bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metformin use and the risk of anal intraepithelial neoplasia in type II diabetic patients
Authors: Hsu Angela Ting‐Wei , Hung Ya‐Ching , Fang Sandy H. , D’Adamo Christopher R. , Mavanur Arun A. , Svoboda Shane M. , Wolf Joshua H.
Published: August 2021

Aim

Emerging evidence has suggested that metformin may be protective against the development of human‐papillomavirus‐related cancers. Anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) is highly associated with human papillomavirus infection and a precancerous status of anal cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between metformin usage and the development of AIN in a large national sample.

Methodology

The IBM MarketScan dataset was used to design a nested case–control study from 2010 to 2017. Patients aged 18–65 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) were evaluated, and cases of AIN were identified. Four controls were randomly selected in the risk set of each case by using incidence density sampling. The association between metformin usage and AIN was assessed using multivariate logistic regression modelling.

Results

A total of 258 patients with type 2 DM were diagnosed with AIN during the study interval, and these were matched to 1032 control patients without a diagnosis of AIN. Patients who developed AIN had 38% lower odds of prior metformin use compared to those without a history of AIN (P < 0.01) and this finding remained robust after adjusting for age, sex, human immunodeficiency virus infection and DM complications (P = 0.02). Patients with AIN had 56% lower odds of long‐term metformin use compared to control patients (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

An AIN diagnosis in patients with DM is associated with 56% lower likelihood of prior metformin use. This relationship suggests that metformin could potentially play a protective role against AIN. Prospective studies in non‐diabetic patients are warranted to examine these findings further.
Curcumol inhibits ferritinophagy to restrain hepatocyte senescence through YAP/NCOA4 in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Qi Xiaoyu , Song Anping , Ma Mingyue , Wang Peipei , Zhang Xinbei , Lu Chunfeng , Zhang Junxiu , Zheng Shuguo , Jin Huanhuan
Published: August 2021

Objectives

In recent years, cellular senescence has attracted a lot of interest in researchers due to its involvement in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the mechanism of cellular senescence is not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of curcumol on hepatocyte senescence in NAFLD and the molecular mechanisms implicated.

Materials and methods

LVG Golden Syrian hamsters, C57BL/6J mice and human hepatocyte cell line LO2 were used. Cellular senescence was assessed by analyses of senescence marker SA‐β‐gal, p16 and p21, H3K9me3, γ‐H2AX and telomerase activity.

Results

The results showed that curcumol could inhibit hepatocyte senescence in both in vivo and in vitro NAFLD models, and the mechanism might be related to its regulation of ferritinophagy and subsequent alleviation of iron overload. Moreover, overexpression of nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4) weakened the effect of curcumol on ferritinophagy‐mediated iron overload and cellular senescence. Furthermore, we demonstrated that curcumol reduced the expression of NCOA4 by Yes‐associated protein (YAP). In addition, depression of YAP could impair the effect of curcumol on iron overload and cellular senescence.

Conclusion

Our results clarified the mechanism of curcumol inhibition of hepatocyte senescence through YAP/NCOA4 regulation of ferritinophagy in NAFLD. These findings provided a promising option of curcumol to regulate cellular senescence by target YAP/NCOA4 for the treatment of NAFLD.
A new quantitative drug checking technology for harm reduction: Pilot study in Vancouver, Canada using paper spray mass spectrometry
Authors: Borden Scott A. , Saatchi Armin , Vandergrift Gregory W. , Palaty Jan , Lysyshyn Mark , Gill Chris G.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Drug checking services for harm reduction and overdose prevention have been implemented in many jurisdictions as a public health intervention in response to the opioid overdose crisis. This study demonstrates the first on‐site use of paper spray mass spectrometry for quantitative drug checking to address the limitations of current on‐site drug testing technologies.

Methods

Paper spray mass spectrometry was used to provide on‐site drug checking services at a supervised consumption site in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada during a 2‐day pilot test in August 2019. The method included the targeted quantitative measurement of 49 drugs and an untargeted full scan to assist in identifying unknown/unexpected components.

Results

During the pilot, 113 samples were submitted for analysis, with 88 (78%) containing the client expected substance. Fentanyl was detected in 45 of 59 expected fentanyl samples, and in 50 (44%) samples overall at a median concentration of 3.6% (w/w%). The synthetic precursor of fentanyl, 4‐anilino‐N‐phenethyl‐piperidine (4‐ANPP), was found in 74.0% of all fentanyl samples at a median concentration of 2.2%, suggesting widespread poor manufacturing practices. Etizolam was detected in 10 submitted samples anticipated to be fentanyl at a median concentration of 2.5%. No clients submitting these samples expected etizolam or a benzodiazepine in their sample. In three instances, it was co‐measured with fentanyl, and in seven cases it was detected alone.

