bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive frequency-based modeling of whole-brain oscillations: Predicting regional vulnerability and hazardousness rates
Authors: Kaboodvand Neda , van den Heuvel Martijn P. , Fransson Peter
Published: August 2019

Whole-brain computational modeling based on structural connectivity has shown great promise in successfully simulating fMRI BOLD signals with temporal coactivation patterns that are highly similar to empirical functional connectivity patterns during resting state. Importantly, previous studies have shown that spontaneous fluctuations in coactivation patterns of distributed brain regions have an inherent dynamic nature with regard to the frequency spectrum of intrinsic brain oscillations. In this modeling study, we introduced frequency dynamics into a system of coupled oscillators, where each oscillator represents the local mean-field model of a brain region. We first showed that the collective behavior of interacting oscillators reproduces previously shown features of brain dynamics. Second, we examined the effect of simulated lesions in gray matter by applying an in silico perturbation protocol to the brain model. We present a new approach to map the effects of vulnerability in brain networks and introduce a measure of regional hazardousness based on mapping of the degree of divergence in a feature space.
Singular Intellection in Medieval Commentaries on Aristotle’s De anima
Authors: Mora-Márquez Ana María
Published: August 2019

Discussions about singular cognition, and its linguistic counterpart, are by no means exclusive to contemporary philosophy. In fact, a strikingly similar discussion, to which several medieval texts bear witness, took place in the late Middle Ages. The aim of this article is to partly reconstruct this medieval discussion, as it took place in Parisian question-commentaries on Aristotle’s De anima, so as to show the progression from the rejection of singular intellection in Siger of Brabant (†ca.1283) to the descriptivist positions of John Duns Scotus (†1308) and John of Jandun (†1328), and finally to the singularism of John Buridan (†ca.1360). All these authors accept some kind of intellectual access to individuals. Therefore, the conundrum is not whether we have some kind of intellectual knowledge of individuals, but rather whether we can know them singularly. This article begins by presenting the crucial obstacle to singular intellection in Siger. Thereafter, the author shows that Jandun and Scotus depart in fundamental ways from Siger’s account, but that for them the intellection of individuals is of a general character. Finally, she proposes that Buridan is a genuine singularist.
Adaequatio as Assimilatio: Two Puzzles in Aquinas’ Theory of Truth
Authors: Müller Jörn
Published: August 2019

This article explores the epistemological ramifications of understanding Thomas Aquinas’ conception of truth (famously defined as adaequatio rei et intellectus) in terms of a dynamic process of cognitive assimilation within the human psyche. In particular, the author addresses two potential pitfalls for his theory, namely (i) ‘failed assimilation’ as the basis of false judgments and (ii) ‘negative assimilation’, i.e., correspondence to non-being: how is the human mind capable of assimilation to ‘nothing’ (in the sense of ‘no thing’) at all? Aquinas addresses these two problems in various passages throughout his works; the author connects and reviews their arguments with regard to their philosophical cogency and attempts to answer the question of whether Aquinas ultimately succeeds in solving the several puzzles that ‘failed’ as well as ‘negative assimilation’ seem to create in his conception of truth.
Mainline Churches: Networks of Belonging in Postindependence Kenya and Tanzania
Authors: Williams Beth Ann
Published: August 2019

Christian churches are not abstract or ethereal institutions; they impact people’s daily decisions, weekly rhythms, and major life choices. This paper explores the continued importance of Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Anglican church membership for East African women. While much recent scholarship on Christianity in Africa has emphasized the rising prominence of Pentecostalism, I argue that historic, mission-founded churches continue to represent important sources of community formation and support for congregations. Using oral interviews with rural and urban women in Nairobi and northern Tanzania, I explore the ways churches can connect disparate populations through resource (re)distribution and shared religious aesthetic experiences. Moving below the level of church institutions, I focus on the lived experiences and motivations of everyday congregants who invest in religious communities for a range of material, interpersonal, and emotional reasons that, taken together, help us understand the ongoing importance of mainline churches in East Africa.
The Chronology of John the Baptist and the Crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth
Authors: Visi Tamás
Published: August 2019

The consensus of present-day historians that Jesus was crucified around the year 30 ce has been challenged by a minority of scholars who argue that the execution of John the Baptist could not take place earlier than 35 ce, and for that reason Jesus must have been crucified at the Passover of 36 ce. This paper argues that both parties have strong and convincing arguments, and for that reason we must conclude that John was probably executed after Jesus’ death. The collective memory of the early Christians did not succeed in retaining the chronological order of these events, and this circumstance allowed the synoptics to turn the Baptist into a forerunner of Christ.
Proportionality and Compromises
Authors: Zanetti Véronique
Published: August 2019

When individual rights, especially constitutional rights, compete with other rights or with a public good, judges and politicians involved in the legislative process or jurisdictional process are expected to balance their decision in such a way that the gain from achieving the goal mitigates the costs of the resulting loss for the parties. Jurists speak of the doctrine of proportionality in connection with this process of balancing.

