bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Afterword: Diorama, Defamiliarization, Indigenous Presence
Authors: Myers Fred
Published: June 2018

In this overview, I reflect on how the essays of this issue exemplify a range of “entanglements” between emerging Indigenous practices and art theory. Further, I try to draw attention both to some earlier models of the experiments in the projects presented as well as to the specific history of exhibitions that has influenced the developments in the art world. Finally, following the ways in which the essays attend to the disruptions Indigenous practice presents to settler colonial hegemony, I introduce a resonance between the interventions of decolonization and the semiotic concept of defamiliarization.
Molecular and plumage analyses indicate the incomplete separation of two woodpeckers (Aves, Picidae)
Authors: Sampaio Larissa , Aleixo Alexandre , Schneider Horacio , Sampaio Iracilda , Araripe Juliana , Rêgo Péricles Sena do
Published: June 2018

We evaluated the relationship between Celeus undatus and Celeus grammicus, with the objective of clarifying their evolutionary history. We analysed fragments of the mitochondrial and nuclear genes of 57 specimens. For comparative purposes, we inspected the plumage patterns of 77 skins. Our findings highlight the absence of reciprocal monophyly between the two taxa, given their reduced genetic divergence, and the lack of any clear separation of the two forms in the haplotype networks. A similar situation was found in the STRUCTURE analysis, with reciprocal contributions from the two taxa to the respective clusters, indicating that C. grammicus and C. undatus cannot be differentiated using the molecular markers. Corroborating the genetic data, our plumage analyses also failed to find any clear diagnostic characters between the polytypic C. undatus and C. grammicus, as they are defined at present. The genetic profile is consistent with either extensive historical gene flow between the species or, alternatively, incomplete lineage sorting, rather than recent secondary contact. The lack of monophyly between the two taxa impeded subspecies‐level phylogeographic inferences, with the subspecific variation being interpreted as a probable artefact of the phenotypic plasticity of the two forms. These findings indicate clearly that the two taxa form a single evolutionary unit, in which the morphological differentiation used to diagnose the species, combined with their geographic distribution, is at odds with the incomplete separation of the taxa. This may reflect disparities in the rates of differentiation between molecular and phenotypic markers, which is possibly due to the variation in selection pressures along a humidity gradient in Amazonia.
CROSSING THE DIVIDE: LESSONS FROM DEVELOPING WIND ENERGY IN POST‐FACT AMERICA
Authors: Kelley Peter L.
Published: June 2018

The income and careers that come with building wind turbines have become a lifeline for many factory towns and farming communities. Generating electricity from the wind puts increasingly cheap power on the grid, saving consumers billions a year. And it is one of the biggest, fastest, cheapest ways to reduce carbon pollution, reducing the threat of climate change. Yet as wind farms have rapidly spread to forty‐one states, their developers must make their case anew with each community that hosts them. Facts matter, but so do empathy, honoring deep connections to neighbors and landscape, and developing mutual respect. Successful wind farm developers listen first for shared values and speak with inclusive language, to communicate with potential opponents across divides of misunderstanding and motivate local residents to adapt to and benefit from change.
ART AND CLIMATE CHANGE: CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS RESPOND TO GLOBAL CRISIS
Authors: Volpe Christopher
Published: June 2018

This essay examines various contemporary artistic responses to climate change. These responses encompass multiple media and diverse philosophical and emotional forms, from grief and resignation to resistance, hope, and poignant celebration of spiritual value and natural beauty. Rejecting much of the terminology of current theory, the author considers the artworks in relation to interrelated and arguably unjustly discredited aesthetic and theological categories, namely, the sublime and the beautiful as well as the via negativa, the latter adapted from Thomas Aquinas by theologian Matthew Fox. Art's power is seen largely as the ability to “humanize” the science by rendering it emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually relatable to individuals. The broken relationship between humanity and nature seems related to the need for a renewed religious sense of integration with, and belonging to, the cosmos. Art might play a pivotal role in bringing this about.
IN THE BEGINNING: THE ROLE OF MYTH IN RELATING RELIGION, BRAIN SCIENCE, AND MENTAL WELL‐BEING
Authors: Wright Jaime
Published: June 2018

Building upon the insights of scholars attuned to story, narrative, and myth, this article explores the relationship between myth, science, and religion. After clarifying the interplay of the three terms—story, narrative, and myth—and the preference for the term myth, this article will argue that myth can serve as a medium through which religion, neuroscience, and mental well‐being interact. Such an exploration will cover the role of myths in religion, the neurological basis of myth, and the practices of narrative psychology and bibliotherapy. The article will conclude with suggestions for understanding and utilizing the relationship between myth and the scholarly study of the relationship between science and religion. This article ultimately suggests that myth can operate as a methodological aid to the science‐and‐religion field.
EMPIRICAL MINDFULNESS: TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE AND MENTAL HEALTH IN THE SCIENCE AND RELIGION DIALOGUE
Authors: Atkins William L.
Published: June 2018

