bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Democracy, Democratization, and Development in Post-Cold War Africa (1990-2012)
Authors: M. RATSIMBAHARISON ADRIEN
Published: March 2019

This research project addresses the question of whether democracy would be better than any other political systems to promote development. It attempts to find out whether democracy and democratization have led to a better economic performance in democratic and democratizing countries in Africa. Using data on development from the World Bank and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in combination with data on regime characteristics from the Polity IV Project and Freedom House, this research project finds that democracy has weak statistical correlations with development, as indicated by the Human Development Index (HDI) and the gross national income (GNI) per capita of the fifty and so African countries since the end of the Cold War. Nevertheless, this study also finds that democratizing countries seem to have better economic performances than the other African countries.
Cash-Heavy to Cash-Lite Indian Society: A Case Study From the Rural Northern Indian State
Authors: DIMRI NAVNEET , CHAUDHRY PRADEEP
Published: March 2019

The country needs to move away from cash-based transaction towards a cashless (electronic) payment system to help reduce currency management cost, track transactions, check tax avoidance, fraud etc., enhance financial inclusion and integrate the parallel economy with main stream. India has a majority percentage of population residing in rural areas and by and large, literary percentage is low in spite of adult education program launched by the government. Higher rural population, late adoption of technology by the country, lack of awareness among potential users, optimum utilization of technology in hand, optimum marketing of e-delivery channels and security concern in use of e-delivery banking channels are some major issues causing hindrance in converting cash rich Indian society to cash lite one. The present article deals with issues by way of presenting some key challenges noticed during survey in rural areas of Uttar Pradesh state of India.
Seeing the NHS through the eyes of an expert patient
Authors: Greenaway Beth
Published: March 2019

In April 2008, we heard from a patient with congenital heart disease about why patients in her cohort can get lost in the system. In this issue, Beth Greenaway returns with a quarterly column to share her thoughts about the patient experience in the NHS, some of its pitfalls and possible ways forward
Needle temperature and pain perception in the treatment of rheumatic heart disease
Authors: Thomas Nisha , Andrews Rachel , Kaur Sukhpal , Juneja Rajnish , Saxena Anita
Published: March 2019

Aim:

Patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are committed to lifelong secondary prophylaxis with antibiotics. The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of cold needle to decrease the pain associated with this injection.

Material and methods:

A randomised crossover single-blinded study was conducted among 100 patients receiving penicillin with room-temperature needle and cold needle (0–2oC) in random order. Pain was evaluated using numerical pain rating scale and bio-physiological measures.

Results:

There was a significant decrease in subjective pain score when cold needle was used as compared to room-temperature needle (3.37 ±1.75 vs 5.58 ±1.68, P≤0.0001).

Conclusion:

Cold needle decreased pain perception of patients receiving intramuscular injection of benzathine penicillin. Pain-reducing technique may be useful in improving compliance of patients receiving benzathine penicillin.
Reflections of Research: A snapshot of platelet production, Abdullah Obaid Khan
Authors: Khan Abdullah Obaid
Published: March 2019

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) annual image competition, Reflections of Research, provides a glimpse into the cutting-edge research that the BHF funds
RESEARCH ROUNDUP
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: March 2019

Sarah Jane Palmer presents a selection of recently published articles of interest to nurses working in cardiovascular nursing. The aim of this roundup is to provide a brief overview of the research papers selected. A full reference is provided for those who wish to take a look at the research in further detail.
Osteoarthritis management in primary care
Authors: Finney Andrew , Lambourne Hazel , Cottrell Elizabeth
Published: March 2019

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of musculoskeletal conditions seen in general practice. Not only can it cause pain and discomfort, but it can greatly affect the quality of life of patients who live with this condition

Joint pain attributed to osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability worldwide. In the UK, the burden of osteoarthritis in primary care on both the individual and society is increasing. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence offer a guideline for osteoarthritis with recommended core treatments that are at the centre of disease management and suitable for all patients. This article will focus on osteoarthritis and its management, and suggest ways in which practice nurses can address joint pain with their patients.
How group consultations are changing respiratory care
Authors: Nelson Sara , Craig Georgina
Published: March 2019

Group consultations have been used in practice for over a decade; however, evidence of its use for children and young people is limited. Sara Nelson and Georgina Craig explore their effectiveness in paediatric respiratory reviews across three London practices

Group consultations have been recognised as an effective way of delivering planned care and reviews of adult patients for a number of years. They improve the experience of care for both patients and staff. This project sought to establish if group consultations could be used in the care of children and young people and their families within three community settings. This small study demonstrated a positive impact for both clinicians and patients and highlighted the opportunities group consultations create to provide more holistic, integrated care by applying this new model of care delivery.
Key developments in case law: assessing competence in minors
Authors: Young Andy
Published: March 2019

In this article, Andy Young discusses the complicated legal structure of medical consent for minors. When patients are minors, it is important for the health professional to be aware of what the law requires to treat and manage these patients

