bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protracted Hiccups Induced by Aripiprazole and Regressed after Administration of Gabapentin
Authors: Carbone Manuel Glauco , Tagliarini Claudia , Della Rocca Filippo , Flamini Walter , Pagni Giovanni , Tripodi Beniamino , Marazziti Donatella , Maremmani Icro
Published: April 2021

Hiccups are sudden, repeated, and involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle (myoclonic contraction). It involves a reflex arc that, once activated, causes a strong contraction of the diaphragm immediately followed by the closure of the glottis translating into the classic “hic” sound. Hiccups can be short, persistent, and intractable depending on the duration. The most disabling hiccups often represent the epiphenomenon of a medical condition such as gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders; central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities; ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions or pneumological problems; metabolic/endocrine disorders; infections; and psychogenic disorders. Some drugs, such as aripiprazole, a second-generation antipsychotic, can induce the onset of variable hiccups. We describe herein the cases of three hospitalized patients who developed insistent hiccups after taking aripiprazole and who positively responded to low doses of gabapentin. It is probable that aripiprazole, prescribed at a low dosage (<7.5 mg/day), would act as a dopamine agonist by stimulating D2 and D3 receptors at the “hiccup center” level—located in the brain stem—thus triggering the hiccup. On the other hand, gabapentin led to a complete regression of the hiccup probably by reducing the nerve impulse transmission and modulating the diaphragmatic activity. The present case series suggests the use of low doses of gabapentin as an effective treatment for aripiprazole-induced hiccups. However, our knowledge of the neurotransmitter functioning of the hiccup reflex arc is still limited, and further research is needed to characterize the neurotransmitters involved in hiccups for potential novel therapeutic targets.
Introducing V-Line as a New Strategy to Choose Surgical Corridor in Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion at the L5-S1 Segment
Authors: Zhang Wei , Du Xing , Zhu Yong , Luo Wei , Wang Ben , Jiang Guanyin , Ou Yunsheng
Published: April 2021

Purpose. A retrospective imaging study assessing the availability of oblique lumbar interbody fusion at the level of L5-S1 (OLIF51) and to choose ideal surgical corridor in OLIF51 by introducing V-line. Methods. The axial views through the center of L5-S1 disc were reviewed. We adopt 18 mm as the width of the simulated surgical corridor. The midline of the surgical corridor is at the center of L5-S1 disc. According to the traction distance of the left iliac vein (LCIV) and psoas major (PM), we defined all the subjects as V (+) (traction-difficultly LCIV), V (-) (traction-friendly LCIV), P (+) (traction-difficultly PM), and P (-) (traction-friendly PM). V-line was defined as a straight line dividing equally the simulated surgical corridor. All cases were divided into 2 groups: The V-line (+) group, more than half of the LCIV region, is located in the ventral part of V-line; the V-line (-) group, more than half of the LCIV region, is located in the dorsal part of V-line. Multiple variables regressive analysis was conducted to analyze the independent risk factors of V-line (+). Results. V-line (+) was found in 36 (38.7%) patients and V-line (-) in 57 (61.3%). Incidence of V (+) and P (+) was 35.4% (33/93) and 30.1% (28/93), respectively. 16.1% (15/93) subjects processed V (+) and P (+) at the same time. The independent risk factor of V-line (+) were gender of male (

P
=
0.034

, OR: 12.152) and medial position of LCIV (

P
<
0.001

, OR: 265.085). High iliac crest was a significant independent protective factor (

P
=
0.001

, OR: 0.750). Conclusions. Most patients were suitable for OLIF51. V-line could assess the injury risk of LCIV. For patients who are V-line (+), mainly among males having the LCIV near the midline or the iliac crest relatively low, a surgical corridor external to the LCIV should be taken into consideration.
N-Gram, Semantic-Based Neural Network for Mobile Malware Network Traffic Detection
Authors: Bai Huiwen , Liu Guangjie , Liu Weiwei , Quan Yingxue , Huang Shuhua
Published: April 2021

Mobile malware poses a great challenge to mobile devices and mobile communication. With the explosive growth of mobile networks, it is significant to detect mobile malware for mobile security. Since most mobile malware relies on the networks to coordinate operations, steal information, or launch attacks, evading network monitor is difficult for the mobile malware. In this paper, we present an N-gram, semantic-based neural modeling method to detect the network traffic generated by the mobile malware. In the proposed scheme, we segment the network traffic into flows and extract the application layer payload from each packet. Then, the generated flow payload data are converted into the text form as the input of the proposed model. Each flow text consists of several domains with 20 words. The proposed scheme models the domain representation using convolutional neural network with multiwidth kernels from each domain. Afterward, relationships of domains are adaptively encoded in flow representation using gated recurrent network and then the classification result is obtained from an attention layer. A series of experiments have been conducted to verify the effectiveness of our proposed scheme. In addition, to compare with the state-of-the-art methods, several comparative experiments also are conducted. The experiment results depict that our proposed scheme is better in terms of accuracy.
Evaluation and Quality Assurance of Fog Computing‐Based IoT for Health Monitoring System
Authors: QingQingChang  , Ahmad Iftikhar , Liao Xiaoqun , Nazir Shah
Published: April 2021

