bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of Five TrkB Gene Polymorphisms in Schizophrenia and the Interaction of Its Haplotype with rs6265 BDNF Gene Polymorphism
Authors: Suchanek-Raif Renata , Raif Paweł , Kowalczyk Małgorzata , Paul-Samojedny Monika , Zielińska Aleksandra , Kucia Krzysztof , Merk Wojciech , Kowalski Jan
Published: April 2020

Aim. The BDNF dysfunction in the schizophrenia has been soundly documented. The TrkB gene is a high-affinity receptor of the BDNF that is changed in schizophrenia and mood disorders. The study had two aims: first, to identify whether the five nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TrkB gene are associated with a diagnosis of schizophrenia; and the latter, if any association exists between the TrkB SNPs and psychopathology, suicide attempts, and family history of schizophrenia in a Caucasian population. Methods. Case-control study (401 patients and 657 healthy controls) was used to examine a predisposition for schizophrenia. The tests for psychopathology, suicide attempts, and family history of schizophrenia were conducted only in patient group. The severity of the schizophrenia was measured using the five-factor model of the PANSS. In addition, the haplotype analysis for both the separate for SNPs of TrkB gene and in combination with the rs6265 SNP BDNF gene was conducted. Results. Our case-control study revealed that the genetic variants of rs10868235 (T/T polymorphic genotype) and rs1387923 (G/G polymorphic genotype) of the TrkB gene were associated with a higher risk of developing schizophrenia in men. However, the A/A wild genotype of rs1387923 was connected with a lower risk for both the development of and the family manifestation of schizophrenia in men. The G polymorphic allele of rs1565445 was associated with an increased risk of suicide in schizophrenia. The tested SNPs of the TrkB gene did not modulate the psychopathology of schizophrenia. The haplotype that was built with five SNPs in the TrkB gene was protective for men, but after joining the rs6265 SNP of the BDNF gene, a haplotype that was protective for women was created.
A Retrospective Study of Risk Factors for Symptomatic Anastomotic Leakage after Laparoscopic Anterior Resection of the Rectal Cancer without a Diverting Stoma
Authors: Wang Zhi-Jie , Liu Qian
Published: April 2020

Background. Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a common and devastating postoperative issue for patients who have undergone anterior resection of rectal carcinoma and can lead to increased short-term morbidity and mortality. Moreover, it might be associated with a worse oncological prognosis of tumors. This study is aimed at exploring the risk factors for symptomatic AL after laparoscopic anterior resection (LAR) for rectal tumors without a preventive diverting stoma. Materials and Methods. This case control study retrospectively reviewed the data of 496 consecutive patients who underwent LAR of the rectum without a preventive diverting stoma at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between September 2016 and September 2017. All patients were divided into an AL group and a control group based on the occurrence of postoperative symptomatic AL. Factors regarding patient-related variables, operation-related variables, and tumor-related variables were collected and assessed between the two groups through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify independent risk factors for AL. Results. In total, 18 (3.6%) patients developed postoperative symptomatic AL. Univariate analysis showed that a synchronous primary malignancy of the left hemicolon (P=0.047), intraoperative chemotherapy (P=0.003), and level of anastomosis (P=0.033) were significantly related with AL. Multivariate analysis was subsequently performed to adjust for confounding biases and confirmed that a synchronous primary malignancy of the left hemicolon (odds ratio (OR), 12.225; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.764-84.702; P=0.011), intraoperative chemotherapy (OR, 3.931; 95% CI, 1.334-11.583; P=0.013), and level of anastomosis (OR, 3.224; 95% CI, 1.124-9.249; P=0.030) were independent risk factors for symptomatic AL for patients who received LAR for rectal neoplasms without a preventive diverting stoma. Conclusions. Synchronous primary malignancy of the left hemicolon, intraoperative chemotherapy, and a low anastomotic level can increase the risks of postoperative symptomatic AL after LAR of the rectum without a protective diverting stoma.
Trends in the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Changes with Different Degrees of Visual Field Defects
Authors: Geng Wenhui , Wang Dabo , Han Jing
Published: April 2020

Purpose. To explore the disease progression of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in individuals with different degrees of VF defects by analyzing the trends in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) changes at each stage. Methods. A total of 39 patients (77 eyes) were divided into three groups based on the severity of glaucomatous visual field (VF) loss: the first group included patients with mild baseline VF defects (mild group; n = 21 eyes). The second group included patients with moderate VF defects (moderate group; n = 18 eyes). The third group included patients with severe baseline VF defects (severe group; n = 38 eyes). For all patients, slit-lamp biomicroscopy of the anterior and posterior segments and detailed fundus and optic disc inspections were performed, the intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured by Goldman tonometry, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured, the RNFL thickness was measured by OCT, and the VF was assessed by the Octopus perimeter. All the groups were followed up postoperatively for 18 months. Results. The mean RNFL thickness was recorded for all the visits. Using simple linear regression analysis, we found that the R2 values of the three groups were 0.988, 0.982, and 0.814, respectively, and the slopes of mean RNFL thickness changes for mild, moderate, and severe baseline VF defects were −0.088, −0.082, and −0.015, respectively. Moreover, we used simple linear regression analysis to explore whether and how the speed of RNFL thinning differs across groups. The R2 values of the three groups were 0.982, 0.978, and 0.805, respectively, and the slopes for mild, moderate, and severe baseline VF defects were 0.089, 0.085, and 0.017, respectively. Conclusion. The rate of RNFL thinning is linear; RNFL thinning is the fastest in individuals with mild baseline VF defects, followed by those with moderate baseline VF defects. In individuals with severe VF defects, changes in the RNFL thickness do not appropriately reflect the progression of the disease. The clinical trial is registered with ChiCTR2000028975.
Tuber Yield and Yield Component Performance of Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Varieties in Fafen District, Ethiopia
Authors: Misganaw Chanie Derso , Bayou Walelign Demisie
Published: April 2020

