bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Reconstruction of the Acetabular Bone Defect by the Individualized Three‐Dimensional Printed Porous Augment in a Swine Model
Authors: Fu Jun , Xiang Yi , Ni Ming , Qu Xiaojuan , Zhou Yonggang , Hao Libo , Zhang Guoqiang , Chen Jiying
Published: December 2020

Background and Purpose. This study established an animal model of the acetabular bone defect in swine and evaluated the bone ingrowth, biomechanics, and matching degree of the individualized three‐dimensional (3D) printed porous augment. Methods. As an acetabular bone defect model created in Bama miniswine, an augment individually fabricated by 3D print technique with Ti6Al4V powders was implanted to repair the defect. Nine swine were divided into three groups, including the immediate biomechanics group, 12‐week biomechanics group, and 12‐week histological group. The inner structural parameters of the 3D printed porous augment were measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), including porosity, pore size, and trabecular diameter. The matching degree between the postoperative augment and the designed augment was assessed by CT scanning and 3D reconstruction. In addition, biomechanical properties, such as stiffness, compressive strength, and the elastic modulus of the 3D printed porous augment, were measured by means of a mechanical testing machine. Moreover, bone ingrowth and implant osseointegration were histomorphometrically assessed. Results. In terms of the inner structural parameters of the 3D printed porous augment, the porosity was 55.48 ± 0.61%, pore size 319.23 ± 25.05 μm, and trabecular diameter 240.10 ± 23.50 μm. Biomechanically, the stiffness was 21464.60 ± 1091.69 N/mm, compressive strength 231.10 ± 11.77 MPa, and elastic modulus 5.35 ± 0.23 GPa, respectively. Furthermore, the matching extent between the postoperative augment and the designed one was up to 91.40 ± 2.83%. Besides, the maximal shear strength of the 3D printed augment was 929.46 ± 295.99 N immediately after implantation, whereas the strength was 1521.93 ± 98.38 N 12 weeks after surgery (p = 0.0302). The bone mineral apposition rate (μm per day) 12 weeks post operation was 3.77 ± 0.93 μm/d. The percentage bone volume of new bone was 22.30 ± 4.51% 12 weeks after surgery. Conclusion. The 3D printed porous Ti6Al4V augment designed in this study was well biocompatible with bone tissue, possessed proper biomechanical features, and was anatomically well matched with the defect bone. Therefore, the 3D printed porous Ti6Al4V augment possesses great potential as an alternative for individualized treatment of severe acetabular bone defects.
Icariin Attenuates Monocrotaline‐Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension via the Inhibition of TGF‐β1/Smads Pathway in Rats
Authors: Xiang Yijia , Cai Changhong , Wu Yonghui , Yang Lebing , Ye Shiyong , Zhao Huan , Zeng Chunlai
Published: December 2020

Background. Pulmonary artery remodeling is important in the development of pulmonary artery hypertension. The TGF‐β1/Smads signaling pathway is activated in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in rats. Icariin (ICA) suppresses the TGF‐β1/Smad2 pathway in myocardial fibrosis in rats. Therefore, we investigated the role of icariin in PAH by inhibiting the TGF‐β1/Smads pathway. Methods. Rats were randomly divided into control, monocrotaline (MCT), MCT + ICA‐low, and MCT + ICA‐high groups. MCT (60 mg/kg) was subcutaneously injected to induce PAH, and icariin (50 or 100 mg/kg.d) was orally administered for 2 weeks. At the end of the fourth week, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was obtained and the right ventricular hypertrophy index (RI) was determined as the ratio of the right ventricular weight to the left ventricular plus septal weight (RV/LV + S). Western blots were used to determine the expression of TGF‐β1, Smad2/3, P‐Smad2/3, and matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP2) in lung tissues. Results. Compared to the control group, RVSP and RI were increased in the MCT group (ρ < 0.05). Additionally, TGF‐β1, Smad2/3, P‐Smad2/3, and MMP2 expressions were obviously increased (ρ < 0.01). Compared to the MCT group, RVSP and RI were decreased in the MCT + ICA group (ρ < 0.05). TGF‐β1, Smad2/3, P‐Smad2/3, and MMP2 expressions were also inhibited in the icariin treatment groups (ρ < 0.05). Conclusions. Icariin may suppress MCT‐induced PAH via the inhibition of the TGFβ1‐Smad2/3 pathway.
Latent Class Trajectory Modeling of Adult Body Mass Index and Risk of Obesity-Related Cancer: Findings from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Yi , Lynch Brigid M. , Dugué Pierre-Antoine , Karahalios Amalia , MacInnis Robert J. , Bassett Julie K. , McAleese Alison , Sinclair Craig , Giles Graham G. , Milne Roger L. , Hodge Allison M. , English Dallas R.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Obesity increases the risk of 13 cancer types. Given the long process of carcinogenesis, it is important to determine the impact of patterns of body mass over time.