Discussion and Conclusions

The quantitative capabilities and low detection limits demonstrated by paper spray mass spectrometry offer distinct benefits over existing on‐site drug checking methods and harm reduction services.
Fatigue strength of PBF‐LB/M and wrought 316L stainless steel: effect of post‐treatment and cyclic mean stress
Authors: Braun Moritz , Mayer Eduard , Kryukov Igor , Wolf Christian , Böhm Stefan , Taghipour Aliakbar , Wu Rachael Elizabeth , Ehlers Sören , Sheikhi Shahram
Published: August 2021

Additive manufacturing (AM) enables the cost‐effective production of complex components, many of which are traditionally manufactured using costly subtractive processes. During laser‐based powder bed fusion of metals (PBF‐LB/M), internal pores and rough surfaces are typically inevitable, reducing fatigue and corrosion resistance compared to traditional processes. Additionally, large defects often occur near to or at surfaces. Thus, this study investigates the effect of hybrid additive and subtractive manufacturing on the fatigue strength of AISI 316L. To this goal, different post‐treatment routes are compared with wrought material. Additionally, computed tomography is used to determine the necessary machining depth of the surface layer. In this study, heat treatment and machining are both found to significantly increase fatigue strength (17% and 87%). Finally, the mean stress sensitivity M of as‐built PBF‐LB/M and wrought material is found to be highly affected by the assessed number of cycles to failure and residual stresses in PBF‐LB/M material.
Perceptions of gendered‐challenges in academia: How women academics see gender hierarchies as barriers to achievement
Authors: Eslen‐Ziya Hande , Yildirim Tevfik Murat
Published: August 2021

Despite the egalitarian and collegial philosophy in its ideals, academic market is segregated and gendered where women receive fewer rewards than their male counterparts, are under‐represented, segregated and excluded from participation in the formal and informal academic structures in academia. The country contexts, the gendered academic organizational settings as well as everyday interactions all play a major role not only in women's participation within academia, but also how they perceive their future in academic institutions. This research note, through an original survey with over 200 academics, attempts to study the latter assumption by looking at women academics' perceptions of their work life, their challenges, as well as aspirations. Our results show that those perceiving strong hierarchy in the realm of work are significantly more likely to believe that being woman in academia harms their job prospects. We also show that, not only were they pessimistic about the challenges facing them at the moment, but they were also more skeptical about women's potential in overcoming such challenges in the future.
Approaches for the characterization of clinically relevant pre‐transplant human leucocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies in solid organ transplant patients
Authors: Rosser Carla , Sage Deborah
Published: August 2021

The avoidance of antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) attributed to human leucocyte antigen (HLA) antibody incompatibility remains an essential function of clinical Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (H&I) laboratories who are supporting solid organ transplantation. Developments in HLA antibody identification assays over the past thirty years have greatly reduced unexpected positive cellular crossmatches and improved solid organ transplant outcomes. For sensitized patients, the decision to register unacceptable HLA antigen mismatches is often heavily influenced by results from solid phase antibody assays, particularly the Luminex® Single Antigen Bead (SAB) assays, although the clinical relevance of antibodies identified solely by these assays remains unclear. As such, the identification of non‐clinically relevant antibodies may proportionally increase the number of unacceptable transplant mismatches registered, with an associated increase in waiting time for a compatible organ. We reflect on the clinical relevance of antibodies identified solely by the Luminex SAB® assays and consider whether the application of additional assays and/or tools could further develop our ability to define the clinical relevance of antibodies identified in patient sera. Improvements in this area would assist equity of access to a compatible transplant for highly sensitized patients awaiting a solid organ transplant.
Short‐term drought is a stronger driver of plant morphology and nutritional composition than warming in two common pasture species
Authors: Catunda Karen L. M. , Churchill Amber C. , Zhang Haiyang , Power Sally A. , Moore Ben D.
Published: August 2021

Under warmer and drier future conditions, global livestock and dairy production are threatened by impacts on the productivity and nutritional quality of pastures. However, morphological and nutritional adjustments within plants in response to warming and drought vary among species and less is known how these relate to production and forage quality. To investigate this, we grew two common pasture species, tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea: grass) and lucerne (Medicago sativa: legume), in a climate‐controlled facility, under different temperatures (ambient and elevated) and watering regimes (well‐watered and droughted). We found that drought had a strong negative impact on biomass production, morphology and nutritional quality while warming only significantly affected both species when response metrics were considered in concert, although to a lesser degree than the drought. Furthermore, interactions between warming and drought were only seen for lucerne, with a reduction in biomass and an increase in dead material and dry matter. In tall fescue, drought had bigger impacts on nutritional composition than morphological traits, while in lucerne, drought affected all morphological traits and most of the nutritional parameters. These findings suggest that in future climate scenarios, drought may be a stronger driver of changes in the morphology and nutritional composition of pasture grasses and legumes, compared to modest levels of warming.
Practical strategies for qualitative inquiry in a virtual world
Authors: Schlegel Emma C. , Tate Judith A. , Pickler Rita H. , Smith Laureen H.
Published: August 2021

Aim

The aim of this article is to provide practical strategies for maintaining methodological rigour in executing a virtual qualitative study. Strategies are based on evidence from existing research about virtual qualitative methods and on the strategies used by the authors to convert a planned in‐person qualitative, grounded theory study to an entirely virtual grounded theory study during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The study began in‐person in September 2019 and was converted to virtual in March 2020. Virtual data collection was completed in September 2020.