Computation and data sensitivity are the metrics of the current Internet of Things (IoT). In cloud data centers, current analytics are often hosted and reported on suffering from high congestion, limited bandwidth, and security mechanisms. Various platforms are developed in the area of fog computing and thus implemented and assessed to run analytics on multiple devices, including IoT devices, in a distributed way. Fog computing advances the paradigm of cloud computing on the network edge, introducing a number of options and facilities. Fog computing enhances the processing, verdicts, and interventions to occur through IoT devices and spreads only the necessary details. The ideas of fog computing based on IoT in healthcare frameworks are exploited by shaping the disseminated delegate layer of insight between sensor hubs and the cloud. The cloud proposed a system adapted to overcome various challenges in omnipresent medical services frameworks, such as portability, energy efficiency, adaptability, and unwavering quality issues, by accepting the right to take care of certain weights of the sensor network and a distant medical service group. An overview of e‐health monitoring system in the context of testing and quality assurance of fog computing is presented in this paper. Relevant papers were analyzed in a comprehensive way for the identification of relevant information. The study has compiled contributions of the existing methodologies, methods, and approaches in fog computing e‐healthcare.
Combining Serum DNA Methylation Biomarkers and Protein Tumor Markers Improved Clinical Sensitivity for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhang Guoying , He Fang , Zhao Guodong , Huang Zihui , Li Xiang , Xia Xia , Guo Yidi , Xu Weiping , Xiong Shangmin , Ma Yong , Zheng Minxue , Liu Wanli
Published: April 2021

Background. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide and in China. Early CRC screening is the best approach to reduce its incidence and mortality rates. The ColoDefense test, a multiplex qPCR assay simultaneously detecting both methylated SEPT9 and SDC2 genes, has demonstrated improved clinical performance on either methylation biomarker alone for CRC screening with both blood and stool samples. Method. Leftover blood chemistry test samples from 125 CRC, 35 advanced adenoma, and 35 small polyp patients and 92 healthy control subjects were examined by the ColoDefense test. Among these samples, the levels of three circulating tumor markers, CEA, AFP, and CA19-9, were also measured for 106 CRC, 28 advanced adenoma, and 20 small polyp patients and all control subjects. Results. Due to the smaller volume and extended storage in nonfrozen state, the ColoDefense test with these samples exhibited reduced performance for all stages of CRC and advanced adenomas. The performance of CEA, AFP, and CA19-9 and their various combinations was also evaluated for CRC screening to identify the tumor marker combinations with the best performance. When combined with the ColoDefense test, the identified combinations did improve the clinical performance. Conclusion. These results suggested a rational path towards developing a CRC screening method that takes advantage of leftover blood chemistry test samples. The successful development of such a method will undoubtedly help promote early CRC screening by increasing its accessibility for the general public.
Experimental and Numerical Study on Mechanical Properties and Deformation Behavior of Beishan Granite considering Heterogeneity
Authors: Wang Z. H. , Tan Y. L. , Li S. M. , Wang T. Z. , Wu X. C.
Published: April 2021

Disposal of high‐level radioactive waste (HLW) deep underground is one of the most challenging research subjects in rock engineering. In China, Beishan granite is usually chosen as host rock for the construction of the HLW repository. In this study, mechanical tests are conducted on Beishan granite and the stress‐strain state during the complete failure process is analyzed by numerical simulation. The results show that the tensile strength and uniaxial compressive strength of Beishan granite are 8.66 and 162.9 MPa, respectively. Dilatancy appears when the stress reaches about 81% of the peak strength. Heterogeneity is introduced by Weibull distribution in numerical simulation. With the increase of homogenization degree, the degraded elements are more easily to concentrate locally. Based on experimental and numerical simulation results, it is noticeable that the sample volume is basically in the state of compaction before reaching the peak strength. The elements are more likely to show expansion, and the splitting failure dominates the destroy mode when the confining pressure is relatively low. With increasing confining pressure, more and more degraded elements are concentrated in the shear band, which develops from the surface to the interior of the sample during loading. Therefore, the granite shows ductile mechanical response characteristics when the confining pressure is relatively high. The results are instructive for the construction of the repository.
Optimization of Flow Shop Scheduling in Precast Concrete Component Production via Mixed‐Integer Linear Programming
Authors: Liu Zhansheng , Liu Zisheng , Liu Meng , Wang Jingjing
Published: April 2021

