bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Loading Rate Effect on the Fracture Toughness of Marble Using Semicircular Bend Specimens
Authors: Gong Fengqiang , Wang Yunliang , Wang Shanyong
Published: October 2020

A series of dynamic fracture experiments on semicircular bend (SCB) marble specimens were conducted to characterize the loading rate effect using the INSTRON testing machine and the modified SHPB testing system. The fracture toughness of the marble specimens was measured from a low loading rate to a high loading rate (10-3~106 MPa·m1/2s-1). The results show that the fracture toughness will increase with the loading rate. Since the fracture toughness at a magnitude of 10-3 MPa·m1/2s-1 is regarded as the static fracture toughness, the specific value of

DI

F

f

(the dynamic increase factor of fracture toughness) can be obtained at the other loading magnitudes from dynamic fracture tests. To describe the variation in

DI

F

f

from low to high loading rates, a new continuous model of

DI

F

f

was put forward to express the quantitative relation between the loading rate and rock dynamic fracture toughness. It is shown that the new

DI

F

f

model can accurately describe the loading rate effect on the dynamic fracture testing data for rock materials.
Epigenetic Inactivation of α-Internexin Accelerates Microtubule Polymerization in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Li Yingjie , Bai Liangliang , Yu Huichuan , Cai Du , Wang Xiaolin , Huang Baoyuan , Peng Shaoyong , Huang Meijin , Cao Guangwen , Kaz Andrew M. , Grady William M. , Wang Jianping , Luo Yanxin
Published: October 2020

DNA methylation contributes to malignant transformation, but little is known about how the methylation drives colorectal cancer evolution at the early stages. Here we identify aberrant INA (α-internexin) gene methylation in colon adenoma and adenocarcinoma by filtering data obtained from a genome-wide screen of methylated genes. The gene encoding INA, a type IV intermediate filament, was frequently hypermethylated in CpG islands located in the promoter region. This hypermethylation preferentially occurred in large tumors and was a prognostic marker for poor overall survival in patients with colorectal cancer. This type of epigenetic alteration silenced INA expression in both adenoma and adenocarcinoma tissues. Gene silencing of INA in colorectal cancer cells increased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Restored INA expression blocked migration and invasion in vitro and reduced lung metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, INA directly inhibited microtubule polymerization in vitro and decreased intracellular microtubule plus-end assembly rates. A peptide array screen surveying the tubulin-binding sites in INA identified a tubulin-binding motif located in the N-terminal head domain that plays a tumor-suppressive role by binding to unpolymerized tubulins and impeding microtubule polymerization. Thus, epigenetic inactivation of INA is an intermediate filament reorganization event that is essential to accelerate microtubule polymerization in the early stages of colorectal cancer.

Significance:

This work provides insight into the epigenetic inactivation of INA, a novel identified tumor suppressor, which increases microtubule polymerization during colorectal cancer progression.
Subtype-Discordant Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Tumors Show Intermediate Clinical and Molecular Characteristics
Authors: Topham James T. , Karasinska Joanna M. , Lee Michael K.C. , Csizmok Veronika , Williamson Laura M. , Jang Gun Ho , Denroche Robert E. , Tsang Erica S. , Kalloger Steve E. , Wong Hui-li , O'Kane Grainne M. , Moore Richard A. , Mungall Andrew J. , Notta Faiyaz , Loree Jonathan M. , Wilson Julie M. , Bathe Oliver , Tang Patricia A. , Goodwin Rachel , Knox Jennifer J. , Gallinger Steven , Laskin Janessa , Marra Marco A. , Jones Steven J.M. , Renouf Daniel J. , Schaeffer David F.
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

RNA-sequencing–based subtyping of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has been reported by multiple research groups, each using different methodologies and patient cohorts. “Classical” and “basal-like” PDAC subtypes are associated with survival differences, with basal-like tumors associated with worse prognosis. We amalgamated various PDAC subtyping tools to evaluate the potential of such tools to be reliable in clinical practice.

Experimental Design:

Sequencing data for 574 PDAC tumors was obtained from prospective trials and retrospective public databases. Six published PDAC subtyping strategies (Moffitt regression tools, clustering-based Moffitt, Collisson, Bailey, and Karasinska subtypes) were used on each sample, and results were tested for subtype call consistency and association with survival.

Results:

Basal-like and classical subtype calls were concordant in 88% of patient samples, and survival outcomes were significantly different (P < 0.05) between prognostic subtypes. Twelve percent of tumors had subtype-discordant calls across the different methods, showing intermediate survival in univariate and multivariate survival analyses. Transcriptional profiles compatible with that of a hybrid subtype signature were observed for subtype-discordant tumors, in which classical and basal-like genes were concomitantly expressed. Subtype-discordant tumors showed intermediate molecular characteristics, including subtyping gene expression (P < 0.0001) and mutant KRAS allelic imbalance (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Nearly 1 in 6 patients with PDAC have tumors that fail to reliably fall into the classical or basal-like PDAC subtype categories, based on two regression tools aimed toward clinical practice. Rather, these patient tumors show intermediate prognostic and molecular traits. We propose close consideration of the non-binary nature of PDAC subtypes for future incorporation of subtyping into clinical practice.
Don't Compromise Myeloma Care Due to COVID-19 Pandemic!
Authors: Munshi Nikhil C. , Anderson Kenneth C.
Published: October 2020

Patients with active myeloma, especially with earlier stages of the disease, are susceptible to COVID-19 infection and can have adverse outcomes, even in those on first-line treatment. Importantly, myeloma therapy can be safely administered, and optimal control of myeloma is associated with improved outcome.