Design

This article provides a case exemplar of virtual adaptations made to a study underway when the pandemic rendered all in‐person research impractical and potentially dangerous.

Data sources

The strategies discussed are based on our own experiences and the supporting theoretical assumptions of qualitative research, specifically grounded theory methods.

Implications for nursing

Nursing scholars conducting qualitative inquiry may find these strategies helpful in continuing research activities during periods of limited access to the phenomena or persons of interest. Furthermore, these strategies allow nursing scholars to conduct rigorous, in‐depth research without geographical limitations, providing greater possibilities for international collaborations and cross‐institution research.

Conclusion

Despite novel challenges, methodological adaptations that are carefully planned and purposeful allow qualitative and non‐qualitative scholars to continue research activities in a fully virtual manner.

Impact

This case exemplar and discussion provide practical strategies for qualitative scholars to consider while planning new studies or converting an in‐person study to a virtual one. Despite the in‐person nature of in‐depth qualitative inquiry, a historic pandemic and a changing research environment require qualitative researchers to adapt to virtual methods while still conducting high quality, methodologically rigorous research. Qualitative scholars can use the strategies presented here to continue rigorous qualitative inquiry despite limited access to phenomena or persons.
Implementing an automated feedback program for a foreign language writing course: A learner‐centric study
Authors: Hassanzadeh Mohammad , Fotoohnejad Samira
Published: August 2021

Considering the prominence attached to written corrective feedback (WCF) within the domain of second/foreign language (L2) acquisition, automated writing evaluation (AWE) tools have steadily gained ground over the last two decades. The current study was an attempt to investigate the extent incorporating an AWE program, known as Criterion®, within a process writing framework would affect learners' writing quality in an English as a foreign language context. Moreover, we drew a comparison between the overall effects of computer‐ versus teacher‐generated WCF. Participants consisted of 53 tertiary level students from two intact essay‐writing classes. The within‐group findings revealed that the experimental group's writing scores rose significantly from the pretest to posttest after receiving automated WCF over several weeks. Significant progress was also noticed on all rounds of scores obtained from five essays assigned to this group except between the first and the second. As for the comparison between computer‐ and teacher‐administered WCF, the former condition was found to be more efficient. Overall, the findings provide a deeper insight into the workings of an automated evaluation tool and how it was employed in the L2 classroom to impart consistency to the assessment procedure and ease the burden traditionally placed upon teachers.
Predicting prognosis in patients with stroke treated with intravenous alteplase through the 24‐h trajectory of blood pressure changes
Authors: Fan Kaiting , Zhao Jie , Chang Hong , Wang Xiaojuan , Yao Hui , Yao Xiaoxia , Yang Xin
Published: August 2021

Blood pressure (BP) monitored within 24 h from the beginning of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) with alteplase, is one of the important factors affecting the prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This study aimed to explore longitudinal BP trajectory patterns and determine their association with stroke prognosis after thrombolysis. From November 2018 to September 2019, a total of 391 patients were enrolled consecutively during the study period, and 353 patients were ultimately analyzed. Five systolic (SBP) and four diastolic blood pressure (DBP) trajectory subgroups were identified. The regression analysis showed that when compared with the rapidly moderate stable group, the continuous fluctuation‐very high level SBP group (odds ratio [OR]: 2.743, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.008–7.467) was associated with early neurological deterioration (END). Both the rapid drop‐high level SBP (OR: 0.448, 95% CI: 0.219–0.919) and DBP groups (OR: 0.399, 95% CI: 0.219–0.727) were associated with early neurological improvement (ENI). Moreover, there was a U‐shaped correlation between the OR value of SBP trajectory group and favorable outcome (the modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0–2) at 3 months: the slow drop‐low level SBP group represent a well‐established unfavorable outcome risk factor (OR:5.239, 95% CI: 1.271–21.595), and extremely high SBP—the continuous fluctuation‐very high level SBP group, are equally associated with elevated unfavorable outcome risk (OR:3.797, 95% CI: 1.486–9.697). The continuous fluctuation‐very high level DBP group was statistically significant in mRS (OR: 3.387, CI: 1.185–9.683). The BP trajectory groups show varying clinical features and risk of neurological dysfunction. The findings may help identify potential candidates for clinical BP monitoring, control, and specialized care.
Oxidized high‐density lipoprotein enhances endocrine disorders and ovarian damage in rats
Authors: Wang Lu , Li Hongjuan , Tang Xiaoke , Yang Yupei , Xiang Yuancui , Zhang Hui , Wang Yali
Published: August 2021

