bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemoprevention of Colorectal Cancer by Anthocyanidins and Mitigation of Metabolic Shifts Induced by Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiome
Authors: Mudd Ashley M. , Gu Tao , Munagala Radha , Jeyabalan Jeyaprakash , Egilmez Nejat K. , Gupta Ramesh C.
Published: December 2019

Diets rich in fat, smoking, as well as exposure to environmental pollutants and dysbiosis of gut microbiota, increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Much progress has been made in combating colorectal cancer. However, options for chemoprevention from environmental insult and dysbiosis of gut microbiota remain elusive. We investigated the influence of berry-derived anthocyanidins (Anthos), with and without encapsulating them in bovine milk–derived exosomes (ExoAnthos), on the chemoprevention of bacteria-driven colon tumor development. Anthos and ExoAnthos treatment of colon cancer cells showed dose-dependent decreases in cell viability. Calculated selectivity index (SI) values for Anthos and ExoAnthos suggest that both treatments selectively targeted cancer over normal colon cells. In addition, ExoAnthos treatment yielded higher SI values than Anthos. Anthos and ExoAnthos treatment of ApcMin/+ mice inoculated with enterotoxigenic Bacteriodes fragilis (ETBF) bacteria led to significant decreases in colon tumor numbers over mice receiving vehicle treatments. Western blot analysis of normal colon, colon tumor, and liver tissue lysates showed that mice inoculated with ETBF featured increased expression of phase I enzymes in normal colon tissue and decreased expression of phase II enzymes in liver tissue. Treatment with the Anthos and ExoAnthos reverted the modulation of phase I and phase II enzymes, respectively; no significant changes in phase II enzyme expression occurred in colon tumor tissue. Treatment of HCT-116 cells with the ubiquitous carcinogen, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) led to similar modulation of phase I and II enzymes, which was partially mitigated by treatment with Anthos. These results provide a promising outlook on the impact of berry Anthos for prevention and treatment of bacteria- and B[a]P-driven colorectal cancer.
Mutant BRAF and MEK Inhibitors Regulate the Tumor Immune Microenvironment via Pyroptosis
Authors: Erkes Dan A. , Cai Weijia , Sanchez Ileine M. , Purwin Timothy J. , Rogers Corey , Field Conroy O. , Berger Adam C. , Hartsough Edward J. , Rodeck Ulrich , Alnemri Emad S. , Aplin Andrew E.
Published: December 2019

Combinations of BRAF inhibitors and MEK inhibitors (BRAFi + MEKi) are FDA-approved to treat BRAFV600E/K-mutant melanoma. Efficacy of BRAFi + MEKi associates with cancer cell death and alterations in the tumor immune microenvironment; however, the links are poorly understood. We show that BRAFi + MEKi caused durable melanoma regression in an immune-mediated manner. BRAFi + MEKi treatment promoted cleavage of gasdermin E (GSDME) and release of HMGB1, markers of pyroptotic cell death. GSDME-deficient melanoma showed defective HMGB1 release, reduced tumor-associated T cell and activated dendritic cell infiltrates in response to BRAFi + MEKi, and more frequent tumor regrowth after drug removal. Importantly, BRAFi + MEKi–resistant disease lacked pyroptosis markers and showed decreased intratumoral T-cell infiltration but was sensitive to pyroptosis-inducing chemotherapy. These data implicate BRAFi + MEKi–induced pyroptosis in antitumor immune responses and highlight new therapeutic strategies for resistant melanoma.

Significance:

Targeted inhibitors and immune checkpoint agents have advanced the care of patients with melanoma; however, detailed knowledge of the intersection between these two research areas is lacking. We describe a molecular mechanism of targeted inhibitor regulation of an immune-stimulatory form of cell death and provide a proof-of-principle salvage therapy concept for inhibitor-resistant melanoma.

See related commentary by Smalley, p. 176.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 161
Comparative Study of the Safety and Efficacy of First-Line Cisplatin and Carboplatin Chemotherapy in Elderly Patients with Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Huang Shih-Yu , Wu Chia-Che , Hsieh Meng-Che , Rau Kun-Ming , Chiang Po-Hui , Sung Ming-Tse , Luo Hao-Lun , Huang Chun-Chieh , Huang Cheng-Hua , Liu Jui-Ming , Su Harvey Yu-Li
Published: December 2019

