bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oligogenic Causes of Human Differences of Sex Development: Facing the Challenge of Genetic Complexity
Authors: Kouri Chrysanthi , Sommer Grit , Flück Christa E.
Published: September 2021

Background: Deviations of intrauterine sex determination and differentiation and postnatal sex development can result in a very heterogeneous group of differences of sex development (DSD) with a broad spectrum of phenotypes. Variants in genes involved in sexual development cause different types of DSD, but predicting the phenotype from an individual’s genotype and vice versa remains challenging. Summary: Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) studies suggested that oligogenic inheritance contributes to the broad manifestation of DSD phenotypes. This review will focus on possible oligogenic inheritance in DSD identified by NGS studies with a special emphasis on NR5A1variants as an example of oligogenic origin associated with a broad range of DSD phenotypes. We thoroughly searched the literature for evidence regarding oligogenic inheritance in DSD diagnosis with NGS technology and describe the challenges to interpret contribution of these genes to DSD phenotypic variability and pathogenicity. Key Messages: Variants in common DSD genes like androgen receptor (AR), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 (MAP3K1), Hydroxy-Delta-5-Steroid Dehydrogenase 3 Beta- And Steroid Delta-Isomerase 2 (HSD3B2), GATA Binding Protein 4 (GATA4), zinc finger protein friend of GATA family member 2 (ZFPM2), 17b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (HSD17B3), mastermind-like domain-containing protein 1 (MAMLD1), and nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 (NR5A1) have been detected in combination with additional variants in related genes in DSD patients with a broad range of phenotypes, implying a role of oligogenic inheritance in DSD, while still awaiting proof. Use of NGS approach for genetic diagnosis of DSD patients can reveal more complex genetic traits supporting the concept of oligogenic cause of DSD. However, assessing the pathomechanistic contribution of multiple gene variants on a DSD phenotype remains an unsolved conundrum.
Two Level Clustering for Quality Improvement using Fuzzy Subtractive Clustering and Self-Organizing Map
Authors: Lisangan Erick Alfons , Musdholifah Aina , Hartati Sri
Published: September 2021

Recently, clustering algorithms combined conventional methods and artificial intelligence. FSC-SOM is designed to handle the problem of SOM, such as defining the number of clusters and initial value of neuron weights. FSC find the number of clusters and the cluster centers which become the parameter of SOM. FSC-SOM is expected to improve the quality of FSC since the determination of the cluster centers are processed twice i.e. searching for data with high density at FSC then updating the cluster centers at SOM. FSC-SOM was tested using 10 datasets that is measured with F-Measure, entropy, Silhouette Index, and Dunn Index. The result showed that FSC-SOM can improve the cluster center of FSC with SOM in order to obtain the better quality of clustering results. The clustering result of FSC-SOM is better than or equal to the clustering result of FSC that proven by the value of external and internal validity measurement.
LEC-TMAC: Improving Energy Consumption & Latency in TMAC Protocol for Wireless Body Area Network
Authors: Kumar Upadhayay Shravan , Gupta Mansi
Published: September 2021

The most common protocols for Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) like TMAC, ZigBeeMAC, Baseline MAC protocol .In this paper, evaluating the effects of LEC-TMAC Protocol wireless body area network basis of Latency and energy consumption. This analysis is important in point of view that the varying requirement of WBAN according to varying conditions. In LEC-TMAC, the application packet rate of nodes a considerable effect is observed on latency and energy consumption for MAC protocols that is presented in the paper. As a conclusion, we invoke a number of new research challenges with regard to prospects of Wireless body area network and other issues.
Cyber Security Threats in Synchrophasor System in Wide Area Monitoring System
Authors: Kumar Surender , Soni M K , Jain D K
Published: September 2021

Cyber security has become a critical priority for electric utilities. With the increase in the use of intelligent measuring devices like PMUs and more advanced communications and information technology in smart grid, the overall attack surface has increased. Cyber attacks against synchrophasor system critical infrastructure are detrimental to the functioning of the society as a whole. This paper presents the latest on cyber security of synchrophasor system in smart grid, specifically; it focuses on the deep understanding of the risk in terms of threats, vulnerabilities and consequences that arise from cyber attacks. Since the research on cyber security for the smart grid is still in its early stage, our objective is to provide an overview, analyze potential cyber security threats, and review existing security solutions in the Wide Area Monitoring System.
Model Predictive Control of Two-Area Load Frequency Control Based Imperialist Competitive Algorithm
Authors: Elsisi M. , Aboelela M. A. S. , Soliman M. , Mansour W.
Published: September 2021

Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA) has recently been explored to develop a novel algorithm for distributed optimization and control. This paper proposes a Model Predictive Control (MPC) of Load Frequency Control (LFC) based ICA to enhance the damping of oscillations in a two-area power system. A two-area non-reheat thermal system is considered to be equipped with Model Predictive Control (MPC). ICA is utilized to search for optimal controller parameters by minimizing a time-domain based objective function. The performance of the proposed controller has been evaluated with the performance of the conventional PI controller, and  PI  controller  tuned  by  ICA in  order  to  demonstrate  the  superior efficiency of the proposed MPC tuned by ICA. Simulation results emphasis on the better performance of the optimized MPC based on ICA in compare to optimized PI controller based on ICA and conventional one over wide range of operating conditions, and system parameters variations.
Performance Analysis of Various Phases of SRM with Classical and New Compact Converter
Authors: Mohamed Saleem S.M. , Senthil Murugan L.
Published: September 2021

