bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Premature Deaths of Young Black Males in the United States
Authors: Jones-Eversley Sharon D. , Rice Johnny , Adedoyin A. Christson , James-Townes Lori
Published: January 2020

In the United States, generations of young Black males, ages 15 to 24 years, are prematurely dying from homicide and suicide. Between 1950 and 2010, the average death rate for young Black males due to homicide was 81.7 per 100,000 and suicide was 11.8 per 100,000. Ages 15 to 24 years are the intersecting developmental stages of adolescence and young adulthood when premature death should not be expected. The trauma and ceased procreation prospects stemming from Black males’ premature deaths represent a public health crisis in America. Heightened public health approaches are needed to bring attention to a young racial-gender group that is dying five to six decades prior to their life expectancy. The mass suicide-homicide killings, premature deaths, and death disparities among young Black males, ages 15 to 24, in the United States is not a paranoid propaganda. It is undeniably a disturbing public health crisis that requires an urgent national response to reverse and ultimately eradicate the premature death of young Black males.
Bi-tubular corrugated composite conical–cylindrical tube for energy absorption in axial and oblique loading: Analysis and optimization
Authors: Sadighi Amirreza , Mahbod Mahshid , Asgari Masoud
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a new bi-tubular corrugated composite tube, consisting of inner and outer cylindrical and conical tubes is proposed. Different models with various geometrical parameters including the radius of curvatures and their numbers are considered and studied numerically in axial and oblique crushing in order to achieve favorable crashworthiness parameters. Moreover, quasi-static compression tests have been conducted to obtain results in order to validate the finite element model. There has been a sensible agreement between the numerical results and experimental data. Finite element models are also validated using the analytical solutions for both straight and corrugated composite tubes. Regardless of the number and radius of curvatures, as the crashworthiness of bi-tubular corrugated structures both in axial and oblique crushing is investigated and compared with their single-wall and bi-tubular straight peers, a considerable improvement is achieved in all crashworthiness parameters, including desirable increase in specific energy absorption, favorable reduction in peak force, and consequently a beneficial rise in crushing force efficiency. In addition, an optimization study using a suitable multi-objective function is done to choose the best model among the existing models, in addition to finding an optimum model via genetic algorithm. In the next step, a parametric study is conducted on the best model to inspect how well it undergoes oblique crushing at different angles. Finally, this best model and two other candidates have been chosen to investigate the effect of using foams and then the energy absorption capability of the empty and foam-filled tubes has been compared.
Mitigating election violence locally: UN peacekeepers’ election-education campaigns in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Smidt Hannah
Published: January 2020

False information, rumours and hate speech can incite violent protest and rioting during electoral periods. To counter such disinformation, United Nations peacekeeping operations (PKOs) routinely organize election-education events. While researchers tend to study how PKOs affect armed group and state behaviour, this study shifts the focus to civilians. It argues that PKOs’ election education reduces violent protest and rioting involving civilians during electoral periods via three pathways. First, learning about PKOs’ electoral security assistance during election-education events may convince people that political opponents cannot violently disturb elections, thereby mitigating fears of election violence. Second, election-education events provide politically relevant information that can strengthen political efficacy and people’s ability to make use of peaceful political channels. Finally, peace messages during election-education events can change people’s calculus about the utility and appropriateness of violent behaviour. Together, these activities mitigate fears, reduce political alienation and counter civilians’ willingness to get involved in violence. To test these expectations, I combine survey data on people’ perceptions and attitudes, events data on violent protest and rioting, and a novel dataset on local-level election-education events carried out by the PKO in Côte d’Ivoire before four elections held between 2010 and 2016. The results show that when the PKO is perceived to be an impartial arbiter, its election-education events have violence-mitigating effects at the individual and subnational levels.
Czech Version of the Spiritual Well-Being Scale: Evaluation and Psychometric Properties
Authors: Tavel Peter , Sandora Jan , Furstova Jana , Lacev Alek , Husek Vit , Puzova Zuzana , Polackova Solcova Iva , Malinakova Klara
Published: January 2020

Spirituality and spiritual well-being are connected with many areas of human life. Thus, especially in secular countries, there is a need for reliable validated instruments for measuring spirituality. The Spiritual Well-Being Scale is among the world’s most often used tools; therefore, the aim of this study was its psychometrical evaluation in the secular environment of the Czech Republic on a nationally representative sample (n = 1797, mean age: 45.9 ± 17.67; 48.6% men). A non-parametric comparison of different sociodemographic groups showed a higher disposition for experiencing spirituality among women, older people, and divorced persons. Based on confirmatory factor analysis, negatively worded items were excluded using a polychoric correlation matrix. The new version of the scale consisting of 11 items had good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.85; McDonald’s ωt = 0.91). The two-factor model of this shortened version, with factors corresponding to the Religious and the Existential subscales of the Spiritual Well-Being Scale, shows a satisfactory fit with the data, where the loadings of all items ranged from medium to high. Thus, this study offered a new version of the tool, convenient for measuring spiritual well-being in secular conditions.
Pop science and pop theology: new ways of exploring an old dialogue
Authors: Wilkinson David A.
Published: January 2020