Previous findings have highlighted the association between oxidized high‐density lipoprotein (ox‐HDL) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) development; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Under such context, the present study aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying the involvement of ox‐HDL in PCOS in relation to the p65/micro‐RNA‐34a (miR‐34a)/FOS axis. PCOS rat models were established with the injection of dehydroepiandrosterone (6 mg/100 g body weight). Both PCOS‐modelled rats and granulosa cells (GCs) were received treatment with ox‐HDL in order to identify its role in PCOS. Next, apoptosis and viability of GCs were detected with the application of TdT‐mediated dUTP Nick‐End Labeling and flow cytometry and Cell counting kit‐8, respectively. A series of assays were performed to determine the interaction among ox‐HDL, p65, miR‐34a, FOS and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB). The results revealed high expression of ox‐HDL in PCOS, and enhanced endocrine disorders and ovarian damage in rats. ox‐HDL promoted apoptosis of GCs and decreased its viability. ox‐HDL activated NF‐κB pathway and induced p65 phosphorylation to promote miR‐34a expression. miR‐34a targeted and inhibited FOS expression. In conclusion, our findings suggested that ox‐HDL promoted the activation of p65 and transcription of miR‐34a, which stimulated apoptosis of GCs and inhibited expression of FOS, resulting in the overall acceleration of PCOS development.
A first‐in‐human, randomized, double‐blind, single‐ and multiple‐dose, phase I study of recombinant human thymosin β4 in healthy Chinese volunteers
Authors: Wang Xinghe , Liu Long , Qi Lu , Lei Chunpu , Li Pu , Wang Yu , Liu Chen , Bai Haihong , Han Chengquan , Sun Yinjian , Liu Jincan
Published: August 2021

The study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and anti‐drug antibody (ADA) of the recombinant human thymosin β4 (NL005) for single and multiple intravenous injections in healthy subjects. Seven cohorts, with 54 healthy subjects, were given a single intravenous dose of NL005 or placebo and were observed for 28 days. The cohorts received ascending doses of either 0.05, 0.25, 0.5, 2.0, 5.0, 12.5 or 25.0 μg/kg in the single‐dose trial. A total of 30 healthy subjects were randomly enrolled in the multiple‐dose trial, and 3 cohorts (0.5, 2.0 and 5.0 μg/kg) were administered once human thymosin β4 daily for 10 days and observed for 28 days. The adverse events were mild to moderate in intensity. There were no dose‐limiting toxicities or serious adverse events. The plasma concentration, maximum peak concentration (Cmax) and AUC of each dose group increased with the increase in the dose. The tendency of terminal clearance in each dose group was consistent, and there was no obvious accumulation after continuous administration. Thus, the drug can be concluded to be well tolerated and safe in healthy people and suitable for use in a clinical study for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction.
EGR1 promoted anticancer effects of Scutellarin via regulating LINC00857/miR‐150‐5p/c‐Myc in osteosarcoma
Authors: Han Jian , Wang Peng , Xia Xin , Zhang Li , Zhang He , Huang Yu , Li Xiaodong , Zhao Wenzhi , Zhang Lu
Published: August 2021

Scutellarin, an active flavone extracted from Erigeron breviscapus, is known to exhibit antitumour activity in many cancers. However, the effects of Scutellarin on osteosarcoma remain unclear. In this study, we found that Scutellarin suppressed osteosarcoma cell growth, induced cell apoptosis and inhibited tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, our data revealed that EGR1 was significantly increased under Scutellarin treatment. Increased EGR1 enhanced tumour‐suppressive effects of Scutellarin on osteosarcoma cells via transcriptionally downregulating LINC00857 expression. Additionally, we found that LINC00857 acted as a competitive endogenous RNA of miR‐150‐5p and inhibited the activity of miR‐150‐5p, which resulted in c‐Myc increase. Scutellarin could suppress c‐Myc protein levels through decreasing LINC00857 expression in osteosarcoma. Thus, these findings demonstrate that EGR1/ LINC00857/miR‐150‐5p/c‐Myc axis plays a key role in promoting anticancer effects of Scutellarin and Scutellarin might have potential clinical implication in osteosarcoma clinical treatment.
A genome‐wide survey ofNOD‐like receptors in Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis): Identification, characterization and expression analysis in response to bacterial infection
Authors: Chen Zhangfan , Xu Xiwen , Wang Jie , Zhou Qian , Chen Songlin
Published: August 2021

As intracellular pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs), nucleotide‐binding domain, leucine‐rich repeat containing receptors (NLRs, NOD‐like receptors) are involved in innate immune responses in vertebrates. However, there is no systemic study on NLRs in Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis), a popular maricultured fish in China. In the present study, a genome‐wide survey of NLRs was performed inC. semilaevis, with the identification of 29 NLRs, including five genes from the NLR‐A subfamily (referred to asCsNOD1‐5), two genes from the NLR‐B subfamily, 18 genes from the NLR‐C subfamily (referred to asCsNLR‐C1to18) and four other NLR genes. Phylogenetic analysis implied that CsNOD1‐5 contained conserved functional domains and had orthologous relationships with human NOD1‐5. Moreover,CsNLR‐Cgenes all possessed the FISHNA domain, which is a fish‐specific NACHT subdomain. Expression analysis showed thatCsNOD1‐5andCsNLR‐C1/2were ubiquitously expressed in various normal tissues. Bacterial infection withVibro harveyirevealed distinct expression patterns of all the testedCsNLRs in gill, intestine, trunk kidney, liver and spleen. In particular,CsNOD1‐4andCsNLR‐C2were significantly upregulated in gills at 48 h post bacterial infection. In addition,CsNOD3andCsNOD4were significantly elevated in infectious intestine, trunk kidney, liver and spleen, revealing that their expressions were more sensitive to bacterial infection than otherCsNLRs. Together with the computational protein–protein interaction network of CsNLRs, it was suggested that individual NLR genes had different roles in the innate immune cascades ofC. semilaeviagainst bacterial infection. This study provides valuable information for further studies onCsNLRimmune function.
Examination of factors affecting oral health in patients receiving haemodialysis
Authors: Kılıç Akça Nazan , Efe Arslan Dilek , İn Harun
Published: August 2021

Background

Patients receiving haemodialysis suffer from oral problems, pain, deteriorated nutrition, and decreased self‐confidence and quality of life. Nurses have a critical role in the evaluation and care of oral health.

