bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degradation Resistance and Reliability Analysis of Recycled Aggregate Concrete in a Sulfate Environment
Authors: Cao Hui , Zhao Lifeng , Lu Chenggong , Guan Lijuan , Qiao Hongxia , Li Qiong
Published: March 2020

Resistance to sulfate degradation is an important index used to measure concrete’s durability. In this study, recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) with a 0%, 30%, and 50% recycled coarse aggregate substitution rate and a 0% and 15% recycled fine aggregate replacement rate was used as the research object, and its degradation resistance was evaluated by the mass loss rate and the relative dynamic modulus of elasticity. The degradation products were studied and analyzed with SEM scanning electron microscopy and XRD phase analysis. The relative dynamic modulus of elasticity was selected as the degradation index, the RAC concrete’s degradation resistance was modeled by Wiener, and the reliability curve was obtained. The results showed that expansion products, such as gypsum and Ettringite, were produced in RAC concrete in a dry‐wet sulfate cycling environment, and such defects as pores and voids were filled in the initial stage. The stress the expansion products exerted in the later stage caused the concrete to crack and peel, which demonstrated that the fluctuation law of mass and the dynamic elastic modulus increased first and then decreased. The recycled coarse aggregate substitution ratio’s effect on RAC concrete is higher than that of recycled fine aggregate. The reliability curve established by the Wiener model can reflect the reliability of RAC concrete under different cycles well and can obtain RAC concrete’s sulfate degradation resistance life with different aggregate substitution rates.
Fisher Fixed Point Results in Generalized Metric Spaces with a Graph
Authors: Chaira Karim , Eladraoui Abderrahim , Kabil Mustapha , Kamouss Abdessamad
Published: March 2020

We discuss Fisher’s fixed point theorem for mappings defined on a generalized metric space endowed with a graph. This work should be seen as a generalization of the classical Fisher fixed point theorem. It extends some recent works on the enlargement of Banach Contraction Principle to generalized metric spaces with graph. An example is given to illustrate our result.
Gastrobronchial Fistula after Robotic Repair of Traumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Tung Jamie T. , Lucero Leah M. , Davis James W. , Sue Lawrence P.
Published: March 2020

Gastrobronchial fistulas are a rare occurrence in the literature. We report a case of a gastrobronchial fistula after robotic repair of a chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. The patient had severe respiratory symptoms with multiple studies that were inconclusive. The fistula was ultimately discovered after an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The patient underwent a left thoracotomy for takedown of his fistula and eventually recovered. Earlier EGD and a lower threshold for differential that included this diagnosis would have led to an earlier identification and treatment of a rare disease process.
Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty for Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Li Yedan , Pang Kunjing , Liu Yao , Li Muzi , Wang Hao
Published: March 2020

Percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty (PBAV), which is used to treat symptomatic aortic stenosis, requires ionizing radiation and contrast agent for imaging guidance. The aim of the study is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of ultrasound-guided PBAV in patients with aortic stenosis. This case series included 30 patients (14 males; mean age, 61.5 ± 4.5 years) with moderate/severe aortic stenosis treated with ultrasound-guided PBAV at the Ultrasound Department, Fuwai Hospital, Beijing, China, between January 2016 and July 2019. Cardiac function (New York Heart Association grade) was assessed before PBAV and 1 month after the procedure. Aortic peak jet velocity, aortic valve orifice area (AVA), mean transvalvular pressure gradient (MTPG), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) were determined before and immediately after PBAV using Doppler echocardiography. Preprocedural cardiac function was grade I in 3 cases, grade II in 9 cases, grade III in 10 cases, and grade IV in 8 cases. Postprocedural cardiac function was grade I in 22 cases, grade II in 4 cases, and grade III in 4 cases, suggesting that cardiac function was improved by PBAV. Ultrasound-guided PBAV resulted in significant improvements (P<0.05) in aortic peak jet velocity (3.68 ± 0.811 m/s vs. 4.79 ± 0.63 m/s), MTPG (33.77 ± 13.85 mmHg vs. 54.54 ± 13.81 mmHg), AVA (1.96 ± 0.25 cm2 vs. 0.98 ± 0.12 cm2), LVEDD (51.90 ± 3.21 mm vs. 65.60 ± 6.81 mm), LVEF (63.46 ± 11.29% vs. 56.31 ± 11.04%), and LVESD (35.50 2.62 mm vs. 45.20 ± 2.42 mm). Ultrasound-guided PBAV is feasible and achieves good short-term effects in patients with aortic stenosis.
Sikyungbanha‐Tang Suppressing Acute Lung Injury in Mice Is Related to the Activation of Nrf2 and TNFAIP3
Authors: Kim Kyun Ha , Ahn Seonju , Won Ran , Lee Jung Ju , Kim Tae Ho , Kim Jong-In , Choi Jun-Yong , Joo Myungsoo
Published: March 2020

