bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tofacitinib for the Treatment of Severe Interstitial Lung Disease Related to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Vacchi Caterina , Manfredi Andreina , Cassone Giulia , Cerri Stefania , Della Casa Giovanni , Andrisani Dario , Salvarani Carlo , Sebastiani Marco
Published: April 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease characterized by chronic symmetrical erosive synovitis and extra-articular manifestations, including interstitial lung disease (ILD), whose treatment is nowadays challenging due to high infectious risk and possible pulmonary iatrogenic toxicity. Janus kinase inhibitors, namely, tofacitinib, baricitinib, and upadacitinib, are the latest drug class for the treatment of RA with a good safety profile. We present the case of a patient with RA-ILD successfully treated with tofacitinib. A 52-year-old man was referred to our multidisciplinary clinic for rheumatic and pulmonary diseases for an active erosive seropositive RA and progressive ILD. Previous treatments were GC, hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate, etanercept, withdrawn after ILD detection, and tocilizumab, discontinued due to relapsing infections. After our evaluation, we proposed rituximab in addition to low-dose GC and hydroxychloroquine, ineffective on joint involvement. Therefore, we proposed tofacitinib which allowed us to control joint involvement, stabilize ILD improving respiratory symptoms, and manage the frequent infectious episodes that occurred initially. The short half-life and rapid-acting of tofacitinib are two helpful characteristics regarding this aspect. Despite limited data from randomized trials and real-life, tofacitinib could represent a safe therapeutic option for RA-ILD patients. Longitudinal studies are required to confirm this encouraging report.
Real-Time Monitoring and Step-by-Step Guidance for Transapical Mitral Valve Edge-to-Edge Repair Using Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Ge Zhenyi , Pan Cuizhen , Li Wei , Zhou Daxin , Pan Wenzhi , Wei Lai , Chen Haiyan , Shu Xianhong , Ge Junbo
Published: April 2021

MitraClip edge-to-edge (E2E) repair system is the only transcatheter device recommended in the current guidelines for treating mitral regurgitation (MR). The percutaneous femoral venous transseptal access of MitraClip requires a complex steerable delivery system and may thus be technically complex to optimally position and deploy the clip onto the mitral valve. A transapical approach for E2E repair has been devised to treat MR for the ease of operation (ValveClamp system, Hanyu Medical Technology, Shanghai). The first-in-human study of ValveClamp has demonstrated its early feasibility and effectiveness for the treatment of patients with degenerative MR. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the only imaging modality required for intraoperative guidance of ValveClamp implantation. Successful implantation depends on accurate localization and orientation of the clamp and efficient intraoperative communication between the echocardiographer and the intervention team. Thus, the focus of this review is on elaborating how two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) TEE are used in clinical practice to guide ValveClamp implantation and it may facilitate the understanding of simplicity and safety of this novel procedure. We also describe the implementation of several novel advancements in 3D TEE imaging, which improve the confidence of image interpretation for intraoperative guidance and expedite implantation times.
Aspiration of Public-Private Partnership Projects’ Risk Management Supported on Probabilistic Linguistic Terms amid Weakened Hedges
Authors: Sun Yunpeng , Ahmad Muneeb , Rui Li , Ahmad Saleem , Khan Yousaf Ali
Published: April 2021

The provision of risk involved in a deal for a public-private partnership (PPP) is an essential aspect of triumph that should be based on the best smart party’s opinion to organize it. This study anticipated the importance of risk management in PPP projects to adjust the risk management dilemma of the PPP projects’ pedestal on the P-LTWHs with a new notion of FMEA. The dynamic linguistic expressions, P-LTWHs, were suggested in the theoretical aspect to articulate decision-makers’ assessments, who take the reluctant information with weakened hedges and the likelihood of the linguistic information into account. Besides, the biprojection technique was used to rank risk management problem failure modes in a PPP project. The probabilistic linguistic terms with compromised hedges evaluate the risk management of the novel failure mode and impact analysis (NFMEA) and rank failure modes with the biprojection technique (P-LTWHs). This study also shows that it is possible to spread risks based on fuzzy set theory among public-private parties effectively. Likewise, with the biprojection practice of LTWHs with the VIKOR technique of P-LTWHs, the predicted model is estimated.
Energy‐Spectral Efficiency Trade‐Offs in Full‐Duplex MU‐MIMO Cloud‐RANs with SWIPT
Authors: Nguyen Xuan-Xinh , Kha Ha Hoang
Published: April 2021

