bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Male Marriage Premium: Selection, Productivity, or Employer Preferences?
Authors: McDonald Patrick
Published: May 2020

Objective

This paper empirically tests the three theories put forward to explain the male marriage premium.

Background

Married men continue to earn more than single across the Western world, despite significant changes to family life. Three theories are put forward to explain this phenomenon: (a) Marriage makes men more productive; (b) more productive men select into marriage; (c) employers prefer married men and therefore offer them higher wages.

Method

We use a multi‐pronged strategy to test all three theories. First, we analyze a Swiss national panel survey using fixed‐effects regressions with observations matched using entropy balancing, as well as fixed‐effects individual slopes (FEIS) models to isolate the selection effect. Second, we use a factorial survey experiment of over 500 recruiters in Switzerland to study the preferences of employers.

Results

Pooled ordinary least squares regressions showed a marriage premium of 11%, which is reduced to approximately 3.5% when accounting for selection and 2.5–3% when introducing controls related to in‐work productivity. The results of the survey experiment showed that employers assign wages 2% higher to married men, with large differences between occupations. They are also more likely to invite married men to a job interview.

Conclusion

While selection is found to be the largest contributor to the male marriage premium, it does not explain it fully. Both employer preferences and productivity changes also play a small role.
Effects of decadal experimental drought and climate extremes on vegetation growth in Mediterranean forests and shrublands
Authors: Liu Daijun , Zhang Chao , Ogaya Romà , Estiarte Marc , Peñuelas Josep
Published: May 2020

Increased drought combined with extreme episodes of heatwaves is triggering severe impacts on vegetation growth, particularly for plant communities in arid and semiarid ecosystems. Although there is an abundance of short‐term field drought experiments in natural ecosystems, remaining knowledge gaps limit the understanding and prediction of vegetation growth to ongoing and future climate scenarios. Here, we assessed the impacts of long‐term (1999–2016) experimental drought (ca. −30% rainfall) on the vegetation growth of a Mediterranean high (H) and low (L)‐canopy forests and an early‐successional shrubland, as indicated by above‐ground biomass increment (ABI) and standing density, respectively. We found habitat context (impact of historical climate change, soil depth and successional status) of the study sites significantly affected the magnitude of climate impacts; there were synergistic effects of experimental drought and meteorological drought (Standardised Precipitation–Evapotranspiration Index, SPEI) as well as extreme dry years on vegetation growth. Long‐term experimental drought decreased the ABI for the two forest canopy types and the standing density for the shrubland. Water availabilities in winter–spring (SPEIs) were positively correlated with the ABI and standing density. Moreover, experimental drought decreased the vegetation growth in extreme dry years for the shrubland. We propose that future work not only study the vegetation dynamics with physiological, phenological and demographical changes in long‐term processes and across climate gradients, but also should explore the changes of multiple functions simultaneously (e.g. multifunctionality) under long‐term processes and extremes. This type of analysis of long‐term data is essential to understand and predict biodiversity loss, composition shifts, declines in ecosystem function and carbon budgets at temporal and spatial scales, to enable policy makers to design and implement strategies for the maintenance of sustainable ecosystem function under future climate change scenarios.
Effects of N2 and 1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoropropane (C3H2F6) on Inhibition of Coal Flames
Authors: Lei Baiwei , He Binbin , Xiao Bowem , Du Peiying , Wu Bing
Published: May 2020

Two gaseous fire-extinguishing agents, N2 and C3H2F6, were used to suppress open-flame coal combustion, and their inhibitory effects as well as the corresponding mechanisms were probed by simulations and confined-space experiments. The influence of N2 on the flame surface area linearly increased with increasing N2 concentration, while a sudden increase in reduction was observed from C3H2F6. In addition, C3H2F6 was capable of inducing well-pronounced flame flash-off and featured an extinguishing time smaller than that of N2, thus being a more efficient extinguishing agent. The above findings were rationalized by numerical simulations, which revealed that whereas N2 extinguished the flame mainly by dilution of reactive intermediates, C3H2F6 decomposed to produce F-containing species that competed with coal for OH, H, and O free radicals and thus cut off the free-radical chain reaction.
Quarter-Point Elements Are Unnecessary for the VCCT
Authors: Farkash Elad , Banks-Sills Leslie
Published: May 2020

The virtual crack closure technique (VCCT) is a well-established method for determining energy release rates and stress intensity factors in homogeneous, isotropic materials. It has been implemented with four-noded, eight-noded, quarter-point, and other higher order elements. It is most convenient and accurate when used with eight-noded, isoparametric elements. VCCT produces less accurate results when used with quarter-point elements. Yet, this method continues to be employed with quarter-point elements. It is strongly recommended to use VCCT with regular eight-noded elements. Three examples will be presented to illustrate the inaccuracy when using quarter-point elements with VCCT.
Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Line Contact Based on Surface Elasticity Theory
Authors: Su Jie , Song Hong-Xia , Ke Liao-Liang
Published: May 2020