In the proportionality calculus, judges have to evaluate whether the impact on individual rights outweighs the public purpose pursued through a state’s legal activity. I will argue that the procedure of proportionality is similar to the procedure of reaching a compromise. More precisely, I will defend that compromise is a special case of the principle of proportionality, for it applies when claims cannot be balanced or in the absence of an overarching principle on which all the parties agree. With this, I aim to show the connection between the principle of proportionality and compromises without conflating these two concepts, and to offer new perspectives on the discussion of proportionality as it is used in the legal context.
Religious Courts in the Jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Rynkowski Michał
Published: August 2019

Religious courts have for centuries been part of the European legal landscape. Almost all churches and religious communities have their own judicial systems, often composed of courts or tribunals ordered hierarchically. The aim of this paper is to present cases from the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights, in which a religious court was involved at the stage of domestic proceedings. The twelve cases in question originate from a number of European States, from Italy to Finland and from the UK to Turkey—and in one particular case, Israel. The applicants belonged to many denominations, predominantly Christian. The Court of Human Rights (and before that, the Commission of Human Rights) has been concerned, in the main, with religious courts in terms of compliance with the requirement for a fair hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal under Article 6 of the European Convention of Human Rights. The Court has come to various conclusions—for example, it accepted that courts of the Church of England comply with the requirement, it questioned whether the cathedral chapter of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Finland did so, and it indirectly criticized proceedings before the Roman Rota of the Catholic Church. The most recent judgment from September 2017, Nagy v. Hungary, and in particular many associated dissenting opinions, demonstrate that the matter is worthy of study, particularly in the contemporary context of religious freedom. Nevertheless, the cases are so different that it is difficult to discern a coherent line of jurisprudence, and the Court itself hardly ever refers to its own previous judgments in this field.
The holotype of Atheropogon stolonifer (=Bouteloua reederorum) and totypification of the name Triathera juncea (=B. juncea) (Poaceae, Chloridoideae)

Authors: SANDOVAL-ORTEGA MANUEL HIGINIO , SIQUEIROS-DELGADO MaríaMARÍA ELENA , PÉREZ-MOLPHE-BALCH EUGENIO , CERROS-TLATILPA ROSA
Published: August 2019

We confirm the location of the holotype of Atheropogon stolonifer E. Fourn., and the name Triathera juncea Desv. ex P. Beauv. is lectotypified.
Description of a new species of the subgenus Hippomias Yunakov, 2006
in the genus Brachysomus Schoenherr, 1823 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae) from Lebanon
Authors: SZÉNÁSI VALENTIN , NÉMETH TAMÁS
Published: August 2019

Brachysomus (Hippomias) tannourinensis sp. nov. is described from Lebanon, compared with similar Brachysomus species, and its main diagnostic features are figured. The new species was discovered at the ancient cedar forest of Tannourine as the first known representative of the genus Brachysomus in Lebanon. It is easily recognizable by the body vestiture consisting of two types of scales, the prolonged shape of the  rostrum, and the parallel-sided penis.
Erratum: DONGBIAO LÜ, YANHUA YAN, WEIHAI LI & HONGLIANG WANG (2019) A new species of the genus Chinoperla (Plecoptera: Perlidae) from southern China. Zootaxa, 4614: 187–190.
Authors: LÜ DONGBIAO , YAN YANHUA , LI WEIHAI , WANG HONGLIANG
Published: August 2019

N/A
Benefits of a Guided Motor-Mental Preperformance Routine on Learning the Basketball Free Throw
Authors: Moradi Jalil
Published: August 2019

While past research has shown the benefits of preperformance routines (PPRs) on athletes’ performances, only a few studies have addressed PPR effects on novices’ learning or performance. This study investigated the effect of motor-mental PPR on learning the basketball free throw. We categorized 45 undergraduate male students into three 15-session training groups receiving (a) a five-step PPR based on Singer’s model, (b) a self-regulation PPR, and (c) no PPR, but only a basketball free throw performance (control group). One week later, we conducted retention and transfer testing. A repeated measures analysis of variance and two-way mixed design analysis of variance showed that, in the acquisition and test phases, the five-step PPR group performed better than the other two groups ( p < .001), and there was no significant difference between the self-regulation PPR and control groups. The results also showed that, in accordance with the specificity of practice hypothesis, participants’ performance decreased significantly on transfer testing when PPR was removed from the experimental groups. A well-guided motor-mental PPR was superior to a self-regulated PPR for novices learning this basketball skill, probably because it increased the participants’ concentration during acquisition and helped them learn it as part of a motor pattern.
Effect of coagulation bath parameters on the morphology and absorption behavior of a skin–core filament based on biomedical polyurethane and native silk fibroin microparticles
Authors: Zhuang Yan , Wang Han , Wang Linfeng , Liu Changjun , Xu Yuan , Zhou Yingshan , Gu Shaojin , Xu Weilin , Yang Hongjun , Liu Keshuai
Published: August 2019