As science and religion researchers begin to engage questions of mental health, mindfulness may prove to be a fruitful area of investigation. However, quantifying the physical effects of mindfulness on the brain is difficult because mindfulness deals with the problem of mental and physical interaction or, the mind/body problem. One system of understanding which may aid science and religion scholars in the pursuit of mindfulness is traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Within TCM, heartQimanages the body's present connection to time and space. If the “being in the moment” is disrupted, then the heartQiis blocked and mental illness or various neurological disorders occur. Succinctly, within TCM, mindfulness is understood as a nonphysical phenomenon (Qi) which directly affects physical systems, resulting in empirical data. This is tracked and treated through the TCM understanding ofQi. The TCM view ofQiin mental health may therefore provide a helpful new paradigm to investigations concerning mindfulness and the human brain.
A Comprehensive Tool for Patient-Specific AAA Geometry and Biomechanics Assessment
Authors: Raut S. S. , Chandra S. , Shum J. , Liu P. , Di Martino E. S. , Doehring T. , Jana A. , Finol E. A.
Published: June 2018

Annual mortality from ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in the United States alone is approximately 150,000, which is currently ranked as the 13th leading cause of death and the 10th leading cause of death in men over 55 years of age [1]. The vascular surgeon needs to weigh the risk of AAA rupture against the risk of surgical intervention to decide the best course of treatment. Several steps are involved when using computational techniques to evaluate risk of rupture [2], namely medical image segmentation, 3D reconstruction, finite element mesh generation, derivation of boundary conditions, specification of tissue material properties, etc. Currently, computational analysis of AAA biomechanics includes the use of multiple third-party commercial software tools to accomplish each of these steps, which makes its clinical implementation impractical, time-consuming and requiring to interface multiple software tools as this demands an engineering skill set. Additionally, the versatility of general purpose off-the-shelf software comes at the cost of simplifying assumptions regarding geometric modeling, limited user control and boundary conditions. This makes subsequent computational results vulnerable to inaccuracies. In this work, we describe the software tool AAAVASC, built on a MATLAB platform, with an integrated approach for image-based modeling and a novel pipeline that facilitates both geometry quantification and computational analysis of AAA biomechanics.
How fast is fast enough? Walking cadence (steps/min) as a practical estimate of intensity in adults: a narrative review
Authors: Tudor-Locke Catrine , Han Ho , Aguiar Elroy J , Barreira Tiago V , Schuna Jr John M , Kang Minsoo , Rowe David A
Published: June 2018

Background

Cadence (steps/min) may be a reasonable proxy-indicator of ambulatory intensity. A summary of current evidence is needed for cadence-based metrics supporting benchmark (standard or point of reference) and threshold (minimums associated with desired outcomes) values that are informed by a systematic process.

Objective

To review how fast, in terms of cadence, is enough, with reference to crafting public health recommendations in adults.

Methods

A comprehensive search strategy was conducted to identify relevant studies focused on walking cadence and intensity for adults. Identified studies (n=38) included controlled (n=11), free-living observational (n=18) and intervention (n=9) designs.

Results

There was a strong relationship between cadence (as measured by direct observation and objective assessments) and intensity (indirect calorimetry). Despite acknowledged interindividual variability, ≥100 steps/min is a consistent heuristic (e.g, evidence-based, rounded) value associated with absolutely defined moderate intensity (3 metabolic equivalents (METs)). Epidemiological studies report notably low mean daily cadences (ie, 7.7 steps/min), shaped primarily by the very large proportion of time (13.5 hours/day) spent between zero and purposeful cadences (<60 steps/min) at the population level. Published values for peak 1-min and 30-min cadences in healthy free-living adults are >100 and >70 steps/min, respectively. Peak cadence indicators are negatively associated with increased age and body mass index. Identified intervention studies used cadence to either prescribe and/or quantify ambulatory intensity but the evidence is best described as preliminary.

Conclusions

A cadence value of ≥100 steps/min in adults appears to be a consistent and reasonable heuristic answer to ’How fast is fast enough?' during sustained and rhythmic ambulatory behaviour.

Trial registration number

NCT02650258
Moving to an active lifestyle? A systematic review of the effects of residential relocation on walking, physical activity and travel behaviour
Authors: Ding Ding , Nguyen Binh , Learnihan Vincent , Bauman Adrian E , Davey Rachel , Jalaludin Bin , Gebel Klaus
Published: June 2018

Objective

To synthesise the literature on the effects of neighbourhood environmental change through residential relocation on physical activity, walking and travel behaviour.

Design

Systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017077681).

Data sources

Electronic databases for peer-reviewed and grey literature were systematically searched to March 2017, followed by forward and backward citation tracking.

Eligibility criteria

A study was eligible for inclusion if it (1) measured changes in neighbourhood built environment attributes as a result of residential relocation (either prospectively or retrospectively); (2) included a measure of physical activity, walking, cycling or travel modal change as an outcome; (3) was quantitative and (4) included an English abstract or summary.

