bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetics Insights in the Relationship Between Type 2 Diabetes and Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Goodarzi Mark O. , Rotter Jerome I.
Published: May 2020

Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). The major form of diabetes mellitus is type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), which is thus largely responsible for the CHD association in the general population. Recent years have seen major advances in the genetics of T2D, principally through ever-increasing large-scale genome-wide association studies. This article addresses the question of whether this expanding knowledge of the genomics of T2D provides insight into the etiologic relationship between T2D and CHD. We will investigate this relationship by reviewing the evidence for shared genetic loci between T2D and CHD; by examining the formal testing of this interaction (Mendelian randomization studies assessing whether T2D is causal for CHD); and then turn to the implications of this genetic relationship for therapies for CHD, for therapies for T2D, and for therapies that affect both. In conclusion, the growing knowledge of the genetic relationship between T2D and CHD is beginning to provide the promise for improved prevention and treatment of both disorders.
Use of Administrative Claims to Assess Outcomes and Treatment Effect in Randomized Clinical Trials for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Strom Jordan B. , Faridi Kamil F. , Butala Neel M. , Zhao Yuansong , Tamez Hector , Valsdottir Linda R. , Brennan J. Matthew , Shen Changyu , Popma Jeffrey J. , Kazi Dhruv S. , Yeh Robert W.
Published: May 2020

Background:

Whether passively collected data can substitute for adjudicated outcomes to reproduce the magnitude and direction of treatment effect observed in cardiovascular clinical trials is not well known.

Methods:

We linked adults ≥65 years of age in the HiR (US CoreValve Pivotal High Risk) and SURTAVI trials (Surgical or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Intermediate-Risk Patients) to 100% Medicare inpatient claims, January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2016. Primary (eg, death and stroke) and secondary trial end points were compared across treatment arms (eg, transcatheter aortic valve replacement [TAVR] versus surgical aortic valve replacement [SAVR]) using trial-adjudicated outcomes versus outcomes derived from claims at 1 year (HiR) or 2 years (SURTAVI).

Results:

Among 600 linked HiR participants (linkage rate, 80.0%), the rate of the trial’s primary end point of all-cause mortality occurred in 13.7% of patients receiving TAVR and 16.4% of patients receiving SAVR at 1 year by using both trial data (hazard ratio, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.65–1.09];
P
=0.33) and claims data (hazard ratio, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.66–1.11];
P
=0.34; interaction
P
value=0.80). Noninferiority of TAVR relative to SAVR was seen by using both trial- and claims-based outcomes (
P
noninferiority
<0.001 for both). Among 1005 linked SURTAVI trial participants (linkage rate, 60.5%), the trial’s primary end point was 12.9% for TAVR and 13.1% for SAVR using trial data (hazard ratio, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.79–1.48];
P
=0.90), and 11.3% for TAVR and 12.5% for SAVR patients using claims data (hazard ratio, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.73–1.41];
P
=0.58; interaction
P
value=0.89). TAVR was noninferior to SAVR when compared using both trial and claims (
P
non
inferiority
<0.001 for both). Rates of procedural secondary outcomes (eg, aortic valve reintervention, pacemaker rates) were more closely concordant between trial and claims data than nonprocedural outcomes (eg, stroke, bleeding, cardiogenic shock).

Conclusions:

In the HiR and SURTAVI trials, ascertainment of trial primary end points using claims reproduced both the magnitude and direction of treatment effect in comparison with adjudicated event data, but nonfatal and nonprocedural secondary outcomes were not as well reproduced. Use of claims to substitute for adjudicated outcomes in traditional trial treatment comparisons may be valid and feasible for all-cause mortality and certain procedural outcomes but may be less suitable for other end points.
Review of the Oriental genus Indocloeon Müller-Liebenau 1982 (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) with descriptions of two new species
Authors: KLUGE NIKITA J. , SUTTINUN CHANAPORN
Published: May 2020