Methods:

Using data from 30,377 participants in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study, we identified body mass index (BMI) trajectories across adulthood and examined their association with the risk of obesity-related cancer. Participants completed interviews and questionnaires at baseline (1990–1994, age 40–69 years), follow-up 1 (1995–1998), and follow-up 2 (2003–2005). Body mass was recalled for age 18 to 21 years, measured at baseline, self-reported at follow-up 1, and measured at follow-up 2. Height was measured at baseline. Cancer diagnoses were ascertained from the Victorian Cancer Registry and the Australian Cancer Database. A latent class trajectory model was used to identify BMI trajectories that were not defined a priori. Cox regression was used to estimate HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of obesity-related cancer risks by BMI trajectory.

Results:

Six distinct BMI trajectories were identified. Compared with people who maintained lower normal BMI, higher risks of developing obesity-related cancer were observed for participants who transitioned from normal to overweight (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.13–1.47), normal to class I obesity (HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.28–1.75), or from overweight to class II obesity (HR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.32–2.08).

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that maintaining a healthy BMI across the adult lifespan is important for cancer prevention.

Impact:

Categorization of BMI by trajectory allowed us to identify specific risk groups to target with public health interventions.
Disruption of SND1–MTDH Interaction by a High Affinity Peptide Results in SND1 Degradation and Cytotoxicity to Breast Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Li Peng , He Yunjiao , Chen Teng , Choy Kit-Ying , Chow Tsun Sing , Wong Iris L.K. , Yang Xinqing , Sun Wenqin , Su Xiaochun , Chan Tak-Hang , Chow Larry M.C.
Published: December 2020

Staphylococcal nuclease domain-containing protein 1 (SND1) is a multifunctional oncoprotein overexpressed in breast cancer. Binding of metadherin (MTDH) to SND1 results in the stabilization of SND1 and is important in the initiation and progression of breast cancer. Disruption of such interaction is a potential therapeutic for breast cancer. SN1/2 domain of SND1 was used as bait in a phage display screening to identify a 12-amino acid peptide 4-2. The activity of peptide 4-2 was evaluated by ELISA, coimmunoprecipitation, MTS, Western blot analysis, and xenograft mouse model. Peptide 4-2 could disrupt SND1–MTDH interaction. Cell penetrating derivative of peptide 4–2 (CPP-4–2) could penetrate and kill breast cancer cells by disrupting SND1–MTDH interaction and degrading SND1. Tryptophan 10 (W10) of peptide 4-2 was essential in mediating cytotoxicity, SND1 interaction, SND1–MTDH disruption, and SND1 degradation. CPP-4-2 could inhibit the growth of breast cancer in a xenograft mouse model. The SND1-interacting peptide 4-2 could kill breast cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo by interacting with SND1, disrupting SND1–MTDH interaction, and inducing SND1 degradation. W10 was an essential amino acid in the activity of peptide 4-2.
Chronic Metabolic Acidosis in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Patschan Daniel , Patschan Susann , Ritter Oliver
Published: December 2020

