bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Removal of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solution Using Agricultural Residue Walnut Shell: Equilibrium, Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Studies
Authors: Tang Ranxiao , Dai Chong , Li Chao , Liu Weihua , Gao Shutao , Wang Chun
Published: March 2017

Walnut shell (WS), as an economic and environmental-friendly adsorbent, was utilized to remove methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. The effects of WS particle size, solution pH, adsorbent dosage and contact time, and concentration of NaCl on MB removal were systematically investigated. Under the optimized conditions (i.e., contact time ~ 2 h, pH ~ 6, particle size ~ 80 mesh, dye concentration 20 mg/L, and 1.25 g/L adsorbent), the removal percentages can achieve ~97.1%, indicating WS was a promising absorbent to remove MB. Other supplementary experiments, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method, were also employed to understand the adsorption mechanisms. FTIR confirmed that the successful adsorption of MB on WS particles was through functional groups of WS. Using DLS method, the interactions between WS particles and dyes under various pH were investigated, which can be ascribed to the electrostatic forces. Kinetic data can be well fitted by the pseudo-second-order model, indicating a chemical adsorption. The adsorption isotherms were well described by both Langmuir and Freundlich models. Dubinin-Radushkevich model also showed that the adsorption process was a chemical adsorption. Thermodynamic data indicated that the adsorption was spontaneous, exothermic, and favorable at room temperature.
Comparative Analysis of Optical Signals Emitted by Corona on a Laboratory Model of Transmission Lines Made of Various Materials
Authors: Krzewiński Sławomir , Frącz Paweł , Urbaniec Ireneusz , Turba Tomasz
Published: March 2017

The paper presents results of comparative analyses of optical signals generated by corona discharges occurring in the vicinity and on the surface of power transmission lines made of five different materials under laboratory conditions. Three aluminium-based materials were chosen: pure aluminium, aluminium with added magnesium, and aluminium with added silicon, and for comparison purposes also, steel-based lines were considered: copper-coated steel and steel with added chromium and nickel. A three-phase triangular arrangement system operating under maximal voltage equal to 110 kV was applied for experimental tests. The optical radiation was registered using a spectrophotometer. During research works, also the influence of corona generation voltage and distance between power lines was investigated. Based on the achieved results, it was stated that the highest corona intensity was found for aluminium-based lines, for both pure aluminium and aluminium with added magnesium and silicon. The lowest corona intensity was observed for chromium- and nickel-alloyed (stainless) steel.
Efficacy of Propolis on the Denture Stomatitis Treatment in Older Adults: A Multicentric Randomized Trial
Authors: Pina Gisela de M. S. , Lia Erica N. , Berretta Andresa A. , Nascimento Andresa P. , Torres Elina C. , Buszinski Andrei F. M. , de Campos Tatiana A. , Coelho Eduardo B. , Martins Vicente de P.
Published: March 2017

Our hypothesis tested the efficacy and safety of a mucoadhesive oral gel formulation of Brazilian propolis extract compared to miconazole oral gel for the treatment of denture stomatitis due to Candida spp. infection in older adults. Forty patients were randomly allocated in a noninferiority clinical trial into two groups. The control group (MIC) received 20 mg/g miconazole oral gel and the study group (PROP) received mucoadhesive formulation containing standardized extract of 2% (20 mg/g) propolis (EPP‐AF®) during 14 days. Patients were examined on days 1, 7, and 14. The Newton’s score was used to classify the severity of denture stomatitis. The colony forming unity count (CFU/mL) was quantified and identified (CHROMagar Candida®) before and after the treatment. Baseline characteristics did not differ between groups. Both treatments reduced Newton’s score (P < 0.0001), indicating a clinical improvement of the symptoms of candidiasis with a clinical cure rate of 70%. The microbiological cure with significant reduction in fungal burden on T14 was 70% in the miconazole group and 25% in the EPP‐AF group. The EPP‐AF appears to be noninferior to miconazole considering the clinical cure rate and could be recommended as an alternative treatment in older patients.
Adult Onset Dysphagia: Right Sided Aortic Arch, Ductus Diverticulum, and Retroesophageal Ligamentum Arteriosum Comprising an Obstructing Vascular Ring
Authors: Sinha Ankur , Raheja Hitesh , Namana Vinod , Abrol Sunil , Kamholz Stephan , Shetty Vijay
Published: March 2017

A 49-year-old African American male patient with no past medical history was admitted because of 3 months of difficulty swallowing solid and liquid foods. He had constant retrosternal discomfort and appeared malnourished. The chest radiograph revealed a right sided aortic arch with tracheal deviation to the left. A swallow study confirmed a fixed esophageal narrowing at the level of T6. Contrast enhanced Computed Tomography (CT) angiogram of the chest and neck revealed a mirror image right aortic arch with a left sided cardiac apex and a prominent ductus diverticulum (measuring 1.7 × 1.8 cm). This structure extended posterior to and indented the mid esophagus. A left posterolateral thoracotomy was performed and the ductus diverticulum was resected. A retroesophageal ligamentum arteriosum was found during surgery and divided. This rare combination of congenital anatomical aberrations led to severe dysphagia in our patient. Successful surgical correction in the form of resection of the ductus diverticulum and division of the retroesophageal ligamentum arteriosum led to complete resolution of our patient’s symptoms.
The Host Microbiome Regulates and Maintains Human Health: A Primer and Perspective for Non-Microbiologists
Authors: Thomas Sunil , Izard Jacques , Walsh Emily , Batich Kristen , Chongsathidkiet Pakawat , Clarke Gerard , Sela David A. , Muller Alexander J. , Mullin James M. , Albert Korin , Gilligan John P. , DiGuilio Katherine , Dilbarova Rima , Alexander Walker , Prendergast George C.
Published: March 2017

