bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular autopsy by proxy in preconception counseling
Authors: Ali Alghamdi Malak , Alrasheedi Ameinah , Alghamdi Esra , Adly Nouran , AlAali Wajeih Y. , Alhashem Amal , Alshahrani Abdulaziz , Shamseldin Hanan , Alkuraya Fowzan S. , Alfadhel Majid
Published: August 2021

Monogenic diseases that result in early pregnancy loss or neonatal death are genetically and phenotypically highly variable. This often poses significant challenges in arriving at a molecular diagnosis for reproductive planning. Molecular autopsy by proxy (MABP) refers to the genetic testing of relatives of deceased individuals to deduce the cause of death. Here, we specifically tested couples who lost one or more children/pregnancies with no available DNA. We developed our testing strategy using whole exome sequencing data from 83 consanguineous Saudi couples. We detected the shared carrier state of 50 pathogenic variants/likely pathogenic variants in 43 families and of 28 variants of uncertain significance in 24 families. Negative results were seen in 16 couples after variant reclassification. In 10 families, the risk of more than one genetic disease was documented. Secondary findings were seen in 10 families: either genetic variants with potential clinical consequences for the tested individual or a female carrier for X‐linked conditions. This couple‐based approach has enabled molecularly informed genetic counseling for 52% (43/83 families). Given the predominance of autosomal recessive causes of pregnancy and child death in consanguineous populations, MABP can be a helpful approach to consanguineous couples who seek counseling but lack molecular data on their deceased offspring.
Neonatal brachial plexus palsy and hand representation in children and young adults
Authors: Van der Looven Ruth , Hermans Linda , Coupe Anna Maria , De Muynck Martine , Vingerhoets Guy
Published: August 2021

Aim

To assess the impact of neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) on higher‐order hand representation.

Method

Eighty‐two left‐handed children and adolescents with and without right‐sided NBPP were recruited. Thirty‐one participants with NBPP (mean age [SD] 11y 4mo [4y 4mo]; age range 6y 2mo–21y 0mo; 15 females; C5–6, n=4, C5–7, n=12, C5–T1, n=11, C5–T1 with Horner sign, n=4) were assessed along with 30 controls (mean age 11y 5mo [4y 4mo]; age range 6y 7mo–21y 7mo; 14 females). Participants’ estimated hand size and shape on measure of implicit and explicit hand representation was assessed. A linear mixed model (LMM) was used to investigate the effect of condition, sensorimotor impairment, and age.

Results

Individuals with NBPP showed a significant difference in implicit hand representation between affected and non‐affected hands. LMM confirmed a significant influence of the severity of sensorimotor injury. Only the estimated implicit hand representation was associated with age, with a significant difference between 6‐ to 8‐year‐olds and 9‐ to 10‐year‐olds.

Interpretation

The effect of sensorimotor impairment on central hand representation in individuals with NBPP is specific due to its implicit component and is characterized by finger length underestimation in the affected hand compared to the characteristic underestimation in the unaffected hand. Neither NBPP nor age impacted the explicit hand estimate. This study confirms the importance of sensorimotor contribution to the development of implicit hand representation.
The bidirectional longitudinal association between depressive symptoms and HbA1c: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Beran Magdalena , Muzambi Rutendo , Geraets Anouk , Albertorio‐Diaz Juan Rafael , Adriaanse Marcel C. , Iversen Marjolein M. , Kokoszka Andrzej , Nefs Giesje , Nouwen Arie , Pouwer Frans , Huber Jörg W. , Schmitt Andreas , Schram Miranda T. ,   for the European Depression in Diabetes (EDID) Research Consortium
Published: August 2021

Aim

To investigate whether there is a bidirectional longitudinal association of depression with HbA1c.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL and EMBASE for observational, longitudinal studies published from January 2000 to September 2020, assessing the association between depression and HbA1c in adults. We assessed study quality with the Newcastle‐Ottawa‐Scale. Pooled effect estimates were reported as partial correlation coefficients (rp) or odds ratios (OR).

Results

We retrieved 1642 studies; 26 studies were included in the systematic review and eleven in the meta‐analysis. Most studies (16/26) focused on type 2 diabetes. Study quality was rated as good (n = 19), fair (n = 2) and poor (n = 5). Of the meta‐analysed studies, six investigated the longitudinal association between self‐reported depressive symptoms and HbA1c and five the reverse longitudinal association, with a combined sample size of n = 48,793 and a mean follow‐up of 2 years. Higher levels of baseline depressive symptoms were associated with subsequent higher levels of HbA1c (partial r = 0.07; [95% CI 0.03, 0.12]; I238%). Higher baseline HbA1c values were also associated with 18% increased risk of (probable) depression (OR = 1.18; [95% CI 1.12,1.25]; I20.0%).

Conclusions

Our findings support a bidirectional longitudinal association between depressive symptoms and HbA1c. However, the observed effect sizes were small and future research in large‐scale longitudinal studies is needed to confirm this association. Future studies should investigate the role of type of diabetes and depression, diabetes distress and diabetes self‐management behaviours. Our results may have clinical implications, as depressive symptoms and HbA1c levels could be targeted concurrently in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and depression.

