bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measure of processes of care (MPOC): Translation and validation for use in Korea
Authors: An M. , Kim J. G. , Kim J.
Published: June 2018

Background

The measure of processes of care (MPOC) is a widely used instrument to assess parents' perception of the extent to which healthcare services they and their child receive are family centred. The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Korean translation of the MPOC (Korean MPOC).

Methods

The Korean MPOC was completed by 198 parents of children receiving rehabilitation services in five provinces in South Korea. According to the Canadian validation procedures, analyses for internal consistency, construct and concurrent validity, and test–retest reliability were performed.

Results

The Korean MPOC demonstrated adequate internal consistency, with Cronbach's alpha ranging from .85 to .98. Confirmative analyses of the scale structure support the construct validity of the Korean MPOC. The Pearson correlations r between the MPOC scale scores and Client Satisfaction Inventory score ranged from .60 to .83, supporting the concurrent validity of the Korean MPOC. The intraclass correlation coefficients were greater than .80 for all five scales, demonstrating good test–retest reliability.

Conclusions

The Korean MPOC has good psychological properties and can be recommended for evaluation of processes of paediatric rehabilitation in Korea.
An open study on the efficacy of a recombinant Der f 2 (Dermatophagoides farinae) immunotherapy in atopic dogs in Hungary and Switzerland
Authors: Fischer Nina , Tarpataki Noémi , Leidi Federica , Rostaher Ana , Favrot Claude
Published: June 2018

Background

Previously published studies evaluating a recombinant Der f 2‐based immunotherapy have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of dogs experimentally and naturally sensitized to house dust mites (HDM). Der f 2 sensitization is thought to play a minor role in European atopic dogs sensitized to HDM.

Objective

The study evaluated the short‐term efficacy of a recombinant Der f 2 product in the treatment of naturally sensitized atopic dogs in Switzerland and Hungary.

Animals

Fifteen atopic dogs with positive test reactions to Dermatophagoides farinae (Df).

Material and Methods

Recombinant Der f 2 allergens were injected subcutaneously at increasing doses once weekly for 6 weeks. Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI‐04), pruritus Visual Analog Scale (pVAS) and medication scores were assessed at days 0 and 42. Efficacy was recorded as excellent, good, fair or poor, depending on the number of scores decreasing by more than 50%.

Results

Mean CADESI, pVAS and medication scores at inclusion were 35, 6 and 15 (SD = 30, 2, 7), respectively. At Day 42 the scores decreased to 8, 3 and 5, respectively (Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank tests P = 0.0002, 0.002 and 0.001). Four dogs were classified as excellent responders with a reduction of >50% in all three scores. Nine dogs were classified as good (five) or fair (four) responders and scores deteriorated in two dogs.

Conclusion

These data suggest that recombinant Der f2 allergens may be as effective and show benefit faster than traditional allergen immunotherapy in European dogs sensitized to Df.
Accommodation in ABO‐incompatible organ transplants
Authors: Garcia de Mattos Barbosa Mayara , Cascalho Marilia , Platt Jeffrey L.
Published: June 2018

Accommodation refers to a condition in which a transplant (or any tissue) appears to resist immune‐mediated injury and loss of function. Accommodation was discovered and has been explored most thoroughly in ABO‐incompatible kidney transplantation. In this setting, kidney transplants bearing blood group A or B antigens often are found to function normally in recipients who lack and hence produce antibodies directed against the corresponding antigens. Whether accommodation is owed to changes in anti‐blood group antibodies, changes in antigen or a change in the response of the transplant to antibody binding are critically reviewed and a new working model that allows for the kinetics of development of accommodation is put forth. Regardless of how accommodation develops, observations on the fate of ABO‐incompatible transplants offer lessons applicable more broadly in transplantation and in other fields.
IXA Honorary Member Lecture, 2017: The long and winding road to tolerance
Authors: Sykes Megan
Published: June 2018

The last 15 years or so have seen exciting progress in xenotransplantation, with porcine organ grafts surviving months or even years in non‐human primates. These advances reflect the application of new scientific knowledge, improved immunosuppressive agents, and genetic engineering. The field has recently enjoyed a renaissance of interest and hope, largely due to the exponential increase in our capacity to genetically engineer porcine source animals. However, immune responses to xenografts are very powerful and widespread clinical application of xenotransplantation will depend on the ability to suppress these immune responses while preserving the capacity to protect both the recipient and the graft from infectious microorganisms. Our work over the last three decades has aimed to engineer the immune system of the recipient in a manner that achieves specific tolerance to the xenogeneic donor while preserving otherwise normal immune function. Important proofs of principle have been obtained, first in rodents, and later in human immune systems in “humanized mice” and finally in non‐human primates, demonstrating the capacity and potential synergy of mixed xenogeneic chimerism and xenogeneic thymic transplantation in tolerizing multiple arms of the immune system. Considering the fact that clinical tolerance has recently been achieved for allografts and the even greater importance of avoiding excessive immunosuppression for xenografts, it is my belief that it is both possible and imperative that we likewise achieve xenograft tolerance. I expect this to be accomplished through the availability of targeted approaches to recipient immune conditioning, understanding of immunological mechanisms of tolerance, advanced knowledge of physiological incompatibilities, and the availability of inbred miniature swine with optimized use of genetic engineering.
Phylogeny of the Caninae (Carnivora): Combining morphology, behaviour, genes and fossils
Authors: Zrzavý Jan , Duda Pavel , Robovský Jan , Okřinová Isabela , Pavelková Řičánková Věra
Published: June 2018