Objectives: Platinum-based chemotherapy is the standard treatment for metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC). However, considering elderly patients often experience comorbidities and frailty, the utility of cisplatin-based chemotherapy for elderly patients is still debatable. We conducted this study to compare the safety and efficacy of carboplatin and cisplatin in elderly patients with mUC. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled elderly patients with mUC (defined as aged ≥70 years) who underwent first-line platinum-based chemotherapy between September 2001 and October 2018. The primary endpoints were chemotherapy-related adverse events (AEs), including treatment-related hospitalization or death. The secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: In total, 108 elderly patients with mUC were enrolled and allocated into the cisplatin or carboplatin group. Patients treated with carboplatin-based chemotherapy had a significantly higher incidence of all grade ≥3 AEs (78.8 vs. 50.0%, p = 0.008) than those on cisplatin. AE-related hospitalization (47.5 vs. 19.1%, p = 0.002) and treatment-related death (17.5 vs. 4.4%, p = 0.02) were significantly increased in the carboplatin group. In the univariate analysis, the median OS in the cisplatin group was significantly increased compared with the carboplatin group (13.6 vs. 7.2 months, p = 0.045). The Cox multivariate regression model indicated that leukocytosis (HR 3.17, 95% CI 1.84–5.46, p < 0.001) and anemia (HR 2.02, 95% CI 1.11–3.65, p = 0.02) were independent prognostic factors. Conclusion: Elderly patients with mUC treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy had better survival and safety profiles than those treated with carboplatin. Age itself was not a crucial factor in determining cisplatin eligibility.
Can Repeat Biopsies Change the Prognoses of AUS/FLUS Nodule?
Authors: Evranos Ogmen Berna , Aydin Cevdet , Kilinc Ibrahim , Aksoy Altinboga Aysegul , Ersoy Reyhan , Cakir Bekir
Published: December 2019

Objective: Experience with atypia of undetermined signiﬁcance/follicular lesions of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) showed that this category exhibited a marked variability in incidence and malignant outcome in resection specimens. We aimed to determine the utility of repeated fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) and ultrasonography to determine the malignancy rate in AUS/FLUS nodules. Methods: 23,587 nodules were biopsied, and 1,288 had at least one AUS/FLUS cytology. Ultrasonographic features including solid hypoechoic status, irregular margins, microcalcifications, nodule taller than wider, or an extrathyroidal extension were also recorded. Nodules for which only 1 FNAB revealed AUS/FLUS cytology were termed Group 1; nodules that underwent 2, 3, and 4 FNABs were termed Groups 2, 3 and 4, respectively. We compared these groups according to malignancy rates. Results: 576 of nodules underwent only 1 FNAB (Group 1); 505, 174, and 33 underwent 2 (Group 2), 3 (Group 3), and 4 FNABs (Group 4), respectively. Fifty-six (30.6%), 45 (27.3%), 18 (30%), and 5 (33.3%) of Groups 1–4 were malignant, respectively. The risk of malignancy was similar in each group (p > 0.05). Suspicious ultrasonographic features were encountered in malignant nodules more than benign nodules (p < 0.05, for each). Conclusion: Repeat biopsy of AUS/FLUS nodules did not enhance the identification of malignancy. Ultrasonographic features may be a better guide for the decision of either surveillance or diagnostic surgery.
The Postoperative Occurrence or Worsening of Diabetes Mellitus May Increase the Risk of Recurrence in Resected Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: de Mestier Louis , Védie Anne-Laure , Faron Matthieu , Cros Jérôme , Rebours Vinciane , Hentic Olivia , Do Cao Christine , Bardet Pascal , Lévy Philippe , Sauvanet Alain , Ruszniewski Philippe , Hammel Pascal
Published: December 2019

Introduction: The goal of this retrospective study was to investigate the potential link between diabetes mellitus (DM) and the recurrence of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNET) following curative intent surgery. Methods: We included patients who underwent surgical resection of nonmetastatic well-differentiated PanNET. Exacerbation of DM was defined as the postoperative occurrence of DM or worsening of preexisting DM. We explored the variables associated with PanNET recurrence-free survival (RFS). RFS was compared in a subset of patients with and without DM operated on by anatomical resection, after matching for the main prognostic factors. The impact of antidiabetic therapy on RFS was assessed. Results: A total of 268 patients (median age 54.7, 40% men) were included. Most PanNET were sporadic (85%), G1 (61%), pT1/pT2 (79%), and pN0 (76%). Postoperative DM exacerbation occurred in 38 patients (14%), including 27 with new-onset DM. On multivariable analysis, DM exacerbation was independently associated with an increased risk of PanNET recurrence (HR 2.35, 95% CI [1.24–4.47], p = 0.009) after adjustment for age, multiplicity of tumors, grade, pT, and pN stages. Similar results were found when 27 patients with and 48 patients without DM exacerbation, matched for grade, pT stage and pN stage, were compared (HR 3.03, 95% CI [1.05–8.77], p = 0.032). The postoperative use of metformin tended to decrease the risk of recurrence (HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.24–1.47, p = 0.26). Conclusion: Patients with postoperative DM exacerbation may have an increased risk of PanNET recurrence. Closer follow-up might be beneficial in these patients. The protective role of metformin should be further explored.
Social living labs for informed learning
Authors: Hughes Hilary , Foth Marcus , Mallan Kerry
Published: December 2019