The present paper investigates the trade‐offs between the energy efficiency (EE) and spectral efficiency (SE) in the full‐duplex (FD) multiuser multi‐input multioutput (MU‐MIMO) cloud radio access networks (CRANs) with simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT). In the considered network, the central unit (CU) intends to concurrently not only transfer both energy and information toward downlink (DL) users using power splitting structures but also receive signals from uplink (UL) users. This communication is executed via FD radio units (RUs) which are distributed nearby users and connected to the CU through limited capacity fronthaul (FH) links. In order to unveil interesting trade‐offs between the EE and SE metrics, we first introduce three conventional single‐objective optimization problems (SOOPs) including (i) system sum rate maximization, (ii) total power minimization, and (iii) fractional energy efficiency maximization. Then, by making use of the multiobjective optimization (MOO) framework, the MOO problem (MOOP) with the objective vector of the achievable rate and power consumption is addressed. All considered problems are nonconvex with respect to designing variables comprising precoding matrices, compression matrices, and DL power splitting factors; thus, it is extremely intractable to solve these problems directly. To overcome these issues, we develop iterative algorithms by utilizing the sequential convex approximation (SCA) approach for the first two SOO problems and the SCA‐based Dinkelbach method for the fractional EE problem. Regarding the MOOP, we first rewrite it as an SOOP by applying the modified weighted Tchebycheff method and, then, propose the iterative algorithm‐based SCA to find its optimal Pareto set. Various numerical simulations are conducted to study the system performance and appealing EE‐SE trade‐offs in the considered system.
Analysis of Land Use Changes and Driving Forces in the Yanhe River Basin from 1980 to 2015
Authors: Yao Zhihong , Wang Bo , Huang Jie , Zhang Yu , Yang Jianchen , Deng Rongxin , Yang Qinke
Published: April 2021

Based on the support of RS and GIS technology, this paper analyzes the spatial and temporal variation characteristics and driving forces of land use in the Yanhe River Basin through the processing and interpretation of remote sensing images in different periods from 1980 to 2015 and the methods of the land use transfer matrix and dynamic attitude. The results show that cropland, grassland, and forest land are the three types of land use with the most obvious changes, while urban land and water body have relatively small changes in the Yanhe River Basin. The transfer between cropland, forest land, and grassland and urban land is very obvious, among which the conversion rate of cropland is the highest. During the 15 years from 2000 to 2015, the land use types of the Yanhe River Basin changed by 13.17%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.88%. The implementation of ecological restoration and governance policy is the direct driving force of land use change in the Yanhe River Basin. The results obtained in this study can provide reference basis for land use planning and management and land use structure optimization in the Yanhe River Basin in the future.
Predicting the APT for Cyber Situation Comprehension in 5G-Enabled IoT Scenarios Based on Differentially Private Federated Learning
Authors: Cheng Xiang , Luo Qian , Pan Ye , Li Zitong , Zhang Jiale , Chen Bing
Published: April 2021

Driven by the advancements in 5G-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, the IoT devices have shown an explosive growth trend with massive data generated at the edge of the network. However, IoT systems exhibit inherent vulnerability for diverse attacks, and Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) is one of the most powerful attack models that could lead to a significant privacy leakage of systems. Moreover, recent detection technologies can hardly meet the demands of effective security defense against APTs. To address the above problems, we propose an APT Prediction Method based on Differentially Private Federated Learning (APTPMFL) to predict the probability of subsequent APT attacks occurring in IoT systems. It is the first time to apply a federated learning mechanism for aggregating suspicious activities in the IoT systems, where the APT prediction phase does not need any correlation rules. Moreover, to achieve privacy-preserving property, we further adopt a differentially private data perturbation mechanism to add the Laplacian random noises to the IoT device training data features, so as to achieve the maximum protection of privacy data. We also present a 5G-enabled edge computing-based framework to train and deploy the model, which can alleviate the computing and communication overhead of the typical IoT systems. Our evaluation results show that APTPMFL can efficiently predict subsequent APT behaviors in the IoT system accurately and efficiently.
Interactive Teaching System of Basketball Action in College Sports Based on Online to Offline Mixed Teaching Mode
Authors: Guo Wenbo , Niu Yunjie
Published: April 2021

The mixed teaching mode can be used to improve students’ academic performance. In this study, an interactive teaching system of basketball action in college sports based on online to offline mixed teaching mode is developed. The system is mainly comprised of teacher function module, student function module, and system analysis module. In the teacher function module, online to offline mixed teaching mode is introduced to realize the interactive teaching of basketball action in college sports in the form of organic combination of microclass, massive open online course, and traditional classroom teaching. The student function module is mainly used to manage the information related to students learning basketball actions. The system analysis module uses the data mining model based on multiant colony clustering combination algorithm to obtain the learners’ behavior data and then designs a targeted interactive teaching course for basketball action. After testing, it was concluded that the designed system can improve the students’ mastery of basketball movement in sports and can be applied to improve student’s academic performance.
Subcutaneous Allergen Immunotherapy in Children: Real Life Compliance and Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Compliance
Authors: Aytekin Elif Soyak , Soyer Özge , Şekerel Bülent E. , Şahiner Ümit M.
Published: April 2021

