bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex-Related Signaling of Aldosterone/Mineralocorticoid Receptor Pathway in Calcific Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Matilla Lara , Jover Eva , Garaikoetxea Mattie , Martín-Nuñez Ernesto , Arrieta Vanessa , García-Peña Amaia , Navarro Adela , Fernández-Celis Amaya , Gainza Alicia , Álvarez Virginia , Álvarez de la Rosa Diego , Sádaba Rafael , Jaisser Frederic , López-Andrés Natalia 
Published: July 2022

Background:
There are sex differences in the pathophysiology of aortic valve (AV) calcification in patients with aortic stenosis, although the molecular and cellular mechanisms have not been elucidated. Aldosterone (Aldo) promotes proteoglycan synthesis in valve interstitial cells (VICs) from mitral valves via the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). We investigated the influence of sex in the role of Aldo/MR pathway in AV alterations in patients with aortic stenosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS:
MR was expressed by primary aortic VICs and in AVs from patients with aortic stenosis. MR expression positively correlated with VIC activation markers in AVs from both sexes. However, MR expression was positively associated with molecules involved in AV calcification only in AV from men. Aldo enhanced VIC activation markers in cells from men and women. Interestingly, Aldo increased the expression of calcification markers only in VICs isolated from men. In female VICs, Aldo enhanced fibrotic molecules. MR antagonism (spironolactone) blocked all the above effects. Cytokine arrays showed ICAM (intercellular adhesion molecule)-1 and osteopontin to be specifically increased by Aldo in male VICs. In AVs from men, MR expression positively associated with both ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule-1) and osteopontin. Only in female VICs, estradiol treatment blocked Aldo-induced VICs activation, inflammation, and fibrosis.

Conclusions:
These findings demonstrate that the Aldo/MR pathway could play a role in early stages of aortic stenosis by promoting VICs activation, fibrosis, and ulterior calcification. Importantly, Aldo/MR pathway is involved in fibrosis in women and in early AV calcification only in men. Accordingly, MR antagonism emerges as a new sex-specific pharmacological treatment to prevent AV alterations.
Characteristics Associated With Growth Differentiation Factor 15 in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction and the Impact of Pirfenidone
Authors: Lewis Gavin A. , Rosala‐Hallas Anna , Dodd Susanna , Schelbert Erik B. , Williams Simon G. , Cunnington Colin , McDonagh Theresa , Miller Christopher A. 
Published: July 2022

Background
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF‐15) is elevated in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and is associated with adverse outcome, but its relationship with myocardial fibrosis and other characteristics remains unclear. We sought to evaluate the effect of pirfenidone, a novel antifibrotic agent, on GDF‐15 in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and identify characteristics that associate with GDF‐15 and with change in GDF‐15 over 1 year.

Methods and Results
Among patients enrolled (n=107) in the PIROUETTE (Pirfenidone in Patients With Heart Failure and Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction) trial, GDF‐15 was measured at baseline and at prespecified time points in patients randomized (n=94) to pirfenidone or placebo. The response of GDF‐15 to pirfenidone and the association with baseline patient characteristics were evaluated. Pirfenidone had no impact on circulating GDF‐15 at any time point during the 52‐week trial period. In multivariable analysis, male sex, diabetes, higher circulating levels of N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide, lower renal function, and shorter 6‐minute walk test distance at baseline were associated with baseline log–GDF‐15. Impaired global longitudinal strain at baseline was the strongest predictor of increased GDF‐15 over 52 weeks.

Conclusions
In patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, circulating levels of GDF‐15 were unaffected by treatment with pirfenidone and do not appear to be determined by myocardial fibrosis. Circulating GDF‐15 was associated with a spectrum of important heart failure characteristics and it may represent a marker of overall physiological disruption.

Registration

URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02932566
; Unique identifier: NCT02932566.
Renin‐Angiotensin and Endothelin Systems in Patients Post‐Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Khan Hilal , Rudd Amelia , Gamble David T. , Mezincescu Alice M. , Cheyne Lesley , Horgan Graham , Dhaun Neeraj , Newby David E. , Dawson Dana K 
Published: July 2022

Background
We investigate if renin‐angiotensin and endothelin‐1 response pathways follow the same pattern of recovery as left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results

Ninety patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy (n=30 in each of “acute,” “convalescent” [3–5 months] and “recovered” [>1 year] groups) who were on minimal or no medication and were free of any significant cardiac/metabolic comorbidities, and 30 controls were studied. Serum concentrations of renin, angiotensin‐converting enzyme, angiotensin II, big endothelin‐1, endothelin‐1 were measured using commercially available ELISA, and B‐type natriuretic peptide was measured using an immunoassay. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was <40% during the acute phase in all groups, but recovered to 63% in convalescent and 64% in the recovered groups, respectively. Serum renin concentrations remain persistently elevated after a episode of takotsubo cardiomyopathy (
P
=0.03 versus controls). Angiotensin converting enzyme levels are significantly depressed during the acute phase compared with convalescent (
P
=0.004), recovered takotsubo cardiomyopathy (
P
=0.02) or controls (
P
=0.03). Angiotensin II is increased in patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy (
P
<0.001 versus controls) remaining persistently elevated in the chronically recovered group alone (
P
=0.03 versus controls). Big endothelin‐1 levels are unchanged, but endothelin‐1 is significantly lower after takotsubo cardiomyopathy compared with controls (
P
=0.03).

