bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor Subtype Determines Therapeutic Response to Chimeric Polypeptide Nanoparticle–based Chemotherapy in Pten-deleted Mouse Models of Sarcoma
Authors: Dodd Rebecca D. , Scherer Amanda , Huang Wesley , McGivney Gavin R. , Gutierrez Wade R. , Laverty Emily A. , Ashcraft Kathleen A. , Stephens Victoria R. , Yousefpour Parisa , Saha Soumen , Knepper-Adrian Vickie , Floyd Warren , Chen Mark , Ma Yan , Mastria Eric M. , Cardona Diana M. , Eward William C. , Chilkoti Ashutosh , Kirsch David G.
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

Nanoparticle-encapsulated drug formulations can improve responses to conventional chemotherapy by increasing drug retention within the tumor and by promoting a more effective antitumor immune response than free drug. New drug delivery modalities are needed in sarcomas because they are often chemoresistant cancers, but the rarity of sarcomas and the complexity of diverse subtypes makes it challenging to investigate novel drug formulations.

Experimental Design:

New drug formulations can be tested in animal models of sarcomas where the therapeutic response of different formulations can be compared using mice with identical tumor-initiating mutations. Here, using Cre/loxP and CRISPR/Cas9 techniques, we generated two distinct mouse models of Pten-deleted soft-tissue sarcoma: malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS). We used these models to test the efficacy of chimeric polypeptide doxorubicin (CP-Dox), a nanoscale micelle formulation, in comparison with free doxorubicin.

Results:

The CP-Dox formulation was superior to free doxorubicin in MPNST models. However, in UPS tumors, CP-Dox did not improve survival in comparison with free doxorubicin. While CP-Dox treatment resulted in elevated intratumoral doxorubicin concentrations in MPNSTs, this increase was absent in UPS tumors. In addition, elevation of CD8+ T cells was observed exclusively in CP-Dox–treated MPNSTs, although these cells were not required for full efficacy of the CP nanoparticle–based chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

These results have important implications for treating sarcomas with nanoparticle-encapsulated chemotherapy by highlighting the tumor subtype–dependent nature of therapeutic response.
Low-Dose Hsp90 Inhibitor Selectively Radiosensitizes HNSCC and Pancreatic Xenografts
Authors: Mehta Ranjit K. , Pal Sanjima , Kondapi Koushik , Sitto Merna , Dewar Cuyler , Devasia Theresa , Schipper Matthew J. , Thomas Dafydd G. , Basrur Venkatesha , Pai Manjunath P. , Morishima Yoshihiro , Osawa Yoichi , Pratt William B. , Lawrence Theodore S. , Nyati Mukesh K.
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

Treatment approaches using Hsp90 inhibitors at their maximum tolerated doses (MTDs) have not produced selective tumor toxicity. Inhibition of Hsp90 activity causes degradation of client proteins including those involved in recognizing and repairing DNA lesions. We hypothesized that if DNA repair proteins were degraded by concentrations of an Hsp90 inhibitor below those required to cause nonspecific cytotoxicity, significant tumor-selective radiosensitization might be achieved.

Experimental Design:

Tandem mass tagged-mass spectrometry was performed to determine the effect of a subcytotoxic concentration of the Hsp90 inhibitor, AT13387 (onalespib), on global protein abundance. The effect of AT13387 on in vitro radiosensitization was assessed using a clonogenic assay. Pharmacokinetics profiling was performed in mice bearing xenografts. Finally, the effect of low-dose AT13387 on the radiosensitization of three tumor models was assessed.

Results:

A subcytotoxic concentration of AT13387 reduced levels of DNA repair proteins, without affecting the majority of Hsp90 clients. The pharmacokinetics study using one-third of the MTD showed 40-fold higher levels of AT13387 in tumors compared with plasma. This low dose enhanced Hsp70 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), which is a biomarker of Hsp90 inhibition. Low dose monotherapy was ineffective, but when combined with radiotherapy, produced significant tumor growth inhibition.

Conclusions:

This study shows that a significant therapeutic ratio can be achieved by a low dose of Hsp90 inhibitor in combination with radiotherapy. Hsp90 inhibition, even at a low dose, can be monitored by measuring Hsp70 expression in PBMCs in human studies.
Acupuncture as Complementary Treatment for Acute Tinnitus: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Manz Enikö Julia , Sertel Serkan , Szecsenyi Joachim , Plinkert Peter-Karl , Joos Stefanie
Published: July 2020