Since there is a variety of performance in cassava varieties for different agroecologies and there was no cassava production before in Ethiopian Somali regional state, Fafen district in particular. Investigation of the performance of higher tuber yielded cassava variety is the main concern for this study. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate tuber yield performance of cassava varieties. To do so, four varieties (kello, Qulle, Hawassa-4, and Chichu) were collected from Hawassa Agricultural Research Center and planted in Fafen district where there is arid climatic condition. Thirty-centimeter-long stakes were planted with 1 m × 1 m intra- and inter-row spacing with Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). There were four rows, five plants per row and twenty plants per plot. Phenological, growth, and agronomic parameters were analyzed using SAS software; mean differences were compared using LSD at p≤0.05. The result revealed that days to 50% establishment of the stem cuttings of variety “Qulle” were performed within 15.6 days. Among all varieties, Chichu and Hawassa-4 had the highest number of plant stand count, 88.3 and 86.7%, respectively. The highest number of mean multiplication ratio, secondary branches per plant, and mean plant height were obtained with variety “Qulle.” With regards to tuber yield and its components, there was significant difference among understudied cassava varieties. The highest tuber yield (23.93 t/ha) was registered in variety “Hawassa-4” followed by Kello (19.90 t/ha) and Qulle (18.73 t/ha). It implies that variety “Hawassa-4” performed best in the test area and hence recommended in test area.
A “Catastrophic” Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Barcellona D. , Melis M. , Floris G. , Mameli A. , Muroni A. , Defazio G. , Marongiu F.
Published: April 2020

Background. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a transient, antibody-mediated thrombocytopenia syndrome that usually follows exposure to unfractioned heparin (UFH) or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). In contrast to other pathological conditions which lead to thrombocytopenia and bleeding complications, HIT results in a paradoxical prothrombotic state. It is caused by antibodies directed to complexes containing UFH or LMWH and a self-platelet protein: the platelet factor 4 (PF4). The heparin-PF4 immune complex leads to activation of platelets, monocytes, and endothelial cells which release procoagulant proteins and tissue factor with subsequent blood coagulation activation. Case Report. We describe the case of a woman undergone to knee replacement and affected by urosepsis who developed a HIT after exposure to enoxaparin. The thrombotic burden was very impressive involving the arterial and venous cerebral vessel and the venous pulmonary, hepatic, and inferior legs vascular beds. The patient was successfully treated with fondaparinux without recurrent thrombosis or bleeding. The clinical scenario could be named “catastrophic HIT” like the catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome since they have a similar pathogenetic mechanism involving both platelets and monocytes procoagulant activities and a similar clinical manifestation with a life-threatening multiple arterial and/or venous thromboses. Conclusion. Patients presenting with HIT could show a very impressive thrombotic burden resembling to that of the catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome. A careful differential diagnosis should be made towards other pathological conditions which lead to thrombocytopenia to avoid an unnecessary and potentially harmful platelet transfusion. Although fondaparinux is off-label, its use in patients with HIT is simple and seems to be effective.
Dynamics of Rabies Epidemics in Vampire Bats
Authors: Tian Liang , Zhang Juping
Published: April 2020

In order to study the transmission of rabies epidemics in vampire bats, we propose a mathematical model for vampire bat rabies virus. A threshold R0 is identified which determines the outcome of the disease. If R0<1, the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable, and if R0>1, the endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable with certain conditions. Through the numerical simulation, the correctness of the theoretical results is verified. We carry out the sensitivity analysis of the parameters which provide a theoretical basis for preventing and controlling the transmission of bat rabies.
The Cost-Effectiveness of Lifestyle Interventions for Preventing Diabetes in a Health Resource-Limited Setting
Authors: Ma Jing , Wan Xu , Wu Bin
Published: April 2020