In recent years, considerable attention has been given to find the compact and low cost power converter topology for Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) drive to meet the emerging applications such as plotters, fans, pumps, screw rotary compressor drives, high speed application drives above 30,000 RPM. This paper is concerned with such as attempt to formulate a new compact power converter for SRM drive. The proposed power converter has reduced number of power electronic components which makes the converter compact and also reduce the switching losses. The power factor plays a vital issue in the usage of power electronic converters. The power boost converter and PI controller. A Simulink system is developed for 3Φ SRM by using MATLAB software. The proposed converter performance is compared with the classical converter and analysis results are presented. 
The Effect of Deposition Rate on the Electrical Properties of Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) Thin Films
Authors: Ullah Hadaate , Mahmud Shahin , Jui Fahmida Sharmin
Published: September 2021

Indium-tin oxide (ITO) which is optically transparent is referred as a “universal” electrode for various optoelectronic devices such as organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). It is scientifically proved that the performance of OLEDs raises up significantly by exposing the ITO surface to oxygen plasma. This study employs conducting atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) for unique nanometer-scale mapping of the local current density of a vapor-deposited ITO film. Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) thin films have been prepared by using the reactive evaporation method on glass substrates in an oxygen atmosphere. It is found that the deposition rate plays a vital role in controlling the electrical properties of the ITO thin films. The resistivity and the electrical conductivity were also investigated. The electrical resistivity of 3.10 x10 –6 Ωm has been obtained with a deposition rate of 2 nm/min.
Radar Target Characteristics Extraction using Polarization Scattering Matrix
Authors: Lakshmi L Vijaya , Lakshmi A Jaya , Kumar M N V S S , Kumar P Sirish
Published: September 2021

Now a day’s characterization of targets using radar is very important in Air Traffic Control, Defense, and Stealth etc.  In order to know the characteristics of the target it is very essential to know the polarization properties of that particular target which depends upon scattering nature of the target.  The polarization properties are important for radar target besides amplitude, phase and frequency. The polarization may be potentially used to improve target detection, anti-interference, and radar target recognition. Polarization properties of a target can be obtained using polarization scattering matrix (PSM). In this paper the polarization matrix of various geometrical shapes are derived.  For radar target recognition (RTR), a method using properties of the polarization scattering matrix (PPSM) is presented in this paper. A dipole has been considered to calculate the polarization matrix and polarization properties. The properties of the polarization scattering matrix: the determinant, Trace of Power Scattering Matrix, Depolation, Eigen polarization angle and Module of Polarization Ellipticity are analyzed. These properties are analyzed for different orientation angles of the targets.
Range-Free Localization Schemes for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Khadim R. , Erritali M. , Maaden A.
Published: September 2021

Localization of nodes is one of the key issues of wireless sensor network (WSN) that gained a wide attention in recent years. The existing localization techniques can be generally categorized into two types: range-based and range-free. Compared with rang-based schemes, the range-free schemes are more cost-effective, because no additional ranging devices are needed. As a result, we focus our research on the range-free schemes. In this paper we study three types of range-free location algorithms to compare the localization error and energy consumption of each one. Centroid algorithm requires a normal node has at least three neighbor anchors, while DV-hop algorithm doesn’t have this requirement. The third studied algorithm is the amorphous algorithm similar to DV-Hop algorithm, and the idea is to calculate the hop distance between two nodes instead of the linear distance between them .The simulation results show that the localization accuracy of the amorphous algorithm is higher than that of other algorithms and the energy consumption does not increase too much. 
SecureDBaaS Model for Accessing Encrypted Cloud Databases
Authors: Jagadeeswaraiah Palle , Pavan Kumar M.R.
Published: September 2021

Cloud computing has recently emerged being a compelling paradigm that pertains to managing and delivering services over the web. The particular prevalent problem connected with cloud is confidentiality, security, as well as reliability etc., in which how the cloud provider assures. To recognize this, a novel architecture is usually introduced that will integrates cloud database services and as well executing concurrent operations on encrypted information. Also a new homomorphic encryption algorithm will likely be incorporated to offer confidentiality as well as concurrent execution of various SQL operations. This will be the first option supporting quite a few distributed clienteles to access encrypted cloud databases. One of main thing is that it eliminates advanced proxies in between cloud user and provider.The performance on the architecture is usually calculated by means of theoretical and practical results which are subjected to TPC-C benchmark standard tools for a number of clients as well as network latencies.
Effect of Thermal Annealing Temperatures on MSM Photo Detector Based on Ge-like Micro Flowers in the Dark Mode
Authors: Jawad M.J. , Y. Hammod Haider , B. Dheyab Amer
Published: September 2021

