bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Plasma Levels of Growth Differentiation Factor-15 and Renal Function in the Elderly: Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Jin Sug , Kim Sunyoung , Won Chang Won , Jeong Kyung Hwan
Published: June 2019

Background/Aims: Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) expression has been reported to increase in response to tissue damage and has recently emerged as a useful biomarker for various diseases. Although emerging evidence supports the clinicopathological value of GDF-15 in renal impairment, few studies have analyzed it in the elderly. Thus, we conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the association of plasma GDF-15 with renal function and the presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in community-dwelling elderly. Materials: The present study was based on the baseline data of the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study (KFACS), a nationwide cohort study that began in 2016. Of the 1,559 participants assessed in the first year, 443 with available plasma GDF-15 data were enrolled in this study. We investigated the association of plasma GDF-15 levels with clinical and biochemical parameters. The study population was divided into two groups according to renal function (CKD and non-CKD groups) to investigate whether GDF-15 can determine the presence of renal dysfunction in the elderly. Plasma GDF-15 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Results: In a simple regression analysis, the levels of plasma GDF-15 were negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; r = –0.383, p < 0.001). In multiple linear regression analysis, GDF-15 levels were still significantly correlated with eGFR, even after adjusting for other parameters (r = –0.259, p < 0.001). Plasma GDF-15 levels were significantly higher in the elderly with CKD than in those without CKD (2,364.025 ± 1,052.23 ng/L and 1,451.23 ± 835.79 ng/L, respectively; p < 0.001). The optimal cut-off value of plasma GDF-15 for detecting the presence of CKD was 1,699.4 ng/L (76.5% sensitivity and 76.0% specificity), as determined by the receiver operating characteristic curve. The area under the curve was 0.793 ± 0.033 (95% CI 0.729–0.857, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Plasma GDF-15 levels were negatively associated with eGFR and were significantly increased in the elderly with CKD. Our results suggested that plasma GDF-15 might be a useful marker for discriminating renal impairment in the elderly. Further large and prospective outcome studies of extended duration are needed.
Association of Psoriasis with Psychiatric Hospitalization in United States Children and Adults
Authors: Patel Kevin R. , Lee Harrison H. , Rastogi Supriya , Singam Vivek , Vakharia Paras P. , Silverberg Jonathan I.
Published: June 2019

Background: Psoriasis is associated with psychosocial distress. Little is known about the relationship between psoriasis and mental health (MH) emergencies. Objective: To examine the associations of psoriasis and MH hospitalizations in the USA. Methods: Data from the 2002–2012 National Inpatient Sample were analyzed, including an approximately 20% sample of all US hospitalizations (n = 87,053,155 children and adults). Results: Hospitalization for MH disorders occurred more commonly in those with psoriasis compared to those without psoriasis (4.04 vs. 2.21%). In multivariable logistic regression models, psoriasis was associated with higher odds of admission for any MH disorder overall (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 2.32 [2.24–2.41]), as well as 9 of the 15 MH-specific disorders examined. Associated MH disorders included: anxiety, schizophrenia, personality disorder, depression, substance use disorders, history of MH disorder, alcohol-related disorders, adjustment disorders, and cognitive disorders. Children with versus those without psoriasis were also more likely to have a primary hospitalization for any MH disorder (2.82 [2.24–3.56]). Psoriasis inpatients were also more likely to have a primary hospitalization for any MH disorder compared to those with alopecia areata (1.99 [1.45–2.74]) or hidradenitis suppurativa (3.97 [3.49–4.52]). Psoriasis patients hospitalized with any MH disorder had higher mean [95% confidence interval] cost of inpatient care (USD 11,004 [10,846–11,241] vs. 9,547 [8,730–10,364]; p < 0.0001) compared to those without psoriasis, with USD 1,610,860 excess costs annually, with the majority of the costs coming from depression and mood disorders. Conclusions: Children and adults with psoriasis had increased hospitalization for multiple MH disorders, which were associated with a considerable financial burden.
Understanding Factors Associated with Uptake of BRCA1/2 Genetic Testing among Orthodox Jewish Women in the USA Using a Mixed-Methods Approach
Authors: Trivedi Meghna S. , Colbeth Hilary , Yi Haeseung , Vanegas Alejandro , Starck Rebecca , Chung Wendy K. , Appelbaum Paul S. , Kukafka Rita , Schechter Isaac , Crew Katherine D.
Published: June 2019

Background/Aims: Ashkenazi Jews have a 1:40 prevalence of BRCA1/2 mutations. Orthodox Jews are an understudied population with unique cultural and religious factors that may influence BRCA1/2 genetic testing uptake. Methods: Using a mixed-methods approach, we conducted a cross-sectional survey and focus groups among Orthodox Jewish women in New York/New Jersey to explore factors affecting decision-making about BRCA1/2 genetic testing. Results: Among 321 evaluable survey participants, the median age was 47 years (range, 25–82); 56% were Modern Orthodox and 44% Yeshivish/Chassidish/other; 84% were married; 7% had a personal history of breast or ovarian cancer. Nearly 20% of the women had undergone BRCA1/2genetic testing. Predictors of genetic testing uptake included being Modern Orthodox (odds ratio [OR] = 2.31), married (OR = 3.49), and having a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer (OR = 9.74). Focus group participants (n = 31) confirmed the importance of rabbinic consultation in medical decision-making and revealed that stigma was a prominent factor in decisions about BRCA1/2 testing due to its potential impact on marriageability. Conclusion: In order to increase the uptake of BRCA1/2 genetic testing among the Orthodox Jewish population, it is crucial to understand religious and cultural factors, such as stigma and effect on marriageability, and engage religious leaders in raising awareness within the community.
Neuroendovascular Cerebral Sinus Stenting in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Al-Mufti Fawaz , Dodson Vincent , Amuluru Krishna , Walia Jessy , Wajswol Ethan , Nuoman Rolla , Keller Irwin A. , Schonfeld Steven , Roychowdhury Sudipta , Gupta Gaurav
Published: June 2019