This paper proposes social living labs for informed learning as an innovative approach to interprofessional and community education. It presents a new conceptual model and practice framework suited to rapidly changing, information-intensive work and social environments. The proposed approach is theoretically informed and evidence based. It integrates concepts from three complementary fields: Informed learning as information literacy pedagogy that enables using information critically and creatively to learn (information science); interprofessional education as a professional learning model with a cross-disciplinary and community reach (health sciences/medicine); and social living labs as informal learning context and problem-solving process (community development). After reviewing relevant literature, the paper introduces the concepts and research that underpin social living labs for informed learning. Then it presents a new conceptual model and a practice framework to guide their design and implementation. To illustrate the practical application of this approach, a hypothetical scenario envisages health practitioners, librarians and community members collaborating in a social living lab to address health and social challenges related to child obesity. The paper concludes by discussing anticipated benefits and limitations of the approach and possible wider application. As a contribution to theory, the paper uncovers a previously unrecognised synergy between the principles of informed learning, social living labs and interprofessional education. Supporting information literacy research and practice, the paper identifies a significant role for informed learning in community and professional education, and a novel strategy for health information literacy development. The paper is of interest to educators, researchers, and practitioners across information literacy, community development, healthcare, and other professional fields.
Developing online instruction according to best practices
Authors: Lierman Ashley , Santiago Ariana
Published: December 2019

To meet the growing online and face-to-face library instruction needs of a large research university, a team of librarians set out to develop asynchronous online instruction of sufficient quality to supplement and replace classroom teaching. This report describes the best practices that were identified from a review of the literature, the instructional design process that was used to implement these practices in a pedagogically effective way, the results of pilot testing of the instruction, and implications for future practice. The result is a template for development that can be used by other librarians seeking to develop robust, effective, and accessible online learning objects, whether to reach out to online learners or improve the scalability of information literacy instruction.
Older Australians’ information literacy experiences using mobile devices
Authors: Linares Soler Gema
Published: December 2019

This article presents the findings of a constructivist grounded theory study that explored older Australians’ information literacy (IL) experience using mobile devices in their daily lives. Australians aged 65 years of age or older who use mobile devices took part in an in-depth semi-structured interview. Analysis of data from twelve interviews gave as result a substantive theory consisting of six interconnected categories: ageing; learning to use and manage mobile devices; being entertained; enacting everyday life; learning; and managing relationships. Examination of these categories revealed the different ways in which older adults experience IL using mobile devices through their engagement with information in their daily life. Furthermore, these categories supported that the degree of older adults’ IL exerts a significant impact on the level, and way of use and adoption of mobile devices. This study provides new knowledge and understanding about how older adults experience IL and how their IL experiences are socially and culturally influenced by their interactions within that community.
A new species of the subgenus Duolandrevus (Eulandrevus) Kirby, 1906
from Guangxi, China (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Landrevinae)
Authors: CHEN LIN , SHEN CHU-ZE , TIAN DI , WU XUE , LI KAI , HE ZHU-QING
Published: December 2019

Seven species of the subgenus Duolandrevus (Eulandrevus) Kirby, 1906 have been recorded from China prior to this study. Their morphology is similar, and genitalia can be used for distinguishing different species in earlier research. We describe one new species, D. (E.) obsidianus He sp. nov. from Guangxi. The new species is similar to related species in gross morphology, but showed differences in genitalia with epiphallic lateral lobes bifurcated apically in right angle. The songs and COI genes are first compared in this study, and the results support the validity of the new species. The type specimens are deposited in Museum of Biology, East China Normal University (ECNU).
Naphthalene and Alkyl Naphthalene from Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis of Biomass Over ZSM-5 Aggregates
Authors: Meng Fanjun , Shang Qiaoyan , Hua Dongliang , Chen Lei , Sun Laizhi , Yang Shuangxia , Xie Xinping , Zhao Baofeng , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: December 2019

Seed-induced synthesis of ZSM-5 aggregates was carried out without organic templates. The prepared ZSM-5 aggregates were used upgrading polar sawdust-derived pyrolytic vapors for the selective production of naphthalene and alkyl naphthalene. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
(Py-GC/MS) experiments were conducted to analyze the pyrolytic product distribution and evaluate the catalyst performance. Due to the mesopores and proper acidities of ZSM-5 aggregates, the yield of naphthalene and methylnaphthalene over ZSM-5 aggregates were 36.0 and 123.7 mg/g, which were
2.7 and 2.6 times of those respectively over the commercial ZSM-5. The total selectivities of naphthalene and alkyl naphthalene could reach 61.56%.
Capacity Analysis of Photo-Fermentation Bio-Hydrogen Production from Different Food Wastes
Authors: Zhang Zhiping , Li Yameng , Wang Chenyang , Hu Bing , Hu Jianjun , He Chao , Jin Yanyan , Zhu Shengnan , Zhang Quanguo
Published: December 2019

Food waste is rich in starch or cellulose, which can be utilized as carbon source for fermentation. Hence, in this paper, different food wastes (vegetable, rice, corn, potato) were taken as substrate to evaluate their hydrogen yield potential. The characteristics of fermentation broth,
cumulative hydrogen yield, and hydrogen production rate were investigated in the photo-fermentation bio-hydrogen production process. Modified Gompertz Model was utilized to deal with experiment data. Results showed that food waste can be effectively utilized by photosynthetic bacteria. Waste
rice was determined to have the best hydrogen production capacity with hydrogen yield of 696 mL, and the maximum hydrogen production rate of 17.71 mL/h, the average hydrogen concentration was 55.78%.
Reply to “What Is the Maximum Entropy Principle? Comments on ‘Statistical Theory on the Functional Form of Cloud Particle Size Distributions’”
Authors: Wu Wei , McFarquhar Greg M.
Published: December 2019