Results

A total of 23 studies was included in the review. Among the eight retrospective longitudinal studies, there was good evidence for the relationship between relocation and walking (consistency score (CS)>90%). For the 15 prospective longitudinal studies, the evidence for the effects of environmental change/relocation on physical activity or walking was weak to moderate (CS mostly <45%), even weaker for effects on other outcomes, including physical activity, cycling, public transport use and driving. Results from risk of bias analyses support the robustness of the findings.

Conclusion

The results are encouraging for the retrospective longitudinal relocation studies, but weaker evidence exists for the methodologically stronger prospective longitudinal relocation studies. The evidence base is currently limited, and continued longitudinal research should extend the plethora of cross-sectional studies to build higher-quality evidence.
Wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery and basilar apex treated by endovascular techniques: a multicentre, core lab adjudicated study evaluating safety and durability of occlusion (BRANCH)
Authors: De Leacy Reade A , Fargen Kyle M , Mascitelli Justin R , Fifi Johanna , Turkheimer Lena , Zhang Xiangnan , Patel Aman B , Koch Matthew J , Pandey Aditya S , Wilkinson D Andrew , Griauzde Julius , James Robert F , Fortuny Enzo M , Cruz Aurora , Boulos Alan , Nourollah-Zadeh Emad , Paul Alexandra , Sauvageau Eric , Hanel Ricardo , Aguilar-Salinas Pedro , Novakovic Roberta L , Welch Babu G , Almardawi Ranyah , Jindal Gaurav , Shownkeen Harish , Levy Elad I , Siddiqui Adnan H , Mocco J
Published: June 2018

Background and purpose

BRANCH (wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery and basilar apex treated by endovascular techniques) is a multicentre, retrospective study comparing core lab evaluation of angiographic outcomes with self-reported outcomes.

Materials and methods

Consecutive patients were enrolled from 10 US centres, aged between 18 and 85 with unruptured wide-neck middle cerebral artery (MCA) or basilar apex aneurysms treated endovascularly. Patient demographics, aneurysm morphology, procedural information, mortality and morbidity data and core lab and self-reported modified Raymond Roy (RR) outcomes were obtained.

Results

115 patients met inclusion criteria. Intervention-related mortality and significant morbidity rates were 1.7% (2/115) and 5.8% (6/103) respectively. Core lab adjudicated RR1 and 2 occlusion rates at follow-up were 30.6% and 32.4% respectively. The retreatment rate within the follow-up window was 10/115 (8.7%) and in stent stenosis at follow-up was 5/63 (7.9%). Self-reporting shows a statistically significant direction to angiographic RR one outcomes at follow-up compared with core lab evaluation, with OR 1.75 (95% CI 1.08 to 2.83).

Conclusion

Endovascular treatment of wide-neck MCA and basilar apex aneurysms resulted in a core lab adjudicated RR1 occlusion rate of 30.6%. Self-reported results at follow-up favour better angiographic outcomes, with OR 1.75 (95% CI 1.08 to 2.83). These data demonstrate the need for novel endovascular devices specifically designed to treat complex intracranial aneurysms, as well as the importance of core lab adjudication in assessing outcomes in such a trial.
Kinematic energy balance approach to submarine landslide evolution
Authors: Buss Christian , Friedli Balz , Puzrin Alexander M.
Published: June 2018

The paper applies the energy balance kinematic method of plasticity theory to the large deformation problem of initiation and propagation of the spreading and ploughing failure outside a failed slab in submarine sediments. The models account for the phenomenon of the progressive propagation of a slope parallel slip surface, which is also quantified using the energy balance approach. In contrast to existing approximate analytical and numerical solutions, the proposed approach provides a theoretical basis for spreading and ploughing criteria as well as the comprehensive dynamic solution of the problem of post-failure landslide evolution. Incremental integration of the derived analytical expressions for kinetic energy in time allows for modelling recurrent initiation of new kinematic failure mechanisms with their subsequent large-scale deformation. Treating the failed slab as well as the spreading and ploughing mechanisms as one composite dynamically evolving mass movement allows for the final post-failure geomorphology of the failed slope to be predicted using basic mechanical principles.
On the lacunary convergent series representations for ζ(n)
Authors: Dai Li-Xia , Pan Hao , Xu Ji-Zhen
Published: June 2018

We prove some lacunary convergent series representations for [Formula: see text]. For example, we prove that [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] are the [Formula: see text]th Bernoulli numbers.
Electronic structure and density of states in hexagonal BaMnO3
Authors: Hashimov R. F. , Ismayilova N. A. , Mikailzade F. A. , Dashdemirov A. O. , Trukhanov A. V. , Trukhanov S. V. , Aliyev Y. I. , Asgerov E. B. , Jabarov S. H. , Dang N. T.
Published: June 2018

The electronic structure and density of states (DOS) of BaMnO3 compound are studied in the framework of density functional theory (DFT) using the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and local density approximation (LDA). A number of different exchange-correlation functionals including hybrid (PBE, PZ and BLYP) exchange techniques have been used. The results show that in ambient conditions, the compound has metallic structure. It has been found from DOS calculations that the overlapping of bands near the Fermi energy are mainly due to the 3d state of Mn atoms.
Experimental Verification of the Statistical Time-Series Methods for Diagnosing Wind Turbine Blades Damage
Authors: Tang Hesheng , Ling Suqi , Wan Chunfeng , Xue Songtao
Published: June 2018