Aims. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a health challenge in China, and the economic outcomes of lifestyle intervention are critically important for policymakers. This study estimates the lifetime economic outcomes of lifestyle intervention among the prediabetic population in the Chinese context. Methods. We developed a mathematical model to compare the cost-effectiveness of lifestyle intervention and no prevention in the prediabetic population. Efficacy and safety, medical expenditure, and utility data were derived from the literature, which was assigned to model variables for estimating the quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and costs as well as incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). The analysis was conducted from the perspective of Chinese healthcare service providers. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. Results. Compared with no prevention, lifestyle intervention averted 9.53% of T2DM, which translated into an additional 0.52 QALYs at a saved cost of $700 by substantially reducing the probabilities of macro- and microvascular diseases. This finding indicated that lifestyle intervention was a dominant strategy. The sensitivity analyses showed the model outputs were robust. Conclusions. Lifestyle intervention is a very cost-effective alternative for prediabetic subjects and worth implementing in the Chinese healthcare system to reduce the disease burden related to T2DM.
Assessment on CPR Knowledge and AED Availability in Saudi Malls by Security Personnel: Public Safety Perspective
Authors: Al Haliq Samer A. , Khraisat Omar M. , Kandil Mohamed A. , Al Jumaan Mohammed A. , Alotaibi Faris M. , Alsaqabi Fahad S. , Alajmi Hussain M. , Ellouly Hany A. , Al-Haliq Mahmoud A. , Alkhawaldeh Abdullah , ALBashtawy Mohammed , Abuhammad Sawsan H.
Published: April 2020

Security personnel are the first ones who attend the scene in the case of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) at malls. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is not enough for those patients; they need an automated external defibrillator (AED) to bring the heart to function normally. This study aimed to assess the current status of CPR and AED knowledge and availability in Saudi malls by security personnel. Using a descriptive design, a study was conducted at seven malls located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Two hundred and fifty participants were surveyed using the American Heart Association (AHA) 2015 guidelines to assess CPR and AED knowledge and availability in Saudi malls. The sample mean age was 32.60 years (SD = 10.02), and 87% of participants were working as security personnel. The majority of the participants had not received training about CPR and AED (75.8% and 95.2%, respectively). Common misconceptions are fallen into all categories of CPR and AED knowledge. Correctly answered statements ranged from 7.2% in the compression rate to 24.2% in hand placement. The study results indicated a poor training knowledge of CPR and AED in public settings. Integrating high-quality CPR and AED knowledge within the school and college curricula is a vital need. However, in order to maximize the survival rate, it is important to set laws and legislation adopted by stakeholders and decision makers to advocate the people who try to help, mandate AED installation in crowded places, and mandate teaching hands-only CPR and AED together as a package.
A Novel Scheme of Product Polar Codes with High Efficiency and Rate Compatibility
Authors: Hanif Mohammad Abu , Vafi Sina
Published: April 2020

This paper presents a new structure of product codes formed by combining two polar codes. The encoding performance of these codes is verified by implementing an exhaustive search algorithm, which determines their minimum weight specifications. Conducted analysis and simulations confirm that with the equal code length and rate, the newly proposed codes outperform the conventional polar codes in high energy per bit-to-noise ratios (Eb/N0≤5 dB). This is concluded from punctured and nonpunctured product codes.
Power Prioritization and Load Shedding in an Island with RESs Using ABC Algorithm
Authors: Mogaka L. O. , Nyakoe G. N. , Saulo M. J.
Published: April 2020

The main aim of a power utility company is to supply quality and uninterrupted power to customers. This becomes a growing challenge as the continued increase in population calls for proportional increase in power supply to additional loads. If not well planned, this steady increase in power demand can lead to voltage collapse and eventual power blackouts. In instances where power demand exceeds generation within islanded microgrid or due to an occurrence of a contingency, optimum load shedding should be put in place so as to enhance system security and stability of the power system. Load shedding is traditionally done based on undervoltage measurements or underfrequency measurements of a given section of the grid. However, when compared with conventional methods, metaheuristic algorithms perform better in accurate determination of optimal amount of load to be shed during a contingency or undersupply situations. In this study, an islanded microgrid with high penetration of Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) is analyzed, and then Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm is applied for optimal load shedding. The results are then compared with those of Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and GA-PSO hybrid. Both generation and overload contingencies are considered on a standard IEEE 30-bus system on a MATLAB platform. Different buses are assigned priority indices which forms the basis of the determination of which loads and what amount of load to shed at any particular time.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Coronary Artery Disease: Big Brothers in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Montemezzo Mauricio , AlTurki Ahmed , Stahlschmidt Fabio , Olandoski Marcia , Rodrigo Tafarel Jean , Precoma Dalton Bertolin
Published: April 2020

