bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic value of the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratios in adnexal torsion cases
Authors: Kinay Tugba , Akgul Mehmet A. , Kiykac Altinbas Sadiman , Tapisiz Omer L. , Kayikcioglu Fulya , Moraloglu Tekin Ozlem 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimTo evaluate if the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) could be used to diagnose adnexal torsion.MethodsA retrospective study reviewed medical records of women who underwent surgery due to an adnexal mass between January 2012 and December 2017 at a tertiary referral center in Turkey. According to the surgical findings, the women were divided into a torsion group and a control group. NLR and PLR were compared between women who had adnexal torsion and those who did not.ResultsA total of 201 women were included in the study: 67 in the torsion group and 134 in the control group. Mean WBC count (9584.0 ± 3080.8 vs. 6678.2 ± 1886.1 h/mm3), mean NLR (5.9 ± 4.3 vs. 2.1 ± 0.8), and mean PLR (210.5 ± 132.7 vs. 147.9 ± 48.7) were higher in the torsion group than in the control group (p < 0.001). According to the ROC curve analyses, the optimal cut‐off value for NLR and PLR were 2.51 (sensitivity, 72%; specificity, 78%) and 154.4 (sensitivity, 61%; specificity, 64%) in the diagnosis of adnexal torsion, respectively.ConclusionNLR and PLR have been found useful hematological markers for the diagnosis of adnexal torsion. NLR and PLR could be helpful in cases, which is difficult to make a definitive diagnosis with patients' symptom and the ultrasonographic examination.
Urbanization and firm access to credit
Authors: Carmignani Amanda , de Blasio Guido , Demma Cristina , D'Ignazio Alessio 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe paper investigates whether firms have better access to bank credit in territories characterized by a larger degree of urbanization. It uses Italian bank‐firm data drawn from the Credit Register to devise an indicator of easiness of access to credit. The paper proposes an instrumental variable strategy that exploits as instruments past population density and urbanization driven by political economy considerations. The results show that urbanization positively affects access to credit for construction firms, whose collateral greatly benefits from thicker real estate markets. No impact is found for service and manufacturing firms.
Nitrogen availability improves the physiological resilience of coral endosymbiont Cladocopium goreaui to high temperature
Authors: Zhou Zhi , Zhang Kaidian , Wang Lingui , Su Yilu , Wang Jierui , Song Tingting , Yang Xiaohong , Tang Jia , Lin Senjie 
Published: March 2021

The physiological response of symbiotic Symbiodiniaceae to high temperature is believed to result in coral bleaching. However, the potential effect of nitrogen availability on heat acclimatization of symbiotic Symbiodiniaceae is still unclear. In this study, physiological responses of Symbiodiniaceae Cladocopium goreaui to temperature and nitrogen nutrient stress conditions were investigated. Nitrogen deficiency caused significant declines in cell concentration and chlorophyll content per cell, but significant increases in nitric oxide synthase activity, caspase3 activation level, and cellular carbon content of C. goreaui at normal temperature. Algal cells under high temperature and nitrogen deficiency showed significant rises in Fv/Fm, catalase activity, and caspase3 activation level, but no significant changes in cell yield, cell size, chlorophyll content, superoxide dismutase, nitric oxide synthase activity, and cellular contents of nitrogen and carbon, in comparison with those under normal temperature and nitrogen deficiency. Growth, chlorophyll, and nitrogen contents of algal cells under the high temperature and nitrogen‐replete conditions were significantly higher than those under high temperature or nitrogen deficiency alone, whereas nitric oxide synthase activity, superoxide dismutase activity, catalase activity, carbon content, and caspase3 activation level exhibited opposite trends of variation. Transcriptomic and network analyses revealed ion transport and metabolic processes mainly involved in regulating these physiological activities under different temperature and nitrogen nutrient. The totality of results shows that high temperature activates stress responses, induces antioxidant capacity of apoptosis, and limits the growth rate of C. goreaui. Adequate nitrogen nutrient can improve the resilience of this Symbiodiniaceae against heat stress through repressed apoptosis, promoted ion transport, and optimized metabolism.
