bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Social Media on Work Performance at a Technopark in India
Authors: Babu Srishti , Hareendrakumar VR  , Subramoniam Suresh
Published: October 2020

The aim of this research is to study the impact of social media on work performance in creating value at work. According to social capital theories, social media facilitate knowledge transfer. Limited earlier studies show that social capital and knowledge transfer help promote work performance. The components of social capital—shared vision, network ties, and trust—represent its cognitive, structural, and relational aspects. The study model is analysed through structural equation modelling using primary data from IT professionals at a leading techno park in South India. The influence of social media on work performance, linked through components of social capital and knowledge transfer, is empirically tested in this research. It provides insights for managers on benefits of social media usage in organizations.
The CJEU’s case law on the role of posting certificates: A missed opportunity to combat social dumping
Authors: Verschueren Herwig
Published: October 2020

The posting of workers between Member States of the EU has increased dramatically over the past decade. It has led to political and legal discussions on the employment and social rights of these workers during their temporary employment in the host Member State. As far as social security is concerned, these workers remain subject to the social security system of the sending Member State, provided that a number of conditions are fulfilled. Still, the application of these conditions and control of their observance did not turn out to be efficient and was even rendered problematic by the case law of the CJEU on the meaning of the so-called posting certificates. This article takes a closer look at the role of these certificates. It the analyses and discusses the case law on this and formulates some critical comments on it.
Death sentencing by Zoom: An actor-network theory analysis
Authors: Heinsch Milena , Sourdin Tania , Brosnan Caragh , Cootes Hannah
Published: October 2020

During the COVID-19 pandemic, courts around the world have introduced a range of technologies to cope with social distancing requirements. Jury trials have been largely delayed, although some jurisdictions moved to remote jury approaches and video conferencing was used extensively for bail applications. While videoconferencing has been used to a more limited extent in the area of sentencing, many were appalled by the news that two people were sentenced to death via Zoom. This article uses actor-network theory (ANT) to explore the role of technology in reshaping the experience of those involved in the sentencing of Punithan Genasan in Singapore.
Hypertrophic gastropathy associated with gastric sarcoma in a dog
Authors: Romanucci Mariarita , Crisi Paolo E. , Giordano Maria Veronica , Di Tommaso Morena , Simeoni Francesco , Della Salda Leonardo
Published: October 2020

A 14-y-old spayed female Labrador Retriever was presented with an 8-mo history of chronic vomiting. Abdominal ultrasound and gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a mass protruding into the gastric lumen, with cytologic features suggestive of sarcoma. A partial gastrectomy was performed; the gastric body and antrum were thickened, with a cerebriform appearance of the mucosal surface. Histologic examination revealed a submucosal neoplastic proliferation of fusiform cells variably arranged in irregular bundles and scattered whorls. Fusiform cells strongly reacted to antibodies against vimentin, S100, and neuron-specific enolase; glial fibrillary acidic protein was moderately and multifocally expressed. Pancytokeratin, KIT, α–smooth muscle actin, and desmin were nonreactive. Histologic and immunohistochemical findings suggested a diagnosis of gastric sarcoma with features referable to a non-GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumor), non–smooth muscle NIMT (non-angiogenic, non-lymphogenic intestinal mesenchymal tumor). The overlying gastric mucosa was thickened by elongated and dilated gastric glands, predominantly lined by intensely periodic acid-Schiff–stained mucous cells. This altered mucosal architecture was suggestive of Ménétrier-like disease. Although this disease has been hypothesized to predispose to gastric adenocarcinoma in dogs, an association with gastric sarcoma has not been documented previously in the veterinary literature, to our knowledge.
Mechanically strong and resilient shape memory polyurethane with hexamethylene diisocyanate as mixing segment
Authors: Mohanty Jayashree , Garg Hema , Gupta Priyanka , Alagirusamy Ramasamy , Tripathi Bijay P , Kumar Bipin
Published: October 2020