Objectives

The aim was to investigate the associations between socio‐demographic characteristics, medication use, and biochemical blood levels and oral health in adult patients receiving haemodialysis treatment.

Design

This study was conducted as a descriptive study.

Participants

The sample study was made up of one hundred and fifty individuals treated with haemodialysis between March and June 2018.

Measurements

Patient diagnosis and Bedside Oral Exam guide was the tool used to examine oral health.

Results

It was seen that patients' oral health worsened as the number of dental caries increased. It was found that low level of education, those with nonregular oral care and brushing teeth, those using parathyroid hormone‐lowering agents and who stated they complied with the drug and diet therapy had higher mean Bedside Oral Exam guide scores, meaning their oral health was statistically significantly worse (p < 0.05). Bedside Oral Exam guide scores were weakly negatively correlated with predialysis serum potassium levels (r = −0.213; p = 0.009), weakly positively correlated with the daily fluid amount consumed (r = −0.185; p = 0.024), and decayed teeth (r = −0.224; p = 0.006).

Conclusions

Use of parathyroid hormone‐lowering agents, low level of education, insufficient oral care, decayed teeth, compliance with diet and medication, daily liquid consumption, and low potassium levels could lead to an increased severity of poor oral health in patients receiving haemodialysis. Oral and dental health protocols should be developed for all haemodialysis units.
Molecular and functional insights into glutathione S‐transferase genes associated with salt stress in Halothece sp. PCC7418
Authors: Kortheerakul Chananwat , Kageyama Hakuto , Waditee‐Sirisattha Rungaroon
Published: August 2021

Evolution and function of glutathione S‐transferase (GST) in primordial oxygenic phototrophs such as cyanobacteria are poorly understood. In this study, we identified and functionally characterized the GST gene family in the halotolerant cyanobacterium Halothece sp. PCC7418. Four putative Halothece‐GSTs had very low homology, which implies evolutionary divergence. Of these, H0647, H0729 and H3557 were differentially expressed by oxidative stress whereas H3557 was highly and specifically upregulated under salt stress. In vitro analysis revealed that the recombinant H3557 exhibited GST activity toward 1‐chloro‐2, 4‐dinitrobenzene (CDNB) and glutathione (GSH). H3557 displayed a broad range of activity at pH 6.5–10.5. Kinetic parameters showed the apparent Km for CDNB and GSH was 0.14 and 0.75 mM, respectively. H3557 remained catalytically active in the presence of NaCl. Structural modelling supported that H3557 is salt‐adaptive enzyme with highly acidic residues on the protein surface. The vital function of H3557 in heterologous expression system was evaluated. The H3557‐expressing cells were more tolerant to H2O2‐induced oxidative stress compared with other GST‐expressing cells and conferred salt tolerance. Taken together, the findings of this study provide insights into the molecular and cellular functions of GST in cyanobacteria, particularly under salt stress, which is less understood compared with other species.
Narrative strategies in a nondemocratic setting: Moscow’s urban policy debates
Authors: Schlaufer Caroline , Gafurova Dilyara , Zhiryakova Ekaterina , Shikhova Marina , Belyaeva Nina
Published: August 2021

The Narrative Policy Framework (NPF) explains the role of narratives in policy processes. The NPF was developed for democratic contexts and has not been systematically applied in a nondemocratic setting. This study fills this gap with an empirical analysis of narrative strategies used by governmental and oppositional actors in urban policy debates in Moscow. Results show how governmental actors consistently use angel shifts, contain issues, and avoid using causal mechanisms, while actors opposing governmental policy use devil shifts, expand issues, and use intentional causal mechanisms. The findings suggest that narrative strategies differ depending on whether policy actors seek to promote policy reforms or draw attention to problems. We argue that policy actors’ objectives are a well‐suited predictor for narrative strategies in both democratic and nondemocratic contexts.
Neuroendocrine‐immune regulation mechanism in crustaceans: A review
Authors: Tong Ruixue , Pan Luqing , Zhang Xin , Li Yufen
Published: August 2021