Primary care is fundamentally about first-contact healthcare accessible to all. It is undifferentiated by age, gender or disease modality, and it is about the continuity of a clinical relationship over time, coordinated across sectors, and interventions that focus on both the individual and the wider population and community. Conveying relevant information about treatment and risk can be problematic, particularly in relation to minors, but it is nevertheless vital that health professionals promote autonomy in decision-making. This requires effective and sensitive communication, with consideration as to how information is framed and presented to patients and their families, as the communication process has a strong influence on how people understand, remember and evaluate information ( Brown, 2006 ).
RESEARCH ROUNDUP
Authors: Winter George
Published: March 2019

George Winter provides an overview of recently published articles that may be of interest to practice nurses. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided.
School-to-school collaboration to deliver effective CPD
Authors: Cunningham Maria
Published: March 2019

The benefits of school-to-school collaboration for effective CPD delivery can be far-reaching. Maria Cunningham looks at some practical steps schools might take to overcome the barriers and make inter-school CPD collaborations work
Diagnostic Accuracy of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin for Predicting Early Diabetic Nephropathy in Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Kapoula Georgia V , Kontou Panagiota I , Bagos Pantelis G
Published: March 2019

Background

Currently, there is a lack of prediction markers for diabetic nephropathy (DN) in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM/T2DM). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the value of a promising biomarker, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), in both serum and urine for the diagnosis of early DN in T1DM and T2DM patients with different stages of albuminuria.

Methods

A comprehensive search was performed on PubMed by 2 reviewers until September 2018. Studies in which (a) the degree of DN was determined according to the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio and (b) NGAL was measured in healthy individuals and in diabetes patients with DN were included in the meta-analysis. For each study, a 2 × 2 contingency table was formulated. Sensitivity, specificity, and other estimates of accuracy were calculated using a bivariate random effects model. The hierarchical summary ROC method was used to pool data and to evaluate the area under the curve (AUC). The sources of heterogeneity were explored by subgroup analysis. Publication bias was assessed using the Deeks test.

Results

The meta-analysis enrolled 22 studies involving 683 healthy individuals and 3249 patients with diabetes, of which 488 were T1DM and 2761 were T2DM patients. Overall, pooled sensitivity and specificity among the different settings analyzed ranged from 0.42 (95% CI, 0.22–0.66) to 1.00 (95% CI, 0.99–1.00) and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.62–0.80) to 0.98 (95% CI, 0.50–1.00) in T2DM patients, respectively. For T1DM patients, the corresponding estimates were 0.71 (95% CI, 0.59–0.81) to 0.89 (95% CI, 0.64–0.97) and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.62–0.80) to 0.79 (95% CI, 0.67–0.87). The AUC of NGAL for T2DM patients ranged from 0.69 (95% CI, 0.65–0.73) to 1.00 (95% CI, 0.99–1.00) in the different settings.

Conclusion

The results of this meta-analysis suggest that NGAL in both serum and urine can be considered a valuable biomarker for early detection of DN in diabetes patients.
Optical Technologies for Endoscopic Real-Time Histologic Assessment of Colorectal Polyps: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mason Sam E. , Poynter Liam , Takats Zoltan , Darzi Ara , Kinross James M.
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVES:

Accurate, real-time, endoscopic risk stratification of colorectal polyps would improve decision-making and optimize clinical efficiency. Technologies to manipulate endoscopic optical outputs can be used to predict polyp histology in vivo; however, it remains unclear how accuracy has progressed and whether it is sufficient for routine clinical implementation.

METHODS:

A meta-analysis was conducted by searching MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Studies were included if they prospectively deployed an endoscopic optical technology for real-time in vivo prediction of adenomatous colorectal polyps. Polyposis and inflammatory bowel diseases were excluded. Bayesian bivariate meta-analysis was performed, presenting 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS:

One hundred two studies using optical technologies on 33,123 colorectal polyps were included. Digital chromoendoscopy differentiated neoplasia (adenoma and adenocarcinoma) from benign polyps with sensitivity of 92.2% (90.6%–93.9% CI) and specificity of 84.0% (81.5%–86.3% CI), with no difference between constituent technologies (narrow-band imaging, Fuji intelligent Chromo Endoscopy, iSCAN) or with only diminutive polyps. Dye chromoendoscopy had sensitivity of 92.7% (90.1%–94.9% CI) and specificity of 86.6% (82.9%–89.9% CI), similarly unchanged for diminutive polyps. Spectral analysis of autofluorescence had sensitivity of 94.4% (84.0%–99.1% CI) and specificity of 50.9% (13.2%–88.8% CI). Endomicroscopy had sensitivity of 93.6% (85.3%–98.3% CI) and specificity of 92.5% (81.8%–98.1% CI). Computer-aided diagnosis had sensitivity of 88.9% (74.2%–96.7% CI) and specificity of 80.4% (52.6%–95.7% CI). Prediction confidence and endoscopist experience alone did not significantly improve any technology. The only subgroup to demonstrate a negative predictive value for adenoma above 90% was digital chromoendoscopy, making high confidence predictions of diminutive recto-sigmoid polyps. Chronologic meta-analyses show a falling negative predictive value over time. A significant publication bias exists.