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a rare, ill-understood disease of significant morbidity. Because the pathophysiology is poorly understood, treatment protocols are not uniform and are directed towards alleviating the most common symptoms: headache and visual loss. In this review, we analyze 25 case series, all of which included IIH patients (n = 408) who were treated with placement of a venous sinus stent. Among 342 patients who had headache, 240 patients (70.2%) had improvement or resolution of headache after the stent insertion. Of the 217 patients documented to have visual problems, visual acuity was improved or stabilized in 161 patients (74.2%). Of the 304 patients with papilledema, 257 showed resolution or improved (84.5%). Of the 124 patients who presented with pulsatile tinnitus, it was resolved in 110 patients (88.7%) after stent placement. Endovascular management of dural sinus stenosis is therefore clinically efficacious in patients with IIH who have failed medical and surgical therapy.
“Readiness to Change” Predicts Efficacy of Reduction among Smokers with Severe Mental Illness
Authors: Sarramea Crespo Fernando , Jaén-Moreno Maria José , Gutiérrez-Rojas Luis , Balanzá-Martínez Vicent , García-Alvarez Leticia , Saiz Martínez Pilar Alejandra , Garcia-Portilla Maria Paz , Guler Ipek , Bobes Julio
Published: June 2019

Aims: Smoking cessation in subjects with a severe mental illness (SMI) is a challenging but attainable goal. Furthermore, the identification of variables involved in the quitting process is a highly relevant factor in clinical practice. This study aimed to analyze the influence of smokers’ motivation in smoking reduction and cessation and select the most suitable way of measuring motivation. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of a 9-month, multicenter trial examining a Multicomponent Smoking Cessation Program in 82 adult outpatients with SMI. At the end of the preparation stage, the smokers’ motivational level was evaluated with the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale. This allowed us to rate subjects using a continuous measure (“Readiness to Change,” RTC) and group them in “Stages of Change” (SOC). Regression analyses were carried out to identify predictors of the efficacy outcomes: a reduction in at least 50% of the cigarettes smoked per day (CPD), a reduction in the expired carbon monoxide (CO), and complete abstinence from smoking. Results: We studied differences in measurements of motivational levels independently (RTC and SOC) for patients who had a reduction in at least 50% of the CPD and for patients who achieved complete abstinence from smoking. However, these differences did not reach statistical significance during the follow-up study with a logistic mixed-effects model. In a linear mixed-effects model, the reduction of expired CO was significantly associated with RTC, at the end of the active treatment phase and during follow-up (β: –1.51; SD 0.82; p < 0.01). Conclusion: The motivation level achieved in the preparation phase predicted the reduction of expired CO over a given period when calculated by a continuous measure (RTC).
Severe Complications from an Unexpectedly High Serum Mycophenolic Acid Concentration in a Patient with Renal Failure Secondary to Lupus Nephritis: A Case Report
Authors: Doi Yuji , Kitayama Hirotsugu , Yamada Masayoshi , Miyama Yudai
Published: June 2019

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is used widely to treat lupus nephritis and is considered safer than other immunosuppressive drugs. Reports on severe complications related to MMF are sparse. We report a case of a patient with lupus nephritis in whom severe complications were possibly caused by MMF. The patient was a 17-year-old girl who received a diagnosis of lupus nephritis at the age of 14 years and had been taking steroid and immunosuppressive agents since then. One week after starting MMF 1 g/day instead of mizoribine owing to symptom relapse and serologic data deterioration, she presented with seizure, accompanied by leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and renal failure. We discontinued MMF because she had extremely high serum mycophenolate acid concentration (88 µg/mL). A few weeks later, she recovered without any complications and was discharged. Although rare, clinicians should be aware that serum mycophenolate acid concentration may become extremely high in the setting of acute kidney injury. In such circumstances, they should perform serum concentration monitoring to avoid possible adverse events.
Spontaneous Regression of Annular Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Go Usho , Miyata Kazunori , Fujita Masaru , Ohide Takashi , Mitsuishi Tsuyoshi
Published: June 2019

We herein present a case of annular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) with spontaneous regression on the right temporal region of a 56-year-old Japanese male. Histopathological examination revealed that the central section had no tumor cells. The sweat glands, follicles, and other cutaneous appendages were also absent. This pattern of spontaneous regression is quite uncommon, and understanding the histopathology may be important for future approaches to BCC.
A Qualitative Approach in Understanding Illness Perception and Treatment Needs in Patients with Gamma Hydroxybutyrate Use Disorder
Authors: Beurmanjer Harmen , Asperslag Eva M. , Oliemeulen Lisette , Goudriaan Anna E. , De Jong Cornelius A.J. , Schellekens Arnt S.A. , Dijkstra Boukje A.G.
Published: June 2019