In this research , a current density of J = 7.5 mA/cm2 was applied over a constant duration of 2 h to grow Ge-like microflowers on Si. To fabricate a photodetector, Pd was deposited by RF-sputtering as metal contact with Ge. The samples were subjected to rapid thermal annealing (RTA) in ambient N2 at 100,200° and 300°C for 10 min. By screening the samples from electrical noise, the electrical characteristics through current-voltage measurements were carried out at room temperature before and after annealing. The measurements were performed in the dark, white light and UV illuminations. The forward I-V characteristics were analyzed using standard thermionic emission relation for electron transport from Metal-semiconductor-metal(MSM)with low doping concentration .The saturation current was obtained as the intercept from the straight line of ln I versus V, T. It was found that at 5V, these currents were 2.45 × 10-5, 5.77× 10-5, 6.12× 10-4 A, respectively. Also characteristics of the MSM photodetector, linear and logarithmic forward and reverse bias, at different annealing temperatures: as-deposited, 100°C, 200°C and 300°C in the dark mode.
Reformas urbanas da cidade do Rio de Janeiro: arquitetos: Cortez & Brhuns, Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Martina Lersch Inês , Roswita Gans Magda
Published: September 2021

.
Testemunhos latino-americanos em memória de Jesús Martín-Barbero
Authors: Fuentes Navarro Raúl , Gutiérrez Eduardo , Scolari Carlos A. , Rincón Omar , García Canclini Néstor
Published: September 2021

Reunião de depoimentos em homenagem ao pesquisador Jesús Martín-Barbero, realizados por Raúl Fuentes Navarro, Eduardo Gutiérrez, Carlos A. Scolari, Omar Rincón e Néstor García Canclini.
Imprensa negra e cidadania: conteúdos do Correio Nagô, Mundo Negro e Nação Z
Authors: Araujo Valmir Teixeira , Peruzzo Cicilia Maria Krohling
Published: September 2021

Este artigo discute a produção da imprensa negra no Brasil, do ponto de vista histórico e conceitual, dialogando com conceitos de cidadania e cidadania negra. Para tanto, apresenta-se um breve histórico da resistência negra, destacando a imprensa negra e os resultados de uma análise de conteúdo dos sites jornalísticos negros Nação Z, Mundo Negro e Correio Nagô, visando averiguar suas tendências temáticas e contribuições à ampliação da cidadania negra. As análises indicam uma importante contribuição da imprensa negra para a publicização de análises críticas sobre a situação do negro no Brasil, suas conquistas e direitos, bem como a priorização dessas temáticas favoráveis à igualdade social na busca pela ampliação da cidadania da população negra.
O passo atrás de Lucrecia: disputas discursivas entre filmes e séries
Authors: Silva Marcel Vieira Barreto
Published: September 2021

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar as disputas discursivas que permeiam o debate comparativo entre filmes e séries no contexto da crítica cultural contemporânea. Partimos dos argumentos da diretora Lucrecia Martel contra as séries televisivas para compreender, diacronicamente, as tensões históricas entre cinema e televisão e a sua perenidade no cenário atual. Para isso, proporemos aqui três eixos dominantes na avaliação comparativa: experiência espectatorial, estilo e narrativa. Com isso, vamos problematizar os argumentos da superioridade apriorística do filme em relação às séries, sem perder do horizonte a natureza distintiva da disputa simbólica em curso.
Teorías de rango medio en comunicación: elementos constitutivos para un enfoque de comunicación como cultura
Authors: León-Duarte Gustavo Adolfo
Published: September 2021

Este artículo examina y discute los supuestos metateóricos que deben tomarse en cuenta a la hora de enseñar una Teoría de Rango Medio (TRM) en Comunicación. En primer término, examina los enfoques y modelos teóricos más amplios para destacar la funcionalidad de los supuestos metateóricos de carácter ontológico y epistemológico. En un segundo momento, debate críticamente las implicaciones de construcción de una TRM en Comunicación para centrarse en la integración descriptiva del Enfoque de Comunicación como Cultura (ECC). Se concluye que el modelo está acorde con las sensibilidades epistemológicas contemporáneas que reclama un campo de estudio inherentemente interdisciplinar e innovador como el de la comunicación.
Bacurau: uma situação colonial?
Authors: Passos Rafael Ferreira
Published: September 2021

A produção cinematográfica brasileira – e o pensamento teórico/crítico gestado por tal – apresenta, de maneira recorrente, influxos acerca do problema do subdesenvolvimento. O movimento do Cinema Novo é simbólico nesse sentido por tentar incorporar criativamente a própria precariedade econômica e técnica, índices do terceiro mundo, na linguagem cinematográfica de seus filmes, buscando uma dicção original, isto é, independente dos repertórios estrangeiros. Outras manifestações artísticas também irão pôr em perspectiva a construção da identidade nacional em diálogo com o discurso da precariedade (como o tropicalismo na música e o cinema marginal, por exemplo), e é nessa toada que este artigo pretende analisar o filme Bacurau (2019), dirigido pelos cineastas pernambucanos Kleber Mendonça Filho e Juliano Dornelles. Para tal, recorremos sobretudo ao estudo da violência como produto de uma estética derivada da Estética da fome, manifesto escrito por Glauber Rocha para definir a ética e a estética do cinema produzido em terras tupiniquins. Além disso, buscamos mapear historicamente o longa no campo da contemporaneidade, identificando elementos por vezes anacrônicos acoplados a tessitura cinematográfica do filme. Debruçamo-nos, pois, tanto a investigação dos aspectos próprios da linguagem fílmica (enquadramentos, diálogos, movimentos de câmara etc.), quanto à interação desses elementos com estudos ligados ao campo da história e da sociologia, de modo a tornar a leitura dinâmica, dialética, no sentido de discutir arte e sociedade.
Outcomes in Patients With Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Concomitant Aortic Stenosis Undergoing Surgical Myectomy and Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Desai Milind Y. , Alashi Alaa , Popovic Zoran B. , Wierup Per , Griffin Brian P. , Thamilarasan Maran , Johnston Douglas , Svensson Lars G. , Lever Harry M. , Smedira Nicholas G.
Published: September 2021