Registration

PROSPERO ID CRD42019147551.
Classification of complications of epilepsy surgery and invasive diagnostic procedures: A proposed protocol and feasibility study
Authors: Bjellvi Johan , Cross J. Helen , Gogou Maria , Leclercq Mathilde , Rheims Sylvain , Ryvlin Philippe , Sperling Michael R. , Rydenhag Bertil , Malmgren Kristina
Published: August 2021

Objective

In epilepsy surgery, which aims to treat seizures and thereby to improve the lives of persons with drug‐resistant epilepsy, the chances of attaining seizure relief must be carefully weighed against the risks of complications and expected adverse events. The interpretation of data regarding complications of epilepsy surgery and invasive diagnostic procedures is hampered by a lack of uniform definitions and method of data collection.

Methods

Based on a review of previous definitions and classifications of complications, we developed a proposal for a new classification. This proposal was then subject to revisions after expert opinion within E‐pilepsy, an EU‐funded European pilot network of reference centers in refractory epilepsy and epilepsy surgery, later incorporated into the ERN (European Reference Network) EpiCARE. This version was discussed with recognized experts, and a final protocol was agreed to after further revision. The final protocol was evaluated in practical use over 1 year in three of the participating centers. One hundred seventy‐four consecutive procedures were included with 35 reported complications.

Results

This report presents a multidimensional classification of complications in epilepsy surgery and invasive diagnostic procedures, where complications are characterized in terms of their immediate effects, resulting permanent symptoms, and consequences on activities of daily living.

Significance

We propose that the protocol will be helpful in the work to promote safety in epilepsy surgery and for future studies designed to identify risk factors for complications. Further work is needed to address the reporting of outcomes as regards neuropsychological function, activities of daily living, and quality of life.
G‐quadruplexes in the mitochondrial genome – a cause for instability
Authors: Sarkar Sneha , Nambiar Mridula
Published: August 2021

Accumulation of mutations such as deletions in mitochondrial DNA is associated with ageing, cancer and human genetic disorders. These deletions are often flanked by GC‐skewed sequence motifs that can potentially fold into secondary non‐B DNA conformations. G‐quadruplexes are emerging as key initiators of mitochondrial genomic instability. In this issue, Dahal et al provide an in silico analysis of sequence motifs that can fold into altered DNA structures in mitochondrial genomic regions that contain frequent deletions. They show the formation of five G‐quadruplexes near such frequent breakpoints using biochemical and biophysical approaches in vitro and more importantly inside mammalian cells.

Comment on: https://doi.org/10.1111/febs.16113
The critical role of tree species and human disturbance in determining the macrofungal diversity in Europe
Authors: Yu Haili , Wang Tiejun , Skidmore Andrew , Heurich Marco , Bässler Claus
Published: August 2021

Aim

Knowledge concerning species distribution is important for biodiversity conservation and environmental management. Fungi form a large and diverse group of species and play a key role in nutrient cycling and carbon storage. However, our understanding of fungal diversity and distribution remains limited, particularly at large spatial scales. Here, we predicted the diversity and distribution of ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic macrofungi at relatively fine spatial resolution at a continental scale and examined the importance of variables that affect the distribution of these two functional groups.

Location

Europe.

Time period

1990–2018.

Major taxa studied

Macrofungi.

Methods

From observations of 1,845 macrofungal species, we predicted the diversity and distribution of two functional groups of macrofungi at a resolution of 5 km across eight European countries based on 25 environmental variables using the MaxEnt model. We determined the importance of variables that affect the distribution of these two functional groups of macrofungi using the built‐in jackknife test in the model.

Results

Analysis of the modelling results showed that eastern Denmark and southern Sweden are biodiversity hotspots for both functional groups of macrofungal species. Tree species and human disturbance (i.e., the human footprint index) were found to be the two most important predictor variables explaining the distribution of ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic macrofungi.

Main conclusions

Overall, our study demonstrates that tree species and human disturbance have played a more important role than climatic factors in determining the diversity and distribution of macrofungi at the continental scale. Our study suggests that fungal diversity and distribution might change considerably if the strongest predictors (i.e., tree species) were to be affected by climate change and/or human activity. Changes in fungal diversity might, in turn, influence other processes, because fungi are important in driving ecosystem processes, such as nutrient and carbon cycling.
Growing faster, longer or both? Modelling plastic response of Juniperus communis growth phenology to climate change
Authors: Tumajer Jan , Buras Allan , Camarero J. Julio , Carrer Marco , Shetti Rohan , Wilmking Martin , Altman Jan , Sangüesa‐Barreda Gabriel , Lehejček Jiří
Published: August 2021

Aim

Plant growth and phenology respond plastically to changing climatic conditions in both space and time. Species‐specific levels of growth plasticity determine biogeographical patterns and the adaptive capacity of species to climate change. However, a direct assessment of spatial and temporal variability in radial growth dynamics is complicated, because long records of cambial phenology do not exist.