Background: Metabolic acidosis may be diagnosed as chronic (cMA) if it persists for at least 5 days, although an exact definition has not been provided by any guidelines yet. The most common cause is CKD; numerous less-known diseases can also account for cMA. Summary: In recent years, CKD-associated cMA has been proposed to induce several clinical complications. The aim of the article was to assess the current clinical evidence for complications and the respective management of CKD-associated cMA. In summary, cMA in CKD most likely promotes protein degradation and loss of bone mineral density. It aggravates CKD progression as indicated by experimental and (partly) clinical data. Therefore, cMA control must be recommended. Besides oral bicarbonate, dietary interventions potentially offer an alternative. Veverimer is a future option for cMA control; further systematic data are needed. Conclusions:The most common cause of cMA is CKD. CKD-associated cMA most likely induces a negative protein balance; the exact role on bone metabolism remains uncertain. It presumably aggravates CKD progression. cMA control is recommendable; the serum bicarbonate target level should range around 24 mEq/L. Veverimer may be established as future option for cMA control; further systematic data are needed.
Repeatability of Commonly Used Speech and Language Features for Clinical Applications
Authors: Stegmann Gabriela M. , Hahn Shira , Liss Julie , Shefner Jeremy , Rutkove Seward B. , Kawabata Kan , Bhandari Samarth , Shelton Kerisa , Duncan Cayla Jessica , Berisha Visar
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Changes in speech have the potential to provide important information on the diagnosis and progression of various neurological diseases. Many researchers have relied on open-source speech features to develop algorithms for measuring speech changes in clinical populations as they are convenient and easy to use. However, the repeatability of open-source features in the context of neurological diseases has not been studied. Methods: We used a longitudinal sample of healthy controls, individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and individuals with suspected frontotemporal dementia, and we evaluated the repeatability of acoustic and language features separately on these 3 data sets. Results: Repeatability was evaluated using intraclass correlation (ICC) and the within-subjects coefficient of variation (WSCV). In 3 sets of tasks, the median ICC were between 0.02 and 0.55, and the median WSCV were between 29 and 79%. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that the repeatability of speech features extracted using open-source tool kits is low. Researchers should exercise caution when developing digital health models with open-source speech features. We provide a detailed summary of feature-by-feature repeatability results (ICC, WSCV, SE of measurement, limits of agreement for WSCV, and minimal detectable change) in the online supplementary material so that researchers may incorporate repeatability information into the models they develop.
Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration is Associated with Improved Survival in Burn Patients with Shock: A Subset Analysis of a Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Hill David M. , Rizzo Julie A. , Aden James K. , Hickerson William L. , Chung Kevin K. ,   RESCUE Investigators
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with high mortality in burn patients. Previously, we reported that timely initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT) with an individualized preference toward continuous modes at relatively higher than recommended doses has become standard practice in critically ill burn patients with AKI and is associated with a historically low mortality. The purpose of this cohort analysis was to determine if modality choice impacted survival in burn patients. Methods: After Institutional Review Board approval, a subset analysis was performed on de-identified data collected during a multicenter, observational study. All patients (n = 170) were 18 years or older, admitted with severe burn injuries and started on RRT. Comparisons were made utilizing χ2 or Fisher’s exact test. Kaplan-Meier plots were utilized to assess survival. Sample size determinations to aid future research were calculated utilizing χ2 test with a Yates Correction Factor. Results: Demographics and revised Baux were similar between groups. When continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) was compared to all other modalities, there was no statistically significant difference in survival (56 vs. 43%, p = 0.124). However, survival was significantly improved (54 vs. 37%, p = 0.032) in the subset of patients requiring vasopressors (n = 77). There was no statistically significant survival difference in patients with inhalation injury (38 vs. 29%, p = 0.638) or acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (51 vs. 33%, p = 0.11). Discussion/Conclusion: Survival may be improved if CVVH is chosen as the preferred modality in burn patients with shock and requiring RRT. Differences in other subsets were promising, but analysis was underpowered. Further research should determine if modality choice provides survival benefit in any other subset of burn injury.
Valve-in-Valve and Valve-in-Ring Transcatheter Mitral Valve Implantation in Young Women Contemplating Pregnancy
Authors: Fuchs Adeline , Urena Marina , Chong-Nguyen Caroline , Kikoïne John , Brochet Eric , Abtan Jérémie , Fischer Quentin , Ducrocq Grégory , Vahanian Alec , Iung Bernard , Himbert Dominique
Published: December 2020

Background:

Transcatheter mitral valve implantation (TMVI) is emerging as an alternative to surgical mitral valve replacement in selected high-risk patients. Delaying definitive mechanical mitral valve replacement and the constraints of anticoagulation thanks to TMVI may be an attractive option in young women contemplating pregnancy and suffering from failure of mitral bioprosthesis or annuloplasty. The aim of the study was to evaluate the possibility, safety, and outcomes of pregnancy after TMVI in this population.

Methods:

From 2013 to 2019, 12 young women contemplating pregnancy underwent transseptal valve-in-valve or valve-in-ring TMVI using the Edwards SAPIEN XT/3 valves and were prospectively followed up at 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, and yearly thereafter.

Results:

Mean age of the patients was 30±6 years. Bioprosthesis degeneration was observed in 7 cases and annuloplasty failure in 5. Three valve-in-ring patients required the implantation of a second valve, which led to an overall procedural success rate of 75%. One delayed left ventricular outflow tract obstruction required elective surgical mitral valve replacement. At 6 months/1 year, 83% of the patients were in New York Heart Association classes I/II. Mitral regurgitation was ≤2+ in all the cases and mean gradient was 7±2 mm Hg. Four patients could complete 6 full-term pregnancies. One symptomatic thrombosis occurred and resolved under aspirin and anticoagulation therapy. All others pregnancies were uneventful. Predelivery mean gradient was 11 mm Hg, and systolic pulmonary artery pressure was 32 mm Hg. There were 4 vaginal deliveries and 2 cesarians. Newborns were alive and healthy. At last follow-up, there was no death, and 3 patients required elective surgical mitral valve replacement at 6- to 54-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