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and aortic stenosis can cause obstruction to the flow of blood out of the left ventricular outflow tract into the aorta, with obstructive HCM resulting in dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and moderate or severe aortic stenosis causing fixed obstruction caused by calcific degeneration. We sought to report the characteristics and longer‐term outcomes of patients with severe obstructive HCM who also had concomitant moderate or severe aortic stenosis requiring surgical myectomy and aortic valve replacement.

Methods and Results

We studied 191 consecutive patients (age 67±6 years, 52% men) who underwent myectomy and aortic valve (AV) replacement (90% bioprosthesis) at our center between June 2002 and June 2018. Clinical and echo data including left ventricular outflow tract gradient and indexed AV area were recorded. The primary outcome was death. Prevalence of hypertension (63%) and hyperlipidemia (75%) were high, with a Society of Thoracic Surgeons score of 5±4, and 70% of participants had no HCM‐related sudden death risk factors. Basal septal thickness and indexed AV area were 1.9±0.4 cm and 0.72±0.2 cm
2
/m
2
, respectively, while 100% of patients had dynamic left ventricular outflow tract gradient >50 mm Hg. At 6.5±4 years, 52 (27%) patients died (1.5% in‐hospital deaths). One‐, 2‐, and 5‐year survival in the current study sample was 94%, 91%, and 83%, respectively, similar to an age‐sex–matched general US population. On multivariate Cox survival analysis, age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.65; 95% CI, 1.24–2.18), chronic kidney disease (HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.21–2.32), and right ventricular systolic pressure on preoperative echocardiography (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.05–1.57) were associated with longer‐term mortality, but traditional HCM risk factors did not.

Conclusions

In symptomatic patients with severely obstructive HCM and moderate or severe aortic stenosis undergoing a combined surgical myectomy and AV replacement at our center, the observed postoperative mortality was significantly lower than the expected mortality, and the longer‐term survival was similar to a normal age‐sex–matched US population.
Angioscopic Evaluation of Atrial Septal Defect Closure Device Neo‐Endothelialization
Authors: Tanabe Yasuhiro , Suzuki Tomomi , Kuwata Shingo , Izumo Masaki , Kawaguchi Hiromasa , Ogoda Shun , Kotoku Nozomi , Sato Yukio , Nishikawa Haruka , Kaihara Toshiki , Koga Masashi , Mitarai Takanobu , Okuyama Kazuaki , Kamijima Ryo , Ishibashi Yuki , Yoneyama Kihei , Higuma Takumi , Harada Tomoo , Akashi Yoshihiro J.
Published: September 2021

Background

Current guidelines recommend at least 6 months of antithrombotic therapy and antibiotic prophylaxis after septal‐occluding device deployment in transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect. It has been estimated that it takes ≈6 months for complete neo‐endothelialization; however, neo‐endothelialization has not previously been assessed in vivo in humans.

Methods and Results

The neointimal coverage of septal occluder devices was evaluated 6 months after implantation in 15 patients by angioscopy from the right atrium. Each occluder surface was divided into 9 areas; the levels of endothelialization in each area were semiquantitatively assessed by 4‐point grades. Device neo‐endothelialization was sufficient in two thirds of patients, but insufficient in one third. In the comparison between patients with sufficiently endothelialized devices of average grade score ≥2 (good endothelialization group, n=10) and those with poorly endothelialized devices of average grade score <2 (poor endothelialization group, n=5), those in the poor endothelialization group had larger devices deployed (27.0 mm [25.0–31.5 mm] versus 17.0 mm [15.6–22.5 mm], respectively) and progressive right heart dilatation. The endothelialization was poorer around the central areas. Moreover, the prevalence of thrombus formation on the devices was higher in the poorly endothelialized areas than in the sufficiently endothelialized areas (Grade 0, 94.1%; Grade 1, 63.2%; Grade 2, 0%; Grade 3, 1.6%).