This study investigates the effect of the constituents and temperature of a coagulation bath on the morphology and water absorption behavior of a skin–core filament, which has potential application in the field of controlled drug release, based on biomedical polyurethane (BPU) and native silk fibroin microparticles (NSFPs). BPU solution and BPU/NSFP blend solution were extruded from the cortex and core channel of a coaxial double injector into a coagulation bath with different constituents and at different temperatures to form filaments. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the skin–core filament prepared by wet-spinning revealed that the addition of ethanol decreased the exchange speed between the solvent and non-solvent and led to the formation of micropores on the surface. Meanwhile, the interface between the cortex and core became pronounced and the water absorption capability of the filament decreased with increasing ethanol concentration in the coagulation bath. The high temperature of the coagulation bath also improved the exchange speed between the solvent and non-solvent; however, its effect on the morphology of the filament was weak. Thus, a skin–core filament with different morphologies and water absorption behaviors was fabricated by controlling the constituents and temperature of the coagulation bath during the wet-spinning process. This skin–core filament has potential applications in controlled drug release.
Bacteroides fragilis sacral spondylodiscitis and epidural abscess after sacrocolpopexy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Miksić Nina Gorišek , Kljaić Dujić Milka , Rejc Marko Jana , Voršič Matjaž , But Igor
Published: August 2019

Spondylodiscitis with or without epidural abscess is a rare, although serious, complication after sacrocolpopexy. We present a case of an 81-year-old patient who developed anaerobic Bacteroides fragilis sacral spondylodiscitis with epidural abscess 18 weeks after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. Because of the patient’s old age, comorbidities, and further complications during hospitalization, she was treated conservatively with an early switch to oral antimicrobial therapy with good oral bioavailability. Because of retention of titanium bone anchors in the first sacral vertebra, oral antimicrobial treatment with biofilm-active clindamycin was prolonged to 6 months. This conservative approach was successful. One year after discontinuation of antimicrobial therapy, the patient had no signs of recurrence of infection or other complications. With retention of implanted material, we preserved good pelvic support with a good effect on the patient’s quality of life. A combined surgical and antimicrobial therapy with mesh removal is the treatment of choice in most cases of spinal infectious complications. However, we would like to emphasize the need for an individualized therapeutic approach in the growing population of frail and polymorbid, older patients, where a conservative approach can have important effects on the quality of life. Infectious complications can have devastating consequences in these patients.
Inpatient Palliative Care Consult: A Marker for High Risk of Readmission or Death in Discharged Oncology Inpatients
Authors: Selby Debbie , Chakraborty Anita , Kim Audrey , Myers Jeff
Published: August 2019

Background:

Emergency department visits or readmission to hospital are common particularly among those with advanced illness. Little prospective data exist on early outcomes specifically for patients seen by a palliative care consult service during their acute care admission, who are subsequently discharged home.

Methods:

This study followed 62 oncology patients who had had a palliative care consult during their admission to acute care with weekly phone calls postdischarge for 4 weeks. Events recorded included death, readmission, emergency department visits, and admission to a palliative care unit.

Results:

By the end of the study, 32 (52%) of 62 had had at least 1 event, (readmission, emergency department visit, or death), with the majority of these occurring in the first 2 weeks postdischarge. The overall 4-week death rate was 14 (22.6%) of 62.

Conclusions:

These data suggest that the need for a palliative care consult identifies inpatients at very high risk for early deterioration and underlines the critical importance of advance care planning/goals-of-care discussions by the oncology and palliative care teams to ensure patients and families understand their disease process and have the opportunity to direct their care decisions.
An experimental and numerical investigation on active compliant joint made by shape memory alloy actuator
Authors: Katanchi Babak , Fathi Alireza , Baghani Mostafa , Afrasyab Hamed
Published: August 2019