While the contemporary media scene often reinforces the conflict model of science and religion, it also may offer new opportunities in moving present discussions of science and religion forward. Looking at news reporting, the new priesthood of scientific celebrities and the universal popularity of The Simpsons and Star Wars, this article argues that in the importance of the person, imagination and narrative, the scientist and the theologian can rediscover older and fruitful resources.
Hybrid extended-unscented Kalman filters for continuous-time nonlinear fractional-order systems involving process and measurement noises
Authors: Chen Xiaojiao , Gao Zhe , Ma Ruicheng , Huang Xiaomin
Published: January 2020

Hybrid extended-unscented Kalman filters (HEUKFs) for continuous-time nonlinear fractional-order systems with process and measurement noises are investigated in this paper. The Grünwald-Letnikov difference and the fractional-order average derivative (FOAD) method are adopted to discretize the investigated nonlinear fractional-order system, and the nonlinear functions in the system description are coped with the extended Kalman filter (EKF) and the unscented Kalman filter (UKF). The first-order Taylor expansion used in the EKF method is performed for the nonlinear function at the current time. Meanwhile, the unscented transformation used in the UKF is also concerned for the nonlinear function at the previous time. By using the HEUKF designed in this paper, the third-order approximations for the nonlinear function can be achieved to enhance the accuracy of state estimation and estimation error matrix. Finally, numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed HEUKF for nonlinear fractional-order systems.
Conflict as a Social Status Mobility Mechanism in Schools: A Network Approach
Authors: Callejas Laura M. , Shepherd Hana
Published: January 2020

Participating in conflict may facilitate the acquisition of social status in a group. We build on theories about the sources of conflict and status to formulate propositions about how conflict affects status mobility in schools. Using two-wave panel data from over 20,000 students in 56 middle schools, we first examine the relationship between change in conflict with schoolmates and change in a network-derived metric of status, betweenness centrality, which is an indicator of being well known. More overall conflict with students is associated with increases in status up to a threshold. Additionally, students who perceive more conflict with others who do not perceive conflict in return also gain status. Finally, more conflict with friends does not increase status. Based on this evidence, we propose a mechanism by which conflict increases status through signaling integration in the school’s social scene rather than through establishing dominance over others, as previous literature suggests.
Characterization of Macrophages and Myofibroblasts Appearing in Dibutyltin Dichloride–Induced Rat Pancreatic Fibrosis
Authors: Hashimoto Ai , Karim Mohammad Rabiul , Kuramochi Mizuki , Izawa Takeshi , Kuwamura Mitsuru , Yamate Jyoji
Published: January 2020

Macrophages and myofibroblasts are important in fibrogenesis. The cellular characteristics in pancreatic fibrosis remain to be investigated. Pancreatic fibrosis was induced in F344 rats by a single intravenous injection of dibutyltin dichloride. Histopathologically, the induced pancreatic fibrosis was divided into 3 grades (1+, 2+, and 3+), based on collagen deposition. Immunohistochemically, CD68-expressing M1 macrophages increased with grade and CD163-expressing M2 macrophages also increased later than M1 macrophage appearance. Double immunofluorescence showed that there were macrophages coexpressing CD68 and CD163, suggesting a possible shift from M1 to M2 types; similarly, increased major histocompatibility complex class II- and CD204-expressing macrophages were polarized toward M1 and M2 types, respectively. These findings indicated the participation of M1- and M2-polarized macrophages. Mesenchymal cells staining positive for vimentin, desmin, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) increased with grade. There were mesenchymal cells coexpressing vimentin/α-SMA, desmin/α-SMA, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)/α-SMA; Thy-1-expressing immature mesenchymal cells also increased in fibrotic lesions. Because α-SMA expression is a reliable marker for myofibroblasts, α-SMA-expressing pancreatic myofibroblasts might be originated from GFAP-expressing pancreatic stellate cells or Thy-1-expressing immature mesenchymal cells; the myofibroblasts could simultaneously express cytoskeletal proteins such as vimentin and desmin. The present findings would provide useful information for analyses based on features of macrophages and myofibroblasts in chemically induced pancreatic fibrosis.
Male Compensatory Consumption in American History
Authors: Witkowski Terrence H.
Published: January 2020

The overcompensation thesis posits that men react to gender insecurities by demonstrating their masculinity in extreme ways, some of which include highly gendered forms of consumer behavior known as male compensatory consumption. Though such consumption can be relatively benign, even healthy and positive, several forms of male compensatory behavior might harm public safety, the environment, and social accord. Support for the thesis exists, but is not overwhelming and further research is needed. This article approaches compensatory consumption in the United States from a historical perspective. It presents evidence from four separate periods – circa 1900, the 1930s, the 1950s, and circa 2000 – showing cultural continuities and change in the meaning of masculinity, but also similarities and differences in the perceived threats, the groups of men most affected, and their responses. These historical findings provide macromarketing insights into the societal consequences of market behavior.
A Classical-Marxian Growth Model of Catching Up and the Cases of China, Japan, and India: 1980–2014
Authors: Marquetti Adalmir , Ourique Luiz Eduardo , Morrone Henrique
Published: January 2020