DISCUSSION:

This novel approach to meta-analysis demonstrates that existing optical technologies are increasingly unlikely to allow safe “resect and discard” strategies and that step-change innovation may be required. A “diagnose and leave” strategy may be supported for diminutive recto-sigmoid polyps diagnosed with high confidence; however, limitations exist in the evidence base for this cohort.
Considering the Supraorganism: Harnessing the Gut Microbiome for Cancer Prevention, Detection, and Treatment
Authors: Hollister Emily B.
Published: March 2019

Although causal relationships between specific microbes and cancer are well recognized, a growing body of evidence suggests that the broader community of gut microbes may influence cancer risk, provide diagnostic insight, shape clinical course, and impact treatment success in the gastrointestinal tract and beyond. In this issue, Murphy et al. reviewed evidence for the role of the microbiome in clinical oncology. Given that the gut microbiome may be modified by treatments ranging from diet and live biotherapeutics to microbial transplantation, microbiome-directed therapies hold tremendous promise for personalized therapies and improved treatment outcomes.
Role of Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Extranodal Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma
Authors: Gupta Amit M. , Goel Mahesh , Sahay Ayushi , Janjal Sneha P. , Patkar Shraddha
Published: March 2019

Extranodal follicular dendritic cell sarcomas (FDCSs) are an uncommon entity, commonly misdiagnosed because of the morphologic similarities with other neoplasias. Previously, FDCSs were not considered a differential diagnosis because of the limited use of immunohistochemistry. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for localized FDCS. The role of chemotherapy has not been determined for this rare disease. We report 2 cases of metastatic extranodal intra-abdominal FDCS, initially misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal stromal tumor, their clinicopathological features, literature review, and the role of adjuvant chemotherapy.
Identifying Clonal Origin of Multifocal Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Clinical Implications
Authors: Xie Di-yang , Fan Hong-kai , Ren Zheng-gang , Fan Jia , Gao Qiang
Published: March 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by high prevalence of multifocality. Multifocal HCC can arise synchronously or metachronously either from intrahepatic metastasis (IM) or multicentric occurrence (MO). To date, there have been no established criteria to accurately distinguish whether multifocal HCC originates from IM or MO. Histopathological features remain the most convenient strategy but with subjectivity and limited accuracy. Various molecular biological techniques involving assessment of TP53 mutation status, hepatitis B virus integration sites, and chromosomal alterations have been applied to determine the clonal origin. The introduction of next-generation sequencing facilitates a more comprehensive annotation of intertumor heterogeneity, resulting in more sensitive and accurate clonal discrimination. Generally, MO-HCC has better overall survival than IM-HCC after curative resection. Adjuvant antiviral treatment has been proved to decrease post-treatment recurrence probably by reducing MO-HCC recurrence, whereas adjuvant sorafenib treatment targeting prior micrometastasis failed to reduce IM-HCC recurrence. Recent studies recommended transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and traditional Chinese medicine Huaier granule as effective adjuvant treatments probably by preventing IM and both types of recurrences respectively. Immunotherapy that inhibits immune checkpoint interaction may be an optimal choice for both MO- and IM-HCC. In the future, effective personalized therapy against multifocal HCC may be achieved.
Strategies to Improve Follow-up After Positive Fecal Immunochemical Tests in a Community-Based Setting: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Selby Kevin , Jensen Christopher D. , Zhao Wei K. , Lee Jeffrey K. , Slam Arielle , Schottinger Joanne E. , Bacchetti Peter , Levin Theodore R. , Corley Douglas A.
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVES:

The effectiveness of fecal immunochemical test (FIT) screening for colorectal cancer depends on timely colonoscopy follow-up of positive tests, although limited data exist regarding effective system-level strategies for improving follow-up rates.

METHODS:

Using a mixed-methods design (qualitative and quantitative), we first identified system-level strategies that were implemented for improving timely follow-up after a positive FIT test in a large community-based setting between 2006 and 2016. We then evaluated changes in time to colonoscopy among FIT-positive patients across 3 periods during the study interval, controlling for screening participant age, sex, race/ethnicity, comorbidity, FIT date, and previous screening history.

RESULTS:

Implemented strategies over the study period included setting a goal of colonoscopy follow-up within 30 days of a positive FIT, tracking FIT-positive patients, early telephone contact to directly schedule follow-up colonoscopies, assigning the responsibility for follow-up tracking and scheduling to gastroenterology departments (vs primary care), and increasing colonoscopy capacity. Among 160,051 patients who had a positive FIT between 2006 and 2016, 126,420 (79%) had a follow-up colonoscopy within 180 days, including 67% in 2006–2008, 79% in 2009–2012, and 83% in 2013–2016 (P < 0.001). Follow-up within 180 days in 2016 varied moderately across service areas, between 72% (95% CI 70–75) and 88% (95% CI 86–91), but there were no obvious differences in the pattern of strategies implemented in higher- vs lower-performing service areas.

CONCLUSIONS:

The implementation of system-level strategies coincided with substantial improvements in timely colonoscopy follow-up after a positive FIT. Intervention studies are needed to identify the most effective strategies for promoting timely follow-up.
Alterations of Gut Microbiota in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome Based on 16S rRNA-Targeted Sequencing: A Systematic Review
Authors: Duan Ruqiao , Zhu Shiwei , Wang Ben , Duan Liping
Published: March 2019

INTRODUCTION:

Alterations of gut microbiota have been thought to be associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Many studies have reported significant alterations of gut microbiota in patients with IBS based on 16S ribosomal RNA-targeted sequencing. However, results from these studies are inconsistent or even contradictory. We performed a systematic review to explore the alterations of gut microbiota in patients with IBS compared with healthy controls (HCs).