In this paper, a novel active compliant joint for robotic and microdisplacement applications is investigated numerically and experimentally. The proposed actuator structure is simple and possesses a higher energy density compared to the available actuators. Experimental tests are performed employing the shape memory behavior of NiTi alloy by the electric current as a heating source. To verify the actuator performance, numerical models are simulated in a nonlinear finite element program through employing a user subroutine according to experimental tests. Finite element implementation of the proposed actuator is performed based on the constitutive equations developed in Boyd–Lagoudas phenomenological model. Comparing the test and numerical results revealed that the numerical model is successful in predicting the actuator response. Finally, based on the verified numerical model, the effects of different parameters, e.g. the compression spring stiffness on the actuator performance are studied, and an optimal design for the actuator structure is proposed.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Improves Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Life of Poststroke Patients—Prospective Case Series Study
Authors: da Silva Júnior Hercílio Barbosa , Fernandes Marcos Rassi , Souza Ângela Maria Costa
Published: August 2019

Background:

Poststroke depression (PSD) is a serious psychiatric complication often reported after a stroke. Nearly a third of stroke survivors experience depressive symptoms at some point, affecting their functional recovery and quality of life. In recent years, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been studied by many researchers and found to be a safe supporting tool for the treatment of PSD.

Objective:

We aim to evaluate the effects of rTMS on PSD and on the quality of life of poststroke patients.

Method:

A prospective clinical case series, performed at CRER Rehabilitation, Brazil, between June 2016 and May 2017. A nonprobabilistic sample (n = 15) was divided into 2 groups (excitatory stimulation in F3, n = 8; inhibitory stimulation in F4, n = 7) and underwent 20 sessions of rTMS. Individuals were assessed according to the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D17) and World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire at 3 different moments: baseline, at the end of the treatment, and in a 1-month follow-up meeting.

Results:

Both groups presented a significant change in the score of all WHOQOL-BREF domains and in HAM-D17. In the group that received inhibitory stimulation (F4), score changes were continuous and gradual, comparing the 3 moments. In the excitatory stimulated (F3) group, however, the improvement in scores was more expressive between baseline and the second moment, without significant changes in the follow-up.

Conclusions:

The findings of this clinical study suggest that rTMS can be a promising tool, capable of relieving depressive symptoms and helping in the improvement of poststroke patients’ quality of life.
Cognitive Training Reorganizes Network Modularity in Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Han Kihwan , Chapman Sandra B. , Krawczyk Daniel C.
Published: August 2019

Background. Graph-theoretic approaches are increasingly popular for identifying the patterns of disrupted neural systems after traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the patterns of neuroplasticity in brain organization after cognitive training in TBI are less well understood. Objective. We identified the patterns of training-induced neuroplasticity of the whole-brain network in TBI, using resting-state functional connectivity and graph theory. Methods. A total of 64 civilians and veterans with TBI were randomized into either a strategy-based cognitive training group (n = 33) or a knowledge-based training group (active control group; n = 31) for 8 weeks. The participants experienced mild to severe TBI without focal damage and persistent cognitive dysfunctions. A subset of participants complained of subclinical but residual psychiatric symptoms. We acquired their resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging before training, immediately posttraining, and 3 months posttraining. From participants’ resting-state networks, we obtained the modularity, participation coefficient, within-module connectivity, global efficiency, and local efficiency over multiple network densities. We next performed longitudinal analyses on those measures corrected for multiple comparisons across network densities using false discovery rate (FDR). Results. Relative to the knowledge-based training group, the strategy-based cognitive training group had reduced modularity and increased participation coefficient, global efficiency, and local efficiency over time ( Pnodal < .05; qFDR < 0.05). Brain behavior analysis revealed that the participation coefficient and global efficiency within the strategy-based cognitive training group correlated with trail-making scores in the context of training ( Pnodal < .05; qFDR < 0.05). Conclusions. Cognitive training reorganized modular networks in TBI over the whole brain. Graph-theoretic approaches may be useful in identifying a potential brain-based marker of training efficacy in TBI.
A leader–follower formation control approach for target hunting by multiple autonomous underwater vehicle in three-dimensional underwater environments
Authors: Cao Xiang , Guo Liqiang
Published: August 2019

As one of the challenging tasks of multiple autonomous underwater vehicles systems, the realization of target hunting is the great significance. The multiple autonomous underwater vehicle target hunting is studied in this article. In some research, because the hunting members cannot reach the hunting point at the same time, the hunting time is long or the target escapes. To improve the efficiency of the target hunting, the leader–follower formation algorithm is introduced. Firstly, the task is assigned based on the distance between the autonomous underwater vehicle and the target. Then, the autonomous underwater vehicles with the same task are formed based on leader–follower mode, and the formation is kept to track the target. In the final capture phase, multiple autonomous underwater vehicle system use angle matching algorithm to round up target. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively accomplish the target hunting task, save the hunting time, and avoid the target escape. Compared with the bioinspired neural network algorithm, the proposed algorithm shows better performance.
Noninvasive imaging assessment of rehabilitation therapy in heart failure with preserved and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (IMAGING-REHAB-HF): design and rationale
Authors: Cardoso Fernando Bianchini , Antunes-Correa Lígia M. , Silva Thiago Quinaglia A. C. , Silva Luis Miguel , Toledo Camilla , Ribeiro Vinicius Citelli , Paim Layde R. , Neilan Tomas G. , Velloso Lício , Nadruz Wilson , Ramos Celso Darío , Dertkigil Sergio S. , Schreiber Roberto , Sposito Andrei , Matos-Souza Jose Roberto , Berwanger Otávio , Jerosch-Herold Michael , Coelho-Filho Otávio Rizzi
Published: August 2019

