bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation of the Cooling of Heated Electronic Blocks in Horizontal Channel by Mixed Convection of Nanofluids
Authors: Hssain Mustapha Ait , Mir Rachid , El Hammami Youness
Published: February 2020

The present work is devoted to the numerical study of steady and laminar mixed convection of nanofluid (water nanoparticles) in a horizontal channel provided with sources of heat at constant temperature, which simulate hot electronic components. The transport equations for continuity, momentum, and energy are solved with finite volume approach using the SIMPLE algorithm. The effective thermal conductivity and the dynamic viscosity of the nanofluid are calculated using, respectively, the Maxwell-Garnett and Brinkman model. The influence of the volume fraction of the nanoparticles 0%≤φ≤10%, Reynolds numbers 5≤Re≤75, the distance between the blocks 0≤d/H≤3, and the types of nanoparticles added (TiO2, Al2O3, CuO, Ag, Cu, and MgO) were investigated and discussed. It emerges from this simulation that the heat transfer increases with the increase in the volume fraction of the nanoparticles and the Reynolds number and decreases with the augmentation of separation distance between heated sources. Moreover, the study shows that the heat transfer is improved by 20% at a solid volume fraction of 10% of Cu nanoparticles.
Effect of Formulated Artocarpus champeden Extract on Parasite Growth and Immune Response of Plasmodium berghei‐Infected Mice
Authors: Widyawaruyanti A. , Harwiningtias N. , Tumewu L. , Hafid A.F. , Soetjipto
Published: February 2020

Background. The ethanol extract of Artocarpus champeden stem bark (ACEE) has been proven to exhibit antimalarial activity. Despite the antimalarial effects observed, mechanisms of immune response to explain the antimalarial activity of ACEE remain poorly characterized. Here, we show the production of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines T helper 1 (Th1: IFN‐γ, TNF‐α) and T helper 2 (Th2: IL‐10) from Plasmodium berghei‐infected mice treated with formulated ACEE in order to better characterize the mechanism behind ACEE’s antimalarial activity. In addition, we have also determined the effect of formulated ACEE on parasite growth and liver function. Methods. Balb/c mice were infected with P. berghei strain ANKA and then administered daily doses of ACEE at a dose of 20, 50, and 100 mg/kg BW, and survival time was recorded. We determined the presence of P. berghei in the blood of the infected mice and inhibition of P. berghei growth. In order to assess the liver function of infected mice, we determined aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels. Determination of cytokines Th1 (IFN‐γ, TNF‐α) and Th2 (IL‐10) levels was conducted using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results. We found that formulated ACEE inhibited parasite growth and showed the highest antimalarial activity at 100 mg/kg BW. AST and ALT levels were found to be in the normal range, and there was no significant difference among control and treatment groups (P > 0.05). Infected mice treated with formulated ACEE showed a significant increase in the production of IFN‐γ on day 7 and an increased production of TNF‐α on day 4 and day 7. No effect on IL‐10 production was observed. Decreased parasitemia and longer survival time were observed when compared with untreated infected mice. Conclusion. This study suggests that the administration of ACEE was effective in inhibiting P. berghei growth in infected mice and extending survival time. No effect on liver function was observed based on AST and ALT levels. The antimalarial effects of ACEE could be explained in part by the enhanced production of the proinflammatory cytokines IFN‐γ and TNF‐α. ACEE treatment may provide novel therapeutic strategies for malaria in future.
VGLUT2/Cdk5/p25 Signaling Pathway Contributed to Inflammatory Pain by Complete Freund’s Adjuvant
Authors: Tang Yuwen , Peng Zhiyou , Tao Shoujun , Sun Jianliang , Wang Wenyuan , Guo Xuejiao , Liu Gonglu , Luo Xianzhe , Chen Yuan , Shen Yue , Ma Haixiang , Xu Peng , Li Qinghua , Zhang Honghai , Feng Zhiying
Published: February 2020

Vesicular glutamate transporter type 2 (VGLUT2) is known to play an important role in mediating heat hyperalgesia induced by inflammation. However, the underlying mechanism for this activity is poorly understood. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5), serving as a key regulator in modulating release of glutamate, acted a key player in the formation of heat hyperalgesia of inflammatory pain. However, it remains unknown whether there is a bridge between Cdk5 and VGLUT2 for mediating inflammatory pain. Therefore, we designed the experiment to determine whether VGLUT2 signaling pathway is involved in inflammatory pain mediated by Cdk5 in the inflammatory pain model induced by complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA). Our results showed that the coexpression of Cdk5/VGLUT2 in small- and medium-sized neuronal cells of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord between days 1 and 3 following subcutaneous injection of CFA was significantly increased. Moreover, our study revealed that the expression of VGLUT2 protein in the DRG and spinal cord was remarkably increased between days 1 and 3 following CFA injection and was significantly reduced by roscovitine, a selective antagonist of Cdk5. Additionally, p25 but not p35, an activator of Cdk5, protein was significantly increased by CFA and reduced by roscovitine. Our findings suggested that VGLUT2/Cdk5 signaling pathway contributes to inflammatory pain mediated by Cdk5/p25.
Involvement of GJA1 and Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication between Cumulus Cells and Oocytes from Women with PCOS
Authors: Liu Qiwei , Kong Liang , Zhang Junhui , Xu Qian , Wang Jingxue , Xue Zhigang , Wang Jinjuan
Published: February 2020