METHODS:

The databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for studies published until February 28, 2018, for case–control studies detecting gut microbiota in patients with IBS. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. The α-diversity and alterations of gut microbiota in patients with IBS compared with HCs were analyzed.

RESULTS:

Sixteen articles involving 777 patients with IBS and 461 HCs were included. Quality assessment scores of the studies ranged from 5 to 7. For most studies, patients with IBS had a lower α-diversity than HCs in both fecal and mucosal samples. Relatively consistent changes in fecal microbiota for patients with IBS included increased Firmicutes, decreased Bacteroidetes, and increased Firmicutes:Bacteroidetes ratio at the phylum level, as well as increased Clostridia and Clostridiales, decreased Bacteroidia and Bacteroidales at lower taxonomic levels. Results for mucosal microbiota were inconsistent.

CONCLUSIONS:

Alterations of gut microbiota exist in patients with IBS and have significant association with the development of IBS. Further studies are needed to draw conclusions about gut microbiota changes in patients with IBS.

TRANSLATIONAL IMPACT:

This knowledge might improve the understanding of microbial signatures in patients with IBS and would guide future therapeutic strategies.
Nutzeranforderungen an Computerarbeitsplätze in Bibliotheken
Authors: Köppen Veit
Published: March 2019

Anforderungen an den digitalen Wandel erfordern eine kontinuierliche Auseinandersetzung mit der IT-Infrastruktur. Insbesondere in Bibliotheken sind die Meinungen bezüglich der zu bereitstellenden Infrastruktur sehr divergierend. Diese können von reinen Lesearbeitsplätzen bis hin zu VR-Umgebungen reichen. Um wechselnde Anforderungen und Möglichkeiten in einen geeigneten Kontext zu setzen und Entscheidungen für Investitionen in die IT-Infrastruktur auf eine solide Basis zu stellen, sind Befragungen der Nutzer ein adäquates Mittel. In diesem Beitrag wird ein Fragebogen zur Ermittlung des Softwarebedarfs einer Bibliothek vorgestellt. Ausgehend von den Ergebnissen einer Nutzerbefragung in der Universitätsbibliothek der Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg werden Schlussfolgerungen für die weitere Entwicklung der Computerarbeitsplätze gezogen.
Die Öffentliche Woiwodschaftsbibliothek Emanuel Smołka in Opole
Authors: Pindera Małgorzata , Wąsowicz Mirosława
Published: March 2019

Die Veränderungen durch die digitale Revolution betreffen auch die Bibliothekswelt. Bibliotheken müssen im virtuellen Raum präsent sein und ihre Services in sozialen Netzwerken bewerben. Die Woiwodschaftsbibliothek in Opole geht auf die Bedürfnisse des modernen Lesers ein, indem sie ihre Internet-Services und Web 2.0-Aktivitäten ausbaut und verbessert. Der Aufsatz beleuchtet Bibliotheksportale und E-Services in Polen am Beispiel der Woiwodschaftsbibliothek in Opole.
Stärkung des Sonntags, Öffnung der Bibliotheken
Authors: Claßen Marie-Charlotte , Deutsch Lorenz
Published: March 2019

Bibliotheken haben sich in den letzten 15 Jahren von einem reinen Ausleihort zu einer niederschwelligen Kulturinstitution im Sinne der „dritten Orte“ verändert. Sie sind zu Lern-, Begegnungs- und Ausleihorten geworden, die interkulturelle und intergenerationelle Funktionen übernehmen. Bibliotheken stehen als öffentliche Einrichtung demnach in einer Reihe mit Museen, wissenschaftlichen Bibliotheken, Theatern und Kinos. Anders als diese Einrichtungen dürfen sie sonntags aber nicht geöffnet haben. Es ist Zeit das zu ändern.
High efficiency liposome fusion induced by reducing undesired membrane peptides interaction
Authors: Zheng Tingting , Chen Yun , Shi Yu , Feng Huanhuan
Published: March 2019

A full membrane fusion model which attains both complete lipid mixing and content mixing liposomal membranes mediated by coiled-coil forming lipopeptidesLPK[L-PEG12-(KIAALKE)3] andLPE[L-PEG12-(EIAALEK)3] is presented. The electrostatic effects of lipid anchored peptides on fusion efficiency was investigated. For this, the original amino acid sequence of the membrane boundLPKwas varied at its ‘f’-position of the helical structure, i.e. via mutating the anionic glutamate residues by either neutral serines or cationic lysines. Both CD and fluorescence measurements showed that replacing the negatively charged glutamate did not significantly alter the peptide ability to form a coiled coil, but lipid mixing and content mixing assays showed more efficient liposome-liposome fusion resulting in almost quantitative content mixing for the lysine mutated analogue (LPKK) in conjunction withLPE. A mechanism is proposed for a fusion model triggered by membrane destabilizing effects mediated by the membrane destabilizing activety ofLPKin cooperation with the electrostatic activity ofLPE. This new insight may enlightens the further development of a promising nano carrier tool for biomedical applications.
Zagreb Connection Number Index of Nanotubes and Regular Hexagonal Lattice
Authors: Ye Ansheng , Qureshi Muhammad Imran , Fahad Asfand , Aslam Adnan , Jamil Muhammad Kamran , Zafar Asim , Irfan Rida
Published: March 2019

