bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral Rehabilitation with Removable Partial Denture of a Patient with Cleidocranial Dysplasia
Authors: Ghomi Ali Jamali , Soufdoost Reza Sayyad , Barzegar Mohammad Saeed , Hemmati Mohammad Ali
Published: May 2020

This case report describes the oral rehabilitation of a patient with cleidocranial dysplasia who received a removable partial denture along with silicone-based permanent soft liner to improve esthetic and masticatory function. This patient was the candidate of neither implant nor orthodontic treatment due to medical conditions, history of mandible fracture, age, and risk of fracture after mandibular teeth extractions. Cone-beam computed tomography has made it possible to obtain comprehensive information regarding the morphology and positional relationship of impacted supernumerary teeth. Also, proper collaboration between surgeon and prosthodontist helped to achieve significant improvements in patient’s self-esteem, masticatory function, and esthetic.
Evidences on Molecules Most Frequently Included in Canine and Feline Complementary Feed to Support Liver Function
Authors: Marchegiani Andrea , Fruganti Alessandro , Gavazza Alessandra , Mangiaterra Sara , Candellone Alessia , Fusi Eleonora , Rossi Giacomo , Cerquetella Matteo
Published: May 2020

Numerous complementary feeds to support liver function are commercially available for small animals. Aiming to furnish a scientific support for clinicians/nutritionists that necessitate a complementary feed to support liver function in dogs and cats, with the present paper, we analyzed scientific evidences supporting the use, for this purpose, of ingredients/additives such as artichoke (Cynara scolymus), curcumin, dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), milk thistle (Silybum marianum), phosphatidylcholine, and S-adenosylmethionine. Although sustained by significant results, our review found only few scientific papers, and albeit we believe that they represent a significant aid in handling hepatopathies, in the authors’ opinion, this topic probably deserves, and would benefit of, further studies.
LncRNA HOTAIR Contributes to Sorafenib Resistance through Suppressing miR‐217 in Hepatic Carcinoma
Authors: Tang Xiaofeng , Zhang Weichen , Ye Yufu , Li Hong , Cheng Longyu , Zhang Min , Zheng Shusen , Yu Jun
Published: May 2020

Background. Sorafenib is a multi‐target kinase inhibitor that has been approved as a unique target drug for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, due to the frequent occurrence of drug resistance, its treatment efficacy is often limited. The aim of this study was to explore the function of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) for the treatment of HCC with sorafenib, and its underlying mechanism. Methods. A cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay and Edu assay were used to examine the viability and proliferation of HCC cells. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was used to detect the expression of HOTAIR and miR‐217 in HCC cells. Small interfering (si) RNA was transfected to knockdown HOTAIR to explore its biological function. A Western blot and immunofluorescence were performed to detect the level of E‐cadherin and Vimentin expression. Results. Sorafenib resistance was increased in HCC cells with high HOTAIR expression. Moreover, a knockdown of HOTAIR could improve the therapeutic effect of sorafenib on HCC via increasing E‐cadherin and decreasing Vimentin expression. Additionally, a HOTAIR knockdown could increase the sensitivity of sorafenib for HCC treatment by up‐regulating miR‐217. Conclusions. Lnc HOTAIR could increase sorafenib resistance in HCC by inhibiting miR‐217. Our research attempts to elucidate a more effective treatment and provides novel insight into potential clinical treatment for HCC.
Abnormal Levels of Liver Enzymes and Hepatotoxicity in HIV‐Positive, TB, and HIV/TB‐Coinfected Patients on Treatment in Fako Division, Southwest Region of Cameroon
Authors: Enoh Jude Eteneneng , Cho Frederick Nchang , Manfo Faustin Pascal , Ako Simon Eyongabane , Akum Eric Achidi
Published: May 2020

Hepatotoxicity is historically the 3rd most common reason for drug withdrawal and toxicity‐related discontinuation of treatment. This study was aimed at determining the incidence and the onset of hepatotoxicity and at evaluating the relationship of some risk factors for hepatotoxicity among Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐ (HIV‐) positive, tuberculosis (TB), and HIV/TB patients on treatment. This was a prospective follow‐up study involving 125 participants from the HIV/AIDS and TB treatment centres in three hospitals in Fako Division of Cameroon. These TB and HIV patients were initiated on RHEZ (R = Rifampicin, H = Isoniazid, E = Ethambutol, and P = Pyrazinamide) and TELE (efavirenz/tenofovir/lamivudine), respectively, and followed up for 12 weeks between September 2018 and November 2019. The levels of liver enzymes (transaminases, gamma‐glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and unconjugated/total bilirubin) were measured spectrophotometrically using serum. The Chi‐squared (χ2) test was used to assess the association between risk factors and hepatotoxicity, while the Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis with the log‐rank test was used to determine the occurrence of hepatotoxicity in the different groups. We followed the general study population for a total person time of 6580 person‐days, with an incidence rate and cumulative incidence of 8 cases per 1000 person‐days (53/6580 person‐days) and 42.4% (53/125), respectively (95% confidence interval), recorded after 12 weeks of follow‐up of all the participants. The onset of hepatotoxicity in the total study population was statistically significant (χ2 = 9.5334; p = 0.022979; CI = 95%), with the majority observed at week eight of follow‐up. Also, the incidence rate and cumulative incidence of hepatotoxicity with respect to HIV/AIDS, TB, and HIV/TB patients, respectively, at 95% confidence interval were: 8 cases per 1000 person‐days (32/3843 person‐days) and 32/76 (42.1%), 6 cases per 1000 person‐days (12/1932 person‐days) and 12/32 (37.5%), and 11 cases per 1000 person‐days (9/805 person‐days) and 9/17 (52.9%). This study shows that the incidence rate and cumulative incidence of hepatotoxicity in HIV/AIDS, TB, and HIV/TB patients on treatment were high in Fako Division, Cameroon. Also, it is very important to check these patients’ liver function especially within the first 12 weeks of treatment.
Traçando um conceito
Authors: Angelus Novus Revista
Published: May 2020