The increasing number of prefabrication projects has increased the demand for precast concrete (PC) components. The production cost of PC components significantly affects the development of the precast industry and the progress of prefabrication projects. To reduce the production cost, both the delivery delay time and component storage time must be reduced. Flow‐arrangement optimization is generally performed using the genetic algorithm. However, this method cannot always yield a perfect optimal solution. Moreover, the traditional optimization model does not consider the impact of the overtime hours of workers on the project costs. In this study, a mixed‐integer linear programming (MILP) model was developed to optimize the production scheduling by minimizing the storage and delay times. The total delay time for the components was reduced by 55.3%, from 3.8 to 1.7 h, and the total storage time for finished components was reduced by 20.3%, from 6.4 to 5.1 h. Then, the use of the MILP model was extended to optimize the production scheduling by minimizing overtime. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of MILP were verified by comparing the results. The total overtime decreased by approximately 24.5%, from 11.5 to 9.3 h. It has been demonstrated that the proposed MILP model can achieve a better production sequence with less overtime. The findings of this research can be deployed in optimizing efficiency in the real‐life scheduling of production sequence.
Laboratory Investigation on the Stress‐Dependent Anisotropic Shear Wave Velocity (Vs) and Coefficient of Lateral Earth Pressure at Rest (K0) of Granular Materials
Authors: Du Guangbo , Liu Nina , Xia Zhao , Kang Xin
Published: April 2021

The stress‐dependent K0, Vs, and Vs anisotropy and their correlations with sand for 1D consolidation stress were tested with a custom‐designed floating‐wall consolidometer‐type Bender Element (BE) testing apparatus. K0 of a soil sample was calculated using stress measurements through soil pressure transducers installed at the midsection of the consolidometer. The Vs and Vs anisotropy were measured by the bender elements installed in three orthogonal directions in the consolidometer, i.e., vh, hv, and hh. Granular soils with different sizes and shapes were tested. The effects of the stress level, overconsolidation ratio (OCR), particle size and shape on the Vs anisotropy, and K0 of the granular soils during one‐dimensional consolidation were investigated. The laboratory investigations suggested (1) the K0 showed a constant value during loading, while it increased as the OCR increased during unloading, (2) soils with smaller particle sizes, rough surfaces, and angular geometry tended to have a lower value of K0, and vice versa, (3) both the anisotropic stress state and the anisotropic fabric (geometry) could lead to the Vs anisotropy, but the Vs anisotropy was manifested due to the horizontal stress‐lock during unloading stage, and (4) the published correlation between Vs and K0 was modified by introducing the influence of the OCR, which could effectively reduce the variation and improve the prediction accuracy. Therefore, the modified correlation could be used as a robust approach to estimate K0 for both normally consolidated and highly overly consolidated granular soils.
Intelligent Prediction Method for Operation and Maintenance Safety of Prestressed Steel Structure Based on Digital Twin Technology
Authors: Liu Zhansheng , Jiang Antong , Zhang Anshan , Xing Zezhong , Du Xiuli
Published: April 2021

The operation and maintenance stage of the long‐span prestressed steel structure is the core link of the whole life cycle. At present, there are few studies on the change law of safety risk in the whole process of operation and maintenance, especially the research on the analysis and prediction of the change law of safety risk in the whole process of structural operation and maintenance by effectively using the abundant monitoring data and relevant safety risk information in the operation and maintenance stage, which also affects the prestressed steel, which also affects the efficiency of judgment and control decision‐making of operation and maintenance safety state of prestressed steel structure. Taking the spoke‐type cable truss as an example, this paper proposes a new concept of integrating the digital twin model (DTM) with steel structure operation and maintenance safety. Through the combination of real physical space dimensions and digital virtual space dimensions, it is based on a hypothetical analysis model. In the above, a theoretical framework is proposed, and a case analysis of a prestressed steel structure is carried out from big data, and the feasibility of applying this method in the prestress loss and uneven rain and snow load conditions is evaluated. This method can provide guidance for operation and maintenance management and formulate strategies in time.
Mechanical Properties and Strength Grading of Engineered Bamboo Composites in China
Authors: Tang Siyuan , Zhou Aiping , Li Jiannan
Published: April 2021

Engineered bamboo composite (EBC) is a new high‐strength anisotropic structural material, which has standardized sections and less inherent variability than the natural material. For safety reasons in structural applications, the characteristic values of mechanical behaviors are needed to build the design values utilized in practical application. Recent research studies on EBC focused on the mechanical properties from a single source, with little research on the sampling of the manufacturers. The present work investigates mechanical properties of two types of commercially available EBC—parallel strand bamboo (PSB) and laminated veneer bamboo (LVB). The main aim of this work is to evaluate the best probability distribution model (normal, lognormal, and Weibull) and mechanical properties for EBC in China and determine the characteristic values indicated by ASTM D2915. The mechanical properties in tensile, compression, and shear were evaluated using about 4300 small clear specimens from seven manufacturers in five raw bamboo origins of China. Based on the confidence band method, the strength grading of EBC subjected to compressive strength was developed with two predictors (density and MOE). By using intervals of each predictor, several strength grades were built. Each grade has the mean compressive strength, 5th percentile lower value (R0.05), and characteristic value (Rk), which could be used in structural design. This research contributes to the establishment of EBC standards and is essential for further accepting these materials in structural engineering.
Large‐Scale Model Test of a Micropile Group for Landslide Control
Authors: Liu Xueling , Yan Jinkai , Liu Lei , Han Bing
Published: April 2021