Using surface elasticity theory, this article first analyzes the surface effect on the elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) line contact between an elastic half-plane and a rigid cylindrical punch. In this theory, the surface effect is characterized with two parameters: surface elastic modulus and residual surface stress. The density and viscosity of the lubricant, considered as Newtonian fluid, vary with the fluid pressure. A numerical iterative method is proposed to simultaneously deal with the flow rheology equation, Reynolds equation, load balance equation, and film thickness equation. Then, the fluid pressure and film thickness are numerically determined at the lubricant contact region. Influences of surface elastic modulus, residual surface stress, punch radius, resultant normal load, and entraining velocity on the lubricant film thickness and fluid pressure are discussed. It is found that the surface effect has remarkable influences on the micro-/nano-scale EHL contact of elastic materials.
Malnutrition‐Related Factors Increased the Risk of Anastomotic Leak for Rectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgery
Authors: Xu Hao , Kong Fanmin
Published: May 2020

Objective. To study the possible risk factors and related prediction indexes of anastomotic leakage (AL) in patients with rectal cancer during the perioperative period and to provide effective indexes for predicting whether AL will occur in postoperative patients with rectal cancer and whether early nutritional support is needed. Background. AL after rectal cancer surgery is a common and serious complication. Many of the risk factors for AL have been confirmed. Nevertheless, the evidence of the effect of perioperative malnutrition on AL is still insufficient. This article will make a further study on this point. Methods. We collected perioperative clinical data from 382 patients with rectal cancer who underwent surgery from September 2015 to May 2017. After 1 month of follow‐up, relevant risk factor data were collected and analyzed. Results. Data analysis showed that the incidence of AL was 14.65%. In single factor analysis, patients with high score of NRS‐2002, high score of PG‐SGA, diabetes, perioperative blood transfusion, postoperative diarrhea, later tumor stage, high score of ASA, low postoperative albumin, and rectal cancer patients with tumor close to the anus may led to AL. Multivariate analysis revealed that low postoperative albumin (p = 0.044), tumor close to the anus (p = 0.004), diabetes (p = 0.003), perioperative blood transfusion (p < 0.001), diarrhea (p = 0.005), later tumor stage, and high score of PG‐SGA (p < 0.001) were the independent risk factors for postoperative AL. Conclusions. AL in rectal cancer operation is a common postoperative complication. Patients with diabetes or high PG‐SGA score or low perioperative albumin will have increased risk factors of AL, which should be paid enough attention in the perioperative period and nutritional support should be provided as soon as possible. Patients who have incomplete intestinal obstruction but can make effective intestinal preparation or who receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy have no increased risk of AL.
The Optimal Regimen for the Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Injury Using Low‐Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound in Rats with Chronic Sleep Deprivation
Authors: Liang Chao , Yang Tao , Wu Gaoyi , Li Jun , Geng Wei
Published: May 2020

Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is an emerging physical therapy for the treatment of early temporomandibular joint injury and has a good effect on promoting cartilage and subchondral bone tissue repair. However, the best LIPUS intensity and treatment duration remain unclear. This study is aimed at observing the preventive and therapeutic effects of different modes of LIPUS and at identifying the optimal LIPUS treatment regimen for temporomandibular joint injury. In the present study, rat models of temporomandibular joint injury were established using a chronic sleep deprivation (CSD) method, and the effect of LIPUS as intensities of 30, 45, and 60 mW/cm2 was observed at 7, 14, and 21 days. After CSD, the condylar cartilage of the rats demonstrated variable degrees of surface roughening, collagen fiber disarrangement or even partial exfoliation, decreased proteoglycan synthesis and cartilage thickness, decreased chondrocyte proliferation, decreased type 2 collagen (COL‐2) expression, and increased matrix metalloproteinase‐ (MMP‐) 3 expression at all three time points. When the rats with CSD received different intensities of LIPUS treatment, the pathological changes were alleviated to various extents. The groups receiving 45 mW/cm2 LIPUS showed the most significant relief of cartilage damage, and this significant effect was observed on days 14 and 21. These results demonstrated that LIPUS can effectively inhibit CSD‐induced condylar cartilage damage in rats, and LIPUS treatment at an intensity of 45 mW/cm2 for at least 2 weeks is the optimal regimen for temporomandibular joint injury.
Regulation of Iron Homeostasis and Related Diseases
Authors: Li Yikun , Huang Xiali , Wang Jingjing , Huang Ruiling , Wan Dan
Published: May 2020

The liver is the organ for iron storage and regulation; it senses circulating iron concentrations in the body through the BMP-SMAD pathway and regulates the iron intake from food and erythrocyte recovery into the bloodstream by secreting hepcidin. Under iron deficiency, hypoxia, and hemorrhage, the liver reduces the expression of hepcidin to ensure the erythropoiesis but increases the excretion of hepcidin during infection and inflammation to reduce the usage of iron by pathogens. Excessive iron causes system iron overload; it accumulates in never system and damages neurocyte leading to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s syndrome. When some gene mutations affect the perception of iron and iron regulation ability in the liver, then they decrease the expression of hepcidin, causing hereditary diseases such as hereditary hemochromatosis. This review summarizes the source and utilization of iron in the body, the liver regulates systemic iron homeostasis by sensing the circulating iron concentration, and the expression of hepcidin regulated by various signaling pathways, thereby understanding the pathogenesis of iron-related diseases.
Pacemaker Implantation After Balloon‐ or Self‐Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Bisson Arnaud , Bodin Alexandre , Herbert Julien , Lacour Thibaud , Saint Etienne Christophe , Pierre Bertrand , Clementy Nicolas , Deharo Pierre , Babuty Dominique , Fauchier Laurent
Published: May 2020

Background

The incidence of conduction abnormalities requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (
PPI
) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (
TAVR
) with early and later generation prostheses remains debated.