Mechanical robustness and flexibility of shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) make them a prominent candidate in various field. However, the shape memory characteristics are hampered due to the lower breaking stress and strain originating from the slippage of hard segments during deformation and entropic elasticity of the segments. Herein, SMPU is synthesised by modification of Polycaprolactone diol (PCL) based soft segment by introducing a linear chain diisocyante, that is hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) as the mixing segment and rigid MDI (4,4′-methylene bis-phenyl diisocyanate) as the hard segment. The HDI based soft segment is expected to improve the chain flexibility, and MDI will retain the strength factor. The SMPU is characterised by chemical, structural and thermal analysis. The stress relaxation behaviour of the film was analysed w.r.t time and correlated with recovery studies using the Maxwell model. The thermomechanical conditions are optimised to attain higher shape fixity (SF) and shape recovery (SR) and the SMPU shows maximum SF (60.8%) and SR (97%) at 70°C temperature and 50% strain condition. Also, SMPU shows the tensile strength of 23.4 MPa with elongation at break of nearly 1270%. Thus, the combination of both diisocyanate and soft segments imparts strength and ductility to the SMPU.
The role of the cerebellum in creativity and expert stone knapping
Authors: Coolidge Frederick L
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this article is to review the evolution and function of the cerebellum, particularly in regard to its role in creativity and expert stone knapping. First, the article reviews the history of the cerebellum, its evolution and phylogenetics, and its concerted evolution with various brain regions. It also notes the critical role of the cerebellum and the cerebro-cerebellar network in its traditionally recognized control of gross and fine motor movements and in its exaptation for basic and higher level cognitive processes, particularly in regard to increasingly more sophisticated stone knapping. Also, reviewed are various theories, advanced over the past three decades, of how the cerebellum tweaks and refines thoughts, images, and ideas just as it refines and smooths motor movements. Baddeley’s working memory model is also prominently featured, as are the works of Ito, Vandervert, and others on the cerebellum’s role in novel problem-solving, insight, and creativity. Finally, this article reviews two “Cognitive Rubicons” in stone tool knapping, Theory of Mind and stone knapping, and Malafouris’ Material Engagement Theory. The article concludes with a novel hypothesis that the automaticity provided by the cerebellum derived from extensive practice in stone knapping may have freed Baddeley’s central executive from its attentional demands and allows the mind to “wander and wonder.”
Students With Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Inclusive Classes: A Critical Incident Analysis
Authors: Weiss Sabine , Muckenthaler Magdalena , Kiel Ewald
Published: October 2020

In this study, critical situations relating to students with emotional and behavioral problems in inclusive German secondary schools were analyzed. The objective was to identify behaviors and behavioral patterns that impede or even terminate the inclusive education of students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Critical situations, their antecedent conditions, and consequences were collected using Flanagan’s critical incident technique in group discussions with teachers ( N = 77). The situations were categorized using qualitative content analysis. Students’ behaviors in the critical incidents were disruptive behaviors, displays of aggression toward classmates, and behaviors perceived as unusual. A distinctive category involved situations on students enjoying special treatment because more favorable conditions for examinations were provided and misbehaviors were handled in lenient ways. This elicited feelings of unfair advantage from other students and had an adverse impact on class dynamics. A strong influential factor was parents prohibiting disclosure of information about their children’s disorder(s). Therefore, measures especially on class level are expedient, such as sensitizing processes making students understand that misbehavior and disorders lead to disadvantages and that special treatment is to compensate for these disadvantages. Moreover, individual agreements between schools and parents may be arrived at to negotiate the modalities of an information disclosure.
Aquinas’s Eschatological Historiography: Job, Providence, and the Multiple Senses of the Historical Event
Authors: Van Wart T. Adam
Published: October 2020

Drawing primarily from Thomas’ commentary on the Book of Job and the Summa Theologiae, I argue, first, that Aquinas views history and historiography in primarily eschatological terms; second, that Thomas’ eschatological reading of the events of history lead him to view those selfsame discrete punctiliar events as having multiple, providentially determined senses or meanings; and third, that despite his seeing each historical happening as a verdically layered and eschatologically drawn event, Aquinas is nevertheless preserved from collapsing history into eschatology by his privileging of “the literal sense.” I then explore the continuities Aquinas’ medieval view of history and historiography share with our own late modern accounts through their mutual deference to “the literal sense” of events. But I hope ultimately to display from both his reading of the Book of Job and the Summa the various ways in which, for Thomas, the happenings of history are, unlike modern historiographies, providentially saturated phenomena.
Analysis of Tumor Depth Invasion With Anti-Smoothelin Antibody in Equivocal Transurethral Resection of Urinary Bladder Tumor Surgical Specimens
Authors: Mihai Ioana Maria , Olteanu Gheorghe-Emilian , Herman Diana , Anderco Denisa , Iacob Mihaela , Nataras Bianca , Cumpanas Alin Adrian , Bardan Razvan , Dema Alis
Published: October 2020

Objective

To examine the expression and value of the smoothelin marker in control cases, to standardize the working method, and to analyze its application in pathologic staging process of problematic transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) cases.

Material and Methods

Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed on tumor-free bladder wall sections, tumor-free large bowel sections, TURBTs with unequivocal tumor stage, and TURBTs with equivocal stage. The IHC staining of muscularis mucosa (MM), muscularis propria (MP), and blood vessels was evaluated semiquantitatively.

Results

Smoothelin IHC staining pattern ranged from negative (30% to 67% cases) to 2+ (0% to 15% cases) in MM and from 1+ (10% to 50% cases) to 3+ (9% to 48% cases) in MP. When compared on the same slide, the smoothelin expression of MP showed a stronger staining intensity than the one of the MM in all the analyzed cases. Blood vessel muscle cells stained in a constant intensity as the MM ( r = 0.9808; r = 0.9604). Smoothelin determined restaging of 33% of the problematic TURBT cases.