Background: The party drug gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is highly addictive. GHB use disorder (GUD) has poor treatment outcome, with relapse rates over 60% within 3 months after detoxification. In order to get a better understanding of the limited treatment success, we explored GUD patients’ illness perceptions and treatment needs. Methods: In a qualitative cross-sectional observational study, using a semi-structured interview based on the works of Kleinmann, illness perceptions were explored among treatment seeking GUD patients (n = 20). The analysis was based on the principles of Grounded Theory by the 2 interviewers and an independent researcher. Results: GUD patients had mainly positive views toward GHB. GHB was perceived as strongly rewarding and perceived as the solution to psychosocial problems, rather than the cause. After repeated readmissions, GUD patients perceived themselves as addicted to GHB and GHB use as more problematic. They reported a need for personalized treatment goals, which were mainly aimed toward dealing with psychiatric symptoms and social reintegration. Conclusion: GUD shares many characteristics with other substance use disorders, in line with gradual development from positive reinforcement in early-stage GUD to negative reinforcement in later stages of more compulsive GHB use. Future studies should investigate whether personalization of treatment goals, such as social reintegration, lead to better treatment outcomes.
Occlusal Caries Detection and Diagnosis Using Visual ICDAS Criteria, Laser Fluorescence Measurements, and Near-Infrared Light Transillumination Images
Authors: Tassoker Melek , Ozcan Sevgi , Karabekiroglu Said
Published: June 2019

Objective: Current diagnostic tools for non-cavitated occlusal caries are not very reliable. For this reason, newer systems need to be developed. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of visual inspection (ICDAS-II), laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent pen), and the near-infrared transillumination technique (DIAGNOcam) in the detection of non-cavitated occlusal caries lesions under clinical and laboratory conditions in 90 third molar teeth planned for extraction. Materials and Methods:Ninety third molar teeth were firstly examined in clinical conditions, scored according to ICDAS-II criteria, and examined with DIAGNOdent pen and DIAGNOcam devices. After finishing the clinical examination, the teeth were re-evaluated shortly after the extractions with the same methods. Then, the teeth were sectioned for histological validation according to Downer’s criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated based on the histological results. Results: For the D0–D1–4 threshold, the area under the ROC curve values ranged between 0.754 and 0.881 for all systems. Sensitivity values ranged between 80.5 and 96.1%, and specificity values ranged between 61.5 and 84.6% for the three caries detection methods. DIAGNOcam had the best correlation value (0.616) according to histological observations and demonstrated a sensitivity rate of 96.1%, a specificity rate of 61.5%, and an accuracy rate of 91.1%. Conclusions: DIAGNOcam was found to be the most effective method for the diagnosis of occlusal caries without cavitation in permanent molar teeth.
Sambaquis: uma história antes do Brasil: guia didático
Authors:   Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina, Cardoso Jessica Mendes , Silva Renata Estevam da ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia, Zamparetti Bruna Cataneo ,   Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina
Published: June 2019

A problemática surge da necessidade de divulgação do conhecimento científico de forma que extrapole os ambientes acadêmicos. O jogo Sambaquis: Uma História Antes do Brasil é uma proposta que tem como objetivo a divulgação de uma parte do passado histórico e arqueológico do atual território brasileiro que não é comumente encontrada em mídias digitais: nesse caso, em jogos eletrônicos. Utilizando a interatividade em tempo real, o usuário fica livre para experienciar a vida cotidiana dos sambaquieiros a partir do contato direto com objetos e personagens espalhados pela paisagem. Este é um projeto de inovação com o intuito de educar crianças, adolescentes e adultos a respeito da pesquisa arqueológica e do olhar para com o Patrimônio Cultural, promovendo a sensibilização e preservação dos sambaquis existentes na costa brasileira.
Alexandre d’Aphrodise et les Présocratiques
Authors: Bonelli Maddalena
Published: June 2019

In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

"Alexandre d’Aphrodise fut un célèbre philosophe et commentateur aristotélicien qui a eu son floruit au commencement du IIIe siècle après J.-C., et qui a enseigné la philosophie aristotélicienne à Athènes. L’importance de la considération d’Alexandre pour les présocratiques réside dans le fait qu’il a été un point de repère insigne pour tous les commentateurs d’Aristote successifs, et notamment pour Simplicius (VIe après J.-C.) qui, lui, est l’une des sources les plus importantes pour la reconstruction des doctrines présocratiques. L’on retrouve des références aux présocratiques dans plusieurs textes d’Alexandre (notamment dans les commentaires des textes d’Aristote, par exemple dans les commentaires des livres Alpha et Gamma de la Métaphysique, du De sensu, des Meteorologica et des Topiques), mais pour une raison que j’expliquerai, je me contenterai de son commentaire du livre Alpha de la Métaphysique."
Les Fantômes du Parlement
Authors: Niango Matthieu
Published: June 2019

In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

"La marche de l’Histoire s’expliquerait donc en partie par la succession et l’affrontement des définitions de l'homme. Peut-on en percevoir le bruissement dans les pas que l’humanité accomplit chaque jour ? Les quatre « figures » de l’homme que Francis Wolff met au jour dans Notre humanité – l’animal rationnel d’Aristote, l’union de l’âme et du corps de Descartes, le « sujet assujetti » ou Homme structural, conceptualisé par les sciences humaines au XXe siècle, enfin, l’Homme naturalisé ou Homme neuronal, qui sous-tend les développements scientifiques contemporains – jouent-elles un rôle dans la vie politique actuelle ?"
Genèse des Mélanges
Authors: Giovacchini Julie , Lemaire Juliette
Published: June 2019