See related video: https://vimeo.com/486246183/559a80cfae

See related article by Hultcrantz et al., p. 234.
Pentoxifylline: A Drug with Antiviral and Anti-Inflammatory Effects to Be Considered in the Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Ghasemnejad-Berenji Morteza , Pashapour Sarvin , Sadeghpour Sonia
Published: October 2020

In December 2019, a new coronavirus, named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged from China, causing pneumonia outbreaks first in the Wuhan region and has now spread worldwide. There are no specific drugs for the disease caused by this virus, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Considering that new synthesized drugs cannot be applied immediately to patients, conventional drug in new use is a feasible solution. Chloroquine, remdesivir, favipiravir, lopinavir, ribavirin, and ritonavir have shown efficacy to inhibit coronavirus in vitro. Pentoxifylline, a drug with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and bronchodilatory effects, has previously been shown to inhibit several viral infections. Immunological studies have shown that most patients with severe COVID-19 exhibit substantially elevated serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Pentoxifylline is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that increases the levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, which in turn activates protein kinase, leading to a reduction in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines and immune cell migration. Here, we propose pentoxifylline, a drug with low cost and toxicity, as a possible treatment for COVID-19 based on its interesting properties.
A Chinese Case of X-Linked Acrogigantism and Systematic Review
Authors: Liang Hanting , Gong Fengying , Liu Zhihui , Yang Yingying , Yao Yong , Wang Renzhi , Wang Linjie , Chen Meiping , Pan Hui , Zhu Huijuan
Published: October 2020

Introduction: This study described a Chinese case of X-linked acrogigantism (X-LAG) and summarized the characteristics and treatment of all reported cases. Methods: Clinical materials and biological samples from a 5-year and 2-month-old female due to “growth acceleration for 4 years” were collected. Array comparative genomic hybrid (aCGH) and further verification were performed. All X-LAG cases from the PubMed and Web of Science databases were collected and summarized with available data. Results: The patient presented accelerating growth since 1 year, and her height reached 134.6 cm (+5.24 standard deviation score [SDS]) when she was 5-year and 2-month old. She also had coarsening facial features, snoring, and acral enlargement. Growth hormone (GH) was not suppressed by the glucose-GH inhibition test, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and prolactin (PRL) levels were elevated. Pituitary MRI revealed a pituitary enlargement with a maximum diameter of 22.3 mm. Octreotide imaging indicated the presence of a pituitary adenoma. The tumor shrank slightly after 3 courses of somatostatin analog but without clinical or biochemical remissions, of which the GH nadir value was 9.4 ng/mL, and IGF-1 was elevated to 749 ng/mL. Therefore, she underwent transsphenoidal surgery. Immunohistochemistry showed GH-positive and PRL-positive cells in the pituitary adenoma. Xq26.3 microduplication of the patient’s germline DNA was identified by aCGH. Of all 35 reported cases, females accounted for 71.43%. There were 93.10% and 53.83% patients with hyperprolactinemia and hyperinsulinemia, respectively. Pathology showed that 75.00% of cases were adenomas. Ninety percent of cases had germline variants. The clinical and biochemical remission rates were 78.26% and 82.61%, respectively. However, the rate of complication occurrence during therapy reached 80%. Conclusion: It is important to recognize the possibility of X-LAG when a child under 2-year old presents overgrowth. Early diagnosis and treatment are of great importance for better treatment efficacy and clinical outcome.
A Decomposition-Based Evolutionary Algorithm with Correlative
Selection Mechanism for Many-Objective Optimization
Authors: Liu Ruochen , Wang Ruinan , Bian Renyu , Liu Jing , Jiao Licheng
Published: October 2020

Decomposition-based evolutionary algorithms have been quite successful in dealing with multiobjective optimization problems. Recently, more and more researchers attempt to apply the decomposition approach to solve many-objective optimization problems. A many-objective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition with correlative selection mechanism (MOEA/D-CSM) is also proposed to solve many-objective optimization problems in this article. Since MOEA/D-SCM is based on a decomposition approach which adopts penalty boundary intersection (PBI), a set of reference points must be generated in advance. Thus, a new concept related to the set of reference points is introduced first, namely, the correlation between an individual and a reference point. Thereafter, a new selection mechanism based on the correlation is designed and called correlative selection mechanism. The correlative selection mechanism finds its correlative individuals for each reference point as soon as possible so that the diversity among population members is maintained. However, when a reference point has two or more correlative individuals, the worse correlative individuals may be removed from a population so that the solutions can be ensured to move toward the Pareto-optimal front. In a comprehensive experimental study, we apply MOEA/D-CSM to a number of many-objective test problems with 3 to 15 objectives and make a comparison with three state-of-the-art many-objective evolutionary algorithms, namely, NSGA-III, MOEA/D, and RVEA. Experimental results show that the proposed MOEA/D-CSM can produce competitive results on most of the problems considered in this study.
Models, Parameterization, and Software: Epistemic Opacity in Computational Chemistry
Authors: Wieber Frédéric , Hocquet Alexandre
Published: October 2020