Background. The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been increasing. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of NAFLD, as diagnosed by ultrasound, in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and to assess whether NAFLD is associated with the severity of coronary obstruction as diagnosed by coronary angiography. Methods. We performed a prospective single-center study in patients hospitalized due to acute coronary syndrome who underwent diagnostic coronary angiography. Consecutive patients who presented to the emergency room were diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome and were included. All patients underwent ultrasonography of the upper abdomen to determine the presence or absence of NAFLD; NAFLD severity was graded from 0 to 3 based on a previously validated scale. All patients underwent diagnostic coronary angiography in the same hospital, with the same team of interventional cardiologists, who were blinded to the patients’ clinical and ultrasonographic data. CAD was then angiographically graded from none to severe based on well-established angiographic criteria. Results. This study included 139 patients, of whom 83 (59.7%) were male, with a mean age of 59.7 years. Of the included patients, 107 (77%) patients had CAD, 63 (45%) with serious injury. Regarding the presence of NAFLD, 76 (55.2%) had NAFLD including 18 (23.6%) with grade III disease. In severe CAD, 47 (60.5%) are associated with NAFLD, and 15 (83.3%) of the patients had severe CAD and NAFLD grade III. Conclusions. NAFLD is common in patients with ACS. The intensity of NAFLD detected by ultrasonography is strongly associated with the severity of coronary artery obstruction on angiography.
Isolated Splenic Lymphangiomas Presenting in an Infant with Isolated Anaemia
Authors: Kakaje Ameer , Mujahed Raghad , Hamdan Othman
Published: April 2020

Lymphangiomas are benign tumours of lymphatic vessels which are not linked with the normal lymphatic vessels. Their symptoms usually depend on their location and size as they can compress or block adjacent organs. We present a 9-month-old girl with isolated cavernous lymphangiomas of the spleen, a rare variable of lymphangiomas, with no symptoms. She had an isolated anaemia which could only be explained by the hypersplenism caused by the lymphangiomas. Such a presentation has been very rarely reported in the literature and not mainly in children. Furthermore, this case also illustrates imaging of hypersplenism related to lymphangiomas.
Spectrum and Clinical Characteristics of Renal Diseases in Ghanaian Adults: A 13-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Okyere Perditer , Okyere Isaac , Ephraim Richard Kobina Dadzie , Attakorah Joseph , Osafo Charlotte , Arhin Bernard , Bachelle Sarah , Abaka-Yawson Albert
Published: April 2020

Background. Renal diseases over the years have become one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In this study, we assessed the spectrum and clinical characteristics of Ghanaians with renal diseases at the nephrology unit of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi. Methods. This was a retrospective hospital-based study conducted at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) from the years 2005 to 2017. A non-randomized sampling approach was used to include 1426 participants who were diagnosed with AKI, CKD, ESRD, and nephrotic syndrome at the nephrology unit of KATH during the years under review. All the 1426 patients were eligible for the study. Demographic characteristics as well as clinical data such as the kind of renal disease presentation, causes of the renal disease, and the treatment options were also obtained from their records. Results. Overall, 1009 of the total participants had CKD (70.76%), 295 participants had ESRD (20.69%), 72 participants had AKI (5.05%), and 50 participants had nephrotic syndrome (3.51%). Furthermore, 69 (23.4%) participants with ESRD were on dialysis whiles 6 (8.3) and 17 (1.7) participants with only AKI and CKD superimposed AKI, respectively, were on dialysis. 226 (76.6%) participants with ESRD were on conservative therapy. Hypertension emerged as the major cause of renal disease presentation (53.93%) with bilateral leg edema (13.46%) being the major complaint. There was a significant association between CKD and age (p≤0.001). Nephrotic syndrome also showed a significant association with age (p≤0.001). Conclusion. This study revealed that patients at the nephrology unit of KATH, Ghana, are mainly adults between ages 46–55. The clinical pattern of renal diseases is dominated by CKD and ESRD. We conclude that hypertension, chronic glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, and sepsis are the most common causes of renal diseases. The commonest clinical presentations are bilateral leg edema, palpitations, headache, breathlessness, dizziness, and vomiting. Early diagnosis and management of these conditions may prevent or delay the progress to end-stage renal disease.
Evaluating the Acute Effect of Stereoscopic Recovery by Dichoptic Stimulation Using Electroencephalogram
Authors: Shi Wei , He Luyang , Lv Bin , Li Li , Wu Tongning
Published: April 2020

Amblyopia is a common developmental disorder in adolescents and children. Stereoscopic loss is a symptom of amblyopia that can seriously affect the quality of patient’s life. Recent studies have shown that the push-pull perceptual learning protocol had a positive effect on stereoscopic recovery. In this study, we developed a stereoscopic training method using a polarized visualization system according to the push-pull protocol. Dichoptic stimulation for 36 anisometropic and amblyopic subjects and 33 children with normal visual acuity (VA) has been conducted. Electroencephalogram (EEG) was used to evaluate the neurophysiological changes before, during, and after stimulation. For the anisometropic and amblyopic subjects, the statistical analysis demonstrated significant differences (p<0.01) in the beta rhythm at the middle temporal and occipital lobes, while the EEG from the normal VA subjects indicated no significant changes when comparing the results before and after training. We concluded that the dichoptic training in our study can activate the middle temporal visual area and visual cortex. The EEG changes can be used to evaluate the training effects. This study also found that the beta band EEG acquired during visual stimulation at the dorsal visual stream can be potentially used for predicting acute training effect. The results facilitated the optimization of the individual training plan.
Repotrectinib Exhibits Potent Antitumor Activity in Treatment-Naïve and Solvent-Front–Mutant ROS1-Rearranged Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Yun Mi Ran , Kim Dong Hwi , Kim Seok-Young , Joo Hyeong-Seok , Lee You Won , Choi Hun Mi , Park Chae Won , Heo Seong Gu , Kang Han Na , Lee Sung Sook , Schoenfeld Adam J. , Drilon Alexander , Kang Seok-Gu , Shim Hyo Sup , Hong Min Hee , Cui J. Jean , Kim Hye Ryun , Cho Byoung Chul
Published: April 2020