In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

"L’idée de ces Mélanges me fut venue lorsque j’appris avec beaucoup de tristesse le départ en retraite de Francis Wolff, à la fin de l’année 2014.Mon maître devenu ami quittait l’Ens, ses élèves, ses collègues et ses murs, lui qui m’avait tant appris, lui sans lequel je ne serais pas celle que je suis.Succédant à la tristesse me vint l’idée des Mélanges donc : offrir un livre à Francis pour le remercier, et lui dire ma reconnaissance et mon amitié. J’en parlai à mon amie Julie, et l’aventure commença."
Un Quatuor
Authors: Babin Jean-Pierre , Carvallo Sarah , Faye Barthélémy , Menasseyre Anne-Sophie
Published: June 2019

In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

"Ouverture

Wolff, disait le programme d’agrégation.Un professeur entra.C’était un homme de la quarantaine, de taille moyenne mais bien prise, l’œil vif etspirituel, les cheveux fous, comme il arrive toujours lorsqu’on a trouvé la vie trop bonne ou trop mauvaise, et surtout quand on est fort brun.Wolff fit quatre pas dans la salle de cours qu’il reconnaissait pour y être venu vingt ans auparavant.C’est vous qui êtes Wolff ?Par la fenêtre, un élève chantait :Un vent de fronde s’est levé ce matin. Je crois qu’il gronde. Soyons libres, Philosophons."
De l’Attachement du Philosophe à son Ecole
Authors: Rashed Marwan
Published: June 2019

In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

"Francis Wolff a consacré une partie de ses recherches en philosophie ancienne à la question du disciple. On peut même dire qu’il a fait de cette question, purement historique jusqu’à lui, une question philosophique. Éclairant sa position par contraste avec celle du disciple socratique et celle du disciple épicurien, Francis Wolff a défini l’entreprise du disciple aristotélicien par trois traits principaux : systématisation, retour à lettre, commentarisme indéfini. Il n’est en effet, pour reprendre les termes de Francis Wolff, « ni le disciple créateur de doctrines comme le socratique, ni le disciple répétiteur de celle du maître comme l’épicurien, mais le disciple interprète ». Ce serait pour cette raison qu’« à l’exception de Théophraste, son successeur et son seul vrai disciple, le Lycée ne donnera plus naissance à aucun philosophe marquant ». Avec ce constat abrupt et la notion de disciple qui s’en dégage et où il s’intègre, il me semble pourtant que nous nous trouvons au milieu du gué."
La (ciencia de la) naturaleza y su propia voz
Authors: Burbano Andrés
Published: June 2019

Este paper es un comentario extenso al texto la “Zoofonía: Tesis sobre la posibilidad de describir los sonidos y las articulaciones de la voz de los animales” escrito en 1829 en Brasil por el francés Hercules Florence (1). Este documento reviste una importancia capital para el discurso de la arqueología de los medios desde América del Sur dado que anticipa de manera clara modos de estudio de las ciencias de la vida característicos de los siglos XX y XXI, los cuales involucran técnicas de aproximación y de registro del sonido para explorar las voces y cantos de los seres vivos. Más allá de eso, la Zoofonía como la propone Florence es una ciencia, una ciencia que se ofrece desde el nuevo mundo en el marco del contexto colonial de las expediciones científicas del siglo XIX. Las múltiples actividades de Florence, como inventor de aparatos (2), como artista visual y ahora como proponente de campos científicos muestran que las interacciones entre estos campos están presentes hace mucho tiempo en diferentes etapas de la cultura y no son una característica del presente. El paper propone una reflexión sobre el patrimonio, sobre cómo re activar dicho patrimonio a través del estudio académico y de la práctica, incluso diseñando espacios de estudio a partir de lo que propone la Zoofonía. Así mismo, se explora cómo este proyecto puede servir de inspiración para el diseño concreto de una instalación sonora espacial y computacional que se aproxima a la sonificación de datos e información. En la base de este paper está el proceso de traducción al español y al inglés del documento original de la Zoofonía del cual se adjuntan algunos fragmentos en el cuerpo del texto, cabe anotar que es la primera vez que se traduce este texto al español (3), dado que el texto da cuenta precisa de la propuesta de Florence, se entiende dicho documento original como un artefacto.
Tecnoperformance e instalação
Authors: Leote Rosangella , Cavalhieri Caio Pompeu
Published: June 2019

Neste artigo, apresentamos os processos de criação que deram origem à primeira tecnoperformance com drone, realizada no Grupo Internacional e Interinstitucional de Pesquisa em Convergências entre Arte, Ciência e Tecnologia (GIIP). Um voo, conduzido em tempo real, com base nos gestos faciais e movimentos de cabeça de uma artista com síndrome de locked in, demarca no solo um caminho, feito por um laser embarcado no drone. Neste trajeto, movimentos de dança são criados por dançarinas, ao som que mistura o eletrônico e o analógico experimental. Também descrevemos a produção de uma instalação artística, decorrente desta obra cênica, participante de duas exposições. Por fim, trazemos considerações teóricas sobre a transdução entre os campos da engenharia, tecnologia e arte, seguidas de reflexões que justificam que essa tecnoperformance é apenas o início de uma série de produções artísticas do GIIP usando dispositivos operados por controle remoto e tecnologia de realidade virtual.
Ensaio visual: Membranas de uma dissecação cartográfica
Authors: Parra José Dario Vargas
Published: June 2019