Dale Tomich é professor na Universidade de Binghamton, tendo feito seu doutorado “Prelude to Emancipation: Sugar and Slavery in Martinique, 1830-1848” em 1976, pela Universidade de Wisconsin. Referência nos estudos acerca do tema da segunda escravidão, Tomich tem contribuído pra o debate sobre a relação e conexão entre os espaços escravistas nas Américas no século XIX a partir desta categoria. É vice-diretor do Centro Fernand Braudel que, recentemente, estabeleceu o Centro UFF sobre desigualdades globais.A presente entrevista foi realizada pela historiadora e editora da RAN Beatriz Nowicki Galera no dia 26 de julho de 2019.
Das tragédias em disputa
Authors: Oliveira Júlio Ernesto Souza de
Published: May 2020

Resenha

MOTTA, Márcia; PICCOLO, Monica (orgs.). O domínio de outrem. 2 vols. São Luís: EDUEMA; Guimarães: Nósporcatudobem, 2017. 256 páginas (cada volume).
Esclavitud y derecho canónico en el Perú colonial
Authors: Olaya Juan Manuel
Published: May 2020

Resenha de: JAUREGUI, Yobani Maikel Gonzales. Los esclavos de Lima y su defensa del matrimonio en el siglo

XVII. Lima: Editorial Universitaria UNFV, 2019.
Octávio Brandão
Authors: Juberte Vinícius De Oliveira
Published: May 2020

Resenha de: LACERDA, Felipe Castilho de. Octávio Brandão e as matrizes intelectuais do marxismo no Brasil

: 1919-1929. Cotia, SP: Ateliê Editorial, 2019.
Um novo olhar sobre os conflitos rurais no Chile nas décadas de 1960 e 1970
Authors: Antunes Marília Mattos
Published: May 2020

Resenha

REDONDO, Jesús-Ángel. Tierra, trabajo y libertad. Conflictos campesinos e indígenas en la provincia de Cautín (1967-1973). Santiago: LOM Ediciones, 2017. Livro em formato digital.
Falando com um historiador
Authors: Borda Erik Wellington Barbosa , Chaves Wanderson Da Silva
Published: May 2020

Em 1983, como parte dos eventos organizados pelo Greater London Council para o International Year of  Peace, a televisão britânica exibiu um diálogo gravado em novembro de 1981 entre dois historiadores marxistas e ativistas de grande projeção pública naquele momento: E. P. Thompson e C. L. R. James.

No programa, intitulado “Talking History”, os dois estudiosos debateram variados temas de sua história recente, partindo dos movimentos mundiais contrários ao uso de armas nucleares, passando por eventos políticos da Europa, África, Ásia e chegando mesmo a tecer algumas considerações metodológicas sobre o fazer historiográfico. A discussão dura cerca de 50 minutos e é acompanhada pelo som do músico, poeta etambém ativista dos direitos humanos Spartacus R. (Roy Bedeau), mais especificamente de seu álbum “Third World War” (Zara Music Records, 1983).

Acreditando no valor documental da conversa e na atualidade de algumas questões nela abordadas,  ublicamos abaixo o trabalho de tradução e transcrição do dito material realizado por Erik W. B. Borda e Wanderson da S. Chaves, precedido por um instigante ensaio introdutório de autoria da mesma dupla de pesquisadores.
Atividades extramuros da escola e estudos do meio em ensino de História
Authors: Lopes Danilo Eiji
Published: May 2020

O presente artigo tem o objetivo de discutir o ensino de história e sua prática educativa por meio da análise e reconstrução histórica das práticas extramuros escolares da área. Para tanto, apoia-se em documentos e práticas docentes, essas, construídas e inseridas em contextos e culturas escolares singulares. Propõe-se apresentar brevemente a história do método de estudos do meio, não exclusivo, mas com foco no ensino de história, e destacar a trajetória da consolidação do conceito o qual se conhece atualmente. Paralelamente, sugere reflexão sobre a prática e sua defesa nos currículos de ensino.
Sindicalismo, petróleo e política
Authors: Mendes Danilo Lucena
Published: May 2020

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar as mudanças do sindicalismo petroleiro no decurso da crise político-econômica iniciada em 2013, tendo como referência os trabalhadores petroleiros representados pela Federação Única dos Petroleiros (FUP). Argumentamos que em conjunturas instáveis as organizações sindicais tendem a acentuar a confrontação às políticas governamentais e empresariais, entretanto, o conteúdo das estratégias varia de acordo com os desafios contextuais, com a capacidade organizacional dos sindicatos e sua filiação política. Assim, comparativamente às décadas de 1980 e 1990, na conjuntura atual, marcada pela crise na Petrobrás e por políticas estatais de desregulamentação do mercado de trabalho, as lideranças sindicais petroleiras apostaram mais no diálogo do que no conflito aproximando-se de uma prática sindical de tipo propositiva.
A autonomia financeira das universidades
Authors: Goldemberg José
Published: May 2020

