bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of coronary artery calcium score with qualitatively and quantitatively assessed adverse plaque on coronary CT angiography in the SCOT-HEART trial
Authors: Osborne-Grinter Maia , Kwiecinski Jacek , Doris Mhairi , McElhinney Priscilla , Cadet Sebastien , Adamson Philip D , Moss Alastair J , Alam Shirjel , Hunter Amanda , Shah Anoop S V , Mills Nicholas L , Pawade Tania , Wang Chengjia , Weir-McCall Jonathan R , Roditi Giles , van Beek Edwin J R , Shaw Leslee J , Nicol Edward D , Berman Daniel , Slomka Piotr J , Newby David E , Dweck Marc R , Dey Damini , Williams Michelle C
Published: June 2021

Aims

Coronary artery calcification is a marker of cardiovascular risk, but its association with qualitatively and quantitatively assessed plaque subtypes is unknown.

Methods and results

In this post-hoc analysis, computed tomography (CT) images and 5-year clinical outcomes were assessed in SCOT-HEART trial participants. Agatston coronary artery calcium score (CACS) was measured on non-contrast CT and was stratified as zero (0 Agatston units, AU), minimal (1–9 AU), low (10–99 AU), moderate (100–399 AU), high (400–999 AU), and very high (≥1000 AU). Adverse plaques were investigated by qualitative (visual categorization of positive remodelling, low-attenuation plaque, spotty calcification, and napkin ring sign) and quantitative (calcified, non-calcified, low-attenuation, and total plaque burden; Autoplaque) assessments. Of 1769 patients, 36% had a zero, 9% minimal, 20% low, 17% moderate, 10% high, and 8% very high CACS. Amongst patients with a zero CACS, 14% had non-obstructive disease, 2% had obstructive disease, 2% had visually assessed adverse plaques, and 13% had low-attenuation plaque burden >4%. Non-calcified and low-attenuation plaque burden increased between patients with zero, minimal, and low CACS (P < 0.001), but there was no statistically significant difference between those with medium, high, and very high CACS. Myocardial infarction occurred in 41 patients, 10% of whom had zero CACS. CACS >1000 AU and low-attenuation plaque burden were the only predictors of myocardial infarction, independent of obstructive disease, and 10-year cardiovascular risk score.

Conclusion

In patients with stable chest pain, zero CACS is associated with a good but not perfect prognosis, and CACS cannot rule out obstructive coronary artery disease, non-obstructive plaque, or adverse plaque phenotypes, including low-attenuation plaque.
Inequity in uptake of hospital-based childbirth care in rural Tanzania: analysis of the 2015–16 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Straneo Manuela , Benova Lenka , Hanson Claudia , Fogliati Piera , Pembe Andrea B , Smekens Tom , van den Akker Thomas
Published: June 2021

Proportions of facility births are increasing throughout sub-Saharan Africa, but obstetric services vary within the health system. In Tanzania, advanced management of childbirth complications (comprehensive emergency obstetric care) is offered in hospitals, while in frontline, primary health care (PHC) facilities (health centres and dispensaries) mostly only routine childbirth care is available. With over half (54%) of rural births in facilities, we hypothesized the presence of socio-economic inequity in hospital-based childbirth uptake in rural Tanzania and explored whether this relationship was modified by parity. This inequity may compound the burden of greater mortality among the poorest women and their babies. Records for 4456 rural women from the 2015–16 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey with a live birth in the preceding 5 years were examined. Proportions of births at each location (home/PHC/hospital) were calculated by demographic and obstetric characteristics. Multinomial logistic regression was used to obtain crude and adjusted odds ratios of home/PHC and hospital/PHC births based on household wealth, including interaction between wealth and parity. Post-estimation margins analysis was applied to estimate childbirth location by wealth and parity. Hospital-based childbirth uptake was inequitable. The gap between poorest and richest was less pronounced at first birth. Hospital-based care utilization was lowest (around 10%) among the poorest multiparous women, with no increase at high parity (≥5) despite higher risk. PHC-based childbirth care was used by a consistent proportion of women after the first birth (range 30–51%). The poorest women utilized it at intermediate parity, but at parity ≥5 mostly gave birth at home. In an effort to provide effective childbirth care to all women, context-specific strategies are required to improve hospital-based care use, and poor, rural, high parity women are a particularly vulnerable group that requires specific attention. Improving childbirth care in PHC and strengthening referral linkages would benefit a considerable proportion of women.
The Evil May Day riot of 1517 and the popular politics of anti-immigrant hostility in early modern London
Authors: Waddell Brodie
Published: June 2021

London experienced repeated outbreaks of popular xenophobia in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, with the worst coming in the Evil May Day riot of 1517. This article illuminates the hydra-like nature of the stereotype of the immigrant at this time, which rhetorically combined the diverse population of aliens into a single material and political threat. It begins with a close analysis of the riot itself, before examining the continuing relevance of this distinctive caricature. It shows how the perceived ‘privileges’ afforded to several different sorts of strangers in early modern London made them a special target for popular hostility.
Expression of Ripk1 and DAM genes correlates with severity and progression of Krabbe disease
Authors: Cachón-González María B , Wang Susan , Cox Timothy M
Published: June 2021