This paper presents an experimental verification of the statistical time-series methods, which utilize adapted frequency response ratio (FRR), autoregressive (AR) model parameter and AR model residual as performance characteristics, for diagnosing the damage of wind turbine blades. Specifically, the statistical decision-making techniques are used to identify the status patterns from turbine vibration data. For experiments, a small-size, laboratory-used operating wind turbine structure is used. The performance of each method in diagnosing damages simulated by saw cut in three critical positions in the blade are assessed and compared. The experimental results show that these methods yielded a promising damage diagnosis capability in the condition monitoring of wind turbine.
Neutral Axis-Based Health Monitoring and Condition Assessment Techniques for Concrete Box Girder Bridges
Authors: Xia Ye , Wang Peng , Sun Limin
Published: June 2018

The neutral axis position is considered as a potential parameter of early abnormal and long term performance for flexural members of structures. This paper is to propose the Neutral Axis Indicator (NA) based on strain measurements, to evaluate the behavior of NA, and to investigate challenges associated with the neutral axis for structural health monitoring purpose. A numerical example of a simply supported reinforced concrete (RC) beam was first developed and analyzed followed by an experimental study for further verification. With the aim of application to real bridges, a case study was conducted on Gantao River Bridge, a typical concrete box girder bridge, for detailed analysis using field data. The numerical and experimental examples, as well as field tests, aim to figure out: (1) the sensitivity of NA to structural damages, especially at early age; (2) stability and uncertainty of NA using field data; (3) capability of NA on detecting abrupt and slowly changing structural degradation. The results show that: NA takes on good index accuracy and damage sensitivity on numerical and experimental cases; NA tends to keep constant during linear elastic phase, while responses quickly and sharply to nonlinear behaviors such as concrete cracking and hardening; and NA is a potentially reliable indicator both to capture nonlinear performance and to detect minute damage. Additionally, the uncertainty of multiple disturbing effects can be mostly eliminated through statistical analysis. Thus, it can be employed effectively in condition assessment of concrete box girder bridges for long-term health monitoring.
Understanding Characteristics of High Performers in Two-Sided Competitive Crowdsourcing
Authors: Ayaburi Emmanuel W.
Published: June 2018

This study seeks to understand how professionals’ (creative) Adaption-Innovation behaviors and prior knowledge influence successful participation in two-sided competitive crowdsourcing. Using Kirton’s Adaption-Innovation Theory, the study examines the influence of creatives’ diversity, skills, experience, and activity level on crowdsourcing outcomes. Analysis of cross-sectional data of participants on a popular competitive crowdsourcing platform show that, while diversity and skills do not necessarily lead to higher performance, activity level and experience contribute to creatives’ higher performance. Contribution to literature is by extending Kirton’s Adaption-Innovation Theory objectively as a lens to understand creative participation in crowdsourcing, highlighting key features of crowdsourcing as unbounded by place and skills.
Flexible α-Fe2O3 nanorod electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries with excellent cycle performance
Authors: Zhao Depeng , Xie Di , Liu Hengqi , Hu Fang , Wu Xiang
Published: June 2018

With the rise of flexible electronics, flexible rechargeable batteries have attracted widespread attention as a promising power source in new generation flexible electronic devices. In this work, [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3 nanorods grown on carbon cloth have been synthesized through a facile hydrothermal method as binder-free electrode material. The electrochemical performance measurements show that [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3 nanorods possess high specific capacitance and specific capacity retention of 119% after 100 cycles. The combination of low-cost and excellent electrochemical performance makes [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3 nanorods promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries.
A novel binder-free electrode of graphene film upon intercalation of hollow MoS2 spheres for enhanced supercapacitor performance
Authors: Xu Guangyuan , Chen Shengyu , Liu Yu , Fan Weiqiang
Published: June 2018

An electrode based on hollow MoS2 spheres intercalated graphene film was firstly fabricated. When used as an electrode in a supercapacitor, the unique structure can provide electrically conducting channels to promote electrolyte penetration and utilize their surface as much as possible. Thus, the resultant binder-free electrode demonstrated a high specific capacity of 286.8[Formula: see text]F[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] more than 2 times of pure MoS2 hollow spheres (116.4[Formula: see text]F[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text]. A supercapacitor based on MoS2/grapheme and active carbon can achieve a maximum energy density of 22.0[Formula: see text]W h[Formula: see text]kg[Formula: see text] at 800[Formula: see text]W[Formula: see text]kg[Formula: see text]. The outstanding electrochemical properties of the hybrid electrode demonstrate that it holds great potential for the next-generation energy storage applications.
Global Cyber Governance: China’s Contribution and Approach
Authors: Cuihong Cai
Published: June 2018