Conclusion

Smoothelin is an IHC marker that shows differential staining between coexistent MM and MP; however, variations in staining intensity and pattern may occur, aspects that can be influenced by different technique variables. We recommend using this marker as a diagnostic tool in problematic TURBT cases only when there is sufficient experience in control cases with this antibody.
The Translesional Spinal Network and Its Reorganization after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Krupa Petr , Siddiqui Ahad M. , Grahn Peter J. , Islam Riazul , Chen Bingkun K. , Madigan Nicolas N. , Windebank Anthony J. , Lavrov Igor A.
Published: October 2020

Evidence from preclinical and clinical research suggest that neuromodulation technologies can facilitate the sublesional spinal networks, isolated from supraspinal commands after spinal cord injury (SCI), by reestablishing the levels of excitability and enabling descending motor signals via residual connections. Herein, we evaluate available evidence that sublesional and supralesional spinal circuits could form a translesional spinal network after SCI. We further discuss evidence of translesional network reorganization after SCI in the presence of sensory inputs during motor training. In this review, we evaluate potential mechanisms that underlie translesional circuitry reorganization during neuromodulation and rehabilitation in order to enable motor functions after SCI. We discuss the potential of neuromodulation technologies to engage various components that comprise the translesional network, their functional recovery after SCI, and the implications of the concept of translesional network in development of future neuromodulation, rehabilitation, and neuroprosthetics technologies.
Older Black Americans During COVID-19: Race and Age Double Jeopardy
Authors: Chatters Linda M. , Taylor Harry Owen , Taylor Robert Joseph
Published: October 2020

The concept of “double jeopardy”—being both older and Black—describes how racism and ageism together shape higher risks for coronavirus exposure, COVID-19 disease, and poor health outcomes for older Black adults. Black people and older adults are the two groups most affected by COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Double jeopardy, as a race- and age-informed analysis, demonstrates how Black race and older age are associated with practices and policies that shape key life circumstances (e.g., racial residential segregation, family and household composition) and resources in ways that embody elevated risk for COVID-19. The concept of double jeopardy underscores long-standing race- and age-based inequities and social vulnerabilities that produce devastating COVID-19 related deaths and injuries for older Black adults. Developing policies and actions that address race- and age-based inequities and social vulnerabilities can lower risks and enhance protective factors to ensure the health of older Black Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What Is Evaluation?: Perspectives of How Evaluation Differs (or Not) From Research
Authors: Wanzer Dana Linnell
Published: October 2020

With a lack of consensus of what evaluation is within the field of evaluation, there is a difficulty in communicating to nonevaluators what evaluation is and how evaluation differs from research. To understand how evaluation is defined, both evaluators and researchers were asked how they defined evaluation and, if at all, differentiated evaluation from research. Overall, evaluators believed research and evaluation intersect, whereas researchers believed evaluation is a subcomponent of research. Furthermore, evaluators perceived greater differences between evaluation and research than researchers did, particularly in characteristics relevant at the beginning (e.g., purpose, questions, audience) and end (e.g., rendering value judgments, disseminating results) of studies. This study suggests that greater consensus on a definition of evaluation is needed to be able to distinguish the field and discipline of evaluation from related fields and to be able to communicate this information to nonevaluators.
The Role of Tryptophan and Tyrosine in Executive Function and Reward Processing
Authors: Aquili Luca
Published: October 2020

The serotonergic precursor tryptophan and the dopaminergic precursor tyrosine have been shown to be important modulators of mood, behaviour and cognition. Specifically, research on the function of tryptophan has characterised this molecule as particularly relevant in the context of pathological disorders such as depression. Moreover, a large body of evidence has now been accumulated to suggest that tryptophan may also be involved in executive function and reward processing. Despite some clear differentiation with tryptophan, the data reviewed in this paper illustrates that tyrosine shares similar functions with tryptophan in the regulation of executive function and reward, and that these processes in turn, rather than acting in isolation, causally influence each other.
Investigating high temperature solid lubricant material for a scroll expander
Authors: Legros A , Diny M , Zaïdi H , Lemort V
Published: October 2020

In the context of a waste heat recovery application on a gasoline engine, tribological investigations have been mandatory in the design of a scroll expander. A new design has been proposed to reach higher temperature and investigations are made to ensure that the material of the parts in contact will provide good tribological performances, i.e. a low coefficient of friction and a low wear rate. This research will also prevent high mechanical losses in the machine and, therefore, increase its thermal efficiency. Some experiments have been conducted on six different materials for the tip seal of the expander and two materials for the counter face. Additionally, the experiments have been carried out for a dry and a steam-lubricated contact at several temperatures. This research does not aim to be an exhaustive tribological investigation but instead offers a first comparison between the different materials couples.
Pro-neurotensin/neuromedin N and risk of ischemic stroke: The REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study
Authors: Nicoli Charles D , Wettersten Nicholas , Judd Suzanne E , Howard George , Howard Virginia J , Struck Joachim , Cushman Mary
Published: October 2020