Computational chemistry grew in a new era of “desktop modeling,” which coincided with a growing demand for modeling software, especially from the pharmaceutical industry. Parameterization of models in computational chemistry is an arduous enterprise, and we argue that this activity leads, in this specific context, to tensions among scientists regarding the epistemic opacity transparency of parameterized methods and the software implementing them. We relate one flame war from the Computational Chemistry mailing List in order to assess in detail the relationships between modeling methods, parameterization, software and the various forms of their enclosure or disclosure. Our claim is that parameterization issues are an important and often neglected source of epistemic opacity and that this opacity is entangled in methods and software alike. Models and software must be addressed together to understand the epistemological tensions at stake.
Individual identification patterns as a monitoring strategy for American crocodiles: Tayrona National Natural Park as a study case
Authors: Balaguera-Reina Sergio A. , Pinzón-Barrera Catalina , Farfán-Ardila Nidia , Vargas-Ortega David , Densmore Llewellyn D.
Published: October 2020

Population numbers of the American crocodile in Colombia have shown an increasing trend during the last decades. However, the lack of monitoring programs has restricted our understanding about this species’ ecology, limiting the ability to develop sound conservation plans. We assessed the effectiveness and robustness of the Individual Identification Pattern Recognition (IIPR) method for remotely monitoring American crocodile populations based on photographs taken by researchers, tourists, locals, and employees at the Tayrona National Natural Park (TNNP). We catalogued a total of 97 events from 2008 to 2020; 34.02% of which were suitable to analyze using IIPR. We identified eight individuals across 33 events that required only 4.71 ± 1.70 transverse scute lines to obtain complete identification, with the lowest levels of variation in the post occipital and nuchal regions compared with the dorsal area. The probabilities of repeating both the most and least common patterns found in the TNNP were 1.88 × 10−6 and 1.81 × 10−12, respectively, and the probabilities of repeating the same pattern of each individual identified ranged between 48.73 × 10−11 and 15.24 × 10−8. Animals B and C were continuously identified between 2012 and 2020 along the Arrecife beach coastline, whereas animals A, H, E, and F were occasionally registered between 2008 and 2019 at the Cañaveral beach. Overall, the IIPR method looks as a promising tool for monitoring American crocodile populations in the TNNP albeit some improvements in data collection that must be done to increase the number of useful events and analysis quality.
The Manifestation Account of Evil
Authors: Schwind Philipp , Timmermann Felix
Published: October 2020

This article defends a novel definition of evil. An action is evil if (1) a pro-attitude (or complete indifference) towards severe harm to a sentient being is (2) manifested in the action. The manifestation can take either of two forms: expressing the pro-attitude or attempting to realize its object. In order to exclude cases where the pro-attitude is the result of a positive attitude and the action does therefore not count as evil, the pro-attitude (3) must be generated from a morally reprehensible attitude such as greed or sadistic pleasure. As an implication of this definition, not every evil action is extremely bad, and some ‘merely’ wrong acts might be worse than some evil acts.
The Impoverished Representations of Brains in Vats
Authors: Almäng Jan
Published: October 2020

In this article, the notion that brains in vats with perceptual experiences of the same type as ours could perceptually represent other entities than shapes is challenged. Whereas it is often held that perceptual experiences with the same phenomenal character as ours could represent computational properties, the present author argues that this is not the case for shapes. His argument is in brief that the phenomenal character of a normal visual experience exemplifies shapes – phenomenal shapes – which functions as the vehicle for our perceptual representation of shapes. Due to the unique mereological structure of shapes, phenomenal shapes are unable to reliably track any property but shapes. In so far as reliable tracking is a necessary condition for perceptual representation, phenomenal shapes can consequently and contrary to received wisdom only represent shapes.
The Problem with the Crime of Forced Migration as a Loophole to icc Jurisdiction
Authors: Fisher Kirsten J.
Published: October 2020

In November 2019, the icc’s Pre-Trial Chamber authorized the Prosecutor to proceed with an investigation based on a previous decision that the Court may exercise jurisdiction over the alleged deportation of Rohingya from Myanmar to Bangladesh. While the crime of deportation occurred in Myanmar, which is not a State party to the icc and therefore not within the jurisdiction of the Court without unsc referral, the deportation ended in Bangladesh, which is a State party. Once the Court determined that the State that receives the forcibly displaced can confer jurisdiction, the ground seemed to shift drastically in regards to the possible jurisdictional reach of the icc. This paper explores how this Pre-Trial Chamber decision, reasonably read as extending the Court’s geographic jurisdiction beyond what was intended by the drafters of the Rome Statute, could have negative implications, particularly how this extension could further threaten some of the world’s most vulnerable.
Perceived Control in the Lab and in Daily Life Impact Emotion-Induced Temporal Distortions
Authors: Buetti Simona , Xue Fei , Liu Qiawen , Hur Juyoen , Ng Gavin Jun Peng , Heller Wendy
Published: October 2020