The development of aquaculture is closely related to human life. Crustaceans play essential roles in aquaculture. However, the cultivation of crustaceans has been plagued by various diseases, causing substantial economic losses. At present, the occurrence of shrimp diseases is directly related to environmental stress and physiological dysfunction, and especially environmental stress has become an important factor inducing diseases. Therefore, how to regulate the immune defence of crustaceans under environmental stress has become the primary problem in the prevention and control of shrimp diseases. The neuroendocrine‐immune system plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis and enhancing environmental adaptability. Besides, in the evolutionary sense, with the theory that the nervous system and the immune system have a common origin put forward, the research on the neuroendocrine‐immune system of invertebrates has gradually become a hot spot. This review describes the evolution and communication mechanism of the neuroendocrine system and immune system in vertebrates and invertebrates, summarizes the characteristics of the neuroendocrine system and immune system in crustaceans, and focuses on how environmental stress affects the regulation of the neuroendocrine system on the immune system in crustaceans, as well as the influence of these regulations on host immune defence. This review also introduced the immune regulation of crustacean intestines under environmental stress and the effect of pathogen stress on crustacean immunity, hoping to lay a theoretical foundation for the follow‐up study of crustacean stress resistance and provide theoretical guidance for the healthy aquaculture of crustaceans.
Moral realism, quasi‐realism and moral steadfastness
Authors: Chamberlain James
Published: August 2021

Some moral propositions are so obviously true that we refuse to doubt them, even where we believe that many people disagree. Following Fritz and McPherson, I call our behaviour in such cases ‘moral steadfastness’. In this paper, I argue for two metaethical implications of moral steadfastness. I first argue that morally steadfast behaviour is sufficiently prevalent to present an important challenge for some prominent analogies between moral epistemology and non‐moral forms of epistemology. These analogies are often pressed by moral realists. I then argue that moral quasi‐realism, unlike realism, can explain and vindicate our presumption that moral steadfastness is frequently rational. On the assumption that we frequently act as it is rational to act, quasi‐realism is therefore well placed to explain why we are so frequently morally steadfast. I conclude that this is an important respect in which quasi‐realism is explanatorily preferable to realism.
Motion as an Accident of Matter: Margaret Cavendish and Thomas Hobbes on Motion and Rest
Authors: Adams Marcus P.
Published: August 2021

Margaret Cavendish is widely known as a materialist. However, since Cavendishian matter is always in motion, “matter” and “motion” are equally important foundational concepts for her natural philosophy. InPhilosophical Letters(1664), she takes to task her materialist rival Thomas Hobbes by assaulting his account of accidents in general and his concept of “rest” in particular. In this article, I argue that Cavendish defends her continuous‐motion view in two ways: first, she claims that her account avoids seeing accidents as capable of generation and annihilation, which she argues is inconceivable; and second, she contends that according to Hobbes’s own view “rest” is an absurd conception since it cannot be drawn from experience. Beyond its function as a defense, I claim that Cavendish’s focused criticism of “rest” shows that she is a perceptive reader of Hobbes’s natural philosophy, insofar as her criticisms undercut the two a priori principles of Hobbesian physics. Finally, I show how her views developed in more detail inPhilosophical and Physical Opinions(1663) andObservations upon Experimental Philosophy([1666] 2001) avoid the worries she raises for Hobbesian materialism.
Surgical treatment of uterine neoplasia in 13 production size pigs with a comparison to pot‐bellied pigs
Authors: McOnie Rebecca C. , Noel Aliyyah M. , Fubini Susan L. , Reesink Heidi L.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to describe the clinical management and surgical treatment of production size pigs (PrdP) with uterine neoplasia. A secondary objective was to compare tumor diagnoses as well as short‐ and long‐term survival between PrdP and a published report of pot‐bellied pigs (PBP) following surgical intervention.

Study design

Retrospective clinical study.

Animals or sample population

Client‐owned PrdP (n = 13) treated with exploratory celiotomy ±ovariohysterectomy for uterine neoplasia.

Methods

Medical records from a university hospital were reviewed for historical treatment, presenting complaint, clinical signs, diagnostics, surgical intervention, pathology, and outcome. An online owner survey was performed for follow‐up. The novel PrdP cohort was compared to a previously published PBP cohort for differences in tumor diagnoses, surgical complications, and survival. Descriptive statistics, Fischer's exact tests and odds ratios were reported.

Results

PrdP were affected by uterine leiomyoma (4/11), leiomyosarcoma (2/11), adenoma (1/11), adenocarcinoma (3/11), and carcinosarcoma (1/11) with no difference in tumor types between PrdP and PBP. PrdP surviving to hospital discharge (6/13) survived at least 1 year postoperatively, with median follow‐up of 16 months (14‐60 months). PrdP were less likely than PBP to survive in the short‐term despite similar frequencies of marked intraoperative hemorrhage. PrdP and PBP had comparable rates of long‐term survival following hospital discharge.

Conclusion

PrdP are afflicted by similar uterine neoplasia diagnoses as PBP, but they have lower rates of short‐term survival to hospital discharge with surgical treatment.