Background: Up to now, tinnitus has been an almost non-treatable symptom affecting more than 18% of the population in industrialized countries. So far, there are only a few studies evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture in tinnitus treatment, none of which include acute tinnitus (<3 months). The aim of this pilot study was to explore the feasibility of recruitment and adherence to acupuncture conducted according to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine in patients with acute idiopathic tinnitus and to assess effect sizes on subjective and objective outcomes within a randomized controlled design. Patients and Methods: After randomization patients of the control group received usual care (n = 23), and patients of the intervention group (n = 25) received 4 additional acupuncture treatments in a 4- to 6-week period. Tinnitus severity was assessed by means of a visual analogue scale as well as standardized and validated tinnitus questionnaires (Tinnitus Functional Index and 12-item Mini Tinnitus Questionnaire) at baseline and 6 weeks after. These subjective parameters were completed by tone audiometry. Comparisons of the groups were carried out using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test. Results: Both groups were comparable without significant differences in baseline values. All outcomes, except for the overall well-being, showed better improvements in the intervention group with clinically significant differences from baseline to end point. However, among the outcomes only the subjective change in tinnitus severity showed a significant group difference. No serious side effects were observed. Conclusion: The design of our pilot study was feasible in terms of recruitment, although patient adherence to treatment remained challenging. However, considering the small intergroup differences, procedures regarding the numbers of acupuncture sessions and the total period of the acupuncture treatment should be reconsidered. The results of this pilot study provide a good basis for future confirmatory trials.
Tumor Growth Rate to Predict the Outcome of Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumors: Performance and Sources of Variability
Authors: Dromain Clarisse , Sundin Anders , Najran Pavan , Vidal Trueba Hector , Dioguardi Burgio Marco , Crona Joakim , Opalinska Marta , Carvalho Luciana , Franca Regis , Borg Philip , Vietti Violi Naik , Schaefer Niklaus , Lopez Carlos , Pezzutti Daniela , de Mestier Louis , Lamarca Angela , Costa Frederico , Pavel Marianne , Ronot Maxime
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Tumor growth rate (TGR), percentage of change in tumor volume/month, has been previously identified as an early radiological biomarker for treatment monitoring in neuroendocrine tumor (NET) patients. We assessed the performance and reproducibility of TGR at 3 months (TGR3m) as a predictor factor of progression-free survival (PFS), including the impact of imaging method and reader variability. Methods: Baseline and 3-month (±1 month) CT/MRI images from patients with advanced, grade 1–2 NETs were retrospectively reviewed by 2 readers. Influence of number of targets, tumor burden, and location of lesion on the performance of TGR3m to predict PFS was assessed by uni/multivariable Cox regression analysis. Agreement between readers was assessed by Lin’s concordance coefficient (LCC) and kappa coefficient (KC). Results: A total of 790 lesions were measured in 222 patients. Median PFS was 22.9 months. On univariable analysis, number of lesions (</≥4), tumor burden, and presence of liver metastases were significantly correlated with PFS. On multivariate analysis, ≥4 lesions (HR: 1.89 [95% CI: 1.01–3.57]), TGR3m ≥0.8%/month (HR: 4.01 [95% CI: 2.31–6.97]), and watch and wait correlated with shorter PFS. No correlation was found between TGR3m and number of lesions (rho: −0.2; p value: 0.1930). No difference in mean TGR3m across organs was shown (p value: 0.6). Concordance between readers was acceptable (LCC: 0.52 [95% CI: 0.38–0.65]; KC: 0.57, agreement: 81.55%). TGR3m remained a significant prognostic factor when data from the second reader were employed (HR: 4.35 [95% CI: 2.44–7.79]; p value <0.001) regardless his expertise (HR: 1.21 [95% CI: 0.70–2.09]; p value: 0.493). Discussion/Conclusion: TGR3m is a robust and early radiological biomarker able to predict PFS. It may be used to identify patients with advanced NETs who require closer radiological follow-up.
Grande Circo Místico: um projeto artístico-pedagógico
Authors: Camargo Cristina Moura Emboaba da Costa Julião d
Published: July 2020

A realização artística e pedagógica do projeto de extensão cultural aqui descrito permite a discussão de uma formação musical fundamentada na articulação das áreas do ensino superior - Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão - com a interação e complementariedade (Morin,2012) entre as três principais atividades musicais - poética, prática e teoria - e das disciplinas e conteúdos do currículo do curso superior de música como alternativa para uma formação musical com potência crítica, enfrentando a estrutura de fragmentação e compartimentação do conhecimento e habilidades instalada nos processos pedagógicos. Nesse recorte descrevemos e apreciamos a montagem do espetáculo O Grande Circo Místico, com as canções compostas por Chico Buarque e Edu Lobo baseadas no poema homônimo de Jorge de lima, realizado por dois programas de extensão do Centro de Artes e Departamento de Música da Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina Udesc/FLORIANÓPOLIS com três grupos musicais e um grupo de atores, produzido pela Pró-Reitoria de Extensão e Cultura dessa universidade.
Aging Disrupts Normal Time-of-Day Variation in Cardiac Electrophysiology
Authors: Wang Zhen , Tapa Srinivas , Francis Stuart Samantha D. , Wang Lianguo , Bossuyt Julie , Delisle Brian P. , Ripplinger Crystal M.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Cardiac gene expression and arrhythmia occurrence have time-of-day variation; however, daily changes in cardiac electrophysiology, arrhythmia susceptibility, and Ca
2+
handling have not been characterized. Furthermore, how these patterns change with age is unknown.