Intervenção crítica de José Goldemberg.
A “outra” América e os soviéticos durante a Guerra das Malvinas no Jornal do Brasil
Authors: Massaro Otávio
Published: May 2020

Objetiva-se, neste artigo, discutir como o Jornal do Brasil se manifestou em relação à postura de demais países da América Latina diante da Guerra das Malvinas, bem como analisar como o periódico avaliou a possibilidade de a União Soviética intervir no continente e no conflito em benefício da Argentina. Como a maioria dos países sul-americanos se posicionou explicitamente a favor das reivindicações argentinas, o jornal reatualizou argumentos culturalistas que reforçavam as diferenças entre brasileiros e demais integrantes do continente americano de origem hispânica, posto que naquele momento a adoção pelo governo brasileiro da neutralidade de caráter imperfeito foi considerada, pelo Jornal do Brasil, a política mais adequada.
Correlations of Calf Muscle Macrophage Content With Muscle Properties and Walking Performance in Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Kosmac Kate , Gonzalez‐Freire Marta , McDermott Mary M. , White Sarah H. , Walton R. Grace , Sufit Robert L. , Tian Lu , Li Lingyu , Kibbe Melina R. , Criqui Michael H. , Guralnik Jack M. , S. Polonsky Tamar , Leeuwenburgh Christiaan , Ferrucci Luigi , Peterson Charlotte A.
Published: May 2020

Background

Peripheral artery disease (
PAD
) is a manifestation of atherosclerosis characterized by reduced blood flow to the lower extremities and mobility loss. Preliminary evidence suggests
PAD
damages skeletal muscle, resulting in muscle impairments that contribute to functional decline. We sought to determine whether
PAD
is associated with an altered macrophage profile in gastrocnemius muscles and whether muscle macrophage populations are associated with impaired muscle phenotype and walking performance in patients with PAD.

Methods and Results

Macrophages, satellite cells, and extracellular matrix in gastrocnemius muscles from 25 patients with
PAD
and 7 patients without
PAD
were quantified using immunohistochemistry. Among patients with
PAD
, both the absolute number and percentage of cluster of differentiation (CD) 11b+
CD
206+ M2‐like macrophages positively correlated to satellite cell number (
r
=0.461 [
P
=0.023] and
r
=0.416 [
P
=0.042], respectively) but not capillary density or extracellular matrix. The number of
CD
11b+
CD
206− macrophages negatively correlated to 4‐meter walk tests at normal (
r
=−0.447,
P
=0.036) and fast pace (
r
=−0.510,
P
=0.014). Extracellular matrix occupied more muscle area in
PAD
compared with non‐
PAD
(8.72±2.19% versus 5.30±1.03%,
P
<0.001) and positively correlated with capillary density (
r
=0.656,
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Among people with
PAD
, higher
CD
206+ M2‐like macrophage abundance was associated with greater satellite cell numbers and muscle fiber size. Lower
CD
206− macrophage abundance was associated with better walking performance. Further study is needed to determine whether
CD
206+ macrophages are associated with ongoing reparative processes enabling skeletal muscle adaptation to damage with
PAD
.

Registration

URL
:
https://www.clini​caltr​ials.gov
; Unique identifiers:
NCT
00693940,
NCT
01408901,
NCT
0224660.
Pharmacologic TWIK‐Related Acid‐Sensitive K+ Channel (TASK‐1) Potassium Channel Inhibitor A293 Facilitates Acute Cardioversion of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in a Porcine Large Animal Model
Authors: Wiedmann Felix , Beyersdorf Christoph , Zhou Xiaobo , Büscher Antonius , Kraft Manuel , Nietfeld Jendrik , Walz Teo Puig , Unger Laura A. , Loewe Axel , Schmack Bastian , Ruhparwar Arjang , Karck Matthias , Thomas Dierk , Borggrefe Martin , Seemann Gunnar , Katus Hugo A. , Schmidt Constanze
Published: May 2020

Background

The tandem of P domains in a weak inward rectifying K+ channel (TWIK)‐related acid‐sensitive K
+
channel (TASK‐1;
hK
2P
3.1) two‐pore–domain potassium channel was recently shown to regulate the atrial action potential duration. In the human heart,
TASK
‐1 channels are specifically expressed in the atria. Furthermore, upregulation of atrial
TASK
‐1 currents was described in patients suffering from atrial fibrillation (
AF
). We therefore hypothesized that
TASK
‐1 channels represent an ideal target for antiarrhythmic therapy of
AF
. In the present study, we tested the antiarrhythmic effects of the high‐affinity
TASK
‐1 inhibitor A293 on cardioversion in a porcine model of paroxysmal
AF
.

Methods and Results

Heterologously expressed human and porcine
TASK
‐1 channels are blocked by A293 to a similar extent. Patch clamp measurements from isolated human and porcine atrial cardiomyocytes showed comparable
TASK
‐1 currents. Computational modeling was used to investigate the conditions under which A293 would be antiarrhythmic. German landrace pigs underwent electrophysiological studies under general anesthesia. Paroxysmal
AF
was induced by right atrial burst stimulation. After induction of
AF
episodes, intravenous administration of A293 restored sinus rhythm within cardioversion times of 177±63 seconds. Intravenous administration of A293 resulted in significant prolongation of the atrial effective refractory period, measured at cycle lengths of 300, 400 and 500 ms, whereas the surface
ECG
parameters and the ventricular effective refractory period lengths remained unchanged.