Purpose:

Although first-line crizotinib treatment leads to clinical benefit in ROS1+ lung cancer, high prevalence of crizotinib-resistant ROS1-G2032R (ROS1G2032R) mutation and progression in the central nervous system (CNS) represents a therapeutic challenge. Here, we investigated the antitumor activity of repotrectinib, a novel next-generation ROS1/TRK/ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in ROS1+ patient-derived preclinical models.

Experimental Design:

Antitumor activity of repotrectinib was evaluated in ROS1+ patient-derived preclinical models including treatment-naïve and ROS1G2032R models and was further demonstrated in patients enrolled in an on-going phase I/II clinical trial (NCT03093116). Intracranial antitumor activity of repotrectinib was evaluated in a brain-metastasis mouse model.

Results:

Repotrectinib potently inhibited in vitro and in vivo tumor growth and ROS1 downstream signal in treatment-naïve YU1078 compared with clinically available crizotinib, ceritinib, and entrectinib. Despite comparable tumor regression between repotrectinib and lorlatinib in YU1078-derived xenograft model, repotrectinib markedly delayed the onset of tumor recurrence following drug withdrawal. Moreover, repotrectinib induced profound antitumor activity in the CNS with efficient blood–brain barrier penetrating properties. Notably, repotrectinib showed selective and potent in vitro and in vivo activity against ROS1G2032R. These findings were supported by systemic and intracranial activity of repotrectinib observed in patients enrolled in the on-going clinical trial.

Conclusions:

Repotrectinib is a novel next-generation ROS1-TKI with improved potency and selectivity against treatment-naïve and ROS1G2032R with efficient CNS penetration. Our findings suggest that repotrectinib can be effective both as first-line and after progression to prior ROS1-TKI.
VSMC-Specific Deletion of FAM3A Attenuated Ang II-Promoted Hypertension and Cardiovascular Hypertrophy
Authors: Xiang Rui , Chen Ji , Li Shuangyue , Yan Han , Meng Yuhong , Cai Jun , Cui Qinghua , Yang Yan , Xu Ming , Geng Bin , Yang Jichun
Published: April 2020

Rationale:

Dysregulated purinergic signaling transduction plays important roles in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. However, the role and mechanism of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-released ATP in the regulation of blood pressure, and the pathogenesis of hypertension remain unknown. FAM3A (family with sequence similarity 3 member A) is a new mitochondrial protein that enhances ATP production and release. High expression of FAM3A in VSMC suggests it may play a role in regulating vascular constriction and blood pressure.

Objective:

To determine the role and mechanism of FAM3A-ATP signaling pathway in VSMCs in the regulation of blood pressure and the pathogenesis of hypertension.

Methods and Results:

In the media layer of hypertensive rat and mouse arteries, and the internal mammary artery of hypertensive patients, FAM3A expression was increased. VSMC-specific deletion of FAM3A reduced vessel contractility and blood pressure levels in mice. Moreover, deletion of FAM3A in VSMC attenuated Ang II (angiotensin II)-induced vascular constriction and remodeling, hypertension, and cardiac hypertrophy in mice. In cultured VSMCs, Ang II activated HSF1 (heat shock factor 1) to stimulate FAM3A expression, activating ATP-P2 receptor pathway to promote the change of VSMCs from contractile phenotype to proliferative phenotype. In the VSMC layer of spontaneously hypertensive rat arteries, Ang II-induced hypertensive mouse arteries and the internal mammary artery of hypertensive patients, HSF1 expression was increased. Treatment with HSF1 inhibitor reduced artery contractility and ameliorated hypertension of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Conclusions:

FAM3A is an important regulator of vascular constriction and blood pressure. Overactivation of HSF1-FAM3A-ATP signaling cascade in VSMCs plays important roles in Ang II-induced hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Inhibitors of HSF1 could be potentially used to treat hypertension.
What Allies Want: Reconsidering Loyalty, Reliability, and Alliance Interdependence
Authors: Henry Iain D.
Published: April 2020

Leaders believe that if their state abandons one ally during a crisis, then their state's other allies will expect similar disloyalty in the future. Thus, a single instance of disloyalty can damage, or even destroy, alliances with other states. Because of this belief in interdependence—that developments in one alliance will also affect other alliances—the desire to demonstrate loyalty has exercised a tremendous influence on U.S. policy. But is indiscriminate loyalty what allies want? The First Taiwan Strait Crisis (1954–55) case study suggests that allies do not desire U.S. loyalty in all situations. Instead, they want the United States to be a reliable ally, posing no risk of abandonment or entrapment. In the First Taiwan Strait Crisis, several allies worried that U.S. loyalty to the Republic of China increased the risk of unwanted conflict, and as the crisis persisted, these allies sought to restrain the United States and thus reduce the likelihood of war. Although U.S. leaders were reluctant to coerce the Republic of China into backing down during this territorial dispute with the People's Republic of China, other U.S. allies actively encouraged such disloyalty. These findings have significance for theories of alliance politics and international reputation, as well as contemporary alliance management.
Review of stentless, tubeless, apposed renal (STAR) transplant wound management programme
Authors: Tay HWM , Sim PY , Teo YA , Rahman L , Tiong HY
Published: April 2020