Phylogenetic relationships among 36 Recent and 42 extinct species of the Caninae (Canidae) were analysed, based on 360 morphological, developmental, ecological, behavioural and cytogenetic characters and 24 mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Primary phylogenetic analyses were accompanied by experimental analyses based on various combinations of data partitions and taxon samples. Leptocyon was recovered as a paraphyletic stem lineage of the Caninae; monophyly/paraphyly of the fox‐like canids (Vulpini) remains uncertain; Urocyon and Metalopex form a clade, possibly sister to all non‐Leptocyon canids; Otocyon, Nyctereutes and Nurocyon form a clade; dog‐like canids (Canini) are monophyletic (with South American Cerdocyonina and Afro‐Holarctic Canina); all South American hypercarnivores (Canis gezi, Protocyon, Speothos, Theriodictis) form a clade, close to Chrysocyon and Dusicyon; Canis arnensis, C. ferox, C. thooides, C. lepophagus and Eucyon spp. are basal to the Canina; Lycaon is an isolated African hypercarnivore; Cuon and its relatives (Xenocyon, possibly also Canis antonii, C. falconeri and Cynotherium) form a clade close to Canis s. str.; C. edwardii–C. etruscus–C. mosbachensis–C. palmidens–C. variabilis and hypercarnivorous Canis armbrusteri–C. dirus clades belong to Canis s. str. As the highly homoplastic morphological characters connected to dietary biology are the prominent characters available for the key fossil species, we conclude that macroevolutionary and palaeoecological analyses of the extinct and extant Caninae were to some extent compromised by the phylogenies used.
Impact of the sequence of precursor introduction on the growth and properties of atomic layer deposited Al-doped ZnO films
Authors: Le Tulzo Harold , Schneider Nathanaelle , Lincot Daniel , Patriarche Gilles , Donsanti Frédérique
Published: June 2018

Atomic layer deposition relies on surface chemical reactions which implies that the order of the precursor pulses (so-called “sequence”) impacts the growth, especially for multinary compounds. In the case of Al-doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films, the sequence of introduction of precursors tri-methyl aluminum (TMA)/diethylzinc (DEZ)/H2O has been reported to impact their growth and some of their properties. Here, five different Al sequences for doping the AZO films in Al have been tested at a constant deposition temperature of 160 °C and a TMA:DEZ ratio of 1:10, and the film growth and properties are investigated by in situ quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) measurements and ex situ characterizations. This paper provides evidence of the impact of the Al sequence on AZO material and proposes an explanation of the macroscopic properties based on the nature of chemical surface reactions evidenced by QCM. The growth rate, composition, electrical and optical properties, and, to a lesser extent, structural properties are affected by the TMA/DEZ/H2O pulse sequence. In particular, better electrical properties are obtained by reducing the Al content incorporated per cycle when the TMA pulse follows a DEZ pulse and, second, the optical band gap size is increased when the TMA pulse is between two DEZ pulses. Mass variations during surface reactions of TMA on hydroxyl and zinc-alkyl surface groups have also been proven to be temperature dependent when comparing growth mechanisms at 160 and 200 °C. It is also observed that the increase in temperature has a similar impact on the mass variations as the increase in the TMA:DEZ ratio. This is probably because of an improved intermixing between Al species and ZnO layers.
Effects of ear canal occlusion on hearing sensitivity: A loudness experiment
Authors: Bonnet Fabien , Nélisse Hugues , Voix Jérémie
Published: June 2018

Over the last century, hearing research has repeatedly reported differences in loudness perception when different types of transducers are being used. One of the effects of using different transducers is that listening may be performed via an open ear (loudspeaker), a cushioned ear (headphones), or an occluded ear (hearing aid receivers, insert earphones). The question of whether varying the acoustic load applied to the ear canal might impact hearing sensitivity has therefore become essential given the need to establish realistic noise damage risk criteria in an attempt to prevent noise-induced hearing loss for any given listening condition. Although such loudness discrepancies in the cushioned ear have been recently proven to be caused by loudness measurement artifacts, currently available data do not exclude a possible impact of ear canal occlusion on loudness perception. This paper presents the results of a loudness balance test carried out on 18 normal-hearing listeners. Using an earplug to occlude the canal, in-ear sound pressure levels were compared between the occluded ear and the cushioned ear at equal loudness. The results show agreement within 1 dB between the two listening conditions, and support the conclusion that loudness does not depend on the type of acoustic load applied to the ear canal.
Towards a complex systems approach in sports injury research: simulating running-related injury development with agent-based modelling
Authors: Hulme Adam , Thompson Jason , Nielsen Rasmus Oestergaard , Read Gemma J M , Salmon Paul M
Published: June 2018

Objectives

There have been recent calls for the application of the complex systems approach in sports injury research. However, beyond theoretical description and static models of complexity, little progress has been made towards formalising this approach in way that is practical to sports injury scientists and clinicians. Therefore, our objective was to use a computational modelling method and develop a dynamic simulation in sports injury research.

