bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No longer in suspense: Clarifying the Human Rights Jurisdiction of the SADC Tribunal
Authors: Phooko MR
Published: January 2016

The Southern African Development Community Tribunal's (SADC Tribunal) decision in the matter of Mike Campbell (Pvt) Ltd v Republic of Zimbabwe 2008 SADCT 2 (28 November 2008) demonstrated its ability to utilise the principles contained in the Treaty of the Southern African Development Community when it ruled that it had the power and competency to adjudicate over a human rights case. The aforesaid decision was hailed by many scholars as a progressive judgment in the SADC region that would promote the rule of law and ensure that member states respected their treaty obligations in their own territories. Unfortunately, the same judgment resulted in the suspension of the SADC Tribunal in 2010 because it had purportedly acted beyond its mandate when it adjudicated over a case concerning a human rights dispute. This article investigates whether the SADC Tribunal had jurisdiction to deal with cases involving allegations of human rights violations. In addressing this question, this article will discuss the powers (implied and tacit) of international organisations as understood within international law. In addition, the study will ascertain how the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia have dealt with cases that involved disputes concerning a tribunal or an international organisation that was said to have acted beyond its mandate. The study will also make reference to the East African Court of Justice and the Economic Community of West African States Court of Justice as they have also dealt with implied powers when they were confronted with cases concerning human rights abuses. Certain decisions of the SADC Summit of Heads of States or Government (Summit) and the Council of Ministers whose roles include the control of functions and/or overseeing the functioning of the SADC will also be referred to in this study.
Affiliation to a New Customary Law in Post-Apartheid South Africa
Authors: Nwauche ES
Published: January 2016

This article examines the possibility that in the post-apartheid South African legal system South African citizens can voluntarily change their customary law and affiliate to a new one in the true spirit of citizenship. The article argues that such a change would affirm the dignity of all South Africans and would significantly enhance the vision of a truly non-racial society envisaged by the Constitution and contribute to social justice.
The Employment Equity Act, 1998 (and other myths about the pursuit of "equality", "equity" and "dignity" in post-apartheid South Africa) (Part 1)
Authors: Louw AM
Published: January 2016

The author critically examines the organising principle of the affirmative action provisions of the Employment Equity Act (or EEA), as well as the implications of the recent judgment by the Constitutional Court in its first case involving the application of affirmative action in the employment context (and in terms of the EEA) – SAPS v Solidarity obo Barnard. While reiterating the need for restitutionary measures such as affirmative action in South Africa, the author concludes – probably quite controversially - that the EEA's treatment of affirmative action has nothing to do with the equality right in the Bill of Rights, and that the Act pursues a different (and omnipresent) social engineering agenda by the state. The author calls for this realisation to prompt future affirmative action cases arising from the application of this Act to be removed from the scheme of (and potential defences available under) the equality jurisprudence, and for the courts to critically interrogate the constitutionality of the EEA's affirmative action scheme within its own context. The author believes that Chapter III of the Act is unconstitutional in this sense, and he calls for the scrapping of its provisions. He also calls for a (more) constitutionallycompliant exposition from the Constitutional Court of the parameters of legitimate affirmative action under the Bill of Rights, and adds his voice to the numerous calls for reconsideration of the "rationality test" expounded in Minister of Finance v van Heerden. More generally, the author considers the apparently all-pervasive application of the government ideology of the pursuit of demographic representivity in "transformation" of employment and other contexts (expressing grave doubts about its constitutionality along the way). This article forms Part 1 of this piece and the author considers the constitutional requirements for a legitimate affirmative action programme or measure. He then examines the affirmative action scheme of the Employment Equity Act, and explains his views on why such scheme is, in fact, unconstitutional. In Part 2 of this piece (which follows in this edition), the author continues to critically evaluate the Constitutional Court judgment in the Barnard case, and he highlights the biggest areas of disappointment of this judgment within the context of South Africa's equality jurisprudence. After a very brief consideration of the recent amendments to the Employment Equity Act, the author concludes by providing reasons why the Act's approach to affirmative action needs to be rejected, and soon.
Software prototyping
Authors: Del Fiol Guilherme , Hanseler Haley , Crouch Barbara , Cummins Mollie , Nelson Scott
Published: January 2016

Health information exchange (HIE) between Poison Control Centers (PCCs) and Emergency Departments (EDs) could improve care of poisoned patients. However, PCC information systems are not designed to facilitate HIE with EDs; therefore, we are developing specialized software to support HIE within the normal workflow of the PCC using user-centered design and rapid prototyping.

To describe the design of an HIE dashboard and the refinement of user requirements through rapid prototyping.

Using previously elicited user requirements, we designed low-fidelity sketches of designs on paper with iterative refinement. Next, we designed an interactive high-fidelity prototype and conducted scenario-based usability tests with end users. Users were asked to think aloud while accomplishing tasks related to a case vignette. After testing, the users provided feedback and evaluated the prototype using the System Usability Scale (SUS).