Conclusions

Pharmacological inhibition of atrial
TASK
‐1 currents exerts antiarrhythmic effects in vivo as well as in silico
,
resulting in acute cardioversion of paroxysmal
AF
. Taken together, these experiments indicate the therapeutic potential of A293 for
AF
treatment.
Who Is the Man on the Camel?: Historical Exegesis of the Hebrew Bible and Christian-Muslim Debate
Authors: Zaleski John
Published: May 2020

This article examines Christian and Muslim exchanges concerning Isaiah 21:7 and Deuteronomy 18:15, biblical texts that Muslims interpreted as referring to the Prophet Muḥammad. The focus of the article is the well-known letter in which the East Syrian Catholicos, Timothy I (d. 823), reports his debate with the Caliph al-Mahdī. In this letter, Timothy draws upon exegetical traditions rooted in Theodore of Mopsuestia (d. 428) in order to undercut Muslim interpretation of Isaiah 21:7 and Deuteronomy 18:15 by insisting upon a strictly historical interpretation of these verses. The historical approach defended by Timothy received a Muslim rebuttal in the mid-ninth century and continued to be adapted by Christian readers who redacted Timothy’s letter. These sources demonstrate the interreligious transmission of Hebrew Bible exegesis. They show how Muslim biblical interpretation challenged basic principles of Christian exegesis, causing both Muslim and Christian authors to adapt and rearticulate longstanding methods of interpreting scripture.
Wine, Water and the Missing Symposium in Justin’s First Apology
Authors: Eckhardt Benedikt
Published: May 2020

Justin’s First Apology contains the longest extant description of an early Christian meal. This description (ch. 65-67) poses several problems, of which this short article singles out only two. On the level of textual criticism, an oft-discussed variant, rejected in all editions, suggests that the blessing is made over a cup of water, not wine. On the level of liturgical history, Justin’s Eucharist seems to contradict the view that early Christian meals resembled Graeco-Roman symposia. By combining the textual and the historical approach, this article offers a compromise. It is argued that water and not wine was indeed used during the opening ritual, but that the rest of the event did unfold as a symposium and hence included wine.
A Catalogue of Virtuous Women. Myth and Mythography in Clement of Alexandria, Stromateis 4,19,118-123
Authors: Meccariello Chiara
Published: May 2020

In this paper I examine the mythological references contained in Clem. Alex. Str. 4,19,118-123, a passage in which Clement develops the idea that perfection is equally attainable by men and women, and illustrates it by listing examples of female perfection, including biblical women, historical figures, and mythical heroines. After an analysis of Clement’s technique of embedment of the mythical examples, I show that his wording conveys a subtle distinction between the mythical women on the one hand and the historical and biblical women on the other by signalling the poetical character of the former. In this context, it is the synthetic and selective nature of the references that allows Clement to exploit myth’s illustrative function without explicitly distancing himself from it. Finally, I argue that his source on several mythical examples is a mythographical catalogue of figures grouped under φιλο- compounds.
Continental island effect in Sichuan Basin based on the genetic structure of sparrow
Authors: Liu Fangqing , Zhao Wenhai , Pan Yongliang , Wen Longying
Published: May 2020

Islands are ideal settings for the study of evolution, ecology and genetic diversity. The tree sparrow (Passer montanus), which is distributed both inside and outside the Sichuan Basin and is relatively easy to capture, was used as our study species to test whether any genetic differences exist between within and outside of the Sichuan Basin. We analyzed mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequence variations to illustrate the continental island effect within the Sichuan Basin. Overall, fragments from four mtDNA and one nuclear sequence (Cytb + COI + 12S rRNA + Dloop + Myo) were amplified, with the concatenated alignment comprising 3234 bp. The results of Bayesian and maximum parsimony trees indicated two major branches, one of which is composed mainly of populations within the Sichuan Basin, while the other comprised populations distributed in the surrounding mountains. The population in Sichuan Basin was more basal than that in the surrounding mountains. The genetic distance between inner and outer populations was 0.095 and genetic differentiation index (FST) between inner and outer populations was 0.342. This study shows that the overall distribution pattern of tree sparrow populations in the Sichuan Basin and its surrounding mountains is probably the result of a vicariance event due to spatial isolation.
Bargaining Power at the Negotiation Table and Beyond
Authors: Western Shaina D.
Published: May 2020

International treaties require ratification to go into effect. But while some treaties have high ratification rates, many do not, leading to a system where issues appear to be addressed on paper but are not in practice. This article seeks to address why treaties receive varying levels of support and finds that factors present during the negotiation phase of the agreement affect the ratification phase. Specifically, bargaining power at and away from the negotiation table influences both the substantive nature of the treaty and the extent to which it will be widely ratifiable. This article explores this issue both in a statistical analysis and in two pairs of qualitative case studies. The evidence indicates that negotiation processes cast a long shadow on the fate of international agreements leading to the current treaty system of prolific international law that is not ratified by most states.
Shifting Reputations for “Moderation”: Evidence from Qatar, Jordan, and Morocco
Authors: Sheline Annelle R.
Published: May 2020