This article presents a classical-Marxian model of catching up wherein the leader country employs a technique with higher labor productivity and lower capital productivity than the follower’s technique. The follower’s higher profit rate allows for faster capital accumulation than the leader’s. During the catching up phase, labor productivity rises while capital productivity and profit rate decline in the follower country. In addition, we discuss some stylized facts of catching up in China, Japan, and India in relation to the United States between 1980 and 2014. Catching up occurred when capital accumulation was higher in the followers. However, a high capital accumulation in the follower country can reduce capital productivity and profit rate to a level lower than the leader’s, putting the process at risk.
Hermeneutics contra fundamentalism: Zygmunt Bauman’s method for thinking in dark times
Authors: Davis Mark
Published: January 2020

Faced with a rise of populism seemingly in all corners of the globe, the need to facilitate meaningful communication between different world-views and to resist the closing down of dialogue is pressing. In this paper, I argue that Zygmunt Bauman’s sociological method has always been concerned with this problem and that a better appreciation of his writings on hermeneutics provides us with a vital strategy for resisting fundamentalist thinking in today’s dark times. To begin, I briefly explore the relationship between hermeneutics and fundamentalism before moving on to elaborate Bauman’s method of sociological hermeneutics. In the final section of the paper, I assess the implications that Bauman’s method has for the discipline of sociology at a time when the certainty of things is the most avid of dreams dreamed by people harassed and oppressed by the uncertainty of liquid modern life, apparently whatever the human consequences.
Examining the Impact of Sexual Revictimization in a Sample of Veterans Undergoing Intensive PTSD Treatment
Authors: Tirone Vanessa , Smith Dale , Steigerwald Victoria L. , Bagley Jenna M. , Brennan Michael , Van Horn Rebecca , Pollack Mark , Held Philip
Published: January 2020

Sexual revictimization refers to exposure to more than one incident of rape and is a known risk factor for poor mental health among civilians. This construct has been understudied among veterans. In addition, although individuals who have experienced revictimization generally have greater symptom severity than those who have experienced one rape, it is unclear whether these differences persist following treatment. This study examined differences between veterans who reported histories of revictimization ( n =111) or a single rape ( n = 45), over the course of a 3-week intensive cognitive processing therapy (CPT)-based treatment program for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The sample consisted of predominately female (70.5%) post–9/11 veterans (82.7%). Self-reported PTSD and depression symptom severity were assessed regularly throughout the course of treatment. Controlling for non-interpersonal trauma exposure and whether veterans were seeking treatment for combat or military sexual trauma, sexual revictimization was generally associated with greater pretreatment distress and impairment. However, sexual revictimization did not impact rates of PTSD or depression symptom change over the course of intensive treatment, or overall improvement in these symptoms posttreatment. Our findings suggest that the rates of sexual revictimization are high among treatment-seeking veterans with PTSD. Although veteran survivors of sexual revictimization tend to enter treatment with higher levels of distress and impairment than their singly victimized peers, they are equally as likely to benefit from treatment.
Same-Sex Intimate Partner Violence in Canada: Prevalence, Characteristics, and Types of Incidents Reported to Police Services
Authors: Whitehead Jessica , Dawson Myrna , Hotton Tina
Published: January 2020

During the past 50 years, there has been an increase in research and programming initiatives focusing on the issue of heterosexual intimate partner violence (Het-IPV). In comparison, less attention has been paid to same-sex intimate partner violence (SS-IPV). Furthermore, of the existing research, the majority focuses on SS-IPV incidents in the United States which, due to social and legal differences, cannot yield an accurate picture of SS-IPV in Canada. This descriptive study sought to understand the prevalence, characteristics, and types of SS-IPV and Het-IPV within a Canadian context, with an emphasis on understanding the differences and similarities of incidents reported to police services. It explores the influences of heteronormativity and hegemonic masculinity on SS-IPV reporting and recognition. To assess this, data from Statistics Canada’s 2007–2011 Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Surveys were utilized. Participation in this survey is mandatory for all police services and, therefore, the sample used contains over 99% of incidents of IPV reported in Canada during the 4-year period ( N = 346,565). The results indicate that 4% of incidents of intimate partner violence reported to the UCR involved people engaged in same-sex relationships. It demonstrates that SS-IPV incidents are similar to Het-IPV incidents in reported prevalence, and the findings also show that there are differences in the types of violations reported and several incident characteristics, including levels of victim injury, and the population density of the offense location. These findings can provide a foundation for future research and raise further questions about how SS-IPV is responded to by the criminal justice system after it has been reported to police services.
Analytical and experimental stability analysis of AU4G1 thin-walled tubular workpieces in turning process
Authors: Sahraoui Zied , Mehdi Kamel , Ben-Jaber Moez
Published: January 2020