Sikyungbanha‐Tang (SKBHT) is a Chinese traditional medicine popularly prescribed to patients with respiratory inflammatory symptoms in Korea. Although the Korea Food and Drug Administration approved SKBHT as a therapeutics for relieving the symptoms, experimental evidence for SKBHT suppressing inflammation is scarce. Here, we presented evidence that SKBHT can suppress inflammation in an acute lung injury (ALI) mouse model and explored the possible underlying mechanisms of SKBHT’s anti‐inflammatory activity. Single intratracheal (i.t.) injection of SKBHT (1 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg body weight) into mouse lungs decreased prototypic features of lung inflammation found in ALI, such as a high level of proinflammatory cytokines, neutrophil infiltration, and the formation of hyaline membrane, which were induced by a single i.t. LPS (2 mg/kg body weight). When added to a murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells, SKBHT activated an anti‐inflammatory factor Nrf2, increasing the expression of genes regulated by Nrf2. SKBHT suppressed the ubiquitination of Nrf2, suggesting that SKBHT increases the level of and thus activates Nrf2 by blunting the ubiquitin‐dependent degradation of Nrf2. SKBHT induced the expression of tumor necrosis factor α‐induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3), an ubiquitin‐modulating protein that suppresses various cellular signals to NF‐κB. Concordantly, SKBHT suppressed NF‐κB activity and the expression of inflammatory cytokine genes regulated by NF‐κB. Given that Nrf2 and TNFAIP3 are involved in regulating inflammation, our results suggest that SKBHT suppresses inflammation in the lung, the effect of which is related to SKBHT activating Nrf2 and TNFAIP3.
Referral of Patients with Nonmalignant Chronic Diseases to Specialist Palliative Care: A Study in a Teaching Hospital in Ghana
Authors: Ofosu-Poku Rasheed , Owusu-Ansah Michael , Antwi John
Published: March 2020

Ghana’s chronic disease burden is on the rise. An essential aspect of clinical care in chronic disease management is to improve the quality of life of both patients and their families and to help them cope with the experience of life-limiting illness. Specialist palliative care services help reach this objective, especially in the context of complex psychosocial challenges and high symptom burden. It is, therefore, necessary that as many patients as possible get access to available specialist palliative care services. This paper explores the factors influencing referral of patients with nonmalignant chronic diseases for specialist palliative care. A qualitative approach was used to explore these factors from eight (8) participants—four (4) physician specialists and four (4) next of kin of patients with advanced nonmalignant chronic illness. Individual face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semistructured interview guide. Interviews were audio-recorded and data coded, themes and subthemes were identified, and thematic analysis was done. Barriers and motivators identified were categorized as either related to physicians, institution, or family. Barriers to referral were perception of the scope of palliative care, medical paternalism, lack of an institutional referral policy, poor human resource capacity of the palliative care team, and lack of awareness about the existence of specialist palliative care service. Poor economic status of the patient and family, poor prognosis, previous interaction with the palliative care team, and an appreciation of patients’ expectations of the healthcare system were identified as motivators for referral. The palliative care team must therefore increase awareness among other health professionals about their services and facilitate the development and availability of a clear policy to guide and improve referrals.
Synthesis of Polyaniline/Graphene Oxide/Azobenzene Composite and Its Adjustable Photoelectric Properties
Authors: Teng Yanhua , Li Shiqin , Xue Changguo , Zhang Hongyan , Zhu Lingkai , Tang Yu
Published: March 2020

Azobenzene derivatives have fast light response characteristics; in this paper, a new azobenzene derivative (Azo) was synthesized and to be made a composite (PANI/GO/Azo) with polyaniline/graphene oxide (PANI/GO). Both composites were carefully investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Moreover, their electrochemical properties were characterized by the electrochemical workstation, including cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), cycling stability, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results demonstrated that the PANI/GO/Azo composite has a higher capacitance of 478.3 F g−1 than that of PANI/GO (359.9 F g−1) at a current density of 1 A g−1. PANI/GO/Azo composite showed excellent photosensitive electrochemical properties under UV irradiation, and its rate of capacitance change achieved about 52.57%. Additionally, the PANI/GO/Azo composite also displayed high reversibility, with specific capacitance retention of 92% after 500 cycles. Therefore, the PANI/GO/Azo electrode with a controllable electrochemical performance by UV irradiation had a great potential in the photoresponsive supercapacitor.
Accelerated Exponentially Fitted Operator Method for Singularly Perturbed Problems with Integral Boundary Condition
Authors: Debela Habtamu Garoma , Duressa Gemechis File
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we consider a class of singularly perturbed differential equations of convection diffusion type with integral boundary condition. An accelerated uniformly convergent numerical method is constructed via exponentially fitted operator method using Richardson extrapolation techniques and numerical integration methods to solve the problem. The integral boundary condition is treated using numerical integration techniques. Maximum absolute errors and rates of convergence for different values of perturbation parameter and mesh sizes are tabulated for the numerical example considered. The method is shown to be ε-uniformly convergent.
Hyperparathyroidism Jaw Tumor Syndrome Presenting as Recurrent Femur Fractures in a Young Woman; a Rare Presentation of a Rare Disease
Authors: Wijewickrama Piyumi S. A. , Somasundaram Noel P.
Published: March 2020