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common female endocrine system disease that affects 17.8% of women of reproductive age and leads to infertility, obesity, glucose metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and body‐mind problems. However, the etiology of PCOS remains unclear. Follicular growth is disrupted as a result of ovarian hyperandrogenism and distorted intraovarian paracrine signaling in women with PCOS. Microcommunication between oocytes and cumulus cells plays a critical role in folliculogenesis. Gap junction alpha 1 (GJA1) plays a crucial role in the developing follicles by forming communication channels between cumulus cells and oocytes, but this has not yet been reported in women with PCOS. Therefore, we aimed to study the role of GJA1 in the microcommunication between oocytes and cumulus cells in women with PCOS. In our study, cumulus cell‐oocyte complexes (COCs) from women were isolated via ultrasound‐guided vaginal puncture, and oocytes were selected from COCs and categorized based on 3 oocyte maturation stages. Then, RT‐qPCR and immunofluorescence analysis were performed to detect both the gene expression and protein of GJA1 in oocytes from women with and without PCOS. There was no statistically significant difference in age and BMI (body mass index), but patients with PCOS had a higher ratio of basic LH/FSH (luteinizing hormone/follicle‐stimulating hormone), androstenedione, and total ovarian volume. The qRT‐PCR results showed higher gene expression of GJA1 in oocytes without PCOS at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage compared with that of oocytes from women with PCOS. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that the expression level of GJA1 in oocytes from women with PCOS was very weak compared with that of oocytes from women without PCOS. In conclusion, GJA1 may play a critical role in the development of oogenesis arrest in women with PCOS throughout the oogenesis processes, including oogenesis and oocyte maturation.
Wave-Blocking Characteristics of Corrugated Plates under Explosion
Authors: Yang Guoliang , Feng Shuai , Huang Wenjia
Published: February 2020

Corrugated-board explosion-proof wall is the main means to prevent explosion shock wave damage, and it is important to study the effect of different corrugated plates on the shock wave. Using a high-speed schlieren experimental system and an air overpressure test system, the wave-blocking characteristics of different forms of corrugated plates are comprehensively studied. The schlieren images were used to analyze the influence that the corrugation shape of a corrugated plate has on the shock wave propagation characteristics. The results show that the reflection process of the triangular-, trapezoidal-, and half-cylindrical-shaped corrugated plates exhibit differences. The number of reflected waves from the triangular corrugated plate is much greater than that from the other corrugated plates, and it will consume more energy. The diffraction wave-front velocity has a trend of initially decreasing and then increasing and is also reduced by different degrees by the reflection. Comparative analysis of the schlieren images and the air shock wave overpressure test shows that plates corrugated with different corrugation shapes decrease the diffraction overpressure peak and exhibit a hysteresis.
Research on Risk Diffusion Mechanism of Logistics Service Supply Chain in Urgent Scenarios
Authors: ZHANG Guangsheng , WANG Xiao , GAO Zhijun , XIANG Tianyu
Published: February 2020

Although there are some studies on the risk management of logistics service supply chain (LSSC), we still know little about the effects of risk evolution and interactional mechanism of subjects in different urgent scenarios of logistics service supply chain from a micro perspective. Based on the structures of the LSSC, this study thus analyzed the risk evolution and the main actors’ reactions in the LSSC, including categorizing the urgent scenarios, analyzing their impacts on the diffusion intensity of pricing, profit and demand, and verifying the models’ validity with the numerical analysis. The results indicate divergent impacts of the different urgent scenarios on the logistics service supply chain: the price fluctuation can cause similar profit declines of the supplier and integrator, the reduced capacity can cause the supply chain’s price increase by 50%, and the demand risks can lead to similar changes of the upstream orders, prices and profits. The findings may provide clues for firms to develop effective countermeasures against the risks.
Functional Role of p53 in the Regulation of Chemical-Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Liu Xiaoyi , Fan Lihong , Lu Chengrong , Yin Shutao , Hu Hongbo
Published: February 2020

The nuclear transcription factor p53, discovered in 1979, has a broad range of biological functions, primarily the regulation of apoptosis, the cell cycle, and DNA repair. In addition to these canonical functions, a growing body of evidence suggests that p53 plays an important role in regulating intracellular redox homeostasis through transcriptional and nontranscriptional mechanisms. Oxidative stress induction and p53 activation are common responses to chemical exposure and are suggested to play critical roles in chemical-induced toxicity. The activation of p53 can exert either prooxidant or antioxidant activity, depending on the context. In this review, we discuss the functional role of p53 in regulating chemical-induced oxidative stress, summarize the potential signaling pathways involved in p53’s regulation of chemically mediated oxidative stress, and propose issues that should be addressed in future studies to improve understanding of the relationship between p53 and chemical-induced oxidative stress.
Convolutional Residual-Attention: A Deep Learning Approach for Precipitation Nowcasting
Authors: Yan Qing , Ji Fuxin , Miao Kaichao , Wu Qi , Xia Yi , Li Teng
Published: February 2020