Location

Sixteen sites across European distribution margins of Juniperus communis L. (the Mediterranean, the Arctic, the Alps and the Urals).

Time period

1940–2016.

Major taxa studied

Juniperus communis.

Methods

We applied the Vaganov–Shashkin process‐based model of wood formation to estimate trends in growing season duration and growth kinetics since 1940. We assumed that J. communis would exhibit spatially and temporally variable growth patterns reflecting local climatic conditions.

Results

Our simulations indicate regional differences in growth dynamics and plastic responses to climate warming. The mean growing season duration is the longest at Mediterranean sites and, recently, there has been a significant trend towards its extension of up to 0.44 days/year. However, this stimulating effect of a longer growing season is counteracted by declining summer growth rates caused by amplified drought stress. Consequently, overall trends in simulated ring widths are marginal in the Mediterranean. In contrast, durations of growing seasons in the Arctic show lower and mostly non‐significant trends. However, spring and summer growth rates follow increasing temperatures, leading to a growth increase of up to 0.32 %/year.

Main conclusions

This study highlights the plasticity in growth phenology of widely distributed shrubs to climate warming: an earlier onset of cambial activity that offsets the negative effects of summer droughts in the Mediterranean and, conversely, an intensification of growth rates during the short growing seasons in the Arctic. Such plastic growth responsiveness allows woody plants to adapt to the local pace of climate change.
Association of FGF‐19 and FGF‐21 levels with primary sarcopenia
Authors: Bag Soytas Rabia , Suzan Veysel , Arman Pinar , Emiroglu Gedik Tugce , Unal Damla , Cengiz Mahir , Bolayirli Ibrahim Murat , Suna Erdincler Deniz , Doventas Alper , Yavuzer Hakan
Published: August 2021

Aim

Serum fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐19 and FGF‐21 levels have been reported to be associated with muscle hemostasis. This study aims to explore the relationship between the levels of these markers and sarcopenia.

Methods

In our single‐center, cross‐sectional study, patients over 65 years old presenting to the geriatric outpatient clinic were included. Patients with secondary sarcopenia were excluded. The Strength–Assistance with walking–Rising from a chair–Climbing stairs and Falls (SARC‐F) questionnaire was applied to all patients. Sarcopenia was determined by handgrip strength (HGS), bioelectrical impedance analysis and 6‐m walk test. Serum samples were stored at −80°C until measurement. The ELISA method was used to assess FGF‐19 and FGF‐21 levels.

Results

In total, 88 patients (54 women) were included. There were 43 patients in the sarcopenia group and 45 patients without sarcopenia in the control group. In those with sarcopenia, FGF‐19 was lower (P = 0.04) and FGF‐21 was higher (P = 0.021). There was a direct correlation between FGF‐19 with SARC‐F and HGS (P = 0.04, B = 0.178, P = 0.006, B = 0.447) while FGF‐21 was inversely correlated with HGS and positively correlated with 6‐m walking time (P = 0.016, B = −0.428, P = 0.004, B = 0.506).

Conclusions

Our results reveal that low FGF‐19 and high FGF‐21 may be associated with sarcopenia and this finding could be explained by the impacted muscle strength. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 959–962.
Blocking the activin IIB receptor with bimagrumab (BYM338) increases walking performance: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Spitz Robert W. , Dankel Scott J. , Bell Zachary W. , Wong Vickie , Abe Takashi , Kang Minsoo , Loenneke Jeremy P.
Published: August 2021

Aim

Diseases and bed rest may result in decreased muscle size and function. While exercise is recommended as a countermeasure, there are times when diseases or injuries make it difficult for the patient to partake in an exercise intervention. Pharmaceutical interventions using a myostatin inhibitor, BYM338, have been investigated as a way to increase or maintain muscle function. Of interest in the present analysis was the 6‐min walk test. The 6‐min walk test was selected, as there is an association between walking ability and the ease of performing activities of daily living. Thus, our aim was to investigate the effects of BYM338 on walking performance relative to a placebo.

Methods

A meta‐analysis using a random effects model was conducted in April 2021.

Results

Four studies were included with a total sample size of 244 participants receiving BYM338 and 114 participants receiving a placebo. The average age of the participants included was 68 years. The main analysis produced a weighted mean effect size of 10 m (SE 5) (P = 0.05) for BYM338 over a placebo. Excluding the lowest dosage (1 mg/kg) provided similar results (12 m [SE 5], P = 0.033). Of note, the weighted mean effect with or without the lowest dosage is surrounded by a large degree of uncertainty.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that BYM338 is a viable drug for improving 6‐min walk test in populations associated with impaired function. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 939–943.
Structural aberrations of the brain associated with migraine: A narrative review
Authors: Kim Soo‐Kyoung , Nikolova Simona , Schwedt Todd J.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To summarize major results from imaging studies investigating brain structure in migraine.