The article examines the monarchies of Qatar, Jordan, and Morocco to demonstrate how specific policies and ideologies do not necessarily correspond with the label of “moderate,” which instead primarily reflects a reputational strategy. Prior to 2011, Qatar had cultivated an image as a relatively “liberal” Gulf monarchy, but although few policy changes occurred, after 2011 the emirate was seen as sponsoring terrorism. The government of Morocco developed a reputation for promoting “moderate Islam,” yet religious intolerance persists, while the Jordanian regime has focused less on cultivating a moderate image than previously. Government efforts to develop a specific reputation reflect strategic maneuvering for both international religious soft power as well as consolidation of domestic control. Combining nine months of ethnographic fieldwork involving interviews with government officials, religious bureaucrats, and embassy personnel, the paper offers insights into how the strategic use of reputation has shifted in the post-2011 context.
Between Exclusivism and Inclusivism: The Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood’s Divided Reponses to the “Arab Spring”
Authors: Wagemakers Joas
Published: May 2020

This article focuses on how and why some Jordanian Muslim Brothers have engaged in relatively exclusive, Islamist ways of confronting the regime during the “Arab Spring,” while others adopted a more inclusive, national strategy in the same period. As such, this article not only contributes to our knowledge of divisions within the Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood, but also shows how this can impact Islamist-regime relations in the Arab world. It argues that the organization as a whole initially wanted to exploit the uprisings in the region through a relatively exclusive, Islamist approach to the regime, but that others within the organization disagreed with this method as the “Arab Spring” proved mostly unsuccessful. Aware of the dangers of provoking the state from a position of increased isolation, these members advocated a more inclusive attitude toward the regime and others. While both groups were ultimately unsuccessful, the latter at least survived as a legal entity, while the Muslim Brotherhood lost its official presence in the kingdom because the regime was able to exploit the existing divisions within the organization.
Exclusion and Violence After the Egyptian Coup
Authors: Brooke Steven , Nugent Elizabeth R.
Published: May 2020

Scholars of Islamism have long grappled with the relationship between political participation and ideological change, theorizing that political exclusion and state repression increase the likelihood of Islamist groups using violence. The trajectory of post-2011 Egypt offers a chance to systematically evaluate these theories using subnational data. Pairing district-level electoral returns from pre-coup presidential elections with post-coup levels of anti-state and sectarian violence, we find that districts where Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated candidate Mohammed Morsi performed well in 2012 witnessed more anti-state and sectarian (anti-Christian) violence following the 2013 military coup. The same relationship holds for the performance of liberal Islamist Abdel Moneim Abu El-Fotouh, which is consistent with arguments that political exclusion alone may also drive violence.
After the Massacre: Women’s Islamist Activism in Post-Coup Egypt
Authors: ElMasry Sarah , Ketchley Neil
Published: May 2020

This paper draws on event data and interviews to examine the effects of repression on the gendered dynamics of Islamist mobilization in Egypt following the 2013 military coup. Our analysis shows that women’s anti-coup groups were more likely to mobilize following the killing of up to 1,000 anti-coup protestors at Rabaa al-Adawiyya in August 2013. Women’s protests were also more likely in the home districts of those killed at Rabaa. Informant testimony indicates that the Rabaa massacre figured as a transformative event that female activists drew on to motivate their involvement in street protests. Taken together, our findings suggest that very harsh repression can enable women’s participation in Islamist street politics – but this activism can come at a considerable personal cost for participants. Women who joined anti-coup protests were subjected to calibrated sexual violence by Egyptian security forces as well as other social penalties.
Pierre Vogel’s and Bilal Philips’s Criticisms of Jihadism
Authors: Holzgruber Clemens
Published: May 2020

In 2016, the Islamic State (IS) called upon its supporters to kill two of the most influential Western Salafi preachers, Pierre Vogel from Germany and Bilal Philips from Canada, for apostasy. This article investigates how Vogel and Philips have criticised Jihadism, changes in their criticism over time, and their responses to the allegations launched against them by IS. Furthermore, it illustrates why it is difficult to classify Vogel and Philips according to the influential categorisation of Salafism put forward by Quintan Wiktorowicz.
Challenges in Digital Ethnography
Authors: Fuhrmann Larissa-Diana , Pfeifer Simone
Published: May 2020

The article explores ethical challenges in digital media ethnography in the field of militant political Islam, pointing to the dilemma that arises in doing research on Islam as part of the securitised research funding system. Expanding on discussions in anthropology about the principles of “do no harm” and “be open and honest about your work”, the authors reflectively contextualise the interrelated notions of “Jihadism” and “Salafism” and examine how these categories serve as “floating signifiers”. Examining one particular incident from the digital fieldwork leads to discussions of transparency, anonymity and shifting forms of “publicness” in the digital sphere.
From Rigid to Moderate Salafism
Authors: Sheikhzadegan Amir
Published: May 2020

Defining re-conversion as the re-embracement of one’s (neglected) faith, this article deals with the question of what relations can be identified between conversion/re-conversion to a Salafist reading of Islam, on the one hand, and life course circumstances, identity transformation, and social network features of the individuals concerned, on the other. Combining narrative, autobiographical interviews with qualitative social network analysis, four activists of a Muslim organisation in Switzerland known for its Salafist orientation are portrayed. The comparative analysis shows that, despite sharing the same approach to Islam, the four cases exhibit different modes of the impact of life course and social network on spiritual transformation and vice versa. The paper also discusses the term Salafism and its applicability to the interviewees.
Revisiting the Dazu “Bombard” and the World’s Earliest Representation of a Gun
Authors: Sinvany Benjamin Avichai Katz
Published: May 2020