A large‐scale model test on the interaction between a micropile group and a landslide was conducted, to investigate the effect of micropiles on the landsides prevention. The bearing mechanism, force condition, and failure mode of a micropile group for reinforcing landslide were analyzed in detail. The results showed that the thrust force over micropiles induced by landslide showed a trapezoidal distribution, with a higher Earth pressure near the sliding surface. The resistance from the sliding body behind the pile behaved in a parabolically trend. Meanwhile, the resistance force from the sliding bed was distributed unevenly along the height direction, with a higher resistance force near the sliding surface behind the pile. When a landslide occurred, micropiles were subjected to an increase in loading and displacement, eventually to the failure state. The load‐bearing sections of the micropiles were all subjected to negative bending moments, with larger bending moments within the half length of pile range near the sliding surface. The maximum negative bending moment occurred at the height of seven times the diameter of the pile above the sliding surface. The damage mode along each row of micropiles was almost the same, showing a damage area within the range of three times the diameter of the pile above and below the sliding surface. The failure of micropile induced by landslides was mainly due to a combination effect of bending and shearing near the sliding surface.
Integration of Genomic and Transcriptomic Markers Improves the Prognosis Prediction of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Authors: Lin Xiaojing , Qiao Niu , Shen Yang , Fang Hai , Xue Qing , Cui Bowen , Chen Li , Zhu Hongming , Zhang Sujiang , Chen Yu , Jiang Lu , Wang Shengyue , Li Junmin , Wang Bingshun , Chen Bing , Chen Zhu , Chen Saijuan
Published: April 2021

Purpose:

The current stratification system for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is based on the white blood cell (WBC) and the platelet counts (i.e., Sanz score) over the past two decades. However, the borderlines among different risk groups are sometimes ambiguous, and for some patients, early death and relapse remained challenges. Besides, with the evolving of the treatment strategy from all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and chemotherapy to ATRA–arsenic trioxide-based synergistic targeted therapy, the precise risk stratification with molecular markers is needed.

Experimental Design:

This study performed a systematic analysis of APL genomics and transcriptomics to identify genetic abnormalities in 348 patients mainly from the APL2012 trial (NCT01987297) to illustrate the potential molecular background of Sanz score and further optimize it. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm was used to analyze the gene expression in 323 cases to establish a scoring system (i.e., APL9 score).

Results:

Through combining NRAS mutations, APL9 score, and WBC, 321 cases can be stratified into two groups with significantly different outcomes. The estimated 5-year overall (P = 0.00031), event-free (P < 0.0001), and disease-free (P = 0.001) survival rates in the revised standard-risk group (95.6%, 93.8%, and 98.1%, respectively) were significantly better than those in the revised high-risk group (82.9%, 77.4%, and 88.4%, respectively), which could be validated using The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset.

Conclusions:

We have proposed a two-category system for improving prognosis in patients with APL. Molecular markers identified in this study may also provide genomic insights into the disease mechanism for improved therapy.
Alternatives to Perpetual Chemotherapy for Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Reiss Kim A. , Vonderheide Robert H.
Published: April 2021

With the advent of multiagent chemotherapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer, subgroups of patients whose disease responds durably to treatment are emerging. Although this is wonderful progress in the face of a deadly illness, cumulative toxicities of perpetual chemotherapy over months or even years of treatment degrade quality of life and organ function, in addition to fueling eventual therapeutic resistance. The POLO trial demonstrated a benefit of maintenance olaparib compared with placebo in patients with germline pathogenic variants in BRCA1 or BRCA2. The success of this trial, albeit in a limited subset of patients, suggests that there may be opportunity to study this alternative treatment strategy as a paradigm for a broader group of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. This article discusses the phenotypic and genotypic signatures of patients with pancreatic cancer that may provide the basis upon which to design rational maintenance clinical trials.
Successful Treatment with Belimumab in a Patient with Refractory Systemic Lupus Erythematosus after Initiation of Hemodialysis: Considering the Synergistic Effect of Belimumab and Immunological Burn-Out Phenomenon in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Karasawa Kazunori , Ogura Shota , Takabe Tomo , Miyabe Yoei , Iwabuchi Yuko , Akiyama Kenichi , Sato Masayo , Moriyama Takahito , Uchida Keiko , Nitta Kosaku
Published: April 2021