Krabbe disease, an inherited leukodystrophy, is a sphingolipidosis caused by deficiency of β-galactocerebrosidase: it is characterized by myelin loss, and pathological activation of macrophage/microglia and astrocytes. To define driving pathogenic factors, we explored the expression repertoire of candidate neuroinflammatory genes: upregulation of receptor interacting protein kinase 1 (Ripk1) and disease-associated microglia (DAM) genes, including Cst7 and Ch25h, correlated with severity of Krabbe disease genetically modelled in the twitcher mouse. Upregulation of Ripk1 in Iba1/Mac2-positive microglia/macrophage associated with the pathognomic hypertrophic/globoid phenotype of this disease. Widespread accumulation of ubiquitinin1 in white and grey matter co-localised with p62. In Sandhoff disease, another sphingolipid disorder, neuroinflammation, accumulation of p62 and increased Ripk1 expression was observed. The upregulated DAM genes and macrophage/microglia expression of Ripk1 in the authentic model of Krabbe disease strongly resemble those reported in Alzheimer disease associating with disturbed autophagosomal/lysosomal homeostasis. Activation of this shared molecular repertoire, suggests the potential for therapeutic interdiction at a common activation step, irrespective of proximal causation. To clarify the role of Ripk1 in the pathogenesis of Krabbe disease, we first explored the contribution of its kinase function, by intercrossing twitcher and the K45A kinase-dead Ripk1 mouse and breeding to homozygosity. Genetic ablation of Ripk1 kinase activity neither altered the neuropathological features nor the survival of twitcher mice. We conclude that Ripk1 kinase-dependent inflammatory and degenerative capabilities play no instrumental role in Krabbe disease; however, putative kinase-independent functions of Ripk1 remain formally to be explored in its molecular pathogenesis.
Prevalence and Clinical Significance of Occult Hepatitis B Infection in The Gambia, West Africa
Authors: Ndow Gibril , Cessay Amie , Cohen Damien , Shimakawa Yusuke , Gore Mindy L , Tamba Saydiba , Ghosh Sumantra , Sanneh Bakary , Baldeh Ignatius , Njie Ramou , D’Alessandro Umberto , Mendy Maimuna , Thursz Mark , Chemin Isabelle , Lemoine Maud
Published: June 2021

Background

Prevalence and clinical outcomes of occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) have been poorly studied in Africa.

Methods

Using the PROLIFICA cohort, we compared the prevalence of OBI between hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative healthy adults screened from the general population (controls) and HBsAg-negative patients with advanced liver disease (cases), and estimated the population attributable fraction for the effect of OBI on advanced liver disease.

Results

OBI prevalence was significantly higher among cases (15/82, 18.3%) than controls (31/330, 9.4%, P = .03). After adjusting for age, sex, and anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) serology, OBI was significantly associated with advanced liver disease (odds ratio, 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3–6.0; P = .006). In HBsAg-negative people, the proportions of advanced liver disease cases attributable to OBI and HCV were estimated at 12.9% (95% CI, 7.5%–18.1%) and 16.9% (95% CI, 15.2%–18.6%), respectively.

Conclusions

OBI is endemic and an independent risk factor for advanced liver disease in The Gambia, West Africa. This implies that HBsAg-negative people with liver disease should be systematically screened for OBI. Moreover, the impact of infant hepatitis B immunization to prevent end-stage liver disease might be higher than previous estimates based solely on HBsAg positivity.
Detection of Serum Cross-Reactive Antibodies and Memory Response to SARS-CoV-2 in Prepandemic and Post–COVID-19 Convalescent Samples
Authors: Shrwani Khalid , Sharma Ravi , Krishnan Madhan , Jones Terry , Mayora-Neto Martin , Cantoni Diego , Temperton Nigel J , Dobson Susan L , Subramaniam Krishanthi , McNamara Paul S , Cunliffe Nigel A , Turtle Lance , Zhang Qibo
Published: June 2021

Background

A notable feature of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is that children are less susceptible to severe disease. Children are known to experience more infections with endemic human coronaviruses (HCoVs) compared to adults. Little is known whether HCoV infections lead to cross-reactive anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies.

Methods

We investigated the presence of cross-reactive anti–SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies to spike 1 (S1), S1-receptor-binding domain (S1-RBD), and nucleocapsid protein (NP) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and neutralizing activity by a SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped virus neutralization assay, in prepandemic sera collected from children (n = 50) and adults (n = 45), and compared with serum samples from convalescent COVID-19 patients (n = 16).