Global Romanticism: Out of bounds in the transnational 19th century
Authors: Bergren Katherine 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis article evaluates the contributions of global Romanticism to the study of Romanticism at large, connecting these contributions to work in transnational 18th and 19th‐century literary studies and world literature studies. The first section provides a genealogy of global Romanticism as a subfield, which has developed into roughly two strands: studies of imperialism or slavery on the one hand, and studies of globalization or translocalism on the other. The first strand has been dominant throughout global Romanticism's history, while the latter has mostly appeared in the last decade, and each strand of scholarship has understood and mobilized historicist methodologies differently. While the impulse to historicize was well suited to scholarship on imperialism and slavery, it initially seemed presentist to speak of globalization. That has changed, and work on globalism has made it possible to see Romanticism playing out in times and places far from Britain between the French Revolution and the First Reform Act. The second section explores global Romanticism's limitations and challenges, chief among which is how to resist centering British writing and Euro‐centric epistemologies. How do critics in English studies articulate and understand their disciplinary limitations? How might World Literature studies approach a global Romanticism differently? The third section attempts to come to terms with these challenges by highlighting three productive trends in recent scholarship: close and nuanced attention to transculturation, resistance to English‐language dominance, and flexibility with regards to temporal boundaries. These developments push against ingrained practices of English literary studies in general. The final section highlights a productive direction for future work in the field by analyzing anonymous parodies of British Romantic poetry published in American newspapers. This case study joins the work of other scholars studying the unread poetry of colonialism, arguing for the importance of evanescent, seemingly disposable writing to our understanding of literary history across national borders.
Otto Said that I am a Fool: Sententialism, Indexicals and Kaplanian Monsters
Authors: Felappi Giulia 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAccording to sententialism, ‘Otto said that I am a fool’ expresses the holding of a relation between Otto and the sentence ‘I am a fool’. Sententialism is generally considered doomed, but I will show that a suitably developed sententialist account can surmount the many objections that have been raised. I will also show how important it is to have a fairer attitude towards sententialism. For if sententialist accounts are recognised as real options, it should also be recognised that the conclusion, drawn by many, that sentences such as the report above force us to introduce Kaplanian monsters is unwarranted.
Alopecia totalis following hand‐foot‐and‐mouth disease
Authors: Oska Sandra , Bedford Lisa M. , Potts Geoffrey A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe present a case of a 13‐month‐old male patient with alopecia totalis that began two months after an episode of hand‐foot‐and‐mouth disease. It is hypothesized that the viral infection triggered an autoimmune response, which lead to production of lymphocytes targeting an antigen present in the hair bulb. Future research is necessary to determine whether and how the pathophysiology of alopecia totalis may be triggered by viral infection.
Instrumental evaluation of skin barrier function and clinical outcomes during dupilumab treatment for atopic dermatitis: An observational study
Authors: Cristaudo Antonio , Pigliacelli Flavia , Sperati Francesca , Orsini Diego , Cameli Norma , Morrone Aldo , Mariano Maria 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by pruritus, xerosis, and skin barrier dysfunction. Skin barrier alteration is associated with an increase in trans‐epidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduction in skin hydration. Dupilumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin‐13 modulating pro‐inflammatory signal transduction, which has been approved for moderate to severe AD. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Dupilumab on skin barrier functions, using non‐invasive instruments and clinical evaluation.Materials and methodsThirty patients affected by moderate‐severe AD, who had been administered dupilumab, were evaluated by clinical examination and through the instrumental measurements of TEWL and corneometry at the baseline (T0) and 8 weeks (T1) on lesional skin. The clinical evaluation was performed using the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score. Moreover, a Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and 7‐day numeric rating scale (NRS) questionnaires were administered to each patient.ResultsThe instrumental parameters of skin barrier recovery confirmed the clinical improvement outcomes with a statistically significant reduction of TEWL at T1.ConclusionOur data confirm the clinical outcomes already reported in the literature and show that there was an inverse proportional correlation between TEWL levels and clinical severity after 8 weeks of treatment with dupilumab.