We welcome the opportunity to correct the misunderstandings and misinterpretations contained in Yano’s comment that led him to incorrectly state that Wu and McFarquhar misunderstood the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) principle. As correctly stated by Yano, the principle itself does not suffer from the problem of a lack of invariance. But, as restated in this reply and in Wu and McFarquhar, the commonly used Shannon–Gibbs entropy does suffer from a lack of invariance for coordinate transform when applied in continuous cases, and this problem is resolved by the use of the relative entropy. Further, it is restated that the Wu and McFarquhar derivation of the PSD form using MaxEnt is more general than the formulation by Yano and allows more constraints with any functional relations to be applied. The derivation of Yano is nothing new but the representation of PSDs in other variables.
A Bayesian Framework for the Multiscale Assessment of Storm Severity and Related Uncertainties
Authors: Blanchet Juliette , Mélèse Victor
Published: December 2019

This article proposes a statistical framework for assessing the multiscale severity of a given storm at a given location. By severity we refer to the rareness of the storm event, as measured by the return period. Rather than focusing on predetermined spatiotemporal scales, we consider a model assessing the return period of a storm event observed across the continuum of durations and areas around a focus location. We develop a Bayesian intensity–duration–area–frequency model based on extreme value distribution and space–time scale invariance hypotheses. The model allows us to derive an analytical expression of the return period for any duration and area, while the Bayesian framework allows us by construction to assess the related uncertainties. We apply this framework to high-resolution radar–rain gauge reanalysis data covering a mountainous region of southern France during the autumns 2008–15 and comprising 50 rain events. We estimate the model at two grid points located a few kilometers apart on either side of the mountain crest, considering spatiotemporal scales ranging over 3–48 h and 1–2025 km2. We show that at all scales and for all significant events, the return period uncertainties are skewed to the right, evidencing the need of considering uncertainty to avoid systematic risk underestimation. We also reveal the large variability of the storm severity both at short distance and across scales, due to both the natural variability of rainfall and the mask effect induced by the mountain crest.
Ensemble-Based Targeted Observation Method Applied to Radar Radial Velocity Observations on Idealized Supercell Low-Level Rotation Forecasts: A Proof of Concept
Authors: Kerr Christopher A. , Wang Xuguang
Published: December 2019

The potential future installation of a multifunction phased-array radar (MPAR) network will provide capabilities of case-specific adaptive scanning. Knowing the impacts adaptive scanning may have on short-term forecasts will influence scanning strategy decision-making in hopes to produce the most optimal ensemble forecast while also benefiting human severe weather warning decision-making. An ensemble-based targeted observation algorithm is applied to an observing system simulation experiment (OSSE) where the impacts of synthetic idealized supercell radial velocity observations are estimated before the observations are “collected” and assimilated. The forecast metric of interest is the low-level rotation forecast metric (0–1-km updraft helicity), a surrogate for tornado prediction. It is found that the ensemble-based targeted observation approach can reasonably estimate the true error variance reduction when an effective method that treats sampling error is applied, the period of model forecast is associated with less degrees of nonlinearity, and the observation information content relative to the background forecast is larger. In some scenarios, a subset of a full-volume scan assimilation produces better forecasts than all observations within the full volume. Assimilating the full-volume scan increases the number of potential spurious correlations arising between the forecast metric and radial velocity observation induced state perturbations, which may degrade the forecast metric accuracy.
Telling a Tale: How Underachievement Develops in Gifted Girls
Authors: Desmet Ophélie Allyssa , Pereira Nielsen , Peterson Jean S.
Published: December 2019

In this multiple-narrative inquiry, we examined the narratives of four underachieving gifted girls to identify aspects that appear to have contributed to the onset, development, and resolution of academic underachievement. We found that academic achievement was disrupted when the participants experienced a sudden increase in curricular demands when transitioning to middle or high school. Participants’ negative self-perceptions, lack of learning skills, and negative relationships with teachers commonly contributed to the maintenance of the underachievement. Finally, the underachievement began to resolve when the girls had a clear goal in mind, which for three of them was being accepted to college.
War Crimes Trials in Bangladesh: Justice or Politics?
Authors: Mollah Md. Awal Hossain
Published: December 2019

The aim of this paper is to examine the trial process and standard of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh. The main aim of the paper is to explore whether the trial is about justice or politics. Two International Crimes Tribunals (ICTs) have been established following the amended ICT Act 2009 after 40 years of independence. To date, more than 30 verdicts have been delivered by the tribunals and most of the accused have been proved to be war criminals, as collaborators with the Pakistani army, and involved in the politics of Jamaat who have penalized for capital punishment. Jammat is name of a political party in Bangladesh. Although the tribunal is named ‘the International Crimes Tribunal’, no international judges or prosecutors – like those who have taken part in the tribunals of Nuremberg, Tokyo, Rwanda, Yugoslavia or the permanent International Criminal Court of The Hague – have been involved in this trial process. The Pakistani military who were involved and accused as war criminals have also been excluded from prosecution. Therefore, a lot of criticisms have made about the trial process and standard; however, some unique features can be found, such as an appeal to the Supreme Court and a mercy petition to the President. It has also been proved that politics are involved in the war crimes and even the trial process, which is not influenced solely by the abstract notions of justice. The paper takes the form of a descriptive case study and is based on mainly secondary sources of information.
Sexual Behaviour Evidence and Evidence of Bad Character in Sexual Offence Proceedings: Proposing a Combined Admissibility Framework
Authors: Brewis Brian , Jackson Adam
Published: December 2019