Background: Subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) is an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis, asthma, and venom allergy. Compliance is essential for SCIT to obtain maximal benefit as it is a long-term treatment. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the level of real-life SCIT compliance in pediatric patients and the associated factors. Additional aims were to determine how SCIT compliance was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and why some patients dropped out SCIT. Method: Pediatric patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, or venom allergy that received SCIT between September 2012 and July 2020 were analyzed. Results: The study included 201 children (66.7% male) with a median (interquartile range) age of 12.8 years (9.4–15.2) at the time of the first SCIT injection. The overall compliance rate before COVID-19 pandemic was 86.1%. Short SCIT follow-up time and venom anaphylaxis were found to be risk factors for drop out. The leading causes of drop outs were moving to another city/country (32.1%), symptom improvement (17.8%), treatment ineffectiveness (14.2%), and adverse reactions (14.2%). Among the 108 patients that were still receiving SCIT during the COVID-19 pandemic, 31 (28.7%) dropped out the therapy. The most frequent reasons for drop-out were fear of being infected with COVID-19 (35.4%) and thinking that the AIT practise stopped due to COVID-19 pandemic (29%). Male gender and older age were found to be the independent risk factors for drop-out of SCIT. Conclusions: Real life compliance in children was found 13.9% and it was higher than adults. Nearly one-third of children dropped out during the CO­VID-19 pandemic. Male gender and older age are associated with SCIT drop-out during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Clinical Profile of Patients Presenting with Acute Myocardial Infarction in United Arab Emirates: A Tertiary Care Center Government Hospital Experience
Authors: Tabatabai Sadeq , Bazargani Nooshin , Al Hashmi Jasem Mohammed
Published: April 2021

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the major causes of hospitalization and mortality worldwide. There has been limited data available to characterize AMI presentation, contemporary patterns of medical care, and outcomes in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Methods: A single-center observational registry for patients with AMI was used. All patients admitted to Dubai Hospital with AMI (ST elevation and non-ST elevation) with positive troponin from the mid of August 2017 till the end of April 2018 were included in this registry. Clinical data, prior history, demographics, treatments, and outcomes were recorded from the patient’s electronic medical file of the hospital. Result: A total of 329 patients (male 92%, mean age 53.6 years) were included in our registry. The use of ambulance service was only 25%. Electrocardiogram findings of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were found in 57% and non-STEMI in 43%. History of prior ischemic heart disease was present in 21% of all cohort, diabetes in 36%, hypertension in 38%, and the current smoking rate was 35%. Reperfusion therapy was provided to 94% of the patients with STEMI; only 32% of them had primary angioplasty, and medical reperfusion was performed in 68%. One-third of them received thrombolysis within 30 min, and primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was provided to 38% within 90 min. All the patients received aspirin and adenosine diphosphate inhibitors within the first 24 h. The majority of the patients received other key medicines like beta-blocker, statin, and anticoagulant agents within 24 h. The in-hospital mortality rate was about 3%. Conclusions: Using data from the registry may provide an overview of the current status of AMI in Dubai. Medical reperfusion therapy is the most common reperfusion modality in our center, and this will raise the question of whether we need to launch a 24-h primary PCI program in our center.
Comparative Cytogenetics in Four Leptodactylus Species (Amphibia, Anura, Leptodactylidae): Evidence of Inner Chromosomal Diversification in Highly Conserved Karyotypes
Authors: da Silva David S. , da Silva Filho Heriberto F. , Cioffi Marcelo B. , de Oliveira Edivaldo H.C. , Gomes Anderson J.B.
Published: April 2021

With 82 species currently described, the genus Leptodactylus is the most diverse and representative one in the family Leptodactylidae. Concerning chromosomal organization, this genus represents an interesting and underexplored group since data from molecular cytogenetics are incipient, and little is known about the organization and distribution of repetitive DNA elements in the karyotypes. In this sense, this study aimed at providing a comparative analysis in 4 Leptodactylus species (L. macrosternum, L. pentadactylus, L. fuscus, and Leptodactylus cf. podicipinus), combining conventional cytogenetics (Giemsa staining, C-banding, and AgNOR staining) and mapping of molecular markers (18S rDNA, telomeric and microsatellite probes), to investigate mechanisms underlying their karyotype differentiation process. The results showed that all species had karyotypes with 2n = 22 and FN = 44, except for Leptodactylus cf. podicipinus which presented FN = 36. The 18S rDNA was observed in pair 8 of all analyzed species (corresponding to pair 4 in L. pentadactylus), coinciding with the secondary constrictions and AgNOR staining. FISH with microsatellite DNA probes demonstrated species-specific patterns, as well as an association of these repetitive sequences with constitutive heterochromatin blocks and ribosomal DNA clusters, revealing the dynamics of microsatellites in the genome of the analyzed species. In summary, our data demonstrate an ongoing process of genomic divergence inside species with almost similar karyotype, driven most likely by a series of pericentric inversions, followed by differential accumulation of repetitive sequences.
Ortogranulitos de Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, uma janela para o Arqueano no Orógeno Ribeira: litogeoquímica e geoquímica isotópica de Nd e Sr
Authors: André Jefferson Lima Fernandes , Valladares Claudia Sayão , Duarte Beatriz Paschoal
Published: April 2021