Survey results from three users provided useful feedback that was then incorporated into the design. After achieving a stable design, we used the prototype itself as the specification for development of the actual software. Benefits of prototyping included having 1) subject-matter experts heavily involved with the design; 2) flexibility to make rapid changes, 3) the ability to minimize software development efforts early in the design stage; 4) rapid finalization of requirements; 5) early visualization of designs; 6) and a powerful vehicle for communication of the design to the programmers. Challenges included 1) time and effort to develop the prototypes and case scenarios; 2) no simulation of system performance; 3) not having all proposed functionality available in the final product; and 4) missing needed data elements in the PCC information system.
MULTILAYER GRAPHENE CHLORINE ISOBUTYL ISOPRENE RUBBER NANOCOMPOSITES: INFLUENCE OF THE MULTILAYER GRAPHENE CONCENTRATION ON PHYSICAL AND FLAME-RETARDANT PROPERTIES
Authors: Frasca D. , Schulze D. , Böhning M. , Krafft B. , Schartel B.
Published: January 2016

In recent years, different nanoparticles have been proposed and successfully introduced as nanofillers in rubber nanocomposites. In this study, multilayer graphene (MLG) is proposed as a nanoparticle that functions efficiently at low concentrations. MLG consists of just 10 or so graphene sheets. Chlorine isobutyl isoprene rubber (CIIR)/MLG nanocomposites with different MLG loadings were prepared using an ultrasonically assisted solution mixing procedure followed by two-roll milling. The incorporation of MLG provides a clear improvement in the rheological, mechanical, curing, and gas barrier properties of the nanocomposites. Adding only 3 phr of MLG to CIIR increased the Young's modulus by more than two times and reduced the permeability of O2 and CO2 by 30%. Higher nanofiller concentrations yielded further improvement in the properties of the nanocomposites. Moreover, CIIR/MLG nanocomposites showed reduced flammability.
Los pagos por servicios ambientales como contribución en la gobernanza forestal Nicaragüense
Authors: Torres Lezama Mario José
Published: January 2016

Los esquemas de compensación económica ambiental, conocidos también como pagos por servicios ambientales, que brinda el bosque son un instrumento para una buena gobernanza forestal. Aunque existe muy poca experiencia a nivel nacional por su reciente introducción en la dinámica de la problemática ambiental nacional de la conservación, uso y manejo sostenible del recurso bosque, puede considerarse como una opción real para enfrentar el proceso de deforestación acentuada que tiene nuestro país. La propiedad sobre la tierra es una condición básica para lograr una gobernanza forestal, siendo un elemento necesario para implementar un esquema público por los beneficios eco-sistémicos que produce el bosque. La necesidad imperante de encontrar una alternativa para enfrentar el despale incremental, vincular el interés económico para reconocer los esfuerzos voluntarios y reflexionar sobre los bienes forestales en el ordenamiento jurídico actual, es el objeto de la presente investigación, para asegurar una cobertura boscosa a las futuras generaciones como un legado de nuestra actual sociedad.
Improvising a Musical Metropolis: Detroit in the 1940s–1960s
Authors: Slobin Mark
Published: January 2016

The author, born in Detroit in 1943, presents a survey of the musical life of that city, roughly in the time of his youth. Starting with personal grounding, the article lays out factual information about the training of musicians in the public schools and the musical life of subcultures, then concludes with a return to the individual’s perspective through considering how music is available— physically, psychologically—to people in a metropolis.
Listening with the Body: An Aesthetics of Spirit Possession Outside the Terreiro
Authors: Meneses Juan Diego Diaz
Published: January 2016

This article discusses how those who experience spirit possession within Bahian Candomblé religion listen to ritual music outside of the ceremonial context. It proposes a theory of aesthetics based on bodily sensations and mythological imagination that initiated dancers develop through experience and socialization. This embodied aesthetics is then linked to discourses of black empowerment, processes of self- fashioning, and issues of secrecy and representation of Candomblé in Bahia
Coal Mining and Population Loss in Appalachia
Authors: Kratzer Nate W.
Published: January 2016

Despite abundant natural resources, Appalachia struggles with both poverty and population loss. Previous literature has not fully explored the hypothesis that the extraction of natural resources is causally related to the subsequent decline in population, given the failure to include extractive industries, economics, and population loss in a single model. I also suggest theoretical reasons for the link between extractive industries and population loss. The theory is tested using data from the 2000 and 2010 Census across 410 Appalachian counties. I test for population change and economic decline in 2010 based on coal production in 2000, controlling for the county’s economic status in 2000, as well as for demographic variables. I find support for the hypothesis that counties with high levels of coal mining experience higher population loss.
"Money Gets Things Done, But Legwork Does Too": Labor’s (Re)Claiming of Community Space in a Privatized Public
Authors: Fletcher Rebecca Adkins
Published: January 2016

This ethnographic research highlights the efforts of a Central Labor Council in metropolitan Central Appalachia to become more involved in the community. The council’s strategies include renewing interests in community participation, making charitable donations, and strengthening their political voice. This article describes two specific events, the member-to-member political canvassing prior to the 2007 Kentucky gubernatorial election and the Labor Council’s efforts to "take back" the annual community Labor Day celebrations in 2007 and 2008, to highlight how this Central Labor Council is responding to changing economic and political landscapes in ways that are in line with "new unionism" tactics. The importance of free spaces in creating and maintaining union identity and consciousness-raising are highlighted for their contributions to democratic and political participation.
Implementation of a sustainable enterprise risk management framework: The Administrator on Duty model
Authors: Vila Linda L , Buccellato Vito
Published: January 2016

