bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GDF-15 Suppresses Atherosclerosis by Inhibiting oxLDL-Induced Lipid Accumulation and Inflammation in Macrophages
Authors: Huang Hong , Chen Zhongli , Li Yan , Gong Kunmei , Xiao Le , Fu Hao , Yang Jingjing , Wang Xianying , Meng Qiang
Published: September 2021

The growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) may be involved in atherosclerosis. However, the role of GDF-15 in atherosclerosis remains unclear. The main goal of this study was to verify the role and mechanism of GDF-15 in atherogenesis. We first compared the serum GDF-15 level between patients with coronary atherosclerosis and healthy people. And then one ApoE−/− mouse model of atherosclerosis was used to explore the effects of GDF-15 on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) accumulation, atherosclerosis-related gene expression, and lipid accumulation-related protein expression in mouse macrophages. As a result, the level of serum GDF-15 in patients with coronary atherosclerosis was significantly higher than that in healthy people. In the mouse model, GDF-15 expression was elevated in the core of plaque, and it was secreted mainly by the macrophages. In addition, GDF-15 decreased oxLDL-induced lipid accumulation and inflammation activation in macrophages. GDF-15 decreased the mRNA expressions of CD36, LOX1, and TLR4 that are associated with lipoprotein accumulation in macrophages. Further study showed that GDF-15 might suppress oxLDL-induced lipoprotein accumulation via inhibiting CD36 and LOX1 and decrease inflammation in macrophages by inhibiting TLR4. Thus, GDF-15 may suppress atherosclerosis and plaque formation by inhibiting lipoprotein accumulation and inflammation activation.
Test and Numerical Analysis on Damaged Steel Beam Strengthened with Prestressed CFRP Sheet
Authors: Hou Wenyu , Wang Fengchi , Wang Lianguang
Published: September 2021

This paper presents the experimental and numerical analysis of damaged steel beams strengthened with prestressed CFRP sheet or only strengthened with CFRP sheet. The test results showed that damaged level had a significant effect on the stiffness, yield load, and ultimate bearing capacity. And using prestressing CFRP sheet to strengthen damaged steel beam could increase the ultimate bearing capacity. The numerical analysis results showed that the damaged level had a significant effect on the stiffness and ultimate bearing capacity. The strengthened steel beam with the damaged level could exceed the steel beam without damage by about 10% in the ultimate bearing capacity. The ultimate bearing capacity would increase about 8% when the flange or web thickness increased per 1 mm. The ultimate bearing capacity would increase about 3% when the thickness or width of CFRP sheet increased per 0.05 mm or 10 mm. The bearing capacity would increase about 1.5% when the prestressed degree increased about 7%.
Postoperative Effects of Dexmedetomidine on Serum Inflammatory Factors and Cognitive Malfunctioning in Patients with General Anesthesia
Authors: Zhang Zitan , Li Wei , Jia Huiqun
Published: September 2021

Objective. To investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine intervention on serum inflammatory factor concentration and postoperative cognitive malfunction in elderly patients with general anesthesia. Methodology. 174 patients with general anesthesia were selected, who were categorized into a control group (HC) and a dexmedetomidine group (HS) using the random number table method, with 87 patients in individual groups. The dexmedetomidine group was pumped intravenously with dexmedetomidine at a loading dose of 1 μg/kg before induction of anesthesia for 15 min, followed by continuous intravenous pumping at a rate of 0.4 μg/kg/h, and the dosing was stopped at 30 min before concluding the surgery. The control group was administered the identical dose of saline in the same manner. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels and MMES scores were tested at 1 h before and 24 h after anesthesia. Results. Comparing to HC group, patients in the HS group had lower TNF-α and IL-6 levels at both scheduled points (

P

 < 0.05). Conclusion. Dexmedetomidine reduced the expression of inflammatory factors in elderly patients with general anesthesia and effectively reduced the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction after general anesthesia surgery.
A Low-Order Partial Integrated Guidance and Control Scheme for Diving Hypersonic Vehicles to Impact Ground Maneuver Target
Authors: An Tong , Wang JianHua , Pan YuLong , Chen HaiShan
Published: September 2021

In this article, a low-order partial integrated guidance and control (PIGC) design method is proposed for diving hypersonic vehicles to impact ground maneuver target. A three-channel analytical model of body rates is deduced based on acceleration components of the hypersonic vehicle. By combining the analytical model of body rates and relative dynamic model between the hypersonic vehicle and target, three-channel commands of body rates are directly generated based on the extended state observer (ESO) technique, sliding mode control approach, and dynamic surface control theory in the guidance subsystem. In the attitude control subsystem, a sliding mode controller is designed to track the commands of body rates and generate commands of control surface fin deflections. By making full use of acceleration information of the hypersonic vehicle measured by the mounted accelerometer, the proposed PIGC design method provides a novel solution to compensate the unknown acceleration of the ground maneuver target. Besides, the order of design model is also reduced, and the design process is simplified. The effectiveness and robustness of the PIGC design method are verified and discussed by 6DOF simulation studies.
Chondrogenic Potential of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells Cultured as Microtissues
Authors: Salvador-Clavell Rubén , Martín de Llano José Javier , Milián Lara , Oliver María , Mata Manuel , Carda Carmen , Sancho-Tello María
Published: September 2021