In 1988, Joseph Needham, Lu Gwei-Djen, and Pan Jixing published an article that declared to the world the discovery of the earliest known representation of a bombard, or gun. In the academic literature, however, there is significant doubt about its authenticity as a representation of a gun. Little subsequent evidence beyond the 1988 research note has corroborated their initial findings. This research note will show that the evidence originally presented by Lu, Needham, and Pan to support their argument that the cave in Dazu contains a bombard is inadequate. In doing so, it highlights the challenges researchers of Chinese history and the history of science have faced in the past and suggests ways the field is growing.
Phylogeny of the genus Austinixa Heard & Manning, 1997, inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear molecular markers, with descriptions of three new species and redescription of Austinixa felipensis (Glassell, 1935) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Pinnotheridae)
Authors: THEIL EMMA PALACIOS , FELDER DARRYL L.
Published: May 2020

We used the mitochondrial 16S–NADH1 complex, mitochondrial 12S, and nuclear histone 3 genes to examine evolutionary relationships among members of the genus Austinixa Heard & Manning, 1997, and their relationships to other pinnotherids. The monophyly of Austinixa was confirmed by maximum likelihood, Bayesian, and maximum parsimony analyses. Clades recovered on the basis of molecular data agreed with current morphology-based taxonomy at species rank. Morphological characters presently used to distinguish species of Austinixa are not synapomorphic at higher levels and therefore cannot be used to infer cladistic relationships among them. High genetic and morphological intraspecific variation was observed, consistent with patterns of restricted gene flow likely attributable to climatic and geographic history, physical characteristics of contemporary habitats, and host-related constraints on the symbiotic life styles of Austinixa spp. Molecular and morphological characters warrant description of three new species, herein named and illustrated: Austinixa cuestai sp. nov., from Pacific waters of Panama and Nicaragua; Austinixa artankeri sp. nov., from the Caribbean waters of Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela; and Austinixa roblesi sp. nov., from Belize and Panama. All three species inhabit intertidal zones, as do their congeners. To facilitate comparisons and augment the very limited original description, a redescription of the Pacific species Austinixa felipensis (Glassell, 1935) is provided on the basis of paratypes labelled by Glassell and more recently collected topoptypic specimens.
Arg-Gly-Asp Peptide-Functionalized Superparamagnetic γ-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles Enhance Osteoblast Migration In Vitro
Authors: Liu Xue , Yang Xiao-Ling , Hu Qiao , Liu Mao-Shi , Peng Tao , Xu Wen-Feng , Huang Qiu-Hong , Li Bo , Liao Xiao-Ling
Published: May 2020

Making osteoblast migration manageably target to injury sites has been the key challenging in cell therapy for bone and cartilage regeneration. Superparamagnetic materials, the magnetic guide for cell migration, have been applied to increase cell retention. However, additional targeting
modifications are still needed to accelerate the low uptake efficiency and moving speed. Arg-Gly-Asp peptide (RGD)-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles showed cutting-edge competence in cell differentiation control and targeted drug delivery. However, more evidence was required to corroborate
its role in osteoblast migration in bone repair. In the present study, RGD-modified γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (RGD-Fe2O3 NPs) were prefabricated with the grafting ratio of 33.3–37.4%. The RGD-Fe2O3 NPs unveiled
excellent water dispersibility with uniform size distribution at 5–6 nm and negligibly low cytotoxicity. As a result, MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts treated with RGD-Fe2O3 NPs boosted its migration speed in a magnetic field compared with those incubated with unmodified Fe2O3
NPs. Furthermore, osteoblasts treated with RGD-Fe2O3 NPs exhibited more Fe uptake. The results exposed the fact that RGD-mediated specific cellular uptake presented higher efficiency than the non-RGD-mediated one, resulting from a stronger superparamagnetic force between
the labeled cells and the magnetic field. These findings indicate that the RGD-functionalized Fe2O3 NPs can promote osteoblast migration in the magnetic field, providing a promising strategy in magnet-guided cell therapy for bone and cartilage regeneration.
Designing Biomimetic Triple-Layered Nanofibrous Vascular Grafts via Combinatorial Electrospinning Approach
Authors: Wu Chuang , Zhang Haiguang , Hu Qingxi , Ramalingam Murugan
Published: May 2020

Biomimetic vascular grafts with multi-layered nanostructures can mimic structure and function of native blood vessels, but it is often challenging. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using combinatorial electrospinning approach for designing triple-layered nanofibrous tubular
scaffold with inner and outer layer made up of co-axial poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)/gelatin nanofibers (PLGA-core/gelatin-shell) and the intermediate layer with PLGA nanofibers that mimics native vascular structure. The assessment of biomechanical and biological analysis showed enhanced
mechanical strength, suture strength and biocompatibility when cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Altogether, the results suggest that the combinatorial electrospinning approach is potentially useful for the fabrication of biomimetic vascular grafts suitable for
cardiovascular tissue engineering applications.
Development of Electrospun WE43 Magnesium Alloy-Like Compound
Authors: Ozkan Ozan , Sasmazel Hilal Turkoglu , Biskin Erhan
Published: May 2020

