more challenging case of evaluating localization safety in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-denied environments. Localization integrity risk is the probability that a robot’s pose estimate lies outside pre-defined acceptable limits while no alarm is triggered. In this article, the integrity risk (i.e., localization safety) is rigorously upper bounded by accounting for both nominal sensor noise and other non-nominal sensor faults. An extended Kalman filter is employed to estimate the robot state, and a sequence of innovations is used for fault detection. The novelty of the work includes (1) the use of a time window to limit the number of monitored fault hypotheses while still guaranteeing safety with respect to previously occurring faults and (2) a new method to account for faults in the data association process.
Intrinsically Rewarding Work and Generativity in Midlife: The Long Arm of the Job
Authors: Krahn Harvey J. , Johnson Matthew D. , Galambos Nancy L.
Published: October 2020

Work is a productive activity that can also contribute to the well-being of the next generation. Using two waves of data from the Edmonton Transitions Study, this research examined the link between intrinsically rewarding work and generativity, or one’s perceived contributions to society. Controlling for relevant variables, more intrinsically rewarding work at age 43 predicted increasing generativity over the next seven years, and increases in intrinsic work rewards were associated with increased generativity between age 43 and 50. The results demonstrate the potential of the workplace to prompt growth in midlife generativity.
Evaluation of a professional development course on research methods for healthcare professionals
Authors: Famure Olusegun , Batoy Benedict , Minkovich Michelle , Liyanage Imindu , Kim S. Joseph
Published: October 2020

Healthcare is constantly evolving and thus requires lifelong learning. Evidence-based learning has been shown to lead to better patient outcomes, yet many healthcare professionals report gaps in their research abilities. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of a professional development program in addressing identified gaps.
A Qualitative Exploration of the Attitudes and Experiences of Polish Breastfeeding Mothers in Ireland
Authors: O’Sullivan Elizabeth J. , O’Grady Agnieszka , Pawlak Karolina , Kearney John M.
Published: October 2020

Background

Breastfeeding rates in Ireland are among the lowest in the world. Improving the prevalence of breastfeeding is an objective of the Irish Health Service Executive, with the recognition that this would improve public health. Polish people represent the largest immigrant group in Ireland, and Polish women are more likely to initiate breastfeeding than Irish women.

Research aims

This study had two aims: (1) to describe the breastfeeding experiences and attitudes among Polish mothers living in Ireland, and (2) to explore similarities and differences in infant feeding experiences, attitudes, and beliefs among Polish and Irish women, as perceived by Polish women.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Polish with Polish mothers ( N = 16) who had lived in Ireland for 10 years or less. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Data were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis. Coding was a cyclical process; codes were amended and refined through iterative reading of the transcripts. Themes were developed through categorization of codes and via in-depth discussion between two analysts.

Results

Three major themes were developed after analyzing the data. First, there is no universal correct way to provide support for infant feeding; women would like individualized support based on their infant-feeding decisions. Second, breastfeeding is an inherent part of Polish culture and formula feeding is part of Irish culture. Finally, the Irish social environment is supportive of breastfeeding and breastfeeding in public is acceptable in Ireland.

Conclusions

Although the Irish social environment is supportive of breastfeeding, the infant-formula culture is a barrier to breastfeeding. Future research should explore ways to change societal attitudes towards breastfeeding in Ireland.
Age Differences in the Use of Health Information Technology Among Adults in the United States: An Analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey
Authors: Onyeaka Henry K. , Romero Perla , Healy Brian C. , Celano Christopher M.
Published: October 2020

Background: Despite significant advancements in the use of health information technologies (HITs) in health care, older adults’ adoption of new technologies has consistently lagged behind that of younger adults. Objective: To compare ownership rates and preferences for utilizing technology for health information exchange among older and younger adults. Methods: Utilizing data from the 2017 and 2018 iterations of the Health Information National Trends Survey ( n = 6789), we performed multivariable logistic regression while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Older adults were less likely than younger adults to own technological devices such as smartphones, less likely to report finding these tools beneficial in monitoring their health, and less likely to use these tools in communicating with their health providers. However, these differences were substantially attenuated after adjustment for technology ownership. Discussion: Future research should aim to identify factors associated with access, usability, and adoption of HIT for managing care among older adults.
Comparison between laser beam and gas tungsten arc tailored welded blanks via deep drawing
Authors: Aminzadeh Ahmad , Parvizi Ali , Safdarian Rasoul , Rahmatabadi Davood
Published: October 2020