Background: In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), disease activity can persist even after initiating dialysis. However, guidelines for the treatment of patients with SLE after dialysis is initiated have not yet been established. Case Presentation: We describe the case of a 54-year-old Japanese woman who was diagnosed with SLE at age 12, progressed to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and initiated hemodialysis for lupus nephritis. However, SLE activity persisted after hemodialysis. Cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil were administered in addition to prednisolone and immunoadsorption, but this treatment strategy was limited by side effects. The patient was subsequently treated with belimumab, and the activity of SLE decreased rapidly. Conclusions: ESRD patients with SLE show no significant decrease in transitional B cells and have elevated levels of B-cell activating factor (BAFF). Both transitional B cells and BAFF are important therapeutic targets for belimumab, indicating that patients with ESRD may benefit from belimumab therapy. However, the effects of belimumab may be potentiated in patients with uremia, who may be more susceptible to adverse events such as infections. Patients with SLE who receive belimumab after initiation of hemodialysis therefore require careful follow-up. Here, we report the first case of belimumab administration in a patient with SLE after initiation of hemodialysis.
Fighting Food Allergy by Inducing Oral Tolerance: Facts and Fiction
Authors: Yang Xiaotong , Liang Rui , Xing Qianlu , Ma Xiaojuan
Published: April 2021

The prevalence of food allergy (FA) is increasing, and there is an urgent need to take effective measures against it. One important measure is the avoidance diet, which shows a disadvantage, especially in case of accidental exposure. Oral tolerance restoration sheds new light on the control of FA. Oral tolerance is naturally a state of systemic unresponsiveness of the gastrointestinal tract to food antigens and its restoration can be a clinical therapy for FA. Its immune basis lies on the intestinal mucosal immune system and factors, such as gut microbiota and food processing methods, are also important. This review presents recent advances in oral tolerance and its closely related factors.
Comparison of Surgical Resection and Systemic Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Vascular Invasion: National Cancer Database Analysis
Authors: Govalan Rajalakshmi , Lauzon Marie , Luu Michael , Ahn Joseph C. , Kosari Kambiz , Todo Tsuyoshi , Kim Irene K. , Noureddin Mazen , Kuo Alexander , Walid Ayoub S. , Sundaram Vinay , Lu Shelly C. , Roberts Lewis R. , Singal Amit G. , Heimbach Julie K. , Agopian Vatche G. , Nissen Nicholas , Yang Ju Dong
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Small studies from outside of the USA suggest excellent outcomes after surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with vascular invasion. The study aims to (1) compare overall survival after surgical resection and systemic therapy among patients with HCC and vascular invasion and (2) determine factors associated with receipt of surgical resection in a US population. Methods: HCC patients with AJCC clinical TNM stage 7th T3BN0M0 diagnosed between 2010 and 2017 from the National Cancer Database were analyzed. Cox and logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with overall survival and receipt of surgical resection. Results: Of 11,259 patients with T3BN0M0 HCC, 325 (2.9%) and 4,268 (37.9%) received surgical resection and systemic therapy, respectively. In multivariable analysis, surgical resection was associated with improved survival compared to systemic therapy (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.496, 95% confidence interval: 0.426–0.578) with a median survival of 21.4 and 8.1 months, respectively. Superiority of surgical resection was observed in noncirrhotic and cirrhotic subgroups and propensity score matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting adjusted analysis. Asians were more likely to receive surgical resection, whereas Charlson comorbidity ≥3, elevated alpha-fetoprotein, smaller tumor size, care in a community cancer program, and the South or West region were associated with a lower likelihood of surgical resection. Conclusion: HCC patients with vascular invasion may benefit from surgical resection compared to systemic therapies. Demographic and clinical features of HCC patients and region and type of treating facility were associated with surgical resection versus systemic treatment.
Jesus and equity in material distribution
Authors: Beed Clive , Beed Cara
Published: April 2021

Contemporary Christian thought is divided on the issue whether Jesus promoted egalitarian principles. Partly, disagreement stems from differences in how terms such as ‘egalitarian’, ‘equality’ and ‘equity’ are understood. Defining egalitarian only in relation to material or economic distribution, Jesus’ statements as interpreted by a range of biblical commentators uphold the conclusion that Jesus did encourage greater equality in material distribution. This support conforms to certain principles or intentions underlying the Mosaic Law, as interpreted by a selection of cited scholars. The case of one theologian, James Barr, maintaining that Jesus’ ethical teachings ranged well beyond the intentions of the Mosaic Law is found to be unsupported by Barr’s evidence, and unsustained concerning matters of equity or principles of fairness in material distribution.
1 Corinthians 12 – 14: the use of a text for Christian worship
Authors: Rowe Arthur J.
Published: April 2021

Christians often seek to justify particular practices by appealing to scripture to authenticate them. On the subject of worship the paucity of relevant material can lead to the misuse of what is available. In recent times 1 Corinthians 12 – 14 has been exploited to find grounds for practices which seem to distort Paul’s teaching. A brief account of some of these flaws is followed by an exegetical study which seeks to demonstrate how the structure and coherence of Paul’s argument requires particular verses to be understood, in ways which are not widely recognised. This suggests modifications of some practices when Christians gather together.
Baptism according to Origen
Authors: Ferguson Everett
Published: April 2021

