bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Debiasing Overconfidence among Indonesian Undergraduate Students in the Biology Classroom: An Intervention Study of the KAAR Model
Authors: Rusmana Ai Nurlaelasari , Roshayanti Fenny , Ha Minsu
Published: July 2020

Metacognitive ability is enormously important for improving students’ learning performance. However, overconfidence bias may hinder students’ metacognition abilities. Therefore, in this study, we conducted an intervention to reduce or debias overconfidence among students using the KAAR (knowledge, awareness, action, and reflection) model. Ninety Indonesian undergraduate students were subjects of this study. Overconfidence scores were analyzed using paired sample t-tests in SPSS to compare the mean difference between pre- and post-tests. Next, their overconfidence patterns during the intervention were analyzed using R to perform group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM). Two main findings were noteworthy: Watching a video about overconfidence is likely the most significant activity of KAAR model in reducing students’ overconfidence, and, based on students’ overconfidence change during the intervention, trajectory analysis classified them into five groups. Recommendations for future intervention studies to reduce overconfidence among students are discussed.
In the Shadows of Swords. The Antecedents of the Archaeological Research in Malakand-Swat, 1895–1899
Authors: Khan Rafiullah
Published: July 2020

This paper deals with the formative years of archaeological research in Malakand-Swat, Khyber-Pukhtunkhwa. Recent archival material sheds light not only on the central role Major Harold A. Deane, the first Political Agent of the newly constituted Malakand Agency (1895), played in these pursuits but also brings to the fore an institutional context, such as museums and other learned societies. The Bengal Government’s delegations, led by Laurence A. Waddell and Alexander Caddy in 1895 and 1896, in order to procure Gandharan objects for the Imperial Museum of India, have been subjected to historical and critical analysis. Moreover, Aurel Stein’s antiquarian sojourns in the area also make a subject of investigation. This study also evaluates this preliminary antiquarian work from the point of view of archaeological legislation, as it was in place at the time, in British India, historical considerations presented by scholars in the field and the relationship of knowledge creation with power.
Inserting and Combining. Stucco and Brick Tiles from the Ghaznavid Royal Palace (11th–12th c.) in Ghazni
Authors: Laviola Valentina
Published: July 2020

Numerous isolated tiles in brick and stucco emerged from the excavation of the Ghaznavid royal palace in Ghazni (11th–12th century). The finding in situ of edgewise laid bricks’ panels with inserted stucco tiles allows inferring that they adorned the upper section of the antechambers opening onto the palace central courtyard. How brick tiles were combined with them is still to be explained.

This preliminary note offers a typological classification of tiles presenting the variety of sizes and morphologies as well as of the decorative patterns.

The combination of baked brick and stucco is largely attested since the late 10th century in the architectural decoration throughout the Iranian area. Nishapur and Lashkari Bazar represent inescapable sites for comparison.
The genus Andreaea Hedw. (Andreaeaceae, Bryophyta) in Brazil

Authors: PERALTA DENILSON FERNANDES
Published: July 2020

This study presents a taxonomic treatment of all Andreaea species (Andreaeaceae, Bryophyta) occurring in Brazil. Within the Brazilian Biomes, the species are restricted to the Atlantic Forest and found on granite or gnaiss outcrops from 1,000 to 2,880 m elev. Based on the 8 taxa previously cited from the country (five of these considered as endemics), 3 species are currently recognized. Four species and one variety previously described from Brazil as endemic (A. microphylla Müll. Hal., A. spurioalpina Müll. Hal., A. spurioalpina Müll. Hal. var. rubricalyx Müll. Hal., A.squarrosofiliformis Müll. Hal.) and A. striata Mitt. are here proposed as synonyms of Andreaea rupestris Hedw.
Bridging the gap: first record of sponge genus Strongylodesma in Australian waters
Authors: KELLY MICHELLE , GOUDIE LISA
Published: July 2020

Eight species of Strongylodesma Lévi, 1969 (Demospongiae Sollas, Poecilosclerida Topsent, Latrunculiidae Topsent) are recognised today (Van Soest et al. 2019): three from South Africa (S. algoaensis and S. tsitsikammaensis Samaai et al., 2003; S. aliwaliensis Samaai et al., 2004); two from the Tropical Western Atlantic (S. nigra and S. purpurea Samaai & Kelly, 2009); and two from the Western Pacific Ocean (S. novaecaledoniae and S. tongaensis Samaai & Kelly, 2009). The type species, S. areolata Lévi, 1969, is from Vema Seamount in the South Atlantic Ocean, about 1000 km northwest of Cape Town. Prior to this work, Strongylodesma had not been recorded in the Southwest Pacific region: here we report for the first time, a new species from temperate Australia, S. australiense sp. nov.
Two new species of a new genus, Pseudorogneda, of Polycystididae discovered in Southern China
Authors: XIE YAO-HANG , WEI LI-YANG , HUANG WEI-DONG , ZHONG LIN-HONG , LI SHUANG-FEI , WANG AN-TAI
Published: July 2020