Methods

Agent-based modelling (ABM) was used to model the occurrence of sports injury in a synthetic athlete population. The ABM was developed based on sports injury causal frameworks and was applied in the context of distance running-related injury (RRI). Using the acute:chronic workload ratio (ACWR), we simulated the dynamic relationship between changes in weekly running distance and RRI through the manipulation of various ‘athlete management tools’.

Results

The findings confirmed that building weekly running distances over time, even within the reported ACWR ‘sweet spot’, will eventually result in RRI as athletes reach and surpass their individual physical workload limits. Introducing training-related error into the simulation and the modelling of a ‘hard ceiling’ dynamic resulted in a higher RRI incidence proportion across the population at higher absolute workloads.

Conclusions

The presented simulation offers a practical starting point to further apply more sophisticated computational models that can account for the complex nature of sports injury aetiology. Alongside traditional forms of scientific inquiry, the use of ABM and other simulation-based techniques could be considered as a complementary and alternative methodological approach in sports injury research.
Thom form in equivariant Čech–de Rham theory
Authors: Fujisawa Ko
Published: June 2018

In the present paper, we provide the foundation of a [Formula: see text]-equivariant Čech–de Rham theory for a compact Lie group [Formula: see text] by using the Cartan model of equivariant differential forms. Our approach is quite elementary without referring to the Mathai–Quillen framework. In particular, by a direct computation, we give an explicit formula of the [Formula: see text]-equivariant Thom form of [Formula: see text], which deforms the classical Bochnor–Martinelli kernel. Also, we discuss a version of equivariant Riemann–Roch formula.
Research on electronic structures and optical properties of zinc-blende aluminum nitride doped with transition metals from first-principles
Authors: Lu Xuefeng , Zhao Tingting , Ren Junqiang , Guo Xin , Yan Xiaobin , La Peiqing
Published: June 2018

Electronic structures and optical properties of zinc-blende aluminum nitride doped with transition metals are investigated. Lu-doped system possesses the most considerate stability with the lowest formation energy of −9.033 eV compared to others. Band structures of systems are introduced to investigate a more excellent semiconductor capacity for Re-doped system with a band gap [Formula: see text] of 0.689 eV, with others having band gaps of 2.120, 2.159, 1.806, 1.837 and 0.879 eV, respectively, much smaller than that of pristine one, 3.113 eV. Moreover, absorption spectra curve reaches the lowest peak of [Formula: see text] for Os-doped system; simultaneously, the system exhibits a relatively negative reflectivity spectra and dielectric loss of 5.620 eV that are extensively expected in solar cell industry, predicting its broad scope of application prospects in photoelectric and microelectronic devices.
Astrophysical tests of screened modified gravity
Authors: Sakstein Jeremy
Published: June 2018

Screened modified gravity models evade solar system tests of relativistic gravitation but exhibit novel and interesting effects on scales between the solar system and the Hubble flow: astrophysical scales. In this paper, we review how astrophysical tests using stars, galaxies, and clusters can be used to constrain these theories. We classify screening into three categories: thin-shell (chameleon, symmetron, and dilaton models), Vainshtein screening (e.g. Galileons and Horndeski), and Vainshtein breaking (e.g. beyond Horndeski and DHOST) and discuss the optimal strategy for probing each. In many cases, this is driven by whether a specific category violates the equivalence principles (strong or weak). We summarize the general model-independent bounds on each screening category that have been derived in the literature.
Application of Various Electromagnetic Coupling Modes for the Better MHD Flow Distribution and Thermal Management Within a Liquid Metal Manifold
Authors: Shahri Mohammad Farahi , Nezhad Alireza Hossein
Published: June 2018

In this work, 12 different electromagnetic coupling modes are considered by assuming the side walls and Hartmann walls of supply channel, expansion channel and three sub-channels of a liquid metal manifold to be electrically conducting or electrically insulating separately. The main purpose of this study is to identify the best mode from the viewpoint of uniform distributions of the flow and heat transfer through the manifold. To prevent the heat augmentation through the manifold sub-channels, it is highly necessary to have a uniform velocity distribution therein. Numerical results demonstrate that the electromagnetic coupling mode in which all Hartmann walls and all side walls of the manifold are electrically conducting has the best flow distribution within the manifold and consequently it exhibits a uniform thermal distribution through the manifold without any significant heat load. It is also found that the smallest pressure drop and therefore the lowest required power to pump the liquid metal across the manifold is devoted to the mode in which only Hartmann walls of the expansion channel are electrically conducting.
Improved Deterministic Algorithms for Linear Programming in Low Dimensions
Authors: CHAN Timothy M.
Published: June 2018

Chazelle and Matoušek [
J. Algorithms
, 1996] presented a derandomization of Clarkson’s sampling-based algorithm [
J. ACM
, 1995] for solving linear programs with
n
constraints and
d
variables in
d

(7+
o
(1))
d

n
deterministic time. The time bound can be improved to
d

(5+
o
(1))
d

n
with subsequent work by Brönnimann, Chazelle, and Matoušek [
SIAM J. Comput.
, 1999]. We first point out a much simpler derandomization of Clarkson’s algorithm that avoids ε-approximations and runs in
d

(3+
o
(1))
d

n
time. We then describe a few additional ideas that eventually improve the deterministic time bound to
d

(1/2+
o
(1))
d

n
.
Interval Enclosures of Upper Bounds of Roundoff Errors Using Semidefinite Programming
Authors: Magron Victor
Published: June 2018

A long-standing problem related to floating-point implementation of numerical programs is to provide efficient yet precise analysis of output errors.