Several tissue engineering stem cell-based procedures improve hyaline cartilage repair. In this work, the chondrogenic potential of dental pulp stem cell (DPSC) organoids or microtissues was studied. After several weeks of culture in proliferation or chondrogenic differentiation media, synthesis of aggrecan and type II and I collagen was immunodetected, and SOX9, ACAN, COL2A1, and COL1A1 gene expression was analysed by real-time RT-PCR. Whereas microtissues cultured in proliferation medium showed the synthesis of aggrecan and type II and I collagen at the 6th week of culture, samples cultured in chondrogenic differentiation medium showed an earlier and important increase in the synthesis of these macromolecules after 4 weeks. Gene expression analysis showed a significant increase of COL2A1 after 3 days of culture in chondrogenic differentiation medium, while COL1A1 was highly expressed after 14 days. Cell-cell proximity promotes the chondrogenic differentiation of DPSCs and important synthesis of hyaline chondral macromolecules.
Targeting Reactive Oxygen Species Capacity of Tumor Cells with Repurposed Drug as an Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Wang Jiabing , Sun Dongsheng , Huang Lili , Wang Shijian , Jin Yong
Published: September 2021

Accumulating evidence shows that elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are associated with cancer initiation, growth, and response to therapies. As concentrations increase, ROS influence cancer development in a paradoxical way, either triggering tumorigenesis and supporting the proliferation of cancer cells at moderate levels of ROS or causing cancer cell death at high levels of ROS. Thus, ROS can be considered an attractive target for therapy of cancer and two apparently contradictory but virtually complementary therapeutic strategies for the regulation of ROS to treat cancer. Despite tremendous resources being invested in prevention and treatment for cancer, cancer remains a leading cause of human deaths and brings a heavy burden to humans worldwide. Chemotherapy remains the key treatment for cancer therapy, but it produces harmful side effects. Meanwhile, the process of de novo development of new anticancer drugs generally needs increasing cost, long development cycle, and high risk of failure. The use of ROS‐based repurposed drugs may be one of the promising ways to overcome current cancer treatment challenges. In this review, we briefly introduce the source and regulation of ROS and then focus on the status of repurposed drugs based on ROS regulation for cancer therapy and propose the challenges and direction of ROS‐mediated cancer treatment.
Producer Services Openness and the Development of Servitization: The Perspective of Two-Way Openness
Authors: Chen Wei , Chen Yinzhong , Hao Yifei , Chen Sili
Published: September 2021

This paper brings producer services “bringing in” and “going out” into the same analytical framework and explains the influence mechanism of producer services opening on the development of servitization from three aspects of import trade, FDI, and OFDI. On this basis, using the latest input-output data of WIOD, this paper constructs some indicators to measure the openness of producer services such as import trade penetration, FDI penetration, and OFDI penetration and then empirically tests the impact of producer services openness on the development of servitization in China. The results show that the openness of producer services has a significant positive impact on the development of China’s servitization. In addition, the robustness analysis based on variable substitution and different estimation methods shows that the conclusions are robust. The heterogeneity test shows that the impact of producer services openness on servitization has heterogeneity. The specific performance is as follows: there is different impact of producer service sector openness on the development of servitization; the impact of producer service openness on the development of servitization with different factor intensities is also different; and there is also different impact of producer service sector openness on the development of servitization with different factor intensities. The policy implications of these research conclusions are as follows: firstly, taking co-construction of the “Belt and Road” as a chance to promote the new open pattern; secondly, focusing on expanding the openness of high-end producer services; and thirdly, taking innovation driven development as the guide to increase R&D investment of producer services.
An In Vitro and In Vivo Comparison of Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells
Authors: Mollentze Jamie , Durandt Chrisna , Pepper Michael S.
Published: September 2021

The use of stem cells in regenerative medicine, including tissue engineering and transplantation, has generated a great deal of enthusiasm. Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) can be isolated from various tissues, most commonly, bone marrow but more recently adipose tissue, dental pulp, and Wharton’s jelly, to name a few. MSCs display varying phenotypic profiles and osteogenic differentiating capacity depending and their site of origin. MSCs have been successfully differentiated into osteoblasts both in vitro an in vivo but discrepancies exist when the two are compared: what happens in vitro does not necessarily happen in vivo, and it is therefore important to understand why these differences occur. The osteogenic process is a complex network of transcription factors, stimulators, inhibitors, proteins, etc., and in vivo experiments are helpful in evaluating the various aspects of this osteogenic process without distractions and confounding variables. With that in mind, the results of in vitro experiments need to be carefully considered and interpreted with caution as they do not perfectly replicate the conditions found within living organisms. This is where in vivo experiments help us better understand interactions that might occur in the osteogenic process that cannot be replicated in vitro. Potentially, these differences could also be exploited to develop an optimal MSC cell therapeutic product that can be used for bone disorders. There are many bone disorders, most of which cause a great deal of discomfort. Clinically acceptable protocols could be developed in which MSCs are used to aid in bone regeneration providing relief for patients with chronic pain. The aim of this review is to examine the differences between studies conducted in vitro and in vivo with regard to the osteogenic process to better define the gaps in current osteogenic research. By better understanding osteogenic differentiation, we can better define treatment strategies for various bone disorders.
Ultrasound for Endotracheal Tube Tip Position in Term and Preterm Infants
Authors: Salvadori Sabrina , Nardo Daniel , Frigo Anna Chiara , Oss Martina , Mercante Irene , Moschino Laura , Priante Elena , Bonadies Luca , Baraldi Eugenio
Published: September 2021