Background

Neuroimaging studies, using several different imaging and analysis techniques, have demonstrated aberrations in brain structure associated with migraine. This narrative review summarizes key imaging findings and relates imaging findings with clinical features of migraine.

Methods

We searched PubMed for English language articles using the key words “neuroimaging” AND/OR “MRI” combined with “migraine” through August 20, 2020. The titles and abstracts of resulting articles were reviewed for their possible inclusion in this manuscript, followed by examination of the full texts and reference lists of relevant articles.

Results

Migraine is associated with structural brain aberrations within regions that participate in pain processing, the processing of other sensory stimuli, multisensory integration, and in white matter fiber tracts. Furthermore, migraine is associated with magnetic resonance imaging T2/fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery white matter hyperintensities. Some structural aberrations are correlated with the severity and clinical features of migraine, whereas others are not. These findings suggest that some structural abnormalities are associated with or amplified by recurrent migraine attacks, whereas others are intrinsic to the migraine brain.

Conclusions

Migraine is associated with aberrant brain structure. Structural neuroimaging studies contribute to understanding migraine pathophysiology and identification of brain regions associated with migraine and its individual symptoms. Additional work is needed to determine the extent to which structural aberrations are a result of recurrent migraine attacks, and perhaps reversible with effective treatment or migraine resolution, versus being intrinsic traits of the migraine brain.
Nanoraspberry‐like palladium/spongy nickel oxide for electrooxidation of five light fuels
Authors: Gomroki Salehe , Yavari Zahra , Abbasian Ahmad Reza , Noroozifar Meissam
Published: August 2021

The spongy nickel oxide (SNO) was synthesized the solution combustion method. The SNO was selected as a promoter to boost the catalytic activity of nanoraspberry‐like palladium (NRPd) toward electrooxidation of five light fuels (LFs): methanol, ethanol, formaldehyde, formic acid, and ethylene glycol. The X‐ray powder diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscope techniques were used for the materials characterization. In comparison with nonpromoted Pd, the NRPd‐SNO electrocatalyst shown an excellent efficiency in parameters like the electrochemical active surface area and anti‐CO poisoning behavior. The turnover data and the parameters, including reaction order, activation energy, and the coefficients of electron transfer and diffusion, were evaluated for the each process of LFs electrooxidation. The outcome for NRPd‐SNO activity toward LFs electrooxidation was compared to some reported electrodes. The SNO increases the removal of intermediates created in the oxidation of LFs that can poison the surface of palladium catalyst. This is due to the presence of the lattice oxygens in SNO structure and Ni switching between its high and low valances. The compatibility of the adsorption process of LFs on the surface of the NRPd‐SNO catalyst with different isotherms was determined by studying the Tafel polarization and calculating the surface coverage.
Effect of iron on the microstructure of basalt glass‐ceramics obtained by the petrurgic method
Authors: de Lima Luiza Felippi , Perottoni Cláudio Antônio , Zorzi Janete Eunice , Cruz Robinson Carlos Dudley
Published: August 2021

Basalt glasses may form glass‐ceramic materials upon a thermal treatment (TT) if the Fe2O3/FeO ratio is greater than 0.5. In this work, a Serra Geral Formation basalt was used to produce different glass‐ceramic materials by changing its chemical composition, removing Fe2O3 via magnetic separation and adding 20 wt% Fe2O3. Glass‐ceramics were prepared by melting at 1500°C, followed by a crystallization plateau at 950°C. This petrurgic TT yields dendritic structures upon surface crystallization. With the increase of the iron content, crystallization was more pronounced, as observed in thermal analysis results and optical/scanning electron microscopy. The microstructure analysis shows that these glass‐ceramics exhibit at least two different types of crystallization. On the surface, the predominant crystallization was dendritic, while in bulk, crystallization occurred in the form of randomly distributed submicrometric spheroid crystals.
Safety, satisfaction and cost savings of accelerated infusions of standard and intensified‐dose infliximab for inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Crane Harry , Wu Nan , Chan Patrick , Nguyen Paul , Williams Astrid‐Jane , Ng Watson , Connor Susan J
Published: August 2021

Background

Infliximab remains a mainstay for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but a long infusion duration and subsequent monitoring can be burdensome to patients and healthcare providers.

Aims

To assess the safety of accelerated infusions for standard and dose‐intensified infliximab regimens, and the effect on patient satisfaction and potential cost savings.

Methods

Patients with IBD on a stable maintenance dose of infliximab and in clinical remission received one or more accelerated infusions: over 30 min if receiving a standard dose (5 mg/kg), or over 60 min if receiving dose‐intensified infliximab (up to 10 mg/kg). Outcomes included incidence of reactions (acute or delayed), patient satisfaction and potential cost savings. We also explored infliximab trough levels after one and three accelerated infusions.