We present a framework to compute lower bounds on largest absolute roundoff errors, for a particular rounding model. This method applies to numerical programs implementing polynomial functions with box constrained input variables. Our study is based on three different hierarchies, relying respectively on generalized eigenvalue problems, elementary computations, and semidefinite programming (SDP) relaxations. This is complementary of over-approximation frameworks, consisting of obtaining upper bounds on the largest absolute roundoff error. Combining the results of both frameworks allows one to get enclosures for upper bounds on roundoff errors.

The under-approximation framework provided by the third hierarchy is based on a new sequence of convergent robust SDP approximations for certain classes of polynomial optimization problems. Each problem in this hierarchy can be solved exactly via SDP. By using this hierarchy, one can provide a monotone nondecreasing sequence of lower bounds converging to the absolute roundoff error of a program implementing a polynomial function, applying for a particular rounding model.

We investigate the efficiency and precision of our method on nontrivial polynomial programs coming from space control, optimization, and computational biology.
Diagnostic Accuracy of a Machine-Learning Approach to Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography–Based Fractional Flow Reserve
Authors: Coenen Adriaan , Kim Young-Hak , Kruk Mariusz , Tesche Christian , De Geer Jakob , Kurata Akira , Lubbers Marisa L. , Daemen Joost , Itu Lucian , Rapaka Saikiran , Sharma Puneet , Schwemmer Chris , Persson Anders , Schoepf U. Joseph , Kepka Cezary , Hyun Yang Dong , Nieman Koen
Published: June 2018

Background:

Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA) is a reliable modality to detect coronary artery disease. However, CTA generally overestimates stenosis severity compared with invasive angiography, and angiographic stenosis does not necessarily imply hemodynamic relevance when fractional flow reserve (FFR) is used as reference. CTA-based FFR (CT-FFR), using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), improves the correlation with invasive FFR results but is computationally demanding. More recently, a new machine-learning (ML) CT-FFR algorithm has been developed based on a deep learning model, which can be performed on a regular workstation. In this large multicenter cohort, the diagnostic performance ML-based CT-FFR was compared with CTA and CFD-based CT-FFR for detection of functionally obstructive coronary artery disease.

Methods and Results:

At 5 centers in Europe, Asia, and the United States, 351 patients, including 525 vessels with invasive FFR comparison, were included. ML-based and CFD-based CT-FFR were performed on the CTA data, and diagnostic performance was evaluated using invasive FFR as reference. Correlation between ML-based and CFD-based CT-FFR was excellent (
R
=0.997). ML-based (area under curve, 0.84) and CFD-based CT-FFR (0.84) outperformed visual CTA (0.69;
P
<0.0001). On a per-vessel basis, diagnostic accuracy improved from 58% (95% confidence interval, 54%–63%) by CTA to 78% (75%–82%) by ML-based CT-FFR. The per-patient accuracy improved from 71% (66%–76%) by CTA to 85% (81%–89%) by adding ML-based CT-FFR as 62 of 85 (73%) false-positive CTA results could be correctly reclassified by adding ML-based CT-FFR.

Conclusions:

On-site CT-FFR based on ML improves the performance of CTA by correctly reclassifying hemodynamically nonsignificant stenosis and performs equally well as CFD-based CT-FFR.
Primary Myocardial Fibrosis as an Alternative Phenotype Pathway of Inherited Cardiac Structural Disorders
Authors: Junttila M. Juhani , Holmström Lauri , Pylkäs Katri , Mantere Tuomo , Kaikkonen Kari , Porvari Katja , Kortelainen Marja-Leena , Pakanen Lasse , Kerkelä Risto , Myerburg Robert J. , Huikuri Heikki V.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Myocardial fibrosis is a common postmortem finding among young individuals with sudden cardiac death. Because there is no known single cause, we tested the hypothesis that some cases of myocardial fibrosis in the absence of identifiable causes (primary myocardial fibrosis [PMF]) are associated with genetic variants.

Methods:

Tissue was obtained at autopsy from 4031 consecutive individuals with sudden cardiac death in Northern Finland, among whom PMF was the only structural finding in 145 subjects with sudden cardiac death. We performed targeted next-generation sequencing using a panel of 174 genes associated with myocardial structure and ion channel function when autopsies did not identify a secondary basis for myocardial fibrosis. All variants with an effect on protein and with a minor allele frequency <0.01 were classified as pathogenic or variants of uncertain significance on the basis of American College of Medical Genetics consensus guidelines.