Conclusions

Neo‐endothelialization on the closure devices varied 6 months after implantation. Notably, poor endothelialization and thrombus attachment were observed around the central areas and on the larger devices.
Acute Decompensated Heart Failure and the Kidney: Physiological, Histological and Transcriptomic Responses to Development and Recovery
Authors: Rademaker Miriam T. , Pilbrow Anna P. , Ellmers Leigh J. , Palmer Suetonia C. , Davidson Trent , Mbikou Prisca , Scott Nicola J. A. , Permina Elizabeth , Charles Christopher J. , Endre Zoltán H. , Richards A. Mark
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is associated with deterioration in renal function—an important risk factor for poor outcomes. Whether ADHF results in permanent kidney damage/dysfunction is unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We investigated for the first time the renal responses to the development of, and recovery from, ADHF using an ovine model. ADHF development induced pronounced hemodynamic changes, neurohormonal activation, and decline in renal function, including decreased urine, sodium and urea excretion, and creatinine clearance. Following ADHF recovery (25 days), creatinine clearance reductions persisted. Kidney biopsies taken during ADHF and following recovery showed widespread mesangial cell prominence, early mild acute tubular injury, and medullary/interstitial fibrosis. Renal transcriptomes identified altered expression of 270 genes following ADHF development and 631 genes following recovery. A total of 47 genes remained altered post‐recovery. Pathway analysis suggested gene expression changes, driven by a network of inflammatory cytokines centered on IL‐1β (interleukin 1β), lead to repression of reno‐protective eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) signaling during ADHF development, and following recovery, activation of glomerulosclerosis and reno‐protective pathways and repression of proinflammatory/fibrotic pathways. A total of 31 dysregulated genes encoding proteins detectable in urine, serum, and plasma identified potential candidate markers for kidney repair (including
CNGA3
[cyclic nucleotide gated channel subunit alpha 3] and
OIT3
[oncoprotein induced transcript 3]) or long‐term renal impairment in ADHF (including
ACTG2
[actin gamma 2, smooth muscle] and
ANGPTL4
[angiopoietin like 4]).

CONCLUSIONS

In an ovine model, we provide the first direct evidence that an episode of ADHF leads to an immediate decline in kidney function that failed to fully resolve after ≈4 weeks and is associated with persistent functional/structural kidney injury. We identified molecular pathways underlying kidney injury and repair in ADHF and highlighted 31 novel candidate biomarkers for acute kidney injury in this setting.
Risk of Worsening Renal Function Following Repeated Exposures to Contrast Media During Percutaneous Coronary Interventions
Authors: Sudarsky Doron , Naami Robert , Shehadeh Faheem , Elias Adi , Kerner Arthur , Aronson Doron
Published: September 2021

Background

Multiple contrast media exposures are common, but their cumulative effect on renal function is unknown. We aimed to investigate the renal consequences of repeated exposures to contrast media with coronary interventions.

Methods and Results

We studied 2942 patients who underwent between 1 and 9 procedures. The primary end point was a persistent creatinine increase of ≥50% above baseline at ≥90 days after the last procedure. The effect of cumulative contrast media dose was assessed using Cox models, with cumulative exposure as a time‐dependent variable, and propensity score matching. The primary end point occurred in 190 patients (6.5%), with 6.1%, 6.8%, and 6.2% of patients with 1, 2 or 3, and ≥4 procedures, respectively (
P
=0.75). In the multivariable Cox model, baseline renal function, diabetes, anemia, acute coronary syndrome, and heart failure were independent predictors of the primary end point (all
P
≤0.01), whereas cumulative contrast dose was not (hazard ratio [HR], 1.29 [95% CI, 0.89–1.88] for the fourth contrast quartile [>509 mL] versus first contrast quartile [<233 mL]). Propensity score matching yielded 384 patient pairs with similar characteristics and either 1 or 2 to 9 contrast exposures (median cumulative dose, 160 and 480 mL, respectively). Despite large differences in the cumulative contrast exposure, there were similar rates of the primary end points (7.3% versus 6.3%, respectively; HR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.44–1.32]).

Conclusions

In patients with multiple exposures to contrast media, worsening of renal function over time is associated with known risk factors for the progression of kidney disease but not with cumulative contrast volume.
UCP3 (Uncoupling Protein 3) Insufficiency Exacerbates Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction During Angiotensin II‐Induced Hypertension
Authors: Chen Xu , Ashraf Sadia , Ashraf Nadia , Harmancey Romain
Published: September 2021

Background

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, an early stage in the pathogenesis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, is exacerbated by joint exposure to hypertension and obesity; however, the molecular mechanisms involved remain uncertain. The mitochondrial UCP3 (uncoupling protein 3) is downregulated in the heart with obesity. Here, we used a rat model of UCP3 haploinsufficiency (ucp3
+/‐
) to test the hypothesis that decreased UCP3 promotes left ventricular diastolic dysfunction during hypertension.

Methods and Results

Ucp3
+/‐
rats and ucp3
+/+
littermates fed a high‐salt diet (HS; 2% NaCl) and treated with angiotensin II (190 ng/kg per min for 28 days) experienced a similar rise in blood pressure (158±4 versus 155±7 mm Hg). However, UCP3 insufficiency worsened diastolic dysfunction according to echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular filling pressures (E/e’; 18.8±1.0 versus 14.9±0.6;
P
<0.05) and the isovolumic relaxation time (24.7±0.6 versus 21.3±0.5 ms;
P
<0.05), as well as invasive monitoring of the diastolic time constant (Tau; 15.5±0.8 versus 12.7±0.2 ms;
P
<0.05). Exercise tolerance on a treadmill also decreased for HS/angiotensin II‐treated ucp3
+/‐
rats. Histological and molecular analyses further revealed that UCP3 insufficiency accelerated left ventricular concentric remodeling, detrimental interstitial matrix remodeling, and fetal gene reprogramming during hypertension. Moreover, UCP3 insufficiency increased oxidative stress and led to greater impairment of protein kinase G signaling.