Humans consider themselves discrete autonomous organisms, but recent research is rapidly strengthening the appreciation that associated microorganisms make essential contributions to human health and well being. Each person is inhabited and also surrounded by his/her own signature microbial cloud. A low diversity of microorganisms is associated with a plethora of diseases, including allergy, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and even neuropsychiatric disorders. Thus, an interaction of microorganisms with the host immune system is required for a healthy body. Exposure to microorganisms from the moment we are born and appropriate microbiome assembly during childhood are essential for establishing an active immune system necessary to prevent disease later in life. Exposure to microorganisms educates the immune system, induces adaptive immunity, and initiates memory B and T cells that are essential to combat various pathogens. The correct microbial-based education of immune cells may be critical in preventing the development of autoimmune diseases and cancer. This review provides a broad overview of the importance of the host microbiome and accumulating knowledge of how it regulates and maintains a healthy human system. Cancer Res; 77(8); 1783–812. ©2017 AACR.
Aspirin Use Reduces the Risk of Aggressive Prostate Cancer and Disease Recurrence in African-American Men
Authors: Smith Cheryl Jacobs , Dorsey Tiffany H. , Tang Wei , Jordan Symone V. , Loffredo Christopher A. , Ambs Stefan
Published: March 2017

Background: Men of African descent experience a disproportionately high prostate cancer mortality. Intratumoral inflammation was found to be associated with aggressive prostate cancer. We and others have shown that prostate tumors in African-American (AA) patients harbor a distinct immune and inflammation signature when compared with European-American (EA) patients. These observations suggest that inflammation could be a driver of aggressive disease in men of African descent, leading to the hypothesis that an anti-inflammatory drug like aspirin could prevent disease progression.

Methods: We examined the relationship between aspirin use and prostate cancer in the NCI-Maryland Prostate Cancer Case-Control Study consisting of 823 men with incident prostate cancer (422 AA and 401 EA) and 1,034 population-based men without the disease diagnosis (486 AA and 548 EA).

Results: We observed a significant inverse association between regular aspirin use and prostate cancer among AA men. Stratification of AA patients by disease stage showed that daily and long-term (>3 years) aspirin use significantly decreased the risk of advanced disease [adjusted ORs for T3/T4 disease: 0.35, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.17–0.73; and 0.22, 95% CI, 0.08–0.60, respectively], but not early-stage disease (T1/T2). Regular aspirin use also reduced disease recurrence in AA men.

Conclusions: Regular aspirin use is associated with a decreased risk of advanced stage prostate cancer and increased disease-free survival in AA men.

Impact: Regular aspirin use before and after a prostate cancer diagnosis may prevent the development of aggressive disease in AA men who are at risk of a lethal malignancy. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(6); 845–53. ©2017 AACR.
Evaluation of Infection Resistance of Biodegradable versus Conventional Annuloplasty Rings in an in vivo Rat Subcutaneous Model
Authors: Ozgol Ilhan , Depboylu Burak Can , Tongut Aybala , Ozdemir Sinem , Bagdatlı Yasar , Ainechi Sanaz , Oz Buge , Pache Jean-Claude , Erenturk Selim , Kalangos Afksendiyos , Hatemi Ali Can , Cikirikcioglu Mustafa
Published: March 2017

Background: Biodegradable atrioventricular annuloplasty rings are theoretically more infection resistant due to their intra-annular implantation technique and nonporous structures (monofilament of poly-1,4-dioxanone). The aim of this study was to investigate the infection resistance of a biodegradable annuloplasty ring (Kalangos-Bioring®) in a rat subcutaneous implantation model and to compare it with a commonly used conventional annuloplasty ring (Edwards Physio II®). Methods: This study included 32 Wistar albino rats which were divided into 2 groups according to the implantation of sterile or infected annuloplasty rings as control and study groups. Each animal had 2 implantation pockets (made on the right and left side of the dorsal median line) where 1 cm of the biodegradable annuloplasty ring was implanted into one pocket and 1 cm of the conventional annuloplasty ring was implanted into the other pocket. The infection model was created by topical inoculation of 1 mL Staphylococcus aureus strain (2 × 107 colony-forming units/mL) into the implantation pockets before skin closure. Each group was equally divided into 4 subgroups according to different follow-up schedules. The animals were inspected for local as well as systemic infection signs, and the rings were explanted at weeks 2, 4, 9, and 14 following implantation. Implantation pockets were evaluated macroscopically as well as by histopathological examinations. Microbiological analysis of the explanted implants with surrounding tissue was done by using quantitative sonication method. Results: Conventional ring-implanted pockets showed a more prominent inflammation reaction than the biodegradable ring-implanted pockets, and this characteristic was found to be accentuated with bacterial contamination. The sterile rings did not reveal any positive cultures in either group. The number of positive cultures found in conventional rings contaminated with S. aureus was greater than in the biodegradable ring group (11/16 vs. 2/16 positive cultures, respectively; p = 0.0032). The amounts of growing bacteria in the culture environment were also statistically significantly higher in the conventional ring group (7,175 ± 5,936 vs. 181 ± 130 colony-forming units/mL, respectively; p < 0.0005). Conclusions: This is the first experimental study confirming the theoretical advantage of the infection resistance of the biodegradable annuloplasty ring (Kalangos-Bioring®) when implanted in an active infectious environment. Large animal models mimicking clinical scenarios and clinical comparative studies are needed to verify our results.
Immunocytological Analysis of Meiotic Recombination in the Gray Goose (Anser anser)
Authors: Torgasheva Anna A. , Borodin Pavel M.
Published: March 2017