This article critically evaluates whether the ‘rape shield’ legislation in England and Wales, as currently contained in s 41 Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act (YJ&CEA) 1999, is fit for purpose. The article addresses the impact of the case of R v Evans (Chedwyn) [2016] EWCA Crim 452 which received a disproportionately high amount of media scrutiny and led to subsequent calls for greater restrictions on sexual behaviour evidence. The article examines possible reform proposals by Findlay Stark and Matt Thomason and the results of empirical research conducted by Laura Hoyano before proposing the introduction of a ‘combined admissibility framework’ for evidence of a complainant’s previous sexual behaviour and bad character. The proposed framework seeks to retain the high threshold for the admissibility, in particular, of evidence relating to a complainant’s previous sexual behaviour while introducing a more holistic and straightforward model moving away from the strict categories approach adopted by s 41 YJ&CEA 1999.
Nucleotide exchange factor SIL1 promotes the progress of breast cancer cells via regulating the cell cycle and apoptosis
Authors: Li Zhi-feng , Xu Wei-wei , Li Ji-dan , Tao Feng-ling , Chen Jian-xin , Xu Jin-hua
Published: December 2019

Breast cancer, as one of the most malignant tumors, poses a serious threat to the lives of females. Nucleotide exchange factor SIL1 is an important regulator of endoplasmic reticulum function that might have a specific role in tumor progression. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of SIL1 on the proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis of human breast cancer. SIL1-specific small interfering RNA was transfected into two breast cancer cell lines, MCF7 and MDA-MB-231, to generate SIL1 knockdown cells. Clone formation and Cell Counting Kit-8 assays were performed to determine cell proliferation. Wound healing and transwell assays were used to detect the cell migration and invasion, respectively. Cell cycle and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry. The messenger RNA and protein levels of target genes were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR and western blot. According to the results of TCGA and GTEx database analysis, we determined that SIL1 was overexpressed in 1085 breast cancer samples compared with 291 normal samples. Knockdown of SIL1 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, accordingly. The cell cycle was blocked at the G1 phase following transfection of SIL1-specific small interfering RNA through the inhibition of Cyclin D1, CDK4, and CDK6. SIL1 knockdown induced apoptosis and also promoted the activity of Caspase9 and Bax. Furthermore, SIL1 was able to promote phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Based on these results, SIL1 might act as an oncogene and accelerate the progression of human breast cancer.
Chaotic prediction of vibration performance degradation trend of rolling element bearing based on Weibull distribution
Authors: Cheng Li , Xia Xintao , Ye Liang
Published: December 2019

Rolling element bearings are used in all rotating machinery, and the degradation performance of rolling element bearings directly affects the performance of the machine. Therefore, high reliability prediction of the performance degradation trend of rolling element bearings has become an urgent research problem. However, the degradation characteristics of the rolling element bearings vibration time series are difficult to extract, and the mechanism of performance degradation is very complicated. The accurate physical model is difficult to establish. In view of the above reasons, based on the vibration performance data of rolling element bearings, a model of bearing performance degradation trend parameter based on wavelet denoising and Weibull distribution is established. Then, the phase space reconstruction of the series of bearing performance degradation trend parameter is carried out, and the prognosis is obtained by the improved adding weighted first-order local prediction method. The experimental results show that the bearing vibration performance degradation parameter can accurately depict the degradation trend of the bearing, and the reliability level is 91.55%; and the prediction of bearing performance degradation trend parameter is satisfactory: the mean relative error is only 0.0053% and the maximum relative error is less than 0.03%.
How Events Enter (or Not) Data Sets: The Pitfalls and Guidelines of Using Newspapers in the Study of Conflict
Authors: Demarest Leila , Langer Arnim
Published: December 2019

While conflict event data sets are increasingly used in contemporary conflict research, important concerns persist regarding the quality of the collected data. Such concerns are not necessarily new. Yet, because the methodological debate and evidence on potential errors remains scattered across different subdisciplines of social sciences, there is little consensus concerning proper reporting practices in codebooks, how best to deal with the different types of errors, and which types of errors should be prioritised. In this article, we introduce a new analytical framework—that is, the Total Event Error (TEE) framework—which aims to elucidate the methodological challenges and errors that may affect whether and how events are entered into conflict event data sets, drawing on different fields of study. Potential errors are diverse and may range from errors arising from the rationale of the media source (e.g., selection of certain types of events into the news) to errors occurring during the data collection process or the analysis phase. Based on the TEE framework, we propose a set of strategies to mitigate errors associated with the construction and use of conflict event data sets. We also identify a number of important avenues for future research concerning the methodology of creating conflict event data sets.
Black Cultural Strengths and Psychosocial Well-Being: An Empirical Analysis With Black American Adults
Authors: Johnson Veronica E. , Carter Robert T.
Published: December 2019