Conclusions
Despite “normalization” of the left ventricular ejection fraction, there is long‐term maladaptive activation of renin‐angiotensin system in patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifiers: NCT02897739, NCT02989454.
The Poetry of Jeremiah Horrocks’s Venus in sole visa (1662): Astronomy, Authority, and the ‘New Science’
Authors: Barton William M. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
As one of the least common, yet predictable astronomical occurrences, the transits of Venus were to become among the most keenly anticipated events for early modern cosmologists. Basing himself on Johannes Kepler’s Tabulae Rudolphinae (1627), former Cambridge student Jeremiah Horrocks (1616–1641) made the first recorded observation of a transit from Much Hoole, Lancashire in 1639. Alongside the description of his observations, Horrocks’ Venus in sole visa contains four poems alongside the work’s prose descriptions, figures, and tables. His verses call on the long tradition of Latin scientific poetry employed for the predictable purposes of eulogy and homage, but they also serve to justify and clarify the author’s position on scientific issues of his time. Despite the long-recognized importance of Horrocks’ observations, his hexameter compositions have been largely ignored in later scholarship. In the latest translation of the Venus in sole visa (2012), one poem—the longest and arguably the best—is omitted altogether. This paper offers a study of Horrocks’ Latin poetry, his models and engagement with its subject matter. It reveals Horrocks’ efforts to promote his predecessors’ achievements, his position on questions central to the debates of his time, and the claims for authority he made for the work of others, as well as for his own. The present article also includes a new, modern translation of Horrocks’ longest, and recently forgotten poem as an appendix.
Galileo and the Epistemology of Anatomy
Authors: Sgarbi Marco 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Starting from the examination of a passage of the Dialogo sopra i massimi sistemi del mondo that has been largely ignored by the scholarship, in this paper I want to reveal the true nature of Galileo’s epistemology in terms of its epistemic ideal, that is that theory is capable of providing true and certain knowledge about natural phenomena coming from sensation. The investigation examines all the occurrences of the expression sensate esperienze in its singular and plural forms, both in the Latin and in the vernacular. The research proceeds diachronically through an analysis of Galileo’s writings taken in order to show the progressive development of his epistemology. The paper will demonstrate how in thinking about sensate experiences Galileo had in mind as epistemic paradigm that of the epistemology of anatomy.
Κακὸν κακῶς σε in Demosthenes, De corona 267
Authors: Vatri Alessandro 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The words κακὸν κακῶς σε at D. 18.267 are printed in quotation marks in many modern editions of the speech. This sequence scans as the beginning of an iambic trimeter and is connected by καί with two quotations from tragedy. This article questions the idea that the sequence should be interpreted as the start of an interrupted quotation by showing that (1) these words are part of a standard, vernacular Greek curse formula, (2) initial καί may be interpreted as a discourse-level connector rather than as a syntactic coordinator, and (3) word order in the curse may be accounted for without invoking metrical effects. In particular, it is suggested that Demosthenes’ wording of the curse should be interpreted as a parody of the plea to the judges at Aeschin. 2.180.
Lived Catholicism: A Roundtable Discussion
Authors: Baigent Avril , Pound Marcus , Bruce Tricia , Bullivant Stephen , Harris Alana , Orsi Robert 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The study of Lived Catholicism seeks to step away from the normative forces of institutional expectations to explore Catholicism as it is found in the practices of daily life. It draws on the foundations of lived religion in recognising the importance of improvisation, negotiation, resistance and subversion in everyday religiosity. It foregrounds the voices and experiences of ordinary people to explore the places of Catholicism in their lives. However, if this emerging term is to find its place in the academy, it must stand up to rigorous critique from across the disciplines. Here specialists from the fields of sociology, anthropology, history and theology discuss the potential of Lived Catholicism to generate new categories of thinking in the study of Catholicism.
Effect of drought stress on the formation and lignification of eucalyptus wood cells
Authors: Moulin Jordão Cabral , de Souza Ribeiro Daniel , Vidaurre Graziela Baptista , Braga Mulin Lucas , Moreira Silvino Intra 
Published: July 2022