O presente estudo visou contribuir com o entendimento da gênese dos ortogranulitos arqueanos (ca. 2,65 Ga) que afloram na região de Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, e que foram denominados em um estudo recente de Ortogranulitos Ribeirão das Lajes. Os granulitos são homogêneos, constituídos principalmente de quartzo, K-feldspato e plagioclásio (esverdeado), com biotita, clinopiroxênio e ortopiroxênio como os máficos mais comuns. Composicionalmente, os protólitos são granitos e granodioritos. A análise de litogeoquímica revelou que os granulitos são metaluminosos, representando séries de alto e médio-K, correlacionáveis a granitos de arco. O comportamento de elementos terras raras (ETR) ainda revela que provavelmente devem existir diferentes suítes cogenéticas nos ortogranulitos. Porém, em razão do quantitativo de análises, não foi possível definir com maior acurácia todas as possíveis suítes. Foram ainda realizadas análises de Sm/Nd e Rb/Sr no mesmo ortogranulito datado em trabalho recente como arqueano (MAN-JEF-01a), e foi obtida uma idade modelo TDM de aproximadamente 2,7 Ga. Seu εNd(t) positivo (+2,1) aponta para origem a partir do manto depletado, apesar da razão 87Sr/86Sr(t) calculada (0,70529) indicar alguma contribuição crustal (fonte enriquecida). Os dados obtidos neste estudo sugerem que os ortogranulitos de Mangaratiba foram formados em ambiente de arco magmático no Neoarqueano, a partir de uma fonte mantélica envolvendo assimilação crustal.
A Hydrogel Strategy to Augment Tissue Adenosine to Improve Hindlimb Perfusion
Authors: Sayegh Michael N. , Cooney Kimberly A. , Han Woojin M. , Wang Lanfang , Strobel Frederick , Hansen Laura M. , García Andrés J. , Levit Rebecca D.
Published: April 2021

Objective:

Adenosine is an important vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic agent; however, its delivery for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases is challenging due to the drug’s short half-life and dose-limiting side effects. Peripheral artery disease, one of the most prevalent atherosclerotic diseases of the cardiovascular system, remains without adequate nonsurgical treatments, resulting in significant morbidity due to ischemia and inflammation. Here, we hypothesize that we can use an enzyme-loaded synthetic hydrogel for local adenosine production.

Approach and Results:

We engineer a protease-sensitive poly(ethylene glycol)-maleimide-based hydrogel and characterize its rheological parameters when modulating poly(ethylene glycol) density and tethering a peptide to the gel backbone, then test degradation in response to collagenase. We load the gel with an ecto-nucleotidase, CD73, which catalyzes adenosine production from phosphorylated substrates, and use the CD73-loaded gel to generate adenosine in vitro and inhibit neutrophils’ oxidative burst. When delivered in vivo, the CD73 hydrogel augments adenosine levels in hindlimb skeletal muscles 24 hours after induction of peripheral arterial ischemia and increases lower limb perfusion compared with control gel in healthy mice on laser Doppler imaging.

Conclusions:

This enzyme-delivering hydrogel provides a strategy for local and sustained adenosine generation to improve perfusion, and future work will optimize its use for disease modulation.
ADAM17 Boosts Cholesterol Efflux and Downstream Effects of High-Density Lipoprotein on Inflammatory Pathways in Macrophages
Authors: Kothari Vishal , Tang Jingjing , He Yi , Kramer Farah , Kanter Jenny E. , Bornfeldt Karin E.
Published: April 2021

Objective:

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) can exert both anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory effects in macrophages due to its ability to induce cholesterol depletion. Because cholesterol depletion also increases sheddase activity of the membrane protease ADAM17 (ADAM metallopeptidase domain 17) in other cells, we examined if ADAM17 plays a role in HDL’s effects on inflammatory processes in macrophages in vitro and in vivo.

Approach and Results:

Sorted peritoneal macrophages from human APOA1 (apolipoprotein A1) transgenic LDL (low-density lipoprotein) receptor-deficient (
APOA1

Tg

; Ldlr
−/−
) mice with and without myeloid cell-targeted ADAM17-deficiency were studied in parallel with wildtype and ADAM17-deficient bone marrow-derived macrophages stimulated with HDL in vitro. HDL increased ADAM17 expression and activity in macrophages. Furthermore, ADAM17-deficient macrophages exhibited reduced expression of ABCA1 (ATP-binding cassette A1) and reduced cholesterol efflux and were cholesterol loaded. This was caused by the absence of shedding of TNFα, a major ADAM17 substrate. Sorted thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal macrophages freshly isolated from
APOA1

Tg

; Ldlr
−/−
mice, which have higher HDL levels than
Ldlr
−/−
controls, showed reduced expression of interferon-inducible genes in response to lipopolysaccharide or interferon β, but exacerbated proinflammatory responses to lipopolysaccharide for
Tnfa
,
Cxcl1
,
Ccl2
, and
Il1b
, phenocopying cells stimulated with HDL in vitro. These effects were all prevented in ADAM17-deficient macrophages and associated with lower concentrations of large HDL particles in
APOA1

Tg

;
Ldlr
−/−
mice with myeloid cell-targeted ADAM17-deficiency.