Two new species of the new genus Pseudorogneda of Polycystididae were discovered in a brackish environment from Southern China. Pseudorogneda sinensis n. gen. n. sp., is distinguished by a semicircular double-walled prostate stylet type II that tapers in diameter from proximal to distal with a proximal-to-distal fold, and an inner wall with a funnel-shaped base originating at the midpoint of the outer wall; its flattened tubular prostate stylet type IV exhibits a horn-like base and a proximal-to-distal folded structure on its wall. For Pseudorogneda shenda n. gen. n. sp., its crescent-shaped prostate stylet type II is double-walled and the inner wall has a funnel-shaped base that starts at the proximal 2/3 position of the outer stylet and is fused with the outer stylet to form a sharp distal end; its tubular and slightly-curved prostate stylet type IV exhibits a slit and a distal fold. Phylogenetic analysis of 18S rDNA and 28S rDNA sequences shows that the two novel species are clustered to form an independent clade from other genera, which is consistent with morphological comparison in the establishment of two new species in a new genus.
Megymenum tuberculatum, a new species of Megymenini from Java and a review of distribution of M. brevicorne (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Dinidoridae)
Authors: HEMALA VLADIMÍR , KOCOREK ANNA , LIS JERZY A.
Published: July 2020

Megymenum tuberculatum Hemala & Kocorek, sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Dinidoridae: Megymeninae: Megymenini) from Java (Indonesia) is described, illustrated and compared with M. brevicorne (Fabricius, 1787). Although the description is based on only one female specimen, the differences in the morphology of head, pronotum, and spermatheca are significant. In addition, M. brevicorne is briefly redescribed and its distribution and biology reviewed along with its first record from Nepal.
Current status of Andricus mairei (Kieffer), with synonymization of two species from China (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae)
Authors: PUJADE-VILLAR JULI , WANG YIPING , GUO RUI , CUESTA-PORTA VICTOR , ARNEDO MIQUEL A. , MELIKA GEORGE
Published: July 2020

The original description of Parandricus mairei Kieffer, 1906 included a misinterpretation of a relevant forewing trait. The species was subsequently transferred to the genus Andricus, despite presenting two very peculiar morphological characters, namely a simple tarsal claw and the absence of irradiating carinae on the lower face. Similarly, the original descriptions of Andricus deqingis Wang, Gui, Chen, 2013 and A. flavus Pujade-Villar, Wang, Guo & Chen, 2014 included some relevant mistakes. Here, we present the results of a molecular analysis that reveals that individuals of the three species are genetically very similar; supporting the proposal that A. mairei is a senior synonym of the other two species, A. deqingis n. syn. and A. flavus n. syn. In addition, our results indicate that Parandricus renders Andricus paraphyletic, which supports that Parandricus is a junior synonym of Andricus. We re-describe and illustrate the relevant characters of A. mairei and provide additional comments on the characters erroneously interpreted in the former descriptions and give notes about the biology and intraspecific variability.
Description of a new leafhopper species of the genus Watanabella (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Deltocephalinae) from China
Authors: ZHANG LAN , XING JICHUN
Published: July 2020

A new leafhopper species Watanabella curvatua sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Yunnan Province, China. New synonyms are revealed, Paramacrosteles Dai, Li & Chen, 2006 is a junior synonym of Watanabella Vilbaste, 1969 and Paramacrosteles nigromaculatus Dai, Li & Chen, 2006 is a junior synonym of Watanabella graminea Choe, 1981. A key is given to distinguish all species of the genus. The type specimen of the new species is deposited in the Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China (GUGC).
The Development of Endothelial Cells in Revascularization of Blood Vessels in Kidney Scaffolds
Authors: Du Ao-Ling , Liu Dan , Zhang Wen-Hui , Chen Sheng-Hua
Published: July 2020

The kidney is an important organ of the human body. However, the morbidity and mortality of endstage renal disease (ESRD) have been increasing year after year. Currently, the best treatment for ESRD is kidney transplantation. However, the extreme lack of donor kidneys causes many people
to die in queues waiting for a kidney source. Fortunately, recent advances in bioengineering, stem cells, and regenerative medicine have raised new hopes that there may be a viable way to form new transplantable kidneys. Kidney scaffolds have had all cellular components removed, but retain
intact extracellular matrix (ECM). However, there are still many challenges, such as thrombosis, before this potential therapy can be used in clinical patients. Vascularization is a key part of the success of tissue engineering and a vital factor for maintaining organ function. Endothelial
cells are crucial in the formation of vessels in kidney scaffolds. The primary challenge of recellularized kidney scaffolds is to re-endothelialize the renal vasculature. Unfortunately, until now, there have been no report demonstrating successful vascularization in bioengineering kidney scaffolds,
such as uniform endothelial cell coverage of vascular walls, no thrombosis and blood flow maintenance for a long time. Hence, this review mainly discusses the development of endothelial cells in the re-endothelialized vasculature of renal scaffolds.
Downregulation of MicroRNA-135b-5p Inhibits Esophageal Cancer Cell Progression via Targeting GNG7
Authors: Chen Jun
Published: July 2020