Studies on mammals demonstrate wide interspecific variation in the number and distribution of recombination events along chromosomes. Birds represent an interesting model group for comparative analysis of cytological and ecological drivers of recombination rate evolution. Yet, data on variation in recombination rates in birds are limited to a dozen of species. In this study, we used immunolocalization of MLH1, a mismatch repair protein marking mature recombination nodules, to estimate the overall recombination rate and distribution of crossovers along macrochromosomes in female and male meiosis of the gray goose (Anser anser). The average number of MLH1 foci was significantly higher in oocytes than in spermatocytes (73.6 ± 7.8 and 58.9 ± 7.6, respectively). MLH1 foci distribution along individual macrobivalents showed subtelomeric peaks, which were more pronounced in males. Analysis of distances between neighboring MLH1 foci on macrobivalents revealed stronger crossover interference in male meiosis. These data create a framework for future genetic and physical mapping of the gray goose.
Dermoscopic Analysis of Nevus Sebaceus of Jadassohn: A Study of 13 Cases
Authors: Kelati Awatef , Baybay Hanane , Gallouj Salim , Mernissi Fatima Zahra
Published: March 2017

Background: Nevus sebaceus of Jadassohn (NSJ) is a complex cutaneous hamartoma with various clinical appearances. Aim: To describe different dermoscopic patterns of this nevus according to its evolutionary stages. Methods: This was an analytical study of NSJ carried out in the Department of Dermatology at the University Hospital Hassan II, Fez, Morocco. Results: Thirteen patients with a NSJ were enrolled in the study. Elevated verrucous plaques were noticed in 9 patients, homogeneous tumors were described in 2 NSJ, an alopecic patch was found in 1 case, and we had 1 case of malignant transformation into basal cell carcinoma. The dermoscopic aspects of NSJ described in our study were yellowish or brown globules aggregated in clusters on a yellow background. This pattern was significantly related to the first stage of an alopecic patch (p = 0.001). Whitish-yellow lobular aspect and grayish papillary appearance were significantly related to verrucous plaques (p = 0.003). Homogeneous yellow-whitish pattern was related to nodules (p = 0.005). Conclusion: The establishment of specific dermoscopic features of NSJ according to its evolutionary stages is important for its diagnosis and especially its monitoring in order to detect malignant transformation.
Predictive Value of Age- and Sex-Specific Nomograms of Global Plaque Burden on Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography for Major Cardiac Events
Authors: Naoum Christopher , Berman Daniel S. , Ahmadi Amir , Blanke Philipp , Gransar Heidi , Narula Jagat , Shaw Leslee J. , Kritharides Leonard , Achenbach Stephan , Al-Mallah Mouaz H. , Andreini Daniele , Budoff Matthew J. , Cademartiri Filippo , Callister Tracy Q. , Chang Hyuk-Jae , Chinnaiyan Kavitha , Chow Benjamin , Cury Ricardo C. , DeLago Augustin , Dunning Allison , Feuchtner Gudrun , Hadamitzky Martin , Hausleiter Joerg , Kaufmann Philipp A. , Kim Yong-Jin , Maffei Erica , Marquez Hugo , Pontone Gianluca , Raff Gilbert , Rubinshtein Ronen , Villines Todd C. , Min James , Leipsic Jonathon
Published: March 2017

Background—

Age-adjusted coronary artery disease (CAD) burden identified on coronary computed tomography angiography predicts major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) risk; however, it seldom contributes to clinical decision making because of a lack of nomographic data. We aimed to develop clinically pragmatic age- and sex-specific nomograms of CAD burden using coronary computed tomography angiography and to validate their prognostic use.

Methods and Results—

Patients prospectively enrolled in phase I of the CONFIRM registry (Coronary CT Angiography Evaluation for Clinical Outcomes) were included (derivation cohort: n=21,132; 46% female) to develop CAD nomograms based on age–sex percentiles of segment involvement score (SIS) at each year of life (40–79 years). The relationship between SIS age–sex percentiles (SIS%) and MACE (all-cause death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and late revascularization) was tested in a nonoverlapping validation cohort (phase II, CONFIRM registry; n=3030, 44% female) by stratifying patients into 3 SIS% groups (≤50th, 51–75th, and >75th) and comparing annualized MACE rates and time to MACE using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for Framingham risk and chest pain typicality. Age–sex percentiles were well fitted to second-order polynomial curves (men:
R
2
=0.86±0.12; women:
R
2
=0.86±0.14). Using the nomograms, there were 1576, 965, and 489 patients, respectively, in the ≤50th, 51–75th, and >75th SIS% groups. Annualized event rates were higher among patients with greater CAD burden (2.1% [95% confidence interval: 1.7%–2.7%], 3.9% [95% confidence interval: 3.0%–5.1%], and 7.2% [95% confidence interval: 5.4%–9.6%] in ≤50th, 51–75th, and >75th SIS% groups, respectively;
P
<0.001). Adjusted MACE risk was significantly increased among patients in SIS% groups above the median compared with patients below the median (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.9 [1.3–2.8] for 51–75th SIS% group and 3.4 [2.3–5.0] for >75th SIS% group;
P
<0.01 for both).