Prior research has shown that the arousal and valence dimensions of emotional images distort the perceived duration of those images. Further, these time distortions are eliminated when observers feel in control over the events in the experiment. The present study had two goals. The first goal was to replicate the effect of perceived control on time perception, using a design where perceived control was manipulated within subjects. The second goal was to evaluate whether the experimental manipulation of perceived control was related to feelings of control experienced in daily life, as assessed by the Desire for Control and Locus of Control scales. In all, 109 participants completed a time bisection task and evaluated the same emotional images under low and high levels of perceived control over the events. The results replicated the finding that the temporal distortions by emotional events observed under low perceived control were eliminated under high perceived control. Furthermore, individual differences regarding control in daily life modulated the effects of perceived control on time perception. Individuals with a high desire for control and a high degree of internality seemed to have an enhanced experience of positive events. These same individuals also benefited more from the experimental control manipulation, speeding the passage of time and perhaps making the task more enjoyable. The results are discussed in the context of current models of time perception.
Duration Estimation of Angry and Neutral Faces: Behavioral and Electrophysiological Correlates
Authors: Eberhardt Lisa V. , Pittino Ferdinand , Scheins Anna , Huckauf Anke , Kiefer Markus , Kliegl Katrin M.
Published: October 2020

Emotional stimuli like emotional faces have been frequently shown to be temporally overestimated compared to neutral ones. This effect has been commonly explained by induced arousal caused by emotional processing leading to the acceleration of an inner-clock-like pacemaker. However, there are some studies reporting contradictory effects and others point to relevant moderating variables. Given this controversy, we aimed at investigating the processes underlying the temporal overestimation of emotional faces by combining behavioral and electrophysiological correlates in a temporal bisection task. We assessed duration estimation of angry and neutral faces using anchor durations of 400 ms and 1600 ms while recording event-related potentials. Subjective ratings and the early posterior negativity confirmed encoding and processing of stimuli’s emotionality. However, temporal ratings did not differ between angry and neutral faces. In line with this behavioral result, the Contingent Negative Variation (CNV), an electrophysiological index of temporal accumulation, was not modulated by the faces’ emotionality. Duration estimates, i.e., short or long responses toward stimuli of ambiguous durations of 1000 ms, were nevertheless associated with a differential CNV amplitude. Interestingly, CNV modulation was already observed at 600–700 ms after stimulus onset, i.e., long before stimulus offset. The results are discussed in light of the information-processing model of time perception as well as regarding possible factors of the experimental setup moderating temporal overestimation of emotional stimuli. In sum, combining behavioral and electrophysiological measures seems promising to more clearly understand the complex processes leading to the illusion of temporal lengthening of emotional faces.
Taxonomic study of some Afrotropical erythroneurine leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae)
Authors: CAO YANGHUI , DIETRICH CHRISTOPHER H. , DMITRIEV DMITRY A. , ZHANG YALIN
Published: October 2020

Six Afrotropical genera of the leafhopper tribe Erythroneurini are redescribed and two new genera, Laminaris gen. nov. and Projecta gen. nov. are established. Sixteen new species are described and illustrated: Laminaris angusta sp. nov., Laminaris cuspidatima sp. nov., Laminaris serrata sp. nov., Laminaris tenuis sp. nov., Projecta auriculata sp. nov., Projecta brevis sp. nov., Projecta depressa sp. nov., Projecta draciformis sp. nov., Accacidia obunca sp. nov., Imbecilla bifurca sp. nov., Imbecilla spinalis sp. nov., Lublinia anchoroides sp. nov., Molopopterus hastata sp. nov., Molopopterus ugandica sp. nov., Lamtoana exigua sp. nov. and Nsesa cameroonica sp. nov. Nsesa Dworakowska, 1974 is newly recorded from Cameroon; Nsimbala Dworakowska, 1974 and Szymczakowskia Dworakowska, 1974 from the Central African Republic; Lublinia Dworakowska, 1970, Lamtoana Dworakowska, 1972 and Ivorycoasta Dworakowska, 1972 from the Republic of Congo. Keys to species of the genera Accacidia Dworakowska, Imbecilla Dworakowska, Lublinia Dworakowska, Molopopterus Jacobi, Lamtoana Dworakowska and Nsesa Dworakowska are also given.
The Correlation Between Endolymphatic Hydrops and blood-labyrinth barrier Permeability of Meniere Disease
Authors: Zhang Weidong , Xie Jiapei , Hui Lian , Li Songbai , Zhang Bo
Published: October 2020

Objectives:

This study was designed to assess the correlation between the grades of endolymphatic hydrops and the blood-labyrinth barrier permeability in the affected ear in Meniere’s disease, following the administration of intravenous gadolinium contrast.