For Origen baptism was prefigured in the Old Testament and in John’s baptism and it in turn prefigures the eschatological baptism of fire. Baptism bestows the forgiveness of sins and the indwelling of the Spirit. Origen offers explanations as to why it is appropriate to baptise infants who have not yet sinned. He understands martyrdom as a form of baptism, in blood. Those baptised are required to repent and believe.
Jerusalem: the political dimension
Authors: Wilkinson John
Published: April 2021

From 1950 West Jerusalem was the capital of the new state of Israel. After the Six Days War, in 1967, the whole of Jerusalem was incorporated into Israel, an action that has been repeatedly condemned by the United Nations. In 1980 Israel declared all Jerusalem to be its capital. The issue of the permanent status of Jerusalem remains a major unresolved cause of contention.
The Evangelical sacrament: baptisma semper reformandum
Authors: Cross Anthony R.
Published: April 2021

This study is not an apologetic for the credobaptist or pedobaptist positions, but argues that, as practised today, both forms depart from New Testament baptism, which was an integral part of the process of becoming a Christian. It argues that New Testament baptism was faith-baptism, that the baptism referred to in the various New Testament strata refers to this ‘one baptism’ (of Spirit and water), and that baptism occupied an essential place within the primitive church’s proclamation of the gospel and its mission. Using David Bebbington’s fourfold characteristics of Evangelicalism – crucicentrism, biblicism, conversionism and activism – it shows that New Testament baptism was intimately related to each of these and argues that it should be returned to this place if the church, and especially the Evangelical wing of the church, is to take seriously the necessity that its doctrines and practices should be semper reformandum, always subject to reform.
A new species of Paspalum (Paspaleae, Panicoideae, Poaceae) from Ario de Rosales, México, with partially homogenized synflorescences

Authors: SÁNCHEZ-KEN J. GABRIEL
Published: April 2021

Paspalum prodigiosum is reported as a new species from Ario de Rosales, Michoacán, México. The new species is very similar to P. paniculatum, however, there are characters of the spikelets, caryopses, and starch grains that are different between the two species.
Systematic redescription of Solen (Ensisolen) tehuelchus and Ensis macha (Bivalvia: Solenoidea) from Argentina, southwestern Atlantic Ocean
Authors: GIACOMINO SEBASTIÁN , SIGNORELLI JAVIER H.
Published: April 2021

In the present study, bivalves belonging to the superfamily Solenoidea that inhabit the Argentinean Sea are redescribed. The specimens studied in this work were collected by scuba diving in the Gulf of San José, Argentina. Additional specimens from different malacological collections were revised to update the geographical distribution of valid species. According to the literature, there exist two species for the “Argentinean” and “Magellan” biogeographical provinces. However, ten nominal taxa, with uncertain taxonomic status, have been mentioned for the study area. Field work, local collection survey and type material examination allow confirming two valid species: Solen (Ensisolen) tehuelchus Hanley (Solenidae) and Ensis macha (Molina) (Pharidae). A morphological comparison between S. tehuelchus and S. gaudichaudi Chenu and S. obliqua Spengler is provided as well type locality, repository and synonymy list. The type material of all related species are illustrated whenever possible. Establishing the valid names of these species is the first step towards more integrative studies including genetic and zoogeographical analyses.
Observations of Atypical Rapid Intensification Characteristics in Hurricane Dorian (2019)
Authors: Ryglicki David R. , Velden Christopher S. , Reasor Paul D. , Hodyss Daniel , Doyle James D.
Published: April 2021

Multiple observation and analysis datasets are used to demonstrate two key features of the Atypical Rapid Intensification (ARI) process that occurred in Atlantic Hurricane Dorian (2019): 1) precession and nutations of the vortex tilt and 2) blocking of the impinging upper-level environmental flow by the outflow. As Dorian came under the influence of an upper-level anticyclone, traditional methods of estimating vertical wind shear all indicated relatively low values were acting on the storm; however, high-spatiotemporal-resolution atmospheric motion vectors (AMVs) indicated that the environmental flow at upper levels was actually impinging on the vortex core, resulting in a vertical tilt. We employ a novel ensemble of centers of individual swaths of dual-Doppler radar data from WP-3D aircraft to characterize the precession and wobble of the vortex tilt. This tilting and wobbling preceded a sequence of outflow surges that acted to repel the impinging environmental flow, thereby reducing the shear and permitting ARI. We then apply prior methodology on satellite imagery for distinguishing ARI features. Finally, we use the AMV dataset to experiment with different shear calculations and show that the upper-level cross-vortex flow approaches zero. We discuss the implication of these results with regards to prior works on ARI and intensification in shear.
Influence of a portable near-surface observing network on experimental ensemble forecasts of deep convection hazards during VORTEX-SE
Authors: Hill Aaron J. , Weiss Christopher C. , Dowell David C.
Published: April 2021