Short-term precipitation forecast in local areas based on radar reflectance images has become a hot spot issue in the meteorological field, which has an important impact on daily life. Recently, deep learning techniques have been applied to this field, and the effect is promoted remarkably compared with traditional methods. However, existing deep learning-based methods have not considered the problem that different areas and channels exert different influence on precipitation. In this paper, we propose to incorporate the multihead attention into a dual-channel neural network to highlight the key areas for precipitation forecast. Furthermore, to solve the problem of excessive loss of global information caused by the attention mechanism, the residual connection is introduced into the proposed model. Quantitative and qualitative results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves the state-of-the-art precipitation forecast accuracy on the radar echo dataset.
Nicotine Impairs the Response of Lung Epithelial Cells to IL-22
Authors: Nguyen Hannah My-Hanh , Torres Jaclene Amber , Agrawal Sudhanshu , Agrawal Anshu
Published: February 2020

Smoking is a major risk factor for pulmonary diseases that include chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and cancer. Nicotine is the toxic and addictive component of tobacco products, like cigarettes, that negatively affects the immune system. Here, we examined the effect of nicotine on the IL-22 pathway that protects lung function by increasing transepithelial resistance and epithelial cell regeneration and repair. Our results indicate that exposure to nicotine impairs the regenerative capacity of primary bronchial epithelial cells in scratch assays. IL-22 at 100 ng/ml significantly improved wound healing in epithelial cells; however, the exposure to nicotine hampered the IL-22-mediated effect of wound healing. Investigation into the mechanisms showed that IL-22 receptor, IL-22Rα1, was downregulated in the presence of nicotine as determined by q-PCR and flow cytometry. We also investigated the effect of nicotine on IL-22 production by T cells. Results indicate that nicotine inhibited the secretion of IL-22 from T cells in response to aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) ligand, FICZ. Altogether, the data suggests that nicotine negatively influences the IL-22-IL-22R axis. This impairment may contribute to the nicotine-mediated detrimental effects on lung function.
Human Tissue Kallikrein 1 Improves Erectile Dysfunction of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats by Inhibition of Excessive Oxidative Stress and Activation of the PI3K/AKT/eNOS Pathway
Authors: Luan Yang , Cui Kai , Tang Zhe , Ruan Yajun , Liu Kang , Wang Tao , Chen Zhong , Wang Shaogang , Liu Jihong
Published: February 2020

Objective. To investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of human tissue kallikrein 1 (hKLK1) on type 1 diabetes mellitus- (DM-) induced erectile dysfunction in rats. Materials and Methods. The homozygous transgenic rats (TGR) harboring the hKLK1 gene and age-matched wild-type Sprague Dawley rats (WTR) were involved, and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin was utilized to induce diabetes in rats. Forty-eight-week-old male rats were randomly divided into a WTR group, TGR group, diabetic WTR group (WTDM), diabetic TGR group (TGDM), and TGDM with HOE140 group (TGDMH), with eight rats in each group. Twelve weeks later, the erectile response of all rats was detected by cavernous nerve electric stimulation, and corpus cavernosums were harvested to evaluate the levels of cavernous oxidative stress (OS), apoptosis, fibrosis, and involved pathways. Moreover, cavernous smooth muscle cells (CSMC) and endothelial cells (EC) were primarily isolated to build a coculture system for a series of in vitro verification. Results. The hKLK1 gene only existed and was expressed in TGR. Compared to the WTR group, the WTDM group showed a lower erectile response, overactivated OS and apoptosis, inhibited PI3K/AKT/eNOS pathway, and aggravated cavernous fibrosis. However, hKLK1 in the TGDM group could improve these pathological changes induced by DM, while its protective effects could be weakened by HOE140 in the TGDMH group. In the coculture system, hKLK1 could induce CSMC relaxation through activating PI3K/eNOS/cGMP signaling and inhibiting calcium ion influx under physiological condition. It could also resist the increased reactive oxygen species, apoptosis level, and reduced cGMP level in CSMC under high-glucose condition. Conclusions. hKLK1 preserves erectile function of DM rats through its antitissue excessive OS, apoptosis, and fibrosis effects, as well as activation of the PI3K/AKT/eNOS/cGMP pathway in the penis. Moreover, hKLK1 promotes relaxation and prevents high glucose-induced injuries of CSMC mediated by EC-CSMC crosstalk.
Minimally Invasive Surgery for Clinical Crown Lengthening Using Piezoelectric Ultrasound
Authors: Marcantonio Ana Carolina Monachini , de Oliveira Guilherme José Pimentel Lopes , Scardueli Cássio Rocha , Marcantonio Camila Chiérici , Marcantonio Rosemary Adriana Chiérici , Marcantonio Elcio
Published: February 2020