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Comparative Analysis of Circulating Noncoding RNAs Versus Protein Biomarkers in the Detection of Myocardial Injury
Authors: Schulte Christian , Barwari Temo , Joshi Abhishek , Theofilatos Konstantinos , Zampetaki Anna , Barallobre-Barreiro Javier , Singh Bhawana , Sörensen Nils A. , Neumann Johannes T. , Zeller Tanja , Westermann Dirk , Blankenberg Stefan , Marber Michael , Liebetrau Christoph , Mayr Manuel
Published: June 2019

Rationale:

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), are proposed novel biomarkers of myocardial injury. Their release kinetics have not been explored without confounding by heparin nor has their relationship to myocardial protein biomarkers.

Objective:

To compare ncRNA types in heparinase-treated samples with established and emerging protein biomarkers for myocardial injury.

Methods and Results:

Screening of 158 circRNAs and 21 lncRNAs in human cardiac tissue identified 12 circRNAs and 11 lncRNAs as potential biomarkers with cardiac origin. Eleven miRNAs were included. At low spike-in concentrations of myocardial tissue, significantly higher regression coefficients were observed across ncRNA types compared with cardiac troponins and cMyBP-C (cardiac myosin-binding protein C). Heparinase treatment of serial plasma and serum samples of patients undergoing transcoronary ablation of septal hypertrophy removed spurious correlations between miRNAs in non-heparinase-treated samples. After transcoronary ablation of septal hypertrophy, muscle-enriched miRNAs (miR-1 and miR-133a) showed a steeper and earlier increase than cardiac-enriched miRNAs (miR-499 and miR-208b). Putative cardiac lncRNAs, including LIPCAR (long intergenic noncoding RNA predicting cardiac remodeling and survival), did not rise, refuting a predominant cardiac origin. Cardiac circRNAs remained largely undetectable. In a validation cohort of acute myocardial infarction, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed noninferiority of cardiac-enriched miRNAs, but miRNAs failed to identify cases presenting with low troponin values. cMyBP-C was validated as a biomarker with highly sensitive properties, and the combination of muscle-enriched miRNAs with high-sensitive cardiac troponin T and cMyBP-C returned the highest area under the curve values.

Conclusions:

In a comparative assessment of ncRNAs and protein biomarkers for myocardial injury, cMyBP-C showed properties as the most sensitive cardiac biomarker while miRNAs emerged as promising candidates to integrate ncRNAs with protein biomarkers. Sensitivity of current miRNA detection is inferior to cardiac proteins but a multibiomarker combination of muscle-enriched miRNAs with cMyBP-C and cardiac troponins could open a new path of integrating complementary characteristics of different biomarker types.
Philosophy of Teaching (1997 to the Present)
Authors: Bordowitz Gregg
Published: June 2019

Artist Gregg Bordowitz shares his philosophy of teaching.
Notes on Visit: Working as an Artist in the Independent Study Program
Authors: Hayes Sharon
Published: June 2019

Writing on the occasion of the Whitney Independent Study Program's fiftieth anniversary, artist Sharon Hayes interrogates the physical and temporal sites of the ISP as a means of elaborating on the impact of the program's enduring commitments. Using excerpts from the notebook she maintained during her year in the program, Hayes discusses the role of artists and the work of art-making in this dynamic, trans-temporal collective of artists, curators, critics, and historians.
Efficient GMM Estimation with Incomplete Data
Authors: Muris Chris
Published: June 2019

In the standard missing data model, data are either complete or completely missing. However, applied researchers face situations with an arbitrary number of strata of incompleteness. Examples include unbalanced panels and instrumental variables settings where some observations are missing some instruments. I propose a model for settings where observations may be incomplete, with an arbitrary number of strata of incompleteness. I derive a set of moment conditions that generalizes those in Graham's ( 2011 ) standard missing data setup. I derive the associated efficiency bound and propose efficient estimators. Identification can be achieved even if it fails in each stratum of incompleteness.
Calculating the Optimal Step in Shift-Reduce Dependency Parsing: From Cubic to Linear Time
Authors: Nederhof Mark-Jan
Published: June 2019

We present a new cubic-time algorithm to calculate the optimal next step in shift-reduce dependency parsing, relative to ground truth, commonly referred to as dynamic oracle. Unlike existing algorithms, it is applicable if the training corpus contains non-projective structures. We then show that for a projective training corpus, the time complexity can be improved from cubic to linear.
A review on crocodilian nesting habitats and their characterisation via remote sensing
Authors: Banon Gabriela , Arraut Eduardo , Villamarín Francisco , Marioni Boris , Moulatlet Gabriel , Rennó Camilo , Banon Gerald , Novo Evlyn
Published: June 2019