Methods and Results

Based on the administrative hospital‐discharge database, we collected information for all patients treated with
TAVR
between 2010 and 2019 in France. We compared the incidence of
PPI
after
TAVR
according to the type and generation of valve implanted. A total of 49 201 patients with aortic stenosis treated with
TAVR
using the balloon‐expandable (
BE
) Edwards
SAPIEN
valve (early Sapien
XT
and latest Sapien 3) or the self‐expanding (
SE
) Medtronic CoreValve (early CoreValve and latest Evolut R) were found in the database. Mean (
SD
) follow‐up was 1.2 (1.5 years) (median [interquartile range] 0.6 [0.1–2.0] years).
PPI
after the procedure was reported in 13 289 patients, among whom 11 010 (22.4%) had implantation during the first 30 days. In multivariable analysis, using early
BE TAVR
as reference, adjusted odds ratio (95%
CI
) for
PPI
during the first 30 days was 0.88 (0.81–0.95) for latest
BE TAVR
, 1.40 (1.27–1.55) for early
SE TAVR
, and 1.17 (1.07–1.27) for latest
SE TAVR
. Compared with early
BE TAVR
, the adjusted hazard ratio for
PPI
during the whole follow‐up was 1.01 (0.95–1.08) for latest
BE TAVR
, 1.30 (1.21–1.40) for early
SE TAVR
, and 1.25 (1.18–1.34) for latest
SE TAVR
.

Conclusions

In patients with aortic stenosis treated with
TAVR
, our systematic analysis at a nationwide level found higher rates of
PPI
than previously reported.
BE
technology was independently associated with lower incidence rates of
PPI
both at the acute and chronic phases than
SE
technology. Recent generations of
TAVR
were not independently associated with different rates of
PPI
than early generations during the overall follow‐up.
Reading Rahab with Larsen: towards a New Direction in African American Biblical Hermeneutics
Authors: Russaw Kimberly D.
Published: May 2020

This article explores what it might look like to read the biblical story of Rahab alongside literature from the African American literary canon. Specifically, the article examines the biblical account of Rahab found in Joshua 2 through the lens of identity and argues that, like characters in Harlem Renaissance author Nella Larsen’s novels Quicksand and Passing, Rahab is passing in Joshua 2. The characters Helga Crane from the novel Quicksand and Clare Kendry from the novel Passing serve as exemplars for passing (the act of presenting as of a different racial group than one’s own), and the markers of passing are mapped on to Rahab. This article is a womanist work, as it seeks to center the experiences of Black women.
Contracts and Care of Oneself in the Book of Ruth
Authors: Williams Jennifer Johnson
Published: May 2020

This essay utilizes Foucault’s concept of the “technology of the self” to argue the ethical content of Ruth’s actions. In this way, my essay challenges reading the book of Ruth in a way that supports the Western and Christian technology of self and moral principle of self-sacrifice. Paying careful attention to the three episodes of contract-making in the book of Ruth (1:16-17, 3:9-13, 4:1-12), it is evident that Ruth’s actions demonstrate profound resourcefulness and care of oneself rather than self-sacrifice. This hermeneutical lens of “care of oneself” is constituted in the three elements of immanence, vigilant introspection and distance. The character of Ruth possesses the virtue of חֶ֔סֶד, repeatedly and secretly transgresses norms and expectations and creates an ethic that benefits and transforms her self and others.
State Legitimacy and Religious Accommodation
Authors: Prinz Janosch , Rossi Enzo
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we put forward a realist account of the problem of accommodation of conflicting claims over sacred places. Our argument takes its cue from the empirical finding that modern, Western-style states necessarily mould religion into shapes that are compatible with state rule. At least in the context of modern states, there is no pre-political morality of religious freedom that states ought to follow when adjudicating claims over sacred spaces. Liberal normative theory on religious accommodation which starts from the assumption of a pre-political morality of religious freedom is therefore of limited value. As an alternative, we suggest that the question of contested sacred places should be settled with reference to the purposes of the state, at least as long as one is committed to the existence of modern states. If one finds the treatment of religion by the state unsatisfactory, our argument provides a pro tanto reason for seeking alternative forms of political organization.
The Nietzschean Body and the Death of God
Authors: Chehayed Nibras
Published: May 2020