Objective: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as the critical modulators of the tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Guanine nucleotide binding (G) protein gamma 7 (GNG7) has been shown to be closely associated with the occurrence of tumors. We aimed to investigate the effects of
microRNA-135b-5p (miR-135b-5p) mediated GNG7 knockdown on the biological behavior of esophageal carcinoma (EC) cells. Material and Methods: The expression of miR-135b-5p and GNG7 in 33 cases of EC clinical tissues and EC cell lines, including TE-1, ECA109 and EC9706, were examined by
PCR and western blotting assays to select the optimum cell line for subsequent experiments. After ECA109 cells were transfected with miR-135b-5p mimics or inhibitor, siRNA GNG7 and NC plasmids, the cell viability, migration invasion, proliferation and apoptosis of ECA109 cells were evaluated
by MTT, wound healing, Transwell, colony formation and flow cytometry assays, respectively. The expression of relevant molecules (p53 and VEGF-A) was determined by western blot analysis. Results: The results indicated that the levels of miR-135b-5p were upregulated while GNG7 were downregulated
in EC tissues in comparison with the corresponding normal tissues, and miR-135b-5p mimics and knockdown of GNG7 sharply increased cell viability, migration, invasion and colony formation of ECA109 cells, and inhibited cell apoptosis. The luciferase reporter assay identified that miR-135b-5p
decreased the level of GNG7 via binding to the 3′-UTR of GNG7 gene. In addition, p53 expression were decreased and VEGFA expression was up-regulated in ECA109 cells after transfected with miR-135b-5p mimics and GNG7 siRNA. However, inhibition of miR-135b-5p suppressed biological behavior
abilities and promoted apoptosis of ECA109 cells that was promoted by miR-135b-5p mimics and siRNA GNG7. Conclusions: In conclusion, miR-135b-5p is identified as a potential tumor-promoting miRNA likely through the regulation of GNG7 expression, which could be developed as a new therapeutic
target for EC.
The Inhibitor of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase4a (INK4a) Signaling Pathway Induces Aging in Human Skeletal Muscle Myoblasts and Decreases the Mitochondrial Membrane Potential
Authors: Yan Dong , Liao Xiang , Zhao Li-Xia , Xiao Chang-Hong
Published: July 2020

The effect of the inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase4a (INK4a) signaling pathway on myoblastic aging was studied in this paper. Human skeletal muscle myoblasts were transfected with a recombinant lentiviral vector, pLVX-p16INK4a, encoding the p16INK4a gene, and
RT-qPCR and western blotting were used to identify p16INK4a gene transcription and protein expression. The degree of cell senescence was assessed using Senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining. flow cytometry and JC-1 staining was used to analyze the mitochondrial
membrane potential (MMP). The senescence phenotype was observed in myoblasts transfected with p16INK4a, the MMP was significantly decrease in p16INK4a-transfected myoblasts, while the MMP was decreased only slightly in control cells. Upregulation of the INK4a signaling
pathway directly induced aging in human skeletal muscle myoblasts. Moreover, INK4a signaling pathway activated the mitochondrial pro-aging pathway by reducing the MMP, which indirectly accelerated aging in myoblasts.
Experimental Study on the Application of pHSP-PLk1-siRNA/DOX Complex in the Treatment of Osteosarcoma by Magnetotactic Bacterial Magnetosome
Authors: Tian YiPing , Guo XiaoLing , Cai RuiJun , Li LanXia
Published: July 2020

The in vitro temperature experiment was used to determine the magnetic field strength, and the magnetic bodies were isolated and purified as carriers. In the previous study, pHSP-PLk1-siRNA/DOX complexes were constructed to target loose drugs. The subjects were arranged into
4 groups, namely magnetosome+drug group (group A), magnetosome+ blank control (group B), magnetosome+drug+magnetic field (group C), magnetosome+blank control+magnetic field (D) Group); co-incubated with human osteosarcoma cell line U2OS. The uptake rate and cell morphology of osteosarcoma
cells were observed by laser confocal microscopy at 12, 24, 48 and 72 h. The cell cycle was observed by the aid of flow cytometry. The cells were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. PLk1 mRNA and expression of protein levels, MTT assay for cell proliferation, adhesion assay and Transwell
chamber for cell adhesion and invasion, and apoptosis kit for apoptosis.
Comparison of Wound-Healing Characteristics with Minimally Invasive Systems in 3D Liver Model
Authors: Lan Hsin , Cheng Han-Yi
Published: July 2020

The object of this research was to investigate the thermal injury in the liver after a minimally invasive devices with a titanium dioxide (TiO2), a chromium nitride (CrN) and a diamond-like carbon (DLC) surface modifications. In 3D computer-aided models, needle type monopolar
device equipped with TiO2, CrN and DLC thin films were used to simulate cutting livers. Data indicated that the temperature decreased significantly when minimally device with nanostructured TiO2, CrN and DLC thin films were used. Thermography revealed that the surgical
temperature was significantly lower in the minimally invasive device with DLC thin film compared to untreated device. On the other hand, DLC device created a relatively small thermal injury and lateral thermal area. This research reveals that the novel nanostructured thin film on electrode
substrates is an effective means of improving the performance of reducing excessive thermal injury and uniformly distributing temperature in livers.
Effect of Simvastatin on Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Osteoporosis Rats
Authors: Liang Yuechuang , Ma Liang , Wu Yu , Tian Youwei , Li Dongyue , Ma Zhanbei
Published: July 2020