Based on historical literature, Black Americans have persisted through centuries of oppression in North America. To survive, they retained Africultural values and adopted group-specific practices. Black cultural values and practices can potentially, if bolstered, increase psychosocial health in this population. In the current study, we examined specific Black values and practices and their collective ability to predict psychosocial health. In a sample 486 Black, middle-class, American adults with a mean age of 31 years, we used structural equation modeling to test a first- and a second-order measurement model, as well as a structural model. We hypothesized that health-promoting aspects of Black racial identity (e.g., racial centrality), racial socialization (e.g., cultural socialization), and racism-related coping (e.g., confrontation), as well as higher levels of communalism and spirituality would indicate one latent factor, Black Cultural Strength. Furthermore, we hypothesized that Black Cultural Strength would be predictive of psychosocial health. After slight model modifications, we found an acceptable fit for the data. Clinical implications and future research directions are discussed.
Preoperative Stellate Ganglion Block for Perioperative Pain in Lateralized Head and Neck Cancer: Preliminary Results
Authors: Sharbel Daniel , Singh Paramvir , Blumenthal Daniel , Sullivan James , Dua Anterpreet , Albergotti W. Greer , Groves Michael , Byrd J. Kenneth
Published: December 2019

Patients with head and neck cancer represent a vulnerable population at particular risk of opioid dependence due to frequent histories of substance abuse, requirement of extensive surgery, and the synergistic toxicity of multimodal therapy. Regional anesthetic techniques have been used by other surgical disciplines to facilitate early recovery after surgery and decrease postoperative patient narcotic requirements. This pilot study investigates the efficacy of a preoperative regional analgesia using stellate ganglion block in lateralized head and neck cancer surgery. From our early results, stellate ganglion blockade may hold promise as an effective preoperative intervention for controlling early postoperative pain, lessening narcotic requirements, and improving quality of life.
Mean, uncommitted, and aggressive: Divergent associations between triarchic psychopathy, elements of love, and caustic relationship behaviors
Authors: Mejia Caitlyn Y. , Donahue John J. , Farley Sally D.
Published: December 2019

Two studies explored how the triarchic dimensions of psychopathy predicted relationship outcomes in nonclinical samples. In Study 1, using a predominantly student sample ( N = 100, 24% men, 76% women), results revealed significant negative associations between meanness and Sternberg’s (1997) components of love (intimacy, passion, and commitment). In Study 2, using a more gender-balanced online community sample ( N = 125, 53% men, 47% women), we replicated results from Study 1 and found additional negative associations between self-reported physical aggression, psychological aggression and love in intimate relationships. Further, multivariate analyses revealed that deficits in love explained incremental variance in intimate partner aggression, over and above the triarchic constructs of meanness and disinhibition. Implications for how dimensions of psychopathy manifest in close intimate relationships are discussed.
Contralateral deep vein thrombosis after stenting across the iliocaval confluence in chronic venous disease – A systematic review
Authors: Duarte-Gamas Luis , Rocha-Neves João P , Pereira-Neves António , Dias-Neto Marina , Baekgaard Niels
Published: December 2019

Objective

Stenting of the iliac veins is increasingly considered in the presence of symptomatic obstructive chronic lesions in the iliac vein segment. However, it is often necessary to extend the stented zone into the inferior vena cava, increasing the risk of contralateral iliac vein thrombosis. This study aims to review the current literature concerning the incidence of contralateral deep vein thrombosis after stenting across the iliocaval confluence.

Methods

A systematic review from potentially relevant published articles reporting contralateral deep vein thrombosis after iliac venous stenting between January 2007 and February 2019 was performed.

Results

A total of 764 references were retrieved initially. Twelve studies reporting events of contralateral deep vein thrombosis were selected for review, with a total of 1864 patients. Contralateral deep vein thrombosis incidence varied between 0% and 15.6%. The post-interventional and follow-up anticoagulation regimens were heterogeneous between studies. The decision to maintain patients on anticoagulation and the duration of treatment was based on the presence of comorbidities, hypercoagulable states, post-thrombotic syndrome and history of recurrent deep vein thrombosis. Patients with non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions were either anticoagulated for three or six months after stenting or received no anticoagulation. Patients with post-thrombotic syndrome were anticoagulated for longer periods. Most studies (eight studies) used an oral vitamin K antagonist agent. The data on compliance with anticoagulation treatment is scarce and few references present data on whether contralateral deep vein thrombosis occurred during anticoagulation treatment. The use of antiplatelet agents in addition to the anticoagulant treatment in the follow-up period was also variable.