Results:

Among the 96 specimens with DNA passing quality control (66%), postmortem genetic tests identified 24 variants of known or uncertain significance in 26 subjects (27%). Ten were pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in 10 subjects (10%), and 14 were variants of uncertain significance in 11 genes among 16 subjects (17%). Five variants were in genes associated with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, 6 in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy–associated genes, and 11 in dilated cardiomyopathy–associated genes; 2 were not associated with these disorders. Four unique variants of uncertain significance cosegregated among multiple unrelated subjects with PMF. No pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were detected in ion channel–encoding genes.

Conclusions:

A large proportion of subjects with PMF at autopsy had variants in genes associated with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy without autopsy findings of those diseases, suggesting that PMF can be an alternative phenotypic expression of structural disease–associated genetic variants or that risk-associated fibrosis was expressing before the primary disease. These findings have clinical implications for postmortem genetic testing and family risk profiling.
Efficacy and Safety of Ticagrelor in Relation to Aspirin Use Within the Week Before Randomization in the SOCRATES Trial
Authors: Wong K.S. Lawrence , Amarenco Pierre , Albers Gregory W. , Denison Hans , Easton J. Donald , Evans Scott R. , Held Peter , Himmelmann Anders , Kasner Scott E. , Knutsson Mikael , Ladenvall Per , Minematsu Kazuo , Molina Carlos A. , Wang Yongjun , Johnston S. Claiborne ,   for the SOCRATES Steering Committee and Investigators
Published: June 2018

Background and Purpose—

SOCRATES (Acute Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack Treated With Aspirin or Ticagrelor and Patient Outcomes), comparing ticagrelor with aspirin in patients with acute cerebral ischemia, found a nonsignificant 11% relative risk reduction for stroke, myocardial infarction, or death (
P
=0.07). Aspirin intake before randomization could enhance the effect of ticagrelor by conferring dual antiplatelet effect during a high-risk period for subsequent stroke. Therefore, we explored the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor versus aspirin in the patients who received any aspirin the week before randomization.

Methods—

A prespecified subgroup analysis in SOCRATES (n=13 199), randomizing patients with acute ischemic stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of ≤5) or transient ischemic attack (ABCD
2
score of ≥4) to 90-day treatment with ticagrelor or aspirin. Patients in the prior-aspirin group had received any aspirin within the week before randomization. Primary end point was time to stroke, myocardial infarction, or death. Safety end point was PLATO (Study of Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes) major bleeding.

Results—

The 4232 patients in the prior-aspirin group were older, had more vascular risk factors, and vascular disease than the other patients. In the prior-aspirin group, the primary end point occurred in 138/2130 (6.5%) of patients on ticagrelor and in 177/2102 (8.3%) on aspirin (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.61–0.95;
P
=0.02); in patients with no prior-aspirin usage an event occurred in 304/4459 (6.9%) and 320/4508 (7.1%) on ticagrelor and aspirin, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.82–1.12;
P
=0.59). The treatment-by-prior-aspirin interaction was not statistically significant (
P
=0.10). In the prior-aspirin group, major bleeding occurred in 0.7% and 0.4% of patients on ticagrelor and aspirin, respectively (hazard ratio, 1.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.68–3.65;
P
=0.28).

Conclusions—

In this secondary analysis from SOCRATES, fewer primary end points occurred on ticagrelor treatment than on aspirin in patients receiving aspirin before randomization, but there was no significant treatment-by-prior-aspirin interaction. A new study will investigate the benefit-risk of combining ticagrelor and aspirin in patients with acute cerebral ischemia (URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT03354429).

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01994720.
On the Pleromatic
Authors: Creighton Matthew
Published: June 2018

This essay meets at the crossroads of religion and literature, insofar as it concerns the extent to which fictional characters can articulate religious viewpoints. The subject here is D. H. Lawrence’s Women in Love with particular focus on the novel’s main character, Rupert Birkin. This essay argues that Birkin’s particular worldview, and the source of the strangeness with which it is encountered, is due to its location outside Judeo-Christian frameworks and inside a fundamentally “Gnostic” one. To prove this argument, I first adumbrate essential features of the Gnostic myth and then proceed to show how Birkin both reflects and departs from them.
Sexual Abuse in a Korean Evangelical Church in Japan
Authors: Sakurai Yoshihide
Published: June 2018

A case of sexual abuse by the supervisor of the Central Church of Holy God (Seishin Chūō Kyōkai 聖神中央教会) in 2005 has led many in the Japanese Christian community and the media to question the “cultification” of the Christian church. This paper will consider the incident and its background, one negative aspect of “church growth” in Japan, in which Korean evangelical and Pentecostal churches competed vigorously to attract devotees. The pastor who founded this church was a Korean resident in Japan who had studied theology and the propagation methodology in South Korea, allowing him to realize church growth in notoriously non-Christian Japan. Yet, his top-down authoritative management suppressed believers’ spiritual and physical freedom of religion. In the following case study, I consider how the asymmetrical relations among church members contributed to this religious abuse. After taking into account issues of missionary training, proselytization methodology, and social strata, I suggest that a dysfunction within the “comprehensive religious community” forces members’ total dependence on pastors in their belief as well as their lives.
Ciliated Protozoan Fauna in the Forestomach of Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Libya
Authors: GÜRELLİ GÖZDE , MOHAMED ASEM RAMADAN AMAR
Published: June 2018