Ensemble forecasts are generated with and without the assimilation of near-surface observations from a portable, mesoscale network of StickNet platforms during the Verification and Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes EXperiment – Southeast (VORTEX-SE). Four VORTEX-SE intensive observing periods are selected to evaluate the impact of StickNet observations on forecasts and predictability of deep convection within the southeast United States. StickNet observations are assimilated with an experimental version of the HighResolution RapidRefresh Ensemble (HRRRE) in one experiment, and withheld in a control forecast experiment. Overall, StickNet observations are found to effectively reduce mesoscale analysis and forecast errors of temperature and dewpoint. Differences in ensemble analyses between the two parallel experiments are maximized near the StickNet array and then either propagate away with the mean low-level flow through the forecast period or remain quasi-stationary, reducing local analysis biases. Forecast errors of temperature and dewpoint exhibit periods of improvement and degradation relative to the control forecast, and error increases are largely driven on the storm scale. Convection predictability, measured through subjective evaluation and objective verification of forecast updraft helicity, is driven more by when forecasts are initialized (i.e., more data assimilation cycles with conventional observations) rather than the inclusion of StickNet observations in data assimilation. It is hypothesized that the full impact of assimilating these data is not realized in part due to poor sampling of forecast sensitive regions by the StickNet platforms, as identified through ensemble sensitivity analysis.
The Thickness of the facial Nerve Sheath Consistently Varies by Region in Its Intra-Tympanic Course on Cadaveric Study
Authors: Vijayendra Vinay Kumar , Honnurappa Vijayendra , Mahajan Nilesh , Redleaf Miriam
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

Iatrogenic removal of intra-temporal disease processes, such as cholesteatoma and keratosis obturans, can be challenging when the facial nerve (FN) is involved. Despite this concern about possible FN injury during these procedures, our clinical observation has been that the diseased growth can be cleaned quite easily from the vertical FN epineurium. Therefore, we designed a cadaveric protocol to measure thickness of the FN sheath (epineurium) in horizontal, second genu and vertical FN segments and to correlate these measurements with surgical management of FN disorders.

Methods:

Fifty non-fixated (wet) cadaveric temporal bones were dissected over 1 year’s time. The intra-temporal FN sheath epineurium was harvested from the mid-horizontal, second genu, and mid-vertical segments. Using a digital micrometric technique, the thickness of each sample was measured. Data analysis was performed using student’s two-tailed, dependent t-test.

Results:

Epineurial nerve sheath thickness was the least in the horizontal segment (mean 0.9 mm, range 0.040-0.140 mm), greater at the second genu (mean 0.19 mm, range 0.010-0.280 mm), and greatest in the vertical segment (mean 0.29 mm, range 0.170-0.570 mm). These differences were statistically significant.

Conclusion:

In cases of cholesteatoma and keratosis obturans involving the vertical FN, the disease process can be separated from the FN sheath because of the sheath thickness in this region. Disease in the horizontal segment involves a thinner sheath and separating the disease process from the nerve is more difficult in this area.
Bullying Victimization is Associated with a Significantly Greater Risk of Illicit Substance Use among US Female Adolescents: YRBS 2011 to 2017
Authors: Pontes Nancy M. H. , Strohacker Emily R. , Pontes Manuel C. F.
Published: April 2021

Bullying victimization among adolescents is associated with increased illicit substance use. This research estimates whether the association between bullying victimization and substance use is significantly greater among female adolescents. Using R software and the national Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2011, 2013, 2014, and 2017), interactions were estimated to determine the association between self-reported school or electronic bullying victimization and previous 30-day alcohol use, binge drinking, marijuana use, cigarette smoking, and electronic vaping product use. Bullying victimization was significantly associated with each of the substance use variables, Effects were significantly greater in female students. Efforts should be put in place in schools and communities to reduce bullying, mitigate the harmful effects of this form of victimization, and reduce illicit substance use.
The Advent of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement as a Tool for Development
Authors: Omphemetse S. Sibanda, Sr
Published: April 2021

Modelled on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), signed at the Extraordinary Summit of the African Union, which convened in Kigali, Rwanda, on 21 March 2018, is designed to facilitate a single continental trade regulation and integration framework for trade disciplines and intentioned to boost intra-Africa trade. AfCFTA came on the backdrop of not less than eight regional economic communities (RECs), which are loosely regulated. The study finds that AfCFTA can become a beacon of development in the African continent, provided an array of issues including addressing the multiplicity of RECs, putting in place a Development-focused migration and labour policy or developing a side labour agreement similar to that of NAFTA to address other issues like harmonisation of treatment and conditions of workforce and pursuing industrialisation that will help manage the negative spillovers of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

JEL Codes: C23, F10, F13, F14, F15, F17, F19, K33, K41
Optimized matching between students of the automation major and their specialized project design assignment
Authors: Liu Jun , Peng Yuanxiu , Yang Yihua
Published: April 2021