Results

A significant proportion of children (up to 40%) had detectable cross-reactive antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 S1, S1-RBD, and NP antigens, and the anti-S1 and anti–S1-RBD antibody levels correlated with anti–HCoV-HKU1 and anti–HCoV-OC43 S1 antibody titers in prepandemic samples (P < .001). There were marked increases of anti–HCoV-HKU1 and - OC43 S1 (but not anti-NL63 and -229E S1-RBD) antibody titers in serum samples from convalescent COVID-19 patients (P < .001), indicating an activation of cross-reactive immunological memory to β-coronavirus spike.

Conclusions

We demonstrated cross-reactive anti–SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in prepandemic serum samples from children and young adults. Promoting this cross-reactive immunity and memory response derived from common HCoV may be an effective strategy against SARS-COV-2 and future novel coronaviruses.
WFH: 40yrs in the making
Authors: Mosca Giacomo
Published: June 2021

While there is the argument that the bulky, boxy PC has got us where we are, Giacomo Mosca MCP FBCS believes it's the wider technological advancements of broadband at home and mobile internet, such as 5G, that are really fuelling the boom of technology.
The bright and shiny future of the gaming PC
Authors: Hughes Ian
Published: June 2021

Ian Hughes CITP MBCS, Senior Analyst loT at 451 Research and Chair of the BCS Animation and Games SG, takes us on a journey inside the humble desktop PC of the past to explain its potential for an even brighter future.
Virtual communication: staying connected now and beyond
Authors: Kaur Rubi
Published: June 2021

The power of communication can never be underestimated. Rubi Kaur FBCS spoke to Christopher Wickenden of Speakers’ Gym, about how IT professionals can become better communicators, especially during times of remote working.
Reputation and cyber: why it matters
Authors: Mackay Matthew
Published: June 2021

Matthew Mackay CITP MBCS, Principal Consultant at Logiq Consulting, explains how a failure to take into account the defence of an organisation's assets from a cyber-attack could have an adverse effect on their reputation.
Is graph data science the secret to accelerating machine learning?
Authors: Frame Alicia
Published: June 2021

Alicia Frame, Director of Graph Data Science at Neo4j, discusses how graph-exposed data will unearth new connections and make predictions that will help business.
Field Assessment of Aphid Doubling Time and Yield of Sorghum Susceptible and Partially Resistant to Sugarcane Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Gordy John W , Seiter Nicholas J , Kerns David L , Reay-Jones Francis P F , Bowling Robert D , Way M O , Brewer Michael J
Published: June 2021

Since outbreaks were first detected in grain sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (Cyperales: Poaceae), in 2013, sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari Zehntner has become a major annual pest in grain sorghum-producing regions of North America. Economic thresholds have been recommended for susceptible hybrids, but these recommendations may not be suitable for grain sorghum hybrids partially resistant to sugarcane aphid. The objectives were to evaluate the grain yield-aphid density relationship and field-based population growth rates of the aphid on sorghum hybrids susceptible and partially resistant to sugarcane aphid across multiple years, locations, and hybrids. These data verified previously established economic injury levels for susceptible hybrids. The observed maximum aphid density ranged from 6 to 451 aphids per leaf for resistant hybrids and from 67 to 1,025 for susceptible hybrids. Across 50 location-year combinations, the maximum aphid density observed on resistant hybrids decreased by 0–99%, compared to a susceptible hybrid at the same location (mean reduction = 80%). Doubling time for sugarcane aphid populations on partially resistant hybrids was up to 6.4-fold higher than on known susceptible hybrids. For 48 of the 50 location-years, yield loss attributable to sugarcane aphid was not detected on the partially resistant hybrids; therefore, an economic injury level was unable to be estimated. If an economic injury level exists for resistant hybrids, it is likely at an aphid population level that exceeds the levels experienced in this study. It remains prudent to monitor resistant hybrids for unusual leaf decay associated with aphid densities that exceed current economic injury levels used for susceptible hybrids.
Sex differences in the prevalence of radiographic findings of structural hip deformities in patients with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement
Authors: Zhou Jun , Melugin Heath P , Hale Rena F , Song Bryant M , Okoroha Kelechi R , Levy Bruce A , Krych Aaron J
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine the sex differences in the overall prevalence of radiographic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) deformity patients presenting with hip pain and to identify the most common radiographic findings in male and female patients. A geographic database was used to identify patients between the age of 14 and 50 years with hip pain from 2000 to 2016. A chart and radiographic review was performed to identify patients with cam, pincer and mixed-type FAI. A total of 374 (449 hips) out of 612 (695 hips) male patients and 771 (922 hips) out of 1281 (1447 hips) female patients had radiographic features consistent with FAI. Ninety-four male hips (20.9%) and 45 female hips (4.9%) had cam type, 20 male hips (4.5%) and 225 female hips (24.4%) had pincer type and 335 male hips (74.6%) and 652 female hips (70.7%) had mixed type. The overall prevalence of radiographic findings consistent with FAI in male and female patients with hip pain was 61.1% and 60.2%, respectively. Mixed type was the most prevalent. The most common radiographic finding for cam-type FAI was an alpha angle >55°, and the most common radiographic finding for pincer-type FAI was a crossover sign. Male patients were found to have a higher prevalence of cam-type deformities, whereas female patients were found to have a higher prevalence of pincer-type deformities.
Fatal attraction: intestinal amebiasis and COVID-19 as risk factors for colonic perforation
Authors: Dorantes Jorge Alberto , López-Becerril Jose Octavio , Zavala-Cerna Maria G
Published: June 2021