Clinical significance/impact

PrdP have a guarded prognosis for survival to hospital discharge when operated for uterine neoplasia.
RESISTANCE TO NARRATIVES OF THE COVID‐19 PANDEMIC AS AN ACT OF GOD
Authors: Kamwendo Zara Thokozani
Published: August 2021

This article examines the views of 12 bishops of the Church of England in understanding the COVID‐19 pandemic from the perspective of divine action. The most consistently mentioned unhelpful narratives hinge on an understanding of the pandemic as an act of God. Although there are several possible contextual explanations for this resistance to understand the pandemic as divine action, an analysis of the data shows that it is grounded in a desire to maintain (1) a space for the pandemic, the suffering, and the virus that caused it to be understood as part of creation and (2) focus on human agency and responsibility as the appropriate response to the pandemic. I argue that the strong resistance among the bishops interviewed to a narrative of divine punishment in particular is ultimately grounded in a desire to disable the blunt but effective tool of making moral judgments in the name of divine authority that regularly follow in the wake of global disasters.
A Implantação da Rodovia Belém-Brasília e o Desenvolvimento Regional
Authors: Becker Bertha K
Published: August 2021

This paper tries to evaluate regional development under the impact of Belem-Brasilia Road. According to a tipology of spatial development based on the analyses of regional devepment profile, the area was classified as a resource frontier under slow growth. The road's major positive effect was in the urbanization process, favoring regional centers located at both ends of the artery. Possibilities of higher family incomes are offered only to the poor rural migrants from the northeast region.
Posições de Asteróides do Programa Internacional do Instituto de Astronomia Teórica de Leningrado obtidas no Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Debehogne H , Machado Luiz Eduardo S. , Caldeira José Felipe C. , Vieira Gilson G. , R. Netto Edgar
Published: August 2021

In September 1977, we have observed Minor Planets at Rio de Janeiro, most of them indicated as to be observed (signed X, XX or + in Ephemerides Minor Planets from ITA or required by Program of Leningrad) . The instrument Astrographic Camera (f = 170cm, Î¦ 25cm) was used. By clear sky, magnitude 13.5 to 14 could be attained. Measures and reductions were performed at the Observatório do Valongo with the Ascorecord measuring machine (0,1 Âµ ) and by means of five reference stars (SAO catalogue) on the Burroughs B6700 NCE-UFRJ computer.
Estudo do Aumento de Sensibilidade dos Filmes Fotográficos Através do Processo de Latencificação por Imersão
Authors: Perseke Ronaldo
Published: August 2021

Nowadays, photography, aside from being employed in all branches of human knowledge, is also a powerful tool for the present-day astronomer who, by using it combined with sensitive machinery, can fill up some of the gaps wich are found in the fairly complexe subject of astronomy.
Altura da Camada de Mistura na Cidade do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Ribeiro Benedito Crescencio
Published: August 2021

This work describes the methods for determination of the mixing depths at morning and afternoon hours. In over Rio de Janeiro the morning mixing depth is calculated extending a dry adiabat on the "SKEWT - LOGP" diagram from 12 GMT surface temperature to its intersection with vertical temperature profile, observed at the minimum temperature hours. In the afternoon hours a dry adiabat is extended from maximum surface temperature to Its intersection with the 12 GMT observed vertical temperature profile. The mean mixing depth is calculated for each month over the period 1967-1976 through two distinct ways. The results are very well correlated and show a correlation coefficient greater than 0.9. Over Rio de Janeiro the mean maximum mixing depths are heigher in July (1216 m)and lower in october (812 m). The mean mixing depths in the morning hours are heigher in December (633 m) and lower in June (369 m).
Discovery and Orbit of Asteroid 1979 HB (ESO, La Silla)
Authors: Debehogne H , Caldeira J. F.
Published: August 2021

This paper presents orbital elements for the asteroid 1979 HB discovered during the period from april 20 through april 29 , 1979 at the GPO telescope (f= 4m, d2 40 cm) of the European Southern Observatory - ESO, La Silla, Chile. The orbit has been computed by Gauss-Encke Method (with successive improvements of the geocentric distances based on 21 positions). All plates were measured at the Ascorecord Zeiss/Jena measuring machine of the Valongo Observatory . The positions were computed by means of dependences and of the least squares, with the computer Burrough's B6700 of the Núcleo de Computação Eletrônica - NCE, of the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro . The observations are reduced to the equinox 1950, and the coordinates of the reference stars, taken from the SAO Stars Catalogue, are corrected for proper motions.
Analise de Alguns Componentes da Demanda de Serviço Aéreo no Sistema Urbano Brasileiro
Authors: Freire Lucy A. R. , Sant'Anna Marina , Teixeira Marlene P. V.
Published: August 2021

The objective of this paper is to examine how some socioeconomic variables can explain the magnitude and distribution of air travel frequency at brasilian urban system. Thus to explore the relationship between frequency of air travel and urban socioeconomic importance three variables were selected: urban population, number of automobiles and number of persons occupied in tertiary activities. The results revealed that only one variable seems to influence air passenger potential i. e. urban population; the others variables did not presented great significance.
Sobre o Método das Dependências
Authors: Salvador J.A.
Published: August 2021

In the present work, we are going to make an analysis, from a geometric point of view, of the dependence method used to calculate the position of celestial objects, trhrough the vectorial analysis in the 3 - dimensional eu clidean space.
Uma Subrotina para Cálculo da Radiação Solar Extra Atmosfera
Authors: Sucharov Elza Correia
Published: August 2021

A computer program in FORTRAN is prescuted to calculation the extra terrestrial solar radiation and the theorical duration of sunshire.
Considerações Sobre a Estratigrafia Pós-evaporítica da Porção Sul da Bacia do Espírito Santo
Authors: Rodrigues Maria Antonieta
Published: August 2021