Study Design:

Prospective study.

Methods:

The quantitative values of endolymphatic hydrops were determined after intravenous injection of a double-dose of gadobutrol in 39 patients with unilateral definite Meniere’s disease. Additionally, the signal intensity ratio of bilateral cochlear basal turns was evaluated and analyzed; The correlation between the grades of the endolymphatic hydrops and the signal intensity ratio of the cochlear basal turns in the affected ear was examined.

Results:

The grades of the endolymphatic hydrops can be quantitatively evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The signal intensity ratio of the cochlear basal turns in the affected ear was significantly higher than in the unaffected ear ( P = .001); there was a positive correlation between the signal intensity ratio of the cochlear basal turn and the grades of cochlear ( r = 0.634, P = 0.000) and vestibular( r = 0.559, P = .000) hydrops in the affected ear.

Conclusions:

The increased permeability of the blood-labyrinth barrier may play a role in the process of endolymphatic hydrops in Meniere’s disease.
Student Affiliates of Seventeen (SAS) 2020 Report: Transitioning to Leadership in a Historic Year
Authors: McGillen Gloria G. , Martinez Leticia D. , Eddy Colleen L. , Onwong’a J. Robina , Rhames Alexis , Park Chan Jeong
Published: October 2020

The University of Missouri–Columbia was selected to host the Student Affiliates of Seventeen (SAS) Executive Board from 2019–2022 and began their term in August 2019, following a successful three-year tenure by Ball State University. The new executive board has anchored its term in four pillars—Growth and Sustainability, Justice and Equity, Excellence and Innovation, and Wellness and Positive Development—which have guided the organization over the past year. This report reviews the purpose of SAS and discusses membership development, programming, advocacy, and the organizational development activities of the organization, including progress on goals to increase and engage membership and foster a more equitable and socially just organization that embraces liberation as a value. Counseling psychology students’ and the organization’s response and adjustment to the COVID-19 pandemic and national reckoning with police brutality and anti-Black racism are also discussed.
Corporate Tax Cuts and Fiscal Slippage
Authors: Deb Rajat
Published: October 2020

The Union Finance Minister on 20 September 2019 announced the highest corporate tax rate cuts in the last 28 years as a level-playing field for both the existing and green-field firms for turning around the sluggish economy. The stimulus package, notwithstanding, has likely to accelerate the demand in the short run, but to increase the fiscal deficit inasmuch, the government would increase its spending through borrowings, which could lead to fiscal slippage. Instead of excessive dependence on the fiscal measures, the government should initiate economic and judicial reforms for accelerating the growth and improving doing business in the country.
Tongue on Fire: Ethics of Speech in James
Authors: Perkins Pheme
Published: October 2020

James 3:1–12 supplements routine exhortations to guard against the speech which follows from particular vices (1:19–20, anger; 1:26, false piety; 4:11, slander) with a wisdom speech on the tongue, which appears to make the project impossible. Limiting the reflection on out of control or destructive speech to those seeking recognition as teachers (v. 1) introduces examples of destructive false teaching not present in James. The moralists’ distinction between those who require moral reprimand, those serious about making progress in virtue, and the “wise” as employed in Pauline exhortation resolves the tension between goal and difficulty noted in James. James 3:1–12 cautions “those in progress” against considering themselves “the perfect” (v. 2). Positive speech within the community, encouragement, mutual correction, healing, and prayer (5:7–20) do not require instruction by the wise.
Understanding the Barriers of Violence Victims’ Health Care Use
Authors: Hullenaar Keith L. , Frisco Michelle
Published: October 2020

Violence is a leading cause of death among U.S. adults under age 45. There are also 3.3 million living violence victims, most of whom forgo formal health care when injured. We developed and tested a framework to understand why. We argue that violence victims must consider their need for care and three situational factors of victimization that may serve as barriers for care seeking: the victim’s relationship to the offender, their victimization history, and the offense committed (sexual vs. nonsexual). In analyses of 9,912 violent victimizations from 8,635 participants in the National Crime Victimization Survey from 1993 to 2017, we found that injury severity and situational factors of victimization independently and interactively predict formal health care use. Even when serious injury occurs, victimizations involving known offenders, repeat victimizations, and sexual violence are less likely than their counterparts to result in formal health care use. We discuss the implications of these findings for victims and health care providers.
A Latent Deprivation Perspective: Mechanisms Linking Volunteering to Mental Health in Later Life
Authors: Yang Jie , Matz Christina
Published: October 2020

This study tests the hypothesis that the latent deprivation model (LDM) can be extended to volunteer work, by exploring the extent to which two potential latent benefits of volunteer work—purpose in life and perceived social status—mediate the negative relationship between volunteerism and mental health (measured as depressive symptoms). Structural equation modeling with the full-information maximum likelihood (FIML) was adopted to model a sample of 5887 respondents from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). The outcome was depressive symptoms; the independent variable was volunteering; and the mediators were “purpose in life” and “perceived social status.” Findings show that purpose in life and perceived social status partially mediated the relationship between volunteering and depressive symptoms, with purpose in life having a more substantial effect than perceived social status. Implications for future research and practice are also discussed.
The Electronic Media Fast and Student Well-Being: An Exercise in Transformational Teaching
Authors: Gomes Mary E. , Kime Lychelle , Bush Jessica M. , Myers Austin B.
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

In the past decade, use of screen media has increased dramatically among young adults.