The parasite Entamoeba histolytica, the causal agent of amebiasis, is considered a worldwide emergent disease and still represents an important cause of death in Mexico. Here, we describe a clinical case, involving an inflammatory response to both Coronavirus Infectious Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and intestinal amebiasis 54-year-old, COVID-positive Mexican gentleman was admitted to surgery following 6 days of hematochezia. An exploratory laparotomy and colonoscopy revealed multiple fibrous and amebic ulcerations (5–10 cm in diameter), with necrotic tissue predominantly localized in the sigmoid, descending and ascending colon. We discuss the pathophysiological interplay of both COVID-19 and intestinal amebiasis with the aim of highlighting a potentially novel aggravating mechanism in surgical patients suffering from colonic perforation in the setting of abdominal sepsis.
A Comparative Study of Imputation Methods for Multivariate Ordinal Data
Authors: Wongkamthong Chayut , Akande Olanrewaju
Published: June 2021

Missing data remains a very common problem in large datasets, including survey and census data containing many ordinal responses, such as political polls and opinion surveys. Multiple imputation (MI) is usually the go-to approach for analyzing such incomplete datasets, and there are indeed several implementations of MI, including methods using generalized linear models, tree-based models, and Bayesian non-parametric models. However, there is limited research on the statistical performance of these methods for multivariate ordinal data. In this article, we perform an empirical evaluation of several MI methods, including MI by chained equations (MICE) using multinomial logistic regression models, MICE using proportional odds logistic regression models, MICE using classification and regression trees, MICE using random forest, MI using Dirichlet process (DP) mixtures of products of multinomial distributions, and MI using DP mixtures of multivariate normal distributions. We evaluate the methods using simulation studies based on ordinal variables selected from the 2018 American Community Survey. Under our simulation settings, the results suggest that MI using proportional odds logistic regression models, classification and regression trees, and DP mixtures of multinomial distributions generally outperform the other methods. In certain settings, MI using multinomial logistic regression models is able to achieve comparable performance, depending on the missing data mechanism and amount of missing data.
The Uchuu simulations: Data Release 1 and dark matter halo concentrations
Authors: Ishiyama Tomoaki , Prada Francisco , Klypin Anatoly A , Sinha Manodeep , Metcalf R Benton , Jullo Eric , Altieri Bruno , Cora Sofía A , Croton Darren , de la Torre Sylvain , Millán-Calero David E , Oogi Taira , Ruedas José , Vega-Martínez Cristian A
Published: June 2021

We introduce the Uchuu suite of large high-resolution cosmological N-body simulations. The largest simulation, named Uchuu, consists of 2.1 trillion (12 8003) dark matter particles in a box of side-length 2.0 $\, h^{-1} \, \rm Gpc$, with particle mass of 3.27 × 108$\, h^{-1}\, \rm M_{\odot }$. The highest resolution simulation, Shin-Uchuu, consists of 262 billion (64003) particles in a box of side-length 140 $\, h^{-1} \, \rm Mpc$, with particle mass of 8.97 × 105$\, h^{-1}\, \rm M_{\odot }$. Combining these simulations, we can follow the evolution of dark matter haloes and subhaloes spanning those hosting dwarf galaxies to massive galaxy clusters across an unprecedented volume. In this first paper, we present basic statistics, dark matter power spectra, and the halo and subhalo mass functions, which demonstrate the wide dynamic range and superb statistics of the Uchuu suite. From an analysis of the evolution of the power spectra, we conclude that our simulations remain accurate from the baryon acoustic oscillation scale down to the very small. We also provide parameters of a mass–concentration model, which describes the evolution of halo concentration and reproduces our simulation data to within 5 per cent for haloes with masses spanning nearly eight orders of magnitude at redshift 0 ≤ z ≤ 14. There is an upturn in the mass–concentration relation for the population of all haloes and of relaxed haloes at z ≳ 0.5, whereas no upturn is detected at z < 0.5. We make publicly available various N-body products as part of Uchuu Data Release 1 on the Skies & Universes site.1 Future releases will include gravitational lensing maps and mock galaxy, X-ray cluster, and active galactic nucleus catalogues.
On the formation of deuterated methyl formate in hot corinos
Authors: Awad Zainab , Coutens Audrey , Viti Serena , Holdship Jonathan
Published: June 2021