Conclusions:

The increased cholesterol loading of ADAM17-deficient macrophages prevents both anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory responses of HDL. Our findings demonstrate a novel role for ADAM17 in maintaining cholesterol efflux in macrophages, thereby regulating the immune functions of these cells.
Genetically Determined Serum Calcium Levels and Markers of Ventricular Repolarization: A Mendelian Randomization Study in the UK Biobank
Authors: Young William J. , Warren Helen R. , Mook-Kanamori Dennis O. , Ramírez Julia , van Duijvenboden Stefan , Orini Michele , Tinker Andrew , van Heemst Diana , Lambiase Pier D. , Jukema J. Wouter , Munroe Patricia B. , Noordam Raymond
Published: April 2021

Background:

ECG markers of ventricular depolarization and repolarization are associated with an increased risk of arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. Our prior work indicated lower serum calcium concentrations are associated with longer QT and JT intervals in the general population. Here, we investigate whether serum calcium is a causal risk factor for changes in ECG measures using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods:

Independent lead variants from a newly performed genome-wide association study for serum calcium in >300 000 European-ancestry participants from UK Biobank were used as instrumental variables. Two-sample MR analyses were performed to approximate the causal effect of serum calcium on QT, JT, and QRS intervals using an inverse-weighted method in 76 226 participants not contributing to the serum calcium genome-wide association study. Sensitivity analyses including MR-Egger, weighted-median estimator, and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier were performed to test for the presence of horizontal pleiotropy.

Results:

Two hundred five independent lead calcium-associated variants were used as instrumental variables for MR. A decrease of 0.1 mmol/L serum calcium was associated with longer QT (3.01 ms [95% CI, 2.03 to 3.99]) and JT (2.89 ms [1.91 to 3.87]) intervals. A weak association was observed for QRS duration (secondary analyses only). Results were concordant in all sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions:

These analyses support a causal effect of serum calcium levels on ventricular repolarization, in a middle-aged population of European-ancestry where serum calcium concentrations are likely stable and chronic. Modulation of calcium concentration may, therefore, directly influence cardiovascular disease risk.
The Self-Constrained Hand-to-Mouth
Authors: Gelman Michael
Published: April 2021

Many studies have shown that consumption responds to the arrival of predictable income (excess sensitivity). This paper uses a buffer stock model of consumption to understand what causes excess sensitivity and to test which parameterization is consistent with empirical excess sensitivity estimates. Using high-frequency granular data from a personal finance app, I find that while liquidity constraints are a proximate cause, preferences are the ultimate cause of excess sensitivity. Furthermore, it finds that for feasible parameters, a quasi-hyperbolic version of the model is more consistent with the level of excess sensitivity relative to a standard exponential model.
Revisiting the Chorzów Factory Standard of Reparation – Its Relevance in Contemporary International Law and Practice
Authors: Torres Felix E.
Published: April 2021

The Chorzów Factory standard of reparation has been consolidated in the mind-set of international actors since the International Law Commission’s Articles on State Responsibility were adopted in 2001. This article analyses to what extent the recent case law of the International Court of Justice and other international practice concerning injury to aliens and property rights, especially expropriations, reflect the Chorzów Factory standard. It does so by considering whether ‘full reparation’ is the central issue in international disputes that involve state responsibility, if restitutio in integrum prevails over other forms of redress, and if the amount of compensation is established in light of the principle of ‘full reparation’. The interaction between the secondary rules of state responsibility and the primary rules of expropriation will be considered in investor-state disputes. In addressing these questions, the role that adjudicating bodies understand they play in international law and the interests pursued by stakeholders – states and private investors – are examined.
Family Unity and International Protection – EU Regulation and its Compatibility with the echr
Authors: Milios Georgios
Published: April 2021

The present article deals with the issue of family unity in the field of international protection, with a special focus on the European Union (EU) rules and their compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights (echr) standards. In particular, the scope of the article is limited to family transfers of seekers of international protection under the Dublin system and to family reunification procedures for refugees, and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection. After examining the legal framework at EU and domestic level, the present study focuses on two rather controversial issues, from a human rights perspective: on one side, the regulation of the right to family reunification for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection and, on the other side, the different treatment between pre- and post-flight families in the field of international protection. The article concludes that the current rules regarding these two issues are not compatible with Article 8 of the echr taken together with Article 14 of the echr, and with Article 8 of the echr taken alone. It suggests that while the EU and domestic legislature remains inactive in order to correct these inequalities, the non-discrimination clauses may become directly applicable.
Hydraulic function and conduit structure in the xylem of five oak species
Authors: Percolla Marta I. , Fickle Jaycie C. , Rodríguez-Zaccaro F. Daniela , Pratt R. Brandon , Jacobsen Anna L.
Published: April 2021