Metallic structures are conventionally fabricated with high temperature/deformation processes resulting the smallest possible microscopic structures in the order of several hundreds of micrometer. Therefore, to obtain structures with fibers smaller than 100 μm, those are unsuitable.
In this study, electrospinning, a fiber fabrication technique commonly used for polymers, was adopted to fabricate a WE43 magnesium alloy-like fibrous structure. The aim is to adopt metallic WE43 alloy to regenerative medicine using tissue engineering approach by mimicking its composition
inside of a fibrous structure. The solution required for electrospinning was obtained with water soluble nitrates of elements in WE43 alloy, and PVP or PVA were added to obtain a spinnable viscosity which was pyrolised away during heat treatment. Electrospinning parameters were optimized with
naked-eye observations and SEM as 1.5 g salts and 5 wt.% PVA containing solution prepared at 90 °C and electrospun under 30 kV from a distance of 12–15 cm with a feeding rate of 5 μl/min. Then the samples were subjected to a multi-step heat treatment under argon to remove
the polymer and calcinate the nitrates into oxides which was designed based on thermal analyses and reaction kinetics calculations as 6 h at 230 °C, 8.5 h at 390 °C, 5 h at 465 °C, 80 h at 500 °C and 10 h at 505 °C, consecutively. The characterizations conducted in terms
of structure, composition and crystallinity with XRD, XPS, EDX and SEM showed that it is possible to obtain MgaYbNdcZrdOx (empirical) fibers with the same composition as WE43 in sub-millimeter sizes using
this approach.
Effects of Processing Parameters on Mechanical Properties of Silicon Carbide Nanoparticle-Reinforced Aluminium Alloy Matrix Composite Materials
Authors: Kwon Hansang , Saarna Mart , Leparoux Marc
Published: May 2020

Nano-silicon carbide (nSiC) particle-reinforced aluminium (Al) 6061 alloy matrix composites were fabricated by high-energy ball milling, hot-pressing (HP), and hot-forging (HF). The composite powders were degassed and the composites were synthesised under air and/or vacuum. Mechanical
properties of the obtained composite materials were evaluated using various tests, including indentation, compression, four-point bending, and tensile tests as well as by microstructural observations. Different amounts of nSiC were added and the mechanical properties of the obtained composite
materials were measured and discussed. The microstructures of the composites depended on the nSiC content and synthesis conditions. The Vickers hardness and tensile strength values of the nSiC reinforced Al 6061 composites were approximately three times higher than that of a pure Al 6061 alloy
bulk. The results demonstrated that the small amount of nSiC particles functioned as efficient reinforcement material in the Al 6061 alloy matrix composite material and that the strength and ductility of the composite material can be controlled by adjusting the processing parameters and nSiC
content.
Study of pH-Responsive and Polyethylene Glycol-Modified Doxorubicin-Loaded Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery
Authors: Qin Yujie , Shan Xiaoqian , Han Yu , Jin Hang , Gao Ying
Published: May 2020

Tumor-targeted drug delivery systems represent challenging and widely investigated strategies to enhance cancer chemotherapy. In this study, we introduce a novel high-hydrophilic mesoporous silica nanoparticle system with a pH-sensitive drug release. The resultant composite nanoparticles
appear as spheres of uniform size (450±25 nm) with a porous structure, which enables a high drug-loading ratio. Through modification of chitosan and polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, the modified mesoporous silica was non-toxic to normal cells, but effective at inducing tumor cell
death. With regard to the characteristics of drug release, the modified mesoporous silica clearly displayed a pH-stimulated release of the model drug doxorubicin hydrochloride in an acidic phosphate buffer solution (pH 4.0 and 6.0). The release was much greater than that observed in neutral
or alkaline phosphate buffer solutions (pH 7.3 and 8.0). Furthermore, the release behavior was in accordance with the Higuchi model, indicating that this modified mesoporous silica drug delivery system can exhibit controlled release. The above results imply that the modified mesoporous silica
is an effective drug delivery system for cancer therapy.
Investigation of the Resistive Switching Mechanisms and Rectification Characteristics of HfO2-Based Resistive Random Access Memory Devices with Different Electrode Materials
Authors: Khorolsuren Batkhuyag , Lu Shenmin , Sun Chao , Jin Fang , Mo Wenqin , Song Junlei , Dong Kaifeng
Published: May 2020

To study the substitutability of noble metal electrodes in memristors, the effect of Pt/HfO2/Ti structure on the replacement of noble metal electrode Pt by different electrodes was studied. Compared with the unsubstituted devices, the HfO2-based RRAM devices with
TiN and TiOxNy electrodes devices showed good resistive switching performance and resistive switching mechanism under oxygen ion migration. Five devices were prepared, and their resistive switching mechanism under oxygen ion migration was investigated. Moreover,
besides the resistive switching phenomenon of these RRAM devices, it was found that significant rectifying characteristics were exhibited in a highresistance state (HRS). This phenomenon can be explained by regulation of the Schottky barrier of the interface between the top electrode and the
resistive layer, which can be influenced by the migration of oxygen vacancies.
Preparation of Cu2ZnSnS4 Thin Films by Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) Method for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Murugan A. , Siva V. , Shameem A. , Asath Bahadur S.
Published: May 2020

The Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films have been prepared at different deposition cycles, deposited on a glass substrate by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method followed by the annealing process at elevated temperature. The investigations on the
films have been carried out to understand and confirm its structure, functional group present, crystalline morphology, optical and electrochemical behavior. The powder X-ray diffraction patterns recorded indicate that the deposited films are formed in the tetragonal structure. Other parameters
like grain size, dislocation density, and microstrain are also calculated. The uniform surface of the films with spherical shaped morphology has been observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy, and the elemental compositions have been confirmed by EDAX. Electrochemical behavior such as cyclic
voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic charge–discharge analysis have been carried out by electrochemical workstation. The modified electrode exhibits maximum specific capacitance value as 416 F/g for a pure sample. Optical studies have shown that the band
gaps are estimated between 1.40 eV and 1.57 eV.
Lignin-Derived Graphene-Like Carbon Nanosheets as an Efficient Catalyst Support for Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis
Authors: Sun Kaijin , Zhou Yue , Xu Xueer , Li Yan , Hu Yaxin , Li Long , Wang Liangbiao , Qin Hengfei
Published: May 2020