Background. Primary hyperparathyroidism usually occurs secondary to parathyroid adenoma, multiglandular hyperplasia, or parathyroid carcinoma. The patients usually present with incidentally discovered high calcium level and systemic or skeletal manifestations. In young patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, familial syndromes including multiple endocrine neoplasia types 1, 2, and 4 and hyperparathyroidism jaw tumor syndrome should be considered. Case Description. We present a case of a 22-year-old Sri Lankan woman who presented with femur fractures in a background of childhood nephroblastoma and maxillary fibro-osseous tumor. The patient had biochemical parameters suggestive of primary hyperparathyroidism with a parathyroid mass. The histology following excision of the mass revealed a parathyroid adenoma. Based on the associated clinical manifestations, hyperparathyroidism jaw tumor syndrome was suspected, and genetic studies reported a positive CDC73 mutation with a whole-gene deletion of exon 1–17. Conclusion. Hyperparathyroidism jaw tumor syndrome is an important diagnosis to consider in a young patient presenting with classic clinical features due to the risk of malignancy, familial involvement, and need to monitor for progressive systemic manifestations. As this is a rare disease, it can often be missed due to low degree of suspicion and the ability of the jaw tumor to mimic a metastatic deposit.
Prevalent and Diverse Intratumoral Oncoprotein-Specific CD8+ T Cells within Polyomavirus-Driven Merkel Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Jing Lichen , Ott Mariliis , Church Candice D. , Kulikauskas Rima M. , Ibrani Dafina , Iyer Jayasri G. , Afanasiev Olga K. , Colunga Aric , Cook Maclean M. , Xie Hong , Greninger Alexander L. , Paulson Kelly G. , Chapuis Aude G. , Bhatia Shailender , Nghiem Paul , Koelle David M.
Published: March 2020

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is often caused by persistent expression of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) T-antigen (T-Ag). These non-self proteins comprise about 400 amino acids (AA). Clinical responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors, seen in about half of patients, may relate to T-Ag–specific T cells. Strategies to increase CD8+ T-cell number, breadth, or function could augment checkpoint inhibition, but vaccines to augment immunity must avoid delivery of oncogenic T-antigen domains. We probed MCC tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) with an artificial antigen-presenting cell (aAPC) system and confirmed T-Ag recognition with synthetic peptides, HLA-peptide tetramers, and dendritic cells (DC). TILs from 9 of 12 (75%) subjects contained CD8+ T cells recognizing 1–8 MCPyV epitopes per person. Analysis of 16 MCPyV CD8+ TIL epitopes and prior TIL data indicated that 97% of patients with MCPyV+ MCC had HLA alleles with the genetic potential that restrict CD8+ T-cell responses to MCPyV T-Ag. The LT AA 70–110 region was epitope rich, whereas the oncogenic domains of T-Ag were not commonly recognized. Specific recognition of T-Ag–expressing DCs was documented. Recovery of MCPyV oncoprotein–specific CD8+ TILs from most tumors indicated that antigen indifference was unlikely to be a major cause of checkpoint inhibition failure. The myriad of epitopes restricted by diverse HLA alleles indicates that vaccination can be a rational component of immunotherapy if tumor immune suppression can be overcome, and the oncogenic regions of T-Ag can be modified without impacting immunogenicity.
Clinicopathological Assessment of Kidney Biopsies in Children with Familial Mediterranean Fever: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Yazılıtaş Fatma , Çakıcı Evrim Kargın , Kurt Şükür Eda Didem , Özdel Semanur , Arda Nilüfer , Güngör Tülin , Bülbül Mehmet
Published: March 2020

Objectives: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a monogenic auto-inflammatory disease which might rarely cause glomerulopathy in patients. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical, demographic, and genetic characteristics and type of glomerular lesions in pediatric FMF patients who underwent kidney biopsy. Methods: The data of 30 pediatric FMF patients with biopsy-proven glomerulopathy were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were grouped into 2 categories as amyloid nephropathy (AN, n = 16) and non-amyloid nephropathy (N-AN, n = 14). Results: The mean age at FMF diagnosis was 7.2 ± 3.0 years. The AN group showed higher rates of hypertension, higher levels of 24-h protein excretion and serum creatinine, and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate at the time of kidney biopsy. The rate of ESRD was found to be higher in the AN group (p = 0.011). Mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis was the most common pathology in the N-AN group (21.4%). The frequency of amyloidosis was significantly higher in patients with homozygous p.M694V mutations than non-homozygous p.M694V mutations (p = 0.039). Conclusions: In children with FMF, nephropathy is rare. To our knowledge, this is the first study performed in pediatric FMF patients exploring amyloid and non-amyloid glomerulopathies. Patients with AN had higher rates of proteinuria, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate levels, and higher blood pressure than N-AN patients at the time of biopsy.
Health‐Related Quality of Life in Children, Adolescents, and Adults With a Fontan Circulation: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Marshall Kate H. , D'Udekem Yves , Sholler Gary F. , Opotowsky Alexander R. , Costa Daniel S. J. , Sharpe Louise , Celermajer David S. , Winlaw David S. , Newburger Jane W. , Kasparian Nadine A.
Published: March 2020

Background

People with a Fontan circulation experience a range of physical, psychosocial and neurodevelopmental challenges alongside, or caused by, their cardiac condition, with significant consequences for health‐related quality of life (
HRQOL
). We meta‐analyzed
HRQOL
outcomes reported by people with a Fontan circulation or their proxies and evaluated predictors of poorer
HRQOL
.