Background and Objective: Placing an endotracheal tube (ETT) in neonates is challenging and currently requires timely radiographic confirmation of correct tip placement. The objective was to establish the reliability of ultrasound (US) for assessing ETT position in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), time needed to do so, and patients’ tolerance. Methods: A prospective study on 71 newborns admitted to our NICU whose ETT placement was evaluated with US (ETT-echo) and confirmed on chest X-rays (CXR). Data were collected by 3 operators (2 neonatologists and a resident in pediatrics). The right pulmonary artery (RPA) was used as a landmark for US. The distance between the tip of the ETT and the upper margin of the RPA was measured using US and compared with the distance between the tube’s tip and the carina on the CXR. Results: Seventy-one intubated newborns were included in the study (n = 34 < 1,000 g, n = 18 1,000–2,000 g, n = 19 > 2,000 g). Statistical analysis (Bland-Altman plot and Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient) showed an excellent consistency between ETT positions identified on US and chest X-ray. The 2 measures (ETT-echo and CXR) were extremely concordant both in the whole sample and in the subgroups. Minimal changes in patients’ vital signs were infrequently observed during US, confirming the tolerability of ETT-echo. The mean time to perform US was 3.2 min (range 1–13). Conclusions: ETT-echo seems to be a rapid, tolerable, and highly reliable method worth further investigating for future routine use in neonatology with a view to reducing radiation exposure.
Denosumab-Induced Hypocalcemia and Hyperparathyroidism in de novo Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Cianciolo Giuseppe , Tondolo Francesco , Barbuto Simona , Iacovella Francesca , Zavatta Guido , Altieri Paola , Grandinetti Valeria , Comai Giorgia , Cozzolino Mario , La Manna Gaetano
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Denosumab represents a realistic treatment option to increase bone mineral density in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). It is still unknown how and at what extent posttransplantation bone disease and graft function influence the effects of denosumab on mineral metabolism indexes. In this study, we analyze risk factors of hypocalcemia and parathyroid hormone (PTH) increase after denosumab administration in eighteen de novo KTRs and its management before and after this treatment. Methods: We conducted a monocentric, observational, prospective study on de novo KTRs. All KTRs enrolled received a single 60 mg subcutaneous dose of denosumab every 6 months. Before kidney transplantation, no patients were treated with calcio-mimetic. After kidney transplantation and before antiresorptive therapy, no patients were treated with calcio-mimetic drugs and/or vitamin D receptor agonists, while all patients received nutritional vitamin D supplementation (from 1,000 IU to 1,500 IU daily). Results: Hypocalcemia was related to the degree of lumbar osteoporosis (p = 0.047); the increase in the PTH level was correlated to baseline bone turnover markers (bone alkaline phosphatase, serum osteocalcin, and β-C-terminal telopeptide), the 25 OH status, and eGFR. The introduction of calcitriol, after the PTH increase, in addition to cholecalciferol was necessary to ensure an adequate control of serum calcium and PTH during a follow-up of 15 months. Following the treatment with denosumab, it was observed an improvement of areal bone mineral density both at lumbar and femoral sites with a mean percentual increase of 1.74% and 0.25%, respectively. Conclusions: Denosumab is an effective treatment for bone disease in KTRs. In our study, the increase in PTH is not a transient event but prolonged throughout the follow-up period and requires continuous supplementation therapy with calcitriol.
Urinary Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1: A Biomarker of Acute Tubular Injury
Authors: Paniagua-Sancho María , Quiros Yaremi , Casanova Alfredo G. , Blanco-Gozalo Víctor , Agüeros-Blanco Consuelo , Benito-Hernández Adalberto , Ramos-Barron María A. , Gómez-Alamillo Carlos , Arias Manuel , Sancho-Martínez Sandra M. , López-Hernández Francisco J.
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a threatening, multiaetiological syndrome encompassing a variety of forms and damage patterns. AKI lacks sufficiently specific diagnostic tools to evaluate the distinct combination of pathophysiological events underlying each case, which limits personalized and optimized handling. Therefore, a pathophysiological diagnosis based on new urinary biomarkers is sought for practical (readiness and noninvasiveness) and conceptual reasons, as the urine is a direct product of the kidneys. However, biomarkers found in the urine may also have extrarenal origin, thus conveying pathophysiological information from other organs or tissues. Urinary plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) has been associated to AKI, although its origin and traffic to the urine are not known. Methods: Herein, we studied the blood or renal origin of urinary PAI-1 (uPAI-1) in experimental AKI in Wistar rats, by means of the in situ renal perfusion method. For this purpose, urine was collected while the kidneys of rats with AKI showing increased uPAI-1 excretion, and controls, were in situ perfused with a saline solution. Results: Our results show that during perfusion, PAI-1 remained in the urine of AKI rats, suggesting that renal cells shed this protein directly to the urine. PAI-1 is also significantly increased in the urine of AKI patients. Its low correlation with other urinary markers such as NGAL or NAG suggests that PAI-1 provides complementary and distinct phenotypical information. Conclusion: In conclusion, uPAI-1 is a biomarker produced by damaged kidneys following AKI, whose precise pathophysiological meaning in AKI needs to be further investigated.
Implementation Process and Evolution of a Laparotomy-Assisted 2-Port Fetoscopic Spina Bifida Closure Program
Authors: Miller Jena L. , Groves Mari L. , Ahn Edward S. , Berman David J. , Murphy Jamie D. , Rosner Mara K. , Wolfson Denise , Jelin Eric B. , Korth Sarah A. , Keiser Amaris M. , Laurie Melissa , Millard Sarah E. , Tekes Aylin , Baschat Ahmet A.
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Prenatal closure of open spina bifida via open fetal surgery improves neurologic outcomes for infants in selected pregnancies. Fetoscopic techniques that are minimally invasive to the uterus aim to provide equivalent fetal benefits while minimizing maternal morbidities, but the optimal technique is undetermined. We describe the development, evolution, and feasibility of the laparotomy-assisted 2-port fetoscopic technique for prenatal closure of fetal spina bifida in a newly established program. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women consented for laparotomy-assisted fetoscopic closure of isolated fetal spina bifida. Inclusion and exclusion criteria followed the Management of Myelomeningocele Study (MOMS). Team preparation involved observation at the originating center, protocol development, ancillary staff training, and surgical rehearsal using patient-matched models through simulation prior to program implementation. The primary outcome was the ability to complete the repair fetoscopically. Secondary maternal and fetal outcomes to assess performance of the technique were collected prospectively. Results: Of 57 women screened, 19 (33%) consented for laparotomy-assisted 2-port fetoscopy between February 2017 and December 2019. Fetoscopic closure was completed in 84% (16/19) cases. Over time, the technique was modified from a single- to a multilayer closure. In utero hindbrain herniation improved in 86% (12/14) of undelivered patients at 6 weeks postoperatively. Spontaneous rupture of membranes occurred in 31% (5/16) of fetoscopic cases. For completed cases, median gestational age at birth was 37 (range 27–39.6) weeks and 50% (8/16) of women delivered at term. Vaginal birth was achieved in 56% (9/16) of patients. One newborn had a cerebrospinal fluid leak that required postnatal surgical repair. Conclusion: Implementation of a laparotomy-assisted 2-port fetoscopic spina bifida closure program through rigorous preparation and multispecialty team training may accelerate the learning curve and demonstrates favorable obstetric and perinatal outcomes.
Use of Botulinum Toxin for Androgenic Alopecia: A Systematic Review
Authors: English Jr. Robert S. , Ruiz Sophia
Published: September 2021