Results

Fifty‐two patients who received 150 infusions were studied. Incidence of reactions to accelerated infusions was 3.3% (3 out of 89) with a standard dose and 0% (out of 61) with dose‐intensified infliximab. Reactions were delayed, mild and self‐limiting. None required drug cessation. Patient satisfaction was improved with shortened infusion time as compared with the patients' previous experiences (P = 0.00002). Mean plasma trough level of infliximab reduced from 9.3 mg/L (±4.9) to 7.9 mg/L (±4.1) (P = 0.02) with accelerated infusions, but none developed anti‐infliximab antibodies. Nursing cost savings were estimated as $123.52 and $247.04 per patient per year for standard and dose‐intensified infliximab respectively.

Conclusion

Accelerated infliximab infusions for standard and dose‐intensified regimens seem to be safe and improved patient satisfaction. Potential impact on drug trough levels requires further investigations.
NBPF4 mitigates progression in colorectal cancer through the regulation of EZH2‐associated ETFA
Authors: Chen Wankun , Di Zhou , Chen Zhaoyuan , Nan Ke , Gu Jiahui , Ge Feng , Liu Jinlong , Zhang Hao , Miao Changhong
Published: August 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and hence, there is a need to elucidate the molecular mechanisms contributing to the progression of CRC. In this study, we aimed at assessing the role of long non‐coding RNA NBPF4 on the tumorigenesis of CRC. Silencing or overexpression experiments were performed on HCT116 and SW260 in vitro models. BALB/c athymic female nude mice aged 5–6 weeks were used as in vivo models. To assess the relationship between NBPF4 and its regulatory RNA pull‐down assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, luciferase activity, Western blotting and qRT‐PCR were employed. Initially, we identified that NBPF4 was downregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, we observed that NBPF4 decreased tumorigenesis in both in vitro and in vivo models. Additionally, we identified that ETFA was highly expressed in CRCs and was negatively associated with NBPF4. Subsequently, we identified that EZH2, a transcriptional factor, activated ETFA by enhancing the methylation of its promoter, and EZH2 was also highly regulated in CRCs. Using COAD and READ databases, we confirmed that EZH2 and ETFA were positively correlated. Furthermore, we identified NBPF4 and EZH2 were targets for ZFP36, which bound and positively regulated NBPF4. This prevented NBPF4 from binding to its negative regulator miR‐17‐3p. Our results demonstrated that NBPF4 downregulated EZH2 and stabilized itself by binding to ZFP36, thus escaping from inhibition by miR‐17‐3p, which allowed mitigation of CRC through inhibition of ETFA.
Measuring performance of professional role substitution models of care against traditional medical care in healthcare—A systematic review
Authors: Mutsekwa Rumbidzai N. , Wright Charlene , Byrnes Joshua M. , Canavan Russell , Angus Rebecca L. , Spencer Alan , Campbell Katrina L.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To identify outcome measures used to evaluate performance of healthcare professional role substitution against usual medical doctor or specialist medical doctor care to facilitate our understanding of the adequacy of these measures in assessing quality of healthcare delivery.

Methods

Using a systematic approach, we searched Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science from database inception until May 2020. Studies that presented original comparative data on at least one outcome measure were included following screening by two authors. Findings were synthesized, and outcome measures classified into six domains which included: effectiveness, safety, appropriateness, access, continuity of care, efficiency, and sustainability which were informed by the Institute of Medicine dimensions of healthcare quality, the Australian health performance framework, and Levesque and Sutherland's integrated performance measurement framework.

Results

One thirty five articles met the inclusion criteria, describing 58 separate outcome measures. Safety of role substitution models of care was assessed in 80 studies, effectiveness (n = 60), appropriateness (n = 40), access (n = 36), continuity of care (n = 6), efficiency and productivity (n = 45). Two‐thirds of the studies that assessed productivity and efficiency performed an economic analysis (n = 27). The quality and rigour of evaluations varied substantially across studies, with two‐thirds of all studies measuring and reporting outcomes from only one or two of these domains.

Conclusions

There are a growing number of studies measuring the performance of non‐medical healthcare professional substitution roles. Few have been subject to robust evaluations, and there is limited evidence on the scientific rigour and adequacy of outcomes measured. A systematic and coordinated approach is required to support healthcare settings in assessing the value of non‐medical role substitution healthcare delivery models.
Computational methods and classical‐Marxian economics
Authors: Cogliano Jonathan F. , Veneziani Roberto , Yoshihara Naoki
Published: August 2021

This article surveys computational approaches to classical‐Marxian economics. These approaches include a range of techniques—such as numerical simulations, agent‐based models, and Monte Carlo methods—and cover many areas within the classical‐Marxian tradition. We focus on three major themes in classical‐Marxian economics, namely price and value theory; inequality, exploitation, and classes; and technical change, profitability, growth and cycles. We show that computational methods are particularly well‐suited to capture certain key elements of the vision of the classical‐Marxian approach and can be fruitfully used to make significant progress in the study of classical‐Marxian topics.
CONCEIVING SELVES
Authors: Nickel Mary
Published: August 2021