Our study suggests that, in young women, transseptal TMVI to treat failing bioprostheses may result in good short-term outcomes that allow uneventful pregnancies. The results are less favorable in women with failed annuloplasty rings.
Functional outcome and quality of life following treatment for post-traumatic osteomyelitis of long bones
Authors: Zayzan KR , Yusof NM , Sulong AF , Zakaria Z , Ab Rahman J
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION The clinical outcomes and factors associated with treatment failure of post-traumatic osteomyelitis have been investigated in many studies. However, limb functionality and quality of life following treatment for this condition have not been thoroughly studied. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 47 patients with post-traumatic osteomyelitis of the lower limb. Functional outcome was assessed using the Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS), and quality of life was assessed using the validated Malay version of the Short Form-36 questionnaire version 2. RESULTS The mean follow-up period was 4.6 (range 2.3–9.5) years, and the median age of the patients was 44 years. Osteomyelitis was located in the tibia for 26 patients and in the femur for 21 patients. Osteomyelitis was consequent to internal infection in 38 patients and due to infected open fractures in nine patients. 42 (89.4%) patients had fracture union and control of infection. Bone defect was found to be a significant contributing factor for treatment failure (p = 0.008). The median LEFS for the success group was 65, compared to 49 for the failure group. Although the success group showed better scores with regard to quality of life, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Treatment of post-traumatic osteomyelitis of the lower limb had a high success rate. The presence of a bone defect was associated with treatment failure. Successfully treated patients had significantly better functional outcomes than in those in whom treatment failed.
Further notes on the flower chafer genus Platysodes Westwood, 1873 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) with description of a new species from Himalaya
Authors: QIU JIAN-YUE , XU HAO
Published: December 2020

Platysodes sabatinellii Qiu & Xu, new species, is described from southern Himalaya. Additional distributional records are given for the known species, and P. formosanus Kobayashi, 1990, which is previously considered endemic to Taiwan Island, is here recorded from the nearby Asian continent. An updated key to species of the genus is also presented.
A new species of Aplectana Railliet & Henry (Nematoda: Cosmocercidae)
in Amphisbaena alba Linnaeus (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae) from Minas Gerais State, Brazil
Authors: VIEIRA FABIANO MATOS , GONÇALVES PAULA ARAUJO , LIMA SUELI DE SOUZA , DE SOUSA BERNADETE MARIA , MUNIZ-PEREIRA LUÍS CLÁUDIO
Published: December 2020

In the present study, we described and illustrated Aplectana minaensis n. sp. (Ascaridida: Cosmocercidae) from the intestinal caecum of Amphisbaena alba Linnaeus (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae). Aplectana minaensis n. sp. is the 5th species described in Brazilian hosts and 58th species assigned to the genus. This species differs from its congeners by a set of unique characters in males: the presence of one unpaired precloacal papilla and gubernaculum, the papillae pattern (4+1:2:6) and total number (12+1), and the size of spicules (400–605 µm). Among the Aplectana species with an unpaired precloacal papilla and gubernaculum, only A. minaensis n. sp. and A. nebulosa Gomez, González & Sanabria, has less than 20 pairs of caudal papillae. However, these species differ in the number of caudal papillae in males (12+1 vs. 13–14+1, respectively); the number and arrangement of post cloacal papillae (6 pairs: 1st to 4th pairs ventral, 5th pair laterodorsal, 6th pairventral vs. five pairs: 1st and 2nd ventral, 3rd lateral, 4th ventral, 5th lateral); and by the size of spicules (413–600 vs. 85–126 µm).
Clarification of early end-points for refinement of animal experiments, with specific reference to fish
Authors: Ellis Tim , Katsiadaki Ioanna
Published: December 2020

Appropriate end-points are integral to the refinement of laboratory animal experiments. Our recent experience has highlighted that ambiguity around end-points is hampering their adoption in experiments that cause severe suffering to fish. In toxicology, the term endpoint (single word) refers to the response variable to the treatment that is measured and analysed. This differs to usage within laboratory animal experimentation, where end-point (hyphenated) refers to the time-point when exposure of the animal(s) to the treatment (and suffering) ends. Within laboratory animal experimentation, standardised terminology is needed for different types of early end-point which are based on the condition of the animal(s) or progress of the experiment. We propose that those involved in regulating and conducting animal experiments consider seven distinct types of early end-point (aim, technical error, biological error, mortality, moribundity, prognostic humane, non-prognostic humane) in addition to the planned experimental end-point (i.e. maximum duration). Moribundity (not morbidity) refers to an animal in a severely debilitated state close to death. Moribundity in fish is not yet defined, so we propose identification via a lack of response to external stimuli, loss of equilibrium (i.e. loss of righting reflex), and a slow opercular ventilation rate. As these clinical signs equate to those of deep/surgical anaesthesia, this moribundity end-point cannot be considered a humane end-point as the fish is likely to be unconscious and have passed the point of maximum suffering. We believe that identification of earlier humane end-points based on clinical signs and wider recognition of other types of early end-point can reduce suffering in experiments.
The Holistic Grief Effects of Bereaved Black Female College Students
Authors: Varga Mary Alice , Bordere Tashel C. , Varga Matthew D.
Published: December 2020

This study examined the holistic grief effects of Black female college students. A total of 105 participants from two universities, who identified as Black or African American females, completed a questionnaire regarding death losses and grief effects they experienced. Descriptive statistics and ANOVAs examined between-group differences based on loss experiences. Linear regressions predicted the grief effects Black female college students experience based on time since loss and cause of death. Participants displayed holistic grief effects in all six dimensions of cognitive, emotional, behavioral, physical, interpersonal, and spiritual/world assumptions, with emotional and cognitive effects as the most experienced grief effects. The cause of death had a statistically significant effect on grief effects with suicide and murder, displaying higher mean effects. Although statistically significant relationships were not found between grief effects and time of loss, most mean effects peaked at 7–12 months post-loss. Implications and recommendations for future research are provided.
The politics of recognition and planning practices in diverse neighbourhoods: Korean Chinese in Garibong-dong, Seoul
Authors: Cho Hyunji
Published: December 2020