“God is dead!” This is one of the most famous claims in Nietzsche’s philosophy, difficult to fully affirm. While the higher men fail to overcome the ghost of God, Zarathustra joyfully affirms God’s death. This affirmation deconstructs the metaphysical and moral concept of “divinity,” turning it into a metaphor. The new metaphor of the divine, mainly developed through the figure of Dionysius, expresses the capacity of affirming life beyond the old values, related to the dead God. It also involves the creation of a higher body beyond the body of despair, associated with these values. The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between the death of God and the body in Nietzsche’s account by analyzing the meanings of this death for the higher men, the question of the divine in Zarathustra’s account, and the status of the Dionysian body.
Examining Social Mobility amongst Remarried Ethnic Minority Women in Singapore
Authors: Balachandran Lavanya , Jean Yeung Wei-Jun
Published: May 2020

Using a qualitative life history approach, this article offers to enhance our understanding of how remarriage impacts social mobility trajectories amongst ethnic minority women in Singapore. In particular, the attention to ethnic minority Malay women’s biographies reveals how the intersections of “ethnicity” and “class” render visibility to how re-partnership entails social exclusion that is morally and culturally coded concealing the emotional and material struggles that women in stepfamilies cope with. In comparing the lived experiences of remarried middle-class Malay women with their working-class counterparts, this article argues that stepfamily formation in Singapore in fact tends to deepen rather than mitigate vulnerabilities, particularly for the latter, thus failing to live up to the lure of economic stability that repartnerships are conventionally assumed to provide. In so doing, the article also argues for a nuanced understanding of social mobility as a non-linear process rather than an outcome.
Inter-industry Linkages of ICT Sector in India
Authors: Mehta Balwant Singh
Published: May 2020

The information and communications technology (ICT) sector has a strategic importance in India, given it is export-intensive in nature and has network externalities characteristics. Thus, it is critical to understand whether such externalities or spillover of ICT affects other industries of the economy in order to make informed policy decisions. This paper attempts to understand inter-industry linkage of the ICT sector. Input–output transaction table (IOTT) has been used to analyse the backward and forward linkages of the ICT sector. The findings reveal that the demand of ICT services as an input and supplier has huge potential to increase the total output and employment. There is vast scope to increase the integration of ICT with other sectors. Scope for policy and planning in India is still large, considering ICT’s strong backward and forward linkages with other sectors of the economy. Although ICT usage in other sectors of the economy has increased, it is still much lower compared to other developing and developed countries. In particular, improving domestic productivity and linking it with the national manufacturing policy and the recent “Make in India” initiatives and other polices of the government can improve the production of ICT goods and usages of ICT by other sectors of the economy.
Role of Livestock Farming in Meeting Livelihood Challenges of SC Cultivators in India
Authors: Sarkar Anupam
Published: May 2020

Diversification of income and employment portfolio is crucial for sustainable rural livelihoods. Livestock sector can play an important role in poverty alleviation, income enhancement and risk reduction for poor rural households. Livestock is one of the fastest-growing subsectors of agriculture and allied activities. Dalit or Scheduled Caste (SC) households, being at the lowest rung of social strata, is one of the most socially marginalised, resource-poor and economically vulnerable groups in India. Although livestock farming is often cited as a viable option for the growth of household income, there has been very little study on the participation of Dalit households in the livestock sector—the particular constraints and challenges they face vis-à-vis other caste groups. This article uses unit-level data from different surveys of the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) to explore the specific challenges and opportunities faced by Dalit households in successful diversification of their income portfolio to include livestock as an alternative economic activity. The article argues that despite the recent boom in livestock sector (especially in dairy) there is very little evidence that the SC households could take up this as a major economic activity. A lack of access to land, livestock resources and good marketing opportunities for SC cultivators stand in the way to a more successful diversification to livestock activities.
The Ideological Dimensionality in the Middle Eastern and North African Constitutions: A New Era in the Evolution of Islamic Constitutionalism
Authors: Öney Berna
Published: May 2020

The popular movements in 2011 led to many regime changes that resulted in amended or new constitutions in the Middle East and North Africa region. The constitutional debates concentrated mainly on the functions of the constitutions in authoritarian regimes, constitution-making processes, and the role of Islam during and after the uprisings. However, no research has analyzed the ideological dimensionality of the Middle Eastern and North African constitutions. By analyzing 19 newly enacted, drafted, and amended constitutions before and after the popular movements in the region, this article shows that the single ideological dimension in the constitutions can be defined by the openness of a state for liberal and modern values. This ideological dimension encompasses all the regional political debates on the political regime dynamics, the inclusion of rights and liberties, and the role of Islam. Besides offering an alternative typology for the constitutions in the region, this article also provides evidence for the beginning of the fourth phase of Islamic constitutionalism that merges the ideas of rule of law, which originates from democratic notions, and Islamic norms.
Successful treatment with thalidomide for pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Zhang Bingjie , Mao Xuming , Zhao Wenling , Jin Hongzhong , Li Li
Published: May 2020

Background:

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a potentially life-threatening mucocutaneous autoimmune blistering disease characterized by suprabasal acantholysis, causing painful mucocutaneous blisters and erosions. Current mainstay therapy for pemphigus is systemic corticosteroids in combination with or without immunosuppressive adjuvants, which may cause severe adverse effects and seriously impact on the quality of life in pemphigus patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of thalidomide therapy in patients with PV.

Methods:

This study examined six PV patients from June 5, 2017, to November 11, 2018, in the dermatology department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Treatment with thalidomide was applied at a dose of 50–100 mg/day for disease control.