The genus Indocloeon Müller-Liebenau 1982 (s. l.) is divided into two subgenera, the subgenus Indocloeon (s. str.) and the subgenus Hindocloeon subgen. n. which differ one from another by certain characters of larvae, winged stages and eggs. The subgenus Indocloeon is distributed in Sri Lanka only and includes two species, Indocloeon (Indocloeon) primum Müller-Liebenau 1982, and Indocloeon (Indocloeon) secundum sp. n., which are described here based on larvae, subimagines, imagines of both sexes and eggs associated by rearing. The subgenus Hindocloeon (type species Indocloeon indonesiae Kluge 2012) is widely distributed in the Oriental region. A new species Indocloeon (Hindocloeon) continentale sp. n. is described from Thailand based on larvae, subimagines, imagines of both sexes and eggs associated by rearing; subimagines presumably placed in this species, are reported from southern India. Some characters of Indocloeon (Hindocloeon) indonesiae Kluge 2012 are illustrated for the first time. The species originally described as Cloeon longistylus Demoulin 1969 is placed in Indocloeon as Indocloeon (Hindocloeon) longistylus comb. n. Subimagines of two unnamed species of Hindocloeon are reported from Vietnam and Java. Keys to known larvae and imagines are given.
New finding of Rhadinoloricaria macromystax (Siluriformes: Loricariidae): redescription of the genus and description of a new species from Ecuador
Authors: Provenzano-Rizzi FRANCISCO , BARRIGA-SALAZAR RAMIRO
Published: May 2020

The fish collection from the Museum of Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Quito, Ecuador, has nine lots with 12 specimens assigned to genus Rhadinoloricaria. Specimens come from the Napo and Pastaza rivers, Amazon River basin, eastern Ecuador. One specimen matches accurately with figures and original description of Loricaria macromystax Günther, 1869, type species of Rhadinoloricaria. After 150 years, this is the first secure identification of the species, which allowed an accurate description of the genus Rhadinoloricaria, and the discovery of a new species from Ecuador, described herein. In addition, using available specimens, figures and literature, a comparative analysis on external morphology was performed among the eight species included in Rhadinoloricaria. The analysis documented significant differences between them, in some morphological external characters and in buccal ornamentation. The results suggest that the eight species can be grouped into three or four genera. Rhadinoloricaria, in strict sense, has two species. Apistoloricaria is considered a valid genus, and include the four species previously assigned to it. Rhadinoloricaria bahuaja and R. rhami do not belong to the known genera in the Pseudohemiodon group. At this time, available data suggests that both species could continue included in ‘Rhadinoloricaria’, waiting further analyses to solve their generic status. Results support the use of buccal ornamentation patterns alone or combined with some morphological characters as valuable tool for generic identification within Loricariini.
A new species of Zygophylax (Quelch, 1885) (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) from South Africa, with taxonomic notes on the southern African species of the genus
Authors: CAMPOS FELIPE FERREIRA , PÉREZ CARLOS DANIEL , PUCE STEFANIA , MARQUES ANTONIO CARLOS
Published: May 2020

The genus Zygophylax is a genus of leptothecate hydroids considerably rich in the number of species in the deep sea. In this study we review five species, Z. africana, Z. crozetensis, Z. infundibulum, Z. millardae and Z. geminocarpa, from southern Africa based on available material from several collections, describing and illustrating materials from type series or additional material. Additionally, we describe Zygophylax naomiae sp. nov. collected in South Africa at a depth of 287 m, distinguished from its congeners by the strong pattern of annulations of the pedicels of the hydrotheca and the nematotheca.
Two new species of the genus Anisoderomorpha Arrow, 1925 (Coleoptera: Erotylidae: Languriinae)
Authors: TOKI WATARU
Published: May 2020