With the world’s largest number of netizens, China has been engaged in the ever more intense global competition for cyber governance over the past decade. Based on some preliminary studies, this article discusses China’s position, approach and contribution to global cyber governance, as well as the understanding gap on major issues between China and developed countries in the cyber arena. In the past decade, China has made significant contributions to the reform of global cyber governance utilizing a “patch-work” approach, and it will try to play a more active role as a constructive participant in global cyber governance while enhancing its own cyber capacity. Unlike many developed countries that advocate “Internet freedom,” China will continue to uphold the principle of cyber sovereignty. Yet in the meantime, China will try to work with other countries to build a “Community of Shared Future in Cyberspace,” in order to promote freedom, democracy and transparency in cyberspace in an incremental, stable and reasonable way.
Antibiotic Resistance in Plant-Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Sundin George W. , Wang Nian
Published: June 2018

Antibiotics have been used for the management of relatively few bacterial plant diseases and are largely restricted to high-value fruit crops because of the expense involved. Antibiotic resistance in plant-pathogenic bacteria has become a problem in pathosystems where these antibiotics have been used for many years. Where the genetic basis for resistance has been examined, antibiotic resistance in plant pathogens has most often evolved through the acquisition of a resistance determinant via horizontal gene transfer. For example, the strAB streptomycin-resistance genes occur in Erwinia amylovora, Pseudomonas syringae, and Xanthomonas campestris, and these genes have presumably been acquired from nonpathogenic epiphytic bacteria colocated on plant hosts under antibiotic selection. We currently lack knowledge of the effect of the microbiome of commensal organisms on the potential of plant pathogens to evolve antibiotic resistance. Such knowledge is critical to the development of robust resistance management strategies to ensure the safe and effective continued use of antibiotics in the management of critically important diseases.
Dietary nitrate supplementation reduces low frequency blood pressure fluctuations in rats following distal middle cerebral artery occlusion
Authors: Allan Philip D. , Tzeng Yu-Chieh , Gowing Emma K. , Clarkson Andrew N. , Fan Jui-Lin
Published: June 2018

It is known that high blood pressure variability (BPV) in acute ischemic stroke is associated with adverse outcomes, yet there are no therapeutic treatments to reduce BPV. Studies have found increasing nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability improves neurological function following stroke, but whether dietary nitrate supplementation could reduce BPV remains unknown. We investigated the effects of dietary nitrate supplementation on heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and beat-to-beat BPV using wireless telemetry in a rat model of distal middle cerebral artery occlusion. Blood pressure variability was characterized by spectral power analysis in the low frequency (LF; 0.2–0.6 Hz) range prestroke and during the 7 days poststroke in a control group ( n = 8) and a treatment group ( n = 8, 183 mg/l sodium nitrate in drinking water). Dietary nitrate supplementation moderately reduced systolic BPV in the LF range by ~11% compared with the control group ( P = 0.03), while resting BP and HR were not different between the two groups ( P = 0.28 and 0.33, respectively). Despite systolic BPV being reduced with dietary nitrate, we found no difference in infarct volumes between the treatment and the control groups (1.59 vs. 1.62 mm3, P = 0.86). These findings indicate that dietary nitrate supplementation is effective in reducing systolic BPV following stroke without affecting absolute BP. In light of mounting evidence linking increased BPV with poor stroke patient outcome, our data support the role of dietary nitrate as an adjunct treatment following ischemic stroke.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using a rat model of stroke, we found that dietary nitrate supplementation reduced low frequency blood pressure fluctuations following stroke without affecting absolute blood pressure values. Since blood pressure fluctuations are associated with poor clinical outcome in stroke patients, our findings indicate that dietary nitrate could be an effective strategy for reducing blood pressure fluctuations, which could help reduce stroke severity and improve patient recovery.
EGFR Amplification as a Target in Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma: Do Anti-EGFR Therapies Deserve a Second Chance?
Authors: Strickler John H.
Published: June 2018

Summary: Anti-EGFR therapies have failed to improve survival for unselected patients with metastatic gastroesophageal cancer, but in a subset of patients, EGFR amplification may predict treatment benefit. Maron and colleagues report the clinical activity of anti-EGFR therapies in a cohort of patients with EGFR-amplified metastatic gastroesophageal cancer and utilize serial blood and tumor tissue collection to identify molecular drivers of treatment sensitivity and resistance. Their insights offer a path to overcome technical limitations associated with EGFR amplification and facilitate molecularly targeted therapeutic strategies. Cancer Discov; 8(6); 679–81. ©2018 AACR.

See related article by Maron et al., p. 696.
Mucosal Immune Response in Nasal-Associated Lymphoid Tissue upon Intranasal Administration by Adjuvants
Authors: Takaki Hiromi , Ichimiya Shingo , Matsumoto Misako , Seya Tsukasa
Published: June 2018