Conclusions—

We have developed clinically pragmatic age- and sex-specific nomograms of CAD prevalence using coronary computed tomography angiography findings. Global plaque burden measured using SIS% is predictive of cardiac events independent of traditional risk assessment.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01443637.
18
F-Fluoride and
18
F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography After Transient Ischemic Attack or Minor Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Vesey Alex T. , Jenkins William S. A. , Irkle, Agnese , Moss Alastair , Sng, Greg , Forsythe Rachael O. , Clark Tim , Roberts Gemma , Fletcher Alison , Lucatelli Christophe , Rudd James H. F. , Davenport, Anthony P. , Mills Nicholas L. , Al-Shahi Salman Rustam , Dennis Martin , Whiteley William N. , van Beek Edwin J. R. , Dweck Marc R. , Newby David E.
Published: March 2017

Background—

Combined positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) can assess both anatomy and biology of carotid atherosclerosis. We sought to assess whether
18
F-fluoride or
18
F-fluorodeoxyglucose can identify culprit and high-risk carotid plaque.

Methods and Results—

We performed
18
F-fluoride and
18
F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT in 26 patients after recent transient ischemic attack or minor ischemic stroke: 18 patients with culprit carotid stenosis awaiting carotid endarterectomy and 8 controls without culprit carotid atheroma. We compared standardized uptake values in the clinically adjudicated culprit to the contralateral asymptomatic artery, and assessed the relationship between radiotracer uptake and plaque phenotype or predicted cardiovascular risk (ASSIGN score [Assessing Cardiovascular Risk Using SIGN Guidelines to Assign Preventive Treatment]). We also performed micro PET/CT and histological analysis of excised plaque. On histological and micro PET/CT analysis,
18
F-fluoride selectively highlighted microcalcification. Carotid
18
F-fluoride uptake was increased in clinically adjudicated culprit plaques compared with asymptomatic contralateral plaques (log
10
standardized uptake value
mean
0.29±0.10 versus 0.23±0.11,
P
=0.001) and compared with control patients (log
10
standardized uptake value
mean
0.29±0.10 versus 0.12±0.11,
P
=0.001).
18
F-Fluoride uptake correlated with high-risk plaque features (remodeling index [
r
=0.53,
P
=0.003], plaque burden [
r
=0.51,
P
=0.004]), and predicted cardiovascular risk [
r
=0.65,
P
=0.002]). Carotid
18
F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake appeared to be increased in 7 of 16 culprit plaques, but no overall differences in uptake were observed in culprit versus contralateral plaques or control patients. However,
18
F-fluorodeoxyglucose did correlate with predicted cardiovascular risk (
r
=0.53,
P
=0.019), but not with plaque phenotype.

Conclusions—

18
F-Fluoride PET/CT highlights culprit and phenotypically high-risk carotid plaque. This has the potential to improve risk stratification and selection of patients who may benefit from intervention.
Cardiac Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Disease
Authors: Naoum Christopher , Blanke Philipp , Cavalcante João L. , Leipsic Jonathon
Published: March 2017

Transcatheter interventions to treat mitral and tricuspid valve disease are becoming increasingly available because of the growing number of elderly patients with significant comorbidities or high operative risk. Thorough clinical and imaging evaluation in these patients is essential. The latter involves both characterization of the mechanism and severity of valvular disease as well as determining the hemodynamic consequences and extent of ventricular remodeling, which is an important predictor of future outcomes. Moreover, an assessment of the suitability and risk of complications associated with device-specific therapies is also an important component of the preprocedural evaluation in this cohort. Although echocardiography including 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional methods has an important role in the initial assessment and procedural guidance, cross-sectional imaging, including both computed tomographic imagning and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, is increasingly being integrated into the evaluation of mitral and tricuspid valve disease. In this review, we discuss the role of cross-sectional imaging in mitral and tricuspid valve disease, primarily valvular regurgitation assessment, with an emphasis on the preprocedural evaluation and implications for transcatheter interventions.
Assessment of Diffuse Ventricular Myocardial Fibrosis Using Native T1 in Children With Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Yim Deane , Riesenkampff Eugenie , Caro-Dominguez Pablo , Yoo Shi-Joon , Seed Mike , Grosse-Wortmann Lars
Published: March 2017

Background—

Myocardial fibrosis is linked with adverse clinical outcomes in adults after tetralogy of Fallot repair (rTOF). Native T1 times (T1) by cardiac magnetic resonance have been shown to be a surrogate marker of diffuse myocardial fibrosis. The objective was to quantify native T1 in children post-rTOF and to evaluate their relationship with surgical, imaging, and clinical factors.