Topological indices are the fixed numbers associated with the graphs. In recent years, mathematicians used indices to check the pharmacology characteristics and molecular behavior of medicines. In this article the first Zagreb connection number index is computed for the nanotubes VC5C7[ p, q] , HC5C7[ p,q] and Boron triangular Nanotubes. Also, the same index is computed for the Quadrilateral section $P_{m}^{n}$and $P_{m+\frac{1}{2}}^{n}$cuts from regular hexagonal lattices.
Specific, highly sensitive and simple spectrofluorimetric method for quantification of daclatasvir in HCV human plasma patients and in tablets dosage form
Authors: Ali Ramadan , Elsutohy Mohamed M
Published: March 2019

A simple, selective and highly sensitive spectrofluorimetric method for the quantitative detection of an antiviral drug, daclatasvir (DCV) has been developed and analytically validated in its pure form, in its commercially available pharmaceutical preparations, and in hepatitis-C (HCV) patient’s plasma. The method was based on recording the native fluorescence of DCV that exhibit an emission wavelength maximum at 380 nm upon excitation at 320 nm. Many factors affecting the fluorescence intensity and the method sensitivity including pH, type of surfactant and solvent have been studied and optimized. In addition, a stability-indicating study was performed in accordance with the guidelines of the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH), to detect the drug in the presence of its degradation products which validates the method for application in quality control laboratories. In addition, extraction of DCV from the plasma proteins was performed using a simple technique that was based on using methanol and borate buffer (pH 9) that gave a recovery of ~95%. The results showed that DCV could be detected using this method in the pure form (with a linear range of 2-1000 ng/mL), commercially available tablets and in plasma samples (with a linear range of 5-1000 ng/mL), without any interferences. Furthermore, the method was also analytically and clinically validated according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, with limit of detection (LOD) of 0.3 and 0.5 ng/mL for DCV in the pure form and plasma samples, respectively.
Critical Roles of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR Signaling Pathway in Apoptosis and Autophagy of Astrocytes Induced by Methamphetamine
Authors: Liu Han-Qing , An Ya-Wen , Hu A-Zhen , Li Ming-Hua , Wu Jue-Lian , Liu Li , Shi Yu , Cui Guang-Hui , Chen Yun
Published: March 2019

This study aimed to reveal potential roles of the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt)-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in apoptosis and autophagy of astrocytes induced by methamphetamine (METH). A Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to determine the reduction in proliferation of U-118 MG cells induced by METH. Hoechst 33258 and flow cytometry were used to observe the astrocytes. Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate protein expression and phosphorylation levels. METH inhibited the proliferation of U-118 MG cells and induced apoptosis and autophagy. Western blot analysis showed that the ratio of LC3-II/I was increased, whereas the expression of Bcl-2 was decreased. The phosphorylation cascade of kinases in the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway was significantly inhibited by METH exposure, as were proteins downstream of mTORC1, such as p70s6k, rps6, 4EBP1 and eIF4E. METH inhibited proliferation of U-118 MG cells and induced apoptosis and autophagy. The PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway likely plays a critical role in these effects.
GP and NCP
Authors: Hou Guojin , Jiang Qingsheng
Published: March 2019

Despite its theoretical significance, Paul Grice’s CP, as the heart of classic and neo-Gricean pragmatics, has been a bone of contention for the last four decades for both Western and Eastern scholarship. This study addresses the contribution of four Chinese pragmaticians to the anti-CP principles: Guanlian Qian, Meizhen Liao, and Yameng Liu and Chunshen Zhu, focusing on the latter two. We briefly discuss Liao’s Goal Principle (GP) and Liu and Zhu’s Non-Cooperative Principle (NCP), which challenge Grice’s CP head-on. It points out that Liao’s GP is loaded with neo-Gricean pragmatic value as an alternative interpretation of CP but is not deemed “more applicable” as they claim, and that the NCP of Liu and Zhu, based on their CP query, sheds some light on neo-Gricean pragmatics and rhetoric, and yet calls for suspicion of their NCP as an “antistrophos/counterpart rhetoric-principle.” We maintain that cooperation in CP suggests pragma-philosophical cooperativeness or cooperationality between rational humans and that it applies to pragmatics and rhetoric alike, as well as to forensic, daily, and rhetorical utterances. It seems that so-called “non-cooperation in cooperation” or “cooperation in non-cooperation” is only logico-semantic non-cooperation, deeply rooted in the soil of pragma-philosophical cooperativeness or cooperationality.
______ is necessary for interpreting a proposition
Authors: Champagne Marc
Published: March 2019