Methods:

Hearts were isolated during the light (zeitgeber time [ZT] 4 and ZT9) and dark cycle (ZT14 and ZT21) from adult (12–18 weeks) male mice. Hearts from aged (18–20 months) male mice were isolated at ZT4 and ZT14. All hearts were Langendorff-perfused for optical mapping with voltage- and Ca
2+
-sensitive dyes (n=4–7/group). Cardiac gene and protein expression were assessed with real-time polymerase chain reaction (n=4–6/group) and Western blot (n=3–4/group).

Results:

Adult hearts had the shortest action potential duration (APD) and Ca
2+
transient duration (CaTD) at ZT14 (APD
80
: ZT4: 45.4±4.1 ms; ZT9: 45.1±8.6 ms; ZT14: 34.7±4.2 ms; ZT21: 49.2±7.6 ms,
P
<0.05 versus ZT4 and ZT21; and CaTD
80
: ZT4: 70.1±3.3 ms; ZT9: 72.7±2.7 ms; ZT14: 64.3±3.3 ms; ZT21: 74.4±1.2 ms,
P
<0.05 versus other time points). The pacing frequency at which CaT alternans emerged was faster, and average CaT alternans magnitude was significantly reduced at ZT14 compared with the other time points. There was a trend for decreased spontaneous premature ventricular complexes and pacing-induced ventricular arrhythmias at ZT14, and the hearts at ZT14 had diminished responses to isoproterenol compared with ZT4 (ZT4: 49.5.0±5.6% versus ZT14: 22.7±9.5% decrease in APD,
P
<0.01). In contrast, aged hearts exhibited no difference between ZT14 and ZT4 in nearly every parameter assessed (except APD
80
: ZT4: 39.7±1.9 ms versus ZT14: 33.8±3.1 ms,
P
<0.01). Gene expression of
KCNA5
(potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily A member 5; encoding Kv1.5) was increased, whereas gene expression of
ADRB1
(encoding β1-adrenergic receptors) was decreased at ZT14 versus ZT4 in adult hearts. No time-of-day changes in expression or phosphorylation of Ca
2+
handling proteins (SERCA2 [sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
-ATPase], RyR2 [ryanodine receptor 2], and PLB [phospholamban]) was found in ex vivo perfused adult isolated hearts.

Conclusions:

Isolated adult hearts have strong time-of-day variation in cardiac electrophysiology, Ca
2+
handling, and adrenergic responsiveness, which is disrupted with age.
A Study of Null Effects for the Use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in Adults With and Without Reading Impairment
Authors: Cummine Jacqueline , Villarena Miya , Onysyk Taylor , Devlin Joseph T.
Published: July 2020

There is evidence to support the hypothesis that the delivery of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the left temporoparietal junction can enhance performance on reading speed and reading accuracy ( Costanzo et al., 2016b ; Heth & Lavidor, 2015 ). Here, we explored whether we could demonstrate similar effects in adults with and without reading impairments. Method: Adults with ( N = 33) and without ( N = 29) reading impairment were randomly assigned to anodal or sham stimulation conditions. All individuals underwent a battery of reading assessments pre and post stimulation. The stimulation session involved 15 min of anodal/sham stimulation over the left temporoparietal junction while concurrently completing a computerized nonword segmentation task known to activate the temporoparietal junction. Results: There were no conclusive findings that anodal stimulation impacted reading performance for skilled or impaired readers. Conclusions: While tDCS may provide useful gains on reading performance in the paediatric population, much more work is needed to establish the parameters under which such findings would transfer to adult populations. The documentation, reporting, and interpreting of null effects of tDCS are immensely important to a field that is growing exponentially with much uncertainty.
The Oldowan in the Egyptian Nile Valley
Authors: Bakry Aboualhassan , Saied Ahmed , Ibrahim Doaa
Published: July 2020

Although there is no good “Oldowan” record in the Egyptian Nile Valley, the presence of the “Pebble Tools Tradition” is confirmed by surface finds, scattered in the valley and the deserts, recorded through both early and recent excavations, and confirmed by three important stratified sites at Western Thebes, Nag el Amra and Abassieh. Evidence for the existence of the Oldowan complex in Egypt was found, although there was no water corridor connecting the East African highlands to the Mediterranean, as the Proto-Nile had its sources within Egypt itself at the time of the Plio-Pleistocene boundary. The western coast of the Red Sea also should be considered a possible corridor for early Pleistocene hominins. There is still much more research to be done, especially in the Eastern Egyptian Desert and Sinai, to obtain a clearer picture of the scenario that happened during the Plio-Pleistocene episode of hominin dispersal out of Africa.
Testing the Trade Wind Charging Mechanism and Its Influence on ENSO Variability
Authors: Chakravorty Soumi , Perez Renellys C. , Anderson Bruce T. , Giese Benjamin S. , Larson Sarah M. , Pivotti Valentina
Published: July 2020