Many ethics instructors turn to peculiar examples and cases to highlight ethical concerns about autonomy and collective goods. While these efforts are respectable, they lamentably reinforce the valorization of independence and the opposition of individuality to collectivity that are too prevalent in ethics today. Attending to the event of pregnancy would help overcome these troubles. By concentrating on pregnancy, we can better appreciate the dependence that is integral to the human experience, the discrete value of each individual, the possible noncompetition between individual and society, and the importance of appreciating the sources of our existence. Religious ethicists would do well to think more about pregnancy, a condition which is sui generis and yet also illustrative of the fundamental interdependence of human beings.
The Labour Market Effects of Venezuelan Refugee Crisis in the United States*
Authors: Gunadi Christian
Published: August 2021

This article examines the characteristics, location choice and labour market impacts of the recent inflow of Venezuelan refugees in the United States. A few interesting findings emerge from analysing the data. Unlike previous US immigration experience in the 1980s, the flow of recent Venezuelan refugees into the United States is characterized by an inflow of highly educated individuals with a college education. The finding of the analysis also suggests that the location choice of these refugees within the United States is not mainly driven by labour market conditions in the destination cities. Rather, distance to home country and climatic difference with Venezuela are the main factors in determining the flow of Venezuelan refugees into a particular US city. Consistent with this finding, most Venezuelan refugees choose to settle only in two cities in Florida: Miami and Orlando. Examining the labour market conditions in Miami and Orlando following the flow of Venezuelan refugees, the results of the analysis show a lack of evidence that the labour force participation, unemployment rate and weekly wages of US natives are adversely affected by the inflow.
Quality of life outcomes in cryoablation of atrial fibrillation–A literature review
Authors: Vandenberk Bert , Lauwers Laurens , Robyns Tomas , Garweg Christophe , Willems Rik , Ector Joris , Haemers Peter
Published: August 2021

Background

Cryoballoon ablation (CRYO) for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an established treatment option as alternative for radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). As symptom relief is still the main indication for PVI, quality of life (QoL) is a key outcome parameter. This review summarizes the evidence about the evolution of QoL after CRYO.

Methods

A search for clinical studies reporting QoL outcomes after CRYO was performed on PUBMED and COCHRANE. A total of 506 publications were screened and 10 studies met the in‐ and exclusion criteria.

Results

All studies considered QoL as a secondary endpoint and reported significant improvement in QoL between baseline and 12 months follow‐up, independent of the QoL instruments used. The effect size of CRYO on QoL was comparable between studies and present in both paroxysmal and persistent AF. Direct comparison between CRYO and RFCA was limited to two studies, there was no difference between ablation modalities after 12 months FU. Two studies in paroxysmal AF reported outcome beyond 12 months follow‐up and QoL improvement was maintained up to 36 months after ablation. There were no long‐term data available for persistent AF.

Conclusion

CRYO of AF significantly improves QoL. The scarce amount of data with direct comparison between subgroups limits further exploration. Assessment of QoL should be considered a primary outcome parameter in future trials with long‐term follow‐up.
What Makes Something Surprising?
Authors: Baras Dan , Na’aman Oded
Published: August 2021

Surprises are important in our everyday lives as well as in our scientific and philosophical theorizing—in psychology, information theory, cognitive‐neuroscience, philosophy of science, and confirmation theory. Nevertheless, there is no satisfactory theory of what makes something surprising. It has long been acknowledged that not everything unexpected is surprising. The reader had no reason to expect that there will be exactly 190 words in this abstract and yet there is nothing surprising about this fact. We offer a novel theory that explains when and why an unexpected fact is surprising. We distinguish between descriptive and normative notions of what is surprising; clarify the sense in which surprising facts are unexpected; and, finally, develop and defend the significance account of surprise, according to which a fact is surprising to an agent if and to the extent that it is both unexpected and significant to the agent. Since a surprising fact can be significant to an agent in various ways—personal, moral, epistemic, and aesthetic—surprise is not merely or primarily epistemic. Fitting surprise reflects more than a person’s view of what is; it reflects a person’s view of what is significant.
Narrative policy images: Intersecting narrative & attention in presidential stories about the environment
Authors: Peterson Holly L.
Published: August 2021

Drawing on ideas about how narratives focus attention, this paper develops a “narrative policy image” using the Punctuated Equilibrium Theory and Narrative Policy Framework explanations of the policy process. The concept of a narrative policy image is applied to test partisan expectations about presidential environmental policy stories in State of the Union Addresses over 73 years. This research finds that Democratic stories focus on problems like climate change and victims and Republican stories emphasize solutions like new programs and upholding the status quo. These trends point to potential story types and suggest a narrative policy image, including both narrative components and valence, may be a useful concept for understanding narrative attention in macropolitics.
Do exporters respond to both tariffs and nominal exchange rates? Evidence from Chinese firm‐product data
Authors: Chen Zhe , Kurokawa Yoshinori
Published: August 2021