Methyl formate, HCOOCH3, and many of its isotopologues have been detected in astrophysical regions with considerable abundances. However, the recipe for the formation of this molecule and its isotopologues is not yet known. In this work, we attempt to investigate, theoretically, the successful recipe for the formation of interstellar HCOOCH3 and its deuterated isotopologues. We used the gas–grain chemical model, uclchem, to examine the possible routes of formation of methyl formate on grain surfaces and in the gas-phase in low-mass star-forming regions. Our models show that radical–radical association on grains are necessary to explain the observed abundance of DCOOCH3 in the protostar IRAS 16293–2422. H-D substitution reactions on grains significantly enhance the abundances of HCOOCHD2, DCOOCHD2, and HCOOCD3. The observed abundance of HCOOCHD2 in IRAS 16293–2422 can only be reproduced if H-D substitution reactions are taken into account. However, HCOOCH2D remain underestimated in all of our models. The deuteration of methyl formate appears to be more complex than initially thought. Additional studies, both experimentally and theoretically, are needed for a better understanding of the interstellar formation of these species.
Feminist Philosophy of Mind
Authors: McWeeny Jennifer
Published: June 2021

A feminist approach to philosophy of mind asks whether mind is gendered, raced, classed, and so on, and whether differences of gender, race, class, and other social categories are a matter of mind. This chapter outlines the scope, content, and aims of this emerging field with reference to three decisive moments in its evolution. First, the correspondence between Princess Elisabeth and Descartes is examined, with particular emphasis on Descartes’s claim that those who do not have the habit of philosophizing will be more apt to perceive the union of mind and body than their separation. Second, the chapter investigates Simone de Beauvoir’s contention that woman’s consciousness in a sexist society is a doubled or divided consciousness. Third, the chapter turns to Naomi Scheman’s criticism of the view that beliefs, desires, and emotions are individuated, identifiable states. Taken together, these arguments challenge the assumptions that minds are ahistorical, universal, and nonrelational and suggest instead that minds are is affected in substantive ways by oppression.
Philosophy of Science Analytic Feminist Approaches
Authors: Rolin Kristina
Published: June 2021

Feminist philosophy of science in the analytic tradition converges towards feminist empiricism that comes in three types: critical contextual empiricism, radical empiricism, and standpoint empiricism. Each type of feminist empiricism provides important resources for feminist philosophers of science especially when they seek to solve the bias paradox. The bias paradox arises when one aims to criticize some biases as epistemically harmful while at the same time acknowledge that some other biases are epistemically beneficial. The challenge is to understand how pernicious bias can be distinguished from an innocuous one. Critical contextual empiricism aims to solve the bias paradox by introducing epistemic norms for scientific communities and radical empiricism by subjecting biases to empirical testing. Standpoint empiricism emphasizes the importance of generating new evidence by empowering disadvantaged social groups. While feminist philosophers of science have abandoned the ideal of value-free science, they have not given up the concept of objectivity. Objectivity of scientific knowledge comes in degrees and depends on how well scientific communities facilitate criticism and succeed in eliminating pernicious bias.
Continental Feminist Approaches to Philosophy of Science
Authors: Olkowski Dorothea
Published: June 2021

This chapter offers an account of central issues and themes in continental feminist philosophical engagements with philosophy of science, reflection on examples of important contributions to this discussion, and a discussion of to what extent recent continental feminist work on the topic of science has contributed to the beginning of a new field in continental feminist philosophy of science. The chapter considers current work primarily concerned with physics and calls for future work focused on other scientific fields.
Feminism in Ancient Philosophy
Authors: Schultz Anne-Marie
Published: June 2021

This chapter offers an account of central issues and themes in feminist philosophical engagements with ancient Greek philosophy. It starts with an overview of the history of feminist engagements with Greek philosophers. The chapter then explores the role of women in the Pythagorean tradition, Plato’s complex treatment of women in the dialogues, Aristotle’s view of the feminine, and the role of women in later Greek philosophical traditions and ends with suggestions about the grounds for further research. Throughout the chapter, there are reflections on examples of important contributions to this scholarship. The chapter also contains discussion of the extent to which feminist work has changed or entered the mainstream of the field. It posits that ancient philosophy offers a resource for understanding the place of women in philosophy and gender discrimination in philosophy and in society.
Feminist Moral Psychology
Authors: DesAutels Peggy
Published: June 2021

This chapter offers an account of central issues and themes in feminist philosophical engagements with moral psychology, reflection on examples of important contributions to this discussion, a discussion of to what extent feminist work has changed or entered the mainstream of the field, and current and future directions in feminist moral psychology.
Feminist Social and Political Philosophy
Authors: Bar On Bat-Ami
Published: June 2021

This chapter offers an account of central issues in feminist social and political philosophy, examples of important contributions and disagreements within the field, and suggestions regarding future directions in feminist social and political philosophy. The chapter reviews the relationship between feminist social and political philosophy and nonfeminist social and political philosophy and proposes a thematic taxonomy for the field that demarcate four subareas within it: (i) social ontology, (ii) norms, structures and power, (iii) social justice, (iv) politics. While necessarily crisscrossing each other, every one of the subareas is organized around different enough questions and therefore shifts the theoretical perspectives that are developed through their discussion.
Identity
Authors: Martín Alcoff Linda
Published: June 2021