Whilst involving diverse local groups in urban policies is a key concern for planners, mechanisms to enable participation are often based on the problematic process of identifying minority groups. This paper concentrates on the concept of recognition when investigating the marginalisation of immigrant groups in local policymaking. It demonstrates that urban policies are sometimes built upon categorisations that reproduce a hierarchical relationship between ethnic groups, and thus inadvertently act as a possible barrier towards ethnic minorities. The findings draw upon qualitative research in Garibong-dong, Seoul, South Korea, a neighbourhood with a significant Korean Chinese population. I argue that participatory processes need to understand more carefully how the processes of group identification, as practised by planners and state officials, are integral to the transformation of group relations. In turn, this requires loosening ideas about how desirable qualities are identified in potential community participation and rethinking presumptions about ethnic minorities. Only then can engagement proceed in more equitable ways within planning systems.
The certification of vision impairment: A regional 21st century perspective
Authors: Jackson A J , Cushley L , McCann R , Gallagher Máire , Witherow J , Moutray T
Published: December 2020

Certification and registration of those who are sight impaired (SI) provides commissioners, and the providers of health and social care support to those with vision loss, with quantifiable data on the extent of blindness and sight impairment within a community. In this article, we outline the results of a comprehensive review of certification/registration pathways and processes in Northern Ireland and highlight achievements to date. The Developing Eyecare Partnership (DEP) CVI Task Group established by the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) reviewed all certification/registration processes, pathways and issues that may have contributed to regional under certification/registration. This was undertaken to ensure timely certification/registration of those who may benefit from being certified as either Severely Sight Impaired (SSI) or SI, and in so doing improving patient pathways and access to services. Activity included a review of all available epidemiological data collected in the 2-year periods before and after the introduction of the new pathway (January 1, 2018). This work has resulted in changes to the terminology used in relevant Northern Ireland legislation and other documentation concerning certification/registration. It has also resulted in the creation of more timely and efficient referral pathways and improvements in the quality of information available on certification and the process. Increased awareness of the certification process by health and social care professionals has resulted in a 22.5% increase in certifications over the 2-year period, before COVID-19. Certification rates are now comparable with those from other areas of the United Kingdom. The workings of the DEP CVI group, over a 5-year period, have increased awareness about SI and SSI Certification among patients and Health and Social Care Providers and have improved the quality of local epidemiological data on vision impairment. A patient-based evaluation of the new pathway is planned for 2020.
The Gender Thing: Apparatuses and Intra-Agential Ethos
Authors: Prügl Elisabeth
Published: December 2020

In international governance circles it has become common to refer to gender interventions as “the gender thing.” The article takes this formulation as an opportunity to interrogate what a new materialist approach, such as that formulated in Laura Zanotti’s Ontological Entanglements, Agency, and Ethics in International Relations, could mean for international feminist theory and praxis. It first discusses the different ways in which gender emerges as an `apparatus’, juxtaposing Foucauldian formulations of gender as a biopolitical tool to Barad’s conceptualization of an apparatus as a measuring instrument and her understanding of gender as an apparatus of bodily production. Second, the article explores Zanotti’s development of the notion of intra-agential ethos and brings it into conversation with reflections on ethics and praxis in feminist IR. It critiques the erasure of languages of power from Barad’s theory and the failure to attend to difference in Zanotti’s notion of an intra-agential ethos. It concludes with an interpretation of what could be meant by references to “the gender thing” in international governance circles and develops connecting points between Zanotti’s intra-agential ethos and international feminist praxis.
Forum on Laura Zanotti, Ontological Entanglements, Agency, and Ethics in International Relations: Exploring the Crossroads (Routledge, 2019)
Authors: Murphy Michael P. A.
Published: December 2020

This forum addresses Laura Zanotti’s Ontological Entanglements, Agency, and Ethics in International Relations: Exploring the Crossroads, a landmark work for quantum International Relations (IR) that seeks to demonstrate the critical purchase of quantum thinking for exploring novel worldview. Interveners question the value added by the quantum turn in IR theory, both as it related to critical and broader debates. Zanotti’s particular intervention – drawing on a wide variety of themes in social theory, peace studies, feminist theory, metatheoretical debates in IR, international organisations, international development, and beyond – is approaches from the perspective of feminist theory, affect theory, temporality, philosophy of social science, and critical theory. In the spirit of exploring the crossroads, this forum brings together different lines of thinking that intersect through Ontological Entanglements but also extend onward, opening provocative questions for future scholarship in critical quantum IR.
Rapid estimation of fatigue limit for C45 steel by thermography and digital image correlation
Authors: Colombo Chiara , Sansone Mauro , Patriarca Luca , Vergani Laura
Published: December 2020