Methods and Results—

A retrospective cross-sectional study was performed. Midventricular native T1 were obtained in 100 children post-rTOF using a modified look-locker inversion recovery cardiac magnetic resonance sequence and compared with 35 pediatric controls. rTOF patients, aged 13.0±2.9 years, had higher indexed right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic (range 85–326 mL/m
2
, mean 148 mL/m
2
) volumes, and lower RV and left ventricular (LV) ejection fractions compared with controls. RV, but not LV, T1 were higher in patients than in controls (1031±74 versus 954±32 ms,
P
<0.001) and female patients had higher RV T1 compared with males (1051±79 versus 1017±68 ms,
P
=0.02). LV T1 correlated with RV T1 (
r
=0.45,
P
<0.001), cardiopulmonary bypass (
r
=0.30,
P
=0.007), and aortic cross-clamp times (
r
=0.32,
P
=0.004). RV T1 correlated inversely with RV outflow tract gradient (
r
=-0.28,
P
=0.02). Longer aortic cross-clamp times were independently associated with LV and RV T1 on multivariable analysis. There was no association between exercise intolerance, arrhythmia, and native T1 or LV extracellular volume.

Conclusions—

Children after rTOF do not have elevated LV native T1 or LV extracellular volume, but show evidence of increased RV native T1 suggestive of diffuse RV fibrosis, for which volume loading seems to be a risk factor. Surgical bypass and cross-clamp times are associated with fibrotic remodeling over a decade later.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training in Schools Following 8 Years of Mandating Legislation in Denmark: A Nationwide Survey
Authors: Malta Hansen Carolina , Zinckernagel Line , Ersbøll Annette Kjær , Tjørnhøj‐Thomsen Tine , Wissenberg Mads , Lippert Freddy Knudsen , Weeke Peter , Gislason Gunnar Hilmar , Køber Lars , Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Folke Fredrik
Published: March 2017

Background

School cardiopulmonary resuscitation (
CPR
) training has become mandatory in many countries, but whether legislation has translated into implementation of
CPR
training is largely unknown. We assessed
CPR
training of students following 8 years of legislative mandates in Denmark.

Methods and Results

A nationwide cross‐sectional survey of Danish school leadership (n=1240) and ninth‐grade homeroom teachers (n=1381) was carried out for school year 2013‐2014. Qualitative interviews and the Theory of Planned Behavior were used to construct the survey. Logistic regression models were employed to identify factors associated with completed
CPR
training. Information from 63.1% of eligible schools was collected: 49.3% (n=611) of leadership and 48.2% (n=665) of teachers responded. According to teachers, 28.4% (95%
CI
25.0% to 32.0%) and 10.3% (95%
CI
8.1% to 12.8%) of eligible classes had completed
CPR
and automated external defibrillator training, respectively. Among leadership, 60.2% (95%
CI
56.2% to 64.1%) reported
CPR
training had occurred during the 3 years prior to the survey. Factors associated with completed
CPR
training included believing other schools were conducting training (odds ratio [
OR
] 9.68 [95%
CI
4.65‐20.1]), awareness of mandating legislation (
OR
4.19 [95%
CI
2.65‐6.62]), presence of a school
CPR
training coordinator (
OR
3.01 [95%
CI
1.84‐4.92]), teacher feeling competent to conduct training (
OR
2.78 [95%
CI
1.74‐4.45]), and having easy access to training material (
OR
2.08 [95%
CI
1.57‐2.76]).

Conclusions

Despite mandating legislation, school
CPR
training has not been successfully implemented. Completed
CPR
training was associated with believing other schools were conducting training, awareness of mandating legislation, presence of a school
CPR
training coordinator, teachers teacher feeling competent to conduct training, and having easy access to training material. Facilitating these factors may increase rates of school
CPR
training.
The Use of Stereoscopy in a Neurosurgery Training Virtual Environment
Authors: John Nigel W. , Phillips Nicholas I. , Cenydd Llyr ap , Pop Serban R. , Coope David , Kamaly-Asl Ian , de Souza Christopher , Watt Simon J.
Published: March 2017

We have previously investigated the effectiveness of a custom-built virtual environment in assisting training of a ventriculostomy procedure, which is a commonly performed procedure by a neurosurgeon and a core task for trainee surgeons. The training tool (called VCath) was initially developed as a low-fidelity app for a tablet platform to provide easy access and availability to trainees. Subsequently, we have developed a high-fidelity version of VCath that uses a stereoscopic display to immerse the trainee in the virtual environment. This article reports on two studies that have been carried out to compare the low- and high-fidelity versions of VCath, particularly to assess the value of stereoscopy. Study 1 was conducted at the second annual boot camp organized for all year-one trainees in neurosurgery in the UK. Study 2 was performed on lay people, with no surgical experience. Our hypothesis was that using stereoscopy in the training task would be beneficial. Results from Study 1 demonstrated that performance improved for both the control group and the group trained with the tablet version of VCath. The group trained on the high-fidelity version of VCath with a stereoscopic display showed no performance improvement. The indication is that our hypothesis is false. In Study 2, six different conditions were investigated that covered the use of training with VCath on a tablet, a mono display at two different sizes, a stereo display at two different sizes, and a control group who received no training. Results from this study with lay people show that stereoscopy can make a significant improvement to the accuracy of needle placement. The possible reasons for these results and the apparent contradiction between the two studies are discussed.
Atlantic Disaster: Boston Responds to the Cape Ann Earthquake of 1755
Authors: Robles Whitney Barlow
Published: March 2017