This chapter offers an account of central issues and themes in feminist philosophical reflections on identity, including examples of important contributions to this discussion, as well as current and future directions. The central questions are, what is the ground of our social identity categories, what function do they serve, and for whom? Are identity concepts inherently oppressive, or can they be transformed in liberatory ways? Feminist analyses of gender and sexuality overlap with general philosophical questions about the nominal nature of social kinds and the question of how pluralities can be represented as a unity. Because of the intersectional nature of identity, the analysis of gender and sexuality is also inevitably connected to the broader discussions in social theory about the historical formation and political importance of identity.
War and Terrorism
Authors: May Schott Robin
Published: June 2021

This chapter offers an account of central issues in feminist philosophical work on war and terrorism. Violence and oppression have been core feminist issues, both historically and substantively. Feminists have cleared two distinctive but parallel paths for reflections on violence. One path focuses on embodiment and norms and analyzes violence in terms of gender and sexuality. A second path engages with questions of the political frames of violence. Who is visible, who receives recognition, who is treated with dignity, and who is not? How are exclusions from the frame of recognition a condition for the ongoing existence of such political and moral frames? These two directions inform discussions of war and terrorism as well. This chapter traces how both militaristic masculinities/ femininities and a politics of exclusion/inclusion contribute to the legitimation of war and terror. Looking forward, the chapter notes the importance of feminist anti-militarism and of posing feminist questions to new technologies of war.
Feminist Philosophy of Human Rights
Authors: Meyers Diana Tietjens
Published: June 2021

This chapter offers an account of central issues and themes in feminist philosophical work on human rights, including examples of important contributions to this discussion, as well as current and future directions. Major feminist theories of the grounding of human rights are presented together with feminist critiques of human rights as a basis for feminist practice. Genocidal rape and the right to bodily integrity, the right to care and the care drain from the Global South to the Global North, and the feminization of poverty in the context of global justice are discussed in detail. Issues concerning women’s agency within diverse cultural contexts punctuate these discussions.
Feminist Philosophical Engagements with Trans Studies
Authors: Bettcher Talia Mae
Published: June 2021

In this chapter Bettcher examines feminist philosophical engagements with transgender studies. In the first section, she discusses the emergence of trans studies as well as the recent development of trans philosophy within the discipline. The latter makes the question of feminist philosophical engagement more complex. To what extent does the feminist philosophy engage with trans philosophy? To what extent does it merely philosophize about trans phenomena? In the second section, Bettcher considers an approach that adds trans to a longer list of excluded identities, focusing specifically on analytic work designed to answer the question “What is a woman?” Drawing on Crenshaw’s notion of intersectionality, Bettcher raises worries about this sort of approach in both its traditional and ameliorative variations. In the final section, Bettcher considers intersectional approaches to trans oppression/resistance as well as impediments to their pursuit including oppositional starting points, unhelpful models of trans oppression/resistance, and, finally, complexities that arise when considering the intersections of trans and sexist oppressions.
The Legacy of Simone de Beauvoir
Authors: Leboeuf Céline
Published: June 2021

Simone de Beauvoir’s work has been a great inspiration for feminist philosophers. This chapter explores her legacy to the discipline. I begin by examining the opening question of The Second Sex: What is a woman? I argue that one of Beauvoir’s distinctive contributions was to put this question on the philosophical map. While her account of woman has been criticized—for example, for privileging the experiences of white middle-class women—her phenomenological approach to sexual difference can be appropriated to expand the scope of her analysis. I also discuss her iconic line, “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman” and claim that it should not be read in terms of the traditional sex/gender distinction. Such an interpretation misconstrues her conception of the body, which for her is never merely a natural object, but rather a situation wherein nature and cultural interpretations are intertwined. In addition, I consider the issues, such as economic power, legal status, and reproductive rights, that Beauvoir considered central to women’s liberation.
Exploring the role of new physics in $b \to u \tau \bar \nu$ decays
Authors: Bhatta Aishwarya , Ray Atasi , Mohanta Rukmani
Published: June 2021