Many plant lineages, including oaks (Quercus spp.), have both vessels and tracheids as hydraulically conductive cells within their xylem. The structure of these co-occurring conduit types and their contribution to plant hydraulic function have been relatively little studied. We hypothesized that vasicentric tracheids contribute to hydraulic function under conditions of low water availability. We predicted that within a species, oaks growing at drier and warmer low elevation sites would have more tracheids and be more embolism resistant compared to those growing at moister and colder higher elevation sites. We also predicted that across species, lower elevation oaks would have increased tracheid abundance within their xylem. Five oak species differed in many xylem traits, including vessel diameter and length, tracheid size and abundance, embolism resistance, and hydraulic conductivity. Tracheids were most abundant in the xylem of the highest elevation species at sites that receive winter snow and freezing temperatures. Vessels were relatively vulnerable to embolism as confirmed with multiple methods, including centrifuge vulnerability curves, micro-CT scans of native stem samples, and single vessel air injection. Theoretical conductivity calculations indicated that tracheids account for 5.7–15.5% of conductivity in hydrated stems, with tracheids likely increasing in importance as large diameter vulnerable vessels embolize. The occurrence of both vessels and vasicentric tracheids in the xylem of oaks may enable them to function within highly seasonal climates. Tracheids, though often overlooked, may be particularly important in maintaining conductivity throughout much of the year when water potentials decline from seasonal maximums and following freeze-thaw events.
Zinc Finger E-Box Binding Homeobox 1 Regulates the Biological Behavior of Glioma Cells via iNOS/NF-κB Signaling
Authors: Cao Jing , Zhou Haiyan , Yang Fan , Fan Duojiao , Li Hengzhou , Fan Tao , Sun Peng
Published: April 2021

The gliomas pathogenesis is complex and effective molecular targets are still unclear. ZEB1 regulates epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and participates in tumors. Our study intends to analyze ZEB1’s role in glioma cells. qRT-PCR detected ZEB1 mRNA expression in normal group
and tumor group. ZEB1 siRNA was transfected into glioma cells followed by measuring ZEB1, E-cadherin and Vimentin expression, cell proliferation, Capase-3 activity as well as NF-κB and iNOS changes by immunoblotting. Upregulation of ZEB1 was found in glioma tumor tissue and correlated
with glioma clinicopathological characteristics. Interfering with ZEB1 by siRNA significantly down-regulated ZEB1, inhibited cell proliferation, increased Capase-3 activity, down regulated NF-κB and iNOS proteins in glioma cells, elevated E-cadherin and decreased Vimentin level
(P <0.05). ZEB1 down regulation in glioma cells can change the expression of NF-κB/iNOS, regulate cell apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation, thereby delaying EMT process.
Plasma Exosomes as a Therapeutic Approach Prevent the Cognitive Decline by Inhibiting Tau Protein Hyperphosphorylation in Alzheimer’s Disease Mice
Authors: Huang Lijuan , Wang Hao , Sui Haijuan , Shi Yijie , Zhao Liang
Published: April 2021

It was well known that circulating plasma exosomes (Pla-Exo) were enriched with multiple microRNAs (miRNAs) and participated in the regulation of biological and pathological process via exchanging information and transferring substance into targeted cells and organs. Therefore, clinical
significance of Pla-Exo had been recognized and they functioned as biomarkers for the clinical diagnosis or therapeutic applications to treat diseases. We explored the possibility of using Pla-Exo as a novel therapeutic approach for ameliorating cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease
(AD) mice. Here we found that Pla-Exo freely crossed the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and was transferred into the hippocampus of mice. After following peritoneal injection (I.P.) of Pla-Exo, survival of neuron cells was enhanced and cognitive disorder was attenuated in okadaic acid (OA) treated
mice via deactivating GSK-3β and down-regulating GSK-3β mediated hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein. Finally, some potential exosomal miRNAs were screened by bioinformatics analysis and confirmed their target of GSK-3β. Taken together, all data proved that
Pla-Exo contributed to the amelioration of cognitive impairments.
Characterization and Study of a Gas Sensor Based on SnO2 Pellets for Differentiation Biodiesel Blends
Authors: Castañeda L.
Published: April 2021

SnO2 pellets with surface gold interdigitated electrodes was obtained and used in the differentiation of biodiesel blends. The tin oxide synthesis method was polymeric precursor with further thermal treatment at 500 °C to eliminate organic part, conformed and sintered
at three temperatures: 700° (Sn1), 900° (Sn2) and 1100 °C (Sn3). The samples were studied by X-ray Diffraction, FEG-SEM (Field Emission Gun-Scanning Electron Microscopy), Raman spectroscopy and electrical sensing gas measurements. The characterization techniques confirm the phase
cassiterite (tetragonal type rutile structure), and particles with aspects almost spherical with particles size among 30 and 90 nm, Raman vibrational modes are characteristic of tin dioxide in rutile phase. The sensorial measurements showed high sensitivity in the tests with mixtures biodiesel/Ethanol
allowing to distinguish the blends, but not well distinguished the blend diesel/biodiesel.
Applications of Nanotechnology for Antibacterial Finishing Textiles: A Review
Authors: Pal Sukanta , Mondal Sourav , Pal Prasanta , Das Ajit , Mondal Debasish , Chaudhuri Ananya , Panda Bholanath , Maity Jayanta
Published: April 2021