Background: Today’s health care landscape requires a new standard of service delivery aimed at quality outcomes, cost-effective provisions of coordinated treatment, and access to equitable care. This standard has brought emerging risks that pose threats to the operational and financial well-being of health care organizations, especially safety net hospitals. The establishment of enterprise risk management (ERM) programs guided by the efforts of efficacious health care managers will promote deeper risk analysis, engagement of the entire health care organization, and structured, coordinated and cohesive mitigation responses to risk exposures.Objective: To establish and implement an ERM program using the Administrator on Duty (AOD) model that will promote a patient-centric paradigm of care while optimizing organizational performance and mitigating risk and exposure.Results: The AOD model significantly contributes to all phases of ERM, particularly risk identification, risk assessment, risk response and monitoring. The model, as perceived by both AODs and hospital senior leadership, provides tremendous benefits to a health care organization. These include, among many others, a substantial leadership presence, dynamic risk mitigation efforts, continuous education to staff and facilitation of problem solving and conflict resolution.Conclusions: The AOD program is a vital constituent of an ERM endeavor. AODs are pivotal to managing the global risk terrain of a health care organization and play a substantial role in promoting patient, staff and visitor safety while working to ensure potential and actual risk issues are addressed timely and appropriately.
The Relationship between Vocabulary Size and Reading Comprehension of ESL Learners
Authors: Ibrahim Engku Haliza Engku , Sarudin Isarji , Muhamad Ainon Jariah
Published: January 2016

There are many factors that contribute to one’s ability to read effectively. Vocabulary size is one important factor that enhances reading comprehension. The purpose of the study is to examine the relationship between students’ reading comprehension skills and their vocabulary size. A total of 129 pre-university students undergoing an intensive English language programme at a public university in Malaysia participated in this study. A correlational analysis was employed to ascertain the relationship between scores in the reading comprehension component of the institutionalised English Proficiency Test (EPT) and the Vocabulary Levels Tests (Nation, 1990). Based on Pearson product moment correlation coefficient, there was a moderate correlation (r=0.641) between scores in the EPT reading comprehension and Vocabulary Levels Tests. The relationship was statistically significant at p<0.01 level. The findings also indicate that all students (100%) were able to fulfil the minimum admission requirements for the reading skill (Band 5.5) in the EPT even though only half of the students (54.3%) reached the mastery level at the 5,000 word level. The findings provide useful insights into the prediction of ESL students’ performance in reading and the teaching of vocabulary in the ESL context.
Dominant Goal Orientations Predict Differences in Academic Achievement during Adolescence through Metacognitive Self-Regulation
Authors: Dekker Sanne , Krabbendam Lydia , Lee Nikki , Boschloo Annemarie , De Groot Renate , Jolles Jelle
Published: January 2016

This study investigated whether academic achievement was predicted by the goal which generally drives a student’s learning behaviour. Secondly, the role of metacognitive self-regulation was examined. The dominant goal orientation was assessed using a new method. 735 adolescents aged 10-19 years read vignettes of students that reflect four goal orientations. Participants indicated which student they resembled most, which revealed their dominant goal orientation. Age, sex and level of parental education were controlled for. Results showed that students with motivation goals of the mastery and performance-approach types obtained higher grades than students characterized by the performance-avoidance and work-avoidance goal type. A mediation analysis showed that goal orientations predicted achievement through the level of metacognitive self-regulation. Intrinsically motivated students showed the best metacognitive self-regulation skills of all students, whereas work-avoidant students had the lowest level of self-regulation skills. The scores of students with performance goals fell in-between. The research showed that the higher grades obtained by performance-approach students, compared to performance-avoidant and work-avoidant students, can partially be explained by their higher levels of metacognitive self-regulation. Thus, goal orientation predicted achievement differences through metacognitive self-regulation skills. This suggests that intrinsic motivation and self-regulation skills should ideally be supported in the classroom. Furthermore, it suggests that teachers could use vignettes to distinguish different types of students in order to identify students who are vulnerable to lower academic achievement.
Growth in Total Factor Productivity in the Egyptian Agriculture Sector: Growth Accounting and Econometric Assessments of Sources of Growth
Authors: Dhehibi Boubaker , Ibrahim Ali El-Shahat Ali Ahmed , Frija Aymen , Hassan Aden-Aw
Published: January 2016

This research aims to assess the Total Factor Productivity (TFP) of the whole agricultural sector in Egypt for the period 1961-2012 using Törnqvist index calculations. Particularly, it aims to investigate: (1) the most important factors explaining the TFP growth in the Egyptian agriculture (2) estimating changes in technical efficiency and technical change and determining the magnitude of their contribution to the overall TFP growth, and lastly, (4) based on these findings, providing policy implication and recommendations that allows enhancing and sustaining future growth of agricultural production in Egypt.
The currently analysis provided relevant results which might help us understanding the structural trend of the Egyptian agricultural sector, and understanding the most significant variables affecting this trend. Such results will have important policy implications for promoting further growth in the Egyptian agricultural sector. The empirical findings showed that rural development variables were found to significantly and negatively affect agricultural productivity. This demonstrates that agricultural activity is still a marginalized activity which is linked to low levels of income and is a source of employment for low productive labor. Moreover, a negative significant effect of the infrastructure variable on the productivity gains of the agricultural sector in Egypt was found which might indicates a form of low integration of farmers within large neighboring markets. These findings highlighted the decisions makers to take a deeper look at their rural infrastructure strategy, knowing that it may affect the productivity of the agricultural sector as whole.
Procedimientos de comparación transcultural: La comparación sucesiva
Authors: González Echevarría Aurora
Published: January 2016