Combining thermography and Digital Image Correlation (DIC) measurements, this paper aims to experimentally capture the fatigue damage phenomenon in steels, with a methodology allowing to rapidly estimate the fatigue limit. Surface temperatures and displacement fields are collected during fatigue tests performed with blocks of progressively increased stress amplitude, at different stress ratios. Results show that both thermography and DIC-based parameters have bilinear trends as a function of the stress amplitude. These changes in the thermal and mechanical behaviours, highly sensitive to the selected stress ratio, are related to damage initiation due to microplasticity and give a precise and rapid estimation of the fatigue limit.
Material flow modeling for the DSFSW of magnesium alloy
Authors: Asadi Parviz , Mirzaei MohammadHosein
Published: December 2020

The Coupled Eulerian Lagrangian (CEL) method is utilized to model the double shoulder friction stir welding (DSFSW) of AZ91 magnesium alloy and then the model is verified by the experiments. The effects of tool rotational speed and sheet thickness on temperature and strain distributions as well as the material flow patterns are considered at different steps of the process. The material flow pattern around the tool pin is demonstrated properly and the shoulder driven and pin driven zones are predicted very well. Results show that, the material movement in shoulder driven and pin driven zones is different, while it is from the advancing side (AS) to the retreating side (RS) in the pin driven zone, it is inverse in the shoulder driven zone. Additionally, increase in rotational speed raises the maximum temperature and strain, improves the material movement, expands the SZ width and increases the depth of shoulder driven zone. Furthermore, increase in sheet thickness results in a decrease in maximum temperature and strain as well as the material movement. In the sheets with low thickness due to the effects of two shoulders, the pin driven zone is not distinguishable, however in thicker welding sheets the pin driven zone is obvious by significantly lower strains.
Foreign Object Insertion in Sexual Homicide: A New Perspective
Authors: Beauregard Eric , Chopin Julien , Darjee Rajan
Published: December 2020

Foreign object insertion (FOI) is considered as an unusual behavior and has been defined as the involuntary insertion of any object, by another individual, into any orifice of the victim. Although there is some research on the prevalence and nature of FOI in sexual homicides, there is very little on the characteristics of cases where FOI occurs, and no previous research has compared cases with and without FOI. Given the lack of research on FOI in general and the dissemination of untested ideas regarding the correlates of this behavior specifically, the current study aims to shine new light on sexual homicide cases involving FOI by examining the offender, victim, and crime characteristics associated with FOI. Using a sample of 662 cases of sexual homicide, chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used to compare cases with and without FOI. Results showed that offenders who experienced sexual dysfunction and victims who used alcohol/drugs prior to the crime were more likely to be involved in cases with FOI. Cases where victims were beaten, vaginal/anal fisting acts were perpetrated, and mutilation of genitals were observed, were more likely to show evidence of FOI. Finally, postmortem sexual activities and the use of strategies by offenders to avoid police detection were also more likely to occur in sexual homicide cases characterized by FOI. These findings are discussed in light of the literature on sexual homicide, the vulnerability of victims, and the manifestation of sadism. Practical implications are also discussed.
Negligible effects of birth order on selection into scientific and artistic careers, creativity, and status attainment
Authors: Ioana Damian Rodica , Spengler Marion
Published: December 2020

We tested birth order effects on selection into different careers (scientific, artistic, and creative) and status attainment (educational attainment, occupational prestige, and income) using a large sample ( n = 3763), a longitudinal design, and relevant controls. Additionally, we tested mediation of birth order effects on career outcomes via personality traits, intelligence, and educational attainment. We found negligible birth order effects ranging from 0.02 to 0.12 on a correlational metric, where firstborns (vs. laterborns) selected into more creative careers and attained higher prestige and education. Conditional on the theoretically based mediation models tested, results showed that intelligence and educational attainment (but not personality traits) accounted for a statistically significant portion of the variance in the links between birth order and career outcomes. No direct effects of birth order on career outcomes remained when accounting for indirect effects through educational attainment. These findings bring modest support to the confluence model, no support to the niche-finding model, and suggest that one possible route via which birth order might impact career outcomes (if at all) could be via educational attainment.
Gender Differences in the Social Consequences of Unemployment: How Job Loss Affects the Risk of Becoming Socially Isolated
Authors: Eckhard Jan
Published: December 2020

Using longitudinal data from the German Socio-Economic Panel, the study examines whether the impact of unemployment on the risk of becoming socially isolated is different for women and men and whether it can be traced back to financial straits. An isolating effect of unemployment is found only with regard to men, to long-term unemployment, and to social isolation in terms of scarce contact to friends and family. There is no such effect with regard to women, to short-time unemployment, and to social isolation in terms of a non-participation in civic associations. It is also found that the isolating impact of unemployment is only to a small extent attributable to the financial situation of the unemployed.
Francis turbine electrohydraulic inlet guide vane control by artificial neural network 2 degree-of-freedom PID controller with actuator fault
Authors: J Vinod , Sarkar Bikash Kumar
Published: December 2020