On Some Sceptical Elements in Barhebraeus
Authors: Schmitt Jens Ole 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper shall look briefly into the treatment of some topics related to scepticism in general in works by Barhebraeus, the famous Syrian Orthodox polymath and theologian (1226–1286). He addresses scepticism both directly by a discussion of sensory and intellectual fallacies or sceptical scenarios as well as indirectly by the definition of knowledge and the role of intuitive knowledge regarding primary notions and logical principles, which have an impact on establishing secure knowledge. Despite writing in Syriac, his dealing with the matter is heavily indebted to Arabic sources, primarily contemporary post‐Avicennan authors, and here especially Fakhr al‐Dīn al‐Rāzī (1149–1209) and Naṣīr al‐Dīn al‐Tūṣī (1201–1274) but also Avicenna (980–1037) himself, although Barhebraeus adds a decisively Christian note in some instances. The Syriac tradition, therefore, should not be neglected when dealing with medieval scepticism.
Targeting the neonatalFcreceptor (FcRn) to treat autoimmune diseases and maternal‐fetal immune cytopenias
Authors: Wyckoff Sarah L. , Hudson Krystalyn E. 
Published: March 2021

Key IdeasFcRn, a non‐classical Fc gamma (γ) receptor (FcγR) with near ubiquitous expression, plays key roles in disease pathogenesis and progression though immunoglobulin G (IgG) transport, IgG recycling, and IgG‐immune complex clearance.FcRn function can be inhibited using IgG‐based and non‐IgG‐based antagonists, by exploiting the pH‐dependent binding affinity of FcRn for the IgG Fc region.FcRn therapeutics have shown promise in murine models and human clinical trials for autoimmune diseases and maternal‐fetal immune cytopenias; they appear safe, well‐tolerated, and reduce circulating IgG levels.Compared to traditional therapeutics, inhibiting FcRn has fewer adverse side effects and represents a new approach that is less invasive, time‐consuming, and costly.
NMDA receptor membrane dynamics tunes the firing pattern of midbrain dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Etchepare Laetitia , Gréa Hélène , Durand Pauline , Bouchet Delphine , Groc Laurent 
Published: March 2021

Key points
NMDA receptors (NMDARs) expressed by dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) play a central role in glutamate synapse plasticity, neuronal firing and adaptative behaviours.
The NMDAR surface dynamics shapes synaptic adaptation in hippocampal networks, as well as associative memory.
We investigated the basic properties and role of the NMDAR surface dynamics on cultured mesencephalic and VTA dopamine neurons in rodents.
Using a combination of single molecule imaging and electrophysiological recordings, we demonstrate that NMDARs are highly diffusive at the surface of mesencephalic dopamine neurons.
Unexpectedly, the NMDAR membrane dynamics per se regulates the firing pattern of VTA dopaminergic neurons, probably through a functional interplay between NMDARs receptors and small‐conductance calcium‐dependent potassium (SK) channels.
AbstractMidbrain dopaminergic (DA) neurons play a central role in major physiological brain functions, and their dysfunctions have been associated with neuropsychiatric diseases. The activity of midbrain DA neurons is controlled by ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors, such as the glutamate NMDA receptor (NMDAR) and small‐conductance calcium‐dependent potassium (SK) channels. However, the cellular mechanisms through which these channels tune the firing pattern of midbrain DA neurons remain unclear. Here, we investigated whether the surface dynamics and distribution of NMDARs tunes the firing pattern of midbrain DA neurons. Using a combination of single molecule imaging and electrophysiological recordings, we report that NMDARs are highly diffusive at the surface of cultured midbrain DA neurons from rodents and humans. Reducing acutely the NMDAR membrane dynamics, which leaves the ionotropic function of the receptor intact, robustly altered the firing pattern of midbrain DA neurons without altering synaptic glutamatergic transmission. The reduction of NMDAR surface dynamics reduced apamin (SK channel blocker)‐induced firing change and the distribution of SK3 channels in DA neurons. Together, these data show that the surface dynamics of NMDAR, and not solely its ionotropic function, tune the firing pattern of midbrain DA neurons partly through a functional interplay with SK channel function.