El artículo realiza una revisión de las propuestas de métodos de investigación, científicos y hermenéuticos, que se han ido formulando a lo largo del siglo XX y los vincula a las distintas propuestas que desde la Antropología se han ido haciendo sobre los procedimientos de comparación transcultural. La comparación hologeísta propuesta por Tylor responde a la concepción inductiva del método, que también está detrás de la comparación controlada desarrollada por Radcliffe-Brown, mientras que el segundo gran proyecto hologeísta, el de Murdock, basado en la elaboración de un gran archivo etnográfico, los Human Relation Area Files, responde a la idea postpopperiana de poner a prueba hipótesis formuladas previamente. La versión digital de los HRAF permite con facilidad reintroducir contextos culturales, salvando la crítica que desde Boas se hizo de las comparaciones de alcance mundial.Sin embargo, la tesis central que se defiende es que si se aplican a la etnografía el método abductivo y la concepción estructural de la teorías –pensando que las etnografías establecen relaciones no necesariamente causales entre elementos socioculturales, algunos previamente interpretados– podemos integrar métodos científicos y hermenéuticos y aplicar la dinámica del desarrollo de la teorías científicas para establecer el alcance de las teorías antropológicas
Practical Applications in Immunohistochemistry: Evaluation of Rejection and Infection in Organ Transplantation
Authors: Troxell Megan L. , Lanciault Christian
Published: January 2016

Context.—Immunohistochemical analysis of tissue biopsy specimens is a crucial tool in diagnosis of both rejection and infection in patients with solid organ transplants. In the past 15 years, the concept of antibody-mediated rejection has been refined, and diagnostic criteria have been codified in renal, heart, pancreas, and lung allografts (with studies ongoing in liver, small intestine, and composite grafts), all of which include immunoanalysis for the complement split product C4d.

Objectives.—To review the general concepts of C4d biology and immunoanalysis, followed by organ-allograft–specific data, and interpretative nuances for kidney, pancreas, and heart, with discussion of early literature for lung and liver biopsies. Additionally, practical applications and limitations of immunostains for infectious organisms (Polyomavirus, Adenoviridae [adenovirus], and the herpes virus family, including Herpes simplex virus, Cytomegalovirus, Human herpes virus 8, and Epstein-Barr virus) are reviewed in the context of transplant recipients.

Data Sources.—Our experience and published primary and review literature.

Conclusions.—Immunohistochemistry continues to have an important role in transplant pathology, most notably C4d staining in assessment of antibody-mediated rejection and assessment of viral pathogens in tissue. In all facets of transplant pathology, correlation of morphology with special studies and clinical data is critical, as is close communication with the transplant team.
Flavonoids â€“ World Healthiest Gift for the Benefit of Human Health
Authors: Yadav Abhishek Kumar
Published: January 2016

Flavonoids are one of the major nutrient families recognized to scientists, and comprise over 6,000 already recognized family members. A number of the best - recognized flavonoids include quercetin, kaempferol, catechins, and anthocyanidins. It is well-known for its antioxidative activity, free radical scavenging capacity, coronary, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. Some flavonoids also exhibit potential antiviral activities. There has been rising attention in the research on flavonoids from plant sources because of their resourceful fitness benefits reported in a variety of epidemiological studies. Study on the health aspects of flavonoids for humans is growing speedily.
The FDA's Quality Revolution
Authors: Pitts Peter J.
Published: January 2016

Let it be said that the spark that ignited the flame was when FDA leadership asked, “Do we know enough about the quality of drugs that are sold in the United States.”In 2009, the FDA announced its Safe Use of Drugs Initiative.  The theory being that one way to make drugs safer is to ensure that they are used as directed. The main strategy was education and the agency’s efforts were (and are) aimed at physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and patients.Earlier this year, the agency announced not just an office, but a Super Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, further underscoring that the FDA operates not under a two-dimensional system of safety and efficacy, but a three-dimensional approach that includes quality … with a capital (indeed a “super”) Q.Since there is no such thing as a safe substandard product, the agency is putting time, resources, and the use of the bully pulpit to go beyond cGMPs, API and excipient sourcing to develop a risk-based approach that includes data gathered from a variety of sources including manufacturing inspections, adverse event reporting, and substandard pharmaceutical events as evidenced in the agency’s bioequivalence- driven actions with bupropion in 2012, metoprolol in 2014, and methylphenidate in 2015.So, in many respects, pharmaceutical quality is both a pre and post-licensure endeavor and, like Safe Use, a scientific and educational enterprise that requires close coordination with many stakeholders. And it won’t come easily or inexpensively. As Aristotle said that, “Quality is not an act, it is a habit.”
Étalement urbain et différenciation sociospatiale à Dakar (Sénégal)
Authors: Ndiaye Ibrahima
Published: January 2016