The tridecapeptide neurotensin has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic disease. Its stable precursor, pro-neurotensin/neuromedin N (pro-NT/NMN), has been associated with composite cardiovascular outcomes including coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. The exclusive association of pro-NT/NMN with ischemic stroke has not been evaluated. We conducted a prospective case-cohort study in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study. From 2003 to 2007, REGARDS enrolled 30,239 white or black adults aged ⩾ 45 years. Baseline fasting pro-NT/NMN was measured by immunoassay in the analytic sample including 448 incident ischemic stroke cases and 818 random cohort sample participants. A total of 464 ischemic strokes occurred. Risk of stroke was assessed with a Cox proportional-hazards model incorporating demographic covariates and a second adding stroke risk factors. Increased pro-NT/NMN was associated with ischemic stroke in the demographic model overall (hazard ratio (HR) per standard deviation (SD) pro-NT/NMN 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.33) and in men (HR per SD pro-NT/NMN 1.25, 95% CI 1.04–1.50); HRs were attenuated in the risk factor model. Pre-existing diabetes mellitus and CHD were the largest confounders of ischemic stroke risk, each accounting for an estimated 19% of the association of pro-NT/NMN with ischemic stroke observed in the demographic model. There were no significant interactions of race or sex with pro-NT/NMN. Further research on associations of pro-NT/NMN with stroke risk factors such as diabetes mellitus is indicated.
Physical modeling and experimental verification of magneto-rheological damper under medium and high frequency excitation
Authors: Xu Fanghui , Dong Dawei , Huang Yan , Song Shizhe , Yan Bing
Published: October 2020

As a promising semi-active device, magneto-rheological damper has been widely used in low-frequency vibration isolation fields (within 20 Hz) such as bridge damping and building seismic resistance. Recently, the application of magneto-rheological damper has extended to medium and high frequency fields such as satellite and power engine vibration control, accompanied with an urgent need of detailed understanding of its output characteristics. In this paper, a comprehensive physical model is established to analyze dynamic performance of the magneto-rheological damper. The model, derived from both Poiseuille and Couette flow, aims to describe the relationship between the flow rate and pressure difference. The compressibility of the magneto-rheological fluid, the inertia of both the fluid and piston assembly, and the friction are involved to capture the medium and high frequency dynamics of the damping force. Theoretical calculation and simulation verification of magnetic circuit are conducted. Then the experiment based on a self-made prototype is carried out. The results show that the damping force calculated by proposed physical model matches well with the experimental results across the predefined range of frequency and coil current levels.
‘Stealing Money’ OR ‘Embezzling Public Funds’: Construing sleaze in the Ugandan press via legalese
Authors: Mugumya Levis
Published: October 2020

This study examines the construction of news reportage relating to normative breach. It analyses news stories on major corruption incidents involving embezzlement and the misuse of public funds by government officials in Uganda. The study employs a discourse analysis to explore how corruption is constructed and construed in the print media. It invokes Appraisal Theory to analyse hard news reports recounting corruption occurrences, proceedings or findings of commissions of inquiry into corruption incidents and arrests of suspects, public hearings and court proceedings of suspected corrupt persons across two daily newspapers published in English. The study explicates the nature of linguistic evaluative resources that news writers invoke to map feelings, and to evaluate news actors, processes and phenomena. The analysis reveals that news reporters heavily rely on external texts and voices to recount corruption stories. These sources are couched in legal language (legalese), which in turn impinges on the linguistic resources employed to evaluate news actors. Whereas this rhetorical strategy enables the news report to achieve ‘objectivity’, it appears to protect the journalist against defamation or slander. Appraisal analysis reveals dominant instances of negative inscriptions of the social sanction of propriety, namely overt negative evaluations of non-compliance with the civic responsibilities and state laws. The news reportage exhibits positive attributes of corrupt persons in relation to their material wealth and social capital. Finally, the study also reveals the journalistic stance towards corruption, which is covertly shown via modes of meaning intensification.
The Date and Authenticity of the Ignatian Letters: An Outline of Recent Discussions
Authors: Lookadoo Jonathon
Published: October 2020

This article examines recent studies of the date and authenticity of the letters of Ignatius of Antioch. Although the debate has a long history, this article focuses on the most recent period of this debate—from roughly 1997 through 2018. While not wanting to diminish the differences between contributors to this debate, three general views can be adduced. This article begins by highlighting the major players and formative contributors to each view. Of particular note in this most recent phase of debate is the separation of the date of the letters from the question of their authenticity. The article next turns to consider the primary pieces of evidence that are utilized when considering Ignatius’s date: the historical value of the Eusebian evidence, the possibility of interpolations within Polycarp’s Philippians, and Ignatius’s interactions with Second Sophistic rhetoric. The conclusion inquires about whether there is other evidence that might be utilized to aid scholars in dating and evaluating the Ignatian letters more securely.
Forgoing life sustaining treatment decision-making in critically ill children: Parental views and factor’s influence
Authors: Nurnaningsih Nurnaningsih , Setiyarini Sri , Al Mirzanah Syafa’atun , Padmawati Retna Siwi , Juffrie Mohammad
Published: October 2020

Objective

Explore parents’ point of view about forgoing life sustaining treatment (LST) in terminal critically ill children and factors affecting their decisions.