Past evidence on exchange rates and exports implies that nominal exchange rates might not matter for the extensive margin of exports. Using Chinese firm‐product data during 2000–2006, however, this paper finds that the effect of nominal exchange rates on exporter numbers is significant and even comparable with that of tariffs. The effects are larger for processing trade, low income destinations, and differentiated products. Financial constraints are a factor that significantly enlarges the effect of nominal exchange rates on exporter numbers.
Living through liminality? Situating the transitional experience of parents of children with mucopolysaccharidoses
Authors: Somanadhan Suja , Brinkley Aoife , Larkin Philip J.
Published: August 2021

Background

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are rare inherited metabolic disorders that come under category three of life‐limiting conditions. Children born with this condition show no symptoms at birth, but its effects show as a progressive disease in subsequent years. The severity of the condition varies according to the specific type, ranging from very mild symptoms to, in most cases, complex healthcare needs, including mental and physical disabilities.

Aims

This study aimed to elucidate the meanings of the transition experience of being a parent of a child with MPS. Van Gennep’s three‐stage rite of passage theory and Turner’s theory of liminality were utilised to understand these families’ transition experiences are learning to live with their child’s ongoing progressive illness trajectory.

Methods

A qualitative design utilising hermeneutic phenomenology was used. Longitudinal qualitative in‐depth interviews were carried out with eight parents at a three‐time point over 17‐months period.

Results

This study provided an interpretation of the lived experience of parents of children and young adults with MPS. As such, it embraces a liminal experience of living with a rare life‐limiting illness and the unique passage to becoming a parent of a child with MPS. Parents reported their experience of transition from being the parent of a normal healthy child to be the parent of a child with MPS. They described their transition experience as multi‐faceted and complex, neither linear nor time‐bound, but rather cyclical.

Conclusion

The rites of passage conceptual framework helped to identify specific and significant unmet supportive and social care needs of these families and their children. This information will enhance the development of a substantial support system to meet the family’s emotional, psychological and social needs during the illness transitions from diagnosis and throughout their illness journey.
R&D intensity and income inequality in the G7: 1870–2016
Authors: Awaworyi Churchill Sefa , Peng Bin , Smyth Russell , Zhang Quanda
Published: August 2021

We examine how R&D has contributed to income inequality in the Group of Seven countries from 1870 to 2016. Using newly developed panel data models that incorporate interactive fixed effects, we find that R&D is negatively associated with income inequality. Non‐parametric models that allow us to capture the time‐varying effect of R&D suggest that this average effect has been negative for most of this period. We find that economic growth and trade are important mechanisms through which R&D transmits to income inequality.
A erosão dos solos no contexto social
Authors: Guerra Antonio José Teixeira
Published: August 2021

This paper aims to outline the need to include the social, economic and political issues on soil erosion studies. Therefore, the adoption of soil conservation strategies should take into consideration these issues. The paper also outlines the soil erosion problem, the political components of soil erosion, soil conservation policies, and finally shows why most soil conservation policies have failed, in developing countries, due to the traditional approaches used in most soil erosion and conservation programmes. Some alternative approaches are proposed, to deal with the problem, in order to reach sucess.
Sistema de informações pluviométricas do estado do Rio de Janeiro: SIPRJ
Authors: Sucharov Elza Correia , Picanço Cibele Gonçalves , Marques Valdo Da Silva , Rodrigues Marcos Aurélio Faial
Published: August 2021

The SIPRJ - Rainfall Information System for the State of Rio de Janeiro is a PC software developed to simplify and allow easy consulting of rainfall data and statistical information on monthly and yearly basis' for the period from 1940 to 1993 for the State of Rio de Janeiro. The SIPRJ program should be installed in a PC with a capability at least of 80286, a RAM memory of 640 kb, a HD with 15 MB free memory, a HD floppy drive and an operating system MS DOS 3.0 or later.
Resultantes geo-hidroecológicas do ciclo cafeeiro (1780-1880) no médio vale do rio Paraíba do Sul: uma análise quali-quantitativa
Authors: Dantas Marcelo Eduardo , Coelho Netto Ana Luiza
Published: August 2021

The coffee cycle represented a period of intense morphodynamic activity, proceeding by a general deforestation. On the Paraíba do Sul Middle Valley, this economic cycle lasted 100 years aproximately (1780-1880). Historical documents, radiocarbon dates and volumetric measurements of the valley fills correlated from the coffee time, have provided informations on the environmental impact, particularly associated with climatic and hidro-erosive processes both on the hillslopes and fluvial domains. Deforestation introduced a drought period up to 6 months and also to an increasing frequency of intense rainstorms, particularly in the summer. Along the Piracema river valley, sedimentation rates attained about 70.000mÂ³km/year. Transfering this volume to the source-area on the hillslopes, it gives an estimate relief downwearing around 7,5 cm depth, resulting on the removal of the organic rich A horizon and showing so, the catastrophic effect of this economic activity, resulting in an extremely wasted degraded landscape.
Processos erosivos acelerados, movimentos de massa e assoreamento na cidade do Crato - CE
Authors: Guerra Antonio José Teixeira , Sampaio Joana Jakeline de Alcântara
Published: August 2021