This case report is aimed at describing a flapless, minimally invasive clinical crown lengthening with an osteotomy performed using a piezoelectric ultrasound. A female patient complained about the amount of gum that was exposed when she smiled, which caused aesthetic discomfort. After a clinical examination, it was confirmed that the patient had excessive gum exposure in the upper arch of the dental region for teeth 14 to 24 when she smiled. The tomographic exam showed that bone tissue was at the level of the enamel-cementum junction, and gingival tissue covered a part of the anatomic crown. Virtual analysis using digital smile design (DSD) demonstrated that enlarging the clinical crowns would provide better aesthetics. The excess gingival tissue was removed from the gingival margin region with the aid of a mockup without interference to the interdental papillae. Then, osteotomy was performed using piezoelectric ultrasound until there was a 2.5 mm distance from the top of the bone crest to the new gingival margin. In the postoperative period, good repositioning of the gingival margin, absence of postoperative complications, and rapid healing of the gingival tissue were verified. After 6 months, a good aesthetic outcome was observed with stability in the level of the periodontal tissues obtained via the crown-lengthening technique. It can be concluded that the minimally invasive clinical crown-lengthening technique was effective in repositioning the gingival margin with no postoperative complications.
Research and Analysis of the Static Characteristics of Aerostatic Bearings with a Multihole Integrated Restrictor
Authors: Lu Zhi-wei , Zhang Jun-an , Liu Bo
Published: February 2020

In order to further study the performance of aerostatic bearing, an aerostatic bearing with a multihole integrated restrictor was proposed in this paper. Based on the physical model of aerostatic bearings, the governing equation was established, deduced discretely, and solved numerically by the finite-difference method and flow balance principle in Cartesian coordinates. The bearing capacity and stiffness of aerostatic bearings have been analyzed, and the relevant experimental research has been carried out in this paper. The results showed that the number of orifices in the integrated restrictor had a significant effect on the bearing capacity, and the maximum bearing capacity of a nine-hole integrated throttling bearing was approximately 1.9 times greater than that of a single-hole bearing. The bearing stiffness was greatly affected by the diameter of the orifices, and the optimum bearing stiffness was determined. The corresponding gas film clearance also changed accordingly.
Caspase‐1‐Dependent Pyroptosis of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Is Associated with the Severity and Mortality of Septic Patients
Authors: Wang Yuchang , Liu Yukun , Liu Qinxin , Zheng Qiang , Dong Xijie , Liu Xinghua , Gao Wei , Bai Xiangjun , Li Zhanfei
Published: February 2020

Purpose. Pyroptosis has been known to play a vital role in the inflammation process which was induced by infection, injury, or inflammatory disease. The present study was aimed at evaluating the percentage of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) pyroptosis in septic patients and assessing the correlation of PBMC pyroptosis with the severity and the mortality of septic patients. Methods. 128 trauma‐induced patients with sepsis were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Blood samples were collected, and PBMC pyroptosis was measured by flow cytometry within 24 hours after sepsis was diagnosed. Results. Percentage of PBMC pyroptosis was positively correlated with the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (all P < 0.01). The area under the curve (AUC) for the percentage of PBMC pyroptosis on a receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.79 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.68–0.90). A Cox proportional hazard model identified an association between an increased percentage of PBMC pyroptosis (>14.17%) and increased risk of the 28‐day mortality (hazard ratio = 1.234, 95% CI, 1.014–1.502). Conclusion. The percentage of PBMC pyroptosis increases in septic patients, and the increased percentage of PBMC pyroptosis is associated with the severity of sepsis and the 28‐day mortality of patients with sepsis.
Polyol Silver Nanowire Synthesis and the Outlook for a Green Process
Authors: Hemmati Shohreh , Harris Michael T. , Barkey Dale P.
Published: February 2020

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) have a broad range of applications including nanoelectronics, energy conversion, health care, solar cells, touch screens, sensors and biosensors, wearable electronics, and drug delivery systems. As their characteristics depend strongly on their size and morphology, it is essential to find the optimal and most cost-effective synthesis method with precise control over the size and morphology of the wires. Various methods for AgNW synthesis have been reported along with process optimization and novel techniques to increase the yield and aspect ratios of synthesized AgNWs. The most promising processes for synthesis of AgNWs are wet chemical techniques, in which the polyol process is low cost and simple and provides high yield compared to other chemical methods. Reaction mechanism is one of the most important factors in strategies to control the process. Our purpose here is to provide an overview on the main findings regarding synthesis, preparation, and characterization of AgNWs. Recent efforts in the polyol synthesis of AgNWs are summarized with respect to product morphology and size, reaction conditions, and characterization techniques. The effect of essential factors such as reagent concentration and preparation, temperature, and reaction atmosphere that control the size, morphology, and yield of synthesized AgNWs is reviewed. Moreover, a review on the novel modified polyol process and reactor design such as continuous millifluidic and flow reactors to increase the yield of synthesized AgNWs on large scales is provided. The most recent proposed growth mechanisms and kinetics behind the polyol process are addressed. Finally, comparatively few available studies in green and sustainable development of 1D silver nanostructures through the application of natural products with inherent growth termination, stabilization, and capping characteristics are reviewed to provide an avenue to natural synthesis pathways to AgNWs. Future directions in both chemical and green synthesis approaches of AgNWs are addressed.
Experimental Study of the Mechanical Characteristics of a Rock‐Like Material Containing a Preexisting Fissure under Loading and Unloading Triaxial Compression
Authors: Xiao Taoli , Huang Mei , Gao Min
Published: February 2020