The nasal administration of vaccines directed against diseases caused by upper respiratory tract infections of pathogens, such as the influenza virus, mimics the natural infection of pathogens and induces immunoglobulin A (IgA) production in the nasal cavity to effectively protect viral entry. Therefore, the development of a nasally administered vaccine is a research objective. Because the antigenicity of influenza split vaccines is low, nasal inoculation with the vaccine alone does not induce strong IgA production in the nasal cavity. However, the addition of adjuvants activates the innate immune response, enhancing antigen-specific IgA production and the T-cell response. Although the development of suitable adjuvants for nasal vaccinations is in progress, the mechanism by which adjuvants promote the immune response is still unclear. In this review, we discuss the mucosal immune response, especially in the nasal-associated lymphoid tissue, induced in response to the intranasal inoculation of an influenza vaccine and adjuvants in animal models.
Clinical Significance of Acute and Serial Platelet Function Testing in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kim Joon‐Tae , Choi Kang‐Ho , Park Man‐Seok , Lee Ji Sung , Saver Jeffrey L. , Cho Ki‐Hyun
Published: June 2018

Background

We sought to investigate the clinical implications of platelet reactivity to aspirin and the variability in the platelet reactivity to aspirin during acute periods for the risk of vascular events in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods and Results

This was a single‐center, prospective, observational study. The aspirin reaction unit was blindly measured at the following two times: after 3 hours of aspirin loading and on the fifth day of aspirin administration. High on‐aspirin platelet reactivity (
HAPR
) was defined as an aspirin reaction unit ≥550 IU. The primary outcome measure was the 1‐year composite of stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death. A total of 805 patients (aged 66±12 years, 61% male) were analyzed in this study. Ninety‐nine of 805 (12.3%) patients and 78 of 558 (14.0%) patients had
HAPR
at the time of the fifth day of aspirin administration and after 3 hours of aspirin loading measurements, respectively. Patients with
HAPR
than normal on‐aspirin platelet reactivity at the fifth day of aspirin administration measurement were more likely to have experienced 1‐year vascular event.
HAPR
at the fifth day of aspirin administration measurement was independently associated with a greater risk of experiencing 1‐year vascular event (hazard ratio, 1.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–3.19). Moreover, persistently
HAPR
substantially increased the risk of 1‐year vascular events (hazard ratio, 3.11; 95% confidence interval, 1.23–7.86).

Conclusions

These results suggest that
HAPR
during the acute stage of ischemic stroke increases the risk of subsequent vascular events and that serial aspirin reaction unit measurements may identify patients with acute ischemic stroke who are at a higher risk for vascular events. Additional studies are warranted to determine the appropriate treatments for patients with acute ischemic stroke with
HAPR
.
Phylogeny and conservation status of the Indian egg-eater snake, Elachistodon westermanni Reinhardt, 1863 (Serpentes, Colubridae)
Authors: Mohan Ashwini Venkatanarayana , Visvanathan Avinash C. , Vasudevan Karthikeyan
Published: June 2018

The Indian egg-eater (Elachistodon westermanni) is a monotypic species of the Genus Elachistodon distributed across the Indian sub-continent. In Africa, there are 13 species of egg-eating snakes of the Genus Dasypeltis. These two genera, Elachistodon and Dasypeltis were thought to be closely related due to similar diet specialization, and shared biogeographic history between the Indian sub-continent and the continent of Africa. In our study, we amplified three mitochondrial genes and one nuclear gene from E. westermanni and reconstructed molecular phylogeny utilizing published sequences to understand the evolutionary relationships between the African, and the Indian egg-eating snakes. We used morphological characters to reinforce our inferences on phylogenetic relationships. We show that the Indian egg-eater is sister to cat snakes of the Genus Boiga, and it does not share recent ancestry with the African egg-eating snakes. Morphological character states point at similarities between Elachistodon and Dasypeltis only in characters associated with their feeding behaviour. Elachistodon westermanni was similar to the Boiga spp. in several other morphological characters, and we provisionally assign E. westermanni under the genus Boiga. Compilation of records of E. westermanni across the Indian sub-continent over the years revealed a positive “Lazarus” effect. We conclude that, the egg-eating behaviour and the associated morphological characters in the snake genera Dasypeltis and Elachistodon are a result of convergent evolution. Based on the conservation status of E. westermanni, it could serve as a flagship species to conserve important wildlife habitats that are being lost rapidly in India.
Myth, Ritual, and the Early Development of Shiite Identity
Authors: Hylén Torsten
Published: June 2018

The developing myth about the events at Karbala, as well as the image of al-Ḥusayn b. ʿAlī and the cult connected with him, were important factors in the shaping of early Shiite identity. In this article, I argue that some of the earliest traces of this process are found in the account of the Tawwābūn, or Penitents, events which took place in the years immediately following the death of al-Ḥusayn at Karbala in 60/680. Important elements of this story originate at least as early as the late first/early eighth century. In the story we see the image of al-Ḥusayn in process of transformation from that of someone merely human to someone ascribed traits that transcend the human. In the same course of events, the story of his death at Karbala is in process of being elevated from a tragic story to a myth with its associated rituals.
“In Truth You are the Polytheist!”: Mythic Elements in Ibn al-ʿArabī’s Teachings on the Divine Names
Authors: Ebstein Michael
Published: June 2018