INTRODUCTION We aimed to review the necessity of conventional interventions in renal transplant for preventing complications arising out of the use of wound drains, ureteral stents and stapled skin closures. METHODS We reviewed a series of 33 patients who received stentless, tubeless/drainless and suture-apposed living donor renal transplants (STAR group) and compared the results to a control non-STAR group of 36 patients in whom all three interventions of drains, stents and skin staples were used. RESULTS No significant differences in demographics and clinical characteristics were observed between the two groups. With regard to the overall surgical complications, no significant differences in terms of wound infection, seroma, perinephric collections, urinoma, bacteriuria or vascular complications were observed between the groups. When analysed according to the interventions specific for preventing complications, although slightly more asymptomatic perinephric collections were observed and two lymphoceles required treatment in the STAR group, these differences were not statistically significant. Similarly, no significant differences in ureteric or skin-related complications were observed between the groups. Both groups had comparable good outcomes for renal function, graft survival and patient survival. CONCLUSION The routine use of ureteric stents, drains or skin staples may not be necessary for uncomplicated renal transplants. Potential complications associated with the placement of these interventions can be avoided without compromising on the safety of patients and/or the outcome of transplants.
A new species of small Lepidodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Salawati Island, Indonesia
Authors: Karkkainen Denise Taimi , Richards Stephen J. , Kraus Fred , Tjaturadi Burhan , Krey Keliopas , Oliver Paul M.
Published: April 2020

We describe a new species of gecko in the Lepidodactylus novaeguineae Group from Salawati Island, West Papua Province, Indonesia. The new species can be distinguished from all congeners by a unique combination of aspects of body size, shape, colouration, and scalation. The holotype and only known specimen is a mature male with a snout-vent length of less than 33 mm, suggesting it is the smallest species of Lepidodactylus; however, to confirm that, larger sample sizes of the nominate species and other species are required. The Lepidodactylus novaeguineae Group has a wide distribution across the western, northern, and eastern margins of New Guinea, but it seems to be most often associated with islands (including land-bridge islands) or geological terranes derived from former island arcs.
Gecko diversity: a history of global discovery
Authors: Uetz Peter , Slavenko Alex , Meiri Shai , Heinicke Matthew
Published: April 2020

1935 gecko species (and 224 subspecies) were known in December 2019 in seven families and 124 genera. These nearly 2000 species were described by ~950 individuals of whom more than 100 described more than 10 gecko species each. Most gecko species were discovered during the past 40 years. The primary type specimens of all currently recognized geckos (including subspecies) are distributed over 161 collections worldwide, with 20 collections having about two thirds of all primary types. The primary type specimens of about 40 gecko taxa have been lost or unknown. The phylogeny of geckos is well studied, with DNA sequences being available for ~76% of all geckos (compared to ~63% in other reptiles) and morphological characters now being collected in databases. Geographically, geckos occur on five continents and many islands but are most species-rich in Australasia (which also houses the greatest diversity of family-level taxa), Southeast Asia, Africa, Madagascar, and the West Indies. Among countries, Australia has the highest number of geckos (241 species), with India, Madagascar, and Malaysia being the only other countries with more than 100 described species each. As expected, when correcting for land area, countries outside the tropics have fewer geckos.
Participation in labour market programmes: A positive or negative signal of employability?
Authors: Fossati Flavia , Liechti Fabienne , Wilson Anna
Published: April 2020

Active labour market policies (ALMPs) are widely diffused measures aiming to re-integrate jobseekers into the labour market. Despite their crucial role in acting as gatekeepers to employment, the literature scarcely considers the employer’s perspective of these measures. We analysed whether and how employers consider ALMP participation in the hiring process as a signal that helps explain the labour market outcomes of jobseekers. We developed a theoretical argument regarding how employers interpret ALMP participation and identify assumed agency, that is, whether employers believe that the agency for initiating ALMP participation lies with the jobseeker (voluntary participation) or the job centre (mandatory participation), as a crucial factor determining whether their evaluation of ALMPs is positive or negative. To examine our expectations, we conducted qualitative interviews with employers hiring for low-skilled occupations in Switzerland and Sweden, representing two countries with comprehensive ALMP systems. As expected, the interpretation of ALMP programmes differs depending on the assumed agency. Employers who believe that participation is voluntary interpret participation as a signal of motivation; however, employers who believe that participation is mandatory interpret participation as a signal of lower productivity, which reduces the chances of a successful labour market access.
Pushing the Boundaries: Education Leaders, Mentors, and Refugee Students
Authors: Koyama Jill , Kasper Julie
Published: April 2020