Summary
Environmental adaptation and cell differentiation processes are factors that influence the anatomical elements of wood. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of water deficit on lignin composition in anatomical elements and on the characteristics of vessel-neighboring cells. Six-year-old clones of Eucalyptus urophylla and Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus camaldulensis from wet and dry regions were used. All regions received a rainfall exclusion treatment. Cell wall width, cell wall thickness, and form factor of fibers close to and far from vessels were measured. In the same cells, lignin was measured in the middle lamella and vessels by a fluorescence technique. The vessel differentiation process affected cell wall thickness and lignin composition in neighboring cells. Lignin composition was increased in vessels compared to fibers or vasicentric tracheids. Middle lamella lignin was not affected by vessel differentiation or water deficit in either eucalyptus clone. E. grandis × E. camaldulensis is originally from a dry climate region and, therefore, did not suffer alterations in lignin when subjected to water stress conditions; however, this clone exhibited a higher number of vasicentric tracheids. E. urophylla is originally from a humid climate region and, when subjected to water deficit, showed increased wood lignin composition, which seems to be a strategy for better use of water resources. Alterations in lignin composition of vessel, vasicentric tracheid, and fiber cell walls resulting from exposure to water deficit conditions vary according to eucalyptus species.
The Politics of Video on Demand Platforms in Iran: In Between Formal and Informal Distribution
Authors: Salamati Mahsa 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
A study of the global flow of US-based SVODs, and their absence or presence within domestic media ecosystems, allows us to move beyond universalist approaches in platform studies. Starting with an analysis of the politics of Netflix’s absence from Iran’s media landscape, this article studies the contribution of domestic SVODs to the diversification of the Iranian movie culture. It argues that filtering Netflix in Iran is part of a long history of content regulation and the state’s plan to support local platforms. The dynamic informal circulation networks in Iran also pose challenges for foreign SVODs.
Focusing on domestic platforms like Filimo, the article argues that they became part of a national project to battle piracy domestically. Iran’s laws as a non-signatory of international treaties on intellectual property, however, allow them to acquire foreign films through informal markets, situating these platforms in an ambiguous state in between formal and informal services.
A Utilitarian Account of Article 3 echr
Authors: Letwin Jeremy 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The greatest impediment to the acceptance of a utilitarian theory of human rights is the perceived inability of utilitarianism to deal with absolute rights, such as those contained in Article 3 European Convention on Human Rights. In this paper, I argue that a sophisticated form of indirect utilitarianism can in fact provide a solid foundation for Article 3 absolute rights. I develop an account of the moral rights underlying Article 3 and apply that account to some key elements of the European Court of Human Rights’ (ECtHR) Article 3 jurisprudence. I show how the indirect utilitarian account can explain: (1) the ECtHR’s conclusion that the Gäfgencase did not involve a conflict of Convention rights; (2) the ECtHR’s answer to the question ‘what counts as torture?’; and (3) the ECtHR’s jurisprudence on the difference between the scope of the obligation to prevent torture and the scope of the obligation to prevent inhuman and degrading treatment.
Tornado Radar Images and Path Directions: An Assessment of Public Knowledge in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Senkbeil Jason C. , Sherman-Morris Kathleen , Skeeter Walker , Vaughn Cole 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Due to the current use and reliance on tornado warning polygons, several published articles have concentrated on themes related to risk perception and interpretation of risk within and outside of polygons. Despite the general success of warning polygons, not everybody is able to spatially estimate their risk by looking at maps with tornado warning polygons. Using polygons in conjunction with radar images can improve comprehension and better inform protective action decision-making for tornado warnings. Additionally, a potential latent area of research is how past tornado tracks and climatological knowledge about tornado path directions may influence tornado risk perception and protective action decision-making. In this study, we surveyed 1,023 individuals across the southeastern United States. Participants were asked to rate their level of concern for a tornadic supercell moving toward two locations. They were also asked to name the direction tornadoes usually come from and travel toward in their counties. Results indicated significantly more concern about the radar reflectivity within the supercell than concern about the location of the hook echo. Additionally, the perceived directions of tornado paths across the region were inaccurate with 75% of the sample either not answering, indicating that they did not know the most common direction for tornado paths, or answering that tornadoes travel in uncommon or unrealistic path directions. The Atlanta metropolitan area was used as a case study to illustrate inaccurate perceptions of path directions.
Assessment of Retrieved GMI Emissivity over Land, Snow, and Sea Ice in the GEOS System
Authors: Karpowicz Bryan Mills , Zhu Yanqiu , Munchak Stephen Joseph , McCarty Will 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Directly assimilating microwave radiances over land, snow, and sea ice remains a significant challenge for data assimilation systems. These data assimilation systems are critical to the success of global numerical weather prediction systems including the Global Earth Observing System–Atmospheric Data Assimilation System (GEOS-ADAS). Extending more surface sensitive microwave channels over land, snow, and ice could provide a needed source of data for numerical weather prediction particularly in the planetary boundary layer (PBL). Unfortunately, the accuracy of emissivity models currently available within the GEOS-ADAS along with other data assimilation systems are insufficient to simulate and assimilate radiances. Recently, Munchak et al. published a 5-yr climatological database for retrieved microwave emissivity from the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Microwave Imager (GMI) aboard the GPM mission. In this work the database is utilized by modifying the GEOS-ADAS to use this emissivity database in place of the default emissivity value available in the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM), which is the fast radiative transfer model used by the GEOS-ADAS. As a first step, the GEOS-ADAS is run in a so-called stand-alone mode to simulate radiances from GMI using the default CRTM emissivity, and replacing the default CRTM emissivity models with values from Munchak et al. The simulated GMI observations using Munchak et al. agree more closely with observations from GMI. These results are presented along with a discussion of the implication for GMI observations within the GEOS-ADAS.
Microphysical Perturbation Experiments and Ensemble Forecasts on Summertime Heavy Rainfall over Northern Taiwan
Authors: Chen Jen-Ping , Tsai Tzu-Chin , Tzeng Min-Duan , Liao Chi-Shuin , Kuo Hung-Chi , Hong Jing-Shan 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Microphysical perturbation experiments were conducted to investigate the sensitivity of convective heavy rain simulation to cloud microphysical parameterization and its feasibility for ensemble forecasts. An ensemble of 20 perturbation members differing in either the microphysics package or process treatments within a single scheme was applied to simulate 10 summer-afternoon heavy-rain convection cases. The simulations revealed substantial disagreements in the location and amplitude of peak rainfall among the microphysics-package and single-scheme members, with an overall spread of 57%–161%, 66%–161%, and 65%–149% of the observed average rainfall, maximum rainfall, and maximum intensity, respectively. The single-scheme members revealed that the simulation of heavy convective precipitation is quite sensitive to factors including ice-particle fall speed parameterization, aerosol type, ice particle shape, and size distribution representation. The microphysical ensemble can derive reasonable probability of occurrence for a location-specific heavy-rain forecast. Spatial-forecast performance indices up to 0.6 were attained by applying an optimal fuzzy radius of about 8 km for the warning-area coverage. The forecasts tend to be more successful for more organized convection. Spectral mapping methods were further applied to provide ensemble forecasts for the 10 heavy rainfall cases. For most cases, realistic spatial patterns were derived with spatial correlation up to 0.8. The quantitative performance in average rainfall, maximum rainfall, and maximum intensity from the ensembles reached correlations of 0.83, 0.84, and 0.51, respectively, with the observed values.