The recent measurements on $R_D$, $R_{D^*}$, and $R_{J/\psi}$ by three pioneering experiments, BaBar, Belle, and LHCb, indicate that the notion of lepton flavor universality is violated in weak charged-current processes, mediated through $b \to c \ell \bar \nu_\ell$ transitions. These intriguing results, which delineate a tension with their Standard Model predictions at the level of (2–3)$\sigma$, have triggered many new physics propositions in recent times, and are generally attributed to the possible implication of new physics in $ b \to c \tau \bar \nu$ transitions. This, in turn, opens up another avenue, i.e., $ b \to u \tau \bar \nu$ processes, to look for new physics. Since these processes are doubly Cabibbo suppressed, the impact of new physics could be significant enough, leading to sizable effects in some of the observables. In this work, we investigate in detail the role of new physics in $B \to (\pi,\rho,\omega)\tau \bar \nu$ and $B_s \to (K,K^*) \tau \bar \nu$ processes considering a model-independent approach. In particular, we focus on standard observables like branching fraction, the lepton flavor non-universality (LNU) parameter, forward–backward asymmetry, and polarization asymmetries. We find significant deviations in some of these observables, which can be explored by the currently running experiments, LHCb and Belle-II. We also briefly comment on the impact of the scalar leptoquark $R_2(3,2,7/6)$ and vector leptoquark $U_1(3,1,2/3)$ on these decay modes.
Slow-wave sleep during a brief nap is related to reduced cognitive deficits during sleep deprivation
Authors: Stepan Michelle E , Altmann Erik M , Fenn Kimberly M
Published: June 2021

Sleeping for a short period (i.e. napping) may help mitigate impairments in cognitive processing caused by sleep deprivation, but there is limited research on effects of brief naps in particular. Here, we tested the effect of a brief nap opportunity (30- or 60-min) during a period of sleep deprivation on two cognitive processes with broad scope, placekeeping and vigilant attention. In the evening, participants (N = 280) completed a placekeeping task (UNRAVEL) and a vigilant attention task (Psychomotor Vigilance Task [PVT]) and were randomly assigned to either stay awake overnight or sleep at home. Sleep-deprived participants were randomly assigned to receive either no nap opportunity, a 30-min opportunity, or a 60-min opportunity. Participants who napped were set up with polysomnography. The next morning, sleep participants returned, and all participants completed UNRAVEL and the PVT. Sleep deprivation impaired performance on both tasks, but nap opportunity did not reduce the impairment, suggesting that naps longer than those tested may be necessary to cause group differences. However, in participants who napped, more time spent in slow-wave sleep (SWS) was associated with reduced performance deficits on both tasks, effects we interpret in terms of the role of SWS in alleviating sleep pressure and facilitating memory consolidation.
Small RNA and Transcriptome Sequencing of a Symptomatic Peony Plant Reveals Mixed Infections with Novel Viruses
Authors: Jia Anning , Yan Chenge , Yin Hang , Sun Rui , Xia Fei , Gao Lan , Zhang Yongjiang , Li Yongqiang
Published: June 2021

To identify the viruses in tree peony plants associated with the symptoms of yellowing, leaf rolling, stunted growth, and decline, high-throughput sequencing of small RNA and mRNA was conducted from a single symptomatic plant. Bioinformatic analyses and reconstruction of viral genomes indicated mixed viral infections involving cycas necrotic stunt virus, apple stem grooving virus, lychnis mottle virus, grapevine line pattern virus, and three new viruses designated as peony yellowing-associated citrivirus (PYaCV, Citrivirus in Betaflexiviridae), peony betaflexivirus 1 (PeV1, unclassified in Betaflexiviridae), and peony leafroll-associated virus (PLRaV, Ampelovirus in Closteroviridae). PYaCV was 8,666 nucleotides (nt) in length, comprising three open reading frames (ORFs), and shared 63.8 to 75.9% nt sequence identity with citrus leaf blotch virus (CLBV) isolates. However, the ORF encoding the replication-associated protein (REP) shared 57 and 52% sequence identities at the nt and amino acid (aa) level, respectively, with other reported CLBV isolates, which were below the criterion for species classification within the family Betaflexiviridae. Recombination analysis identified putative recombination sites in PYaCV, which originated from CLBV. PeV1, only identified from the transcriptome data, was 8,124 nt in length, with five ORFs encoding the REP (ORF1), triple gene block (ORF2 to 4) and coat protein (CP, ORF5). Phylogenetic analysis and sequence comparison showed that PeV1 clustered with an unassigned member, the garlic yellow mosaic-associated virus within the Betaflexiviridae family, into a separate clade. Partial genome sequence analysis of PLRaV (12,545 nt) showed it contained seven ORFs encoding the partial polyprotein 1a, the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), two small hydrophobic proteins p11 and p6, HSP70h, p55, and a CP duplicate, which shared low aa sequence identity with Closteroviridae family members. Phylogenetic analysis based on the aa sequences of RdRp or HSP70h indicated that PLRaV clustered with grapevine leafroll-associated virus 1 (GLRaV-1) and GLRaV-13 in the Ampelovirus genus. Field investigation confirmed the wide distribution of these viruses, causing mixed infections of peony plants in Beijing.
An Introduction to the Head and Neck
Authors: Vogl Wayne
Published: June 2021

The head and neck can be viewed as a series of chambers, compartments, and tubes. One of the more interesting stories in head and neck anatomy is the connection between the respiratory and oro‐pharyngeal systems, and the evolution of dynamic valve systems to separate the pathways for food and air. The soft palate, epiglottis and vocal folds, together with the hyoid apparatus, the floor of the oral cavity and soft tissues surrounding the laryngeal cavity, act cooperatively during chewing, breathing and swallowing to ensure that air, food and liquid normally end up at the appropriate times in the correct tube ‐ either the trachea or the esophagus. Simple box diagrams can be used to illustrate the major compartments in the head and neck and the relationships between them, and to demonstrate the function of the valve systems used to separate the digestive and respiratory pathways. Similar diagrams can also be used to place the human system into comparative, developmental and evolutionary contexts.