This paper aims at analyzing the deformation behavior of tailor welded blanks (TWBs), manufactured by laser beam welding (LBW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), through the deep drawing process. Dissimilar and similar steels with different thicknesses were used in the production of tailor welded blanks. The Nd: YAG laser welding method with nitrogen (N2) as the shielding gas was used to join TWBs. The effects of some significant process factors, namely welding speed, blank holder forces (BHF), material properties of base metals, dry/lubricated condition and laser spot size was experimentally investigated on the weld line movement and drawing depth. Results indicated that using LBW with optimum parameters for the production of dissimilar TWBs caused the control of failure in the weaker base metal. Results showed that the sound welds were produced in similar TWBs with a thickness ratio of 2 when using GTAW, but the weld quality was poor when using LBW. Moreover, it is observed that the critical stresses were taken place outside of the weld zone and rupture due to the high heat input of laser and metallurgical changes of the base metal that occur in the pre-softening zone. In addition, the weld line movement occurred as a result of plastic strain change of the weld joint that caused failure-prone zone creation as well as the adverse wrinkling.
Influence of the volume of EGME-DMSO mixed co-solvent doping on the characteristics of PEDOT:PSS and their application in polymer solar cells
Authors: Kurukavak Çisem Kırbıyık , Polat Selen
Published: October 2020

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is one of the most widely used hole transport layer (HTL) in polymer solar cells (PSCs). However, the improving of the conductivity and transparency of PEDOT:PSS thin films is still needed. To solve this problem, we here introduce 2-methoxyethanol (EGME) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) mixed secondary solvent to PEDOT:PSS solution as a novel additive to the best of our knowledge. We determined that the EGME-DMSO doped PEDOT:PSS layer provides better energy level alignment, conductivity and morphology with the help of methods of UV-Vis spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, etc. The addition of 15% (v/v.) volume of EGME-DMSO mixed co-solvent improves the efficiency from 2.8% of control device to 3.9%. The significant enhancement of the short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 13.7 to 16.5 mA cm−2 is the main reason for this increase of performance due to better charge transport properties. This suggests that the EGME-DMSO mixed co-solvent doping into PEDOT:PSS solution is a simple approach to fabricate highly efficient PSCs.
The Reliability of Visual Ratings of Velopharyngeal Physiology for Speech
Authors: Watterson Thomas , Wendel Jeanne , Grames Lynn M. , Warner Amanda
Published: October 2020

Background:

Analyze intrarater and interrater reliability for evaluating endoscopic images of velopharyngeal (VP) physiology.

Method:

Speakers produced 9 speech stimuli representing 4 stimulus types: sustained phonemes, repetitions of “puh,” single words, and short phrases. The 37-speaker participants included 16 patients with VP dysfunction and 21 control participants. Five raters independently rated the video images for degree of VP opening, location of opening, and pattern of closure. Outcome measures included intrarater and interrater measures of reliability and the effects of raters and stimulus type on ratings.

Results:

Intrarater reliability was acceptable, and ratings were logically consistent. Fixed effects regression coefficients for the patient and the control groups showed that raters were a significant source of variability for degree of opening and pattern of closing. Stimulus type was not a significant source of variation for any metric for the controls, but stimulus type was a significant determinant for degree of opening for patients. The degree of opening was larger for sustained phonemes than for the other speech stimuli. Ratings for degree of opening were most similar for repeated “puh.”

Conclusions:

Interrater reliability needs to be improved so that the assessment procedure produces more consistent findings among clinicians, thus strengthening our evidence base for this procedure. Interrater additional research is needed to understand how the stimulus affects ratings of VP physiology, to identify stimuli that yield the most useful clinical information, and to understand how training affects the ratings of VP physiology.