The development of the manufacturing-based industries is principally due to the improvement of various machining operations. Experimental studies are important in researches, and their results are also considered useful by the manufacturing industries with their aim to increase quality and productivity. Turning is one of the principal machining processes, and it has been studied since the 20th century in order to prevent machining problems. Chatter or self-excited vibrations represent an important problem and generate the most negative effects on the machined workpiece. To study this cutting process problem, various models were developed to predict stable and unstable cutting conditions. Stability analysis using lobes diagrams became useful to classify stable and unstable conditions. The purpose of this study is to analyze a turning process stability using an analytical model, with three degrees of freedoms, supported and validated with experimental tests results during roughing operations conducted on AU4G1 thin-walled tubular workpieces. The effects of the tubular workpiece thickness, the feed rate and the tool rake angle on the machining process stability will be presented. In addition, the effect of an additional structural damping, mounted inside the tubular workpiece, on the machining process stability will be also studied. It is found that the machining stability process is affected by the tubular workpiece thickness, the feed rate and the tool rake angle. The additional structural damping increases the stability of the machining process and reduces considerably the workpiece vibrations amplitudes. The experimental results highlight that the dynamic behavior of turning process is governed by large radial deformations of the thin-walled workpieces. The influence of this behavior on the stability of the machining process is assumed to be preponderant.
Corporate Governance, Political Connections and Firm Performance: The Role of Political Regimes and Size
Authors: Ullah Sabeeh , Kamal Yasir
Published: January 2020

This article empirically examines the relationship between corporate governance and firm financial performance, and the interplay of political connections of 150 non-financial listed Pakistani firms ranging from 2001 to 2014. Generally, and consistent with the prior researchers, we reported that corporate governance is an essential predictor of firm financial performance in Pakistan. Moreover, the results indicate that political connections substitute non-executive directors (NXD), executive directors (EXD) and board meetings (BM) in terms of firm performance measure return on asset (ROA), whereas NXD and EXD complement in terms of Tobin’s Q. We also found some variations in these effects, when moving from large to small size sampled firms and dictator to democratic regimes. Theoretically, our results support the Agency, Resource Dependency and Stewardship theories.
Medications Used Routinely in Primary Care to be Dose-Adjusted or Avoided in People With Chronic Kidney Disease: Results of a Modified Delphi Study
Authors: Taji Leena , Battistella Marisa , Grill Allan K. , Cunningham Jessie , Hemmelgarn Brenda L. , Quinn Kathleen M. , Thomas Ann , Brimble K. Scott
Published: January 2020

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects up to 18% of those over the age of 65 years. Potentially inappropriate medication prescribing in people with CKD is common. Objectives: Develop a pragmatic list of medications used in primary care that required dose adjustment or avoidance in people with CKD, using a modified Delphi panel approach, followed by a consensus workshop. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search to identify potential medications. A group of 17 experts participated in a 3-round modified Delphi panel to identify medications for inclusion. A subsequent consensus workshop of 8 experts reviewed this list to prioritize medications for the development of point-of-care knowledge translation materials for primary care. Results: After a comprehensive literature review, 59 medications were included for consideration by the Delphi panel, with a further 10 medications added after the initial round. On completion of the 3 Delphi rounds, 66 unique medications remained, 63 requiring dose adjustment and 16 medications requiring avoidance in one or more estimated glomerular filtration rate categories. The consensus workshop prioritized this list further to 24 medications that must be dose-adjusted or avoided, including baclofen, metformin, and digoxin, as well as the newer SGLT2 inhibitor agents. Conclusion and Relevance: We have developed a concise list of 24 medications commonly used in primary care that should be dose-adjusted or avoided in people with CKD to reduce harm. This list incorporates new and frequently prescribed medications and will inform an updated, easy to access source for primary care providers.
A method for determining the minimum period number in finite locally resonant phononic crystal beams
Authors: Liu Panxue , Zuo Shuguang , Wu Xudong , Zhang Minghai
Published: January 2020

To achieve the target band-gap in finite locally resonant phononic crystal beams, a method for determining the minimum period number is proposed. The vibration transmissibility method is extended to deal with the finite locally resonant phononic crystal beam. Comparing the vibration attenuation region obtained from the transmissibility method with the band-gap from the conventional transfer matrix method, the minimum period number can be calculated. Based on two forming patterns of locally resonant phononic crystal beams, the effects of the lattice constant and structural parameters of resonators on the band-gap as well as the influence of the period number on the vibration transmission characteristic are investigated. The minimum period number method can improve the applicability of the transmissibility method in the design of band-gaps and overcome the drawback that the transfer matrix method lacks the actual vibration attenuation. Finally, a comprehensive index is introduced to evaluate the effect of vibration reduction.
An Open Trial to Test Participant Satisfaction With and Feasibility of a Computerized Intervention for Women Veterans With Sexual Trauma Histories Seeking Primary Care Treatment
Authors: Creech Suzannah K. , Pulverman Carey S. , Shin Mollie E. , Roe Kathryn T. , Tzilos Wernette Golfo , Orchowski Lindsay M. , Kahler Christopher W. , Shea M. Tracie , Zlotnick Caron
Published: January 2020