Hydropower system has great attention due to the cheapest and simplest renewable power generation, available potential and environmental concern. Francis turbine has wide operating range compare to other hydro turbine runner. Electrohydraulic Francis turbine inlet guide vane system has advantages like, high power density, self-lubrication property, very good controllability and rugged. Francis turbine inlet guide vane system consists of inlet guide vane actuation system, ring inlet guide blade arrangement, and controller. The main challenges with the electrohydraulically actuated inlet guide vane system are nonlinear characteristic, parametric uncertainty, and external disturbances. Further with respect to the real-life application of the electrohydraulic actuator piston seal damage may occur due to fitting problem of the seal, impurities in the hydraulic oil, high temperature of the hydraulic oil and so on. Recently some researchers are reported on modelling accuracy, accurate controller design and stability analysis. In the present study mathematical model of the Francis turbine has been developed based on velocity diagram to capture effect of water flow dynamics on turbine power generation with the consideration of Euler’s equation of turbo machinery. Detailed mathematical model of the inlet guide vane actuating system has been integrated with Francis turbine model. Artificial neural network 2 degree-of-freedom proportional integral derivative controller has been developed for Francis turbine power/speed control. The controller performance has been studied with the consideration of actuator piston seal damage. The controller performance has been studied with 30%, 60%, and 90% step increase of power demand. The controller performance also has been studied with 0.005 and 0.05 Hz frequency sinusoidal power demand. The proposed controller performance has been compared with conventional proportional integral derivative controller through various performance indexes. The proposed controller performances also have been compared with recently reported work due to step increase of torque and step decreases of power demand.
Outcome of clinical and subclinical myocardial injury in systemic lupus erythematosus – A prospective cohort study
Authors: du Toit Riette , Herbst Phillip G , Ackerman Christelle , Pecoraro Alfonso JK , Claassen Dirk , Cyster Henry P , Reuter Helmuth , Doubell Anton F
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To determine the outcome of subclinical lupus myocarditis (LM) over twelve months with regards to: mortality; incidence of clinical LM and change in imaging parameters (echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance [CMR]). To evaluate the impact of immunosuppression on CMR evidence of myocardial tissue injury.

Methods

SLE patients with and without CMR evidence of myocardial injury (as per 2009 Lake Louise criteria [LLC]) were included. Analysis at baseline and follow-up included: clinical evaluation, laboratory and imaging analyses (echocardiography and CMR). Clinical LM was defined as clinical features of LM supported by echocardiographic and/or biochemical evidence of myocardial dysfunction. Subclinical LM was defined as CMR myocardial injury without clinical LM.

Results

Forty-nine SLE patients were included with follow-up analyses (after 12 months) available in 36 patients. Twenty-five patients (51%) received intensified immunosuppressive therapy during follow-up for indications related to SLE. Disease activity (SLEDAI-2K) improved (p < 0.001) from 13 (median;IQR:9–20) to 7 (3–11). One patient without initial CMR evidence of myocardial injury developed clinical LM. Mortality (n = 10) and SLE clinical features were similar between patients with and without initial CMR myocardial injury. Echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p = 0.014), right ventricular function (p = 0.001) and wall motion abnormalities (p = 0.056) improved significantly but not strain analyses nor the left LV internal diameter index. CMR mass index (p = 0.011) and LVEF (p < 0.001) improved with follow-up but not parameters identifying myocardial tissue injury (LLC). A trend towards a reduction in the presence of CMR criteria was counterbalanced by persistence (n = 7) /development of new criteria (n = 11) in patients. Change in CMR mass index correlated with change in T2-weighted signal (myocardial oedema) (r = 386;p = 0.024). Intensified immunosuppressive therapy had no significant effect on CMR parameters.

Conclusion

CMR evidence of subclinical LM persisted despite improved SLEDAI-2K, serological markers, cardiac function and CMR mass index. Subclinical LM did not progress to clinical LM and had no significant prognostic implications over 12 months. Immunosuppressive therapy did not have any significant effect on the presence of CMR evidence of myocardial tissue injury. Improvement in CMR mass index correlated with reduction in myocardial oedema and may be used to monitor SLE myocardial injury.
Function and Gene Expression of Islets Experimentally Transplanted to Muscle and Omentum
Authors: Espes Daniel , Liljebäck Hanna , Franzén Petra , Quach My , Lau Joey , Carlsson Per-Ola
Published: December 2020