Species composition and distribution of ciliated protozoa obtained from the forestomach of 20 dromedary camels living in Zawiya, Libya were examined. Nineteen species and 10 morphotypes belonging to eight genera were identified. The mean number of ciliates was 54.2 ± 32.9 × 104 cells ml−1 in the forestomach contents, and the mean number of ciliate species per host was 6.5 ± 2.9. Entodinium and Epidinium were the main genera, as these ciliates were found consistently at higher proportions than those of the other genera. In contrast, Ophryoscolex and Polyplastron were only observed at low frequencies. Diplodinium rangiferi, Entodinium ellipsoideum, E. simulans, and Polyplastron multivesiculatum were new endosymbionts recorded from camels.
New species and synonymy in the genus Corotoca Schiødte, 1853 (Coleoptera, Aleocharinae, Corotocini)
Authors: ZILBERMAN BRUNO
Published: June 2018

Corotoca Schiødte, 1853 is a Neotropical genus of termitophiles beetles, with five species, and its description marks the first record of insects associated with termites. A new species, Corotoca fontesi sp. nov., from Brazil, is described and illustrated, and a taxonomical problem regarding to the identification and nomenclatural status of two species, Corotoca phylo Schiødte, 1853 and Corotoca seeversi Fontes, 1977, is solved. Therefore, Corotoca seeversi is proposed as a new junior synonym of C. phylo, and the material identified as C. phylo housed in the Museum of Zoology of the University of São Paulo, Brazil (MZUSP) is recognized as a new species, Corotoca fontesi sp. nov. New morphological and sexual dimorphism data in the species, and solution of some messy informations about the genus present in the literature are also present.
Changes in Atmospheric Blocking Circulations Linked with Winter Arctic Warming: A New Perspective
Authors: Luo Dehai , Chen Xiaodan , Dai Aiguo , Simmonds Ian
Published: June 2018

Winter atmospheric blocking circulations such as Ural blocking (UB) have been recognized to play an important role in recent winter Eurasian cooling. Observational analyses performed here reveal that the winter warming in the Barents–Kara Seas (BKS) related to the recent decline of sea ice concentration (SIC) has been accompanied by a large increase in the mean duration of the UB events. A new energy dispersion index (EDI) is designed to help reveal the physics behind this association and show how the BKS warming can influence the mean duration of UB events. This EDI mainly reflects the role of the meridional potential vorticity (PV) gradient in the blocking persistence and it characterizes the changes in energy dispersion and nonlinearity strength of blocking. The meridional PV gradient combines the relative vorticity gradient (related to the nonuniform meridional shear of the mean zonal wind) and the mean zonal wind strength. It is revealed that the BKS warming leads to a significant lengthening of the UB duration because of weakened energy dispersion and intensified nonlinearity of the UB through reduced meridional PV gradient. Furthermore, the duration of the UB is found to depend more strongly on the meridional PV gradient than the mean westerly wind strength, although the meridional PV gradient includes the effect of mean westerly wind strength. Thus, the meridional PV gradient is a better indicator of the change in the blocking duration related to Arctic warming than the zonal wind strength index.
Transient Hyperthyroidism Induced by Thyroid Ultrasound
Authors: Yatavelli Rajini K. , Levine Steven N.
Published: June 2018

Objectives:

Transient hyperthyroidism has been documented following surgical manipulation or direct trauma to the normal thyroid gland. This has best been studied in patients following parathyroidectomy and also reported following trauma to the neck, strangulation, and vigorous palpation of the thyroid gland. It has not previously been reported following a thyroid ultrasound.

Methods:

We report the case of a 58-year-old euthyroid woman with a large nontoxic multinodular goiter who developed transient hyperthyroidism following an ultrasound of the thyroid gland. She was not treated with anti-thyroid medications.

Results:

Two weeks later, her free T3 and free T4 were normal, and 11 weeks after the ultrasound, all thyroid tests, including her TSH, were within the reference range.

Conclusions:

We believe this is the first report of a euthyroid individual who developed hyperthyroidism caused by thyroid ultrasonography. We hypothesize that pressure from the ultrasound probe during the examination compressed her large nodules, releasing stored hormone.
A few ruminations about the status of the church in Latin America
Authors: Salinas J. Daniel
Published: June 2018

Evangelicals have been present in Latin America for more than a century. The article describes some historical developments as well as current challenges and opportunities evangelicals are facing in Latin America. The article explores some inherited traits of Latin American evangelical churches and the received theology. The narrative includes details about the process toward a more indigenous leadership of the churches, and explanations for the more recent growth. Latin American evangelicals have to decide how to live out the Gospel in the twenty-first century in ways that will increase not only their numbers but also their relevance.
The Nexus between Sovereignty and ‘Eminent Domain’ under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, and the Land Act, 2013
Authors: Gogoi Meenakshi
Published: June 2018