Methods and Results

Six electronic databases were searched for peer‐reviewed, English‐language articles published before March 2019. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated using fixed and random‐effects models. Fifty articles reporting on 29 unique studies capturing
HRQOL
outcomes for 2793 people with a Fontan circulation and 1437 parent‐proxies were analyzed.
HRQOL
was lower in individuals with a Fontan circulation compared with healthy referents or normative samples (SMD, −0.92; 95%
CI
, −1.36 to −0.48;
P
<0.001). Lower scores were reported across all
HRQOL
domains, with the largest differences found for physical (SMD, −0.90; 95%
CI
, −1.13 to −0.67;
P
<0.001) and school/work functioning (SMD, −0.71; 95%
CI
, −0.90 to −0.52;
P
<0.001). Meta‐regression analyses found no significant predictors of self‐reported physical functioning, but older age at Fontan operation was associated with poorer emotional functioning (β=−0.124;
P
=0.004), and diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart was associated with poorer social functioning (β=−0.007;
P
=0.048). Sensitivity analyses showed use of the PedsQL Core Module was associated with lower
HRQOL
scores compared with the Short‐Form Health Survey‐36.

Conclusions

HRQOL
outcomes for people with a Fontan circulation are lower than the general population. Optimal care acknowledges the lifelong impact of the Fontan circulation on
HRQOL
and offers targeted strategies to improve outcomes for this growing population.
Representing Theoretical Physics Research in and on Ceramics
Authors: Drukker Nadav
Published: March 2020

A theoretical physicist and potter, the author presents his practice that fuses these two sides of himself. His art aims to circumvent the regular pitfalls of scientific public engagement, replacing a didactic approach with sensory stimuli from tactile objects, eliciting curiosity for science. The author presents the origins of his practice and focuses on several series of ceramic pots. He explains the design of their form and decoration, exemplifying the interconnections between physics, mathematics and some of his artistic influences. The paper concludes with a discussion of his experience presenting the work and its reception.
Making Sense of Variations in the Visual Depiction of DNA
Authors: Toumey Chris
Published: March 2020

Depictions of DNA span a variety of aesthetic choices for presenting the details of DNA. One important consideration is the didactic intent of the illustrator: What do they want the audience to know? Another issue to consider is change over time: Knowledge about DNA has become increasingly sophisticated over six decades, and this contributes to the variety of visual depictions. One way to make sense of these aesthetic decisions is to trace them historically through four phases.
A Generative Sound Mural, The Whole Inside: Sounding the Body
Authors: Louvel Olivia
Published: March 2020

The author discusses her approach in conceiving The Whole Inside, a generative sound mural combining artificial and human voices. Using nine Visaton speakers, Pure Data and data projection, the author confronts femininity and violent misogyny, by which the body is being depersonalized, leading to subsequent dissociation as a defense mechanism to cope with traumatic events. The work is based on a graphically violent text sourced from the incels.me (“involuntary celibates”) forum.
Gastrodia gunatillekeorum (Gastrodieae, Epidendroideae, Orchidaceae), a new species from a lowland rainforest of Sri Lanka

Authors: BANDARA CHAMPIKA , PRIYANKARA THEJA , ATTHANAGODA ANUSHA G. , LAKKANA TITHIRA , EDIRIWEERA SISIRA , KUMAR PANKAJ
Published: March 2020

Gastrodia gunatillekeorum, a new species in the family Orchidaceae, is described and illustrated from a tropical lowland rainforests of Sri Lanka. It is morphologically close to G. spatulata which is endemic to Indonesia owing to the white flower front with yellowish-orange colour on the inner wall of perianth tube and free part of perianth tube reflexed backwards. However, these two species can be very well differentiated on the basis of spathulate to linear petals which are shorter than sepals, fused only at the base and present inside the perianth tube; labellum elongate-elliptic and column broadest in the middle part in G. spatulata, whereas petals as long as sepals with apical 1/3rd part free (rest fused with sepals) and reflexed backwards, labellum rhomboid in shape, column broadest towards the apex in G. gunatillekeorum. Taxonomic account, line drawing, color photographs and conservation assessment are provided for the new species.
A new Stephanospora (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) from the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico

Authors: DE LA FUENTE JAVIER ISAAC , PINZÓN JUAN P. , GUZMÁN-DÁVALOS LAURA , UITZIL-COLLI MICHAEL OSWALDO , BAHRAM MOHAMMAD , LEBEL TERESA
Published: March 2020

Stephanospora xibalba is described from the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico, based on morphological and molecular data. This species is characterized by the small red-orange basidiomata, broadly ellipsoid to ellipsoid basidiospores (6.8–11.6 × 6.3–9.5 µm) with a small (3.2–4.5 × 1–1.5 µm) partial corona, and the association with Gymnopodium floribundum.
A new species of understory palm of the genus Chamaedorea (Arecaceae: Arecoideae) from Costa Rica

Authors: CASCANTE-MARÍN ALFREDO , MULLER FRED
Published: March 2020

Chamaedorea vanninii Cascante & Muller (Arecaceae, Chamaedoreeae) from the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica, Southern Central America, is described and illustrated. This new species is characterized by its orange ripe fruits with a conspicuous echinulate-medusoid epicarp. It is related to C. robertii which possesses black and smooth fruits. In addition, the androecium of staminate flowers of C. vanninii is composed of a single whorl of three stamens. This new species belongs to subgenus Chamaedoropsis and is provisionally considered as an endemic species and Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List criteria) because of its restricted geographic range and small population.
Bulbophyllum trongsaense (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Dendrobieae), a new species from Bhutan