The following article aims at highlighting the mythic elements inherent in Muḥyī l-Dīn Ibn al-ʿArabī’s teachings on the Divine names. The article begins with a very general introduction to the subject of Divine names in Islamic mysticism and then proceeds to clarify the meaning of the term “mythic” as it is used in this study. The core of the article is devoted to an examination of four main areas in which the Divine names, according to Ibn al-ʿArabī, play a central role: the creation of the world (cosmogony); its management; mystical experiences and knowledge; magic and theurgy. The main claim is that in all four areas, Ibn al-ʿArabī’s discourse is to a great extent mythic. The implications of this claim for the understanding of Akbarian thought and for the study of Islamic mysticism in general are discussed in the concluding paragraph of the essay.
Diatoms associated with seaweeds from Moen Island in Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia
Authors: PARK JOON SANG , LOBBAN CHRISTOPHER S. , LEE KYUN-WOO
Published: June 2018

In order to contribute understanding of the biodiversity of seaweed-associated diatoms at Moen Island in Chuuk lagoon, Micronesia in the tropical western Pacific, we collected four macroalgae (Halimeda sp., Padina sp., Sargassum sp., Dictyota sp.) that were distributed throughout at 5 subtidal sites of reef flat. These are the first records of diatoms from Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia. A total 148 taxa belonging to 30 families and 49 genera were briefly documented with the identification references, dimension and illustrations, but many taxa could only be identified to genus. There is much similarity to the flora of Guam, but 16 records are new for the region. Four nomenclatural changes were necessary in consequence of the findings of Ruck et al. (2016) on Surirellales and Rhopalodiales.
Colletorichum serranegrense sp. nov., a new endophytic species from the roots of the endangered Brazilian epiphytic orchid Cattleya jongheana
Authors: DA SILVA MEIRIELE , CRUZ EVERALDO S. , VELOSO TOMÁS G. R. , MIRANDA LETÍCIA , PEREIRA OLINTO L. , BOCAYUVA MELISSA F. , KASUYA MARIA C. M.
Published: June 2018

A new endophytic species of Colletotrichum was isolated from an endangered orchid species, Cattleya jongheana in the Parque Estadual da Serra Negra, from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is described and illustrated as Colletotrichum serranegrense sp. nov. in this study. Morphology and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses based on combined ITS, ACT, TUB2 and CHS-1 sequence data revealed that these isolates were in the Colletotrichum gigasporum species complex and confirmed differences in this compared to other species in this genus.
Identification Performance of Different Types of Handheld Near-Infrared (NIR) Spectrometers for the Recycling of Polymer Commodities
Authors: Yan Hui , Siesler Heinz W.
Published: June 2018

For sustainable utilization of raw materials and environmental protection, the recycling of the most common polymers—polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene (PS)—is an extremely important issue. In the present communication, the discrimination performance of the above polymer commodities based on their near-infrared (NIR) spectra measured with four real handheld (<200 g) spectrometers based on different monochromator principles were investigated. From a total of 43 polymer samples, the diffuse reflection spectra were measured with the handheld instruments. After the original spectra were pretreated by second derivative and standard normal variate (SNV), principal component analysis (PCA) was applied and unknown samples were tested by soft independent modeling of class analogies (SIMCA). The results show that the five polymer commodities cluster in the score plots of their first three principal components (PCs) and, furthermore, samples in calibration and test sets can be correctly identified by SICMA. Thus, it was concluded that on the basis of the NIR spectra measured with the handheld spectrometers the SIMCA analysis provides a suitable analytical tool for the correct assignment of the type of polymer. Because the mean distance between clusters in the score plot reflects the discrimination capability for each polymer pair the variation of this parameter for the spectra measured with the different handheld spectrometers was used to rank the identification performance of the five polymer commodities.
The association of ‘self-monitoring’ with depression in help-seeking Facebook users
Authors: Twomey Conal , O’Reilly Gary
Published: June 2018

Background:

‘Self-monitoring’ refers to the extent to which people control how they act in social situations. Some evidence suggests that those with various mental health issues engage in less self-monitoring than those without such issues. In the current study, we investigated the association of (offline and online) self-monitoring with depression in help-seeking Facebook users.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of an anonymised dataset generated using the myPersonality Facebook application ( N = 1,857). Participants were those who accessed an application for depressive symptom-reporting that was linked to the myPersonality application.

Results:

The odds of depression were 1.85 times greater in low self-monitors than high self-monitors (odds ratio = 1.85; 95% confidence interval (CI) = [1.50, 2.27]). The association remained significant after adjusting for ‘big five’ personality traits (odds ratio = 1.48; 95% CI = [1.18, 1.86]). In fully adjusted analyses involving different operationalisations of self-monitoring, (1) the odds of depression were 1.38 times greater in low acquisitive self-monitors than high acquisitive self-monitors (odds ratio = 1.38; 95% CI = [1.10, 1.74]) and (2) the odds of depression were 1.48 times greater in low protective self-monitors than high protective self-monitors (odds ratio = 1.48; 95% CI = [1.18, 1.85]).