Osteoporosis (OP) is a common and frequently-occurring disease in orthopedics. BMSCs play a role in OP. Simvastatin (SVA) is a commonly used lipid-lowering drug, but its role in OP remains unclear. Our study intends to assess SVA’s effect on BMSCs in osteoporosis rats. SD rats
were randomly and equally divided into control group and OP group. BMSCs in control group and OP group were cultured in vitro treated with 5 μM and 10 μM SVA followed by analysis of cell proliferation by MTT assay, apoptosis activity by Caspase 3 activity, Wnt5/TGF-β
signaling pathway protein expression by Western blot, ALP activity; Runx2 and OC expression by Real time PCR as well as BMP-2 and TGF-β secretion by ELISA. OP rat BMSCs showed significantly inhibited cell proliferation, increased Caspase 3 activity, decreased Wnt5, Runx2 and OC
expression and ALP activity, as well as reudced BMP-2 and TGF-β secretion (P < 0.05). SVA can promote cell proliferation, inhibit Caspase 3 activity, increase Wnt5, Runx2 and OC expression and ALP activity, as well as promote BMP-2 and TGF-β secretion in OP
rat BMSCs. Compared with OP group, the difference was statistically significant with more significant changes with increasing concentration (P < 0.05). Simvastatin activates Wnt5/TGF-β signaling pathway, regulates BMSCs proliferation and apoptosis and promotes their differentiation
into osteogenic direction in OP rats.
Board Characteristics and Corporate Social Responsibility: A Meta-Analytic Investigation
Authors: Endrikat Jan , de Villiers Charl , Guenther Thomas W. , Guenther Edeltraud M.
Published: July 2020

Boards of directors affect corporate strategy and decision-making through monitoring of management and resource provision. Recently, an increasing number of studies have examined the relationships between board characteristics and corporate social responsibility (CSR). These studies have yielded inconsistent findings. This article therefore reports the results of a study applying meta-analytical techniques to a sample of 82 empirical studies to help clarify the relationships between board characteristics and CSR. Although prior research has tended to apply relatively simplistic models investigating the impact of individual board characteristics independently and only directly, we adopt a more complex perspective to shed new light on the board characteristics–CSR nexus. Specifically, we use a meta-analytic path model that accounts for the potential interplay between board characteristics in determining CSR and tests whether the presence of a CSR committee plays a meditating role. Our findings suggest that board size, board independence, and female board representation are partially interrelated with each other and jointly influence CSR directly as well as indirectly via the presence of a CSR committee. In addition, we find that country-level institutional factors act as moderators and that the relationships differ with regard to the specific dimension of CSR (i.e., social, environmental, or aggregate).
Gender and Dynastic Political Selection
Authors: Folke Olle , Rickne Johanna , Smith Daniel M.
Published: July 2020

Throughout history and across countries, women appear more likely than men to enter politics on the heels of a close family relative or spouse. To explain this dynastic bias in women’s representation, we introduce a theory that integrates political selection decisions with informational inequalities across social groups. Candidates with dynastic ties benefit from the established reputations of their predecessors, but these signals of quality are more important to political newcomers such as women. Legislator-level data from twelve democracies and candidate-level data from Ireland and Sweden support the idea that dynastic ties are differentially more helpful to women, and that the quality of predecessors may be more relevant for the entry and evaluation of female successors than their male counterparts. The role of informational inequalities is also reflected in the declining dynastic bias over time (as more women enter politics), and in the differential effect of a gender quota across Swedish municipalities.
Covid-19 and medical liability: A delicate balance
Authors: Cioffi Andrea , Rinaldi Raffaella
Published: July 2020

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many countries around the world are considering whether and how to provide liability protection to front-line healthcare staff. The guiding principle of liability protection for physicians and others is to ensure that, in a serious emergency situation, health professionals can devote themselves exclusively to their work and to patient care, without the fear of future claims for unforeseeable, but above all unavoidable, injury, loss and damage caused by their conduct. Great care is needed to balance the interests and rights of all those involved. Liability protection could have risky consequences with the final result that doctors will not be protected, but institutions such as health facilities will be even if they were in fact responsible for foreseeable and avoidable damage.
Navigating agency: adolescents’ challenging dating violence towards gender equitable relationships in a South African township
Authors: Moolman Benita , Essop Roshin , Tolla Tshidiso
Published: July 2020

Intimate partner violence among adolescents is a result of gender and sexual inequitable norms. South African studies note the high prevalence of intimate partner violence in adolescent relationships with adolescent girls and women bearing the high costs. This article examines adolescent girls’ attempts to challenge dating violence and exit violent relationships. It reports the results of a gender empowerment programme linked to girls’ soccer in a South African township. The results indicate the complexities experienced by girls moving towards more gender equitable relationships, some strategies they adopt, and some challenges they still face. The programme facilitated by Grassroots Soccer (Soweto) is located in a Black, urban, low socio-economic context with high rates of gender-based violence. While it appears promising, further curriculum development is needed in the programme, particularly in relation to changing gendered and sexualized social norms that prescribe conventional and patriarchal femininities.
Inferring Grandiose Narcissism From Text: LIWC Versus Machine Learning
Authors: Cutler Andrew D. , Carden Stephen W. , Dorough Hannah L. , Holtzman Nicholas S.
Published: July 2020