Islet transplantation to the liver is a potential curative treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes. Muscle and the greater omentum are two alternative implantation sites, which can provide excellent engraftment and hold potential as future sites for stem-cell-derived beta-cell replacement. We evaluated the functional outcome after islet transplantation to muscle and omentum and found that alloxan-diabetic animals were cured with a low number of islets (200) at both sites. The cured animals had a normal area under the curve blood glucose response to intravenous glucose, albeit animals with intramuscular islet grafts had increased 120-min blood glucose levels. They also demonstrated an exaggerated counter regulatory response to hypoglycemia. The expression of genes important for beta-cell function was, at both implantation sites, comparable to that in native pancreatic islets. The gene expression of insulin (INS1 and INS2) and glucose transporter-2 was even increased, and the expression of lactate dehydrogenase decreased, at both sites when compared to native islets. We conclude that muscle and omentum provide excellent conditions for engraftment of transplanted islets. When compared to control, 200 islets implanted to the omentum displayed a restored glucose tolerance, whereas animals with intramuscular islet grafts of similar size displayed mild glucose intolerance.
Drinking Together and Drinking Alone: A Social-Contextual Framework for Examining Risk for Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Creswell Kasey G.
Published: December 2020

The context in which drinking occurs is a critical but relatively understudied factor in alcohol use disorder (AUD) etiology. In this article, I offer a social-contextual framework for examining AUD risk by reviewing studies on the unique antecedents and deleterious consequences of social compared with solitary alcohol use in adolescents and young adults. Specifically, I provide evidence of distinct emotion regulatory functions across settings, in which social drinking is linked to enhancing positive emotions and social experiences, and solitary drinking is linked to coping with negative emotions. I end by considering the conceptual, methodological, and clinical implications of this social-contextual account of AUD risk.
Do Shareholder Activism Effect Corporate Governance and Related Party Transactions: Evidences from India?
Authors: Islam Ajaz Ul
Published: December 2020

The study investigates the relationship between corporate governance performance, related party transactions and shareholder activism among listed firms in India. The study provides valuable insights into the impact of shareholder activism on corporate governance performance (CGP) and the occurrence of related party transactions (RPTs). Results infer a significant difference in overall CGP between the firms subjected to shareholder activism and firms not subjected to shareholder activism. The study proposes significant evidence on the close monitoring of the governance practices of the firm by activists’ investor and they respond immediately to any evidence of poor governance practice of the firm. A significant difference was found in the amount of sales to RP prior to the incidence of SA than the post incidence of SA for the firms subjected to SA. However, no such difference was found with respect to other major components of RP.
Repurposing From Oncology to Cardiology: Low-Dose 5-Azacytidine Attenuates Pathological Cardiac Remodeling in Response to Pressure Overload Injury
Authors: Russell-Hallinan Adam , Neary Roisin , Watson Chris J. , Baugh John A.
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

Recent evidence suggests that transcriptional reprogramming is involved in the pathogenesis of cardiac remodeling (cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and fibrosis) and the development of heart failure. 5-Azacytidine (5aza), an inhibitor of DNA methylation approved for hematological malignancies, has previously demonstrated beneficial effects on cardiac remodeling in hypertension. The aim of our work was to investigate whether pressure overload is associated with alterations in DNA methylation and if intervention with low-dose 5aza can attenuate the associated pathological changes.

Methods and Results:

C57Bl6/J mice underwent surgical constriction of the aortic arch for 8 weeks. Mice began treatment 4 weeks post-surgery with either vehicle or 5aza (5 mg/kg). Cardiac structure and function was examined in vivo using echocardiography followed by post mortem histological assessment of hypertrophy and fibrosis. Global DNA methylation was examined by immunostaining for 5-methylcytosine (5MeC) and assessment of DNA methyltransferase expression. The results highlighted that pressure overload-induced pathological cardiac remodeling is associated with increased DNA methylation (elevated cardiac 5MeC positivity and Dnmt1 expression). Administration of 5aza attenuated pathological remodeling and diastolic dysfunction. These beneficial changes were mirrored by a treatment-related reduction in global 5MeC levels and expression of Dnmt1 and Dnmt3B in the heart.

Conclusion:

DNA methylation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling. Therapeutic intervention with 5aza, at a dose 5 times lower than clinically given for oncology treatment, attenuated myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis. Our work supports the rationale for its potential use in cardiac pathologies associated with aberrant cardiac wound healing.
Exploring the Domestic Abuse Narratives of Trans and Nonbinary People and the Role of Cisgenderism in Identity Abuse, Misgendering, and Pathologizing
Authors: Rogers Michaela M.
Published: December 2020

Drawing on data from two empirical studies, this article employs cisgenderism as a conceptual tool to explore trans people’s experiences of domestic violence and abuse (DVA). Distinct modes of cisgenderism are analyzed. These are identity abuse, microaggressions, misgendering, and pathologizing practices. Qualitative data were collected via semistructured interviews ( n = 24). Two inclusion criteria were used for this secondary analysis requiring participants to self-identify as trans or nonbinary and have experience of DVA. The findings illuminate the extent of cisgenderism as underpinning experiences of DVA. The article ends with a call for further theoretical and empirical research in this regard.