Sexual trauma is prevalent among women veterans and associated with health risks including hazardous drinking, intimate partner violence (IPV), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Safe and Healthy Experiences (SHE) is a computerized intervention to reduce these health risks. SHE was pilot tested in an open trial ( N = 20) with women veterans with a history of sexual trauma and associated health risks. Women reported high satisfaction with the intervention and computerized delivery and they evidenced reductions in hazardous drinking, IPV, and PTSD at 4 months. SHE appears to be satisfactory, feasible, and potentially beneficial to women veterans.
It’s Not About Being Right: Developing Argument Through Debate
Authors: Malloy Jacquelynn A. , Tracy Kelly N. , Scales Roya Q. , Menickelli Kristin , Scales W. David
Published: January 2020

This research sought to develop argument as a problem-solving process by adding debate to social studies instruction with three groups of fifth-grade students. This design-based research (DBR) reports on the ways that instruction was refined across three topical units to develop argumentative agency and a critical participatory literacy. Students addressed current issues extended from historical events and engaged in issues collaboratively through debates, then individually in their writing. DBR approaches afforded a description of the factors that enhanced and inhibited argument development across the debate cycles and chronicled the modifications that were put in place to refine the instruction. A retrospective analysis led to pedagogical assertions that illuminate what was learned about the interrelationship of oral and written argument and the instructional refinements that were required to support arguments as a means of solving problems.
User Engagement in Festival Virtual Brand Communities: The Cases of Sónar and Primavera Sound (Barcelona)
Authors: Garay Tamajón Lluís , Morales Pérez Soledad
Published: January 2020

Resource branding has become a cocreated process carried out within virtual brand communities (VBCs), which boost the social connectivity of users and contribute to placemaking. However, due to the very nature of VBCs, branding strategies rely on user engagement to succeed. The present study has performed a multidimensional and mixed-method analysis of almost 4,000 entries in the Facebook and Twitter VBCs of two renowned European music festivals, Sónar and Primavera Sound (Barcelona), to show the benefits of understanding the different components that comprise festival engagement and the relationships between them. Results show the importance of considering different festival brands and their main VBCs to develop a strategy based on the structure of each VBC user as well as the most prominent dimensions of user engagement and the inherent relationships between them. In addition, the consideration of “ongoing” engagement is a potential research pathway for exploring brand engagement beyond mere attendance.
Experimental study on the mechanical and self-sensing behaviors of prestressed carbon fiber–reinforced polymer reinforced concrete composite structures
Authors: Wang Guan , Yang Caiqian , Meng Chunlin , Xia Zhenxue , Pan Yong , Wang Mengwei
Published: January 2020

A type of self-sensing prestressed carbon fiber–reinforced polymer reinforced concrete composite structure was proposed and studied, composed of reinforced concrete beam, prestressed carbon fiber–reinforced polymer plate, and long-gauge fiber Bragg grating sensors. The carbon fiber–reinforced polymer plate was prestressed and bonded to the bottom of the reinforced concrete beam. Two types of anchorage systems were compared and studied. The long-gauge fiber Bragg grating sensors were used as active elements for the self-sensing of mechanical responses, which were installed on the tensile rebars, carbon fiber–reinforced polymer plates, and concrete. A series of static and fatigue 4-point flexural experiments were carried out to study the bending and fatigue performances of the composite structures. After a prescribed number of fatigue loading cycles, monotonic flexural bending was performed to investigate the deterioration of properties. The results showed that the long-gauge fiber Bragg grating sensor is valid for the mechanical response sensing of the proposed structures. The compatibility of the prestressed carbon fiber–reinforced polymer plate and concrete in the pure bending zone is excellent even under fatigue loading. The load-carrying capacities were improved by more than 30% due to the application of prestressed carbon fiber–reinforced polymer plates. The stiffness was also improved remarkably and generally decreased with the accumulation of fatigue cycles linearly.
The External-Relational Shift in Faith (Pistis) in New Testament Research: Romans 1 as Gospel-Allegiance Test Case
Authors: Bates Matthew W.
Published: January 2020

Evidence is marshalled for a recent ‘external-relational shift’ in scholarly understandings of pistis (traditionally translated ‘faith’) among New Testament scholars and historians of early Christianity and its social world. There is a movement away from predominantly personal existential accounts of pistis toward those that are relational and outwardly manifest. ‘Faith’ ( pistis) is predominantly a way of life characterized by fidelity or loyalty which is outwardly expressed in relationships. Beyond the New Perspective on Paul, which is an obvious factor, four streams are feeding this shift: (1) the pistis Christou debate, (2) increased appreciation of ancient social and cultural norms, (3) advances in linguistics, and (4) an emphasis on the gospel as a royal proclamation. To show why the external-relational shift matters theologically, Paul’s use of pistis in Romans 1 is explored along external-relational lines.
Chameleonizing: A microsociological study of covert physical surveillance
Authors: Dahl Johanne Yttri
Published: January 2020