People have long used language to infer associates’ personality. In quantitative research, the relationship is often analyzed by looking at correlations between a psychological construct and the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC)—a program that tabulates word frequencies. We compare LIWC to a machine learning (ML) language model on the task of predicting grandiose narcissism (valid N = 471).We use the ML model discussed in Cutler and Kulis and formulate it as an extension of LIWC. With a strict validation scheme, the LIWC prediction was not more accurate than chance. The ML representation did moderately better ( R2 = .043). This indicates that the ML model was able to preserve personality information where LIWC failed to do so, suggesting that precautions are warranted for social-personality research that relies solely on LIWC.
Spectroscopic evidence of successful in situ insertion of sol–gel silica in a poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) matrix
Authors: Martinez Martinez Toledo Anna Lecticia , Rodrigues Elton Jorge da Rocha , Cavalcante Maxwell de Paula , Dutra Filho José Carlos , Tavares Maria Inês Bruno
Published: July 2020

Silica-based (SiO2) poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) nanocomposites were obtained via an in situ sol–gel route in three distinct particle concentrations (1, 5, and 7.5% by weight of PHB). The polymer hybrids formed were analyzed via wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry (TD-NMR). The SiO2 inorganic structure displayed surface fractal features at low concentration (1 wt%) and denser agglomerates at higher concentrations (5 and 7.5 wt%). FTIR and SAXS results confirmed the formation of the inorganic matrix amid the polymer chains with different levels of distribution and organization. WAXD and TD-NMR results suggested the SiO2 influence on the PHB crystallinity degree, which was reflected on the polymer’s molecular dynamics with a nonlinear dependence of particles concentration in the PHB matrix.
Intergenerational Exploitation of Filipino Women and Their Japanese Filipino Children: “Born out of place” Babies as New Cheap Labor in Japan
Authors: Ogaya Chiho
Published: July 2020

This paper focuses on the Japanese Filipino children as “born out of place” babies of migrant Filipino mothers and recent young migrant workers in Japan’s labor market. I present the unique position of Japanese Filipino children and their Filipino mothers as an example of intergenerational exploitation of migrants in Japanese society. The existence of Japanese Filipino children mirrors intersectional discrimination in Japanese society; they were born as a consequence of the inequality based on gender and ethnicity between the Philippines and Japan, then they were ignored by the Japanese state as “illegitimate” children, and now they their Filipino mothers have begun to be exploited as “unskilled labor” in Japan.
A study on the mechanism reduction and evaluation of biodiesel with the change of mechanism reduction factors
Authors: Jung Jun Woo , Lim Young Chan , Suh Hyun Kyu
Published: July 2020

This study aims to confirm the effect of changing the various factors with the directed relation graph error propagation–based methods and to adopt a new approach of the mechanism evaluation in the reduction of biodiesel mechanism. The factors considered in this study were a threshold value, target species, ambient conditions, and the evaluation formula consists of the reduction rates and the maximum error rate of ignition delay to objectively compare the skeletal mechanisms generated under different conditions. For a threshold value, the automatic mechanism reduction process was used to select the appropriate threshold value by applying the relative tolerance and absolute tolerance; so relative tolerance and absolute tolerance represent the factor of the threshold value. Also, the seven steps of mechanism reduction process consist of directed relation graph error propagation, directed relation graph error propagation with sensitivity analysis, peak concentration analysis, full species sensitivity analysis, and A-factor modification. As a result of the mechanism reduction, different relative tolerance and absolute tolerance values should be applied to each step to select the appropriate threshold value. For target species, considering polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon species as target species shows higher efficiency of mechanism reduction. Also, considering the negative temperature coefficient region as ambient conditions helps the mechanism be reduced efficiently than a wide range of ambient conditions. Finally, the reduced mechanism which had 247 species and 1129 reactions was generated, and the maximum error rate of ignition delay was about 30%. For the applicability of three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics and verification of the reduced mechanism, the compression ignition engine simulation was performed. As a result of three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics, the predicted cylinder pressure, rate of heat release, indicated mean effective pressure, and power were similar to the experimental results. However, the results of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide emissions did not match the experimental results.
Patient-Reported Outcomes After Platelet-Rich Plasma, Bone Marrow Aspirate, and Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Injections for Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Estrada Esteban , Décima Jose L , Rodríguez Marcelo , Di Tomaso Marianela , Roberti Javier
Published: July 2020

Objective:

The objective of this study was to compare platelet-rich plasma (PRP), bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) injections in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee using functional scores.

Methods:

A total of 89 patients with painful knee OA were included in this study. Patients were assigned to one of the 3 treatments according to severity of OA as indicated by symptoms and radiography to PRP (stage I), BMAC (stage II), or adipose-derived MSC (stage III). Clinical assessment was performed using the Knee Society Score, which combines the Knee Score, based on the clinical parameters, and the Functional Score, and IKDC score. Surveys were completed at preoperative and at 90, 180, and 265 days postoperative. The follow-up responses were compared with baseline and between treatment groups.

Results:

Treatment with PRP, BMAC, and adipose-derived MSC included 29 (32.6%), 27 (30.3%), and 33 (37.1%) patients, respectively. For the total group, median age was 61 years (range: 22-84 years). Score values were comparable among treatment groups at baseline. Statistically significant improvement was observed in the 3 groups according to the 3 scores at all time points during follow-up compared with baseline. No difference was found among treatment type.