Les villes du Sud sont caractérisées par un étalement urbain, généralement accompagné d’une dynamique de différenciation sociospatiale très prononcée. Le contexte de la ville de Dakar, principal pôle attractif, concentrant les fonctions les plus importantes du territoire national sénégalais, est utilisé ici pour mettre en place une démarche méthodologique permettant d’analyser la différenciation sociospatiale. En convoquant les méthodes d’analyse multidimensionnelle et en nous basant sur les données issues d’enquêtes ménages originales, nous nous sommes donné l’objectif d’analyser la différenciation sociospatiale à Dakar. Il ressort de nos analyses que l’agglomération dakaroise est sujette à un étalement urbain, avec l’échec des politiques de planification du développement urbain et la déréglementation du marché du foncier et de l’immobilier, qui ont été sources d’exclusion des populations à faible revenu. L’analyse de ce territoire étalé montre un espace complexe, animé de dynamiques de différenciation sociospatiale très marquées.
Pump–probe photoelectron spectroscopy by a high-power 90 nm vacuum-ultraviolet laser
Authors: Sato Motoki , Suzuki Yoshi-ichi , Suzuki Toshinori , Adachi Shunsuke
Published: January 2016

We present pump–probe photoelectron spectroscopy of Kr and NO using a high-power vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) laser at a wavelength of 90 nm. Clear quantum beats are observed in the photoelectron angular distributions as well as in the photoelectron yields, resulting from the coherent excitation of two Kr Rydberg states by the VUV pump. The entire Franck–Condon envelope of the NO A(2Σ+) excited state is also successfully captured by the VUV probe.
Changes in the electric resistivity of CrN subsequent to oxygen dissolution
Authors: Nagasawa Shinobu , Suzuki Kazuma , Sato Aoi , Suzuki Tsuneo , Nakayama Tadachika , Suematsu Hisayuki , Niihara Koichi
Published: January 2016

Single-phase epitaxial chromium oxynitride thin films containing 11 to 45 mol % oxygen were successfully synthesized on MgO(100) substrates by pulsed laser deposition at 773 K while controlling the ambient oxygen partial pressure. The film compositions were subsequently analyzed by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy, while crystal phases were identified by X-ray diffractometry using the Bragg–Brentano and glancing incidence configurations and by in-plane φ scanning. The microstructures were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The electrical resistance of the films was determined by either the two- or four-probe method. The Cr(N,O) thin film having 11 mol % oxygen exhibited a metallic temperature dependence. In contrast, the films containing oxygen of 13 mol % or higher showed a semiconducting (or insulating) temperature dependence. This resistivity change is believed to result from enhanced electron correlation brought about by increases in oxygen content, sufficient to transform the Cr(N,O) thin film into a Mott insulator.
Ag–In–Zn–S quantum dots for hybrid organic–inorganic solar cells
Authors: Kim Eung-min , Ruankham Pipat , Lee Jae-hyeong , Hachiya Kan , Sagawa Takashi
Published: January 2016

Quantum dots of (AgIn)
x
Zn2(1−

x

)S2 (x = 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0) capped by oleylamine were prepared and applied for hybrid organic–inorganic solar cells consisting of glass–indium–tin-oxide/ZnO/(AgIn)
x
Zn2(1−

x

)S2/poly(3-hexylthiophene)/MoO3/Ag. The short-circuit current density (J
sc) and open-circuit voltage (V
oc) of the hybrid solar cells were measured, and we found a low power conversion efficiency (PCE) below 0.1%. From the incident photon-to-current efficiency (IPCE) profiles of the hybrid devices, there is no marked photocurrent generation from 350 to 700 nm, which is ascribed to the absorption region of (AgIn)
x
Zn2(1−

x

)S2. To improve the photovoltaic performance, ligand substitution from oleylamine to pyridine was performed. The PCE of the hybrid cell using the pyridine-capped (AgIn)
x
Zn2(1−

x

)S2 was improved twofold in terms of both J
sc and V
oc as compared with that of the oleylamine-capped one. In particular, from the IPCE measurements, a remarkable (more than doubled) enhancement of photocurrent generation from 400 to 450 nm was observed with the pyridine-substituted nanoparticles.
Sudden Hemodynamic Deterioration of a 75-Year-Old Woman With Progressive Jaw Pain
Authors: Van Laer Sven L. , Van Rijckeghem Pieterjan , Segers Vincent F. M.
Published: September 2024

This case report describes a diagnosis of left ventricular anterior free-wall rupture in a patient given anticoagulant treatment for subacute myocardial infarction.
Low-Dose Metformin and Profibrotic Signature in Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia
Authors: Bao Aaron , Qadri Aasheen , Gadre Aditi , Will Elizabeth , Collins Dina , Ahima Rexford , Bordone Lindsey A. , Aguh Crystal
Published: September 2024

Importance

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA) is a scarring alopecia predominantly affecting Black female individuals. Current conventional treatments target inflammation but not the underlying fibrotic processes, often leading to permanent hair loss.