Statement of Problem:

Mounting evidence suggests that high levels of media use are associated with a range of negative psychological outcomes.

Literature Review:

We present instructions for a four-day electronic media fast assigned in a course module on positive psychology. Drawing from student accounts and direct classroom observations, we illustrate student experiences that suggest substantial positive changes in learning, media habits, and well-being.

Teaching Implications:

An electronic media fast is an easily implemented class assignment which enables students to reflect on their media use and make adjustments to support their learning and well-being. It is appropriate for use in a range of undergraduate psychology courses including introductory psychology, social psychology, psychology of adolescence, and positive psychology.

Conclusion:

When undertaken with a flexible, sensitive, and collaborative approach, a media fast can be a powerfully transformative learning experience.
Exposing Textual Corruption: Community as a Stabilizing Aspect in the Circulation of the New Testament Writings during the Greco-Roman Era
Authors: Mitchell Timothy
Published: October 2020

Because few manuscripts of the NT writings are preserved from the first three centuries of the Christian era, scholars have debated the extent that modern critical editions of the NT reflect the text in circulation during these early centuries. In order to answer this question, this article will set out the evidence for ancient publication through community transmission. It will consider examples from Cicero, Martial, Quintilian, Pliny the Younger and Galen. These authors reveal that they preferred social networks rather than commercial dealers to circulate their writings. These same communities that copied and distributed an author’s works inadvertently created an environment in which significant alterations and plagiarizing of these same writings became known. Matthew D.C. Larsen, who has recently approached the same problem addressed in this article by examining ancient publication conventions, is engaged with throughout. The conclusions drawn here press hard against Larsen’s assertions.
Internarrativity and ecce homo: A Masterplot Underlying Zechariah 6.9-15 and 1 Samuel 9.1–11.15 and its Function in John 19.1-16
Authors: Shin W. Gil
Published: October 2020

Whereas scholars’ methodological assumptions about NT texts’ evocation of Israel’s scripture vary, the plausibility and significance of multivalent allusions need to be examined. The ecce homo statement in the Pilate trial (Jn 19.5) is an apt case for this examination. This study exercises a literary analysis of both proposed allusions – to Zech. 6.12 and 1 Sam. 9.17 – and shows that they are based on a common deeper structure despite the difference in phraseological conformity and historical and literary settings. This deeper structure, functioning like a masterplot, has a simple story form of God’s kingship that consists of his contention with dishonoring hostility and the subsequent building of his temple/dwelling place. This story form, captured in the Song of Moses (Exod. 15) and undergirding the Zechariah sign-act (6.9-15) and Saul’s kingship establishment story (1 Sam. 9), reveals that even in the trial scene Jesus is paradoxically enthroned and building the eschatological temple.
The 2018 Bo Lindell Laureate Lecture: Finding common ground between science, ethics, and experience
Authors: Martinez N.E.
Published: October 2020

The present system of radiological protection has evolved with the advancement of science; evolution of ethical and societal values; and the lessons of our individual, collective, and historical experience. In communicating with each other and members of the public, words are often not enough to completely relay thoughts, ideas, or experiences. Art is a shared experience, beyond the spoken language, where many can find common ground. This paper provides several examples of utilising the visual arts, cinema, and popular culture for communication in different contexts, with discussion of how each relates to the ethical values of the system of radiological protection. In this way, we find inter-relationships between science, ethics, and experience. Experience improves understanding; empathy, or the awareness and feeling of another’s experience, can lead to similar understanding. Drawing on art and the broader human experience will help us improve our communication, promote transparency, and encourage empathy. Through this, we will be more likely to develop trust with stakeholders, which is an essential, yet challenging, aspect of radiological protection.
Clinical Radiographic Predictors of Response to Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Lee Clara H. , Seay Everett G. , Reese James W. , Wu Xin , Schwab Richard J. , Keenan Brendan , Dedhia Raj C.
Published: October 2020

Objective

To determine if clinically acquired cephalometric measurements, specifically soft palate size, can predict hypoglossal nerve stimulation outcomes.

Study Design

Combined prospective cohort study and retrospective review.

Setting

US sleep otolaryngology training program.

Methods

Adults with obstructive sleep apnea and apneahypopnea index greater than 15 events/h who underwent hypoglossal nerve stimulation. Eligible subjects had diagnostic preoperative sleep studies and full‐night efficacy postoperative studies for analysis. Lateral neck x‐rays were obtained as part of routine clinical care and measured for key cephalometric variables by trained head and neck radiologists. Continuous variables were compared using the Student t test, while χ2 testing was used for categorical variables.