Authors: GYELTSHEN PHUB , GURUNG DHAN BAHADUR , KUMAR PANKAJ
Published: March 2020

Bulbophyllum trongsaense is described as a new species from Trongsa district of Bhutan. Detailed morphological description, distribution, phenology, ecology and colour photographs are provided along with comparison with B. amplifolium to which it shows closest affinity.
Wrong side of the leaf: assigning some Lithocolletinae species (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) to their proper genera
Authors: EISEMAN CHARLES S. , DAVIS DONALD R.
Published: March 2020

Cameraria Chapman and Phyllonorycter Hübner (Gracillariidae: Lithocolletinae) are two speciose genera of leaf-mining moths that were once treated as belonging to a single genus, Lithocolletis Hübner. Typically, species of Cameraria form flat mines on the upper leaf surface, whereas most Phyllonorycter species form underside tentiform mines. We reviewed North American literature records and found 15 exceptions to this generalization, with two Cameraria species reported to form underside mines and 13 Phyllonorycter species reported to form upper-surface mines. For each of these species we summarize the published data on larval biology, hostplants, and distribution, which we supplement with internet records and our own observations. Both purported Cameraria species making underside mines were misplaced in this genus by Davis (1983); we affirm the combinations Phyllonorycter affinis (Frey & Boll) and P. leucothorax (Walsingham), each of which has been published once before but not formally proposed as a new combination, and thus has been ignored by subsequent authors. We have further determined P. affinis to be a junior synonym of P. mariaeella (Chambers). Three of the purported Phyllonorycter species making upper-surface mines were similarly misplaced. One of these, Anarsioses aberrans (Braun), has recently been transferred to a new genus, and we propose the new combinations Cameraria arizonella (Braun) and C. cretaceella (Braun) for the other two. Genitalia and forewing patterns are illustrated for all species whose generic placement is corrected in this paper.
On the Uncertainty of High-Resolution Hourly Quantitative Precipitation Estimates in California
Authors: Bytheway Janice L. , Abel Mimi R. , Mahoney Kelly , Cifelli Rob
Published: March 2020

The Bay Area of California and surrounding region receives much of its annual precipitation during the October–March wet season, when atmospheric river events bring periods of heavy rain that challenge water managers and may exceed the capacity of storm sewer systems. The complex terrain of this region further complicates the situation, with terrain interactions that are not currently captured in most operational forecast models and inadequate precipitation measurements to capture the large variability throughout the area. To improve monitoring and prediction of these events at spatial and temporal resolutions of interest to area water managers, the Bay Area Advanced Quantitative Precipitation Information project was developed. To quantify improvements in forecast precipitation, model validation studies require a reference dataset to compare against. In this paper we examine 10 gridded, high-resolution (≤10 km, hourly) precipitation estimates to assess the uncertainty of high-resolution quantitative precipitation estimates (QPE) in areas of complex terrain. The products were linearly interpolated to 3-km grid spacing, which is the resolution of the operational forecast model to be validated. Substantial differences exist between the various products at accumulation periods ranging from hourly to annual, with standard deviations among the products exceeding 100% of the mean. While the products seem to agree fairly well on the timing of precipitation, intensity estimates differ, sometimes by an order of magnitude. The results highlight both the need for additional observations and the need to account for uncertainty in the reference dataset when validating forecasts in this area.
New religious movements and quasi-religion: Cognitive science of religion at the margins
Authors: Lockhart Alastair
Published: March 2020

The article offers a critical analysis of the cognitive science of religion (CSR) as applied to new and quasi-religious movements, and uncovers implicit conceptual and theoretical commitments of the approach. A discussion of CSR’s application to new religious movement (NRM) case studies (charismatic leadership, paradise representations, Aḥmadiyya, and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness) identifies concerns about the theorized relationship between CSR and wider socio-cultural factors, and proposals for CSR’s implication in wider processes are discussed. The main discussion analyses three themes in recent work relating CSR to religious and religion-like activities that extend and reframe the model. These include (1) identification of distinctive and accessible cognitive pathways associated with new forms of religious belief and practice (in particular in ‘New Age’ movements), (2) application of CSR to movements and practices outside traditional definitions of religion (near death experiences, conspiracy theories, virtual reality), and (3) engaging CSR in wider cultural processes and negotiations (religion in healthcare settings, and the definition of the study of esoteric religious traditions within academic domains). The conclusion identifies two particular findings: (1) that application of CSR in these areas renders underlying cognitive processes more available to scrutiny and (2) that CSR is employed to identify and enlarge the category of religion. The conclusion suggests that the study of CSR in its application to NRMs and quasi-religion identifies a wide field of common and overlapping themes and interests in which CSR is a more active operand than is commonly assumed.
Septal Nasal Extramedullary Plasmacytoma: A Rare Tumor in an Unusual Area
Authors: Di Stadio Arianna , Ralli Massimo , Messineo Daniela , Ciancia Giuseppe , Cascone Annamaria , Salzano Giovanni , De Vincentiis Marco , Salzano Francesco Antonio
Published: March 2020