Conclusions:

Our findings support previous reports and encourage further research on the use of these cost-effective treatments for OA of the knee.
Festival value in multicultural contexts: City festivals in South Africa
Authors: Snowball Jen D , Antrobus Geoff G
Published: July 2020

Worldwide, the number and variety of cultural festivals have grown dramatically. Many areas see festivals as an important way to attract tourists, and their spending, to a region, resulting in a positive economic impact. While they offer important opportunities for artistic producers and audiences, there is growing pressure for festival organizers to demonstrate their value to society beyond their economic impact. Like many countries, South Africa has a strong focus on increasing diverse cultural participation, demonstrating the social, nonmarket values of events that receive public funding. Using data from two South African festivals, the article uses a valuation framework developed by the South African Cultural Observatory to demonstrate measures of audience diversity, the use of quality of life measures to gauge the impact of culture on well-being, and the use of community focus groups to assess the impact of participation on social cohesion and capacity building.
‘It’s Not Just Music, It Helps You from Inside’: Mixing Methods to Understand the Impact of Music on Young People in Contact With the Criminal Justice System
Authors: Caulfield Laura , Jolly Andrew , Simpson Ella , Devi-McGleish Yasmin
Published: July 2020

In response to some of the criticisms of previous research into the arts in criminal justice, this article presents findings from research with a music programme run by a Youth Offending team (YOT). Data were collected on the attendance of 42 participants at YOT appointments – matched against a comparison group – and measures of change over time in musical development, attitudes and behaviour and well-being. Participants who completed the music programme were statistically more likely to attend YOT appointments than a comparison group. There were statistically significant improvements in participants’ self-reported well-being and musical ability over the course of the project. Effect sizes reached the minimum important difference for quantitative measures. To understand not just if, but how, any impact was achieved, and to ensure the voice of the young people was heard, the quantitative elements of the research were complemented and extended by in-depth interviews with 23 participants.
Do Job Insecure Leaders Perform Less Transformational Leadership? The Roles of Emotional Exhaustion and Trait Mindfulness
Authors: Qian Shanshan , Yuan Qinghong , Lim Vivien K. G. , Niu Wanjie , Liu Zhaoyan
Published: July 2020

While job insecurity has a wide range of negative effects on employees’ work attitudes and behaviors, scholars still know little about its impact on leaders. Drawing from conservation of resources theory, we developed and tested a theoretical model that links job insecurity and transformational leadership behavior. This model explores the mediating role of emotional exhaustion and the moderating role of leaders’ trait mindfulness in influencing the mediation. Results from data that were collected at two time points from 161 leader–follower dyads in various Chinese organizations showed that job insecurity is negatively related to transformational leadership behavior through increased emotional exhaustion. Moreover, the positive relationship between job insecurity and emotional exhaustion as well as the negative indirect effect of job insecurity on transformational leadership behavior via emotional exhaustion are weaker for leaders with high levels of trait mindfulness. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
An Online Behavioral Health Intervention Promoting Mental Health, Manhood, and Social Support for Young Black Men: The YBMen Project
Authors: Watkins Daphne C. , Goodwill Janelle R. , Johnson Natasha C. , Casanova Allura , Wei Tao , Allen Julie Ober , Williams Ed-Dee G. , Anyiwo Nkemka , Jackson Zachary A. , Talley Lloyd M. , Abelson Jamie M.
Published: July 2020

Conventional definitions of mental health, manhood, and social support create barriers to accessing behavioral health care for Black men ages 18 to 30. Targeted behavioral health interventions sensitive to culture, social norms, and gender that circumvent these barriers are desperately needed to improve access and integrated care for this group. This article reports mixed methods findings from the 2017 iteration of the Young Black Men, Masculinities, and Mental Health (YBMen) project, a social media–based, psychoeducational program that promotes mental health, progressive definitions of manhood, and sustainable social support for Black men. Young Black men ( n = 350) across two universities in the Midwest completed baseline surveys on their mental health, definitions of manhood, and social support. Forty of the men participated in the YBMen intervention and at postintervention reported experiencing fewer depressive symptoms on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9, Z = −2.05, p < .01) and the Gotland Male Depression Scale (GMDS; Z = −1.76, p < .05). There were also changes on the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory (CMNI) for Self-Reliance ( Z = −0.34, p = .26) and Heterosexual Self-Presentation ( Z = −0.18, p = .59), though these changes were not statistically significant. A qualitative review of postintervention interviews revealed participants’ appreciation of the YBMen project and its influence on their mental health, manhood, and social support. Programmatic efforts that support the behavioral health, positive development, and social relationships of Black men translate into positive families, communities, and experiences as they live, learn, love, and work over the life course.
Meta-analysis of right ventricular function in patients with aortic stenosis after transfemoral aortic valve replacement or surgical aortic valve replacement
Authors: Cao Yunshan , Singh Vikas , Wang Aqian , Zhang Liyan , He Tingting , Su Hongling , Wei Rong , Duan Yichao , Jiang Kaiyu , Wu Wenyu , Huang Yan , Elmariah Sammy , Qi Guanming , Su Xin , Zhang Yan , Zhang Min
Published: July 2020

Background:

Right ventricular function (RVF) is an independent predictor of prognosis for patients undergoing aortic valve replacement: transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). The effect of transfemoral aortic valve replacement (TF-TAVR) on RVF is uncertain. We aimed to perform a meta-analysis of the effect of TF-TAVR on RVF in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and compare the effect of TF-TAVR with SAVR.