Crocodilians usually remain inside or near their nests during most vulnerable life stages (as eggs, neonates and reproductive females). Thus, protection of nesting sites is one of the most appropriate conservation actions for these species. Nesting sites are often found across areas with difficult access, making remote sensing a valuable tool used to derive environmental variables for characterisation of nesting habitats. In this study, we (i) review crocodilian nesting habitats worldwide to identify key variables for nesting site distribution: proximity to open-water, open-water stability, vegetation, light, precipitation, salinity, soil properties, temperature, topography, and flooding status, (ii) present a summary of the relative importance of these variables for each crocodilian species, (iii) identify knowledge gaps in the use of remote sensing methods currently used to map potential crocodilian nesting sites, and (iv) provide insight into how these remotely sensed variables can be derived to promote research on crocodilian ecology and conservation. We show that few studies have used remote sensing and that the range of images and methods used comprises a tiny fraction of what is available at little to no cost. Finally, we discuss how the combined use of remote sensing methods – optical, radar, and laser – may help overcome difficulties routinely faced in nest mapping (e.g., cloud cover, flooding beneath the forest canopy, or complicated relief) in a relevant way to crocodilians and to other semiaquatic vertebrates in different environments.
CONTEXTS, CONCEPTS AND CONTENTIONS: GENDER LEGISLATION AS POLITICS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Authors: Charrad Mounira
Published: June 2019

Debates over gender relevant legislation such as family law have led to serious conflict in many periods of Middle Eastern history, especially in recent times. One way to understand the intensity of the current debates is to recognize that gender issues raise fundamental questions about the relationship between individual and society and the role of states. In this article I argue that, in considering gender relevant legislation in the Middle East, we need to develop a framework that is different from the paradigms anchored in the politics of western liberal democracies in the U.S. and Western Europe. The frame of reference I propose is built upon the following propositions. (1) We should treat gender legislation in the Middle East as an inherently political matter that goes to the heart of the organization of power. Such a perspective opens up the possibility of considering the role of multiple and complex political processes including pressures from below by social movements and top down reforms. (2) We need to reformulate the concepts of tradition and modernity that have pervaded the study of gender in the Islamic world. Tradition and modernity as two distinct, well-defined cultural forms should be dropped altogether. Instead, the discourses of tradition and modernity should be taken as political constructs and the following question should be asked: who benefits from each discourse in given political contexts? (3) The role of kin-based solidarities should be considered in the nexus of conflicts and alliances that shape the process of state formation. The individualistic model of politics in western liberal democracies has limited value for the understanding of political processes in the historical development of the Middle East. The focus should be instead on the role of identities based in communities that define themselves in collective and ascriptive terms of common kinship.
THE ADMISSIBILITY OF REPUDIATION: RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN DUTCH, FRENCH AND BELGIAN PRIVATE INTERNATIONAL LAW
Authors: Foblets Marie-Claire
Published: June 2019

This article reports on the most recent developments in Dutch, French and Belgian private international law concerning the problem of the recognition of repudiation. The comparison among the three systems—Dutch, French and Belgian—points to a noticeable disparity: France and Belgium have recently opted to strengthen their treatment of foreign repudiation. In 2005 the Netherlands decided to take a less strict approach. We review here in turn the French, Belgian, and Dutch positions.
Sexual Harassment in Egypt
Authors: El-Ashmawy Nadeen
Published: June 2019

Although sexual harassment is a worldwide phenomenon, the contemporary case of sexual harassment in Egypt is noteworthy, as the nation only recently occupied a top position on the map of sexual harassment on a world scale. In November 2013, Egypt was declared by the Thomson Reuters Foundation as the worst country for women to live in within the Arab World when compared to twenty-two other Arab countries, largely as a result of its female sexual harassment rates.1 Similarly, and on a more international scale, the United Nations Population Fund declared Egypt as ranking “second in the world after Afghanistan in terms of this issue.”2 In the years following the 2011 revolution, the nature of sexual harassment in Egyptian society greatly evolved, as it transformed from a hidden phenomenon to an overtly prevalent social epidemic. This study presents the “weaponization” of sexual harassment as a common ground where class struggles, state policies, and women’s empowerment intertwine in post-revolutionary Egyptian society. It argues that the phenomenon was partially produced by an ongoing class struggle, manipulatively reproduced by the state, and strategically resisted by women for different yet interrelated reasons.
Revision of the genus Platygerris White, 1883 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerridae), with descriptions of two new species from Colombia
Authors: Floriano Carla Fernanda Burguez , Molano-Rendón Fredy , Morales Irina , Moreira Felipe Ferraz Figueiredo , da Conceição Bispo Pitágoras
Published: June 2019

Platygerris White comprises true bugs that inhabit the surface of water in moderate to fast-flowing freshwater habitats. This genus differs from Cylindrostethus Mayr and Potamobates Champion (Gerridae: Cylindrostethinae) by having a short and flattened body; the mandibular and maxillary plates fused; and the omphalium, lateral groove, and lateral evaporatorium of the scent apparatus inconspicuous. In this paper, we redescribe Platygerris, describe two new species from Colombia, and redescribe P. asymmetricus Hungerford, P. caeruleus Champion and P. depressus White. In addition, we present an updated identification key to the species of the genus. For the first time, the cuticular structure is described for the genus based on electron microscopy.
Social Capital as a Lubricant for Exercising Rights
Authors: Zal W.A. Amir
Published: June 2019

This article explores how social capital acts as a lubricant to create good interactions and relationships to help Muslim communities exercise their rights, buttressed by support systems. An exploratory case study involving 24 participants is conducted in North East England. Findings reveal that good social capital assists participants in communicating beyond their communities, and creates mutual understanding and acceptance within Muslim communities and with other locals. Muslim community organisations and support systems help them exercise their rights and practise religious obligations. Thus, social capital is a lubricant that helps the Muslim community exercise their rights and be accepted as locals.
Iambi in Sparta
Authors: Nobili Cecilia
Published: June 2019