The Indian state has used the colonial Land Acquisition Act (LAA), 1894, for acquiring land even without the consent of the people in the name of ‘public purpose’ and on payment of compensation, until it got repealed by a new act, the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisitions, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. The LAA, 1894 is an expression of the notion of ‘eminent domain’ and draws its sustenance from the sovereignty of the state. The understanding of sovereignty and to what extent the sovereign power of the state can use the concept of ‘eminent domain’ in the context of land acquisition remains a contentious issue. This article attempts to examine the notion of sovereignty and use of ‘eminent domain’ in the context of land acquisition in India. How does the inter-relationship between sovereignty and ‘eminent domain’ be understood according to the LAA, 1894 and the Land Act, 2013 has been discussed.
Book review: Padmanabhan, N., Globalisation Lived Locally: A Labour Geography Perspective
Authors: Chaudhary Tanya
Published: June 2018

Padmanabhan, N., Globalisation Lived Locally: A Labour Geography Perspective. New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2016, xvii+231 pp., ₹795, ISBN: 978-01-99463-62-6.
His and Her Retirement: Effects of Gender and Familial Caregiving Profiles on Retirement Timing
Authors: Stoiko Rachel R. , Strough JoNell
Published: June 2018

Objectives

Retirement timing has been linked to a host of outcomes for individuals, families, and societies. The present study predicted retirement timing using profiles of preretirement family caregiving and gender.

Method

Using longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study, cluster analysis was used to create profiles of preretirement family caregiving (operationalized as time and financial transfers to aging parents and adult children). These profiles, as well as gender, were used to predict later retirement timing.

Results

Four distinct preretirement caregiving profiles were evident. All profiles retired, on average, earlier than their full eligibility for Social Security benefits. A main effect of caregiving profile, but not gender, was evident. The Eldercare profile, which was characterized by high levels of time and financial transfers to aging parents, retired the earliest. There was not a significant interaction between caregiving profile and gender.

Discussion

When men enacted female-typical caregiving roles, their retirement timing resembled women’s. Eldercare, in particular, was associated with earlier retirement timing. Implications for individual retirement decision-making and policy are discussed.
Effect of expandable and expanded graphites on the thermo-mechanical properties of polyamide 11
Authors: Oulmou F , Benhamida A , Dorigato A , Sola A , Messori M , Pegoretti A
Published: June 2018

The preparation and thermo-mechanical characterization of composites based on polyamide 11 (PA11) filled with various amounts of both expandable and expanded graphites are presented. Investigation conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy and surface area analyses indicated how graphite expanded under the selected processing conditions. The XRD analysis on PA11/graphite composites revealed no change in the crystal form of the PA11, while the presence of diffraction peaks associated to the graphite-stacked lamellae can be still detected. All the investigated composites showed an improvement of the thermal stability and mechanical properties (elastic and storage moduli).
Preservice teachers’ experiences teaching an adult community music ensemble
Authors: Baughman Melissa , Baumgartner Christopher M.
Published: June 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of four preservice music teachers as leaders of adult chamber ensembles. Through examination of these teachers’ reflections, we sought to answer the following questions: (a) What impact does leading an adult chamber ensemble have on preservice teachers’ perceptions of their instructional behaviors? (b) Which specific instructional behaviors do preservice teachers focus upon when teaching adult learners? (c) How might preservice teachers project their experience teaching adult learners in a community music program to future experiences teaching in formal school settings? Four undergraduate music education majors at a large Midwestern university school of music in the USA participated in this study. Each participant served as a staff member for the university-sponsored New Horizons Band, teaching a weekly, 30-minute small ensemble rehearsal for eight consecutive weeks. Participant responses were examined four ways: (a) responses to a pre-questionnaire, (b) video diary entries, (c) interview transcript, and (d) responses to a post-questionnaire. Preservice teachers’ credited their experiences leading New Horizons chamber groups for their perceived development and mastery of specific instructional behaviors. Implications for music education include the need to engage preservice teachers’ in authentic teaching experiences, promoting transfer to future instructional settings.
Impure but not inactive: Behavioral pharmacology of dibenzylpiperazine, a common by-product of benzylpiperazine synthesis
Authors: Dolan Sean B , Shetty Ritu A , Forster Michael J , Gatch Michael B
Published: June 2018

Background:

Substituted piperazines comprise a substantial proportion of the novel psychoactive substance market. Among the most widely abused piperazine compounds are meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP), tri-fluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP), and, especially, benzylpiperazine (BZP), which are commonly incorporated, either alone or in combination, in illicit “party pills” or “ecstasy” formulations. Illicit synthesis of BZP often results in production of an impure by-product dibenzylpiperazine (DBZP), which frequently appears alongside BZP in these formulations; however, despite its ubiquity, little information exists regarding the abuse liability of DBZP.

Aims:

The current study aimed to evaluate the abuse-related behavioral pharmacology of DBZP.

Methods:

DBZP, mCPP, and TFMPP were tested in parallel in mice in locomotor activity and conditioned place preference assays, and in a drug discrimination assay with rats trained to discriminate either methamphetamine, cocaine, (±)-3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), or -2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine(DOM).

Results:

Each of the compounds tested produced dose-dependent decreases in locomotor activity. DBZP substituted fully for methamphetamine, produced subthreshold drug-appropriate responding for cocaine and MDMA, and failed to substitute for DOM. Conversely, TFMPP and mCPP only produced subthreshold drug-appropriate responding for methamphetamine and MDMA, respectively, and both compounds failed to substitute for cocaine or DOM. None of the compounds tested produced a place preference. DBZP produced convulsions in rats at the highest dose tested.