During the positive phase of the North Pacific Oscillation, westerly wind anomalies over the subtropical North Pacific substantially increase subsurface heat content along the equator by “trade wind charging” (TWC). TWC provides a direct pathway between extratropical atmospheric circulation and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) initiation. Previous model studies of this mechanism lacked the ocean–atmospheric coupling needed for ENSO growth, so it is crucial to examine whether TWC-induced heat content anomalies develop into ENSO events in a coupled model. Here, coupled model experiments, forced with TWC favorable (+TWC) or unfavorable (−TWC) wind stress, are used to examine the ENSO response to TWC. The forcing is imposed on the ocean component of the model through the first winter and then the model evolves in a fully coupled configuration through the following winter. The +TWC (−TWC) forcing consistently charges (discharges) the equatorial Pacific in spring and generates positive (negative) subsurface temperature anomalies. These subsurface temperature anomalies advect eastward and upward along the equatorial thermocline and emerge as like-signed sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the eastern Pacific, creating favorable conditions upon which coupled air–sea feedback can act. During the fully coupled stage, warm SST anomalies in +TWC forced simulations are amplified by coupled feedbacks and lead to El Niño events. However, while −TWC forcing results in cool SST anomalies, pre-existing warm SST anomalies in the far eastern equatorial Pacific persist and induce local westerly wind anomalies that prevent consistent development of La Niña conditions. While the TWC mechanism provides adequate equatorial heat content to fuel ENSO development, other factors also play a role in determining whether an ENSO event develops.
Endogenous Obstacles to Development in Global Value Chains: Insights From the Oil and Gas Sector
Authors: Scholvin Sören
Published: July 2020

The World Bank promotes integration into global value chains as the path towards development. By liberalising their respective national economies, African countries are expected to benefit from economic impulses, with more and more activities beyond resource extraction being relocated to peripheral locations and generating so-called linkages there. This analytical report focuses on the upstream oil and gas sector, showing that Africa’s hydrocarbon-rich countries do not achieve economic progress merely because of being part of global value chains. The reason for this is endogenous obstacles to investment. Services – especially in engineering and logistics – are carried out by South African firms, which bring their own equipment and staff or work in South Africa. The emerging economy therefore benefits from linkages that exploration and extraction of oil and gas in developing countries generate.
A New Risk Score to Predict In-Hospital Mortality in Elderly Patients With Acute Heart Failure: On Behalf of the Journey HF-TR Study Investigators
Authors: Gök Gülay , Karadağ Mehmet , Sinan Ümit Yaşar , Zoghi Mehdi
Published: July 2020

We aimed to predict in-hospital mortality of elderly patients with heart failure (HF) by using a risk score model which could be easily applied in routine clinical practice without using an electronic calculator. The study population (n = 1034) recruited from the Journey HF-TR (Patient Journey in Hospital with Heart Failure in Turkish Population) study was divided into a derivation and a validation cohort. The parameters related to in-hospital mortality were first analyzed by univariate analysis, then the variables found to be significant in that analysis were entered into a stepwise multivariate logistic regression (LR) analysis. Patients were classified as low, intermediate, and high risk. A risk score obtained by taking into account the regression coefficients of the significant variables as a result of the LR analysis was tested in the validation cohort using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. In total, 6 independent variables (age, blood urea nitrogen, previous history of hemodialysis/hemofiltration, inotropic agent use, and length of intensive care stay) associated with in-hospital mortality were included in the analysis. The risk score had a good discrimination in both the derivation and validation cohorts. A new validated risk score to determine the risk of in-hospital mortality of elderly hospitalized patients with HF was developed by including 6 independent predictors.
Mega Fibula Free Flap for Reconstruction of an Extensive Mandibulofacial Defect
Authors: Lin Chen , Tamaki Akina , Ozer Enver
Published: July 2020

Objective:

Extensive mandibulofacial defects can be challenging to reconstruct. We present the case of a complex mandibulofacial defect reconstructed with a mega, chimeric fibula free flap.

Methods:

Ablation of the oral cavity tumor resulted in a large defect involving mandible, floor of mouth, and tongue. Skin of the chin and neck as well as the lower lip were also resected. A fibula free flap was harvested with the skin paddle involving most of the lateral compartment.

Results:

The fibula free flap was split into proximal (80 cm2) and distal (120 cm2) skin paddle islands, which were supplied by separate perforators off the peroneal artery. The intraoral soft tissue defect was reconstructed with the proximal skin paddle while the skin was recreated with the distal skin paddle. A Karapandzic flap was used to reconstruct the lower lip.

Conclusions:

The traditional fibula free flap skin paddle often does not provide sufficient soft tissue coverage for large mandibulofacial defects. Some surgeons opt to harvest a second free flap. We describe our technique for using the mega fibula free flap – one of the largest reported in the literature – as a single mode of reconstruction.
An Integrative Review of Family Health History in Pediatrics
Authors: Kwong Lindsay , Bodurtha Joann , Busch Deborah W.
Published: July 2020