Objective

To investigate the associations of low-dose oral metformin, an antidiabetic medication with antifibrotic properties, with clinical symptoms and scalp gene expression patterns in patients with CCCA.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective clinical case series and transcriptomic analysis included patients treated at a single tertiary academic medical center between January 2023 and March 2024. All patients had biopsy-confirmed CCCA refractory to standard treatments. Transcriptomic analysis was performed on patients with previously banked, paired scalp biopsies before and after treatment with adjuvant metformin for at least 6 weeks.

Exposure

Extended-release metformin, 500 mg, once daily was added to participants’ baseline CCCA treatment regimens.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Clinical assessments included pruritus, inflammation, scalp resistance, and hair regrowth. Gene expression profiling via bulk RNA sequencing analysis evaluated differential gene expression and pathway enrichment.

Results

A total of 12 Black female participants were included in the study, and transcriptomic analysis was performed in 4 participants. After at least 6 months of metformin treatment, 9 participants experienced improvement in disease, including scalp pain, inflammation, and/or pruritus, and 6 demonstrated clinical evidence of hair regrowth. The addition of metformin led to reversal of many prominent gene pathways previously identified in CCCA. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of pathways and genes (keratin-associated proteins [KRTAPs]) involved in keratinization, epidermis development, and the hair cycle (absolute log2-fold change > 4), with concomitant downregulation of fibrosis-related pathways and genes (eg, MMP7, COL6A1) (fold change >1.5; all false discovery rate <.05). Gene set analysis showed reduced expression of helper T cell 17 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathways and elevated adenosine monophosphate kinase signaling and KRTAPs after metformin treatment.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this case series of patients with treatment-refractory CCCA, low-dose oral metformin was associated with symptomatic improvement and dual modulation of gene expression, stimulating hair growth pathways while suppressing fibrosis and inflammation markers. These findings provide a rationale for future clinical trials studying metformin as a targeted therapy for CCCA and other cicatricial alopecias.
Deaths Related to Domestic Violence in Washington State
Authors: Kafka Julie M. , Adhia Avanti , Martin David D. , Mustafa Ayah , Rowhani-Rahbar Ali , Rivara Frederick P.
Published: September 2024

Importance

Domestic violence (DV; including intimate partner and family violence) is associated with heightened lethality risks, yet limited research has comprehensively assessed the connection between DV and fatal violence considering both homicides and suicides. Understanding the fatal consequences of DV can point to missed opportunities to support individuals and their families.

Objective

To assess the proportion of violent deaths that were connected to DV and describe contacts with the legal system or social services prior to each DV-related fatality.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used quantitative and qualitative data from the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) for all individuals who died by homicide or suicide in Washington from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2020. Analyses were conducted from August 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

A multipronged approach was used to assess DV history using existing NVDRS variables, leveraging data from prior review of NVDRS death narratives, applying a validated natural language processing tool, and linking related deaths. Domestic violence was recorded as yes or no, but the decedent’s role in the abusive relationship (ie, experiencing or enacting DV) could not be differentiated. To describe system involvement prior to each death, keyword searching and hand review of NVDRS death narratives were used.

Results

A total of 7352 intentional violent deaths (1192 homicides [16.2%]; 6160 suicides [83.8%]) with known circumstances were recorded in Washington during the study period. Of these, 948 deaths (12.9%) were connected to DV (624 [65.8%] among males; mean [SD] age at death, 45.3 [19.2] years), including 588 suicides (62.0%) and 360 homicides (38.0%). For 420 DV-related deaths (44.3%), there was evidence to suggest that the person who died or their intimate partner(s), family, or cohabitants had prior contacts with the legal system or social services. Specifically, 318 records (33.5%) mentioned prior contacts with law enforcement or the criminal legal system (eg, prior 9-1-1 calls, criminal convictions), and 225 (23.7%) described engagement with social services or the civil legal system (eg, civil protection order, divorce, or child custody problems).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, 12.9% of violent deaths in Washington were connected to DV. The findings suggest that more resources are needed to support law enforcement, court professionals, and social services specialists to proactively identify and refer families to wraparound supports before the situation can escalate to a fatality.
Admission and Patients Undergoing Surgery at Risk of Patient-Directed Discharges
Authors: Decker Hannah C. , Shui Amy , Kanzaria Hemal K. , Pierce Logan , Wick Elizabeth
Published: September 2024

This study discusses admission and patients undergoing surgery at risk of patient-directed discharges.
The implementation of low instantaneous dose rate total body irradiation with linear accelerator in small‐size treatment rooms
Authors: Gao Zhengxin , Xu Qiuyi , Zhang Fengjiao , Hong Yaling , Hu Qiaoying , Yu Qi , Fu Shen , Gong Qing
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper describes the implementation of an instantaneous low‐dose‐rate total body irradiation (TBI) technique using block‐filtered 6 MV X‐rays with a linear accelerator (LINAC) to reduce pulmonary toxicity.