Conclusions:

These data indicate that DBZP is more similar to BZP, albeit with lower potency and efficacy, than its serotonergic piperazine counterparts, and is a behaviorally-active compound with some abuse liability and potential for adverse health effects.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization and infection in an intensive care unit of a university hospital in China
Authors: Qiao Fu , Huang Wenzhi , Cai Lin , Zong Zhiyong , Yin Weijia
Published: June 2018

Objective

This study was performed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with nasal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization upon intensive care unit (ICU) admission and during the ICU stay in mainland China.

Methods

A prospective observational study was performed in a 50-bed general ICU of a 4300-bed teaching hospital in China from 2011 to 2013. Nasal swabs for MRSA detection were obtained upon ICU admission and at discharge for patients having stayed in the ICU for longer than 3 days.

Results

In total, 115 patients (4.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.4–4.9) were already colonized with MRSA on ICU admission, and another 185 patients (10.7%; 95% CI, 9.3–12.2) acquired MRSA during their ICU stay. Development of an MRSA infection was significantly more likely in patients with than without MRSA colonization on ICU admission (odds ratio [OR], 2.8; 95% CI, 1.1–7.3). Patients who acquired MRSA had significantly prolonged lengths of stay in the ICU (23.3 days) and higher hospital bills (135,171 RMB; about 19,590 USD) than those who tested negative for MRSA.

Conclusion

The MRSA colonization rate among ICU patients in mainland China is high. Patients with MRSA-positive nasal swabs are more likely to develop MRSA infections.
Vision 2030 for the optimal approach to cancer research and care in Europe: A mission or a network of networks?
Authors: Philip Thierry , Almouzni Geneviève , Poortmans Philip
Published: June 2018

Introduction:

A mission-oriented approach to cancer care in Europe was proposed by Julio Celis and Dainius Pavalkis in 2017. The major proposed objective is to achieve long-term survival of 3 out of 4 cancer patients by 2030.

Background:

The authors are president or president-elect of Organization of European Cancer Institutes (OECI) EU Life or European Cancer Community Organization (ECCO).

Results:

The goal is laudable and ambitious. However, it can only be successful if it is coordinated with active involvement of all stakeholders and interacts with an already well-organized, recognized, and certified European Accreditation and Designation quality approach to identify and select the potential candidates to participate in such a virtual network.

Conclusions:

The building of a virtual European Cancer Institute based on coordinated networks should refer to unquestioned criteria using a solid and proven methodology operated by an independent arbitration body. The cancer community must share a fundamental responsibility to act collectively and in today’s era of the World Wide Web, it is time to think out of the box and consider the possibility of establishing networks of networks.
A PTSD Screen for Forensic Populations
Authors: Guston Kaitlin , Combs Elizabeth , Kopak Albert , Raggio Alyssa , Hoffmann Norman
Published: June 2018

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been observed in a sizable proportion of the U.S. adult correctional population. Jail administrators must pay particularly close attention to inmates with PTSD symptoms, considering these facilities serve as the gateway to the criminal justice system and inmates with PTSD may pose a risk to themselves, other inmates, and staff. The reality of conducting behavioral health assessments in a jail environment is wrought with significant challenges, including limited time. The current study examined prior research on PTSD screening tools to establish an empirical basis for a practical screen to be used among adults recently booked into local jails. Data from a random sample of 283 adults assessed specificity and sensitivity rates of different combinations of criteria. Results indicated a two-item screen achieved an 86.4% sensitivity rate as well as an 80.4% specificity rate. This evidence demonstrates a practical and clinically relevant approach to conducting PTSD screens among adult jail inmates.
Linking migraine frequency with family history of migraine
Authors: Pelzer Nadine , Louter Mark A , van Zwet Erik W , Nyholt Dale R , Ferrari Michel D , van den Maagdenberg Arn MJM , Haan Joost , Terwindt Gisela M
Published: June 2018

Background

Migraine is a complex genetic disorder that is brought about by multiple genetic and environmental factors. We aimed to assess whether migraine frequency is associated with genetic susceptibility.

Methods

We investigated in 2829 migraine patients (14% males) whether ‘migraine frequency’ (measured as the number of migraine days per month) was related to ‘genetic load’ (measured as the number of parents affected with migraine) using a validated web-based questionnaire. In addition, we investigated associations with age-at-onset, migraine subtype, use of acute headache medication, and comorbid depression.

Results

We found an association between the number of migraine days per month and family history of migraine for males ( p = 0.03), but not for females ( p = 0.97). This association was confirmed in a linear regression analysis. Also, a lower age-at-onset ( p < 0.001), having migraine with aura ( p = 0.03), and a high number of medication days ( p = 0.006) were associated with a stronger family history of migraine, whereas lifetime depression ( p = 0.13) was not.

Discussion

Migraine frequency, as measured by the number of migraine days per month, seems associated with a genetic predisposition only in males. A stronger family history of migraine was also associated with a lower age-at-onset, a higher number of medication days, and migraine with aura. Our findings suggest that specific clinical features of migraine seem more determined by genetic factors.