Purpose: In this study, we trace the work of refugee student–family mentors (mentors) in an Arizona school district who work across school–family boundaries. Utilizing boundary spanning theory, we examine how education leaders—teachers, school principals, assistant principals, and district administrators—work with the mentors. We document the interactions between the school leaders and the mentors and compare them with the interactions between the refugee families and the mentors. Research Methods/Approach: We draw on data collected in a 3-year ethnography of refugee networks and on a related set of extended interviews with refugee parents. Data includes interviews with refugee mentors, school leaders, and refugee parents, as well as interviews with staff members of refugee support organizations, resettlement agencies, and state programs. Observational fieldnotes and documents were also collected. Data analysis included emergent coding and theme comparison across all data. Conclusions: We demonstrate that the refugee parents respect and depend on the mentors, while school leaders often treat them as “helpers.” We analyze how the mentors are delegitimized by the actions of education leaders in schools, and also by their marginalization in the school district. We recommend additional research be conducted on how school districts interact with refugee students and families. We suggest that education leaders better support the work of staff who work with refugees and other culturally and linguistically diverse students by taking a resource inventory, clarifying staff roles, including parents in decision making, and making a commitment to build inclusive school communities.
Model predictive control of a magnetic levitation system using two-level state feedback
Authors: Zhang Zhenlin , Zhou Yonghua , Tao Xin
Published: April 2020

The magnetic levitation system is a critical part to guarantee safe and reliable operations of a maglev train. In this paper, the control strategy is proposed for the magnetic levitation system based on the model predictive control incorporating two-level state feedback. Taking advantage of the measurable state variables, that is, air gap, electromagnet acceleration, and control current through high-resolution sensor measurement, the first-level nonlinear state feedback is to linearize the unstable nonlinear magnetic levitation system, and the second-level linear state feedback is to further stabilize the system and improve the dynamic performances, which together provide a stable prediction model. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control strategy can ensure high-precision air gap control and favorable disturbance resistance ability.
Leviathan to Lucifer: What Biblical Monsters (Still) Reveal
Authors: Murphy Kelly J.
Published: April 2020

Monsters and the monstrous show up in Scripture and outside the pages of Scripture. Two of the most famous biblical monsters—Leviathan and Satan—appear and reappear in different forms, and, at times, their stories are merged into one. A focus on Leviathan and Satan in Scripture helps readers to see the different ways the biblical texts depict monsters and, especially, the relationship between humans, monsters, and the divine. As these creatures (re)appear in popular culture, often drawing on their scriptural representations, they continue to provide a space for audiences to ask: what makes a monster and what do these monsters reveal?
Holy Terror: Confronting Our Fears and Loving Our Movie Monsters
Authors: Detweiler Craig
Published: April 2020

While the natural world may scare us, more frightening beasts arise when we neglect our calling to care for creation and “play god” via technology. From King Kong, Frankenstein, and Godzilla to recent films like The Babadook, The Shape of Water and Us, the most enduring monsters provoke humility, evoke empathy, and prompt us to love rather than fear. These holy terrors can offer an encounter with what Rudolf Otto famously called the mysterium tremendum.
Effect of carbon nanotube doping on the energy dissipation and rate dependent deformation behavior of polyurethane foams
Authors: Bhinder Jasdeep , Agnihotri Prabhat K.
Published: April 2020

An experimental investigation is performed to characterize the effect of carbon nanotubes on the average mechanical properties of polyurethane foams. Polyurethane foams are doped with as-grown and oxidized carbon nanotubes at varying carbon nanotube concentrations. It is observed that the inclusion of carbon nanotubes up to a threshold concentration decreases the density of freely expanding polyurethane foams. Uniaxial and cyclic compression testing of foam samples is carried out to study their energy dissipation and rate dependent deformation behavior. While energy dissipation is observed to be higher in neat polyurethane foams, carbon nanotube reinforced foams show better recovery when compressed beyond elastic limit due to their stiffer foam cell walls. It is shown that incorporation of oxidized carbon nanotubes should be preferred over as grown carbon nanotubes to improve flexural, thermal and acoustic response of polyurethane foams. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of compressed samples reveals that cell shearing; cell bending and fracture at nodes are the predominant mode of deformation in all foam samples.
Possessing women in Olive Schreiner’s From Man to Man or Perhaps Only —
Authors: Berkman Joyce Avrech
Published: April 2020

In her final unfinished novel, From Man to Man or, not of Perhaps Only —, Olive Schreiner features women as both possessors and possessed. This article explores the dual and often interwoven character of ownership as presented in the novel. My analysis highlights the interaction of racial, gender, and social class dynamics in shaping the power of women to possess property, including property in their and others’ bodies, as well as the circumstances of being possessed within the historical context of Schreiner’s lifetime. This discussion culminates with an investigation of how this theme affirms and alters hypotheses about the failure of Schreiner to complete her novel.
Health in Need of Healing: Church History as a Road Map for Future Evangelization in Medicine
Authors: Breen James O.
Published: April 2020