Bio-renewable lignin has been used as a precursor for the preparation of various carbon materials, such as carbon fibers, ordered mesoporous carbon and graphite carbon cages. Nevertheless, up to now, there are few studies about prepare graphene-like carbon nanosheets derived from lignin.
In this study, we synthesized graphene-like carbon nanosheets, using lignin as the precursor, via one-step pyrolysis route. Fortunately, physical and chemical characterization results indicate that it has high pore volume and hierarchical pore with wrinkled sheet graphene structure. Furthermore,
the capability of graphene-like carbon nanosheets was investigated as a catalyst support in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. The results of catalytic evaluation show that Fe2O3/GCNs has excellent catalytic activity and the selectivity of lower olefins, compared with Fe2O3/AC.
Eucalyptus Concoction Mediated Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles and Its Bioactive Role Explored via Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Studies
Authors: Muthiah Bavanilatha , Lovina  , Arthi  , Muthukrishnan Lakshmipathy , Anita Lett J. , Sagadevan Suresh , Kesavan Sudha , Vennila Selvaraj , Ajmal Khan M. , Hegazy H. H. , Ahmad Naushad
Published: May 2020

Biosynthesis of nanoparticles has now become a novel trend in addressing some of the environmental issues by adopting eco-friendly approaches in manoeuvring nanoparticles for various applications. Plants and micro-organisms have been the potential sources of the biological mode of synthesizing
nanoparticles as part of their bioremediation process. This principle has been harnessed for synthesizing nanoparticles either extra or intracellularly. In this line of phyto-mediated synthesis, eucalyptus buds have been used for synthesizing gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) under optimized laboratory
conditions. The UV-visible spectrum of the Au NPs showed typical surface plasmon resonance at 550 nm (λmax) with a crystalline phase measuring <100 nm in size and monodispersed as revealed from XRD, FESEM, and AFM analyses. The biological role of phytochemical concoction
in reducing and stabilizing the Au NPs was clearly identified from FT-IR studies. The antimicrobial effect of the Au NPs against clinically important pathogens viz. Staphylococcus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp. and E. coli determined using the disk diffusion
method showed no significant antibacterial effect at all concentrations. Cytotoxicity studies were carried using Vero and HEp-2 cell lines and the 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) was determined to be 1.25 mg and 0.625 mg/mL respectively. Au NPs with potential antimicrobial and
anti-proliferative effects could found profound implications in the field of nanomedicine once the toxicity in vivo has been investigated.
Synthesis of Dihydromyricetin Coated Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Antibacterial Activities
Authors: Liu Dan , Luo Jun , Wang Hao , Ding Lijun , Zeng Xin-An
Published: May 2020

The weak antimicrobial property of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) hampers their use as an antimicrobial material. In the report, Dihydromyricetin (DMY) coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-DMY) were prepared with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG1000) as a linker and evaluated
for inactivating pathogenic bacteria. UV-visible spectra, FT-IR, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to characterize the MWCNTs-DMY. It has been shown that PEG and DMY are covalently attached to MWCNTs with excellent stability. Vibrio parahaemolyticus
was employed as the target bacterium. Comparing with the raw and the functionalized MWCNTs (r-MWCNTs and f-MWCNTs), MWCNTs-DMY exhibited stronger antibacterial ability. The MWCNTs-DMY composite showed up to 10-fold higher antimicrobial property than pristine MWCNTs. The deposited DMY was suggested
to play an important role in the bactericidal action of MWCNTs-DMY. The results of this study demonstrated that MWCNTs-DMY composite can serve as an effective and economical antimicrobial material.
Improving Flame Retardancy of Epoxy Resin Nanocomposites by Carbon Nanotubes Grafted CuAl-Layered Double Hydroxide Hybrid
Authors: Cai Huiyu , Peng Fangchao , Wang Yixi , Yi Junyan , Cai Xingwei , Liu Hong , Kong Qinghong
Published: May 2020

To solve the issues of the poor dispersion performance of the inorganic flame retardant filler in epoxy resin (EP) matrix, the three-dimensional (3D) hybrid carbon nanotubes-copper aluminum (sodium dodecyl sulfate)-layered double hydroxide (CNTs-OLDH) is designed and synthesized by
co-precipitation. The results indicate that the CNTs-OLDH hybrid with 3D-structure is successfully fabricated and well dispersed in EP matrix. The thermostability of EP/CNTs-OLDH nanocomposites is raised and the residue is obviously increased. When the amount of CNTs-OLDH is only 4 wt%, limit
oxygen index value of EP/CNTs-OLDH nanocomposites reaches 28.5. Compared with pure EP, the heat release, smoke and gas of EP/FePP nanocomposites are inhibited by CNTs-OLDH hybrid, and the PHRR, THR and SPR values of EP/4CNTs-OLDH nanocomposites decrease by 41.7%, 27.8% and 31.7%. The improved
fire retardant performances and thermal stability are attributed to the excellent homogeneous dispersion, the network structure formed by the 3D hybrid in the matrix and the outstanding flame retardant effect of CNTs and OLDH.