Background:

Studies have shown significant benefits of exercise therapy in heart failure (HF) with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and HF with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effect of exercise in HFrEF and HFpEF are still unclear. We hypothesized that the effect of exercise on myocardial remodeling may explain its beneficial effect.

Methods:

IMAGING-REHAB-HF is a single-center, randomized, controlled clinical trial using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, vasomotor endothelial function, cardiac sympathetic activity imaging and serum biomarkers to compare the effect of exercise therapy in HFpEF (LVEF ≥ 45%) and HFrEF (LVEF < 45%). Subjects will be assessed at baseline and after 4 months. The exercise program will consist of three 60-min exercise sessions/week. The primary endpoints are the effect of exercise on myocardial extracellular volume (ECV), left ventricular (LV) systolic function, LV mass, LV mass-to-volume and LV cardiomyocyte volume. Secondary endpoints include the effect of exercise on vasomotor endothelial function, cardiac sympathetic activity and plasmatic biomarkers. Patients will be allocated in a 2:1 fashion to supervised exercise program or usual care. A total sample size of 90 patients, divided into two groups according to LVEF:HFpEF group (45 patients:30 in the intervention arm and 15 in the control arm) and HFrEF group (45 patients:30 in the intervention arm and 15 in the control arm) – will be necessary to achieve adequate power.

Conclusion:

This will be the first study to evaluate the benefits of a rehabilitation program on cardiac remodeling in HF patients. The unique design of our study may provide unique data to further elucidate the mechanisms involved in reverse cardiac remodeling after exercise in HFpEF and HFrEF patients.
Acute response to rapid iloprost inhalation using the Breelib™ nebulizer in pulmonary arterial hypertension: the Breelib™ acute study
Authors: Richter Manuel J. , Wan Jun , Ghofrani Hossein A. , Seeger Werner , Gall Henning , Rieth Andreas , Tello Khodr
Published: August 2019

The Breelib™ nebulizer was designed to reduce iloprost inhalation times for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In 30 patients with PAH, rapid inhalation of iloprost 2.5 µg using Breelib™ caused significant improvements in invasively measured afterload and cardiac index but not echocardiographic right ventricular strain during 30 min post‐inhalation.
Empowering open science with reflexive and spatialised indicators
Authors: Raimbault Juste , Chasset Pierre-Olivier , Cottineau Clémentine , Commenges Hadrien , Pumain Denise , Kosmopoulos Christine , Banos Arnaud
Published: August 2019

Bibliometrics have become commonplace and widely used by authors and journals to monitor, to evaluate and to identify their readership in an ever-increasingly publishing scientific world. This contribution introduces a multi-method corpus analysis tool, specifically conceived for scientific corpuses with spatialised content. We propose a dedicated interactive application that integrates three strategies for building semantic networks, using keywords (self-declared themes), citations (areas of research using the papers) and full-texts (themes derived from the words used in writing). The networks can be studied with respect to their temporal evolution as well as to their spatial expressions, by considering the countries studied in the papers under inquiry. The tool is applied as a proof-of-concept on the papers published in the online open access geography journal Cybergeo since its creation in 1996. Finally, we compare the three methods and conclude that their complementarity can help go beyond simple statistics to better understand the epistemological evolution of a scientific community and the readership target of the journal. Our tool can be applied by any journal on its own corpus, fostering thus open science and reflexivity.
Age at menopause and lung function: a Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: van der Plaat Diana A. , Pereira Miguel , Pesce Giancarlo , Potts James F. , Amaral André F.S. , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Garcia-Aymerich Judith M. , Thompson John R. , Gómez Real Francisco , Jarvis Deborah L. , Minelli Cosetta , Leynaert Bénédicte
Published: August 2019

In observational studies, early menopause is associated with lower forced vital capacity (FVC) and a higher risk of spirometric restriction, but not airflow obstruction. It is, however, unclear if this association is causal. We therefore used a Mendelian randomisation (MR) approach, which is not affected by classical confounding, to assess the effect of age at natural menopause on lung function.