This study empirically explores covert physical surveillance conducted by the police and proposes the concept of chameleonizing in covert physical surveillance. Like the chameleon, police officers conducting covert physical surveillance must blend into and mirror their surroundings by adapting their appearance, in terms of both looks and behaviour, to resemble the people in the vicinity to prevent detection. Thus, police officers conducting covert physical surveillance must be able to read their surroundings and have great knowledge about social interactions. Accordingly, this exploration of an extraordinary phenomenon, covert physical surveillance, sheds light on something very ordinary: that is, social interactions in everyday life. Furthermore, the concept of the chameleon gaze is proposed and discussed, because physical surveillance depends on a multifaceted gaze enabling observation from different angles.
Carnivalizing Other’s Misery: From Human Ice Cream Sundae to Polar Plunge to Ice Bucket Challenge
Authors: Chen Shing-Ling S. , Cusmano Susan , Chen Zhuojun Joyce
Published: January 2020

Reflecting on Shing-Ling Chen’s experience of being a Leukemia child’s mother encountering others’ seemingly hurtful support of her misery, the authors address the ethics of having fun activities as fundraisers for victims of traumatic events. The authors question the adequacy of hosting entertaining activities to fundraise for victims of Asian Tsunami, or patients of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS; that is, the ALS ice-bucket challenge) and cancers (e.g., polar plunge), and so on. The social dynamics and communication processes involved in these events are analyzed.
Endovascular aneurysm sealing as an alternative for the treatment of failed endovascular aneurysm repair
Authors: Lareyre Fabien , Mialhe Claude , Dommerc Carine , Mbeutcha Aurélie , Raffort Juliette
Published: January 2020

Objective

The Nellix EndoVascular Aneurysm Sealing (EVAS) system has offered a novel approach in the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). While it is currently indicated as a primary procedure in patients with infrarenal AAA with suitable anatomy according to the indications for use, a few studies aimed to address its potential interest in failed endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the postoperative outcomes of patients with prior EVAR who underwent EVAS.

Design of the study

A literature search was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines in May 2019 and included patients with prior EVAR who underwent EVAS. The publications had to report at least one of the basic postoperative outcomes (technical success rate, all-cause complications, mortality, length of in-hospital stay, length of stay in intensive care unit, the need of re-intervention).

Results

Eleven studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, for a total of 46 patients. EVAS was used to treat endoleaks in 45 cases (97.8%): 29 type Ia endoleaks (63%), 6 type IIIa endoleaks (13%), and 10 type IIIb endoleaks (21.7%). Standard EVAS procedure was performed in 21 patients (45.7%), and 25 patients (54.3%) had chimney-EVAS. The technical success was achieved in all the studies. Two patients (4.9%) died during the 30-day postoperative period, but no aneurysm-related mortality was reported. The presence of endoleaks was reported in five patients (9.8%) during the follow-up.

Conclusion

The results suggest the safety and the efficiency of EVAS in the treatment of complications following EVAR including type Ia, type IIIa, and type IIIb endoleaks. Further studies on larger cohorts and longer follow-up periods are required to confirm the interest of EVAS in the endovascular management of failed EVAR.
Association Between Smell, Taste, and Depression in Nationally Representative Sample of Older Adults in the United States
Authors: Qazi Jamiluddin J. , Wilson James H. , Payne Spencer C. , Mattos Jose L.
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To characterize the association between quantitative olfactory dysfunction (OD) and gustatory dysfunction and depression in older adults.

Methods

The 2013–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data were used to investigate the relationship between smell and taste dysfunction and depression. Adults aged 65 years and older were included in the analysis. For smell status, subjects were divided into hyposmia, anosmia, and OD (hyposmia + anosmia) using the Pocket Smell Test. For taste status, subjects were evaluated using quinine, 1M NaCl, and 0.32M NaCl solutions. Indicator variables were made for subjects with both smell and taste dysfunction to determine whether a combination of symptoms could predict depression. Depression status was evaluated by the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire using accepted cutoff values. Relevant demographic, socioeconomic, and comorbid factors were included in multivariate logistic regression models, which accounted for the complex survey design of NHANES.