We present an extreme rare case of extramedullary nasal plasmacitoma that arise from nasal septum. The mass surgically removed was analyzed by a pathologist who diagnosed an extramedullary nasal plasmacytoma. The patient did not present systemic involvement. A short cycle of radiotherapy was performed after the surgery. At 9-month follow-up, the patient is recurrence free.
Machine Learning Diagnostic Modeling for Classifying Fibromyalgia Using B-mode Ultrasound Images
Authors: Behr Michael , Saiel Saba , Evans Valerie , Kumbhare Dinesh
Published: March 2020

Fibromyalgia (FM) diagnosis remains a challenge for clinicians due to a lack of objective diagnostic tools. One proposed solution is the use of quantitative ultrasound (US) techniques, such as image texture analysis, which has demonstrated discriminatory capabilities with other chronic pain conditions. From this, we propose the use of image texture variables to construct and compare two machine learning models (support vector machine [SVM] and logistic regression) for differentiating between the trapezius muscle in healthy and FM patients. US videos of the right and left trapezius muscle were acquired from healthy ( n = 51) participants and those with FM ( n = 57). The videos were converted into 64,800 skeletal muscle regions of interest (ROIs) using MATLAB. The ROIs were filtered by an algorithm using the complex wavelet structural similarity index (CW-SSIM), which removed ROIs that were similar. Thirty-one texture variables were extracted from the ROIs, which were then used in nested cross-validation to construct SVM and elastic net regularized logistic regression models. The generalized performance accuracy of both models was estimated and confirmed with a final validation on a holdout test set. The predicted generalized performance accuracy of the SVM and logistic regression models was computed to be 83.9 ± 2.6% and 65.8 ± 1.7%, respectively. The models achieved accuracies of 84.1%, and 66.0% on the final holdout test set, validating performance estimates. Although both machine learning models differentiate between healthy trapezius muscle and that of patients with FM, only the SVM model demonstrated clinically relevant performance levels.
Religious pluralism: Essential or challenge to liberal democracy?
Authors: Siddiqui Mona
Published: March 2020

While religious pluralism is often regarded as a defining aspect of western liberal democracies, the mix of different religious and cultural identities has raised specific challenges for liberal democracies in Europe. Many religious communities, especially Muslim groups, face criticisms of seeking religious exceptionalism within legal structures which are largely secular. This article reflects on the tension between the state’s commitment to upholding cultural diversity as a democratic good and the limits of social and legal pluralism.
A relational turbulence theory perspective on women’s grief following miscarriage
Authors: Tian Xi , Solomon Denise Haunani
Published: March 2020

This study used relational turbulence theory to examine (a) how the relational impact of miscarriage corresponded with bereaved mothers’ grief responses and (b) the association between a partner’s supportive conversational behaviors and relationship qualities. The sample included 193 women who had experienced a miscarriage within the previous year. As predicted, relational uncertainty was positively associated with women’s negative appraisals of miscarriage; facilitation from a partner was positively associated with women’s negative emotions; bereaved mothers’ negative appraisals and negative emotional responses covaried; and a partner’s supportive conversational behaviors were positively associated with facilitation from a partner. Contrary to our predictions, interference from a partner was not associated with more intense negative emotions, and a partner’s supportive conversational behaviors were positively associated with relational uncertainty and interference from a partner. The discussion highlights the relational impact of miscarriage on bereaved mothers’ experiences of grief.
Silencing, power and racial trauma in groups
Authors: Kinouani Guilaine
Published: March 2020

As a black woman I have found myself in various settings where as the only person of colour, speaking of my experience of the world has led to hostility, occasionally to violence, and, more frequently to disorientating silencing attempts. As a therapist working specifically with people of colour, clients have approached me, ashamed, often terrified, describing these familiar walls of impenetrable defensiveness bolstered by gagging manoeuvers their voices meet, when attempting to articulate racism within all social structures. This collective experience of silencing, as illustrated by Eddo-Lodge’s words, is of critical significance for group processes and social dynamics and thus group work practice. This article aims to illuminate the functions of racism related silencing in groups and to offer some formulations of the same in the hope of supporting the profession to make space for those whose voices and perspectives it is still by and large to integrate. This article will present my reflections on silence, silencing and power in groups, primarily from a black perspective. It will mainly engage with formulations and theoretical explorations of racialized dynamics personally experienced, witnessed or reported to me. It will argue that silencing is a mechanism that protects the white psychic equilibrium and the racially stratified social order. It will be further posited that acts of racial silencing as remnants of intergenerational trauma, reproduce and are borne out of power relations and, that they may be enacted within group analytic therapy.
Lukács’ antinomic ‘standpoint of the proletariat’: From philosophical to socio-historical determination
Authors: Jaffe Aaron
Published: March 2020