Friction Coefficients for the Compressible Flow of Steam
Authors: Keenan Joseph H. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The effect of friction on the flow of compressible fluids in pipes of uniform cross-sectional area was investigated analytically by Grashof and Zeuner who arrived at a relationship between velocity and friction coefficient for ideal gases. Stodola showed that “the curves of Fanno permit a general graphical treatment for any law of friction.” Frössel presented the first extensive measurements of friction coefficients for air flow through a smooth tube with velocities above and below the velocity of sound. His measured coefficients for compressible flow were in excellent agreement at corresponding Reynolds’ numbers with coefficients measured for incompressible flow. Egli expressed in dimensionless form the equations for flow of an ideal gas through a channel, and used them to deduce friction coefficients from measurements of flow through channels varying in width from 0.0025 in. to 0.010 in.
In this paper are presented some experiments by Lang on friction in a commercial 1-in. pipe for steam flow at velocities up to the velocity of sound, and some auxiliary experiments by Benson on a similar pipe with liquid water. In an Appendix the analysis of flow of a compressible fluid in a passage of uniform cross section is restated without introducing difficult concepts, such as “work of friction” or “heat of friction.” It is elaborated to include cases in which heat flow is appreciable.
Flow Through Granular Media
Authors: Hatch L. P. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The author points out that the equation which appears to define flow through granular media is essentially identical to the equation for flow through pipes, but the expression is not useful to determine resistance to flow through granular media unless some of the variables are modified. The author discusses these variables and sets up formulas to determine the resistance to flow through granular media. He gives experimental results which show close agreement between calculated and observed values.
Effects of a Change of Poisson’s Ratio Analyzed by Twinned Gradients: Illustrated by Simple Solutions of Boussinesq’s Problem of a Normal Force and Cerruti’s Problem of a Tangential Force Acting on the Surface of a Large Solid, and by a Simple Derivation of the Stresses in a Rotating Thick Disk
Authors: Westergaard H. M. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Some problems of elasticity have a simple solution for a particular value of Poisson’s ratio. For example, Boussinesq’s problem of a normal force and Cerruti’s problem of a tangential force, acting on the plane surface of a semi-infinite solid, are solved when Poisson’s ratio is 1/2 by referring to Kelvin’s problem of a force at a point in the interior of an infinite solid. For, when Poisson’s ratio is 1/2, the solution of Kelvin’s problem can be stated in terms of one principal stress at each point, acting along the radial line from the point of the load; the other principal stresses are zero; and one half of the total force may be assigned to one half of the infinite solid. For other values of Poisson’s ratio terms must be added in the formulas for the displacements and stresses. The derivations that have been available are somewhat lengthy, especially for Cerruti’s problem. The difficulties are reduced by a simple analytical device, here called “the twinned gradient.” The displacement to be added by the change of Poisson’s ratio is stated as the gradient of a potential except that one of the components is replaced by its twin, an identical component in reversed direction. This device also lends itself to a simplification of the analysis of stresses in a rotating thick disk.