In Natural propositions (2014), Stjernfelt contends that the interpretation of a proposition or dicisign requires the joint action of two kinds of signs. A proposition must contain a sign that conveys a general quality. This function can be served by a similarity-based icon or code-based symbol. In addition, a proposition must situate or apply this general quality, so that the predication can become liable of being true or false. This function is served by an index. Stjernfelt rightly considers the co-localization of these two parts to be a primitive phenomenon. Although this primitive character would seem to bar any further analysis, I endeavor to clarify the degree of proximity sufficient to enable co-localization. Siding with Pietarinen (2014), who argues that the whole issue should not be construed in metric terms, I conclude that one cannot make sense of propositional co-localization without appealing to some form of first-person perspective.
A Corpus-based Study of Metaphor inPavilion of Women
Authors: Zhao Xia , Han Yaoyao , Zhao Xincheng
Published: March 2019

Pavilion of Women, a vivid and interesting novel from the Nobel Prize winning author Pearl S. Buck, was selected as the corpus of the study. The goals of the research were to identify the metaphors, interpret their distributions in the novel, and construe Buck's metaphorical thoughts. To achieve these goals, the corpus tool Antconc3.2.4w was used to retrieve the keywords of the metaphors. The research results show that Buck uses many conceptual metaphors, and they are distributed in each chapter. Among them, the metaphors with the highest frequency appear in Chapter 7 and the lowest in Chapter 5, which shows that the more complicated and abstract the plot in a chapter, the more metaphors appear in it and vice versa. Meanwhile, structural metaphors appear the most frequently, followed by ontological metaphors, and finally the orientational metaphors. In addition, Pearl Buck’s cognitive context and her metaphorical thinking are found to have a close relationship with Chinese Yin-Yang semiotics and her own life experiences in China.
Of Thinkers and Tinkerers
Authors: Fernández Eliseo , Campbell Cary
Published: March 2019

Cary Campbell (ed.): This paper is one of four that were approved for publication in this journal prior to Fernández’s passing in 2017. Many of these backlogged articles did not have abstracts, so I have had to create them based on Fernández 's own in-text summary.

In this brief presentation a crucial technological innovation of the early twentieth century – the invention of the triode thermionic valve – is used as a springboard for a historically informed discussion of the complex interrelations of theory and praxis in the generation of technological novelty. This episode was chosen for its critical role in triggering a whole chain of developments that culminated in the growing network of technologies and economic infrastructures that underpin our so-called “information society” and the evolving role of “technoscience.” This represents a starting point in a broadening cascade of innovations that led to the rise of television, digital computers and the expanding web of artifacts that shape our daily existence today. In the present era of technoscience, scientific and technological research are so closely entangled that it is hard to discern their respective natures and interrelations. Nevertheless, it is possible to partially distinguish both their common characteristics and their contrasting differences (i.e. in goals, cognitive styles, methods, etc.). In this context, some reflections are put forward on the activity of “tinkering” as a cognitive instrument (a form of what Peirce calledAbduction) in the generation of technological novelty.
Habit and Generalization
Authors: Fernández Eliseo , Campbell Cary
Published: March 2019

Both terms in our title, “habit” and “generalization,” are ordinary language expressions that take a peculiar and abstract sense in Peirce’s thought. From various standpoints, the concepts denoted by these two terms prove to be fundamental for understanding Peirce’s ideas, and eventually for the further development of these ideas in the philosophy of science. My review suggests that Peirce’s thought moves toward a goal that he constantly suggests but never articulates explicitly. This unstated objective is no other than the goal of generalizing the very idea of generalization. This article demonstrates that once the notion of habit is generalized, its connotational range swells to cover such diverse instances as those of symbol, rule, propensity, and law of nature. Therefore, this expanded conception can be applied to unify previously separated strands of thought and scientific practice. These considerations lead me to speculate on the possibility of extending Peircean synechism toward a wider conception that could include the generalizing functions of ideas concerning symmetry (and symmetry breaking) and other kinds of invariance.

A version of this paper was first presented at the conference “V Jornadas: Peirce en Argentina” at the Academia Nacional De Ciencias, De Buenos Aires, from August 23 to 24, 2012.
Development of Multistage Digital Filters for Dither Signal Removal in Ring Laser Gyro
Authors: Regimanu Bharath , Das Kishore Chandra , Rao Kakarla Subba
Published: March 2019

Ring Laser Gyroscopes (RLG) are widely used in Inertial Navigational Systems for detection of body rotation. But the performance is limited by lock- in state of RLG. To avoid this problem the Laser cavity of RLG is mechanically dithered. This process ensures that RLG stays out of the lock- in zone during its operating condition. But the dither signal appears as noise, which must be removed to obtain the true rotation of the body. This can be achieved by the use of digital filters. The required digital filter should have very high attenuation in the dither band and linear phase response in the pass band. Two types of multistage digital filters namely BBB and BCO filters are developed to remove the dither signal to an acceptable level. The BCO combined filter is found to be good and the same filter is implemented in real time using FPGA. The simulated results and the real time results are compared and found to be nearly same in both cases.
Failure conditions of solid wood on off-axis compression testing
Authors: Yoshihara Hiroshi
Published: March 2019