An experimental study of a rock‐like material containing a preexisting fissure subjected to loading and unloading triaxial compression is carried out, and the results show that the mechanical characteristics of the rock‐like specimen depend heavily on the loading paths and the inclination of the fissure. The triaxial loading experiment results show that the failure strength linearly increases, while the residual strength linearly decreases with increasing inclination. Furthermore, specimens subjected to triaxial compression show an “X”‐type shear failure mode. The triaxial unloading compression experimental results show that specimens with different inclination angles have various failure modes. Specimens with gentle inclinations show a tensile‐shear mix failure mode, specimens with middle inclinations show a shear‐sliding failure mode, and specimens with steep inclinations show a tensile failure mode. These findings can be used to forecast excavation‐induced instabilities in deep underground engineering rock structures.
Fatal Disseminated Aspergillosis in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Hardie Rochelle , James-Goulbourne Tracian , Rashid Monsoon , Sullivan Jeremy , Homsi Yamen
Published: February 2020

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at increased risk for infection including opportunistic infections. Fungal infection in particular can be difficult to diagnose and treat and often can be life-threatening in the immunocompromised patient. We present a case in which a patient with SLE presented to the hospital with shortness of breath and cough. Throughout the hospital course, the patient’s condition continued to decline leading to acute respiratory failure, and eventually, the patient expired. Postmortem autopsy revealed invasive fungal aspergillosis infection involving the heart, lungs, and brain. Earlier diagnosis and treatment with empiric antifungals may improve survival in these patients.
Efficacy of Biorational Compounds against Mustard Aphid (Lipaphis erysimi Kalt.) and English Grain Aphid (Sitobion avenae Fab.) under Laboratory Conditions in Nepal
Authors: Khanal Dipak , Maharjan Salu , Lamichhane Jamuna , Neupane Pritika , Sharma Srijana , Pandey Pushpa
Published: February 2020

Mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) and English grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) are among the most important pests in mustard and wheat fields in Nepal. Biocide Manic (Metarhizium anisopliae a.i. = 1 × 109 spores/ml) at 3 ml/l water, Agri Sakti (Beauveria bassiana a.i. = 1 × 109 spores/ml) at 3.3 ml/l water, Varunastra (Verticillium lecanii spores 2% aqueous suspension, 2 × 108 CFU/ml) at 6 ml/l water, Mahastra (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki 0.5% wettable powder) at 6 g/l water, Neemraj Super (Azadirachitin 0.3% w/w) at 3.3 ml/l water, Tracer (Spinosad 90% spinosyns) at 0.33 ml/l water, and control treatment (pure water) were used to test their efficacy against L. erysimi and S. avenae, using leaf dip and spray methods under laboratory conditions in Rupandehi, Nepal, in the year 2018. Each treatment was replicated four times, and the experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design. Mortality of aphids was recorded at 24, 48, 72, and 98 hours after treatment application. The result revealed highest mortality of mustard aphids with Agri Sakti at 24 hours after treatment (HAT); however, Neemraj Super was found to be the most effective at 48, 72, and 96 HAT with the leaf spray method. With the leaf dip method, Neemraj Super killed more mustard aphids than other treatments at all observed time points. Among tested biorational products, Agri Sakti was found to be most effective against English grain aphids in both leaf spray and leaf dip methods. In all the bioassays, the mortality caused by biorational compounds over control was highly significant. The present study suggests for further verification of the biorational products in the field and development of novel management strategies against different species of aphids.
Paid Companions: Human-Nonhuman Animal Relations in Japanese Animal Cafés
Authors: Robinson Amanda S.
Published: February 2020

Animal cafés, a type of business where customers pay by the hour to spend time relaxing with nonhuman animals and other animal lovers, became popular in Japan during the late 2000s as part of the iyashi, or healing, boom. Young Japanese customers in need of positive affective experiences to address feelings, economic and social precarity turn to businesses like these to meet their emotional needs, engaging socially with animals in a commodified space. This article explores the kinds of intimate bonds that are created between the human customer and animal “staff” in these contexts, where customers engage with animals on their own terms, enjoying their companionship without any long-term responsibility for their care, and the effect this has on the lives of the café animals.
The Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea: The Final Answer or an Interim Solution to the Caspian Question?
Authors: Karataeva Elena
Published: February 2020