Conclusions

Our findings identified UCP3 insufficiency as a cause for increased incidence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction during hypertension. The results add further support to the use of antioxidants targeting mitochondrial reactive oxygen species as an adjuvant therapy for preventing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in individuals with obesity.
A Numerical Study of Cirrus Bands and Low Static-stability Layers associated with Tropical Cyclone Outflow
Authors: Kawashima Masayuki
Published: September 2021

Prominent cirrus cloud banding occurred episodically within a northern cirrus canopy of Typhoon Talim (2017) during its recurvature. The generation mechanisms of the cirrus bands and low static-stability layers that support the bands are investigated using a numerical simulation with the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting Model. Inspection of model output reveals that thin layers of near-neutral to weakly unstable static stability are persistently present in the upper and lower parts of the upper-level outflow, and shallow convection aligned along the vertical shear vector is prevalent in these layers. The cirrus banding occurs as the lowered outflow from the weakening storm ascends slantwise over a midlatitude baroclinic zone, and updrafts of the preexisting shallow convection in the upper part of the outflow layer become saturated. It is shown that the strong outflow resulting from violation of gradient-wind balance in the core region, by itself, creates the low static-stability layers. Analyses of potential temperature and static stability budgets show that the low static-stability layers are created mainly by the differential radial advection of radial thermal gradients on the vertical edges of the outflow. The radial thermal gradients occur in response to the outward air parcel acceleration in the core region and deceleration in the outer region, which, by inducing compensating vertical mass transport into and out of the outflow, act to tilt the isentropes within the shear layers. The effects of environmental flow and cloud radiative forcing on the cirrus banding are also addressed.
Influences of Environmental Relative Humidity and Horizontal Scale of Subcloud Ascent on Deep Convective Initiation
Authors: Morrison Hugh , Peters John M. , Chandrakar Kamal Kant , Sherwood Steven C.
Published: September 2021

This study examines two factors impacting initiation of moist deep convection: free-tropospheric environmental relative humidity (ϕE) and horizontal scale of subcloud ascent (Rsub), the latter exerting a dominant control on cumulus cloud width. A simple theoretical model is used to formulate a “scale selection” hypothesis: that a minimumRsubis required for moist convection to go deep, and that this minimum scale decreases with increasingϕE. Specifically, the ratio ofto saturation deficit (1 −ϕE) must exceed a certain threshold value that depends on cloud-layer environmental lapse rate. Idealized, large-eddy simulations of moist convection forced by horizontally varying surface fluxes show strong sensitivity of maximum cumulus height to bothϕEandRsubconsistent with the hypothesis. IncreasingRsubby only 300–400 m can lead to a large increase (>5 km) in cloud height. A passive tracer analysis shows that the bulk fractional entrainment rate decreases rapidly withRsubbut depends little onϕE. However, buoyancy dilution increases as eitherRsuborϕEdecreases; buoyancy above the level of free convection is rapidly depleted in dry environments whenRsubis small. While deep convective initiation occurs with an increase in relative humidity of the near environment from moistening by earlier convection, the importance of this moisture preconditioning is inconclusive as it is accompanied by an increase inRsub. Overall, it is concluded that small changes toRsubdriven by external forcing or by convection itself could be a dominant regulator of deep convective initiation.
Samples spiked with pituitary-derived thyroid-stimulating hormone may disguise the extent of differences between thyroid-stimulating hormone assays
Authors: Kalaria Tejas , Fenn Jonathan , Sharrod-Cole Hayley , Sanders Anna , Ford Clare , Gama Rousseau
Published: September 2021

Background

A large discordance in the diagnosis and potential management of hypothyroidism using Abbott and Roche thyroid assays has been reported recently. The difference in Abbott and Roche thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) results in these studies was larger than anticipated from the external quality assessment (EQA) reports.

Methods

Abbott and Roche TSH method means in UK NEQAS for thyroid hormones distributions 430 to 454 were compared against the amount of TSH spiked. A TSH deplete serum pool was spiked with various concentrations of pooled high TSH serum and 3rd WHO International Standard for TSH (WHO-IS). Four serum pools with TSH close to clinical decision limits were spiked with two concentrations of WHO-IS.

Results

On review of EQA data, median (IQR) Roche: Abbott TSH ratio was lower ( p < 0.001) in 48 pools spiked with TSH (1.11 (1.07–1.16)) compared to 41 pools not spiked (1.29 (1.25–1.31)) and the decrease was proportionate to the contribution of spiked TSH to total TSH in the samples (ρ=−0.908, p < 0.001). In spiking experiments, the relationship of Roche and Abbott TSH was different in TSH deplete pool spiked with WHO-IS (RocheTSH=1.13*AbbottTSH–0.52) and high TSH serum (RocheTSH=1.43*AbbottTSH–0.50), respectively. The Roche: Abbott TSH ratio decreased and the method agreement improved on spiking serum pools with WHO-IS.