Methods:

We searched relevant studies from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library databases, and Web of Science. Furthermore, two reviewers (Wang AQ and Cao YS) extracted all relevant data, which were then double checked by another two reviewers (Zhang M and Qi GM). We used the forest plot to present results. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was the primary outcome.

Results:

This meta-analysis included 11 studies. There were 353 patients who underwent TF-TAVR, and 358 patients who were subjected to SAVR. There was no significant difference in TAPSE at 1 week and 6 months as well as right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) at <2 weeks and 6 months after TF-TAVR. For the SAVR group, TAPSE at 1 week and 3 months as well as fractional area change (FAC) at 3 months post procedure were significantly aggravated, while RVEF did not change significantly. Moreover, TAPSE post-TF-TAVR was significantly improved as compared with post-SAVR. The △TAPSE, the difference between TAPSE post-procedure and TAPSE prior to procedure, was also significantly better in the TF-TAVR group than in the SAVR group.

Conclusion:

RVF was maintained post TF-TAVR. For SAVR, discrepancy in the measured parameters exists, as reduced TAPSE indicates compromised longitudinal RVF, while insignificant changes in RVEF implicate maintained RVF post procedure. Collectively, our study suggests that the baseline RV dysfunction and the effect of TF-TAVR versus SAVR on longitudinal RVF may influence the selection of aortic valve intervention.
Cystic fibrosis diagnosed by state newborn screening: Or is it?
Authors: Fox Maura , Mercier Angelique , Savant Adrienne , Laguna Theresa A
Published: July 2020

Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis is universal across the United States; however, each state chooses the method by which they screen. Illinois employs a two-step process which includes the measurement of the immunoreactive trypsinogen followed by an assay designed to detect 74 of the most common genetic mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein. We report the case of an infant born in Illinois with a positive cystic fibrosis newborn screening with an elevated immunoreactive trypsinogen and two genetic mutations identified (F508del/F508del). The primary care physician informed the parents their child had cystic fibrosis and referred her for a confirmatory sweat test which was negative for cystic fibrosis. Upon further investigation, the assay was found to have been set up incorrectly and repeat analysis identified the genotype F508del/F508C. This case highlights the importance of performing the confirmatory sweat test prior to making a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.
A Beveridge curve decomposition for Austria: did the liberalisation of the Austrian labour market shift the Beveridge curve?
Authors: Christl Michael
Published: July 2020

The Austrian Beveridge curve shifted in 2014, leading to the ongoing academic discussions about the reasons behind this shift. While some economists have argued that the shift was caused by a supply shock related to the labour market liberalisation during the course of the eastern enlargement of the European Union (EU), others have stated that a decrease in matching efficiency led to the shift. Using a new decomposition method, we combine labour market flow data and disentangle labour supply, labour demand, separation and matching factors, which can be potential reasons behind the shift in the Austrian Beveridge curve. We find empirical evidence that the increase in the unemployment rate in Austria after 2011 can indeed be attributed to a supply shock related to the EU enlargement. On the contrary, the data reveals that the shift after 2014 and the related increase in unemployment was almost exclusively caused by a decrease in matching efficiency, indicating a rising mismatch problem in the Austrian labour market.
Computational identification of receptor-like kinases “RLK” and receptor-like proteins “RLP” in legumes
Authors: Restrepo-Montoya Daniel , Brueggeman Robert , McClean Phillip E. , Osorno Juan M.
Published: July 2020

Background

In plants, the plasma membrane is enclosed by the cell wall and anchors RLK and RLP proteins, which play a fundamental role in perception of developmental and environmental cues and are crucial in plant development and immunity. These plasma membrane receptors belong to large gene/protein families that are not easily classified computationally. This detailed analysis of these plasma membrane proteins brings a new source of information to the legume genetic, physiology and breeding research communities.

Results

A computational approach to identify and classify RLK and RLP proteins is presented. The strategy was evaluated using experimentally-validated RLK and RLP proteins and was determined to have a sensitivity of over 0.85, a specificity of 1.00, and a Matthews correlation coefficient of 0.91. The computational approach can be used to develop a detailed catalog of plasma membrane receptors (by type and domains) in several legume/crop species. The exclusive domains identified in legumes for RLKs are WaaY, APH Pkinase_C, LRR_2, and EGF, and for RLP are L-lectin LPRY and PAN_4. The RLK-nonRD and RLCK subclasses are also discovered by the methodology. In both classes, less than 20% of the total RLK predicted for each species belong to this class. Among the 10-species evaluated ~ 40% of the proteins in the kinome are RLKs. The exclusive legume domain combinations identified are B-Lectin/PR5K domains inG. max,M. truncatula,V. angularis, andV. unguiculataand a three-domain combination B-lectin/S-locus/WAK inC. cajan,M. truncatula,P. vulgaris,V. angularis. andV. unguiculata.