Method

This was a qualitative study using in-depth interviews with parents whose child died between 6–12 months old in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a university-affiliated teaching hospital. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. Data were analyzed using interpretive description method.

Result

A total of 7 parents of 5 children decided to withhold or withdraw LST. Five parents from 4 children decided to sign the do not attempt resuscitation (DNAR), and none choose to withdrew the LST, including mechanical support. Factors influenced their decision were communication, value of children, child best interest, intuition, religious belief, and emotions. Economic factors did not influence the decision-making.

Conclusion

Most parents decided to sign the DNAR, none choose to withdrew mechanical support. Communication was the most important factor that influenced parents to make a forgoing LST decision.
Prediction of Poor Prognosis of HCC by Early Warning Model for Co-Expression of miRNA and mRNA Based on Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Su Zi-jian , Lin Chun-cheng , Pan Jian-hui , Zhang Jian-hua , Han Tao , Pan Qunxiong
Published: October 2020

Objective:

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) has the highest mortality rate worldwide with the intractability of its extremely complicated pathogenesis and unclear mechanism. The limited survival highlights the need for the further detection of prognosis for HCC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) have been identified as regulatory factors and target genes in human cancers, while some studies also found post-transcriptional modification plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of HCC. The present study aimed to elucidate the prognostic significance of miRNA and mRNA models in HCC.

Methods:

Data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. The miRNA and mRNA expressions were tested by the Wilcoxon and used funrich software to predict mRNA that might be related to miRNA. Then we determined the intersection with overlapped mRNA and miRNA Venn diagram, and screened out hub gene by using Degree algorithm in Cytoscape software. The COX models, with TCGA data as the training set and ICGC data as the test set, were constructed. All patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups. Data on overall survival of different groups were collected and analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method, and independent risk factors affecting prognosis were assessed by Cox analysis.

Results:

The miRNA and mRNA polygenic risk model showed a good true positive rate. Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox analysis suggested that the high-risk group was associated with poor prognosis, and the risk score could be used as an independent risk factor for HCC.

Conclusion:

Tumor risk models constructed in this study could effectively predict the prognosis of patients, which is expected to provide a reference for the prognostic stratification and treatment strategy development of HCC.
Caregivers’ Dementia Knowledge and Care Approach in Residential Aged Care Facilities in China
Authors: Dai Yunyun , Zhao Jia , Li Shenmei , Zhao Chaochao , Gao Yan , Johnson Claire Elizabeth
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To investigate the dementia knowledge and care approach used by caregivers in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) in China.

Method:

A cross-sectional survey of 785 caregivers from a random sample of 34 RACFs in China. Caregivers’ knowledge and care approach were assessed using the Chinese version of the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Tool 2 and Advanced Dementia Care Questionnaire.

Results:

The majority of caregivers showed limited knowledge of dementia and tended not to adopt a person-centered approach to care. Educational level, dementia care training, and years of work experience were positively associated with dementia knowledge. Educational level and years of work experience were also associated with a person-centered approach to care.

Conclusions:

This study provides insight into the care available to people with dementia in RACFs in China. The results suggest dementia care education programs as well as person-centered care training are urgently needed for caregivers in China.
Cutaneous Pedal Manifestations in Patient With Hepatitis C Virus–Associated Cryoglobulinemia: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: McEneaney Patrick A. , Nicklas Bonnie J. , Kuba Jennifer L. , Rundell Joseph D.
Published: October 2020

Cryoglobulinemia is an uncommon blood dyscrasia that can manifest itself in the lower extremity. Due to the insidious nature of this disease, dermatological symptoms and ulcerations can easily be mistaken for more common entities. The authors present an overview of cryoglobulinemia and a case report of a patient with lower extremity manifestations of this disorder. This can provide specific guidance on the steps necessary to accurately establish the diagnosis of cryoglobulinemia or rule it out and pursue other etiologies causing lower extremity ulceration.
Phonological but not semantic influences on the speech-to-song illusion
Authors: Vitevitch Michael S , Ng Joshua W , Hatley Evan , Castro Nichol
Published: October 2020

In the speech to song illusion, a spoken phrase begins to sound as if it is being sung after several repetitions. Castro et al. (2018) used Node Structure Theory (NST; MacKay, 1987), a model of speech perception and production, to explain how the illusion occurs. Two experiments further test the mechanisms found in NST—priming, activation, and satiation—as an account of the speech to song illusion. In Experiment 1, words varying in the phonological clustering coefficient influenced how quickly a lexical node could recover from satiation, thereby influencing the song-like ratings to lists of words that were high versus low in phonological clustering coefficient. In Experiment 2, we used equivalence testing (i.e., the TOST procedure) to demonstrate that once lexical nodes are satiated the higher level semantic information associated with the word cannot differentially influence song-like ratings to lists of words varying in emotional arousal. The results of these two experiments further support the NST account of the speech to song illusion.
Multidrug and Pan-Antibiotic Resistance—The Role of Antimicrobial and Synergistic Essential Oils: A Review
Authors: Boren Karen , Crown AliceAnn , Carlson Richard
Published: October 2020