In this systematic review, we summarize the efficacy and safety of intradermal and intramuscular botulinum toxin injections for androgenic alopecia (AGA). Using PubMed, we conducted a literature search up to February 2021 using the following keyword combinations: “botulinum toxin” or “botox” and “androgenetic alopecia,” “hair loss,” or “alopecia.” Five clinical studies met our inclusion criteria: 4 prospective cohorts and 1 randomized clinical trial (RCT). Study durations ranged from 24 to 60 weeks. No studies included control groups or compared botulinum toxin injections against approved treatments. A total of 165 participants were identified – all of whom were males with AGA. Of the 4 studies measuring response rates (i.e., subjects with >0% hair changes), response rates ranged from 75 to 79.1%. Within studies measuring hair count changes from intramuscular injections, changes ranged from 18 to 20.9%. No serious adverse events were reported. Studies on botulinum toxin injections have produced favorable outcomes for AGA subjects. However, results should be interpreted with caution due to the absence of control groups, small numbers of participants, and relatively low Jadad quality scores. Large RCTs are recommended to confirm efficacy and safety, explore the effects of botulinum toxin on females with pattern hair loss, and establish best practices for intradermal and intramuscular injection methodologies.
Long-Acting Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist-Induced Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Patient with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Kikkawa Koji , Hoshi Hiroto , Isoda Atsushi , Okada Kazuya , Okada Junichi , Watanabe Takuya , Yamada Eijiro , Ohshima Kihachi , Okada Shuichi
Published: September 2021