Significance Statement
Heavy rainfall from summer convections is stochastic in terms of intensity and location; therefore, an accurate deterministic forecast is often challenging. We designed perturbation experiments to explore weather forecasting models’ sensitivity to cloud microphysical parameterizations and the feasibility of application to ensemble forecast. Promising results were obtained from simulations of 10 real cases. The cloud microphysical ensemble approach may provide reasonable forecasts of heavy rainfall probability and convincing rainfall spatial distribution, particularly for more organized convection.
Dose-Response Association of Low and Normal Ankle Brachial Index With the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Morbidity and Mortality
Authors: Zhang Jinli , Sun Haohang , Yang Xingjin , Feng Yifei , Li Yang , Han Minghui , Qie Ranran , Huang Shengbing , Yuan Lijun , Li Tianze , Hu Huifang , Li Xi , Liu Dechen , Wu Xiaoyan , Zhang Yanyan , Wu Yuying , Hu Fulan , Zhang Ming , Sun Liang , Zhao Yang , Hu Dongsheng 
Published: July 2022

We quantitatively evaluated the dose-response association of low and normal ankle brachial index (ABI) with the risk of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched for cohort studies. Random effects or fixed effects models were used to estimate the pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Generalized least squares regression was used to assess study-specific dose-response associations per 0.1 ABI decrease. Restricted cubic splines were used to evaluate linear or nonlinear trends. Twelve cohort studies (57 031 participants) were included in this meta-analysis. For low vs normal ABI levels, the pooled RRs were 2.03 (95% CI, 1.72–2.41; I 2 = 52.9%; pheterogeneity=0.030) and 2.29 (95% CI, 1.98–2.64; I 2 = 39.5%; pheterogeneity =0.158) for CVD morbidity and CVD mortality, respectively. For per 0.1 ABI decrease from 1.40 the risk for CVD morbidity and CVD mortality increased by 8% (1.08, 95% CI 1.04–1.11) and 11% (1.11, 95% CI 1.07–1.15), respectively. Restricted cubic splines showed inverse linear associations for CVD morbidity and CVD mortality. As a non-invasive index, lower ABI was significantly associated with the increased risk of morbidity and mortality from CVDs in an inverse linear manner.