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics continues to be a grave threat to human health. Because antibiotics are no longer a lucrative market for pharmaceutical companies, the development of new antibiotics has slowed to a crawl. The World Health Organization reported that the 8 new bacterial agents approved since July 2017 had limited clinical benefits. While a cohort of biopharmaceutical companies recently announced plans to develop 2-4 new antibiotics by 2030, we needn’t wait a decade to find innovative antibiotic candidates. Essential oils (EOs) have long been known as antibacterial agents with wide-ranging arsenals. Many are able to penetrate the bacterial membrane and may also be effective against bacterial defenses such as biofilms, efflux pumps, and quorum sensing. EOs have been documented to fight drug-resistant bacteria alone and/or combined with antibiotics. This review will summarize research showing the significant role of EOs as nonconventional regimens against the worldwide spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The authors conducted a 4-year search of the US National Library of Medicine (PubMed) for relevant EO studies against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli, EO combinations/synergy with antibiotics, against MDR fungal infections, showing the ability to permeate bacterial membranes, and against the bacterial defenses listed above. EOs are readily available and are a needed addition to the arsenal against resistant pathogens.
Sinus Irrigation Penetration After Proposed Modified Draf IIa Technique in a Side-to-Side Cadaveric Model
Authors: Issa Khalil , Teitelbaum Jordan I. , Jang David W. , Goldstein Bradley J. , Chan Lyndon , Hachem Ralph Abi
Published: October 2020

Background

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is an effective intervention for patients with medically refractory chronic rhinosinusitis. Frontal sinusotomy is the most challenging part of ESS, with one of the key outcomes being access for topical irrigations.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to compare irrigation penetration into the frontal sinus following Draf IIa versus modified Draf IIa frontal sinusotomy.

Methods

Four fresh cadaver heads were used in this experiment. Draf IIa was performed on one side of each head and a modified Draf IIa on the contralateral side. This proposed modification consists of a Draf IIa combined with an agger nasi punch-out procedure and partial trimming of the vertical lamella of the middle turbinate back to the posterior table of the frontal sinus without drilling the beak. Each head was irrigated with methylene blue-dyed water and recorded by rigid endoscopy through an endonasal view (EV) of the frontal sinus and frontal trephination view (TV). Two blinded rhinologists scored the extent of staining (using an ordinal scale of 0 to 3) for each side. A case report where the modified Draf IIa was performed is also described.

Results

After modified Draf IIa sinuosotomy, the mean score for the EV was 2.125 and for the TV was 2, versus 0.875 and 0.625 for traditional Draf IIa, respectively. There was a statistically significant increase for both EV (p = 0.019) and TV (p = 0.018) after modified Draf IIa.

Conclusion

In our cadaveric model, this procedural modification improved penetration of postoperative irrigations into the frontal sinus. This simple technique may be easily adapted into frontal ESS when indicated.
SMURF1 and SMURF2 in Progenitor Cells from Articular Cartilage and Meniscus during Late-Stage Osteoarthritis
Authors: Schminke Boris , Kauffmann Philipp , Schubert Andrea , Altherr Manuel , Gelis Thomas , Miosge Nicolai
Published: October 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of SMURF1 and SMURF2 in progenitor cells from the human knee in late-stage osteoarthritis (OA).

Design

We applied immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, RNAi, lentiviral transfection, and Western blot analysis. We obtained chondrogenic progenitor cells (CPCs) from the articular cartilage and meniscus progenitor cells (MPCs) from the nonvascularized part of the meniscus.

Results

SMURF1 and SMURF2 appeared in both osteoarthritic tissues. CPCs and MPCs exhibited comparable amounts of these proteins, which influence the balance between RUNX2 and SOX9. The overexpression of SMURF1 reduced the levels of RUNX2, SOX9, and TGFBR1. The overexpression of SMURF2 also reduced the levels of RUNX2 and TGFBR1, while SOX9 levels were not affected. The knockdown of SMURF1 had no effect on RUNX2, SOX9, or TGFBR1. The knockdown of SMURF2 enhanced RUNX2 and SOX9 levels in CPCs. The respective protein levels in MPCs were not affected.