Results:

The mean age of the six patients (two male and four female patients) at the time of thalidomide therapy initiation was 50.2 years (range: 38–67 years), and the total duration of follow-up after thalidomide therapy was 13.2 months (range: 5–25 months). All patients responded favorably to thalidomide treatment, and three patients showed a dramatic reduction in anti-Dsg3 autoantibodies in the serologic examinations within 1 year. Five patients were found to have mucosal involvement. Mild adverse effects were noted in three patients, which could be managed after the application of symptomatic treatment and did not interfere with the pemphigus therapy.

Conclusion:

These results demonstrate that thalidomide could be an effective and safe option for PV patients, especially those who are concerned about steroid-induced severe complications, and have mucosal diseases.
Ambedkar’s Critique of Recognition
Authors: Mahanand Jadumani
Published: May 2020

Despite the democratic upsurge, the traditional social value system perpetuates oppression, humiliation and violence against the oppressed communities, groups and individuals. The oppressed community’s struggle for recognition then becomes necessary in order to be able to live a good life. The various theories of recognition aim towards establishing human good as a normative ethical ideal. However, the scope of existing theories of recognition is limited as they propose new values without adequately displacing the old ones. This creates a contradiction or incoherence within the theory. B. R. Ambedkar’s Annihilation of Caste exposes such a gap and seeks to devise a more capable normative alternative theory. The first part of this paper tries to problematize the idea of recognition. In the second part, it interrogates and engages with the different discourses of recognition. Finally, in the third part, it presents Ambedkar’s theory of recognition as a normative ideal, which encapsulates the project of emancipation.
Esophageal Neuroendocrine Carcinoma With Focal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Component
Authors: Kang Min Kyun , Kang Do Kyun
Published: May 2020

This study was about a 70-year-old man with progressive dysphagia. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a 1.2-cm circumferential ulcerative mass at the level of 23 cm from the upper incisors in the upper esophagus. The mass was first diagnosed as a poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. McKeown esophagogastrectomy was performed with intention to treat the lesion. The pathological examination showed an esophageal neuroendocrine carcinoma that was mixed with squamous cell carcinoma component. In this report, we present a unique case of the extremely rare esophageal neoplasm, an esophageal neuroendocrine carcinoma with squamous cell carcinoma component.
Low grade albuminuria as a risk factor for subtypes of stroke - the HUNT Study in Norway
Authors: Horn Jens W. , Romundstad Solfrid , Ellekjær Hanne , Janszky Imre , Horn Julie
Published: May 2020

Background and purpose

Albuminuria is a marker for endothelial dysfunction and knowledge on its association with stroke and stroke subtypes are limited.

Methods

Corresponding data from 7261 participants of the population-based HUNT2 study (1995–1997) was linked with hospital records, identified all patients registered and diagnosed with a first-time stroke. Each diagnosis was validated by reviewal of the medical record appertaining to the individual. We then applied Cox proportional hazard models to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) for the association between albuminuria (measured as albumin-to-creatinine-ratio, ACR) and diagnosis of stroke and stroke subtypes.

Results

703 (9.7%) participants developed a first ischemic stroke during a median follow-up of 15 years. Higher albuminuria was associated with a higher rate for ischemic stroke and the risk rose steadily with increasing ACR (15% increment per unit increase in ACR concentration in mg/mmol). In the fully adjusted model, the HR for all ischemic strokes was 1.56 (95% CI 1.24–1.95) for those with an ACR ≥3 mg/mmol compared to participants with an ACR < 1 mg/mmol. Overall, increasing ACR was associated with a higher risk of all ischemic stroke subtypes. This was seen to be strongest for lacunar stroke (HR 1.75, CI 1.12–2.72, p = 0.019), and also for stroke of undetermined etiology (HR 1.53, CI 1.11–2.11, p = 0.009) and those caused by atherosclerosis in the large arteries (HR 1.51, CI 0.78–2.94, p = 0.186) than for cardio-embolic stroke (HR 1.22, CI 0.64–2.3, p = 0.518).

Conclusions

Albuminuria is an important risk factor, potentially already at low grade, for ischemic stroke especially for lacunar subtype. Measuring albuminuria is both cheap and readily available. This offers the opportunity to evaluate the risk for endothelial dysfunction and thus the subsequent risk for stroke and cerebral small vessel disease.
Production of high-quality two-dimensional gel electrophoresis profile for marine medaka samples by using Trizol-based protein extraction approaches
Authors: Kwok Celia Sze-Nga , Lai Kaze King-Yip , Lam Sai-Wo , Chan Kin-Ka , Xu Steven Jing-Liang , Lee Fred Wang-Fat
Published: May 2020

Background

Marine medaka is among the most popular models of fish species for ecotoxicology and environmental research and proteomic studies are useful tools for understanding the molecular responses of medaka upon exposure to different environmental stressors. The preparation of high-quality protein samples is the key to producing high-quality two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) results for proteomic analysis. In recent years, Trizol-based protein extraction has been gaining popularity because of its promising performance in producing high-quality 2-DE as well as the convenience of the method.