This article analyses new developments in the question of the Caspian Sea legal status, namely the signing of the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea on 12 August 2018 in Kazakhstan, after twenty-six years in the making. First, the article provides an overview of the history of the Caspian Sea ownership and examines the legal status question from the collapse of the USSR to the present day. Then, the text of the newly signed Convention is examined to determine whether it provides the final answers to the issues of the legal status and delimitation of the sea. It is contended that despite this seminal breakthrough, the convention does not provide a complete solution. Specifically, while it establishes Caspian Sea zones and their limits, it fails to clarify some key contentious aspects, including delimitation principles between the opposite and adjacent Caspian States, which remain to be determined bilaterally.
Archetypal Origins
Authors: Goodwyn Erik
Published: February 2020

The question of whether or not archetypes are transmitted biologically or culturally is wrongly posed and has hampered progress in Jungian thought regarding archetype theory. Considerations regarding psychological development show that some contents of the human psyche are, strictly speaking, neither biologically nor culturally derived. Examples are given, and the question becomes, How does this fact affect archetype theory? The present essay examines this question in depth.
Effect of bacterial consortium on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plant nutrient uptake and antioxidant enzymes at different levels of oily sludge
Authors: Shahzad Asim , Bano Asghari , Siddiqui Samina
Published: February 2020

Under stress environment of oily sludge, plants develop oxidative stress which effect nutrients uptake, activity of oxidative defence enzymes, cause ion imbalance and toxicity in plants. The present study was designed to develop a combination of bacterial consortium alone and with fertilizers that can help to improve alfalfa growth and plant defence system under stress environment of oily sludge contamination soils. For this study consortium was prepared from Bacillus cereus (Acc KR232400), Bacillus altitudinis (Acc KF859970), Comamonas (Acc KF859971) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (Acc KF859973) and was inoculated with fertilizer to oily sludge contaminated soils. A pot experiment was conducted using complete randomized design with three replicates. The plants were harvested at 21 d for estimation of protein, proline and antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD). The protein, SOD and POD contents in alfalfa were higher in oily sludge than soil without consortium, ammonium nitrate and diamamoiun phosphate. Consortium suppressed the oxidative stress of sludge treated plants. The inoculation of bacterial consortium enhanced the uptake of Ca, Mg, K and Na. The uptake of Ca, Mg, K, Fe, Cu and Zn increased significantly with consortium+fertilizer the availability of nutrients in soil with 30% and 60% of oily. Cd content was greater in root than leaves of alfalfa. The bacterial consortium helped to enhance plant growth and plant anti-oxidant enzymes system. The consortium with fertilizer is the best suitable combination for alfalfa that can improve the oxidative enzyme system of alfalfa and increases its growth and development.
Children’s learning from a Smokefree Sports programme: Implications for health education
Authors: Fairbrother Hannah , Curtis Penny , Kirkcaldy Andrew
Published: February 2020

Objective:

This article reports on a qualitative evaluation of the Love Life, Smokefree Sports primary school pilot intervention. This 8-week programme used sports and physical activity sessions to convey Smokefree messages to 120 children aged 10 and 11 in two primary schools in Sheffield in 2018. The study aimed to understand children’s experiences of participating in the programme. Its objectives were to explore children’s recall of the health promotion messages associated with each of the learning sessions; explore children’s perceptions of the meaningfulness of those messages in the context of their everyday lives; and identify and understand any contextual factors that might impact upon children’s recall and/or the meaningfulness of the Smokefree messages.

Method:

Qualitative data were generated with 25 children through focus groups after the programme concluded. Data were analysed thematically using cross-sectional, categorical indexing.

Results:

Learning from the programme was particularly likely to be described as meaningful by children when they could interact with material and visual representations of complex ideas and when sessions involved strongly embodied experiences. However, children did not always find it easy to relate learning to their everyday lives and sometimes struggled to reconcile pre-existing, contextualised understandings with intervention messages. We mobilise the concept of critical health literacy as a theoretical lens through which to interpret these findings.

Conclusion:

Health education should be meaningful in the context of children’s everyday lives. Starting from the premise that children are active critical health literacy practitioners and working with them to design and evaluate health education initiatives can promote this.
Metropolitan and Peri-Urban Governance in India: Case Study of Chennai Metropolitan Area
Authors: Singh Chetna
Published: February 2020

The rapid growth and economic importance of metropolitan cities is a known fact world over. These cities have increased in number over a period of time and have immense economic importance for their countries. They account for more than half of the world’s wealth. Moreover, some of the larger metropolitan cities in South Asia account for one-third and even more of the national GDP. The fast pace of growth of metropolitan cities and their peri-urban areas and the resulting spatial transformation is one of the most striking features of India’s urban scenario. In this context, planning and basic service provisions are the two components that warrant special attention in metropolitan regions for organised spatial, economic and social development. The present paper emphasises on the need for better service provision in peri-urban areas. It recommends a strategy to govern metropolitan regions so that the peri-urban areas can also get equitable treatment in the development process.
Psychotic experiences and psychiatric treatment utilization in Buenos Aires
Authors: Oh Hans , Koyanagi Ai , DeVylder Jordan E , Leiderman Eduardo A
Published: February 2020

Objective:

Psychotic experiences are associated with psychiatric treatment utilization, though findings have not been entirely consistent. Furthermore, it is unclear how psychotic experiences relate to specific types of psychiatric treatment, and whether mental illness moderates these associations.