The aim of this integrative review is to investigate current literature regarding family health history (FHH) taking practices, attitudes, and challenges in the pediatric outpatient setting. FHH is a known clinical tool for providers; however, there are no explicit standards for pediatric FHH collection. The integrative review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane databases were searched for publications between January 2010 and December 2019, and 8 articles were selected for evaluation. Three themes are explored in this review: FHH collection practices, challenges, and tools. FHH collection practices were found to be inconsistent and the most commonly cited challenge was time. No validated FHH collection tools have been identified for the pediatric population. These findings suggest the need for standardization in FHH collection and further development of tools to improve FHH collection.
PTSD as a Risk Factor for Chronic Gang Membership During Adolescence and Early Adulthood: A Group-Based Trajectory Modeling Approach
Authors: Wojciechowski Thomas
Published: July 2020

This study sought to identify developmental patterns of gang membership among a sample of juvenile offenders during adolescence and early adulthood. Examine the relevance of PTSD for predicting development. The Pathways to Desistance data were used in analyses. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify developmental patterns of gang membership. Multinomial logistic regression examined if PTSD predicts trajectory group membership. A five-group model best fit the gang membership data. Meeting lifetime criteria for PTSD at baseline predicted membership to a trajectory group characterized by chronic gang membership. Results indicate that screening for PTSD may help to identify juvenile offenders who may be at-risk for becoming chronic gang members. Providing trauma-informed care may help to reduce the impact of PTSD on gang membership risk by providing treatment that helps juvenile offenders manage emotions and establish and maintain social support relationships outside of a gang context.
Reading Hebrews in a Time of Pandemic: Heroism and Hope in the Face of Fear
Authors: Lincoln Andrew T.
Published: July 2020

Despite its well-known difficulties, the epistle to the Hebrews offers resources for reflection in a time of pandemic. Covid-19 has, in its own way, exposed how the existential fear of death can be crippling in its dominance and yet also provoke heroic actions. In the midst of its catastrophic effects for individuals and societies there has also been a demand for some signs of hope that might sustain efforts to find a better future. To read Hebrews in this setting is to be reminded that some of its major themes resonate with the experience of the pandemic’s broad characteristics. It deals with its recipients’ perceived bondage to the fear of death. It claims that this fear has been overcome through the heroic death of Christ, whose pattern of life is to be emulated in the heroism of his followers. It sets these topics within an overall message of hope, in which God’s action in the exalted Christ is seen as both a ‘word against death’ and the promise of a better world. The article explores further the potential appropriation for present-day readers of Hebrews’ treatment of each of these topics—fear of death, heroism and hope.
Afghanistan’s ‘Political Insecurity’ and the Emerging Geopolitical Calculus in Eurasia
Authors: Mohapatra Nalin Kumar
Published: July 2020

The ‘sustainable peace’ is eluding Afghanistan over centuries. This can largely be attributed to both external geopolitical factors as well as the internal domestic realignments. Often these two factors operate in isolation and at times collude with each other, thus accentuating both domestic and regional instability. The fallout of protracted conflict in Afghanistan in the last few decades has resulted in the emergence of weak governance structure along with the proliferation of radicalism and the flow of narcotics to the neighbouring regions. Eurasia is one such region which has largely been affected by the developments in Afghanistan. The Eurasian states’ engagement with Afghanistan can be looked both through the prism of geopolitical developments that took place in the region following the collapse of the Soviet Union and post-9/11 developments which resulted in the intervention of external actors. The present geopolitical imbroglio is largely emanating from the decision of the United States to leave Afghanistan and the Russian’s desire to fill the vacuum. Iran and China are also engaged in shaping the geopolitical dynamics of this trouble-torn state. India, on the other hand, perceives security and stability of Afghanistan are important for greater regional economic cooperation which will facilitate its effective engagement in Eurasia.
The “in-betweens” and the “hatadaiva”: Oscillating, fantastic realities in Tashan Mehta’s The Liar’s Weave
Authors: Varughese E Dawson
Published: July 2020

This article explores the idea of movement, namely oscillation, in Tashan Mehta’s The Liar’s Weave (2017). I trace this idea through an oscillation of locations (as “real” and “unreal”), of language (as familiar terms and as invented terms), and of free will (against a fixed destiny). Specifically, I explore how Zahan Merchant, the novel’s protagonist, is intricately engaged with all three manifestations of oscillation. With his unique ability to verbally lie new realities into existence, Zahan is able to move between the real and unreal, the known and the unknown, as well as act as an agent of free will within a system that precludes such agency. There is an overarching interest in the novel’s employment of the speculative genre — primarily articulated through Zahan’s ability to lie new realities into being and through the wild forest of Vidroha — although the focus of this article is not on arguing a specific case for the novel as speculative fiction. Instead, through a close reading of the text and with a focus on the idea of oscillation, I argue that the novel negotiates familiar as well as unfamiliar literary ground in relation to Indian writing in English and in turn, relates to the Indian post-millennial contemporary.
The WS2 dependence on the elasticity and optical band gap energies of swollen PAAm composites
Authors: Evingür Gülşen Akın , Sağlam Nafia Alara , Çimen Büşra , Uysal Bengü Özuğur , Pekcan Önder
Published: July 2020