This survey outlines the impact of nanoparticles and the importance of nanotechnology in textiles materials. It shows a unique move to nanomaterials as another instrument to enhance the properties and addition of multi-functionalities. Human security and prosperity are undermined by
organisms causing various irresistible sicknesses bringing about a substantial number of deaths every year. Currently, nanotechnology is considered the most interesting technology for smart textile commercial applications; since it allows the permanent and effective functionalization of substrate
without affecting their macrosacle properties, such as breathability and comfortability. Nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents have got extensive consideration in both scholarly and mechanical researchers due to their biological activity. Beside this, polymeric covered nanoparticles based
materials have increased much consideration because of progression in polymer science and innovation. This survey article likewise addresses the production and distribution of nanoparticles for biomedical textile applications.
Exhibitions of Impact: Introducing the Special Issue
Authors: Lee David Haldane
Published: April 2021

The Exhibitions of Impact (EOI) special issue of American Behavioral Scientist consists of six articles from authors in communication studies and rhetoric, public health, medicine and bioethics, memory studies, and art therapy. Each article profiles some exhibition or memorial related to a pressing social issue, including gun violence, racist terrorism, domestic violence, religious fundamentalism, corporations selling harmful products, and how society treats those regarded as cognitively and behaviorally different. First, examples from today’s headlines show a global outcry over racist monuments and artifacts, and a global pandemic, which casts doubt on the future of exhibitions. Historical examples and explanatory concepts are introduced, with a focus on public exhibitions which issue suggestions or commands, brazenly or in more indirect ways. A look at medical and health exhibits makes explicit how exhibitions try to get us to do something while being informative. While summaries of each article show the topics are diverse, racism and health inequities emerge as underlying themes. After considering performative exhibits, there is a call for a bioethically informed exhibition studies, capable of navigating the wide variety of exhibits out there, and able to express allyship while troubleshooting urgent problems.
Examining the Effect of Residential Mobility on Crime Through the Mechanism of Perceived Informal Social Costs
Authors: Kijowski Matthew C. , Wilson Theodore
Published: April 2021

Although research suggests a positive association between adolescent residential mobility and offending, the mechanism by which this process unfolds is less understood. One commonly cited explanation is that moving severs ties to pro-social others, reducing perceptions of informal social costs that then leads to offending. We test this mechanism with data from the Pathways to Desistance Study, which is a longitudinal study of serious offending youth. We integrate monthly-level residential mobility information from the access-restricted Life Event Calendar data with the publicly available data comprised of informal social costs and offending. We estimate fixed effects models with bootstrapping techniques to produce point estimates of the indirect effect. Our results provide insight into a prominent mechanism by which mobility affects offending.
Teaching reform of moral education based on the concept of output oriented education
Authors: Liu Guoyong , Zhang Guanqun
Published: April 2021

In order to keep up with the pace of the times, we should infiltrate the output oriented teaching concept into the teaching reform of moral education course, so as to improve students’ knowledge ability and moral quality. On the basis of existing scholars’ research, this paper expounds the three characteristics of output oriented education concept: learning as the center; emphasizing the integration of learning and application; paying attention to the whole person education. And through the research on the main problems existing in the current moral education curriculum teaching, it is found that the teaching methods are backward, the curriculum is few, and the teaching materials are unrealistic. This has led to the unsatisfactory effect of the moral education curriculum. This paper analyzes the causes of these problems, and uses the method of questionnaire survey to investigate the current situation of moral education teaching in a university in our city. The survey results show that most teachers and students think that moral education course is of great significance, but they are not interested in it. In view of the problems reflected in the survey results, this paper finally puts forward the following suggestions for reference: integrating teaching content, innovating teaching forms; strengthening the construction of teaching staff; effectively connecting the curriculum system and learning outcomes.
Back to Natural and the Intergenerational Healing of the Natural Black Hair Movement
Authors: Scott-Ward Gillian , Gupta Nisha , Greene Eric
Published: April 2021

In this edited interview, psychologists Eric Greene and Nisha Gupta converse with psychologist and filmmaker Dr. Gillian Scott-Ward about her documentary film Back to Natural (2019), which explores the psychological and emotional experience of the intersection of hair, politics, and identity in Black communities. This documentary is a powerful, thought-provoking call for healing that takes a grassroots approach to exploring the globalized policing of natural Black hair. The film offers a journey of discovery and enlightenment while celebrating Black history and natural styles that are taking the world by storm. In this conversation, Gillian shares her own experiences of critical consciousness about natural hair while working as a clinical psychologist, which led to this film, her insights into the intergenerational trauma, resiliency, and healing of African descendants as exemplified in the natural hair movement, and her experiences using her film as a tool for human rights discrimination cases and implicit bias training as a psychologist.
An ultrasound-guided injection method for a syngeneic orthotopic murine model of breast cancer
Authors: La Cava Francesca , Fringuello Mingo Alberto , Colombo Serra Sonia , Di Vito Aldo , Cabella Claudia , Oliva Paolo , Cordaro Alessia , Brioschi Chiara , Terreno Enzo , Miragoli Luigi
Published: April 2021