The postevaporitic sequence of the southern part of Espírito Santo, Basin, one of the most typical basins of the Brazilianeast coast, is here studied. The material of three drilling cores (1-ESS-5, l-ESS-22 and 1-ESS-23), kindly lent by Petróleo Brasileiro S.A., PETROBRÁS, was studied. The data obtained from the three drillings were integrated into columnar profiles, for a better visualization of the results. Lithostratigraphical units were characterized, after the litologic description of the studied sections was accomplished. Palaeoenvirohments were established for the lithofaciologic units, according to the most diagnostic features of the studied lithofacies, such as granuloraetry, sedimentary structures, colours and distribution of the microfossils.
Geografia dos Votos Nulos e Brancos nas Eleições de 1962 e 1974 no Estado do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Sant'Anna Marina , Freire Lucy
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this paper is to identify correlates of and analyze variations in null and blank votes rates in the State of Rio de Janeiro across elections held under two different political regimes: the first, in 1962, took place during a period characterized by political institutions and practices which closely resembled those of political pluralism and the second in 1974 under an authorita rian regime.
Real-Time Reliability Assessment of Wind Turbine Components Using a Back-Propagation Neural Network and SCADA Data
Authors: Du Shenglei , Guo Jingmei , Yi Lin , Zhang Chen , Liu Shi
Published: August 2021

The high cost of operation and maintenance (O&M) management has become an important factor hindering the sustainable development of the wind power industry. Performing accurate condition assessment of wind turbine components to optimize the structural design and O&M strategy has become a research trend. However, the random and varying operating conditions of wind turbines make this problem difficult and challenging. A Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system collects signals that contain a large amount of raw and useful information from critical wind turbine sub-assemblies. Extracting key information from the SCADA data is an economical and effective way for condition assessment. A real-time reliability assessment method of wind turbine components using a Back-Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) and SCADA data is presented in this paper. The normal behavior models are established with the processed SCADA data, and the real-time reliability of wind turbine components are assessed based on the prediction result. For verification, the BPNN-based reliability assessment method is applied to a gearbox with real SCADA data of a 1.5MW onshore wind turbine located along the southeast coast of China. The results show the capability of the proposed model in assessing the reliability of wind turbine components continuously and in real time.
Optimization of Ultra-High Aspect Ratio Nanostructures Fabricated Using Glancing Angle Deposition
Authors: Qu Chuang , Alphenaar Bruce , McNamara Shamus , Walsh Kevin
Published: August 2021

This paper presents the optimization for obtaining ultra-high aspect ratio nanostructures by GLancing Angle Deposition (GLAD). GLAD is a bottom-up, physical deposition process for creating nanometer-level features by shadows cast by seeds on the substrate at high incident angles. Based on the seeds used, GLAD can be categorized into two types: GLAD with natural seeds and pre-defined seeds (pre-seeds). When natural seeds are used, the seeds are randomly distributed with sub-100 nm feature sizes, and the percent coverage of the substrate is determined simply by the incident angle of the vapor. When the pre-seeds are used, the features can be redistributed and regrouped to generate new periodic nanostructures. This paper discusses how to obtain ultra-high aspect ratio nanopillars from natural seeds and nanoribbons from pre-defined line seeds by GLAD. In the discussion on GLAD with natural seeds, a study on the dependence of the aspect ratio on the incident angle is provided; resolvable nanopillars are obtained with aspect ratio over 1:20, and the growth mechanism is proposed for pillars with high deposition angles. Next, line seeds used in the GLAD process for creating high aspect ratio nanoribbons are discussed. Proper design and process parameters are discussed for controlling the morphologies of the nanoribbons. The ultra-high aspect ratio nanostructures are potentially used for applications including sensing, surface property alteration, and the creation of nanoporous structures.
Friction Stir Diffusion Bonding of Magnesium Alloy ZK 60 to Steel
Authors: Al-Badour Fadi , Alghamdi Abdulrahman , Adesina Akeem Y. , Suleiman Rami K. , Merah Neçar
Published: August 2021

Friction stir diffusion bonding (FSDB); a derived process from friction stir lap welding, was used in this investigation to produce a solid-state lap joint between magnesium alloy ZK 60-T5 and steel ASTM A 516-70. In FSDB, a conventional friction stir welding tool was used where the tool pin did not penetrate the substrate. The developed heat due to friction and forging forces exerted by the tool facilitated the diffusion process between the lapped sheets. In this work, the effects of process conditions on fabricated joints strength and microstructural changes were studied. The design of the experiment was developed based on Taguchi L9 to study four variables; i.e. tool rotational, and welding speeds, tool pin length, and tool tilt angle, with three levels at each parameter. The developed matrix was ranked based on the impact of an individual parameter on heat input, i.e low, intermediate, and high. Tensile-shear tests were performed to study the fabricated joints’ strength. The microstructure of the developed interface between the magnesium alloy and steel was analyzed with an optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. At optimum conditions, tensile failure was found to occur in magnesium alloy; within the nugget zone, with a noticeable drop in the tensile strength as compared to the base (unprocessed) alloy.