Case Presentation: We report a case of a male patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosed during treatment with a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (once-weekly dulaglutide injection). At 3 months after dulaglutide initiation, he began experiencing left shoulder pain that continued despite treatment by an acupuncturist, indicating that the pain was not due to periarthritis scapulohumeralis. His HbA1c level was 7.3% at the 3-month follow-up. At the 6-month follow-up visit, the HbA1c level was 8.2%, the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was 132 mg/dL, and he expressed right shoulder pain. After 3 months, the HbA1c level was 9.0%, and his bilateral shoulder pain worsened, due to which he could not use his arms well. Routine laboratory testing revealed no other abnormalities at that time. However, several inflammatory and serological RA markers were detected, including an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 73 (normal range, <10) mm/h, a C-reactive protein level of 1.89 (normal range, 0.0–0.14) mg/dL, a rheumatoid factor level of 26 (normal range, 0–15) IU/mL, and an anti-cyclic citrullinated protein antibody level of 195 (normal range, <4.5) U/mL. However, tests for antinuclear antibodies, anti-SS-A/Ro antibodies, and anti-RNP antibodies showed negative results. He was diagnosed with RA, and salazosulfapyridine (500 mg/day) was started. At 1 month after RA treatment initiation, his shoulder pain began showing improvement and improved HbA1c levels from 9.0% to 8.0%. Discussion: Thus, this case report suggests an association between RA and GLP-1. Based on a literature search in PubMed, we believe that this case report is the first to demonstrate that a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist had RA. However, further research is needed to determine whether RA is one of the adverse effects of long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonists. Conclusion: During treatment with long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonists, it is necessary to consider the possibility of RA as a differential diagnosis when patients complain of persistent joint pain.
Cysteamine Decreases Low‐Density Lipoprotein Oxidation, Causes Regression of Atherosclerosis, and Improves Liver and Muscle Function in Low‐Density Lipoprotein Receptor–Deficient Mice
Authors: Ahmad Feroz , Mitchell Robert D. , Houben Tom , Palo Angela , Yadati Tulasi , Parnell Andrew J. , Patel Ketan , Shiri‐Sverdlov Ronit , Leake David S.
Published: September 2021

Background

We have shown previously that low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) can be oxidized in the lysosomes of macrophages, that this oxidation can be inhibited by cysteamine, an antioxidant that accumulates in lysosomes, and that this drug decreases atherosclerosis in LDL receptor–deficient mice fed a high‐fat diet. We have now performed a regression study with cysteamine, which is of more relevance to the treatment of human disease.

Methods and Results

LDL receptor–deficient mice were fed a high‐fat diet to induce atherosclerotic lesions. They were then reared on chow diet and drinking water containing cysteamine or plain drinking water. Aortic atherosclerosis was assessed, and samples of liver and skeletal muscle were analyzed. There was no regression of atherosclerosis in the control mice, but cysteamine caused regression of between 32% and 56% compared with the control group, depending on the site of the lesions. Cysteamine substantially increased markers of lesion stability, decreased ceroid, and greatly decreased oxidized phospholipids in the lesions. The liver lipid levels and expression of cluster of differentiation 68, acetyl–coenzyme A acetyltransferase 2, cytochromes P450 (CYP)27, and proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines were decreased by cysteamine. Skeletal muscle function and oxidative fibers were increased by cysteamine. There were no changes in the plasma total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, or triacylglycerol concentrations attributable to cysteamine.

Conclusions

Inhibiting the lysosomal oxidation of LDL in atherosclerotic lesions by antioxidants targeted at lysosomes causes the regression of atherosclerosis and improves liver and muscle characteristics in mice and might be a promising novel therapy for atherosclerosis in patients.
The Epistemology of Biomimetics: The Role of Models and of Morphogenetic Principles
Authors: Krohs Ulrich
Published: September 2021

Form follows function, but it does not follow from function. Form is not derivable from the latter. To realize a desired technical function, a form must first be found that is able to realize it at all. Secondly, the question arises as to whether an envisaged form realizes the function in an appropriate way. Functions are multiply realizable—various different forms can bear the very same function. One needs to find a form of a technical artifact that realizes an envisaged function sufficiently efficient, robust, or whatever criteria might be imposed. This paper scrutinizes biomimetics as one way to find a good solution to the realization problem. Drawing on an approach from the philosophy of simulations, it reconstructs the biomimetic relation as being mediated by a theoretical model. It is shown that the robustness of the functioning system is usually reached in different ways in biological and in technological systems, which explains differences in morphogenetic mechanisms or principles found in these fields. This reconstruction helps to understand problems with robustness in synthetic biology that occur when technical design principles are implemented in a biological system. The mimetic relation between the biological and the technical realm is found to be asymmetric.
The Material Turn in the Study of Form: From Bio-Inspired Robots to Robotics-Inspired Morphology
Authors: Tamborini Marco
Published: September 2021

This paper investigates the mechanisms of knowledge production of twenty-first century robotics-inspired morphology. How robotics influences investigations into the structure, development, and change of organic forms? Which definition of form is presupposed by this new approach to the study of form? I answer these questions by investigating how robots are used to understand and generate new questions about the locomotion of extinct animals in the first case study and in high-performance fishes in the second case study. After having illustrated the landscape of twentieth-century morphology, I will reflect on the definition of form adopted in twenty-first century robotics-inspired morphology as well as on the differences between this approach to the study of form and the so-called nature-inspired disciplines, such as bionics or biomimetics. In the conclusion, I suggest that we are now in a material turn in morphology, characterized by the coexistence of the robotic, the virtual, and the real, which enables an understanding of how the structures and dynamics of shapes change over time.
A new species of dusky salamander (Amphibia: Plethodontidae: Desmognathus) from the Eastern Gulf Coastal Plain of the United States and a redescription of D. auriculatus
Authors: MEANS D. BRUCE , LAMB JENNIFER Y. , BERNARDO JOSEPH
Published: September 2021