Conclusion

Abbott and Roche TSH assays are not in harmony in human serum samples but the agreement was better in samples spiked with WHO-IS which contains pituitary-derived TSH. Use of pituitary-derived TSH spiked samples, such as provided by EQA schemes, may mask clinically significant between-assay differences.
Share and Share Alike: How Inner Source Can Help Create New Digital Platforms
Authors: Morgan Lorraine , Gleasure Rob , Baiyere Abayomi , Dang Hong Phuc
Published: September 2021

Many organizations are eager to develop a digital platform. Yet, it is not clear how to realize this ambition, especially for large companies with complex existing structures. This study demonstrates how the growing trend of “Inner Source” (adopting internal open-source/crowdsourcing practices within large organizations) can help companies become more platform-based. This article studies three large organizations—Zalando, Philips Healthcare, and PayPal—and identifies a four-stage model that explains how Inner Source helped them develop their internal and external platforms. It details six recommendations for large organizations wishing to follow a strategy of Inner Source-driven platformization.
The mutual constitution of illiberal civil society and neoauthoritarianism: Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Atalay Zeynep
Published: September 2021

Recent scholarship on state–civil society dynamics in neoauthoritarian contexts demonstrates that the space for civil society is rapidly shrinking worldwide. Faced with legal, administrative, and extralegal measures that restrict operations and resources, civil society actors are forced to choose between marginalization or co-optation. This article examines the ruling party–Islamic civil society symbiosis in Turkey and identifies mutual constitution as an alternative model of the state–civil society relationship in hybrid regimes. Defined as utilitarian reciprocity between the ruling authority and civil society actors where both parties expand and consolidate their respective domains, the mutually constitutive relationship between the AKP government and Islamic civil society actors has facilitated the consolidation of neoauthoritarianism. Drawing attention to the recent rise of conservative civil society actors worldwide, the article urges the civil society and neoauthoritarianism research program to shift its focus to non-state actors that endorse non-democratic socio-political agendas and function as co-constitutors of illiberal regimes.
LGBT discrimination, harassment and violence in Germany, Portugal and the UK: A quantitative comparative approach
Authors: Bayrakdar Sait , King Andrew
Published: September 2021

This article examines the incidents of discrimination, harassment and violence experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) individuals in Germany, Portugal and the UK. Using a large cross-national survey and adopting an intra-categorical intersectional approach, it documents how the likelihood of experiencing discrimination, harassment and violence changes within LGBT communities across three national contexts. Moreover, it explores how individual characteristics are associated with the likelihood of experiencing such incidents. The results show that trans people are more at risk compared to cisgender gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals to experience discrimination, harassment and violence. However, other factors, such as socioeconomic resources, also affect the likelihood of individuals experiencing such incidents. The three countries in our study show some nuanced differences in likelihood levels of experiencing discrimination, harassment and violence with regard to differential categories of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Pre-Endoscopy Use of Proton Pump Inhibitor Intravenous Bolus Dosing in Hemodynamically Stable Patients With Suspected Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Results of a Pharmacist-Managed Hospital Protocol to Reduce Continuous Infusion Pantoprazole Use
Authors: Faust Andrew C. , Schwaner Lauren , Thomas Drew , Sannapanei Shilpa , Feldman Mark
Published: September 2021

Background: Guidelines for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) recommend use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) administered by continuous IV infusion (CI). Although data suggest comparable outcomes with CI and IV push (IVP) dosing post-endoscopy, there are limited data to support IVP PPI as the pre-endoscopy regimen. Objective: To evaluate the impact of a pharmacist-managed protocol for reducing PPI CIs and substitution of PPI IVP dosing in hemodynamically stable patients with suspected acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) prior to endoscopic intervention. Design, Setting, and Participants: Retrospective study; Tertiary-care community teaching hospital; Hemodynamically stable adults with confirmed or suspected UGIB. Hemodynamic stability was defined as a systolic blood pressure >90 mmHg, heart rate <100 beats, mean arterial pressure >65 mmHg, and no requirement for vasopressors. Intervention: All iterations of treatment recommendations encouraged an initial pantoprazole 80 mg IVP dose. In the pre-intervention group, patients were then treated at the at the provider’s discretion with the majority receiving CI pantoprazole. After implementation of the original protocol ( Phase I), all hemodynamically stable patients were allowed 1 bag of CI pantoprazole (80 mg infused over 10 hours) before being transitioned by the pharmacist to pantoprazole 40 mg IVP every 12 hours. After internal analysis, the protocol was revised to allow patients to be immediately transitioned to IVP dosing without an initial CI ( Phase II). Main Outcome: Incidence of continued bleeding or re-bleeding within 7 days of initial PPI dose. Results: A total of 325 patients were included across all 3 study phases. The median number of CI bags per patient was reduced from 4 pre-intervention, to 1.5 in phase I, and to 0 in phase II ( P < .001). The primary endpoint of continued bleeding or re-bleeding within 7 days was similar across all 3 groups (5.0% vs 6.5% vs 5.2%, P = .92). Mean intravenous pantoprazole costs were reduced by $21.73/patient. Conclusions: Movement toward preferential use of IVP PPI prior to endoscopy for hemodynamically stable patients with confirmed or suspected UGIBs resulted in similar rates of continued bleeding or re-bleeding and generated modest cost savings. These findings warrant further investigation.
Institutional Responses to the Management of Covid-19 Crisis: Lessons from the Bhilwara and the Ramganj Models of Rajasthan
Authors: Pareek Urvashi , Sole Nagendra Ambedkar
Published: September 2021

The world today is battling to being free from the shackles of Covid-19. The unexpected health emergency has left many nations halted and continues to pose a major challenge with newer strains of the coronavirus disease. The international community is coming forward for cooperative strategies in managing the epidemic, sharing innovations and vaccine development. In India, the government had been quick and responsive in controlling the spread of deadly Covid-19 since the first case was detected in late January 2020. The governments took many initiatives at all levels—Union, state and local. There is enough evidence to prove that the states have done fairly well by institutionalising responses to manage the spread of the virus. Rajasthan, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh are examples of the states that have devised and articulated policies to get hold of the crisis.