Conclusions

This study shows that SMURF1 and SMURF2 are regulatory players for the expression of the major regulator transcription factors RUNX2 and SOX9 in CPCs and MPCs. Our novel findings may help elucidate new treatment strategies for cartilage regeneration.
Collinear Motion Strengthens Local Context in Visual Detection
Authors: Girelli Massimo
Published: October 2020

Detection of elongated objects in the visual scene can be improved by additional elements flanking the object on the collinear axis. This is the collinear context effect (CE) and is represented in the long-range horizontal connection plexus in V1. The aim of this study was to test whether the visual collinear motion can improve the CE. In the three experiments of this study, the flank was presented with different types of motion. In particular, the collinear motion aligned with the longitudinal axis of the to-be-detected object: toward or away from it, and the orthogonal motion with a direction perpendicular to the collinear axis. Only collinear motion toward the target showed a robust and replicable empowerment of the CE. This dynamic modulation of the CE likely is implemented in the long-range horizontal connection plexus in V1, but, given that in addition it conveys the time information of motion, there must be a direct feedback in V1 from higher visual areas where motion perception is implemented, such as Middle Temporal (MT). Elongated visual objects moving along their longitudinal axis favor a propagation of activation in front of them via a network of interconnected units that allows the visual system to predict future positions of relevant items in the visual scene.
Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Therapy on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Experimental Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Hussein Einas Nagib , Hamed Gehane M. , Seif Ansam A. , Ahmed Mona A. , Abu Zahra Fatma Abd Elkarim
Published: October 2020

Background:

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a progressive kidney disease and a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Diabetic kidney disease has been strongly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despite their susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), patients with DKD are less likely to receive appropriate cardiovascular risk modification as they are generally excluded from major cardiovascular trials. Awareness of vulnerability of these patients necessitates investigating potential interventions that would lessen their risk of adverse outcomes.

Objectives:

This study aimed to explore the effect of bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in modulating cardiovascular risk factors that develop with the progression of DKD.

Methods:

A total of 60 adult female albino rats were allocated into 3 groups: control group, untreated DKD group, and mesenchymal stem cells–treated diabetic kidney disease (MSCs-DKD) group. Blood pressure, blood glucose level, lipid profile, and atherogenic index were used to assess cardiovascular risk. All rats were killed and subjected to in vitro aortic reactivity studies 8 weeks after induction of diabetes. The MSCs-DKD rats received a single intravenous injection of MSCs 4 weeks after diabetes induction.

Results:

Mesenchymal stem cells injection significantly decreased blood pressure, atherogenic index, and blood glucose compared with untreated rats. The MSCs-DKD aorta also exhibited significant enhancement of vascular reactivity parameters despite absence of improvement in kidney function. These findings conformed to tracked MSCs, which were found residing in aortic and pancreatic tissues and absent in kidneys.

Conclusions:

Mesenchymal stem cells hold hope of improving cardiovascular risk and mortality in patients with DKD, particularly those deteriorating to ESRD.
Russian Internet Research Agency Disinformation Activities on Tumblr: Identity, Privacy, and Ambivalence
Authors: Neill Hoch Indira
Published: October 2020

On 24 March 2018, Tumblr terminated 84 user accounts identified as being “linked to Internet Research Agency or IRA (a group closely tied to the Russian government) posing as members of the Tumblr community.” In response, Tumblr deleted the blogs and accounts of these 84 users but allowed reblogs of their posts to continue to circulate openly on the platform. Through a case study of posts originating with one IRA account, Lagonegirl, and qualitative interviews with 13 Tumblr users, this article considers the platform conventions and social norms that were utilized by the Lagonegirl account to facilitate its distribution of disinformation. Posing as a Black woman concerned with social justice but also sharing humorous posts that resonated with Millennials, Lagonegirl’s performance shows overlap with existing work on “Left Troll” IRA Twitter accounts while demonstrating platform specificity in the construction of posts.
Sincerely Fake: Exploring User-Generated Political Fakes and Networked Publics
Authors: Ferrari Elisabetta
Published: October 2020

This article investigates user-generated political satire, focusing in particular on one genre: fake political accounts. Such fakes, created as social media profiles, satirize politicians or political organizations by impersonating them. Through interviews with a sample of Italian fake accounts creators, I explore how the fakes navigate their fakeness vis-à-vis the affordances of social network sites and their publics. First, I map how the publics of the fake accounts react to the satire along two axes: one referring to the public’s understanding of the satire and the other to the uses that the public makes of the satire. Second, I show how fakeness is part of everyday interactions in networked publics. Third, I argue for fakeness as a playful, powerful, and sincere critique of the political and its pretense to authenticity. By focusing on fake political accounts, this article provides insights on the place of fakeness in online communication beyond the debate around “fake news.”
An exploration of online Christian faith nurture for children, using UK churches as a case study
Authors: Holmes Sarah E
Published: October 2020

This article documents a systematic analysis of the online materials produced by UK churches for children’s faith nurture in response to the closure of physical ‘Sunday Schools’ during the Covid-19 pandemic. A theoretical underpinning guided the development of a framework to examine the discipleship tools and to uncover examples of good practice which could inform children’s online discipleship globally. Tentative conclusions highlight how faith nurture of this nature may be refined and enhanced and emphasises the significance of positive relationships to supplement these tools.
Taking a Closer Look at Mental Health Treatment Differences: Effectiveness of Mental Health Treatment by Provider Type in Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Authors: Henry Tracey L. , Jetty Anuradha , Petterson Stephen , Jaffree Helaina , Ramsay Allie , Heiman Erica , Bazemore Andrew
Published: October 2020

Objectives:

To estimate racial/ethnic differences in the extent to which mental health treatment is obtained from mental health providers, primary care physicians (PCPs), or both and to examine the effects of provider type on change in mental component scores (MCS) of the SF-12 on different race/ethnic groups.