Specialized project design (SPD) is a compulsory course for most of the engineering students in China. A SPD course requires teamwork of students. It is therefore an important issue about how to group students in a more reasonable form to increase students’ interest in the course and improve their performance. However, at present, it remains a challenge to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of group teaching and optimize group teaching through state-of-the-art methods such as artificial intelligence. In this study, we propose a qualitative analysis method to study the group teaching of students through teacher’s subjective evaluation of different aspects of students’ abilities. In particular, the proposed method is a background-based grouping method which takes into account the students’ scores attained in prerequisite courses of a SPD course and realized by a genetic algorithm. Results of our experiment demonstrate that, compared with the conventional random grouping method, the proposed method improves the students’ average scores in all eight SPD topics by 2.5 in the grade 2016 and 1.875 in grade 2017, respectively (the total score is 100). Therefore, our findings strongly support that grouping students based on their strengths (for example, the courses they are good at) can enhance students’ interest in the SPD course and thereby improve students’ SPD performance.
Strategic Polarization in Group Interactions
Authors: Iyer Ganesh , Yoganarasimhan Hema
Published: April 2021

The authors study the phenomenon of strategic group polarization, in which members take more extreme actions than their preferences. The analysis is relevant for a broad range of formal and informal group settings, including social media, online platforms, sales teams, corporate and academic committees, and political action committees. In the model, agents with private preferences choose a public action (voice opinions), and the mean of their actions represents the group’s realized outcome. The agents face a trade-off between influencing the group decision and truth-telling. In a simultaneous-move game, agents strategically shade their actions toward the extreme. The strategic group influence motive can create substantial polarization in actions and group decisions even when the preferences are relatively moderate. Compared with a simultaneous game, a randomized-sequential-actions game lowers polarization when agents’ preferences are relatively similar. Sequential actions can even lead to moderation if the later agents have moderate preferences. Endogenizing the order of moves (through a first-price sealed-bid auction) always increases polarization, but it is also welfare enhancing. These findings can help group leaders, firms, and platforms design mechanisms that moderate polarization, such as the choice of speaking order, the group size, and the knowledge members have of others’ preferences and actions.
Understanding of Stigmatization and Death Amid COVID-19 in India: A Sociological Exploration
Authors: Kumari Sarita
Published: April 2021

The unanticipated outbreak of Coronavirus had proven detrimental to human existence. It had created waves of panic, anxiety, and fear among people hence facilitating stigmatization toward an infected person. This stigmatization further influences patients health-seeking behaviour due to the trust deficit in the public health system. The virus had placed the world in an impotent situation as people helplessly watched their loved ones pass away in the absence of effective treatment. Dead bodies are denied a dignified death due to mandatory guidelines prescribed by countries to control the pandemic. This article attempts to understand the process of stigmatization of Coronavirus and its mechanism of influencing the health-seeking behaviour of people. Moreover, the way this stigmatization, accompanied by fear and anxiety, led to the denial of having a dignified death in India.
Managing the risk of the energy performance gap in non-domestic buildings
Authors: Thompson David , Burman Esfand , Mumovic Dejan , Davies Mike
Published: April 2021

Energy use in buildings accounts for one-third of the overall global energy consumption and total building floor area continues to increase each year as new developments are constructed and delivered. If stringent climate goals are to be met, these buildings will need to consume less energy and emit less carbon. However, design intentions for energy efficient buildings are not always met in practice. This performance gap between calculated and measured energy use in buildings threatens the progress necessary to meet these energy targets. The aim of this paper is to identify the factors that contribute to the performance gap and propose solutions for reducing the gap in practice. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of two research programmes completed in the past few years was utilized for an in-depth look at the performance of around 50 non-domestic buildings in the United Kingdom. While no direct links were found between any one variable and the performance gap, several correlations exist between contributing factors indicating a complex, entangled web of interrelated problems. The multitude of the variables involved presents a formidable challenge in finding practical solutions. However, the results indicate that the combination of the ventilation strategy of a building and the building services control strategy during partial occupancy is a key determinant of the performance gap. A more straightforward procurement approach with clearly delineated targets and responsibilities, along with advanced and seasonal commissioning instituted at the beginning of a project and implemented after building completion can also be very effective in reducing the gap. Finally, mandatory requirements or an appropriate system of incentives for monitoring and disclosure of performance data can help identify many of the underlying issues affecting performance in-use and untangle some of the web of complex issues across the building sector.

Practical application

Awareness of the performance gap and knowledge of the factors contributing to its impact on the building industry is important for all stakeholders involved in the design, construction, operation and occupation of non-domestic buildings. Understanding potential solutions to mitigate these risks may help to reduce the prevalence and magnitude of the performance gap.
Text, performance, screen: Shakespeare and critical media literacy
Authors: Lanier Douglas M
Published: April 2021

To accommodate recent shifts in media, scholars studying the adaptation of Shakespeare to moving images have begun to embrace the rubric ‘Shakespeare on screen’. In this move, the term ‘screen’ follows a path charted by earlier terms ‘text’ and ‘performance’. All began as relatively media-specific terms and became generalised and dematerialised to meet the demands of an expanding field. This article argues that the term ‘screen’ risks obscuring distinct viewing experiences and materialities of production. Shakespeareans need to resist the impulse to abstract the particularities of screens if they are to assess fully Shakespeare’s remediation in the 21st century.