We included 94 742 naturally post-menopausal women from the UK Biobank and performed MR analyses on the effect of age at menopause on forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FVC, FEV1/FVC, spirometric restriction (FVC<lower limit of normal (LLN)) and airflow obstruction (FEV1/FVC<LLN). We used the inverse variance-weighted method, as well as methods that adjust for pleiotropy, and compared MR with observational analyses.

The MR analyses showed higher FEV1/FVC and a 15% lower risk of airflow obstruction for women with early (<45 years) compared to normal (45–55 years) menopause. Despite some evidence of pleiotropy, the results were consistent when using MR methods robust to pleiotropy. Similar results were found among never- and ever-smokers, while the protective effect seemed less strong in women who had ever used menopause hormone treatment and in overweight women. There was no strong evidence of an association with FVC or spirometric restriction. In observational analyses of the same dataset, early menopause was associated with a pronounced reduction in FVC and a 13% higher risk of spirometric restriction.

Our MR results suggest that early menopause has a protective effect on airflow obstruction. Further studies are warranted to better understand the inconsistency with observational findings, and to investigate the underlying mechanisms and role of female sex hormones.
Recent Research in Science Teaching and Learning
Authors: Eddy Sarah L.
Published: August 2019

The Current Insights feature is designed to introduce life science educators and researchers to current articles of interest in other social science and education journals. In this installment, I highlight three diverse research studies: one exploring what researchers actually mean when they talk about relevance; one describing the relationships between instructor mindset about intelligence and performance gaps in the classroom; and the last describing a novel short intervention to reduce student’s perceptions of costs.
Recent advances in managing fecal incontinence
Authors: Da Silva Giovanna , Sirany Anne
Published: August 2019

Fecal incontinence (FI) is the uncontrolled passage of feces or gas in an individual who previously had control. The prevalence of the problem varies but can be as high as 50% of institutionalized individuals. The severity varies among individuals, but the negative impact on self-esteem and quality of life can have devastating effects. The goals of treatment are to decrease the frequency and severity of episodes as well as to improve quality of life. At present, several therapies, ranging from medical management to more invasive surgical interventions, are offered for the management of FI. In this article, we review the most recent advances in the management of FI.
Antibacterial effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Mauritia flexuosa leaves on gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria
Authors: Sandoval Vergara Ana , Farfán Córdova Marlon , Salazar Castillo Marco Leoncio , Rodríguez Haro Icela Marissa , Vizconde Rodríguez Ana Paula
Published: August 2019

Background: Plant-derived compounds are sometimes used as substitutes for pharmaceuticals. Mauritia flexuosa is a palm tree that is widely distributed in South America, especially in the Amazon region. The San Martín region of Peru, in which this species of the Arecaceae family is found, has great biological diversity and there is economic potential in the utilization of natural resources in the region.

Methods: In this study, the antibacterial effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Mauritia flexuosa leaves was evaluated for gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 and gram-negative Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica ser. Typhi ATCC 11011. Mauritia flexuosa leaves were used to prepare concentrations of 10, 20, 40 and 60mg/ml. Phytochemical analysis was performed to identify secondary metabolites in the plants. For the experiment, 10 Mueller-Hinton agar plates were prepared and 1ml of bacterial inoculum, standardized to 0.5 McFarland, was added to each plate. The hydroalcoholic extract was added via the diffusion method, making five holes of 5mm each (four with extract concentrations and one with distilled water as a control group), and the plates were incubated for 24 hours at 36°C. The inhibition halo was measured in mm using a digital vernier caliper.

Results: For gram-negative bacteria, an antibacterial effect was demonstrated for Pseudomonas aeruginosa only, at an extract concentration of 60mg/ml, with an inhibition halo of 14.8 mm. For gram-positive bacteria Baccillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, an antibacterial effect was demonstrated at an extract concentration of 60mg/ml, with inhibition halos of 13.2mm and 15.4mm in diameter, respectively.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that the hydroalcoholic extract of Mauritia flexuosa does not inhibit bacterial growth for gram-negative bacteria Salmonella Typhi and Escherichia coli.
Study design and protocol for investigating social network patterns in rural and urban schools and households in a coastal setting in Kenya using wearable proximity sensors
Authors: Kiti Moses Chapa , Melegaro Alessia , Cattuto Ciro , Nokes David James
Published: August 2019

Background: Social contact patterns shape the transmission of respiratory infections spread via close interactions. There is a paucity of observational data from schools and households, particularly in developing countries. Portable wireless sensors can record unbiased proximity events between individuals facing each other, shedding light on pathways of infection transmission.