The Coastal Plain of the southeastern U. S. is one of the planet’s top biodiversity hotspots and yet many taxa have not been adequately studied. The plethodontid salamander, Desmognathus auriculatus, was originally thought to occur from east Texas to Virginia, a range spanning dozens of interfluves and large river systems. Beamer and Lamb (2008) found five independent mitochondrial lineages of what has been called D. auriculatus in the Atlantic Coastal Plain, but did not examine the extensive distribution of D. auriculatus in the Gulf Coastal Plain. We present morphological and molecular genetic data distinguishing two evolutionarily independent and distantly related lineages that are currently subsumed under the taxon D. auriculatus in the eastern Gulf Coastal Plain. We describe one of these as a new species, Desmognathus valentinei sp. nov., and assign the second one to D. auriculatus which we formally redescribe.
New additions to the Chinese Anelytra Redtenbacher, 1891 (Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae; Agraeciini)
Authors: LIU JING , YANG ZIZHONG , LU XIANGYI , BIAN XUN
Published: September 2021

This paper describes three new species from Yunnan Province and provides morphological characters of Anelytra multicurvus Shi & Qiu, 2009 and Anelytra (Euanelytra) adjacens soror Gorochov, 1994. And two mitogenomes of Anelytra are reported. All the specimens are deposited in Guangxi Normal University and Institute of Entomoceutics Research, Dali University.
Third time’s a charm: reviewing the advertisement call of Gabohyla pauloalvini (Anura: Hylidae: Scinaxinae), an endemic species from Brazil’ Atlantic Forest
Authors: CARMO LUIZ FERNANDO , ALVES JULIANA , DIAS IURI R. , SOLÉ MIRCO , DE MIRA-MENDES CAIO V. , SANTOS LAISA , JÚNIOR MÁRIO BARBOSA S. , ZOCCA CÁSSIO , FERREIRA RODRIGO B. , LACERDA JOÃO VICTOR A.
Published: September 2021

The Neotropical tribe Sphaenorhynchini is composed of 15 recognized species commonly named as “lime treefrogs”. Gabohyla pauloalvini occurs in Atlantic Forest lowlands through the states of Bahia and Espírito Santo, Brazil. Based on field observation, literature review, and evaluation of audio files, we conclude that previous bioacoustic descriptions were erroneously assigned to G. pauloalvini. Here, we describe for the first time the advertisement call of G. pauloalvini from two disjunct populations. In addition, we provide new distribution records and an updated map for this species. The advertisement call of G. pauloalvini is composed of 1–5 closely spaced notes, with duration of 0.016–1.976 s, inter-note intervals of 0.340–1.25 s, and an average dominant frequency (= fundamental frequency) of 4966.0 Hz. Harmonics are visible in the spectrogram. Three new populations of G. pauloalvini have been recorded and extended the distribution by 60 km south. Nevertheless, G. pauloalvini is still known only from few localities. We highlight the importance of depositing audio recordings and specimens in scientific collections to promote systematics and natural history studies.
ENSO Dynamics in the E3SM-1-0, CESM2, and GFDL-CM4 Climate Models
Authors: Chen Han-Ching , Jin Fei-Fei , Zhao Sen , Wittenberg Andrew T. , Xie Shaocheng
Published: September 2021

This study examines historical simulations of ENSO in the E3SM-1-0, CESM2, and GFDL-CM4 climate models, provided by three leading U.S. modeling centers as part of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6). These new models have made substantial progress in simulating ENSO’s key features, including: amplitude; timescale; spatial patterns; phase-locking; spring persistence barrier; and recharge oscillator dynamics. However, some important features of ENSO are still a challenge to simulate. In the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, the models’ weaker-than-observed subsurface zonal current anomalies and zonal temperature gradient anomalies serve to weaken the nonlinear zonal advection of subsurface temperatures, leading to insufficient warm/cold asymmetry of ENSO’s sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA). In the western equatorial Pacific, the models’ excessive simulated zonal SST gradients amplify their zonal temperature advection, causing their SSTA to extend farther west than observed. The models underestimate both ENSO’s positive dynamic feedbacks (due to insufficient zonal wind stress responses to SSTA) and its thermodynamic damping (due to insufficient convective cloud shading of eastern Pacific SSTA during warm events); compensation between these biases leads to realistic linear growth rates for ENSO, but for somewhat unrealistic reasons. The models also exhibit stronger-than-observed feedbacks onto eastern equatorial Pacific SSTAs from thermocline depth anomalies, which accelerates the transitions between events and shortens the simulated ENSO period relative to observations. Implications for diagnosing and simulating ENSO in climate models are discussed.
Femtosecond Single-Pulse and Orthogonal Double-Pulse Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS): Femtogram Mass Detection and Chemical Imaging with Micrometer Spatial Resolution
Authors: Giannakaris Nikolaos , Haider Anna , Ahamer Christoph M. , Grünberger Stefan , Trautner Stefan , Pedarnig Johannes D.
Published: September 2021