New generation nano-filler polymer composites have many applications including biomedical, electronic and maritime related applications because of their mechanical, electronic and optical properties. The properties of composites were investigated as a function of nano-filler content. Among these, tungsten disulfide (WS2) has the potential to be used as a component in electronic devices owing to its high electron mobility and easily tunable optical band gap energy. Tungsten disulfide (WS2)- Polyacrylamide (PAAm) composite was prepared using free radical co-polymerization and wet laboratory methods with WS2 content. Composites were characterized for mechanical and optical properties using an Elasticity Instrument and UV-vis Spectrophotometer, respectively. Elastic modulus was modeled by a statistical thermodynamics model. Tauc’s and Urbach’s Tail model for direct transition were used to model for the optical band gap. In this study, the swelling and WS2 effect on the optical band gap and elasticity of WS2 - PAAm composites were investigated. It was observed that the elasticity presented a reversed behavior of optical band gap energies with respect to WS2 content. For the applications of nano-filler doped polymer composites in flexible electronic devices, WS2 content strongly influences the mechanical and optical properties.
Effect of micro silica on fiber-reinforced self-compacting composites containing ceramic waste
Authors: Mansoori Alireza , Moein Mohammad Mohtasham , Mohseni Ehsan
Published: July 2020

This paper aims to evaluate the impact of ceramic waste powder (CWP), micro silica (MS) and steel fiber (SF) on self-compacting mortar. CWP at ratios of 10 and 20%, and MS at 1 and 5% by weight of cement were replaced the cement. Beside, SF was added at ratios of 0.5 and 1% of cement. Mini slump flow diameter and mini V-funnel flow time tests were carried out to determine the workability of fresh composites. Compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption, electrical resistivity and drying shrinkage tests were performed on hardened mortars. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) technique was employed to assess the microstructure. The results indicated that CWP reduced the mechanical properties by about 20% and increased permeability by about 14%. However, inclusion of micro silica particles improved the properties outstandingly. Compressive strength increased about 30% by inclusion of MS. It was also observed that the addition of fibers from 0.5% to 1% increased the flexural strength. This improvement was more obvious in samples with higher contents of micro silica. It can be reported that by including the both micro silica and steel fibers, the bonding between the cement paste and fibers was developed. Replacement of micro silica led to increase of electrical resistivity by about 99% in samples containing 20% ceramic waste powder. The microstructure studies confirmed the significant increase of density and uniformity of the hydration products in the presence of micro silica particles.
A multi-stage material model calibration procedure for enhancing numerical solution fidelity in the case of impact loading of composites
Authors: Giannaros Efthimios , Kotzakolios Athanasios , Sotiriadis George , Kostopoulos Vassilis
Published: July 2020

The numerical prediction of impact-induced damage to composite materials and the subsequent residual strength under compression loading continue to be a challenging task. The current study proposes a calibration routine for optimizing the set of material model parameters prior to the virtual simulation of impact tests, which also simplifies the process of parameter determination. The calibration algorithm is based on the comparison of the numerical force-strain or force-displacement curves with the corresponding experimental ones to get the optimal input data, and it includes basic quasi-static material characterization tests. For the sake of simplicity, the calibration process was divided into two parts. The first part includes the in-plane loading tests (tension 0° & 90°, compression 0° & 90°, shear and open-hole tension) for calibration of orthotropic damage material model; whereas the second one consists of the mode I and mode II interlaminar fracture tests as well as the short beam shear test, and it mainly targets to the adjustment of cohesive model parameters. Given the optimal set of parameters of material models, low and high velocity impact simulations at the energy level of 30 J were carried-out to LS-DYNA software and compared with experiments. The percentage difference between numerical and experimental delamination area, after the calibration enablement, reduced from 77% and 60% to 10% and 25% for low- and high-velocity impact, respectively. Afterwards, the damaged specimens were experimentally and virtually tested to compression loading. In terms of maximum compressive load, the computational error is close to 1% for both impact conditions.
Parental Perspectives on Physical Education Services for Children With CHARGE Syndrome
Authors: Lane Kristi , Lieberman Lauren J. , Haibach-Beach Pamela , Perreault Melanie , Columna Luis
Published: July 2020

For this study, the researchers used a grounded theory approach to explore the perspectives of parents with children who have CHARGE syndrome regarding their children's physical education experiences. Participants included 10 mothers of children with CHARGE syndrome ages 6 to 23 years old. The parents completed a demographic survey and participated in a semi-structured interview where they discussed their perspectives on their child’s physical education services. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using an open coding analysis. Three independent themes were revealed: (a) holistic expectations, (b) multifaceted barriers, and (c) facilitators to quality physical education. The perspectives shared by parents indicated that parents do find physical education services, an important part of the educational program. However, the existing programs did not meet the parents’ expectations specific to programming for children with CHARGE syndrome.
Comparison of the effects of osmotic pump implantation with subcutaneous injection for administration of drugs after total body irradiation in mice
Authors: Koch Amory L , Rusnak Milan , Peachee Katherine , Isaac Akira , McCart Elizabeth A , Rittase W Bradley , Olsen Cara H , Day Regina M , Symes Aviva J
Published: July 2020