Conclusion

The incidence of contralateral deep vein thrombosis due to iliac vein jailing is not negligible and reported being as high as 15.6%. Large-scale studies on the ideal antithrombotic treatment and its impact are necessary. It is possible that patients with stent crossing the iliocaval confluence might benefit from long-term antithrombotic treatment.
Effects of psychological distance perception and psychological factors on pro-environmental behaviors in Taiwan: Application of construal level theory
Authors: Chen Mei-Fang
Published: December 2019

This study applied construal level theory (CLT) to the perceived psychological distance of climate change to investigate Taiwanese people’s psychological distance perception of climate change. It also considered how this psychological distance perception of climate change and other crucial psychological factors (i.e., values, ecological worldviews, and environmental concerns) may influence people’s pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs). A national self-administered questionnaire survey was performed in Taiwan and 733 responses were analyzed empirically. Structural equation modeling analysis indicated that an individual’s altruistic values are positively related to his or her ecological worldviews. An individual’s ecological worldviews are positively related to his or her psychological distance perception of climate change and environmental concerns regarding the negative consequences of climate change. Such environmental concerns positively motivate engagement in PEBs. However, an individual’s psychological distance perception of climate change does not positively relate to his or her PEBs.
Sequential extraction for heavy metal distribution of bottom ash from fluidized bed co-combusted phosphorus-rich sludge under the agglomeration/defluidization process
Authors: Lin Kunsen , Kuo Jia-Hong , Lin Chiou-Liang , Liu Zhen-Shu , Liu Jingyong
Published: December 2019

Agglomeration that occurs during municipal sewage sludge (MSS) fluidized bed co-combustion might affect heavy metal distribution and the transformation of bottom ash. A study on the mobility and speciation of heavy metals that accompanies agglomeration behavior and phosphorus addition should be examined during MSS co-combustion. Meanwhile, the aim of this study was to evaluate the total content and speciation of heavy metals during the MSS fluidized bed co-combustion by the chemical sequential extraction procedure (SEP). The risk assessment code (RAC) and individual contamination factor (ICF) are calculated to evaluate the mobility of heavy metals and their environmental risks in agglomerates. Moreover, identification of agglomerates is established by both characterization (scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) and thermodynamic simulation (HSC chemistry software). The experimental results indicated that P and Na would form the lower melting-point compounds such as NaPO3 and Na2O in the bottom ash, which promoted agglomeration during MSS fluidized bed co-combustion. According to the simulation, Na and P have a stronger affinity than Si and Cr, and this reaction is not only influenced by particle agglomeration, but also by heavy metal distribution during modified MSS co-combustion. Nevertheless, the results of ICFs and RACs obtained from the SEP indicated that for heavy metals trapped in agglomerates, a weaker binding such as physical covering by eutectics might be considered as the dominant reaction compared with chemical binding to form a metal complex.
Selectorate’s information and dictator’s accountability
Authors: Gilli Mario , Li Yuan
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we study the evolution of accountability in autocracies and the consequent progressive economic and political mismanagement in terms of information changes. It is often held to be true that better information means greater accountability. On the contrary, we show that in dictatorships, better information might imply worse choices by a dictator. The basic idea is that the reputation mechanism underlying accountability only works if there is enough noise surrounding the dictator’s possible type. As the selectorate’s information about the dictator’s actual type increases over time, the incentives for the dictator to behave correctly vanish.
Manifesting evil: Demons and physical monstrosity in the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs
Authors: de Bruin Tom
Published: December 2019

The interplay between spiritual evil and physical monstrosity plays a large role in the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs. The Testaments are structured around the understanding of a human spirit, the mind, which stands between good and evil spirits, and in general it is the mind that forms the focus of the text’s exhortation. The evil spirits influence the mind, causing a person to think unrighteous thoughts and ultimately commit unrighteous acts. The role of the mind, however, is so large that it even plays a dominant role in the physical appearance of a person. In this article, I examine three distinct cases where someone’s ethical and spiritual evil results in physical monstrosity. First, we see that when someone’s mind follows the temptations of an evil spirit, they become disabled. Second, we see that an evil spirit has the power to poison someone’s own neutral spirit, which ultimately leads the poisoned person to manifest themselves in a monstrous way. Finally, women bear monstrous giants as a direct result of their mental lust for the angelic Watchers. These three cases show the close relationship between external appearance and internal demeanor in the Testaments. Thus, humankind functions as a means through which the invisible monstrous manifests itself in the visible world. This realization helps clarify some early Christian understandings of humankind’s natural and monstrous states, as well as their ideas about ethics and social conduct, the nature of evil, and how the manifestation of evil in the physical world is influenced.
‘Supposing that truth is a woman, what then?’: The lie detector, the love machine, and the logic of fantasy
Authors: Bunn Geoffrey C.
Published: December 2019