Support or Funding Information

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Neutrophil Count is an Accurate Differential Diagnostic Biomarker in Stroke Versus Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Petrone Ashley Brooke , Stephens Ronald J , Eisenman Rhae Dawn , Shaffer Harry Gustaves , Adcock Amelia K
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Differential diagnosis of transient ischemic attack (TIA) versus acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is difficult, and neuroimaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the only definitive method to confirm AIS. In a typical stoke page imaging protocol, patients initially receive a non‐contrast computed tomography (CT) scan to potentially confirm the presence of infarct, but more importantly, to rule out intracranial hemorrhage in order to administer tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). While this CT is rapid and appropriate for tPA decision‐making, approximately 60–70 percent of AIS cases, later confirmed with MRI, are initially CT‐negative. Further, it is even more difficult to differentiate mild AIS (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale < 5) from TIA, and the decision whether to treat mild AIS with tPA is currently controversial, making this differential diagnosis even more critical. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine if neutrophil count could assist in the accurate differential diagnosis of TIA versus mild AIS.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of a random sample of 100 patients discharged from a local hospital with a discharge diagnosis of TIA. From the initial sample of 100 patients, 54 met inclusion criteria for this study. In addition, we matched a sample of 54 mild AIS patients and 54 control subjects for comparison. An independent samples T test was used to detect mean differences in neutrophil count, and logistic regression to determine the odds ratios for differential diagnosis.

RESULTS

Upon admission, neutrophil count is significantly higher in mild AIS (6.52 ±0.34 × 103 cells/uL) compared to TIA (5.35 ±0.26 × 103 cells/uL) (p =.042). Further, at a specificity of 82 percent, mild AIS patients are 3.1 times more likely to have a neutrophil count >6.52 compared to TIA (p=.021).

CONCLUSIONS

Neutrophil count is a simple, easy to interpret biomarker that can differentiate stroke from TIA with greater accuracy than CT scan. As such, neutrophil count may be used to assist in the decision to administer tPA to mild AIS.

Support or Funding Information

No funding was received for this project.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.
Gene Expression Changes during Early Reperfusion following Short or Long Hepatic Ischemia in a Rodent Model
Authors: Zabala Valerie , Boylan Joan M , Gruppuso Philip A , Sanders Jennifer A
Published: June 2021

Background

In the U.S., patients on the waiting list in need of a liver transplant outnumber available donors by two‐fold. During transplantation, ischemia‐reperfusion (IR) of the donor tissue activates pathways that elicit inflammatory and sterile immune responses. However, fundamental molecular mechanisms of hepatic IR remain unclear. Understanding the response to various durations of ischemia could help identify targets for the attenuation of damage pathways during IR, increasing available donors suitable for transplant.

Methods

Using a rat model of 70% warm ischemia, RNA was extracted from the non‐ischemic and the ischemic‐reperfused lobes after 30 minutes of reperfusion following two durations of ischemia: 30 minutes and 60 minutes (termed short versus long IR, respectively). Using microarrays, differentially expressed genes and pathway analyses were utilized to examine potential upstream regulation. Nuclear extracts from each reperfused replicate were used for transcription factor activation profiling arrays. Western blotting to examine activation of MAPK pathways was also performed.

Results

Only 22 genes were found to change significantly in the short IR lobes compared to their non‐ischemic counterparts. These changes in gene expression were also seen in the long IR model. However, in the long IR group, many more genes changed significantly. Upstream analysis implicated reduced mTORC2 signaling in the regulation of these genes. Pathway analysis revealed enrichment of pathways related to mitochondrial dysfunction. Transcription factor activation profiling displayed a significant reduction in the activity of several transcription factors, including Foxf2, KLF4, Tcf/Lef, HNf1 and Oct4. Western blotting revealed a significant increase in Erk1/2 and JNK activity in the long IR model but not in the short IR model.

Conclusions

Changes in gene expression suggest mTORC2 as a major contributing factor during early reperfusion in the 60 minute ischemia model. Transient activation of Erk1/2 and JNK signaling may be involved in the response to IR following long periods of ischemia. Examination of simultaneous changes in mitochondria function and mTORC2 signaling and changes downstream from activated Erk1/2 and JNK signaling may reveal potential targets that will favor cell survival.

Support or Funding Information

VZ was a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Gilliam Fellow and is currently supported by the NSF Graduate Fellowship Program. These studies were supported by the Rhode Island Department of Pediatrics.

This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.