Off-axis compression tests (OACT) were conducted on solid wood from six tree species, and the relationship between the off-axis compressive strength (OACStr) and the off-axis angle was predicted under the conventional Hill-type quadratic failure conditions, off-axis special failure conditions, and under a condition proposed in this study, which contains terms of interaction between the normal and shear stresses. The latter was an effective approach for accurately predicting the OACStr, although the physical meaning of the interaction terms is not yet clear. Under the off-axis specialized conditions, the approach was simple and accurate for predicting the OACStr, which includes the 45° off-axis angle.
Isolation of natural flavoring compounds from cooperage woods by pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE)
Authors: Alarcón Marina , Díaz-Maroto M. Consuelo , Pérez-Coello M. Soledad , Alañón M. Elena
Published: March 2019

Cooperage woods are rich in volatile compounds responsible for pleasant aromas described as coconut, vanilla, spice, caramel, toasty, etc. In the present work, the hot water extraction under 103 bar pressure of natural flavoring compounds from cooperage wood residues is described. It was possible to obtain aqueous extracts rich in diverse volatile compounds from the following wood species: oak (Quercus albaandQuercus petraea), chestnut (Castanea sativa), cherry (Prunus avium), false acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) and lenga (Nothofagus pumilio), while the concentration of the components is similar to that obtained with organic solvents. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of aqueous extracts shows a wide spectrum of natural flavoring compounds, the composition of which are species dependent. The extracts exhibit antioxidant properties. Water extraction under subcritical conditions offers the possibility of a sustainable recovery of natural flavorings and antioxidant compounds from cooperage woods, which are well suited for application in the food industry.
What’s the Buzz? Celebrity Worship and Fandom Experiences of Ted Neeley (Jesus Christ Superstar)
Authors: Roeland Johan , IJzerman Joren
Published: March 2019

This article deals with the question in what ways the fandom surrounding Jesus Christ Superstar actor Ted Neeley can be understood as a form of religious celebrity worship. On the basis of an empirical study among Dutch fans of Neeley, we argue that celebrity worship as proposed by the most influential scholars on this subject was not present in the fandom surrounding Neeley, but that traces of it could still be identified – albeit in a scattered and altered manner. Being perceived as the representation of the religious myth of Superstar, a Jesus-like person and a religious guide, Neeley had religious significance for his fans, suggesting that the concept of celebrity worship is in some way still applicable here.
Joining the Slow Pilgrimage in a Second Holy Week in Autumn: A Theopoetics from the Ars Moriendi.
Authors: Wepener Cas
Published: March 2019

The article is a response to Heather Walton’s IAPT presidential address titled “A Theopoetics of Practice – Re-forming in Practical Theology.” Practices examined in this article are rituals and caring related to death and dying in literature. By making use of Ronald Grimes’ so-called fictive ritual the portrayal of rituals and caring in novels by the Afrikaans novelist Karel Schoeman are examined. As a response to Walton’s address, a theopoetics is developed from the ars moriendi in the work of Schoeman.
Poetic License
Authors: Veling Terry A.
Published: March 2019

This paper is a response to Heather Walton’s 2017 Presidential Address to the International Academy of Practical Theology, “A Theopoetics of Practice – Re-forming in Practical Theology.” It explores a key question raised by Walton: “If we were to construct a way of imagining a theopoetics of practical theology, what would it look like?” The paper critiques systematic and speculative thinking, reflects on Holy Saturday, and offers a poetic reflection on creation and natural love.
Theopoetics as Response to Suffering: the Visual Art of Käthe Kollwitz in the Reformation of Practical Theodicy
Authors: Stoeber Michael
Published: March 2019

This article responds to Heather Walton’s impassioned call to form and reform practical theology via bricolage in the creative arts. It illustrates the epiphanic role of the visual art of Käthe Kollwitz (1867–1945) in transforming suffering. Following a brief outline of Kollwitz’s life, the paper explores the theopoetic power of her art in relation to practical theodicy: in terms of its social activist dynamics, deeply compassionate context, sanctifying and consoling powers, and numinous-mystical affections.
A Theopoetics of Practice: Re-forming in Practical Theology
Authors: Walton Heather
Published: March 2019

This article articulates a challenge to discern what form theopoetics might take within practical theology and, further, to engage with the construction of modes of theopoetic making appropriate to the discipline. To date there has been little conceptual engagement with theopoetics by practical theologians. In order to begin to address this lack Catherine Keller’s work is taken as indicative of the potential significance of this project. An examination of theopoetics within constructive theology highlights the necessity for practical theologians to create their own distinctive forms of theopoetical reflection honouring their disciplinary heritage. It is suggested that a ‘theopoetics of practice’ might be created in the manner of a bricolage from neglected cultural resources. The work embodies in its writing style the creative work it advocates.
Practical Theology in Africa: Situation, Approaches, Framework and Agenda Proposition
Authors: Magezi Vhumani
Published: March 2019