Results

Fifty‐one patients met all study criteria. On average, patients were white, middle aged, and overweight. Following hypoglossal nerve stimulation, the overall cohort achieved a significant apnea‐hypopnea index reduction from 36.7 events/h to 20.6 events/h (P <. 01) and a response rate of 47% (defined as apnea‐hypopnea index reduction >50% and apnea‐hypopnea index <20 events/h). On average, therapy responders had significantly thinner soft palates than nonresponders (13.4 ± 3.8 mm vs 16.0 ± 3.4 mm, P =. 045).

Conclusions

Patient‐specific anatomic factors, specifically soft palate thickness, may help identify optimal candidates for hypoglossal nerve stimulation. A larger, prospective study including both anatomic and physiologic variables is required to validate these findings.
The Residuum of Childhood Physical and Sexual Abuse: Coming to Terms in Couple Relationships
Authors: Banford Witting Alyssa , Busby Dean M.
Published: October 2020

Childhood exposure to physical violence and sexual abuse is a public health concern and is empirically connected to poor outcomes in adulthood. The present study was designed to assess dyadic associations between exposure to childhood physical violence and sexual abuse, and resolution, or a sense that one has “come to terms” with events in one’s family of origin. The study was also aimed at assessing whether attachment behaviors mediated associations between abuse, violence, and resolution. The study was carried out using data from a community sample of 3,836 heterosexual couples who completed the Relationship Evaluation Questionnaire inventory. Actor–Partner Interdependence Modeling was employed within a structural equation model to examine associations. Results suggested inverse, direct actor associations for both men and women between physical violence and sexual abuse, and coming to terms. The results also showed inverse, direct partner associations for both men and women between sexual abuse and coming to terms. Furthermore, findings indicated the presence of inverse, indirect actor and partner effects for men and women between physical violence and coming to terms. Examination of these specific indirect partner and actor effects from physical violence to coming to terms implies partial mediation carried through one’s own rating of attachment behaviors. Finally, actor (but not partner) associations were noted between attachment behaviors and coming to terms. In aggregate, the findings support the potential benefit of enhancing investment in attachment behaviors as a resource to aid in the resolution process of exposure to physical violence and sexual abuse in childhood.
Laser de-coating of hard DLC coatings from tungsten carbide cutting tool
Authors: Assurin Siti Rozakiyah , Mativenga Paul , Rajab Fatema , Cooke Kevin , Field Susan
Published: October 2020

Laser irradiation de-coating is a promising new approach for effective coating removal of cutting tools. While this method has demonstrated feasibility for conventional coatings, its use and efficacy on lubricant coating is however yet to be ascertained. This paper reports on the results of excimer laser de-coating of hard DLC from DLC-coated tungsten carbide (WC) substrates. A range of fluence and pulse was studied to evaluate the effectiveness of the de-coating process. Result shows that laser parameters of 7 J/cm2 fluence, 400 pulse and 25 Hz frequency were found to yield optimum results in removing hard DLC coating of 3.2 μm thickness from WC substrates. The experimental work indicated successful laser de-coating of hard DLC coating without noticeable damage to the WC substrate. The capability of this new de-coating process is significant in the aerospace industry as it could facilitate re-grinding and recoating of drills thereby improving economics of manufacturing. The process windows could also be applied in the removal of DLC from other cutting tools and applications.
Association between the frequency of admission for pneumonia and the incidence of in‐hospital cardiac arrest: A population‐based case–control study
Authors: Hsu Yu‐Rung , Tsai I‐Ju , Chen Wei‐Kung , Lin Kuan‐Ho
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To examine the association between the frequency of admission for pneumonia and the incidence of in‐hospital cardiac arrest.

Methods:

We enrolled 1739 patients with in‐hospital cardiac arrest and 6956 randomly selected age‐ and sex‐matched control patients using a longitudinal claims sub‐dataset from 1996 to 2011 for 1 million people randomly selected from the population covered by the Taiwan National Health Insurance program. The odds ratio of in‐hospital cardiac arrest associated with the number of hospital admissions for pneumonia was calculated.

Results:

During the 15‐year study period, the in‐hospital cardiac arrest group had a higher frequency (28.4% vs 8.1%, p < 0.0001) of admission for pneumonia compared to the control group. The comorbidities of heart failure, chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes, renal failure, liver disease, lymphoma, alcohol abuse, and drug abuse were higher in the in‐hospital cardiac arrest group than in the control group. In addition, the risk of in‐hospital cardiac arrest was 3.37 for the patients admitted for pneumonia, and the risk of in‐hospital cardiac arrest increased for patients with multiple admissions for pneumonia (once, 3.03; two times, 3.44; and three times, 4.42). In cross‐analysis, the more admissions for pneumonia and the greater the number of comorbidities, the higher the risk of in‐hospital cardiac arrest (odds ratio = 21.37, 95% confidence interval = 13.6–33.9 for patients with more than three admissions for pneumonia and more than three comorbidities).