One of the consequences of the public outcry over the 1929 St Valentine’s Day massacre was the establishment of a Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory at Northwestern University. The photogenic ‘Lie Detector Man’, Leonarde Keeler, was the laboratory’s poster boy, and his instrument the jewel in the crown of forensic science. The press often depicted Keeler gazing at a female suspect attached to his ‘sweat box’, a galvanometer electrode in her hand, a sphygmomanometer cuff on her arm and a rubber pneumograph tube strapped across her breasts. Keeler’s fascination with the deceptive charms of the female body was one he shared with his fellow lie detector pioneers, all of whom met their wives – and in William Marston’s case, his mistress too – through their engagement with the instrument. Marston employed his own ‘Love Meter’, as the press dubbed it, to prove that ‘brunettes react far more violently to amatory stimuli than blondes’. In this article, I draw on the psychoanalytic concepts of fantasy and pleasure to argue that the female body played a pivotal role in establishing the lie detector’s reputation as an infallible and benign mechanical technology of truth.
Interleukin-17 and lupus: enough to be a target? For which patients?
Authors: Robert M , Miossec P
Published: December 2019

The involvement of the interleukin (IL)-17 axis in many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases is now well established, and this has led to the development of successful targeted therapies. Its role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is less described, since SLE is characterized by the impairment of many other immune actors. However, results from animal models and patients strongly suggest that IL-17 and its producing cells are involved in SLE pathogenesis. Circulating levels of IL-17 are increased in lupus, and tissue staining shows the presence of IL-17-producing cells in organ lesions. Through different mechanisms, the IL-17 axis promotes autoantibody production, immune complex deposition, complement activation and then tissue damage. There are also many interactions with other immune and non-immune actors, which account for the broad spectrum of clinical manifestations and disease heterogeneity. SLE treatment faces challenges with many disappointing trials and persistent unmet needs. The identification of subsets of SLE patients with an IL-17-driven disease now constitutes the key priority before starting trials. More preclinical studies are needed to improve the selection of the right patients able to respond and tolerate the many inhibitors that are already available.
Three suggested amendments to Australia’s defamation laws
Authors: Gray Anthony
Published: December 2019

The Council of Attorneys-General is currently reviewing Australia's existing uniform defamation laws. This article suggests three significant reforms that would improve the existing law.
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Using Urine Sediment Analysis-Based α-Methylacyl-CoA Racemase Score: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Ji Jin , Chen Xi , Xu Yalong , Cao Zhi , Xu Huan , kong Chen , Wang Fubo , Sun Yinghao
Published: December 2019

To evaluate the diagnostic value of α-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) score in Han Chinese patients with prostate cancer (PCa) through urine sediment analysis. We collected 292 urine sediment samples after digital rectal examination. Levels of AMACR and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) messenger RNA (mRNAs) were evaluated by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction. The diagnostic value of AMACR score was assessed by receiver-operating characteristic analysis (ROC), Mann-Whitney test, logistic regression analysis and decision curve analysis. In all patients (n = 292), the area under the curve (AUC) for serum PSA, AMACR score, and a combinative model of these 2 parameters were 0.745 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.691-0.794), 0.753 (95% CI: 0.700-0.802), and 0.784 (95% CI: 0.732-0.830). No statistical difference was found between AMACR score and serum PSA ( P = .826), while the combinative model was better than AMACR score (Z = 5.222, P < .001). Among patients with serum PSA level of 4 to 10 ng/mL (n = 121), the AMACR score was significantly higher in patients with PCa ( P = 0.0002), while serum PSA showed no difference ( P = 0.3023). Alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase score (AUC = 0.712, 95% CI: 0.623-0.790) and a combinative model (AUC = 0.714, 95% CI: 0.626-0.793) showed a better diagnostic value than serum PSA (AUC = 0.559, 95% CI: 0.466-0.649), ( P = .048, P = .042). Decision curve analysis showed a biopsy prediction model including AMACR score have a better net benefit when the threshold probability greater than 20%. The diagnostic model combing serum PSA and AMACR score has a better diagnostic value in patients with abnormal PSA level (including PSA level ranging from 4-10 ng/mL), and could reduce unnecessary prostate biopsy in clinical use.
Migration pattern of a short uncemented stem with or without collar: a randomised RSA-study with 2 years follow-up
Authors: Weber Erik , Flivik Carl , Sundberg Martin , Flivik Gunnar
Published: December 2019

Background:

There is an increasing interest in shorter, proximally loading, uncemented femoral stems. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new short stem type, its design based on a well-proven precursor, but with several new design features to facilitate easier insertion and possible preservation of proximal bone stock. It is available with or without a collar.

Methods:

The study includes 50 patients with primary osteoarthritis, mean age 59 (range 36–75) years, randomised to receive either the collar-fitted or the collarless stem. The patients underwent repeated radiostereometry (RSA) examinations (0, 0.5, 3, 12, 24 months), conventional radiography and filled out both hip-specific (HOOS) and general health (EQ-5D) questionnaires.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference between the collared and collarless stems regarding migration and clinical outcome. Both stem types exhibit a similar pattern of initial subsidence (collared 0.63 mm vs. collarless 0.75 mm [ p = 0.50]) and retroversion (collared 0.71° vs. collarless 0.97° [ p = 0.36]) up to 3 months followed by stabilisation, in similarity with its precursors, suggesting good osseointegration. No stem has been revised or considered loose.

Conclusions:

The new design features, including shortening the stem, do not compromise migration pattern or osseointegration, regardless collar or not.