Several sources attest that at the Spartan festival of the Gymnopaidia three choruses sang a song in iambic trimeters with skoptic content; Alcman also composed some iambic poems to be performed in the symposium. This demonstrates that iambic poetry was not unknown in Sparta, as is normally believed, and may be connected to the more general dynamics of praise and blame, which were very important in Sparta, especially in local symposia.
The Music of the Laws and the Laws of Music
Authors: Rocconi Eleonora
Published: June 2019

In the Laws, Plato constantly uses analogies and interchanges between musical and legislative terminology, establishing an etymological connection between special categories of musical compositions (the nomoi) and the inviolability of their regulations. This usage was widely echoed in later sources, providing musical and literary critics with a law-based terminology which enabled them to describe and interpret musical phenomena as markers for political changes, leading to a distorted image of old-time mousikē.
L’organisation d’ensemble du livre ii des Ῥυθμικὰ στοιχεῖα d’Aristoxène de Tarente
Authors: Calvié Laurent
Published: June 2019

The study of evidence on the content of Book ii of Aristoxenus’ Ῥυθμικὰ στοιχεῖα shows that it was composed of an introduction and six chapters : a περὶ χρόνων (the distinction between ῥυθμός and ῥυθμιζόμενα, the μεγέθη τῶν χρόνων, the χρόνος πρῶτος and the χρόνοι τῆς ῥυθμοποιίας ἴδιοι), a περὶ ποδῶν (their definition, μέρη, rationality and διαφοραί), a περὶ γενῶν τῶν ποδῶν (the three γένη of the συνεχὴς ῥυθμοποιία, their respective πόδες, their size, the refutation of the arithmetical theory of the κανονικοί and the recapitulation of the πόδες proper to each γένος), a περὶ ῥυθμῶν (the definition of ῥυθμός, the διαφοραὶ τῶν ῥυθμῶν and their classification), a περὶ ἀγωγῆς (the definition of ἀγωγή, its interdependence with the χρόνος πρῶτος and its limitation by αἴσθησις) and a περὶ μεταβολῆς (the definition of the ῥυθμικὴ μεταβολή and its twelve τρόποι). As for ῥυθμοποιία, it must have been discussed in Book iii.
Music for Life: Embryology, Cookery and Harmonia in the Hippocratic On Regimen
Authors: Pelosi Francesco
Published: June 2019

The first book of the Hippocratic treatise On Regimen includes two interesting references to music. Somewhat obscurely, musical notions are evoked in the explanation of embryological processes (1.8) and in a comparison between technai and human nature (1.18). The paper analyses both the passages, mainly focusing on the interplay between philosophical and musical notions. It is argued that the musical analogies drawn in these passages are permeated by some of the philosophical concepts widely exploited in Book 1, in Heraclitean fashion. In particular, it is claimed that in Vict. 1.8 harmonia conveys the notion of ‘organised structure’, rather than numerical concepts, and that Vict. 1.18 hinges on harmonia as composition of unlike elements, which lies at the basis of cookery and the possibility for the tongue to appreciate its creations.
‘Musics’, Bellermann’s Anonymi, and the Art of the Aulos
Authors: Hagel Stefan
Published: June 2019

Apart from the better studied musical ‘handbooks’ of the Roman period, mostly focused on matters of harmonics and sometimes rhythmics, there was a type of text known as ‘Musics’. The article discusses their characteristics, their function in ancient schooling and their relation to extant texts and excerpts, most notably the collection known as Bellermann’s Anonymi. The ‘instrumental exercises’ found at the end of these are evaluated as instrumental pieces posing various challenges to beginners on the aulos; a new rhythmical reconstruction is proposed for one of them.
An Experimental Investigation of Rhythmic Irrationality
Authors: Psaroudakēs Stelios , Moschos Fotis
Published: June 2019

The present paper investigates ‘rhythmic irrationality’ in the medium of recited ‘word’, as this is defined by Aristoxenos and Dionysios Halikarnasseus in three rhythmic contexts: that of the anapaest, of the dactyl, and of the trochee (choreios). For this purpose, computer experiments have been devised, one for each of the aforementioned irrationalities: against the background of a monitored metronome, a line in each rhythm is initially recited in the rational mode. The line is subsequently recited another seven times, with the podic duration which is to suffer diminution or augmentation, in steps of eighths of the time unit. The eight vocal renderings of each line are then assessed psychoacoustically, in order to locate: (a) the point at which our hearing detects the onset of irrationality, and (b) the point at which a shift from the original rhythm to another is sensed.
Christian Reception of the ‘New-Music’ Debate in the Church Fathers and Clement of Alexandria
Authors: Kramarz Andreas
Published: June 2019

Evaluative judgments about musical innovations occur from the late fifth century BC in Greece and Rome and are reflected in similar discussions of Christian authors in the first centuries of the Empire. This article explores how pedagogical, theological, moral, and spiritual considerations motivate judgments on contemporary pagan musical culture and conclusions about the Christian attitude towards music. Biblical references to music inspire both allegorical interpretations and the defense of actual musical practice. The perhaps most intriguing Christian transformation of the ancient musical worldview is presented in Clement of Alexandria’s Protrepticus. Well-known classical music-myths serve here to introduce a superior ‘New Song’. Harmony, represented in the person of Christ who unites a human and a divine nature, becomes the ultimate principle of both cosmos and human nature. This conception allows music to become a prominent expression of the Christian faith and even inform the moral life of believers.
New Music and Early Peripatetic Scholarship
Authors: Tocco Ambra
Published: June 2019