In History and Class Consciousness’ central essay ‘Reification and the Consciousness of the Proletariat’, Lukács resolved the antinomies of bourgeois philosophy in the revolutionary ‘standpoint of the proletariat’. Lukács’ strategy in deriving this proletarian standpoint, however, transposed the logical necessity appropriate to philosophical determinations into possibilities for revolutionary praxis imbedded in socio-historical contexts. Further, since the standpoint is determined as the necessary solution to bourgeois antinomies, it must be conceived singularly, rather than through its manifest diversity. As the key to mediating the social totality beyond antinomies, the ‘standpoint of the proletariat’ is therefore merely reflectively posited and one-sidedly determined. While many have developed logical, social-analytic, and political problems associated with determining the proletariat by way of its imputed or party-determined rather than empirical consciousness, few point to the very concept ‘standpoint of the proletariat’ as the source for these problems due to the fact that it is an abstractly derived solution to a philosophically posed problem. Socio-historical determination working with the modality of possibility can resolve Lukács’ antinomic determination of the standpoint of the proletariat.
Postmortem CT in Trauma: An Overview
Authors: Chandy Poornima Elizabeth , Murray Nicolas , Khasanova Elina , Nasir Muhammad Umer , Nicolaou Savvas , Macri Francesco
Published: March 2020

As forensic radiology sees an exponential gain in popularity, postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is increasingly being used in the appropriate setting, either as preautopsy guidance or as part of complementary virtual autopsy protocol. Many articles have expounded the value it adds to forensic pathology in the general setting and the appropriate technical parameters to be used for optimum benefit. We aim to put forth a concise review on the role of PMCT specifically in trauma and the pitfalls to be aware of. Reviews have shown that presumed cause of death in trauma have been proven by autopsy to be wrong in about 30% cases. Radiology applied to postmortem investigation in unnatural deaths and more specifically in trauma shares many semiotic features with emergency radiology. Therefore, in the near future, emergency radiologists might be required to integrate this type of imaging in their regular practice. Although the predominant drawbacks are time-dependent, PMCT also has some difficulty in differentiating antemortem and postmortem events. However, in many such scenarios, PMCT and autopsy play a complementary role in arriving at conclusions, and we believe understanding the benefits and role in trauma is imperative considering the expanding usage of PMCT.
A Unique Power to Punish: An Examination of the Operation, Scrutiny, and Attendant Risks of Licensee Barring Provisions in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Farmer Clare
Published: March 2020

Across Australia, patron banning measures address alcohol-related behavioral issues in entertainment districts. This article compares the legislative framing of Victoria’s licensee barring order policy with the experiences of recipients. The rationale and operational expectations for licensee barring are examined in relation to key themes which emerged during parliamentary debates of the legislation, and contrasted with the reported experiences of recipients. The findings point to a disconnect between the expected and actual operation of licensee barring, an absence of oversight, and a tangible risk of misuse. Barring orders extend to ordinary citizens a unique police-enforceable power to punish, yet licensees currently act without scrutiny or accountability. A review of barring policy is recommended to ensure a robust process for effective monitoring, meaningful consequences for the misuse of barring powers, and deeper consideration of the attendant risks to due process and procedural justice of the civilianisation of punishment.
Regulating phase-change temperatures of form-stable phase-change ternary composite fibrous membranes consisting of polystyrene nanofibers and fatty acid eutectics via co-electrospinning method
Authors: Ke Huizhen , Wei Qufu
Published: March 2020

The fatty acid ternary eutectics such as capric-lauric-myristic acid, capric-lauric-palmitic acid, capric-lauric-stearic acid, capric-myristic-palmitic acid, capric-myristic-stearic acid, and capric-palmitic-stearic acid and quaternary eutectics such as capric-lauric-myristic-palmitic acid, capric-lauric-myristic-stearic acid, capric-lauric-palmitic-stearic acid, capric-myristic-palmitic-stearic acid, and lauric-myristic-palmitic-stearic acid were selected as solid-liquid phase-change materials (PCMs). And then the innovative ternary eutectic/polystyrene (PS)/ternary eutectic and ternary eutectic/PS/quaternary eutectic form-stable phase-change composite fibrous membranes (PCCFMs) were directly prepared by the co-electrospinning method under the same spinning parameters. The as-prepared form-stable PCCFMs exhibited three-dimensional fibrous network structure with the average fiber diameter of about 410–780 nm according to the scanning electron microscopy images. The adhesion among nanofiber intersections was observed occasionally. The differential scanning calorimetry results showed that fatty acid eutectics have been successfully combined into the form-stable PCCFMs, and their melting peak temperatures mostly ranged from 15°C to 21°C with a temperature interval of 1°C. Moreover, the phase-change enthalpies reached about 40–61 kJ kg−1. It is concluded that these electrospun form-stable PCCFMs with appropriate phase-change temperatures could be considered as potential PCMs to be applied in thermo-regulating fibers and textiles.
The transforming family: Heterologous fertilization and the new expressions of family relationships in Italian jurisprudence and European Court of Human Rights rulings
Authors: Montanari Vergallo Gianluca
Published: March 2020