Understanding Carbon Dioxide Transfer in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells Using a Pore-Scale Model
Authors: Metzger Nathaniel , Sekar Archana , Li Jun , Li Xianglin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The gas flow of carbon dioxide from the catalyst layer (CL) through the microporous layer (MPL) and gas diffusion layer (GDL) has great impacts on the water and fuel management in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). This work has developed a liquid–vapor two-phase model considering the counter flow of carbon dioxide gas, methanol, and water liquid solution in porous electrodes of DMFC. The model simulation includes the capillary pressure as well as the pressure drop due to flow resistance through the fuel cell components. The pressure drop of carbon dioxide flow is found to be about two to three orders of magnitude higher than the pressure drop of the liquid flow. The big difference between liquid and gas pressure drops can be explained by two reasons: volume flowrate of gas is three orders of magnitude higher than that of liquid; only a small fraction of pores (&lt;5%) in hydrophilic fuel cell components are available for gas flow. Model results indicate that the gas pressure and the mass transfer resistance of liquid and gas are more sensitive to the pore size distribution than the thickness of porous components. To buildup high gas pressure and high mass transfer resistance of liquid, the MPL and CL should avoid micro-cracks during manufacture. Distributions of pore size and wettability of the GDL and MPL have been designed to reduce the methanol crossover and improve fuel efficiency. The model results provide design guidance to obtain superior DMFC performance using highly concentrated methanol solutions or even pure methanol.
Criterion Validity of a Field-Based Assessment of Aerobic Capacity in Wheelchair Rugby Athletes
Authors: Goosey-Tolfrey Vicky L. , de Groot Sonja , Tolfrey Keith , Paulson Tom A.W. 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To confirm whether peak aerobic capacity determined during laboratory testing could be replicated during an on-court field-based test in wheelchair rugby players. Methods: Sixteen wheelchair rugby players performed an incremental speed-based peak oxygen uptake () test on a motorized treadmill (TM) and completed a multistage fitness test (MFT) on a basketball court in a counterbalanced order, while spirometric data were recorded. A paired t test was performed to check for systematic error between tests. A Bland–Altman plot for illustrated the agreement between the TM and MFT results and how this related to the boundaries of practical equivalence. Results: No significant differences between mean were reported (TM: 1.85 [0.63] vs MFT: 1.81 [0.63] L·min−1; P = .33). Bland–Altman plot for suggests that the mean values are in good agreement at the group level; that is, the exact 95% confidence limits for the ratio systematic error (0.95–1.02) are within the boundaries of practical equivalence (0.88–1.13) showing that the group average TM and MFT values are interchangeable. However, consideration of the data at the level of the individual athlete suggests that the TM and MFT results were not interchangeable because the 95% ratio limits of agreement either coincide with the boundaries of practical equivalence (upper limit) or fall outside (lower limit). Conclusions: Results suggest that the MFT provides a suitable test at a group level with this cohort of wheelchair rugby players for the assessment of (range 0.97–3.64 L·min–1), yet caution is noted for interchangeable use of values between tests for individual players.
Effects and mechanism of action of transcutaneous electrical acupuncture point stimulation in patients with abnormal semen parameters
Authors: Yu Yan , Sha Shu-Bin , Zhang Bin , Guan Qun , Liang Ming , Zhao Lu-Gang , Zhang Qi-Yao , Wen Ji , Sun Wei 
Published: March 2021

Objective: To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupuncture point stimulation (TEAS) on sperm parameters and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: A total of 121 patients diagnosed with oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia or oligoasthenozoospermia were randomised into four groups (three treatment groups, one control): the TEAS groups were treated with 2 Hz (n=31), 100 Hz (n=31), or mock stimulation (n=29) at acupuncture points BL23, ST36, CV1 and CV4 for 2 months. The control group (n=30) was provided with lifestyle advice only. Results The changes in total sperm count and motility in the 2 Hz TEAS group were significantly greater than those in the mock group and the control group. The change in neutral α-glucosidase (NAG) and zinc levels in the 2 Hz group were significantly greater than those in the mock group and control group, and the changes in fructose levels of the 2 Hz group were significantly greater than those in the control group. Significant increases in calcium and integrin-binding protein 1 (CIB1) and reduction of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 b (CDK1) were also found after 2 Hz TEAS treatment. Conclusions The present findings suggest that 2 Hz TEAS can improve sperm count and motility in patients with abnormal semen parameters, and is associated with increases in seminal plasma zinc, NAG and fructose. The upregulation of CIB1 and downregulation of CDK1 by TEAS may be associated with its positive effects on sperm motility and count. Trial registration: http://www.chictr.org ; registration no. ChiCTR-TRC-11001775.