This paper aims at presenting a preliminary survey of Peripatetic statements about the so-called ‘New Music’ as a significant turning point in musical history, addressed by most of the main exponents of the Peripatos as part of a wider engagement in the study of µουσική. The establishment of a ‘history of music’, whose main phases are represented by its origins, its development through Archaic and Classical times and, eventually, its corruption into a ‘degenerated’ musical style, is crucial in the Peripatetic foundation of µουσική as a scholarly field of enquiry and is inherited by later sources that rely largely on Peripatetic materials, namely the pseudo-Plutarchaean De musica.
New Music
Authors: Ercoles Marco
Published: June 2019

The examination of ancient historical accounts of the development of rhythmopoiia in ancient Greek music and the analysis of the main rhythmical features associated with modernist composers of the late fifth-early fourth century BC show that the actual ‘novelty’ of New Music style in this field lies in a more consistent and elaborate use of existing resources rather than in the invention of new practices (perhaps, with the only exception of warbles). Among other passages, Ar. Th. 120-2 and Tim. PMG 791.229-33 are taken into deeper consideration.
The Hymn of Mesomedes on Antinous (Inscription of Courion, Mitford No. 104)
Authors: Pöhlmann Egert
Published: June 2019

The citharode Mesomedes of Crete was one of the poets at the court of Hadrian. In late antiquity a selection of his poetry was assembled, and this corpus survived in transmission until medieval times, partly with musical notation. But of course the oeuvre of Mesomedes was much greater, as we see from two poems transmitted by the Greek Anthology and a lost encomium on Antinous, Hadrian’s paidika, as the Suda informs us. In his publication of the inscriptions of Courion (10 km west of Limassol) Mitford recognized clearly that the Antinous in Courion no. 104 must be the paidika of the Emperor Hadrian, and that the hymn in the inscription must be an encomium to Antinous, who drowned in the waters of the Nile in 130 AD. By comparing the metrics and the style of the encomium with the preserved poetry of Mesomedes, I shall argue that the hymn on Antinous is the encomium attested by the Suda for Mesomedes.
An outstanding new species of Senna (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae) from southern Puebla, Mexico
Authors: ROJAS-MARTÍNEZ CECILIA , FLORES-OLVERA MARÍA HILDA , OCHOTERENA HELGA , DELGADO-SALINAS ALFONSO
Published: June 2019

Senna acatlanensis is described and illustrated here. This species is restricted to a forest ecotone in southern Puebla (Mexico), and stands out by its unique large asymmetric flowers, with yellow petals that do not fade away to reddish-brown as they dry-out, heteromorphic and variable androecium; with four staminodes, ten or less fertile stamens; by its pendulous, cylindrical fruits, with chartaceous strigillose valves, and inter-seminal septa with a black-pulpy endocarp that surrounds exareolate seeds. These morphological attributes in addition to leaves with two pairs of leaflets, anthers with beaks, gynoecium multi-ovulated, and transversely oriented seed, turned broadside to the septa placed this new species within the series Bacillares. Illustrations, taxonomic comments, distribution and conservation status are provided with a key to the Mexican species of series Bacillares.
A revision of Jasminanthes (Apocynaceae) with four new species from Borneo
Authors: RODDA MICHELE
Published: June 2019

Thirteen species are included in the genus Jasminanthes. Four species, Jasminanthes borneensis, J. hosei, J. kinabaluensis and J. sarawakensis, all from Borneo, are newly described. The new combination Jasminanthes maingayi is published. Lectotypes are designated for Stephanotis chinensis and Jasminanthes suaveolens and a neotyope is designated for Jasminanthes mucronata.
Leporinus amazonicus, a new anostomid species from the Amazon lowlands, Brazil (Osteichthyes: Characiformes)
Authors: SANTOS GERALDO MENDES DOS , ZUANON JANSEN
Published: June 2019

Leporinus amazonicus, a new species of anostomid fish, is described from the central portion of the Amazon lowlands. It is a medium-sized fish (up to 250 mm SL) with streamlined body (maximum body height approximately 25% of SL) and high lateral line scale counts (45–47). Leporinus amazonicus is morphologically similar to the slender bodied species L. cylindriformis Borodin, 1929 and L. brunneus Myers, 1950, but differs from them by the higher lateral line scale count (41–43 in L. cylindriformis and 36–42 in L. brunneus) and by a different color pattern. Moreover, L. amazonicus is apparently restricted to the white waters of the Amazon lowlands whereas L. cylindriformis and L. brunneus are known only from clear and black waters of several of the Rio Amazonas tributaries. Despite intensive collecting efforts historically developed in Brazilian Central Amazon, just a few specimens of L. amazonicus were caught, indicating that the new species is relatively rare in that area and apparently do not join in large schools. However, this supposed rarity may be biased by the concentration of our collecting efforts around Manaus, which may represent a marginal distribution of this species. Nevertheless, the presence of a new species of a taxonomically well-known fish family in an area intensively exploited by commercial and subsistence fisheries evidences the need for fish species surveys in the Amazon, even in supposedly well sampled sites and around the most populous areas.