The genus Anisoderomorpha Arrow, 1925 (Coleoptera: Erotylidae: Languriinae) is redescribed and two new species of Anisoderomorpha are described: A. tamdaoensis sp. nov. from Vietnam and A. malayana sp. nov. from Malaysia. The adults of A. tamdaoensis sp. nov. were found to be sexually dimorphic in external morphology, particularly in the shape of the head and mandibles: females have a large asymmetrical head and mandibles, whereas males have a symmetrical head with slightly asymmetrical mandibles. All three members of Anisoderomorpha and its related taxon, Celolanguria curvipes Arrow, 1925, are illustrated and the host plant of Anisoderomorpha is predicted based on the morphological similarity of the specified mouthparts to those of other genera.
A new superfamily and family of Hadziida (Amphipoda: Senticaudata), with a description of a new genus and new species from the Brazilian continental shelf
Authors: ALVES JESSIKA , LOWRY JAMES K. , JOHNSSON RODRIGO
Published: May 2020

A new monotypic superfamily, family, genus and species of Hadziida is described from the Brazilian continental shelf. Magnovioidea superfam. nov. Magnovidae fam. nov. and Magnovis gen. nov. are distinguished by the presence of: antenna 1 shorter than the peduncle of antenna 2; maxilliped outer plate falcate; palp, article 4 reduced and left and right mandibles with a well-developed molar that dominates the mandibular area. Eyes are absent. The type-species Magnovis elizabethae sp. nov. has strongly sexually dimorphic males in which gnathopod 2 is larger than gnathopod 1. Magnovidae fam. nov. occurs on the mid-continental shelf.
Vowel Quantity and Quality in Neo-Punic and Latin Inscriptions from Africa and Sardinia
Authors: Crellin Robert Samuel David , Tamponi Lucia
Published: May 2020

The chapter by Robert Crellin and Lucia Tamponi elucidates the vowel quality and quantity of Neo-Punic and Latin from North Africa and Sardinia. An important innovation presented in the article is the investigation not only of the representation of vowels in Neo-Punic by means of matres lectionis, but also of zero-representation and its relation to representation by matres lectionis. This sheds light on the degree of sensitivity of writers of Neo-Punic inscriptions to vowel length in Latin. The examination of the representation of vowel length and vowel quality further reveals that in both North Africa and Sardinia the distinction between /i, eː/ and /u, oː/ was retained despite the merger of these phonemes in Common Romance. The authors convincingly suggest that this is due to ties between North Africa and Sardinia. The article thus adds to our understanding of the linguistic development of both Romance and Punic in North Africa and Sardinia and to the relations between those two communities.
The Representation of Gutturals by Vowels in the LXX of 2 Esdras
Authors: Myers Peter
Published: May 2020

Peter Myers seeks to shed light on the guttural consonants of Biblical Hebrew underlying transcriptions into Greek in 2 Esdras, the Greek translation of Ezra-Nehemiah in the Septuagint. The article goes about this by examining the vowels that are used where the underlying Hebrew pronunciation would be expected to have a guttural. Myers finds a degree of systematicity in the use of specific Greek vowels for specific Hebrew guttural consonants. The examination also corroborates earlier hypotheses regarding the loss of the velar fricatives /*ḫ/ and /*ġ/ in Hebrew by the time of the writing of Septuagint Ezra-Nehemiah.
Qere and Ketiv in the Exegesis of the Karaites and Saadya Gaon
Authors: Habib Joseph
Published: May 2020

Joseph Habib examines the attitudes of medieval Karaite exegetes and Saadya Gaon with regard to the qere and ketiv in the Masoretic Hebrew Bible on the basis of their commentaries and Arabic translations. Habib presents clear evidence that both Saadya and various Karaite exegetes relied on qere as well as ketiv for their exegesis. He shows that the main motivation to use one of the other as the basis of interpretation is harmonization with parallel verses.
An Exploratory Typology of Near-Model and Non-Standard Tiberian Torah Manuscripts from the Cairo Genizah
Authors: Arrant Estara
Published: May 2020

Estara Arrant examines categories of Torah codices from the Cairo Genizah that have not been afforded sufficient scholarly attention, namely ‘near-model’ codices, a term coined by Arrant. The study analyses almost three hundred fragments by means of a methodology based on statistical analysis. The study shows how statistical methods can be employed to reveal sub-types of Torah fragments that share linguistic and codicological features.
The Prosodic Models of Andalusi Hebrew Metrics
Authors: Martínez Delgado José
Published: May 2020

Throughout the last two centuries, Hebrew metrics was studied by leading linguists and specialists in medieval Hebrew poetry. Nowadays, it has disappeared from the academic discussion such that it is sometimes even difficult to find scansions or the name of the meter in new editions of poems. This book aims to rectify this gap, helping readers to understand the metric structure of this poetry in order to facilitate the work of editing and cataloguing those samples still in manuscript form for future editors.