Design and methods: The aim is to characterize face-to-face contact patterns that may shape the transmission of respiratory infections in schools and households in Kilifi, Kenya. Two schools, one each from a rural and urban area, will be purposively selected. From each school, 350 students will be randomly selected proportional to class size and gender to participate. Nine index students from each school will be randomly selected and followed-up to their households. All index household residents will be recruited into the study. A further 3-5 neighbouring households will also be recruited to give a maximum of 350 participants per household setting. The sample size per site is limited by the number of sensors available for data collection. Each participant will wear a wireless proximity sensor lying on their chest area for 7 consecutive days. Data on proximal dyadic interactions will be collected automatically by the sensors only for participants who are face-to-face. Key characteristics of interest include the distribution of degree and the frequency and duration of contacts and their variation in rural and urban areas. These will be stratified by age, gender, role, and day of the week.

Expected results: Resultant data will inform on social contact patterns in rural and urban areas of a previously unstudied population. Ensuing data will be used to parameterize mathematical simulation models of transmission of a range of respiratory viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus, and used to explore the impact of intervention measures such as vaccination and social distancing.
Essence of Technology and Ecological Disaster: A Heideggerian Reading of Margaret Atwood’s The Year of the Flood
Authors: Wu Lanxiang , Zhou Xiaolin
Published: August 2019

In his criticism about modern technology, Martin Heidegger etymologically examines the word “Technē” and points out that, technology, as a mode of revealing, does not solely refer to the bringing forth of truth through machine-based experiments and exploration, it also contains the poetic revealing inside which a saving power can be found. Following this argument, this paper conducts a textual analysis of Margaret Atwood’s 2009 novel The Year of the Flood and argues that the Compound elites are so delivered over to technology that they have turned everything into standing-reserve, and thereby have fueled the impending ecological disaster in their pursuit of bioengineering innovation. By contrast, a Heideggerian meditative person – Adam One, the leader of God’s Gardeners, illustrates the practice of “arts of the mind” by his words and his deeds, exemplifying the possibility of poetic revealing in an emblematic way. Although the trajectory of environmental deterioration cannot be reversed, the ending of the novel does strike a promising note by referring to music, an old form of fine arts.
Shakespeare in Theory and Practice
Authors: Hart Jonathan Locke
Published: August 2019

The article is about theory and practice in Shakespeare, but while he used the word “practice,” he never employed the term “theory.” After discussing practice a little, I shall examine how Shakespeare refers to poetry and poets, philosophy and philosophers with some brief connections with art, theatre, music, painting and mimesis. Shakespeare showed no inclination for criticism or theory in essays or non-fiction prose, but, as can be seen, for instance, in Hamlet’s instructions to the players, his work, poetry and plays, contain if not a theory of art, theatre and poetry at least some representations of and reflections on such matters by speakers, narrators and characters.
DEUSES DO EGITO (2016): UMA NARRATIVA FÍLMICA DA CIVILIZAÇÃO BRANCA
Authors: Maria Gomes de Souza Neto José
Published: August 2019

O cinema tem sido, desde as primeiras décadas do séc. XX, um poderoso construtor de consciência histórica. Embora sejam declaradamente fictícios, os filmes elaboram a visão que se tem dos tempos retratados, constrói duradouras impressões do passado, elaboradas a despeito da história ensinada na escola ou nos livros. Nessa perspectiva, Deuses do Egito (2016) exibe uma imagem do Egito repleta de elementos imperialistas e racistas, que precisam ser debatidos pelos profissionais de história.
Giant cell arteritis: advances in diagnosis and management
Authors: Raza Mehdi , El Maideny Yasser , Bokhari Nadia
Published: August 2019

Giant cell arteritis has been widely studied throughout the world. Involvement of cranial vessels can lead to visual loss and strokes. This review primarily focusses on the presentation, diagnosis and treatment. The last 10 years have brought dramatic improvements in the imaging and medical therapies for this condition. After the American College of Rheumatology suggested criteria for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis, many studies have been performed to find alternatives to a temporal artery biopsy. There is growing evidence that a biopsy may not be needed when one can make a convincing clinical and radiological diagnosis. Although glucocorticoids are the mainstay of treatment and their role has not changed, various biological and non-biological therapies are being used to reduce relapses and prolong remission of symptoms.
Politics and palliative care: Maldives
Authors: Smyth Dion
Published: August 2019

Dion Smyth's review of palliative nursing on the internet
RAMIPRIL
Authors: Rees Sharon
Published: August 2019

In this column, Sharon Rees aims to refresh knowledge and interest in some of the commonly used drugs in a series of tweets. This month she is talking about #ramipril
Delayed antibiotic prescribing
Authors: Paterson Ruth , Black Tracy
Published: August 2019

Ruth Paterson and Tracy Black provide an overview of recently published articles that may be of interest to non-medical prescribers. Should you wish to look at any of the articles in more detail, a full reference is given
Managing depression in the primary care setting
Authors: Ganasan Shalini
Published: August 2019