Conclusions

The analysis suggests that about 2% of the proteins of each genome belong to the RLK family and less than 1% belong to RLP family. Domain diversity combinations are greater for RLKs compared with the RLP proteins and LRR domains, and the dual domain combination LRR/Malectin were the most frequent domain for both groups of plasma membrane receptors among legume and non-legume species. Legumes exclusively show Pkinase extracellular domains, and atypical domain combinations in RLK and RLP compared with the non-legumes evaluated. The computational logic approach is statistically well supported and can be used with the proteomes of other plant species.
Genetic analysis of loose smut (Ustilago tritici) resistance in Sonop spring wheat
Authors: Thambugala Dinushika , Menzies Jim G. , Knox Ron E. , Campbell Heather L. , McCartney Curt A.
Published: July 2020

Background

The genetics of resistance to loose smut of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) caused by the fungus Ustilago tritici (Pers.) Rostr. is not well understood. This study examines loose smut resistance in Sonop (TD-14), a South African spring wheat variety. A doubled haploid (DH) population of 163 lines derived from the cross Diamont/TD-14 was studied. The parents and progenies were inoculated with U. tritici races T2, T9, and T39 individually in growth facilities at Morden and Swift Current, Canada. Loose smut incidence (LSI) and partial loose smut resistance (PLSR) were assessed.

Results

A whole genome linkage map was developed consisting of 11,519 SNP loci found on 31 linkage groups spanning 2845 cM. A new major resistance gene Ut11 was located to the distal end of chromosome arm 7BS. Ut11 conferred resistance to U. tritici race T2, but not races T9 and T39. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping identified four QTL controlling LSI in the Diamont/TD-14 DH population on chromosomes 3B, 4B, 5B, and 7B (at Ut11) with TD-14 contributing the resistance alleles at three of these loci. The major QTL QUt.mrc-5B was effective against all three races and explained up to 81% of the phenotypic variation. The only QTL identified for PLSR coincided with the LSI QTL QUt.mrc-5B indicating that this locus affected both loose smut incidence and partial smutting of spikes.

Conclusions

A race-specific resistance gene Ut11 and a broadly effective resistance QTL QUt.mrc-5B were the main loci controlling loose smut resistance in the differential line TD-14 (cultivar Sonop). This study provides insight into the genetics of loose smut resistance in spring wheat Sonop and the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers linked to the resistance gene Ut11 and QTL QUt.mrc-5B will be useful for selecting loose smut resistance in breeding programs.
Association of interleukin 2, interleukin 12, and interferon-γ with intervertebral disc degeneration in Iranian population
Authors: Hanaei Sara , Abdollahzade Sina , Sadr Maryam , Mirbolouk Mohammad Hossein , Fattahi Ehsan , Khoshnevisan Alireza , Rezaei Nima
Published: July 2020

Background

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is an age-related degenerative disease, presenting with low back pain or radicular pain. The inflammatory changes would occur in discs in the process of IVDD. Therefore, the inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as their respective genes, have been proposed to play roles in pathophysiology of disease. This study has been conducted to elucidate the role of IL-2, IL-12, and IFN-γ single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in this disease.

Method

Seventy-six patients who were diagnosed with IVDD and 140 healthy controls who complied with eligibility criteria were included. A total volume of 5 cc peripheral blood was obtained from each participant to investigate the IL-2 + 166G/T, IL-2 -330G/T, IL-12 − 1188A/C, and IFN-γ +847A/T SNPs through PCR-SSP method.

Results

The ‘TG’ and ‘TT’ genotypes of IL-2 − 330G/T polymorphism were significantly more common among patients and healthy controls respectively. The ‘GT’ and ‘TT’ haplotypes of IL-2 (comprised of -330G/T, and + 166G/T SNPs) were also more common among patients and controls respectively.

Conclusion

This study indicated the significant role of IL-2 genotypes and haplotypes in IVDD. These SNPs were differently distributed in patients and controls. Therefore, alteration in the structure of IL-2 gene could play an important role in pathophysiology of IVDD.
The application of prenatal ultrasound in the diagnosis of congenital duodenal obstruction
Authors: Yin Chan , Tong Lili , Ma Mingxiang , Tan Xiaoqun , Luo Guoliang , Fei Zhihui , Nie Dan
Published: July 2020

Background

The purpose of this research is to summarize the prenatal ultrasound characteristics of congenital duodenal obstruction (CDO), especially in the diagnosis of duodenal diaphragm and annular pancreas. At present, few researchers have summarized the specific ultrasound features of duodenal diaphragm and annular pancreas.

Methods

In this study, a retrospective analysis of 40 patients diagnosed with CDO between January 2016 and December 2019 was carried out. Data on the diagnosis, ultrasound images and outcomes of the patients were gathered, and the features of the patients were analyzed.

Results

The results showed that there were 17 patients (42.5%) of congenital duodenal diaphragm, all with a ‘rat tail’ sign on the ultrasound images. Moreover, there were 4 patients (10.0%) of CDO caused by annular pancreas, all with a ‘pliers’ sign on the ultrasound images. We summarized the imaging features of the ‘rat tail’ sign and the ‘pliers’ sign.

Conclusion

The main conclusion of this study was that the ‘rat tail’ sign could be used as an indirect ultrasound feature to diagnose duodenal diaphragm. The ‘pliers’ sign could be used as a direct ultrasound feature in the diagnosis of annular pancreas in CDO.