Methods:

Secondary data analysis of 2008 to 2015 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Non-institutionalized civilian US population, aged 18 to 64 (N = 62 558). Based on counts of all mental health visits in a calendar year, we identified patients who obtained care from PCPs, mental health provider, PCP and mental health providers and other providers and examined changes in MCS by type of care.

Results:

9.9% of Non-Hispanic Whites obtained mental health treatment, compared to 5.0% for Hispanics, 5.3% for Blacks and 5.5% for Other Races ( P < .001). Non-Hispanic Blacks and non-Hispanic “Other” were more likely than other groups to obtain care from mental health providers only ( P = .017). All obtaining care solely from PCP had better mental health (mean (se)) MCS: 43.2(0.28)) than those obtaining care solely from mental health provider (39.8 (0.48)), which in turn was higher than for those obtaining care from both PC and MH providers (38.5 (0.31), ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Even when diagnosed with a mental health disorder, Hispanics and Blacks were less likely to seek mental health treatment than Whites, highlighting the continuing disparity. Future research should focus on understanding how and what aspects of integrated care models and other mental health delivery models that reduce disparities and provide greater accessibility.
What Do We Know About Changing Economic Activity of Firms?
Authors: Pandey Radhika , Sapre Amey , Sinha Pramod
Published: October 2020

Identification of primary economic activity of firms is a prerequisite for compiling several macro aggregates. In this paper, we take a statistical approach to understand the extent of changes in primary economic activity of firms over time and across different industries. We use the history of economic activity of over 46,000 firms spread over 25 years from CMIE Prowess to identify the number of times firms change the nature of their business. Using the count of changes, we estimate Poisson and Negative Binomial regression models to gain predictability over changing economic activity across industry groups. We show that a Poisson model accurately characterizes the distribution of count of changes across industries and that firms with a long history are more likely to have changed their primary economic activity over the years. Findings show that classification can be a crucial problem in a large data set like the MCA21 and can even lead to distortions in value addition estimates at the industry level.

JEL Classifications: D22, E00, E01
“Dad, Wash Your Hands”: Gender, Care Work, and Attitudes toward Risk during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Umamaheswar Janani , Tan Catherine
Published: October 2020

Recent analyses of responses to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have posited that men’s dismissive attitudes toward the risks of the virus reflect their attempts to conform to masculine norms that valorize bravery and strength. In this article, the authors develop an alternative account of the gender differences in attitudes toward COVID-19. Drawing on three waves of in-depth interviews with college students and members of their households ( n = 45) over a period of 16 weeks (for a total of 120 interviews), the authors find that men and women in comparable circumstances perceive similar risks of COVID-19, but they diverge in their attitudes toward, and responses to, these risks. Connecting scholarship on gender and care work with research on risk, the authors argue that gender differences in attitudes toward risk are influenced by the unique and strenuous care work responsibilities generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which are borne primarily by women—and from which men are exempt.
Refractory acute graft-versus-host disease: a new working definition beyond corticosteroid refractoriness
Authors: Mohty Mohamad , Holler Ernst , Jagasia Madan , Jenq Robert , Malard Florent , Martin Paul , Socié Gérard , Zeiser Robert
Published: October 2020

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains a major limitation of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Only half of patients with severe acute GVHD respond to first-line treatment with corticosteroids and, for several decades, there was no optimal second-line treatment of patients with corticosteroid-refractory acute GVHD. Ruxolitinib was recently approved for the treatment of corticosteroid-refractory acute GVHD in adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older. Thus, it is important to define the patient population that would now be considered as refractory to ruxolitinib vs ruxolitinib dependent. Here, we propose to define ruxolitinib-refractory acute GVHD as disease that shows: (1) progression of GVHD compared with baseline after at least 5 to 10 days of treatment with ruxolitinib, based either on objective increase in stage/grade, or new organ involvement; (2) lack of improvement in GVHD (partial response or better) compared with baseline after ≥14 days of treatment with ruxolitinib; or (3) loss of response, defined as objective worsening of GVHD determined by increase in stage, grade, or new organ involvement at any time after initial improvement. GVHD manifestations that persist without improvement in patients who had a grade ≥3 treatment-emergent and ruxolitinib-attributed adverse event that did not resolve within 7 days of discontinuing ruxolitinib would serve as a clinical indication for additional treatment. In addition, absence of complete response or very good partial response at day 28 after ruxolitinib could be considered as an eligibility criterion.