The increasing potential for radiation exposure from nuclear accidents or terrorist activities has intensified the need to develop pharmacologic countermeasures against injury from total body irradiation (TBI). Many initial experiments to develop and test these countermeasures utilize murine irradiation models. Yet, the route of drug administration can alter the response to irradiation injury. Studies have demonstrated that cutaneous injuries can exacerbate damage from radiation, and thus surgical implantation of osmotic pumps for drug delivery could adversely affect the survival of mice following TBI. However, daily handling and injections to administer drugs could also have negative consequences. This study compared the effects of subcutaneous needlesticks with surgical implantation of osmotic pumps on morbidity and mortality in a murine model of hematopoietic acute radiation syndrome (H-ARS). C57BL/6 mice were sham irradiated or exposed to a single dose of 7.7 Gy 60Co TBI. Mice were implanted with osmotic pumps containing sterile saline seven days prior to irradiation or received needlesticks for 14 days following irradiation or received no treatment. All irradiated groups exhibited weight loss. Fewer mice with osmotic pumps survived to 30 days post irradiation (37.5%) than mice receiving needlesticks or no treatment (70% and 80%, respectively), although this difference was not statistically significant. However, mice implanted with the pump lost significantly more weight than mice that received needlesticks or no treatment. These data suggest that surgical implantation of a drug-delivery device can adversely affect the outcome in a murine model of H-ARS.
When sexual offence is an unexpected diagnosis – exploration of medical, legal and social aspects in Nepalese scenario
Authors: Atreya Alok , Shrestha Rijen , Nepal Binu , Nepal Samata , Shrestha Deepak , Mahato Sweta
Published: July 2020

In Nepal, following allegations of sexual assault, the survivor is taken by the police to a Government Hospital for medical examination and sample collection. To provide an integrated service to survivors of gender-based violence, a One–Stop Crisis Management Centre (OCMC) is established in many Government Hospitals. However, paediatric survivors of sexual abuse frequently seek initial care at the emergency department, as most present with a medical complaint rather than for sexual abuse. It is therefore important to train emergency physicians with the skills required to identify the features and diagnose a case of sexual assault. We present a case where the diagnosis of sexual assault of a child was an incidental finding and discuss the challenges faced in dealing with such cases in non-OCMC Hospital.
Rehabilitation Counselor Supervisors’ Perceptions of Counselor Professional Dispositions for Rural Service Delivery
Authors: Landon Trenton J. , Sabella Scott A. , McKnight-Lizotte Michelle , Bernacchio Charles
Published: July 2020

Professional dispositions are recognized as a fundamental to counselor professional practice, but this construct remains largely undefined. This qualitative study explored the professional dispositions that rehabilitation counselors should demonstrate for effective service delivery, particularly within rural areas. The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews to gather perspectives on the conceptualization and identification of professional dispositions in the field. Participants for this study were practicing rehabilitation counseling supervisors ( n = 14) from five states and largely represented state/federal vocational rehabilitation agencies ( n= 12). A preliminary, field-driven definition of the term professional disposition is presented, and primary dispositional categories are identified. Findings indicated three major dispositional themes that are necessary and generalizable to rehabilitation service delivery: traditional rehabilitation counseling values, professional attitude and conduct, and ethically principled behavior. A theme discrete to rural rehabilitation is also identified, community oriented. These domains reflect a focus on the client, the agency, and the community. The concept of ethically principled practice was a bridging theme that connects and is interwoven across the three main themes. Implications for practice and future research suggestions are also discussed.
Bridging city environments: A contextual approach to the mobilisation of immigrant groups
Authors: Lacomba Cristina
Published: July 2020

Although cities are thought of as environments conducive to collective mobilisation, we know less about the collective processes by which marginal social groups take advantage of these environments to advance their claims. This article uses the concept of bridging social capital to explain the process by which immigrants living in cities with high diversity mobilise. It introduces the concept of bridging environments to show how city context shapes the collective mobilisation of immigrants. Mobilisation is contingent on the bridging environments with which immigrants can connect within the cities in which they settle. This argument is exemplified by a comparative analysis of the collective mobilisation of Ecuadorian immigrants in New York City and Madrid. This research contributes to how city context matters for the mobilisation and political incorporation of immigrants in liberal democracies.
Immigrant Background and Crime Among Young People: An Examination of the Importance of Delinquent Friends Based on National Self-Report Data
Authors: Svensson Robert , Shannon David
Published: July 2020

In this article we examine whether different agents of socialization—family, school, and peers—are differentially associated with offending among different immigrant groups. Our expectation is to find that the association between delinquent friends and offending is stronger for first- and second-generation immigrants than for youths of native Swedish background. We use data from four nationally representative self-report studies of 21,504 adolescents with an average age of 15 years in Sweden. The results show that both first- and second-generation immigrants report committing more offenses than natives. The association is rather weak and the two predictors account for only a marginal amount of the variance in total offending. The results also show that the association between delinquent friends and offending is stronger for both first- and second-generation immigrants than for natives.
The nexus of populism and foreign policy: The case of Latin America
Authors: Wehner Leslie E , Thies Cameron G
Published: July 2020