Femtosecond laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (fs-LIBS) is employed to detect tiny amounts of mass ablated from macroscopic specimens and to measure chemical images of microstructured samples with high spatial resolution. Frequency-doubled fs-pulses (length 400 fs, wavelength 520 nm) are tightly focused with a Schwarzschild microscope objective to ablate the sample surface. The optical emission of laser-induced plasma (LIP) is collected by the objective and measured with an echelle spectrometer equipped with an intensified charge-coupled device camera. A second fs-laser pulse (1040 nm) in orthogonal beam arrangement is reheating the LIP. The optimization of the experimental setup and measurement parameters enables us to record single-pulse fs-LIBS spectra of 5 nm thin metal layers with an ablated mass per pulse of 100 femtogram (fg) for Cu and 370 fg for Ag films. The orthogonal double-pulse fs-LIBS enhances the recorded emission line intensities (two to three times) and improves the contrast of chemical images in comparison to single-pulse measurements. The size of ablation craters (diameters as small as 1.5 µm) is not increased by the second laser pulse. The combination of minimally invasive sampling by a tightly focused low-energy fs-pulse and of strong enhancement of plasma emission by an orthogonal high-energy fs-pulse appears promising for future LIBS chemical imaging with high spatial resolution and with high spectrochemical sensitivity.
Janabai and Gangakhed of Das Ganu: Towards ethnic unity and religious cohesion in a time of transition
Authors: Glushkova Irina
Published: September 2021

The Varkari tradition of the Marathi-language area of Western India is characterised by devotion to the god Vitthal of Pandharpur as well as the medieval saint-poets who praised him in songs and longed for his company. Modern narratives present Janabai, a poetess who lived presumably during the thirteenth to fourteenth centuries, as one of the Varkari saint-poets. Her rise to fame started in the last decade of the nineteenth century, and by the 1920s, although of obscure origin, she had been geographically pinned to Gangakhed on the Godavari River. The association with this tiny settlement in Marathwada was established by the famous Das Ganu, an itinerant minstrel and preacher. Janabai’s own celebrity reached its peak by the 1960s, when a sign of sanctity in the form of symbolic sandals was installed at the site which went on to become her temple in Gangakhed. In 1975 a new procession, that of Saint Janabai, was added to the list of more than 100 processions travelling at the same time each year to Pandharpur. This article looks into the process of nationalist ‘awakening’ and the manner in which fostering bonds of ethnic unity and religious cohesion have been essential for shaping shared identity. The Varkari tradition and its poets, including Janabai, became the main tools for the creation of a Marathi-language cultural environment and for the domestication of the terrain by and through the power of comprehensible Hindu symbols.
The significance of the apocryphal Greek Additions to Esther for the church today
Authors: deClaissé-Walford Nancy L
Published: September 2021

Over the centuries, the Protestant church has increasingly ignored the apocryphal books of the Old Testament, including the Additions to the book of Esther. This article first outlines the extent of the apocryphal material; it then discusses its origins, purported theology, and its “canonicity” in various religious traditions; it then provides a detailed examination of the content of the Greek Additions to Esther and comments on how the Additions alter or add to an understanding of the book of Esther; finally, it offers some comments on the significance of the Greek Additions to Esther for the Church today. The study concludes that the Greek Additions to Esther are a rich resource for the Christian community, providing insight into the issues confronting the diaspora Jews as they made their way in a Gentile world and essential background information for understanding the early Christian world view, enhancing an understanding of what it means to be faithful in a world that seems not to be, and showing the evolving and ever-changing status of what is considered “scripture” today.
Horribly hilarious: An interpretation of Esther
Authors: Jackson Melissa A , Young Bert
Published: September 2021

Finding humor in the book of Esther is not terribly unusual among those who read, study, and commentate on the book. Sustaining that outlook as the body count grows, however, proves more of an interpretive challenge. This interpretation of Esther, one that both adheres to the biblical narrative and follows a thread of the comic through it, undertakes that challenge. Comedy’s aspects of being revelatory and boundary-drawing enable a reading of Esther as farce that reckons with the troubling violence of Esther, without endorsing its replication beyond the story-world it inhabits.
A Review of Psychosocial Protective and Risk Factors for the Mental Well-Being of Rural LGBTQ+ Adolescents
Authors: Elliott Kayla J. , Stacciarini Jeanne-Marie R. , Jimenez Isidro A. , Rangel Andrea P. , Fanfan Dany
Published: September 2021