Depression affects more than 300 million people worldwide. The condition is thought to result from a complex interaction of social, biological and psychological factors. It is characterised by persistent low mood, and/or loss of pleasure in most activities over a 2-week period. Depression can be further categorised into mild, moderate and severe depression. In adults over the age of 65 years, depression tends to be as a result of comorbidities. There are various pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments available for the condition. In the primary care setting, it is important to ensure that the patient is followed up regularly. Research into the various pharmacological treatment options is most welcome in improving care for patients suffering from depression.
Home oxygen therapy in patients with COPD: safety issues for nurse prescribers
Authors: Moore David
Published: August 2019

Two landmark studies demonstrated survival benefit in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) complicated by chronic hypoxaemia with the prescription of long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT). Best practice evidence therefore recommends that individuals with stable COPD and resting hypoxaemia (PaO2≤7.3kPa) should be assessed for long-term oxygen therapy. However, it is estimated that up to one-quarter of COPD patients prescribed LTOT continue to smoke. Oxygen therapy consequently presents an obvious fire hazard in the case of such patients, who are therefore at greater risk of death or sustaining devastating head and neck burns. This article critically analyses, through the context of a care study, the professional, ethical and legal issues involved in making a safe prescribing decision for LTOT in an individual with COPD who is a current smoker. Home oxygen prescription is a growing trend in the COPD population, and it is important for nurse prescribers to be aware of the issues highlighted in the article to ensure safe prescribing practices.
Accountability and prescribing
Authors: Armstrong Amanda
Published: August 2019

In this article, the various arenas where prescribers can be called to account for their prescribing decisions will be examined, such as their employers, clinical commissioning groups, professions as well as criminal and civil law. The English legal system will be explained in relation to non-medical prescribing. Case studies and scenarios will be used to highlight workings of the various areas and how and when they call prescribers to account for their actions.
Effects of Fipronil on Non-target Ants and Other Invertebrates in a Program for Eradication of the Argentine Ant, Linepithema humile
Authors: Sakamoto Yoshiko , Hayashi Takehiko I. , Inoue Maki N. , Ohnishi Hitoshi , Kishimoto Toshio , Goka Koichi
Published: August 2019

Pesticides are frequently used to eradicate invasive ant species, but pose ecological harm. Previous studies assessed non-target effects only in terms of the increase or decrease of abundance or species richness after pesticide applications. Positive effects of the release from pressure caused by invasive ant species have not been considered so far. To more accurately assess pesticide effects in the field, the non-target effects of pesticides should be considered separately from the positive effects of such releases. Here, we used monitoring data of ants and other invertebrates collected in a program for the eradication of the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr), using fipronil. First, we separately assessed the effects of L. humile abundance and fipronil exposure on non-target ants and other invertebrates using generalized linear models. The abundance of L. humile and the number of pesticide treatments were negatively associated with the total number of non-target individuals and taxonomic richness. We also noted negative relationships between the number of individuals of some ant species and other invertebrate taxonomic groups. The L. humile × pesticide interaction was significant, suggesting that the abundance of L. humile affected the level of impact of pesticide treatment on non-target fauna. Second, we evaluated the dynamics of non-target ant communities for 3 years using principal response curve analyses. Non-target ant communities treated with fipronil continuously for 3 years recovered little, whereas those treated for 1 year recovered to the level of the untreated and non-invaded environment.
Wood Ant (Formica polyctena) Services and Disservices in a Danish Apple Plantation
Authors: Offenberg Joachim , Nielsen Jesper Stern , Damgaard Christian
Published: August 2019

Ants possess properties that can be used to optimize plant production in agricultural systems. Ant services can be herbivore and pathogen protection and fertilization of their plant partners. They may, however, also harm plants by facilitating ant-attended herbivorous homopterans. To assess whether wood ants can be used in IPM-systems to improve apple production, we transplanted wood ants into a Danish apple plantation and tested whether ants (i) reduced the number of herbivores, (ii) led to higher amounts of leaf nutrients, (iii) controlled apple pathogens, (iv) increased homopteran abundance and (iv) whether these effects affected apple yields. During a two year study, we found that the wood ants significantly reduced the numbers of winter moth larvae, increased magnesium content in apple leaves (but did not affect 10 other nutrients), reduced the number of apples infected with apple brown rot and apple scab (on one apple variety) and increased aphid infections. In the first year, this led to higher apple production on ant trees, whereas ants had no effect on yields in the second year. It was evident that ants provided both services and disservices. If mutualistic ant-homopteran interactions can be disrupted, this would favor plant growth and open for the use of wood ants in sustainable plant management. We discuss how this may be accomplished. Alternatively, ants may be used short term to knock down pest outbreaks (before building up homopteran populations) or used in crops that do not host ant-attended homopterans.