Methods

In the absence of dedicated TBI‐specific meter‐set dose rates in LINAC and sufficient treatment room size, a 2‐cm‐thick transmission block was used together with a 200‐cm source‐to‐surface distance (SSD) to reduce the instantaneous dose rates of 6 MV x‐rays down to 10 cGy/min, thus alteration to the beam properties. A TBI‐specific dose calculation model was built with data acquired at the treatment planning system (TPS)‐permitted maximum 140‐cm SSD and was validated in phantoms at a 180‐cm SSD. As for planning strategies, we adopted large anterior‐to‐posterior/posterior‐to‐anterior (AP/PA) open fields with multi‐leaf collimator shielding for lungs to achieve target coverage, lung protection, and efficient dose delivery. A custom‐designed sliding couch (Patent No. ZL202123085880.1) was manufactured to support patients during treatment. Measures to control the quality and safety of TBI treatment include machine interlocks, pretreatment checklists, and in‐vivo dose monitoring.

Results

The instantaneous dose rate of block‐filtered 6MV X‐ray was reduced to approximately 7.0 cGy/min at 12.5–7.5 cm depth with a 185–200 cm SSD. The dose calculated by TPS differs from the measurements by 0.15%–1.55% in the homogeneous phantom and 1.2%–4.85% in the CIRS thorax phantom. The open‐field TBI technique achieved V90% (PTV) ≈ 96.8% and MLD = 6.6 Gy with 1‐h planning and 50‐min beam delivery in a single fraction. From February 2021 to July 2023, 30 patients received TBI treatments in our center, and in‐vivo monitoring results differed from TPS calculations by −1.49%–2.10%. After 6–12 months of follow‐ups, all the patients treated in our center showed no pulmonary toxicities of grade 2 or higher.

Conclusion

A low instantaneous dose rate TBI technique can be implemented in the clinic.
Performance Comparison of Shape Memory Polymer Structures Printed by Fused Deposition Modeling and Melt Electrowriting
Authors: Tandon Biranche , Sabahi Nasim , Farsi Reza , Kangur Taavet , Boero Giovanni , Bertsch Arnaud , Li Xiaopeng , Brugger Juergen
Published: September 2024

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) and melt electrowriting (MEW) are techniques that use polymer fibers as building blocks for printing complex 3D structures, with fibers at the macroscopic and micrometer scale. Here, FDM and MEW are used to produce fibers of shape memory polymer at two different scales, and compare the performance of these fibers, in terms of shape fixity, shape recovery, and self‐healing properties. FDM and MEW are used for 4D printing of a shape memory polymer blend of thermoplastic poly(ε‐caprolactone) (30% by wt.) and a soft thermoplastic elastomer polyurethane (70% by wt.) at two different scales. The shape transformation from a programmed temporary state to the printed permanent shape in response to temperature as the stimuli imparts the 4D aspect to the printing. The mean fiber diameter of shape memory polymer produced by FDM and MEW is 340 and 40 µm, respectively. The manufactured fibers show an excellent shape fixity ratio (≈95%) and shape recovery properties (>84%). MEW fibers show a 1.5x faster recovery rate than FDM fibers due to the scaling effect. The excellent shape memory properties are complemented by self‐healing characteristics in the printed fibers. Additionally, MEW of a shape memory polymer is directly performed on a cylindrical collector to obtain tubular constructs which can potentially be used as stents for coronary or vascular applications.
Precise Patterning of Flexible Transparent and Conductive Films without Chemical Etchings and Applications in Capacitive Proximity Sensors
Authors: Guo Peiyi , Ma Lijun , Ge Qianru , Shi Jun , Li Shuxin , Ji Shulin
Published: September 2024

Process microminiaturization is in need not only in chip field, but also in sensor‐related industries. Touch panel sensors as an example have their man‐machine interactive performance in high relation with the circuit resolution. Traditional etchings by yellow light or laser encounter their resolution limit of ≈50 µm; moreover, former pollution using chemical etchants and latter damage to flexible substrates are inevitable. This paper demonstrates an efficient and green patterning technology for flexible silver nanowire (AgNW) transparent and conductive films, which can enable complicated patterns on various types of substrates with high resolution of a 30 µm line width and 40 µm line spacing. The approach uses a water‐soluble photosensitive polymer as the selective protection layer to facilitate the removal of unwanted AgNWs through simple water washing. Due to its good water resistance and mechanical properties, the patterned electrodes exhibit excellent flexibility and environmental stability. As a proof of concept, a capacitive proximity sensor is designed using the patterned AgNW electrodes of the micro feature size, which exhibits excellent proximity sensing performance. The developed patterning technology paves the way to miniaturized feature sizes of different optoelectronic devices for wide applications in fields like new‐style displays, man‐machine interaction, IoT sensing and intelligent robots.
Lysosome‐Targeted Bifunctional Therapeutics Induce Autodynamic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Raveendran Athira , Ser Jinhui , Park Seung Hun , Jang Paul , Choi Hak Soo , Cho Hoonsung
Published: September 2024