Methods:

In total, 1,036 adult residents of Buenos Aires were recruited through convenience sampling in public places. Multivariable logistic regression models examined the associations between psychotic experiences and psychiatric treatment, adjusted for age, sex and education. Analyses were then stratified by diagnosis of mental illness.

Results:

Approximately 17.95% ( N = 186) of the sample reported at least one psychotic experience over the past week, about 22.39% ( N = 232) of the sample was receiving some psychiatric or psychological treatment and 8.59% ( N = 89) was receiving psychopharmacological treatment. In the total sample, psychotic experiences were associated with greater odds of being in psychiatric/psychological treatment (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.52; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05–2.21) and psychopharmacological treatment (AOR: 2.49; 95% CI: 1.52–4.09), adjusted for age, sex and education. Mental illness did not moderate the association between psychotic experiences and psychiatric/psychological treatment, but did moderate the association between psychotic experiences and psychopharmacological treatment. Among people with mental disorders, psychotic experiences were associated with greater odds of receiving psychopharmacological treatment (AOR: 14.63; 95% CI: 1.73–123.45) versus people without mental disorders (AOR: 1.75; 95% CI: 0.98–3.15).

Conclusion:

Psychotic experiences are associated with psychiatric treatment utilization, particularly psychopharmacological treatment among people with a co-occurring mental illnesses. Translational research should explore the utility of psychosis screens in assessing need for medication or clinical responsiveness to medications.
Indigenous Microbiota Protects against Inflammation-Induced Osteonecrosis
Authors: Williams D.W. , Vuong H.E. , Kim S. , Lenon A. , Ho K. , Hsiao E.Y. , Sung E.C. , Kim R.H.
Published: February 2020

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a rare intraoral lesion that occurs in patients undergoing long-term and/or high-dose therapy with nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates, a RANKL inhibitor, antiangiogenic agents, or mTOR inhibitors. The presence of pathogenic bacteria is highly associated with advanced stages of MRONJ lesions; however, the exact role of indigenous microbes in MRONJ development is unknown. Here, we report that the normal oral flora in mice protects against inflammation-induced osteonecrosis. In mice that developed osteonecrosis following tooth extraction, there was increased bacterial infiltration when compared with healed controls. Antibiotic-mediated oral dysbiosis led to a local inhibition of bone resorption in the presence of ligature-induced periodontitis (LIP). There was no significant difference in empty lacunae, necrotic bone formation, osteoclast number, and surface area in antibiotic-treated as compared with conventionally colonized mice following extraction of healthy teeth after zoledronic acid infusions. However, extraction of LIP teeth led to increased empty lacunae, necrotic bone, and osteoclast surface area in antibiotic- and zoledronic acid–treated mice as compared with conventionally colonized mice. Our findings suggest that the presence of the indigenous microbiota protects against LIP-induced osteonecrosis.
Four advantages of a systemic approach to the study of religion
Authors: Sosis Richard
Published: February 2020

There has been increasing interest in the evolutionary study of religion, but perfunctory fractionalization has limited our ability to explain how and why religion evolved, evaluate religion’s current adaptive value, and assess its role in contemporary decision-making. To move beyond piecemeal analyses of religion, I have recently offered an integrative evolutionary framework that approaches religions as adaptive systems. I argue that religions are an adaptive complex of traits consisting of cognitive, neurological, affective, behavioral, and developmental features that are organized into a self-regulating feedback system. Here I explore four advantages of this systemic approach to religion: it avoids definitional problems that have plagued the study of religion, affords a contextual understanding of religious belief, informs current debates within the evolutionary study of religion, and provides links to both the natural sciences and humanities. I argue that the systemic approach offers the strongest potential for real progress and broad application of evolutionary theory to the study of religion.
Using the CNI Model to Investigate Individual Differences in Moral Dilemma Judgments
Authors: Körner Anita , Deutsch Roland , Gawronski Bertram
Published: February 2020

Typical moral dilemmas pitting the consequences of a given action against the action’s consistency with moral norms confound several determinants of moral judgments. Dissociating these determinants, the CNI model allows researchers to quantify sensitivity to consequences, sensitivity to norms, and general preference for inaction over action regardless of consequences and norms. However, with the currently available set of dilemmas for research using the CNI model, the model is not suitable for studies with individual-difference designs. To overcome this limitation, the current research investigated the suitability of an extended dilemma battery to make the CNI model amenable for individual-difference research, examining relations of its parameters with psychopathy, empathic concern, need for cognition, self-reported utilitarianism, behavioral activation/inhibition, moral identity, and religiosity. The results support the suitability of the CNI model for individual-difference research with the extended dilemma battery, providing more nuanced insights into the underpinnings of individual differences in moral dilemma judgments.
Introduction: Margins and the State—Caste, ‘Tribe’ and Criminality in South Asia
Authors: Gandee Sarah , Gould William
Published: February 2020