Conclusion:

The utility of self-monitoring in interventions for depression is worthy of investigation. Moreover, the assessment of self-monitoring may offer insights into clients’ social skills, motivation and self-awareness.
Evaluation of FHWA Pile Design Method against the FHWA Deep Foundation Load Test Database Version 2.0
Authors: Machairas Nikolaos , Highley Gregory A. , Iskander Magued G.
Published: June 2018

The efficacy of the FHWA pile design method was explored using data made possible by the 2017 release of FHWA Deep Foundation Load Test Database (DFLTD) v.2. Information contained within DFLTD v.2 was leveraged to evaluate the most common pile design methods against failure loads obtained via in situ static load testing procedures. In the process, the authors developed a custom relational database and software to batch process the available information. The scope was limited to impact-driven, un-tapered, steel and concrete piles, loaded in compression, using a static load test. DFLTD v.2 contains 3,116 unique-combination project/exploration/foundation/test cases of which 213 contained sufficient data to permit batch processing of the results to compute the axial load capacity and interpret the static failure load, according to the study scope. Scatter between measured (interpreted) and predicted capacities is significant; the computed capacity was off by a factor of 2 in many tests. The range in calculated to measured capacities ( Qc/Qm) was from 0.12 to 8.88, and the mean Qc/Qm was 1.48. Preliminary evaluation suggests that the method performs better in clay than in sand, and overpredicts the capacities of long and larger diameter piles. The authors trust that this study will permit engineers and state agencies to better understand the efficacy of the most commonly employed design methods, resulting in a more resilient infrastructure.
A Study of Anthropological and Ethnographical Information in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea
Authors: Wickramasinghe Chandima S.M.
Published: June 2018

The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea is a vital treatise, which transmits a plethora of information on various aspects mainly focusing on trade and commerce. It also states about the initiation of a whole race towards new fields of geographical discovery and commercial accomplishment. A considerable amount of information on trade liaisons between the Roman world and India is provided in this anonymous treatise written in Greek. The text is also packed with helpful details of trade routes and useful instructions on sailing including information on ports, import and export articles available in them, political set-up and of natives in and around the markets and ports. The substance in the Periplus text is directly or indirectly connected with the anthropological and ethnographical information. The author himself appears to be a merchant sailor, and his audience could possibly be people involved in the same profession or at least those who are interested in exacting profit through trading in the region. However, the existing scholarship so far has shown little or no interest in discussing the anthropological or ethnographical aspects of the treatise. The objective of the present study is, therefore, to examine the role of the anthropological and ethnographical information encapsulated in the Periplus Maris Erythrae. Thus, the customs and dispositions of various port communities and trading communities will be observed with a view to understand how they were affected by the commercial activities in the region on one hand and how their customs and dispositions affected the commercial activities on the other. These observations are also conducted to understand the Periplus author’s motive behind including such anthropological and ethnographical information. Accordingly, this study will also shed a new light on the purpose of its compilation which is also a matter of scholarly debate.
Unusual Case of Rupture Renal Artery Aneurysm
Authors: Mazzariol C. , Contemori G. , Omacini S. , D'Iseppi M. , DI Tonno F. , Stracca Pansa V. , Malossini G.
Published: June 2018

The majority of renal artery aneurysms are clinically silent. They generally growth slowly and may give pain (15%), hematuria (30%), hypertension (55%), spontaneous rupture (10%). We present a case of unusual spontaneous rupture of a renal artery aneurysm.
Cryotherapy
Authors: Laudi M. , Fontana G.
Published: June 2018

TRUS-guided transcutaneous cryotherapy in the treatment of the prostatic carcinoma is performed by perineal approach, the intraoperatory monitoring of temperatures and a mechanical hydraulic sonorguided separation between prostate and the anterior rectal wall. Six to eight probes are used, the Argon gas in the freezing phase (-10 °C and -40 °C) and Helio gas for heating phase.

TRUS-guided cryoterapy is a possible therapeutich option in the treatment of localized or locally advanced prostatic carcinoma and after RT, in case of the relapse in alternative to the rescue prostatectomy.

We examined in both procedures the most significant series concerning the oncologic results and morbility.

At present, TRUS-guided cryotherapy represents a mininvasive therapeutic option in selected patients (ASA 2–3).

For the future an evaluation of the survival years compared with quality of life and randomized studies will be necessary.
Neuroendocrine Differentiation in Prostatic Malignancy
Authors: Alberti C. , Tizzani A. , Greco A. , Piovano M.
Published: June 2018

Neuroendocrine differentiation in prostatic malignancy is receiving considerable attention; this occurs commonly as a “focal” histological variant and, most rarely, in the form of small cell carcinoma (“oat cell carcinoma”) and carcinoid tumor. In prostate cancer, neuroendocrine differentiation may be the response to androgen deprivation and neuroendocrine products, either biogenic amines or peptides, have been shown to stimulate proliferation of androgen-ablation refractory cancer cells. Serum chromogranins, neuron-specific enolase and other neuroendocrine products as well as 111-In-chromogranin A “three step” immunoscintigraphy and somatostatin-receptor scintigraphy may be useful for predicting tumor behaviour and patient prognosis.

Several of the neuroendocrine products, particularly somatostatin analogues, are candidates for new therapeutic approaches. The paper aims to outline the advances in this field on the basis of the review of the literature.