Conclusion:

Higher admission frequency for pneumonia was associated with a higher risk of in‐hospital cardiac arrest. Awareness of this risk factor may help clinicians provide early prevention or detection for patients with potential in‐hospital cardiac arrest risks immediately after admission.
Student Mobility in Transnational Higher Education: Study Abroad at International Branch Campuses
Authors: Wilkins Stephen , He Lan
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this research is to investigate the extent to which universities actively encourage students to participate in study abroad at an international branch campus (IBC) owned by the university. We suggest that the quality of information on study abroad provided by an institution in its website may be a good indicator of the institution’s ambition (or not) to have students moving from the home university to a branch campus for study abroad. The selected institution websites were subjected to mixed-method data analysis, which included a content analysis procedure. It was found that some universities appear motivated to achieve IBC-based study abroad and demonstrate the required marketing communication competencies required, while other institutions possibly lack motivation and/or marketing competency. To effectively promote IBC-based study abroad, we advise universities to address the student decision-making process, as suggested by the hierarchy of effects model.
An Examination and Extension of the Theory of Gamified Learning: The Moderating Role of Goal Orientation
Authors: Garcia- Marquez Caribay , Bauer Kristina N.
Published: October 2020

Background.

Landers (2014) proposed the theory of gamified learning to provide a theoretical framework for gamification research. Unfortunately, little empirical work has tested this theory. Thus, the current study aimed to close this gap by examining the theory’s mediational pathway as well as exploring the moderating role of goal orientation on the pathway from Assessment game attributes (i.e., assessment and progress) to self-efficacy to learning outcomes.

Method.

A gamified resume course was developed on a gamification software platform. Participants ( N = 185) were recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk and randomly assigned to one of four conditions (i.e., badges, progress bar, badges and progress bar, and control). Participants responded to a pre-course questionnaire containing demographics and the goal orientation measure, were directed to the course website to complete the gamified resume course and knowledge measure, and were finally re-directed to a post-course questionnaire collecting job search self-efficacy.

Results.

There was little support for the hypothesized moderated mediation model. However, an interesting outcome of this study was the significant conditional indirect effect of the badge condition for average learning and high avoid performance goal orientations, suggesting badges can improve self-efficacy in gamified learning.

Discussion and Conclusion.

A key takeaway of this study was preliminary evidence suggesting badges may help mitigate the negative effects of avoid performance goal orientation on self-efficacy. This finding demonstrates how individual differences play a role in learners’ responses to game attributes in a gamified learning experience. Practical implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
Modernizing Training in Psychotherapy Competencies With Adaptive Learning Systems: Proof of Concept
Authors: Renn Brenna N. , Areán Patricia A. , Raue Patrick J. , Aisenberg Eugene , Friedman Emily C. , Popović Zoran
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

This proof-of-concept study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of an intelligent tutoring system (ITS) as a classroom adjunct to improve training bachelor of social work (BSW) students in client engagement strategies.

Methods:

We codeveloped the ITS with 11 undergraduate students and pilot tested it with six BSW students enrolled in a class on telephone-based cognitive behavioral therapy (tCBT). Student competencies in tCBT were assessed by expert review of role-plays. We also examined time spent using ITS and relation with competency.

Results:

The majority of students (81.8%) in Wave 1 and all of the students who submitted role-plays in Wave 2 passed the clinical skills role-play. Students advancing through the ITS more quickly had better tCBT competency ratings than those progressing more slowly.

Discussion:

One of the most challenging aspects of training is how to competently deliver evidence-based practices. ITS has the potential to streamline and scale such training.
Managerial Judgment In City Benchmarking
Authors: Zekan Bozana
Published: October 2020

One of the weaknesses of past tourism benchmarking studies is treatment of all indicators as equally important, which is oftentimes a consequence of lack of data. Therefore, implications derived from such analyses may not be given a full attention by the affected stakeholders, as in real life situations, they are more likely to allocate a different weight on different objectives for their organizations/destinations. This is where the current study comes in: it delves into inspecting the impact of managerial judgment (i.e., weights) in city destination benchmarking by applying data envelopment analysis (DEA). A rather interesting finding is that the benchmarking partners are allocated based on the weighting of each objective. Thus, this clearly points toward the importance of taking the stakeholders’ judgment into account if aiming at a more complete interpretation of the efficiency scores—an area that is indisputably fully unexplored within the destination benchmarking domain to date.
Linking Organizational Virtuousness, Engagement, and Organizational Citizenship Behavior: The Moderating Role of Individual and Organizational Factors
Authors: Sun Hyo Jung , Yoon Hye Hyun
Published: October 2020

This study examines the effect of organizational virtuousness on employees’ engagement and organizational citizenship behavior in a deluxe hotel. It also verifies the moderating role of a positive personality at the individual level and the perception of organizational support at the organizational level in this causal relationship. The sample consists of 353 employees of a deluxe hotel in South Korea. The finding showed that managers can increase employees’ engagement without fail by improving their perception of organizational virtuousness. Employees’ engagement can increase organizational citizenship behavior, and the perception of organizational virtuousness can be linked to better organizational citizenship behavior, as it increases engagement. In addition, the more employees have proactive personality or favorable perception of organizational support, the more the effect of organizational virtuousness on work engagement increased. This result demonstrates the fact that improving employees’ perception of organizational virtuousness is a way of increasing employees’ work engagement and organizational citizenship behavior from managers’ perspective.