This article examines religious, scientific, and media responses to the 1755 Cape Ann earthquake, which affected Boston and other regions throughout the Atlantic world. The earthquake's prolonged generation of environmental data challenged American colonists' attempts to achieve certainty about the natural disaster. Further news of the famous and devastating Lisbon earthquake forced Americans to broaden their horizon of environmental change to one that extended into the ocean–a formative moment for the development of transatlantic science, and one that can help historians resolve seemingly opposed historiographic currents.
May my nose and ears be cut off: Practical and “supra-practical” Aspects of Mutilation in the Egyptian New Kingdom
Authors: Loktionov Alexandre Alexandrovich
Published: March 2017

This paper investigates mutilation of the nose and ears in New Kingdom Egypt (c.1550-1070bce). The topic is first contextualised within cross-cultural mutilation research, before discussion shifts to focus more closely on Egypt. The threat of mutilation in oaths is considered, as is the possibility of mutilation not being enforced if such oaths were broken. The paper then investigates the lived experience of mutilation, encompassing both physiological and social impairments. Finally, a ‘supra-practical’ aspect is proposed, considering the esoteric connotations of mutilation, this latter understood as a set of practices including but not confined to actual physical dismemberment.
Of Production, Trade, Profit and Destruction: An Economic Interpretation of Sennacherib’s Third Campaign
Authors: van der Brugge Caroline
Published: March 2017

Sennacherib’s campaign to the southern Levant in 701bcis an extensively studied episode in the Neo-Assyrian period. Nevertheless, despite the abundance of sources, the existing scholarship has left several questions unanswered. Furthermore, although economic growth is suggested to have been a motor behind Neo-Assyrian expansion, current interpretations of the campaign do not consider this to have been its main goal. This article will present an analysis focussing particularly on this economic motive, an analysis that requires an alternative interpretation of the Neo-Assyrian royal inscriptions. The outcome sheds a new light not only on Assyrian confrontations with Egypt in the late 8th-centurybcsouthern Levant but also on Judah’s and Gaza’s roles in the events, revealing altogether a world of long-distance trade.
Plato’s “Myth of Er” and Ezekiel’s “Throne Vision”: A Common Paradigm?
Authors: Bergren Theodore A.
Published: March 2017

InRepublic614B–621D, Plato describes the post-mortem experiences of Er, a Pamphylian warrior. Er sees an afterworld vision of the workings of the cosmos. Revolving around a pillar of light that extends through heaven and earth is a huge cosmic structure, resembling a spindle and whorl. The biblical book of Ezekiel also features visions of cosmic proportions (chapters 1 and 10). Ezekiel sees four “living creatures.” These were of human form, but each had four faces and four wings. The creatures were arranged with their outstretched wings touching each other. Ezekiel saw four wheels beside the creatures and, over their heads, a throne with a numinous occupant. Although these visions appear distinct, on deeper examination they reveal close structural similarities. This article aims to compare and contrast the visions and to evaluate their relationship. The conclusion presents several modern scholarly constructs by which the similarities could be explained.
The Sacred Orders of Finnish Political Discourse on the Revision of the Blasphemy Law
Authors: Äystö Tuomas
Published: March 2017

This article examines how Finnish politicians constructed the legal protection of religion and the relationship between religion and society during the process of revising the blasphemy and religious insult sections of the Finnish criminal code in the late 1990s. In doing so, it analyzes their discourses on religion and the sacred. It identifies two “sacred orders” in these discourses. One is a “secular sacred order,” concerned with the defense of religious plurality, secular progress, and the principles of public order and freedom of religion. The other is a “Christian sacred order”; it defends Finnish national and cultural identity, is connected to the national form of Christianity, and refers explicitly to the Christian God. These orders represent different views on the role of religion in society but, as the article shows, during the legislative process proponents of both invoked a category of religion that presumed a Christian prototype. Based on this analysis, the article suggests that theories utilizing the Durkheimian notion of the sacred should take into account issues of power, the nature of sacred things as social constructions and thus variable, and the existence of hierarchical relationships between different sacred things.
Simulated maternal care facilitates the formation of filial imprinting in domestic chicks
Authors: Junco Félix
Published: March 2017

The potential effects of maternal care-related stimuli on imprinting in domestic chicks were examined. In the first phase, one group of chicks received a simulated brooding experience with a primary imprinting object during two training sessions, whereas chicks in another group received exposure to the object without being brooded. In subsequent testing, the brooded chicks showed a robust preference for the primary imprinting object, whereas the non-brooded chicks showed a weaker preference for the object. In the second phase, one group of chicks was exposed to a secondary imprinting object associated with a feeding opportunity, whereas another group received exposure to the object in the absence of such an experience. In subsequent testing, the fed chicks showed a strong preference for the secondary imprinting object, whereas the non-fed chicks showed no preference. These results suggest that stimuli experienced through usual maternal care may be an important factor in filial imprinting.
Alarm cue specificity and response ontogeny in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Horn Marianna E. , Chivers Douglas P.
Published: March 2017

Many aquatic prey animals release chemical cues upon being captured by a predator. These chemical cues, referred to as alarm cues, may act to warn nearby individuals of danger. For the cues to be useful, fish must be able to discern if they are indicative of a real threat; cues from conspecifics in different age groups may be irrelevant due to size- and habitat-related shifts in predation risk. We test the response of newly-hatched rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss, to three concentrations of alarm cues from conspecifics from two age groups: newly-hatched versus six-month-old juveniles. Newly-hatched trout demonstrated a significant fright response to all three concentrations of alarm cues, but showed no difference in strength of response based on either concentration or age of the cue donor. We propose that the newly-hatched trout did not respond differently because of the high risk of predation that they face during this life stage.
Interspecific and intraspecific competition in the potato cyst nematodes Globodera pallida and G. rostochiensis
Authors: Hearne Rachel , Lettice Eoin P. , Jones Peter W.
Published: March 2017