Western medicine developed as an expression of Christian charity and played a large role in the growth of the early church. Despite its original foundation in Christian moral principles, modern medicine has deviated from its origins. The principles of human dignity, solidarity, and subsidiarity have been subjugated to a materialist and transactional construct that forms the basis of the contemporary medical delivery and financing systems. The dehumanization of both healthcare practitioners and patients by the partnership of governmental and corporate entities, and the use of health care as a political instrument, has debased the original mission of the medical profession and represents an affront to the principles of Catholic social teaching (CST). This essay explores the ways in which the US medical delivery and financing systems violate the principles of CST by means seldom recognized due to the inurement of the public and medical professionals. By examining the prevailing healthcare model through the lens of CST, the author illustrates the ways in which CST principles are systematically violated. This analysis serves as the foundation of a Catholic response to the question of how faithful Christians might live out their calls to holiness through the exercise of their professional vocations. A vision of an invigorated model of medicine as vocation, along with illustrative examples, is presented. By exemplifying the principles of human dignity, solidarity and subsidiarity in health care, Christians can seize a golden opportunity for evangelization by rearticulating the historical spiritual mission of Western medicine.
Theological Studies Eighty Years Ago
Authors: Schultenover David G.
Published: April 2020

At the outbreak of World War II, the synchronicity between the history of the Society of Jesus and the history of the West led to the founding of Theological Studies. This article, based on archival records, narrates the backstory of the journal’s founding. In so doing, it answers the questions faced by the founding figures: Was a professional theological journal in English needed at this moment in history? Should and could the Jesuits rather than some other institution in the United States publish such a journal and maintain it at the scholarly level required?
The Grace of Conflict
Authors: Hinze Bradford E.
Published: April 2020

This article identifies the grace of conflict with acts of resistance and with the reclamation of the giftedness of precarious communities. This argument is defended drawing on the work of Michel de Certeau, Pope Francis, conflicts in the life of Jesus in the synoptic traditions, and by considering a living parable of praxis in relation to the ascetic practices of agere contra and the Contemplation to Attain Love in the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola.
Shadows of Divine Virtue: St. John of the Cross, Implicit Memory, and the Transformation Theory of Infused Cardinal Virtues
Authors: Bushlack Thomas J.
Published: April 2020

The transformation theory postulates that a person’s previously acquired habits are transformed by the grace of the Holy Spirit. This article contributes to the development of the transformation theory by drawing upon St. John of the Cross and recent developments in neurobiology and psychology, especially in the transformation of memory. Placing these disciplines into a creative dialogue yields a richly descriptive account of the developmental process by which a person grows in grace and virtue toward union with God, and suggests that ethics must pay greater attention to the role of emotion in the cultivation of practical wisdom.
Antiblackness
Authors: Grimes Katie
Published: April 2020

Antiblackness is a unique species of racial evil that originates in Africanized slavery. Although Africanized slavery has been abolished, the racialized relationship between blackness, black people, and slave status lives on. Rather than treating either slavery or antiblackness as moral or political analogies, scholars ought to more intently respect their uniqueness.
Spoken song and imagined music in Cymbeline
Authors: Smid Deanna
Published: April 2020

Believing her to be dead, Arviragus and Guiderius perform the funerary rite for Innogen in William Shakespeare’s Cymbeline, but the men speak the words of the dirge listed as ‘Song’ in the first folio. Readers and spectators familiar with Shakespeare’s other late plays would expect musical solace here, yet the spoken song fails to comfort the brothers, and it may rattle the audience because it conjures the ending of Romeo and Juliet in their imaginations. The audience’s imagination is again invoked by the ‘harmony’ at the end of the play – a harmony they do not witness and thus must imagine.
A breach of silence: affective soundscapes in Sasha Waltz’s Roméo et Juliette
Authors: Kellermann Jonas
Published: April 2020

This article analyses Roméo’s silent solo dance in German choreographer Sasha Waltz’s staging of Hector Berlioz’s dramatic symphony Roméo et Juliette for the Paris Opera Ballet. The musicless scene, which imagines Roméo’s reaction to the news of Juliette’s ‘death’, exposes the dancer’s physicality through various acoustic means, creating a soundscape that makes the character’s despair accessible to the audience as affective intensities. The solo thus not only brings together competing stances towards emotionalism from classical and non-classical theatre dance, but also builds upon the philosophical interrogation of artistic expression both in Shakespeare’s play and in its musical adaptation by Berlioz.
Organizational factors and technological innovation in products engineered to order for the wind energy market
Authors: Donha Rogério , Guimarães Márcia Regina Neves
Published: April 2020

The objective of this article is to identify the organizational factors that facilitate or inhibit the technological innovation in the development cycle of a product engineered to order for Brazilian wind energy market. The following factors stand out as facilitators: the rigid hierarchical structure combined with some aspects of the projected structure, the level of cooperation between departments, and the autonomy given to workers. The main barriers are the lack of clarity about the organization’s strategy, the low frequency and depth of training offered by the company, and the lack of a mechanism that allows access and registration of information.