The rise of Medically Assisted Procreation has led to the issue of how to determine who is entitled to parental status and custody rights. In this article, the author comments upon the rationale and legal principles that Italian Courts have applied in order to solve those problems, given the absence of a targeted piece of legislation. The principle of the child’s best interests, the ‘public order’ clause and various rulings from the European Court of Human Rights constitute the foundations on which legal trends have developed, allowing same-sex couples to become parents through ‘stepchild adoption’ or the legal registration of children born through heterologous fertilization practices abroad. Italy has therefore repositioned itself a step closer to the middle ground with respect to the overall European scenario: Italy’s law now acknowledges motherhood for intended mothers, although it continues to stop short of recognizing same-sex marriage.
Impact of cognitive reserve on clinical and neuropsychological measures in patients with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Haussmann Robert , von Lieres und Wilkau Amrei F E , Sauer Cathrin , Nilles Fabienne , Donix Markus
Published: March 2020

Objective:

Cognitive reserve influences age of onset, speed of progression, and clinical manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease. We investigated whether cognitive reserve interacts with clinical and neuropsychological parameters in mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 273 people (70.6 ± 10.1 years, 54.6% women) suffering from subjective memory complaints ( n = 65), MCI ( n = 121), or dementia ( n = 87). Patients underwent neuropsychological evaluation, laboratory testing, and brain imaging. Additionally, we obtained information on years of education and help-seeking motivation.

Results:

MCI patients with a university degree were significantly older than those without (71.6 ± 9.6 vs. 66.9 ± 10.3, p = 0.02). University-educated MCI patients demonstrated superior performance in verbal fluency. Intrinsic help-seeking motivation (self-referral) was associated with higher cognitive reserve. Female MCI patients presented with greater intrinsic motivation.

Conclusion:

Cognitive reserve modulates clinical and neuropsychological measures in patients with MCI.
Using Crime Script Analysis to Understand the Illegal Harvesting of Live Corals: Case Studies From Indonesia and Fiji
Authors: Sosnowski Monique C. , Weis Judith S. , Petrossian Gohar A.
Published: March 2020

Imported to adorn tanks of marine aquarium hobbyists, the trade in live corals poses a significant risk to species that concurrently face threats from rising global temperatures, pollution, and destructive fishing practices. To better understand the live coral trade, we employed a crime script framework to analyze the process by which corals are harvested in two of the world’s major exporting countries—Indonesia and Fiji. We demonstrate that coral harvesting and export are complex activities that require a specific set of skills and tools. As such, various intervention strategies are proposed to address illegal coral harvesting at different stages of the crime script.
The Psychosocial Patient-Reported Outcomes of End of Pathway Cleft Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Acum Michelle , Mastroyannopoulou Kiki , O’Curry Sara , Young Judith
Published: March 2020

Objective:

To identify and review the literature on the psychosocial patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of surgery at the end of the cleft treatment pathway.

Design:

A systematic literature search was performed using electronic databases (Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and Science Direct) from database inception to September 2017, to identify studies measuring and reporting the psychosocial PROs of end of pathway cleft surgery.

Results:

Of 263 identified papers, 22 studies were eligible for inclusion. Apart from one randomized controlled study, studies were largely observational and adopted a cross-sectional or retrospective design. The majority (n = 16) were small-scale studies. The methodological quality was variable in terms of what, how, and when psychosocial outcomes were measured and reported. None of the studies utilized a psychosocial PRO measure validated in the cleft population, and few studies measured outcomes prospectively. A high proportion of studies utilized bespoke measures of patient satisfaction. Taken together, findings from the included studies are tentative but seem to suggest patients derive some benefit from undergoing end of pathway cleft surgery, in terms of increased satisfaction, quality of life, social interactions, and decreased appearance-related distress.

Conclusions:

Due to methodological challenges and the heterogeneity of what, how, and when outcomes are measured and currently reported, it is difficult to determine the psychosocial PROs of end of pathway cleft surgeries. Consequently, this review advocates the conduct of well-designed, longitudinal studies using cleft-sensitive tool/s to capture the psychosocial PROs of end of pathway cleft surgery at various time points.
Construct Validity of DSM-5 Level 2 Assessments (PROMIS Depression, Anxiety, and Anger): Evidence From the MMPI-2-RF
Authors: Tarescavage Anthony M. , Forner Emma H. , Ben-Porath Yossef
Published: March 2020

The Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) is a NIH-funded measure that has item banks assessing a variety of physical, social, and mental health domains. Short forms from the emotional distress item bank (which includes measures of Depression, Anxiety, and Anger) were included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders–Fifth edition as emerging measures to be administered at intake to aid diagnosis and throughout treatment to track progress. The purpose of the current study was to further investigate the PROMIS distress item bank’s construct validity using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2–Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF). The sample included 344 college students (119 males, 225 females) who were administered the MMPI-2-RF and the PROMIS Anxiety, Anger, and Depression short forms. Zero-order correlations between the PROMIS scales and the Restructured Clinical Scales and Internalizing Specific Problems Scales were examined. Overall, these results suggest that scores from the PROMIS Anxiety, Anger, and Depression scales evidence convergent validity but have problematic construct validity (particularly for Depression). Future revision of the scales should be considered and sufficient external validation evidence should be available for review before psychological assessments are recommended and distributed for widespread clinical use.
Trumpery: A Farrago of Fragments
Authors: Badley Graham Francis
Published: March 2020

In this essay of fragments, I provide a moderate and occasionally mocking qualitative rant about some of the main links between trumpism and trumpery. I do so because I believe that the global community needs to become more aware of the political and social dangers embodied in the power wielded by, especially, the 45th president of the United States.