Methods

Three Trizol-based approaches (Trizol method, Aliquot Trizol method and Trizol method with a commercial clean-up kit) were used to extract proteins from a marine medaka sample and 2-DE profiles were produced. Quality of the 2-DE profiles and effectiveness of the extraction methods were evaluated. For comparison, two common protein extraction methods (lysis buffer method and trichloroacetic acid (TCA)/acetone precipitation extraction) were also applied in parallel to Trizol-based approaches.

Results

Any of the three Trizol-based approaches produced a high-quality 2-DE profile of marine medaka compared with both lysis buffer method and TCA/acetone precipitation extraction. In addition, Trizol method with a commercial clean-up kit produced the best 2-DE profile in terms of background clarity, number of spots and resolution of proteins.

Conclusions

Trizol-based approaches offered better choices than traditional protein extraction methods for 2-DE analysis of marine medaka. The modified version of Trizol method with a commercial clean-up kit was shown to produce the best 2-DE profile.
Do carbon nanoparticles really improve thyroid cancer surgery? A retrospective analysis of real-world data
Authors: Liu Junsong , Xu Chongwen , Wang Rui , Han Peng , Zhao Qian , Li Honghui , Bai Yanxia , Liu Lifeng , Zhang Shaoqiang , Yao Xiaobao
Published: May 2020

Background

Parathyroid protection and central neck dissection (CND) are basic points of thyroid cancer surgery and draw persistent concern. We aimed to evaluate the value of carbon nanoparticles (CNs) for parathyroid gland protection and CND in thyroid surgery for thyroid cancer patients.

Methods

A total of 386 consecutive thyroid cancer patients were enrolled in the retrospective study. Three hundred thirty-four patients using CNs intraoperatively were included in the CN group, and 52 patients without using CNs or any other helping agent were included in the control group. Intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) was examined. Medical records and histopathologic reports were reviewed. Histopathologic examination was performed.

Results

There were no statistical significances in demographic and basic surgical information, preoperative iPTH, and serum calcium between the two groups (P > 0.05). In the CN group, the thyroid tissue and central neck lymph nodes were stained black by CNs, while the parathyroid glands were not. Histopathological examination showed that the carbon nanoparticles might accumulated in the subcapsular sinus of lymph nodes compared with the none-stained samples. The staining with CNs did not impact the histopathological examination. There were no significant differences in postoperative hypocalcemia and hypoPT at day 1, 1 month, and half year after surgery between the two groups, respectively. There was a big decline of iPTH level after surgery, whereas the perioperative decreasing amplitude of PTH was not statistically different between the CNs and control group (57.2 ± 28.6 vs 55.7 ± 27.8, P = 0.710). There were 43 patients occurring incidental parathyroidectomy in the CN group (43/334, 12.9%) and 7 patients in the control group (7/52, 13.5%), without significant difference (P = 0.907). There was no significant difference in the number of lymph nodes identified by pathology per patient between the CNs and control group regardless of unilateral and bilateral CND.

Conclusions

Carbon nanoparticles help highlight parathyroid glands and lymph nodes in thyroidectomy, but generate no significant benefit for parathyroid glands protection and lymph node dissection. The value of carbon nanoparticles in thyroid cancer surgery should not be exaggerated and needs further evaluation.
Prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among cotton textile workers in low- and middle-income countries: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Akber Ali Naureen , Shahil Feroz Anam
Published: May 2020

Background

Cotton workers are exposed to various hazards in the textile industry that might result in different ailments including hypertension (HTN). However, few attempts have been made to systematically review the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factor among cotton textile workers in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). The objective of this study will be to evaluate the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among adult cotton textile workers in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods

We designed and registered a study protocol for a systematic review of descriptive epidemiology data. We will include observational studies (e.g., cross-sectional, cohort, surveys) on the epidemiology of hypertension among adult cotton textile workers in low- and middle-income countries. The primary outcome will be the prevalence of hypertension. Secondary outcomes will be the prevalence of risk factors of hypertension. Literature searches will be conducted in multiple electronic databases (from January 2000 onwards), including PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library. Gray literature will be identified through searching conference abstracts, thesis dissertations, and public repositories. Two investigators will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using an appropriate tool. If feasible, we will conduct random effects meta-analysis. Additional analyses will be conducted to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity (e.g., age, gender, years of service, textile department).

Discussion

This systematic review will identify, evaluate, and integrate evidence on the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among adult cotton textile workers in low- and middle-income countries. Our findings will be made publicly available in a repository and published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020167175
ЯЗЫКОВАЯ И РЕЧЕВАЯ БИОГРАФИЯ КАК ОДИН ИЗ ФАКТОРОВ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ЯЗЫКОВОЙ ЛИЧНОСТИ И ЕЕ МЕНТАЛЬНОГО ЛЕКСИКОНА
Authors: Lyamzina Svetlana Alekseevna
Published: May 2020