Results

A total of 931 subjects aged 65 years or older were included in the weighted analysis. Anosmia significantly predicted depressive symptoms in multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] = 2.484, P = .032) but not univariate. In univariate analysis, hyposmia + anosmia (OR = 2.193, P = .006) and hyposmia (OR = 2.512, P < .001) significantly predicted depression. Significance was lost in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Smell dysfunction is an independent predictor of depressive symptoms in a representative sample of older adults in the United States after adjusting for relevant demographic factors and comorbidities.
Learners’ Beliefs and Communities Around Them: The Social Pressure to Learn Language
Authors: Alhamami Munassir
Published: January 2020

This study used a mixed-methods design to investigate the effects of language learners’ subjective norm (SN) beliefs on learning English as a foreign language (EFL). To examine the perceived social pressure to learn EFL, two experiments were conducted in a Saudi university: a face-to-face language learning (FLL) experiment and an online language learning (OLL) experiment. A total of 674 EFL learners participated in the FLL treatment, and 286 EFL learners participated in the OLL treatment. In addition, several interviews were conducted with participants from both groups. The results show that understanding the SN beliefs of particular groups of people can help predict EFL students’ perceived social pressure to engage or not in learning a foreign language in online and face-to-face settings. Comparing the results of both groups shows that EFL learners hold more positive SN beliefs toward learning language in face-to-face settings than in online settings due to the participants’ SN beliefs. This finding highlights the importance of understanding the social pressure confronting language learners.
Optimism, Innovativeness, and Competitiveness: The Relationship between Entrepreneurial Orientations and the Development of Science Identity in Scientists
Authors: Pitt Richard N. , Satcher Lacee A. , Drew Amber Musette
Published: January 2020

We contend that the work scientists do is entrepreneurial because they are in the business of discovering, evaluating, and exploiting opportunities to create new knowledge. In this article, we examine the relationship between Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) scholars’ holdings of traits associated with entrepreneurial activity and the degree to which these scientists consider being a scientist important to their sense of self. In particular, we argue that optimism, an innovative mindset, and competitiveness should be associated, positively, with STEM scholars’ science identity. Our results, based on a survey of 215 postdoctoral trainees in STEM disciplines, show that the more academic scientists have of each entrepreneurial disposition, the greater their science identity centrality.
How I treat adults with advanced acute lymphoblastic leukemia eligible for CD19-targeted immunotherapy
Authors: Aldoss Ibrahim , Forman Stephen J.
Published: January 2020

CD19-targeted immunotherapies have drastically improved outcomes for relapsed/refractory (r/r) B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients. Such therapies, including blinatumomab and CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CD19CAR) T cells, yield high remission rates and can bridge to more definitive consolidation therapy with curative intent. Both treatments are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for r/r ALL (CD19CAR T-cell approval is restricted to patients ≤25 years old). Although availability of blinatumomab and CD19CAR T cells has extended options for the treatment of r/r ALL, prioritizing the sequence of these agents on an individual-patient basis may be difficult for the treating physician. Considering each therapy’s advantages, limitations, and challenges is necessary when choosing between them. Although patients may receive both blinatumomab and CD19CAR T cells sequentially in cases that fail to respond or subsequently relapse, a proportion of patients treated with CD19-targeted immunotherapy will lose expression of CD19 and will be excluded from receiving the alternative CD19-targeted therapy. Thus, weighing all considerations for each patient before selecting a CD19-targeted immunotherapy is crucial. Here, we discuss real-life scenarios of adults with r/r ALL, in which we selected either blinatumomab or CD19CAR T-cell therapy, and the rationale behind each decision.
ReS2 Charge Trapping Synaptic Device for Face Recognition Application
Authors: Fan Ze-Hui , Zhang Min , Gan Lu-Rong , Chen Lin , Zhu Hao , Sun Qing-Qing , Zhang David Wei
Published: January 2020

Synaptic devices are necessary to meet the growing demand for the smarter and more efficient system. In this work, the anisotropic rhenium disulfide (ReS2) is used as a channel material to construct a synaptic device and successfully emulate the long-term potentiation/depression behavior. To demonstrate that our device can be used in a large-scale neural network system, 165 pictures from Yale Face database are selected for evaluation, of which 120 pictures are used for artificial neural network (ANN) training, and the remaining 45 pictures are used for ANN testing. A three-layer ANN containing more than 105 weights is proposed for the face recognition task. Also 120 continuous modulated conductance states are selected to replace weights in our well-trained ANN. The results show that an excellent recognition rate of 100% is achieved with only 120 conductance states, which proves a high potential of our device in the artificial neural network field.
An Axiom SNP genotyping array for Douglas-fir
Authors: Howe Glenn T. , Jayawickrama Keith , Kolpak Scott E. , Kling Jennifer , Trappe Matt , Hipkins Valerie , Ye Terrance , Guida Stephanie , Cronn Richard , Cushman Samuel A. , McEvoy Susan
Published: January 2020

Background

In forest trees, genetic markers have been used to understand the genetic architecture of natural populations, identify quantitative trait loci, infer gene function, and enhance tree breeding. Recently, new, efficient technologies for genotyping thousands to millions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have finally made large-scale use of genetic markers widely available. These methods will be exceedingly valuable for improving tree breeding and understanding the ecological genetics of Douglas-fir, one of the most economically and ecologically important trees in the world.