Delgado presents his view of Andalusi Hebrew metrics, as encountered in medieval manuals of Arabic and Hebrew metrics and scattered notes in the works of Andalusi Hebrew philologists. Whilst twentieth-century scholars spoke about the adaptation of Arabic metrics to Hebrew, he instead approaches these compositions by Andalusi Jews (10th-13th c.) as Arabic metrics written in Hebrew, thus emphasising how Hebrew poetry of the Andalusi Jews can help us to understand the general evolution of Arabic strophic poetry, and its experimental evolution, which is quite unlike classical and strophic Arabic poetry.

This method respects the Hebrew vowel system, and does not necessitate alteration of word morphology, leaving the guttural letters quiescent (unless required by metrical license); nor does it necessitate guesses about metres that are not in the classical catalogue. Although the author has not found each and every classical metre from Andalusi Hebrew poetry included in this manual, they are all catalogued, either in case someone finds them in future or because they help us to comprehend the metrical structures that are characteristic of strophic poetry. As such, this monograph will be of great interest to scholars of Hebrew metrics.
Perioperative Analgesia for Patients Undergoing Thyroidectomy and Parathyroidectomy: An Evidence-Based Review
Authors: Nguyen Brandon K. , Stathakios James , Quan Daniel , Pinto Jessica , Lin Hosheng , Pashkova Anna A. , Svider Peter F.
Published: May 2020

Objective:

To perform an evidence-based systematic review evaluating perioperative analgesia, including opioid alternatives, used for patients undergoing thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search from 1997 to January 2018 of Pubmed, Cochrane, and EmBase libraries was performed for studies reporting analgesic administration following thyroid or parathyroid surgery. This systematic review was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were evaluated for level of evidence and given a Jadad score to assess for risk of bias. Outcomes gathered included postoperative pain scores, time to rescue analgesia, rescue analgesic consumption, and adverse events.

Results:

Thirty-eight randomized controlled trials met inclusion criteria. The GRADE criteria determined the overall evidence to be moderate-high. Studies utilizing NSAIDs reported reduced requirements for rescue analgesics. Acetaminophen studies presented with conflicting data on effectiveness. Gabapentinoid studies demonstrated lower pain scores and an increased time to rescue analgesic. Local anesthetics were effective at decreasing Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores while also reducing rescue analgesic consumption. Ketamine was shown to increased postoperative nausea and vomiting. NSAIDs and local anesthetic studies had an aggregate grade of evidence A, while all others had grade B evidence.

Conclusion:

There is significant evidence supporting the use of NSAIDs and local anesthetics in the perioperative period for pain management for thyroid and parathyroid surgeries. Acetaminophen, gabapentinoid and ketamine have some supporting evidence and may serve as adequate alternatives. Further multi-institutional RCTs are warranted to delineate optimal analgesic regimens.

Level of Evidence:

NA
Therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells in an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease evaluated by β-amyloid positron emission tomography imaging
Authors: Park Bok-Nam , Kim Jang-Hee , Lim Tae Sung , Park So Hyun , Kim Tae-Gyu , Yoon Bok Seon , Son Keoung Sun , Yoon Joon-Kee , An Young-Sil
Published: May 2020

Objective:

We evaluated the effects of bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells in a model of Alzheimer’s disease using serial [18F]Florbetaben positron emission tomography.