Статья посвящена изучению особенностей организации ментального лексикона языковой личности. В связи с чем основной исследовательский вопрос сформулирован следующим образом: существуют ли устойчивые корреляции между языковой / речевой биографией человека и характеристиками системных связей слов в его ментальном лексиконе?Цель данной статьи – сформулировать на основе проводимого исследования ряд аргументов в пользу обоснованности гипотезы о том, что одним из факторов, влияющих на речевую продукцию индивида (его языковую личность), а, следовательно, на структуру и содержание его ментального лексикона, является языковая и речевая биография.Основные методы, используемые в исследовании: метод структурированного интервью, элементы качественно-количественных подсчетов и описательный метод.Результаты. Проведенное исследование выявило, что языковая и речевая биография является одним из факторов, влияющих на речевую продукцию человека (его языковую личность), а поскольку вербально-семантический уровень языковой личности представлен в ментальном лексиконе, то его структура и содержание также зависят от речевой и языковой биографии. Следовательно, знания языковой и речевой биографии помогают определить, какие слова могут находиться в ядре ментального лексикона.Область применения результатов. Полученные результаты важно учитывать при реабилитации пациентов с нарушением речи, которое возникает при органических поражениях мозга ‒ афазиях, поскольку это дает возможность разработать для них индивидуальный комплекс упражнений, принимающий во внимание особенности их языковой личности и языковой / речевой биографии.
ДОСТИЖЕНИЕ ТОЧНОСТИ И ЭКВИВАЛЕНТНОСТИ В ПЕРЕВОДНОМ ДИСКУРСЕ С АНГЛИЙСКОГО ЯЗЫКА НА РУССКИЙ (НА МАТЕРИАЛЕ ТВОРЧЕСТВА ЭМИЛИ ДИКИНСОН)
Authors: Mosolkova Marina G. , Mardanshina Rimma M. , Kalganova Gulnara F.
Published: May 2020

Цель. В данной статье рассматриваются переводы стихов Эмили Дикинсон с точки зрения соответствия оригиналу, использования стилистических и грамматических средств, прагматической адаптации перевода.Объектом исследования стало собственно поэтическое творчество американской поэтессы Э. Дикинсон.Метод и методология проведения работы. Основу исследования составляет лингвистический и переводческий анализ с элементами сопоставления.Актуальность исследования определила необходимость изучения проблемы достижения адекватности и эквивалентности перевода, сохранения экспрессивно-эмоциональной нагрузки и эстетической ценности при переводе с английского языка на русский.Результаты. Авторами обосновывается наиболее близкий к оригиналу вариант перевода с учётом целостной картины мира поэтессы, её предпочтений, грамматических особенностей английского языка. Перевод стихов Э. Дикинсон должен осуществляться с учётом основных художественных функций её лексики и метафоричности, эмоционального воздействия на читателя; выражения идейного содержания и эмоционального настроя стихотворения, а также авторских оценок, взглядов и чувств; создания индивидуально-авторских поэтических образов.Область применения результатов. Полученные результаты могут быть использованы в курсах по переводоведению и зарубежной литературе.
ФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНЫЕ ТИПЫ АРАБСКИХ И АНГЛИЙСКИХ ГАЗЕТНЫХ ЗАГОЛОВКОВ
Authors: Nabiullina Vasilya Rinatovna
Published: May 2020

елью исследования является изучение функциональных типов арабского и английского газетных заголовков исходя из той задачи и роли, которую выполняет заголовок на газетной полосе.Описательный и статистический методы были использованы в качестве основных методов, применявшихся рамках данной работы.Соотношение рассмотренных функциональных типов газетных заголовков арабского и английского языков, а также выявление частоты их применения в качестве заголовков для печатных газетных произведений различной направленности было определено при помощи диаграммы. Полученные данные показали, что большую часть синтаксических конструкций, применяемых в арабских и английских газетных заголовках, составляют заголовки-утверждения, структура которых позволяет донести до читателей интересующую их информацию в максимально сжатом, лаконичном виде. Данные, полученные в результате исследования, определенно ограничены и не могут охватить и проиллюстрировать соотношение применения изученных функциональных типов всех газетных заголовков обоих языков, поэтому в рамках данной работы была рассмотрена общая тенденция к использованию определенной синтаксической конструкции в соответствии с целью и задачами, поставленными перед печатным изданием.Материалы исследования могут быть использованы при изучении грамматики обоих языков, а также для рассмотрения и анализа особенностей газетного стиля.
СТАНОВЛЕНИЕ СУБСУФФИКСА НЕМЕЦКОГО ЯЗЫКА -SUCHT
Authors: Narykova Natalija Alekseevna , Khatagova Svetlana Viktorovna , Perepelitsyna Yuliya Rostislavovna
Published: May 2020