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. For high-risk women, contrast enhanced (CE)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recommended as supplemental screening together with mammography. The development of new MRI contrast agents is an active field of research, which requires efficacy tests on appropriate preclinical pathological models. In this work, a refined method to orthotopically induce breast cancer in BALB/c mice was developed using ultrasound (US) as a guide for the precise localisation of the tumour induction site and to improve animal welfare. The method was coupled with CE-MRI to characterise the evolution of the tumoural lesion.
Locked in the Home: A Critique of House Arrest as an Alternative to Imprisonment for Women Sentenced for Drug-Related Crimes
Authors: Ariza Libardo José , Mauersberger María , Arboleda Fernando León Tamayo
Published: April 2021

This article addresses the unintended consequences of using house arrest for female offenders as an alternative to prison for drug-related crimes. We propose that in patriarchal societies, locking women at home could imply moving them to another control device that may be as harmful as prison. Thereby, house arrest creates an unintended effect in which domestication in traditional gender roles ends up being the primary target of female offender punishment.
Scottish rheumatology sonography course: five-year experience of delivering a mentorship-model rheumatology ultrasound training programme accredited by the consortium for the accreditation of sonographic education
Authors: Ciechomska Anna , McKay Neil D , Newcombe Lisa , Brandon Mhairi , Youssef Hazem , Platt Philip , Dale James , Dickson Diane M
Published: April 2021

Background and aims

Ultrasound training for rheumatology practice in the UK is variable. Currently, there is no agreed minimum standard for training in ultrasound applied to rheumatology patient management. We present our experiences of implementing a competency driven ultrasound training, focused on hands and feet.

Methods and results

The Rheumatology Sonography Course (RSC) was developed by the Scottish Rheumatology Ultrasound Group in collaboration with Glasgow Caledonian University. The RSC is delivered via a blended learning approach and includes training workshops, mentorship and clinical competency assessments. Mentors are supported and developed within their role. 31 trainees have enrolled on the course between 2014 and 2019. To date, 22 (71%) have completed. Change of job role was the main factor leading to non-completion. Thirteen mentors have supported the training and assessment of RSC trainees. All trainees reported positively that ultrasound training via the RSC model fulfilled their learning needs.

Conclusion

The RSC is a feasible ultrasound training model for rheumatology practitioners. Whilst it provides a robust training framework, mentorship fees and university overheads increase the cost. The RSC provides motivation to mentors to train external trainees and supports the development of new ultrasound-based rheumatology services.
Hydrophobic performance of electrospun fibers functionalized with TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Pais Vânia , Navarro Miguel , Guise Catarina , Martins Rui , Fangueiro Raul
Published: April 2021

The development of materials with hydrophobic properties has been widely explored in areas such as textiles, healthcare, sports, and personal protective equipment. Hydrophobic properties that arise from nanoparticles (nPs) directly promote other valuable properties, including self-cleaning capabilities, decreased bacterial growth, and increased comfort. In this study, biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibers were functionalized by the incorporation of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nPs to develop water-repellent materials. The membranes were produced through electrospinning, and variables such as the polymer concentration, nP concentration, and needle diameter were optimized to achieve PCL/TiO2 composite fibers with water-repellent capabilities. The nanofibers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and the water contact angle (WCA). In general, it was observed that the nanofibers presented higher roughness values when TiO2 nPs were present and that this result promoted higher WCA values. The highest WCA value (156°) was obtained for the nanofiber mat produced with 20% weight-to-volume (w/v) PCL and 0.6% (w/v) TiO2.
The Building Blocks of Social Trust: The Role of Customary Mechanisms and Property Relations for the Emergence of Social Trust in the Context of the Commons
Authors: Goetzmann Marc
Published: April 2021

This paper argues that social trust is the emergent product of a complex system of property relations, backed up by a sub-system of mutual monitoring. This happens in a context similar to Ostrom’s commons, where cooperation is necessary for the management of resources, in the absence of external authorities to enforce sanctions. I show that social trust emerges in this context because of an institutional structure that enables individuals to develop a generalized disposition to internalize the external effects of their actions. This is made possible by the “patrimonial” nature of this structure.
Risk-Need-Responsivity Meets Mental Health: Implementation Challenges in Probation Case Planning
Authors: Vincent Gina M. , Perrault Rachael T. , Drawbridge Dara C. , Landry Gretchen O. , Grisso Thomas
Published: April 2021

This study examined the feasibility of and fidelity to risk/needs assessment, mental health screening, and risk-need-responsivity (RNR)-based case planning within juvenile probation in two states. The researcher-guided implementation effort included the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument-2 (MAYSI-2), Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY), and policies to prioritize criminogenic needs while using mental health services only when warranted. Data from 53 probation officers (POs) and 553 youths indicated three of five offices had high fidelity to administration and case planning policies. The interrater reliability ( n = 85; intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC][A, 1] = .92 [Northern state] and .80 [Southern state]) and predictive validity ( n = 455; Exp[B] = 1.83) of SAVRY risk ratings were significant. There was an overreliance on mental health services; 48% of youth received these referrals when only 20% screened as having mental health needs. Barriers to fidelity to RNR practices in some offices included assessments not being conducted before disposition, lack of service availability, and limited buy-in from a few stakeholders.