Results

We designed SNP assays for 55,766 potential SNPs that were discovered from previous transcriptome sequencing projects. We tested the array on ~ 2300 related and unrelated coastal Douglas-fir trees (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) from Oregon and Washington, and 13 trees of interior Douglas-fir (P. menziesii var. glauca). As many as ~ 28 K SNPs were reliably genotyped and polymorphic, depending on the selected SNP call rate. To increase the number of SNPs and improve genome coverage, we developed protocols to ‘rescue’ SNPs that did not pass the default Affymetrix quality control criteria (e.g., 97% SNP call rate). Lowering the SNP call rate threshold from 97 to 60% increased the number of successful SNPs from 20,669 to 28,094. We used a subset of 395 unrelated trees to calculate SNP population genetic statistics for coastal Douglas-fir. Over a range of call rate thresholds (97 to 60%), the median call rate for SNPs in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium ranged from 99.2 to 99.7%, and the median minor allele frequency ranged from 0.198 to 0.233. The successful SNPs also worked well on interior Douglas-fir.

Conclusions

Based on the original transcriptome assemblies and comparisons to version 1.0 of the Douglas-fir reference genome, we conclude that these SNPs can be used to genotype about 10 K to 15 K loci. The Axiom genotyping array will serve as an excellent foundation for studying the population genomics of Douglas-fir and for implementing genomic selection. We are currently using the array to construct a linkage map and test genomic selection in a three-generation breeding program for coastal Douglas-fir.
Development and validation of a screening tool for early identification of bloodstream infection in older patients – a retrospective case-control study
Authors: Walker Sandra A. N. , Bannerman Heather , Ma Nathan , Peragine Christine , Elligsen Marion , Palmay Lesley , Williams Evelyn , Liu Barbara
Published: January 2020

Background

Delayed diagnosis of bloodstream infection (BSI) occurs in > 20% of older patients, with misdiagnosis in 35%. Our objective was to develop and validate a clinically useful screening tool to identify older patients with a high probability of having a BSI.

Methods

Hospitalized patients> 80 years old with BSI (n = 105/group) were evaluated for the tool development in this retrospective matched case-controlled study (learn cohort). The tool was validated in different retrospectively matched case and control patients> 80 years old (n = 120/group) and 65 to 79 years old (n = 250/group) (test cohort). Binary logistic regression was used to develop a screening tool using laboratory and clinical parameters that were significantly associated with BSI (P < 0.05; adjusted odds ratio (OR) > 1); and Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis was used to identify parameter breakpoints. Performance metrics were used to evaluate and validate the tool.

Results

The significant parameters associated with BSI were maximum temperature (Tmax)(> 37.55C)(OR = 42.575), neutrophils (> 7.95)(OR = 1.923), a change in level of consciousness (LOC) (Yes = 1, No = 0)(OR = 1.571), blood urea nitrogen (BUN)(> 10.05)(OR = 1.359), glucose (> 7.35)(OR = 1.167), albumin (< 33.5)(OR = 1.038) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (> 19.5)(OR = 1.005). The optimal screening tool [Ln (odds of BSI) = − 150.299 + 3.751(Tmax) + 0.654(neutrophils) + 0.452(change in LOC) + 0.307(BUN) + 0.154(glucose) + 0.038(albumin) + 0.005(ALT)] had favorable performance metrics in the learn and test cohorts (sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 95% in the learn cohort and 77, 89, and 81% in the total test cohort); and performed better than using only temperature and neutrophil count.

Conclusions

The validated tool had high predictive value which may improve early identification and management of BSI in older patients.
Cysteine-cysteine chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) profile of HIV-infected subjects attending University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Southern Nigeria
Authors: Ekere Ekerette Friday , Useh Monday F. , Okoroiwu Henshaw Uchechi , Mirabeau Tatfeng Youtchou
Published: January 2020

Background

Cysteine-cysteine chemokine receptor 5 is the main HIV co-receptor involved in the virus and cell-to-cell spread. A variant of the CCR5 gene known as CCR5-Δ32 which is a product of 32 base pair deletion in the gene plays critical role in the infection and progression to AIDS. The study was carried out to determine the CCR5 genotype of HIV-infected subjects attending University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar.

Methods

A total of 100 subjects attending HIV clinic, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital were purposively recruited for this study. DNA was extracted from each sample using the Quick gDNA miniprep DNA extraction kit, Zymo Research. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used in the amplification of CCR5 gene in each DNA in a 9700 ABI Thermo cycler and then resolved on 4% agarose gel electrophoresis.

Result

Out of the 100 samples assessed, 100 (100%) were homozygous for the CCR5 wild type gene (CCR5-wt), while none (0%) was homozygous for the CCR5-Δ32 (mutant type), and heterozygosity was not observed.

Conclusion

This study observed absence of CCR5-Δ32 deletion gene among the studied subjects in Calabar, implying lack of genetic advantage in HIV infection and possible rapid progression towards AIDS if other precautions are not checked.