This paper outlines the erosion processes, mass movements and river siltation, in Crato (CE), based upon photo interpretation, field work and bibliography. These processes regarding environmental degradation are due to factors such as: geology, geomorphology. pedology, climatology and urban soil use. Through this investigation it was possible to outline that environmental degradation occurs mainly where population concentrates. Suggestions to avoid these problems and recomendations to recover damaged areas, are also carried out. as part of this preliminary diagnosis.
Influence of Laser Soldering Temperatures on Through-Hole Component
Authors: Zahiri Saifulmajdy A. , Abas Aizat , Sharif M. F. M. , Che Ani Fakhrozi
Published: August 2021

The conventional method of selective soldering has been practiced using wave soldering, convection reflow, and hand soldering. However, due to industry automation and high demand for quality, repeatability and flexibility, laser soldering process has been developed to meet these demands. This article investigates the effect of different temperature of laser soldering process on lead-free solder (SAC305) by means of numerical method that is validated by experiment. Finite volume method (FVM) was used for the three-dimensional simulation to simulate the filling flow of the lead-free solder. Experiments were carried out to complement simulation validity and the results of both methods show good agreement. The findings show that a better result can be achieved when the angle of component lead (θle) approaches 90 deg. Using optimized lead angle, five different temperature simulations were set in the range of 550 K < T < 700 K. The finding shows that 600 K has the best velocity and pressure distributions with average values of 63.3 mm/s and 101.13 kPa, respectively. The high-pressure regions are concentrated at the top and bottom surface of solder pad. High difference in pressure and velocity spots somehow lead to issue associated with possibility of incomplete filling or void formation. 650 K model shows less void formation since it produces high pressure filling flow within the solder region.
A Scalable Framework for Process-Aware Thermal Simulation of Additive Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Zhang Yaqi , Shapiro Vadim , Witherell Paul
Published: August 2021

Many additive manufacturing (AM) processes are driven by a moving heat source. Thermal field evolution during the manufacturing process plays an important role in determining both geometric and mechanical properties of the fabricated parts. Thermal simulation of AM processes is challenging due to the geometric complexity of the manufacturing process and inherent computational complexity that requires a numerical solution at every time increment of the process. We propose a new general computational framework that supports scalable thermal simulation at path scale of any AM process driven by a moving heat source. The proposed framework has three novel ingredients. First, the path-level discretization is process-aware, which is based on the manufacturing primitives described by the scan path and the thermal model is formulated directly in terms of manufacturing primitives. Second, a spatial data structure, called contact graph, is used to represent the discretized domain and capture all possible thermal interactions during the simulation. Finally, the simulation is localized based on specific physical parameters of the manufacturing process, requiring at most a constant number of updates at each time step. The latter implies that the constructed simulation not only scales to handle three-dimensional (3D) printed components of arbitrary complexity but also can achieve real-time performance. To demonstrate the efficacy and generality of the framework, it has been successfully applied to build thermal simulations of two different AM processes, fused deposition modeling (FDM) and powder bed fusion (PBF).
A Model for Tilting Pad Thrust Bearings Operating With Reduced Flow Rate—Do Benefits Outweigh Risks?
Authors: Koosha Rasool , Andrés Luis San
Published: August 2021

The literature on tilting pad thrust bearings (TPTB) calls for flow reduction as an effective means to reduce drag power losses as well as oil pumping costs. However, the highest level of flow reduction a bearing can undergo while maintaining reliable operation is a key question that demands comprehensive analysis. This paper implements a model into an existing thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic (TEHD) computational analysis tool to deliver load performance predictions for TPTBs operating with reduced flow rates. For bearings supplied with either a reduced flow or an overflow conditions, a sound model for the flow and thermal energy mixing in a feed groove determines the temperature of the lubricant entering a thrust pad. Under a reduced flow condition, the analysis reduces the effective arc length of a wetted pad until matching the available flow. Predicted discharge flow temperature rise and pad subsurface temperature rise from the present model match measurements in the archival literature for an eight-pad bearing supplied with 150% to 25% of the nominal flow rate, i.e., the minimum flow that fully lubricates the bearing pads. A supply flow above nominal rate increases the bearing drag power because the lubricant enters a pad at a lower temperature, and yet has little effect on a thrust pad peak temperature rise or its minimum film thickness. A reduced flow below nominal produces areas lubricant starvation zones, and thus the minimum film thickness substantially decreases while the film and pad's surface temperature rapidly increase to produce significant thermal crowning of the pad surface. Compared to the bearing lubricated with a nominal rate, a starved flow bearing produces a larger axial stiffness and a lesser damping coefficient. A reduction in drag power with less lubricant supplied brings an immediate energy efficiency improvement to bearing operation. However, sustained long-term operation with overly warm pad temperatures could reduce the reliability of the mechanical element and its ultimate failure.