Наряду с общепринятыми моделям словообразования в немецком языке значимую роль имеет субдеривация. Субаффиксы образуются из самостоятельных частей речи на основе многозначности лексических единиц. Настоящая статья посвящена рассмотрению процесса перехода в словообразовательный формант немецкого существительного Sucht и семантическому анализу возникающих образований. Эмпирическим материалом исследования явились веб-сайты: Deutsche Welle, NetDoktor, Jetzt, а также обратные словари М.Д. Степановой и Г. Мутмана.Основными методами проведения исследования послужили следующие: компонентный анализ, лексико-семантический анализ, трансформационный, метод определения внутренней валентности.По результатам исследования выявлено, что существительное Sucht частично утрачивает свое значение, сохраняя фонетические и семантические связи с исходным словом, приобретает функцию суффикса, все чаще используется при образовании субдеривата, чем в самостоятельном употреблении.Материалы исследования могут быть использованы в процессе овладения немецким языком, на практических занятиях по устной речи, а также в курсах лексикологии, общей и аспектной лексикографии.
ВОЕННАЯ ПУБЛИЦИСТИКА НАЧАЛА XX В.: ЯЗЫКОВЫЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ ПУБЛИЦИСТИЧЕСКИХ СТАТЕЙ Л. АНДРЕЕВА В СБОРНИКЕ «В СЕЙ ГРОЗНЫЙ ЧАС» (1914-1916)
Authors: Nesterova Tatyana Aleksandrovna , Nesterova Angelina Alekseevna
Published: May 2020

Цель. Актуальность исследования связана с рассмотрением малоизученной в филологической науке публицистики Л. Андреева, которая является стилистическим образцом военной публицистики периода первой мировой войны. Цель исследования: лингвистический анализ статей сборника «В сей грозный час» (1914–1916) на лексическом, морфологическом, синтаксическом уровнях. Уделяется внимание языковой характеристике статей с точки зрения выражения патриотической идеи.Метод или методология проведения работы:1. Контекстуальный метод анализа элементов текста с точки зрения содержательной нагрузки.2. Стилистический метод анализа языковых средств с учётом сфер функционирования.Результаты исследования:1. Языковые уровни публицистического текста Л. Андреева формируют патриотические идеи, выражающие комплексное понимание военных событий автором.2. Выразительные средства художественной речи, используемые Л. Андреевым в сборнике «В сей грозный час», передают пафос военной публицистики.3. В сборнике «В сей грозный час» Л. Андреев высказывает собственную религиозно-философскую, гражданскую позицию, формирует общественное мнение по вопросу мировой войны.Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования могут быть применены в сравнительно-исторических литературоведческих исследованиях.
РИТОРИЧЕСКИЕ ВОПРОСЫ КАК РЕАЛИЗАЦИЯ СТРАТЕГИИ УБЕЖДЕНИЯ В СУДЕБНОМ ДИСКУРСЕ
Authors: Osetrova Marina Olegovna
Published: May 2020

Цель. Данная статья посвящена изучению языковых средств реализации различных коммуникативных интенций говорящего в рамках современной когнитивно-дискурсивной лингвистической парадигмы, что обуславливает актуальность данного исследования. Автор ставит целью изучить реализацию стратегии убеждения через синтаксические средства в персуазивной коммуникации судебного дискурса на примере заключительных выступлений американских адвокатов в суде.Метод или методология проведения работы. Основу исследования составляет метод прагма-семантического анализа текста, контекстуальный анализ, метод статистического и синтаксического анализа.Результаты. Результаты работы заключаются в том, риторические вопросы как косвенные речевые акты могут оказывать необходимый для говорящего перлокутивный эффект в конкретной коммуникативной ситуации. В рамках судебного дискурса риторические вопросы являются эффективными языковыми средствами реализации стратегии убеждения.Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования могут быть использованы в области лингвистических исследований речевого воздействия в рамках конкретного дискурса, а также в профессиональной деятельности юристов с целью повышения их профессиональной компетенции.
Activin A Modulates Inflammation in Acute Pancreatitis and Strongly Predicts Severe Disease Independent of Body Mass Index
Authors: Thomas Alexandra L. , Castellanos Karla , Mancinelli Georgina , Xia Yinglin , Bauer Jessica , Yazici Cemal , Fantuzzi Giamila , Hwang Rosa F. , Krett Nancy L. , Papachristou Georgios I. , Whitcomb David C. , Jung Barbara
Published: May 2020

INTRODUCTION:

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a healthcare challenge with considerable mortality. Treatment is limited to supportive care, highlighting the need to investigate disease drivers and prognostic markers. Activin A is an established mediator of inflammatory responses, and its serum levels correlate with AP severity. We hypothesized that activin A is independent of body mass index (BMI) and is a targetable promoter of the AP inflammatory response.

METHODS:

We assessed whether BMI and serum activin A levels are independent markers to determine disease severity in a cohort of patients with AP. To evaluate activin A inhibition as a therapeutic, we used a cerulein-induced murine model of AP and treated mice with activin A-specific neutralizing antibody or immunoglobulin G control, both before and during the development of AP. We measured the production and release of activin A by pancreas and macrophage cell lines and observed the activation of macrophages after activin A treatment.

RESULTS:

BMI and activin A independently predicted severe AP in patients. Inhibiting activin A in AP mice reduced disease severity and local immune cell infiltration. Inflammatory stimulation led to activin A production and release by pancreas cells but not by macrophages. Macrophages were activated by activin A, suggesting activin A might promote inflammation in the pancreas in response to injury.

DISCUSSION:

Activin A provides a promising therapeutic target to interrupt the cycle of inflammation and tissue damage in AP progression. Moreover, assessing activin A and BMI in patients on hospital admission could provide important predictive measures for screening patients likely to develop severe disease.