The effects of interspecific competition between the potato cyst nematodes (PCN), Globodera pallida and G. rostochiensis, under variable population conditions were examined. PCN-susceptible potato cultivars were inoculated with single- and mixed-species populations of PCN. There was a significant difference in species multiplication between single- and mixed-species populations. Globodera rostochiensis multiplication in mixed-species populations was significantly lower than single-species populations. Density-dependent trials showed a significantly greater increase in multiplication of G. pallida at low inoculation densities relative to G. rostochiensis. These results indicate that G. pallida has a negative effect on G. rostochiensis populations and is the more successful species when competing. A staggered inoculation trial showed that the greater competitiveness of G. pallida was not wholly attributed to its later hatch. Globodera pallida outcompeted G. rostochiensis regardless of the timing of inoculation; however, G. pallida multiplication was lowest when plants were simultaneously inoculated with both species.
Goddesses in the Synagogue?
Authors: Xeravits Géza G.
Published: March 2017

This note deals with two panels of the west wall of the Dura synagogue, the details of which were interpreted by some scholars as probably connected to depictions of goddesses. Close investigation of these details, however, does not substantiate this view. The images, both in themselves and as parts of a larger composition, need not be interpreted as displaying conscious allusions to pagan female divinities.
Pentecostalism, Political Masculinity and Citizenship
Authors: van Klinken Adriaan
Published: March 2017

Africa has become a key site of masculinity politics, that is, of mobilisations and struggles where masculine gender is made a principal theme and subjected to change. Pentecostalism is widely considered to present a particular form of masculinity politics in contemporary African societies. Scholarship on African Pentecostal masculinities has mainly centred around the thesis of the domestication of men, focusing on changes in domestic spheres and in marital and intimate relations. Through an analysis of a sermon series preached by a prominent Zambian Pentecostal pastor, this article demonstrates that Pentecostal discourse on adult, middle- to upper-class masculinity is also highly concerned with men’s roles in sociopolitical spheres. It argues that in this case study the construction of a born-again masculinity is part of the broader Pentecostal political project of national redemption, which in Zambia has particular significance in light of the country constitutionally being a Christian nation. Hence the article examines how this construction of Pentecostal masculinity relates to broader notions of religious, political and gendered citizenship.
Male Wives and Female Husbands
Authors: Janson Marloes
Published: March 2017

The Tablighi Jamaʻat—a transnational Islamic missionary movement that propagates greater religious devotion and observance in The Gambia—opens the door to a new experience of gendered Muslim piety.Tablighor Islamic missionary work results in novel roles for women, who are now actively involved in the public sphere—a domain usually defined as male. To provide their wives with more time to engage intabligh, Tablighi men share the domestic workload, although this is generally considered ‘women’s work’ in Gambian society. Contrary to the conventional approach in scholarship on gender and Islam to study such inversion of gender roles in terms of Muslim women’s ‘empowerment’ and Muslim men’s ‘emancipation’, in the Gambian branch of the Jamaʻat the reconfiguration of gender norms seems to be motivated by Tablighis’ wish to return to the purported origins of Islam. Following the example of the Prophet’s wives, Tablighi women actively engage intablighand, taking Muhammad as their example, Tablighi men have taken over part of their wives’ household chores. Paradoxically, by reconfiguring gender norms Gambian Tablighis eventually reinstate the patriarchal gender order.
Carpocrate et Epiphane : chrétiens et platoniciens radicaux
Authors: Jurasz Izabela
Published: March 2017

According to ancient authors, Carpocrates and his son Epiphanes were considered to represent a little-known Gnostic doctrine characterised by strong links with Platonic philosophy and libertine morality. Carpocrates became famous as the author of an specific interpretation of the theory of metempsychosis, while Epiphanes – as the exponent of collectivity of goods and women. In spite of their significant differences, both doctrines share a lot of similarities, as they are concerned with the same issues – mainly those discussed by Plato in his “Republic”. The article shows tight connections between Carpocrates and Epiphanes and Christianity, apparent in their usage of Jesus’ logia and of radical expressions derived from the letters by Paul of Tarsus.
The Eastern Nile River Waterscape: The Role of Power in Policy-making and Shaping National Narratives
Authors: Khennache Lylia , Adamowski Jan , Kosoy Nicolas
Published: March 2017

This article examines the role of power interchanges in hindering collaborative efforts over shared water resources in the Eastern Nile River. We track the formative process of riparian countries’ narratives, showing how they problematize the watershed differently in accordance with the typology of power dimensions laid out under a proposed framework calledPower on Water to Water Policy(pwwp). The framework presented attempts to give: (i) a power analysis of the riparian countries’ interactions, and (ii) a prescription of intervention avenues for river basin governance. The use of scientific literature and interviews triangulate data collection to ensure a more accurate analysis. Application of thepwwpframework is shown to contribute an original perspective to watershed management, enabling first, a comprehensive understanding of the Eastern Nile River situation from a power and institutional perspective and second, the identification of elements disrupting effective implementation of water resources management in the watershed.
A Duty to Give Reasons in the Security Council
Authors: Moeckli Daniel , Fasel Raffael N.
Published: March 2017