Practical Theology’s situation in Sub-Saharan Africa is not well documented except in South Africa, despite a strong theological focus on practical ministry across the continent and considerable discussion of African contextual theologies, including African theology, Black theology, reconstruction theology and women’s theology. The article sketches the context by highlighting the gaps in the discussion of Practical Theology. It discusses embedded Practical Theological practices within contextual theologies and surveys Practical Theology’s focus and aspirations across Africa, highlighting practices in Anglophone Africa, Francophone Africa and Lusophone Africa. Finally, it deduces a framework for Practical Theology in Africa and identifies the challenges and tasks that should be put on the agenda of Practical Theology.
Factors Affecting ICT Use in Health Communication among the Older Population in Jiangsu, China
Authors: Zhang Yao , Lin Zhenping , Li Xiaoming , Xiaoming Tu , Zhou Yeqin , Zhang Xinping
Published: March 2019

We examined the status of information communication technology (ICT) use among the older population in China and investigated their use of ICT in health communication and the factors that impacted their ICT adoption. A total of 215 people who were 45 or older participated in the study. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data on the participants’ social demographic characteristics, health condition, ICT use and ICT-based health communication activities. The data were analyzed using Chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, univariate logistic regression and multiple logistic regression. The results showed that 38.1 % of the participants reported being in a good health while 14.9 % were living with no chronic disease. The utilization of ICT was low, especially for computer and digital monitor devices. Only 4.7 % of the participants reported seeking health information online via computer and 7.4 % seeking health information using their cellphone, while 32 % and 14.9 % of the participants contacted healthcare providers or other patients via cellphone. Findings suggest a digital divide exists between the older population and other age groups in China. The older population need to increase the use of digital monitor devices and other ICT to facilitate their self-management process for healthcare purposes. eHealth literacy should be promoted among the older population to increase the adoption and use of ICT in health communication. Future intervention program developers and service providers should tailor their products and services to benefit the older population, especially those with low incomes, limited education and little experience of using ICT.
Long-standing issues in adjective order and corpus evidence for a multifactorial approach
Authors: Trotzke Andreas , Wittenberg Eva
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we introduce the issue of adjective order and show that different approaches vary in their answers to the question of how fine-grained the semantic categories determining adjective order are. We report on a corpus study that we conducted and that illustrates that a clear answer to the question of what general factors exactly determine adjective order is elusive, given the multifactorial nature of the problem. We then present the individual contributions to this special issue, and how they attempt to add new observations from Germanic languages to the general issues revolving around the topic of adjective order.
Adjective orders in Cimbrian DPs
Authors: Bidese Ermenegildo , Padovan Andrea , Turolla Claudia
Published: March 2019

In this work we aim to give a first description of the morphosyntactic behavior of some adjectives in the Cimbrian of Luserna. This Germanic variety allows a subclass of adjectives to appear in post-nominal position. This aspect seems to be relevant, since neither colloquial Standard German nor any other German substandard variety spoken in German-speaking areas display a similar pattern. Along the lines of Cinque (2010, 2014), we argue that Cimbrian, with respect to the adnominal adjectival order, has maintained the Germanic pattern of Merge, but permits in some cases NP-Movement above the (“bare” AP reduced) relative clause projection. The fact that adjectives following the head noun are predicative rather than attributive is supported by the fact that post-nominal modifiers never show up with inflection.
How real are adjective order constraints? Multiple prenominal adjectives at the grammatical interfaces
Authors: Kotowski Sven , Härtl Holden
Published: March 2019

Adjective order restrictions on attributive adjectives (AORs) have been subject to debate in modern linguistic research for a long time. Most generally, the question whether AORs can be located in grammar as such in rule-based fashion is still unsettled. In the current paper, we largely argue against this view and claim that several of the core data to be explained are preferences based on norms rather than rules. A pragmatic explanation is offered to account for marked or apparently ungrammatical examples. First, we demarcate AORs in the narrow sense against data based on truth-conditional differences, show the sole hard constraint to be found in a distinction between object- and kind-modification, and introduce several of the factors argued to drive AORs in the literature. A large-scale corpus study on German AAN-phrases shows a hierarchy of relative adjectives preceding absolute ones to reliably predict preferences, while temporariness and weight do not. We then illustrate that norm-based preferences can be overwritten via discourse linking and implement markedness in out-of-the-blue contexts pragmatically based on the M-principle. Speculating that AORs in the narrow sense have their origins in more general cognitive principles, our findings support approaches that locate the better part of AORs outside the realm of core grammar.
Target-Falle oder Empörungsfalle?
Authors: Hellwig Martin
Published: March 2019

Die deutsche Diskussion über die Europäische Währungsunion steckt in einer Empörungsfalle. Rechtsnormen und Zahlen werden ungenau und missverständlich wiedergegeben, Kausalzusammenhänge werden nicht belegt. Der Begriff des „Target-Kredits“ vermengt volkswirtschaftliche und einzelwirtschaftliche Vorstellungen auf unzulässige Weise und ist analytisch unbrauchbar. Dass die Deutsche Bundesbank in ihrem operativen Geschäft nicht selbständig agiert, wird verdrängt. Eine inhaltliche Auseinandersetzung mit den Aufgaben der Zentralbank fehlt weitgehend. Die Besonderheiten eines deckungslosen Papiergelds werden nicht angemessen berücksichtigt. Die in wiederholten Verlustwarnungen enthaltene Priorisierung fiskalischer Belange ist sachlich verfehlt und ordnungspolitisch gefährlich.