The term populism has recently gained visibility in the media and policy world to describe the foreign policy principles, rhetoric and strategies of political actors in the United States and some European states. Yet, populism is nothing new in Latin America where it has enjoyed a long tradition among leaders of various countries. Populism has thus far largely been treated as a national phenomenon with few international manifestations. Thus, this article adopts the concept of populism and its core components such as anti-elitism, the people, and the general will within a role theory framework to trace the foreign policy roles that populist governments play as a first step to improving our knowledge on the nexus of populism and foreign policy. We examine this framework in the context of the foreign policy of Carlos Menem of Argentina and Hugo Chávez of Venezuela.
Street-Level Bureaucrats’ Work Engagement: Can Public Managers’ Servant-Leader Orientation Make a Difference?
Authors: Shim Dong Chul , Park Hyun Hee , Keum Jaeduk , Kim Sangmook
Published: July 2020

The present study examines the antecedents of street-level bureaucrats’ work engagement. In particular, this study investigates whether a work-unit manager’s servant-leader orientation may, directly or indirectly, contribute to increasing subordinates’ work engagement by shaping employees’ resources (i.e., job autonomy, goal specificity, public service motivation [PSM], and organizational trust). Data collected from 416 street-level bureaucrats in Korean local government agencies and the analyzed results show that work-unit managers’ servant-leader orientation indirectly influence employees’ work engagement by developing employees’ positive perceptions and attitudes.
Pilgrim’s missionary progress: Contemporary evangelistic adaptations of John Bunyan’s lingering spiritual classic for a post-secular West
Authors: Draycott Andy
Published: July 2020

This article notes that the way in which John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress has been used in Christian missionary endeavors since its original publication in 1678 lingers in contemporary reception. Two evangelistic adaptation artifacts are examined. These are evangelist J. John’s UK book adaptation and Revelation Media’s CGI movie. Interpretation is offered of how these fit within contemporary missiological emphases on the holistic gospel of the Kingdom of God, rather than a modern individualist orientation. Focusing on each artifact’s treatment of the book’s “Vanity Fair” episode I observe that greater awareness is needed. I argue that post-secular literary developments in the post-Christian West could open the doors of cultural imagination to receive The Pilgrim’s Progress and its message again.
Mass Inoculation and Rural Rhythms: Local Agents, Population Data, and Restructured Social Systems during the Cholera Pandemic in China, 1962–1965
Authors: Fang Xiaoping
Published: July 2020

This article examines the dynamics between the mass inoculation campaigns and China’s restructured rural social system during the 1962–1965 cholera pandemic, with a focus on the role of local agents and population data during the integration of the medical and administrative systems. The inoculation campaigns not only harnessed local agents and household and accounting information provided by the broader social restructuring initiatives but also directly contributed to these by compiling inoculation registers and certificates. These campaigns included the administrative and medical systems and combined social, production, and epidemiological data in a reciprocal process. The mass inoculations therefore functionalized social control; facilitated the formation and top-down imposition of a new, broad-reaching social structure; and contributed to the formation of a sedentary society. In this sense, these inoculation campaigns were a significant social and political exercise rather than just a pathological, medical, and health incident.
Psychology Students’ Understanding of Ethics and Application of Ethical Principles
Authors: Duncan Mary Katherine , Geist Kendall
Published: July 2020

Background:

The American Psychological Association (APA) has called on undergraduate psychology programs to embed training in ethics throughout their curricula. Although guidelines and resources exist, research on students’ understanding of and ability to apply the discipline’s ethical principles is limited.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to learn more about psychology students’ perceptions of their undergraduate training in ethics, understanding of what it means to behave ethically, and competence at applying ethical principles.

Method:

Forty-four psychology students rated their undergraduate coursework and fieldwork training in ethics, described what it means to be ethical, and proposed a department honor code. Responses were independently coded using a rubric based on APA’s five ethical principles.

Results:

Participants reported that their undergraduate training gave them an adequate understanding of ethics. The majority included at least three ethical principles in their descriptions of ethical behavior but fewer than three principles in their proposed honor codes. Upper-level students rated their fieldwork training in ethics significantly higher than lower-level students. Participants with higher ratings of fieldwork training in ethics included significantly more ethical principles in their honor codes.

Conclusion:

Findings support APA’s call to embed training on ethics throughout the undergraduate curriculum.
Dust Covered Privilege: White Women’s Experiences of the Dust Bowl
Authors: Weber Christina D.
Published: July 2020

In this article, I utilize a white privilege framework to analyze white women’s experiences of the Dust Bowl. In particular, I focus on the question: What do white women’s experiences of the Dust Bowl tell us about privilege and inequality? Using oral histories housed in the University of Oklahoma’s archive, “Dust, Drought, and Dreams Gone Dry: Oklahoma Women in the Dust Bowl Oral History Project,” I engage in a qualitative analysis of the women’s experiences that expand our understanding of the dominant narratives of this era. By focusing on the anomalous nature of the sample, I examine the multifaceted way in which race, gender, and class shape these women’s experiences of this era. Ultimately, these women’s narratives reveal the complex system of privilege and oppression that these white women experienced in a time of economic and environmental crisis.