This introduction outlines some of the key historiographical debates concerning caste, ‘tribe’ and criminality, and their relationship to the modern state, in South Asia. Although these social categories have long, complex and often inter-related histories rooted in indigenous and precolonial ideas and institutions, they emerged most forcefully as categories of governance in the legal-political system of the colonial and postcolonial states. These categories remained highly unstable, however. There was a clear disjuncture between forms of ‘colonial’ knowledge which structured legal categorization and everyday negotiations and contestations of the same. Using the example of India’s so-called ‘criminal tribes’ - the 200 or so communities declared as criminals ‘by birth’ under the Criminal Tribes Act (1871) during the colonial regime - we consider broader debates over the governing of ‘colonial’ categories, and subaltern agency and resistance in their making, as a way of interrogating the complex relationship between the ‘margins’ and the state.
Relational agility: Visualizing near-real-time Arctic sea ice data as a proxy for climate change
Authors: Vardy Mark
Published: February 2020

This ethnographic study at the US National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) follows a group of scientists and communications specialists as they compose visualizations and analyses of near-real-time Arctic sea ice data. Research participants collectively make scientific judgments about near-real-time data in a highly visible public venue with ‘relational agility’. They balance multiple phenomena including knowledge of how sceptics attack climate science, reflexivity about the conventions through which sea ice data is gathered, the needs of journalists working in a news cycle paced by Twitter, and the liveliness and vitality of sea ice itself. Relational agility, understood as a way of coordinating the social in relation to this plurality of contingent practices and processes, provides insight into the science and politics of nonlinear climate change.
Fear of Crime Out West: Determinants of Fear of Property and Violent Crime in Five States
Authors: Lee Heeuk D. , Reyns Bradford W. , Kim David , Maher Cooper
Published: February 2020

Fear of crime research has been around for decades, and many studies of its extent, nature, and consequences have been published. In this study, we build upon existing research to examine the effects of vulnerability, disorder/incivilities, social cohesion, prior victimization, and perceptions of police upon fear of property crime and fear of violent crime. Using data from a random mail survey of residents from five different states, the current study offers a view of the determinants of fear of crime within an often overlooked population—residents of the Western United States. Results support leading theories of fear of crime, finding that women, perceptions of disorder/incivilities, perceptions of social cohesion, prior victimization, and assessments of police quality of service each influence fear of crime. Findings also suggest that the determinants of fear of crime vary somewhat according to crime type.
The search for (artificial) intelligence, in capitalism
Authors: Engster Frank , Moore Phoebe V
Published: February 2020

Artificial intelligence is being touted as a new wave of machinic processing and productive potential. Building on concepts starting with the invention of the term artificial intelligence in the 1950s, now, machines can supposedly not only see, hear, and think, but also solve problems and learn, and in this way, it seems that actually there is a new form of humiliation for humans. This article starts with a historical overview of the forerunners of artificial intelligence, where ideas of how intelligence can be formulated according to philosophers and social theorists begin to enter the work sphere and are inextricably linked to capitalist production. However, there always already has been an artificial intelligence in power in, on the one hand, technical machines and the social machine money, and on the other, humans, making both sides (machines and humans), an interface of their mutual capitalist socialisation. The question this piece addresses is, then, what kind of capitalist socialisation will the actual forms of artificial intelligence bring?
Exploring the Dimensions of Driving Instruction through Naturalistic Observation of Formal Practical Lessons with Learner Drivers
Authors: Watson-Brown Natalie , Scott-Parker Bridie , Simons-Morton Bruce , Senserrick Teresa
Published: February 2020

Higher-order driving skills (HO-DS) are deficient in young drivers who are over-represented in road crash fatalities and serious injuries. Teaching HO-DS has strong theoretical support in reducing crash risk. This study contributes to the dearth of literature regarding on-road driver training that can develop these skills. Higher-order driving instruction (HO-DI) is explored in formal on-road driving lessons (in Queensland, Australia) via naturalistic observation. Fifteen instructors and 96 learner drivers aged 16–19 years were recruited, with 110 lessons observed. An HO-DI coding taxonomy informed by the Goals for Driver Education ( 24) was used for content analysis using an a priori approach, comprising eight HO-DI codes: driving plan (formerly driving route), vehicle control and maneuvering, mastery of traffic situations, surveillance, situational risk (formerly environmental variables), personal risk (formerly knowledge of risk), car function (formerly car knowledge), and distraction. Thirty-nine sub-themes were identified within the codes allowing a deeper understanding of instruction, including missed (unseen) and untaken (seen but not actioned) HO-DI opportunities. The findings inform recommendations for the development of best practice HO-DI. This study has implications for the driver training industry with potential for reducing the crash risk of young novice drivers.