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer, and other gender diverse (LGBTQ+) adolescents face daunting hardships within the rural contexts they navigate (e.g., community, school), and these onerous demands make it difficult for them to maintain optimal mental well-being. This scoping review described the psychosocial protective and risk factors that shape mental well-being for rural LGBTQ+ adolescents and identified the mental health issues commonly reported by them. About 30 articles published between 2005 and 2020 were examined. A myriad of factors indicated protection of or risks to LGBTQ+ rural adolescents’ mental well-being through the social-ecological levels: individual (e.g., pressure to conform to gender norms, sexual exploration, coming out), interpersonal (e.g., connectedness, fear of rejection, religious beliefs), institutional/school (e.g., bullying victimization, social exclusion, peer/teacher intervention), and rural community (e.g., community size, local ties, social isolation). More research is needed to better understand and address rural mental health disparities for this vulnerable group.
Prisons and Mental Health: Violence, Organizational Support, and the Effects of Correctional Work
Authors: Lerman Amy E. , Harney Jessie , Sadin Meredith
Published: September 2021

Correctional workers have a high likelihood of exposure to violence in the workplace. However, empirical literature has largely neglected the mental health consequences of prison work, as well as the institutional factors that might mitigate or exacerbate these effects. To fill this gap, we employ original survey data on thousands of correctional officers to explore the effects of exposure to violence on the job. We find strong associations between violence and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide risk, as well as symptoms of depression, alcohol abuse, anxiety, and sleep disorder. Importantly, we also find a potentially protective role of institutional factors, such as the quality of perceived management and supervision. In line with the perceived organizational support (POS) model, our findings make clear that organizational support can moderate the deleterious effects of prison work.
Impact of Positive and Negative Socioemotional Behaviors on Remarital Instability
Authors: Kopystynska Olena , Bradford Kay , Higginbotham Brian , Whiteman Shawn D.
Published: September 2021

We examined the trajectories of remarried couples’ ( N = 1161) positive and negative socioemotional behaviors, which reflect the expression of love versus hostility, in relation to remarital instability across the first 3 years of remarriage. The measures of behaviors included both self and partner reports. Guided by the Vulnerability-Stress-Adaptation model of marriage, we used multi-level modeling framework to test the proposed processes at between- and within-individual levels. Whereas self- and partner-reported positive behaviors predicted less remarital instability, self- and partner-reported negative behaviors predicted greater levels of remarital instability. Individual changes in self- and partner-reported positive behaviors related to less remarital instability and only changes in partner-reported negative behaviors were associated with increased remarital instability. Findings did not vary by gender or remarital profiles. The results provide support for the emergent distress model, suggesting that the path to remarital instability is rooted in gradually increasing negativity. Implications for practitioners are discussed.
Postnatal Cytokine Trajectories in Very Preterm Infants
Authors: Nist Marliese Dion , Shoben Abigail B. , Harrison Tondi M. , Steward Deborah K. , Pickler Rita H.
Published: September 2021

Inflammation often accompanies preterm birth and contributes to poor neurodevelopment in preterm infants. The purpose of this study was to describe postnatal cytokine trajectories among non-infected very preterm infants during the first weeks of life. Blood samples for cytokine analysis were collected weekly from infants born between 28 and 31 weeks post-menstrual age. We used linear mixed models to calculate slopes for each cytokine and allowed the slopes to differ by infant biological sex and post-menstrual age at birth. Levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist decreased, on average, during the neonatal period. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels increased over time, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were stable. Interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 slopes differed by post-menstrual age at birth but were unaffected by infant sex. Knowledge of average cytokine trajectories may be useful in identifying infants with unresolving inflammation that increases their risk for poor neurodevelopment.
Experience with pulmonary endarterectomy: Lessons learned across 17 years
Authors: Shetty Varun , Punnen Julius , Natarajan Pooja , Orathi Sanjay , Khan Basha , Shetty Deviprasad
Published: September 2021

Background

Pulmonary endarterectomy is potential curative therapy for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients. Here, we present our experience with pulmonary endarterectomy spanning 17 years and detail our management strategy.

Methods

This is a single-centre retrospective study conducted on chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients who underwent pulmonary endarterectomy at our centre across 17 years.

Results

Between 2004 and 2020, 591 patients underwent pulmonary endarterectomy. Amongst them 429 (72.4%) were males with a male to female ratio of 2.6:1, the median age was 38 (range, 14–73) years. The median length of hospital stay was 11 days (IQR, 8–16). Extra corporeal membranous oxygenation was used in 82 (13.9%) patients during/after surgery, out of whom 28 (34.1%) survived. There were 70 (11.8%) in-hospital deaths. Female gender ( p < 0.01), pulmonary artery systolic pressure >100 mmHg ( p < 0.05) and use of extra corporeal membrane oxygenation ( p < 0.001) were significant risk factors for in-hospital mortality. The mortality in the first period (2004–2012) was 15.7% which reduced to 9.1% in the later period (2013–2020). The reduction in mortality rate was 42% ( p < 0.05). Following pulmonary endarterectomy, there was a significant reduction in pulmonary artery systolic pressure (86.68 ± 24.38 vs. 39.71 ± 13.13 mmHg; p < 0.001) and improvement in median walk distance as measured by 6-min walk test on follow-up (300 vs. 450 meters; p < 0.001). The median duration of follow-up was 8 months (inter-quartile range: 2–24).

Conclusions

pulmonary endarterectomy has a learning curve, high pulmonary vascular resistance alone is not a contraindication for surgery. Patients following surgery have improved survival and quality of life.