Autodynamic cancer therapy possesses tremendous potential for enhancing therapeutic efficacy by initiating the treatment process autonomously within targeted cells. However, challenges related to biocompatibility and targeted delivery have hindered its clinical translation owing to the induction of adverse effects and cytotoxicity in healthy cells. In this study, a novel approach for auto‐initiated dynamic therapy by conjugating zwitterionic near‐infrared fluorophores to a cell‐penetrating peptide is proposed. This enables efficient cellular uptake and specific targeting of therapy to desired cells while avoiding off‐target uptake. The zwitterionic bioconjugate causes cancer‐specific toxicity following its internalization into the targeted cells, triggered by specific intracellular conditions in lysosomes. This innovative approach enables selective targeting of lysosomes in malignant cells while minimizing cytotoxic effects on normal cells. By targeting lysosomes, the method overcomes inherent risks and side effects associated with conventional cancer treatments, offering a selective and effective approach to cancer therapy.
IL6 Derived from Macrophages under Intermittent Hypoxia Exacerbates NAFLD by Promoting Ferroptosis via MARCH3‐Led Ubiquitylation of GPX4
Authors: Cai Weisong , Wu Sa , Ming Xiaoping , Li Zhen , Pan Dingyu , Yang Xiuping , Yang Minlan , Yuan Yufeng , Chen Xiong
Published: September 2024

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterized by intermittent hypoxia (IH) and is associated with the occurrence and development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the specific mechanism by which OSA induces NAFLD remains unclear. Therefore, effective interventions are lacking. This study aims to investigate the role and mechanism of ferroptosis in OSA‐related NAFLD using clinical data analyses, cell‐based molecular experiments, and animal experiments. Indicators of liver function, lipid accumulation, and ferroptosis are also examined. RNA‐seq, qPCR, western blotting, gene intervention, and E3 ligase prediction using UbiBrowser and co‐IP are used to explore the potential underlying mechanisms. The results show that ferroptosis increases in the liver tissues of patients with OSA. Chronic IH promotes NAFLD progression in mice and is alleviated by a ferroptosis inhibitor Fer‐1. The increased secretion of IL6 by macrophages can promote the expression of MARCH3 in hepatocytes under intermittent conditions, and subsequently promote the ubiquitination and degradation of GPX4 to regulate ferroptosis and lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. Hence, targeted inhibition of MARCH3 may alleviate IH‐induced ferroptosis and lipid accumulation in liver tissues and inhibit the progression of NAFLD.
De novo Whole‐Genome Assembly of the 10‐Gigabase Fokienia Hodginsii Genome to Reveal Differential Epigenetic Events Between Callus and Xylem
Authors: Rong Jundong , Zheng Yushan , Zhang Zeyu , Zhang Jun , Gu Yuying , Hua Tian , Zhao Mengna , Fan Lili , Deng Zhiwen , Pan Yanmei , Li Bingjun , Chen Liguang , He Tianyou , Chen Lingyan , Ye Jing , Zhang Hangxiao , Gu Lianfeng
Published: September 2024

Fokienia hodginsii (F. hodginsii), belonging to the genus Fokienia of the Cupressaceae. F. hodginsii has significant application value due to its wood properties and great research value in evolutionary studies as a gymnosperm. However, the genome of F. hodginsii remains unknown due to the large size of gymnosperms genome. Pacific Bioscience sequencing, Hi‐C mapping, whole‐genome Bisulfite Sequencing (BS‐Seq), long‐read isoform sequencing (Iso‐Seq), direct RNA sequencing (DRS), quantitative proteomics, and metabonomics analysis are employed to facilitate genome assembly, gene annotation, and investigation into epigenetic mechanisms. In this study, the 10G F. hodginsii genome is assembled into 11 chromosomes. Furthermore, 50 521 protein‐coding genes are annotated and determined that 65% of F. hodginsii genome comprises repetitive sequences. It is discovered that transposable element (TE)‐including introns is associated with higher expression. The DNA methylome of F. hodginsii reveals that xylem has a higher DNA methylation level compared to callus. Moreover, DRS reveals the significant alterations in RNA full‐length ratio, which potentially associated with poly(A) length (PAL) and alternative polyadenylation (APA). Finally, the morphology measurement and metabonomics analysis revealed the difference of 14 cultivars. In summary, the genomes and epigenetics datasets provide a molecular basis for callus formation in the gymnosperm family.
Toward Analysis at the Point of Need: A Digital Microfluidic Approach to Processing Multi‐Source Sexual Assault Samples
Authors: Elsayed Mohamed , Bodo Leticia , Gaoiran Christine , Keuhnelian Palig , Dosajh Advikaa , Luk Vivienne , Schwandt Melissa , French Julie L. , Ghosh Alpana , Erickson Barbara , Charlesworth Amanda G. , Millman Jonathan , Wheeler Aaron R.
Published: September 2024

Forensic case samples collected in sexual assaults typically contain DNA from multiple sources, which complicates short‐tandem repeat (STR) profiling. These samples are typically sent to a laboratory to separate the DNA from sperm and non‐sperm sources prior to analysis. Here, the automation and miniaturization of these steps using digital microfluidics (DMF) is reported, which may eventually enable processing sexual assault samples outside of the laboratory, at the point of need. When applied to vaginal swab samples collected up to 12 h post‐coitus (PC), the new method identifies single‐source (male) STR profiles. When applied to samples collected 24–72 h PC, the method identifies mixed STR profiles, suggesting room for improvement and/or potential for data deconvolution. In sum, an automated, miniaturized sample pre‐processing method for separating the DNA contained in sexual assault samples is demonstrated. This type of automated processing using DMF, especially when combined with Rapid DNA Analysis, has the potential to be used for processing of sexual assault samples in hospitals, police offices, and other locations outside of the laboratory.