This article deals with the institutional arrangements adopted by the Government of Rajasthan and its widely appreciated Bhilwara and Ramganj models. The article also discusses the enactment of various legislations intended at seizing the spread of the virus.
Where is the social in the biopsychosocial model of suicide prevention?
Authors: Rodríguez-Otero José Eduardo , Campos-Mouriño Xiana , Meilán-Fernández David , Pintos-Bailón Sarai , Cabo-Escribano Graciela
Published: September 2021

Background:

Each year, around 800,000 people die by suicide. The prevalence of suicidal behaviors is much higher when suicidal attempts and persistent self-injurious ideation are included. Therefore, suicide is a public health concern. Research has been sensitive to this problem, deepening the study of risk factors and the development of theoretical frameworks of suicidal behavior, with the aim of generating effective suicide prevention policies around the biopsychosocial model.

Aim:

We aimed to explore the role of relational, community, and social factors in current suicide prevention strategies.

Method:

Studies of risk and protective factors for suicidal behavior and the consequent development of theoretical frameworks were reviewed to verify if this knowledge was really used in suicide prevention policies.

Results:

Studies of risk and protective factors focus mainly on the individual, while theoretical frameworks emphasize the role of the relational, community, and social. Suicide prevention strategies more closely follow individual models derived from studies of risk factors.

Conclusions:

Suicide prevention strategies should broaden their individual narrative to include relational, community, and social interventions as anti-suicide measures.
Indigenization and authentization of epistemology in China’s social work: Moving beyond Confucianism, Taoism, and Chinese Buddhism
Authors: Zhao Kedi , Tan Weijia , Tsang A Ka Tat
Published: September 2021

How China’s social work can establish its own epistemology has remained largely unexplored. This article focuses on Confucianism, Taoism, and Chinese Buddhism to start this epistemological exploration, as they represent Chinese culture and can provide valuable epistemological elements for China’s social work. Moving beyond epistemological elements from these philosophies, how social workers in China can further develop social work research and practice based on the unique Chinese context is also discussed, specifically through the processes of indigenization and authentization of epistemology in China’s social work. Limitations and future research directions are also presented to guide future discussion.
Court-Mandated Treatment Outcomes for Prescribed Opioid Use Disorder: A Gender Based Study
Authors: Lucabeche Viviana Ximena , Quinn Paul Victor
Published: September 2021

This study provides empirical information suggesting court-mandated treatment may be a more effective treatment pathway for opioid use disorder (OUD). To examine the effects of mandated treatment for prescription opioid users, we consider the differences in discharge completion rates for court-mandated and non-mandated treatment for both males and females. We use the Treatment Episode Data Set-Discharges (TEDS-D) from 2015 to 2017 with 13,239, 14,765, and 15,433 cases, respectively, to study successful completion rates for males and females with OUD. Logistic regression analysis confirms a greater completion rate for mandated treatment episodes. Of all mandated females, 59% completed treatment in each of the 3 years as compared to the 59%, 65%, and 64% of successful completion for mandated males, respectively, from 2015 to 2017. Our results suggest court-mandated treatment pathways are more effective on treatment completion for individuals with OUD, yet treatment completion disparity between sexes increases even when females are mandated.
Reviewing Evidence on the Relations Between Oral Reading Fluency and Reading Comprehension for Adolescents
Authors: Washburn Jocelyn
Published: September 2021

In this article, I systematically review evidence on the relations between oral reading fluency (ORF) and reading comprehension (RC) for adolescents with limited reading proficiency (ALRP) in Grades 6 to12. I organized findings from 23 studies into five themes: (a) unclear role of ORF in the simple view of reading model for ALRP, (b) ALRP have distinct reader profiles, (c) ORF consists of more than automaticity, (d) the role of ORF varies, and (e) oral reading automaticity has tenuous predictive value for ALRP. Results suggest that knowledge of an adolescent’s ORF, as commonly defined and assessed, provides helpful information about an adolescent’s reader profile but is not sufficient to evaluate instructional needs or measure progress. I conclude the article with a discussion on implications for researchers, assessment developers, practitioners, and school administrators.
How Digitized Strategy Impacts Movement Outcomes: Social Media, Mobilizing, and Organizing in the 2018 Teachers’ Strikes
Authors: Blanc Eric
Published: September 2021

Explaining digital impacts on social movements requires moving beyond technological determinism by addressing two underdeveloped questions: How does political strategy shape the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs)? And how do divergent uses of ICTs influence movement outcomes? This study addresses these questions by examining the 2018 educator walkouts in Oklahoma and Arizona—statewide actions initiated through rank-and-file Facebook groups. To explain why the strike in Arizona was more effective than in Oklahoma, despite more auspicious conditions for success in the latter, this study shows that the impact of ICTs is mediated by leaders’ strategic choices. Whereas Oklahoma’s strike was marked by mobilization without organization—scaling up protest without an organizational foundation—Arizona used digital tools to build, rather than eschew, organization. Digital impacts further depend on the nature of the contentious performance itself, since the efficacy limitations of relying solely on ICTs are particularly pronounced for actions like strikes.