In recent years, the un Security Council has repeatedly come under criticism for its inaction in the face of serious violations of international law. As a means to prevent further deadlocks, this article advocates the introduction of a duty to explain votes cast in the Council. In certain situations, such a duty to give reasons already exists today, although it is not implemented. We propose to extend this duty to all votes in the Security Council and to codify it in its Provisional Rules of Procedure. A comprehensive duty to give reasons has three major virtues: it increases the quality of Council decisions, it enhances legal certainty, and it improves the accountability of the Council and of its members. As opposed to structural reforms, our proposal does not necessitate amending the un Charter and thus does not depend on the consent of the Council’s permanent members.
Configurations and Prefigurations of Conversion in the History of World Christianity
Authors: Lienemann-Perrin Christine
Published: March 2017

Many contemporary understandings and implementations of conversion are prefigured in historical periods of world Christianity. In this paper, I consider a selection of historical moments, which together illustrate the broad variety of understandings and practices of conversion. I begin with conversion’s role in the formation of Christianity, followed by conversion in oriental Christianity under the influence of Islam from the seventh century. I then explore conversion in occidental Christianity during the early modern period. Exported to China in the seventeenth century, this conception ultimately failed to translate into the Chinese context. After briefly considering this development, I turn to an understanding of conversion that emerged in African societies, which responded in their own ways to Western missions during late colonialism. Finally, I consider the nature of conversion, de-conversion and re-conversion in secularized societies.

很多当代对转化的认知及实施都是在世界基督教的历史阶段中被预示了的。在这篇文章中，我择选了部分历史片段，用以说明对转化的理解及实践的多样性。我以基督教成形中转化的角色为开始，进入到七世纪在伊斯兰教影响下的东方基督教的转化，然后探讨近现代欧美基督教的转化。当这概念在十七世纪进口到中国时，并未成功地转入中国社会。这之后，我会考查在非洲社会呈现的对转化的理解，他们怎样在后殖民主义时期以自己的方式回应西方宣教。最后，我会探讨在世俗化社会里转化，非转化及再转化的本质。

Muchas interpretaciones y prácticas contemporáneas de la conversión fueron anticipadas en los períodos históricos del cristianismo. En este artículo, la autora considera una selección de momentos históricos que en conjunto ilustran la amplia variedad de entendimientos y prácticas de conversión. Comienza con el papel de la conversión en la formación del cristianismo, seguido, desde el siglovii, por la conversión en el cristianismo oriental bajo la influencia del Islam. A continuación, explora la conversión en el cristianismo occidental durante la Edad Moderna. Esta concepción fue exportada a la China en el sigloxviipero no pudo trasladarse al contexto chino. Luego de considerar brevemente este desarrollo, analiza el tipo de conversión que surgió en las sociedades africanas, que respondieron a su manera a las misiones occidentales durante la época del colonialismo tardío. Por último, considera la naturaleza de la conversión, la des-conversión y la re-conversión en las sociedades secularizadas.

This article is in English.
Can There Be Conversion Without Cultural Change?
Authors: Robbins Joel
Published: March 2017

This article takes a sociocultural anthropological approach to conversion. It asks not about the causes of conversion, but about the kinds of cultural changes conversion produces and the mechanisms by which it brings about such changes. Drawing on the author’s research among a recently converted group in Papua New Guinea and on other work produced by scholars working in the anthropology of Christianity, the article argues that Christianity is a culture of secondarity, designed to come after another culture that previously guided its converts. Moreover, Christian converts tend to engage their prior cultures not by completely rejecting them, but by evaluating their components critically in relation to new Christian values. This produces a duplex cultural formation that regularly fosters critical reflection and ongoing cultural change. This model of change is briefly distinguished from more common models of syncretism, suggesting a new understanding of the relationship between conversion and cultural change.

本文从社会文化人类学的角度探讨转化这课题。所问的问题不是转化的原因，而是由转化而产生的文化转变，及带来这种转变的机制。从作者对巴布亚新几内亚最近信主的群体的研究，及其他基督教人类学学者的著作， 本文论证基督教乃是第二类文化，是在之前引导人信主的文化之后才进入的文化。而且，信主的人倾向与前文化继续接触，不是完全地拒绝，而是以基督教新的价值观来衡量原文化的各个因素。这就形成了双层文化，促进尖锐的反思和不断的文化转变。这种转变模式不同于常见的融合主义的模式，而是带出一种对转化与文化改变之间的关系的新的认识。

El artículo adopta un enfoque sociocultural antropológico sobre la conversión. No trata las causas de la conversión, sino los tipos de cambios culturales producidos por la conversión y los mecanismos por los cuales se producen tales cambios. Se toma como punto de partida la investigación hecha entre un grupo de recién convertidos en Papúa Nueva Guinea y en otro trabajo realizado por profesionales en el área de antropología del cristianismo; el artículo sostiene que el cristianismo es una cultura de secundariedad que aparece luego de que otra cultura haya antes guiado a los ahora convertidos.

Además, los cristianos convertidos se relacionan con sus culturas anteriores evaluando críticamente sus componentes en relación a los nuevos valores cristianos pero no las rechazan completamente. Esto produce una doble formación cultural que fomenta, en forma regular, la reflexión crítica y los cambios constantes. Este modelo de cambio se lo distingue brevemente de los modelos más comunes de sincretismo, y sugiere una nueva comprensión de la relación entre la conversión y el cambio cultural.

This article is in English.