Methods:

3xTg Alzheimer’s disease mice were treated with intravenously injected bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells, and animals without stem cell therapy were used as controls. Serial [18F]Florbetaben positron emission tomography was performed after therapy. The standardized uptake value ratio was measured as the cortex standardized uptake value divided by the cerebellum standardized uptake value. Memory function and histological changes were observed using the Barnes maze test and β-amyloid-reactive cells.

Results:

Standardized uptake value ratio decreased significantly from day 14 after stem cell administration in the bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells–treated group ( n = 28). In contrast, there was no change in the ratio in control mice ( n = 25) at any time point. In addition, mice that received bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy also exhibited significantly better memory function and less β-amyloid-immunopositive plaques compared to controls.

Conclusion:

The therapeutic effect of intravenously injected bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease was confirmed by β-amyloid positron emission tomography imaging, memory functional studies and histopathological evaluation.
Intermediate Input Imports, Domestic Input Use and Firm-level Outcomes: Evidence from Survey Data
Authors: Roy Suryadipta
Published: May 2020

Imported intermediate inputs, that is, parts and materials sourced from abroad and used to make products either consumed domestically or in producing exported goods are a growing force in world trade. We test for the relative effect of imported intermediate inputs and domestic inputs in promoting foreign exports and various forms of domestic sales, using firm-level survey data. Imported intermediate inputs are found to be associated with higher overall sales, foreign exports and larger sales to multinational companies domiciled in the home country. On the other hand, domestic inputs are not found to have statistically significant positive effect on any firm-level outcomes. Since exporting firms are usually more productive than domestic firms, the results point towards the salience of outsourcing inputs in supporting firm productivity and the importance of policymaking in facilitating trade in intermediate inputs across countries.

JEL: F10, F12, F23
Editors’ welcome to Implementation Research and Practice
Authors: Lewis Cara C , Schoenwald Sonja K
Published: May 2020

This editorial introduces the new, online-only, open-access, international journal, Implementation Research and Practice (IRP), jointly published by SAGE and the Society for Implementation Research Collaboration (SIRC). IRP provides rapid publication of interdisciplinary research that advances the implementation in diverse contexts of effective approaches to assess, prevent, and treat mental health, substance use, or other addictive behaviors, in the general population or among those at risk or suffering from these disorders. IRP welcomes a variety of paper types designed to publish empirical, methodological, conceptual, and practical advances, as well as syntheses and perspectives intended to inspire new directions for future research. Consistent with the title of the journal, IRP welcomes manuscripts that stimulate, curate, and align research, policy, and practice.
Psychological health during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic outbreak
Authors: Mukhtar Sonia
Published: May 2020

Background:

The current ongoing pandemic outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) has globally affected 213 countries and territories with more than 2.5 million confirmed cases and thousands of casualties. The unpredictable and uncertain COVID-19 outbreak has the potential of adversely affecting the psychological health on individual and community level. Currently all efforts are focused on the understanding of epidemiology, clinical features, mode of transmission, counteract the spread of the virus, and challenges of global health, while crucially significant mental health has been overlooked in this endeavor.

Method:

This review is to evaluate past outbreaks to understand the extent of adverse effects on psychological health, psychological crisis intervention, and mental health management plans. Published previous and current articles on PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Elsevier about psychological impact of infectious diseases outbreaks and COVID-19 has been considered and reviewed.

Comments:

COVID-19 is leading to intense psychosocial issues and comprising mental health marking a secondary health concern all around the world. Globally implementing preventive and controlling measures, and cultivating coping and resilience are challenging factors; modified lifestyle (lockdown curfew, self-isolation, social distancing and quarantine); conspiracy theories, misinformation and disinformation about the origin, scale, signs, symptoms, transmission, prevention and treatment; global socioeconomic crisis; travel restrictions; workplace hazard control; postponement and cancellation of religious, sports, cultural and entertainment events; panic buying and hoarding; incidents of racism, xenophobia, discrimination, stigma, psychological pressure of productivity, marginalization and violence; overwhelmed medical centers and health organizations, and general impact on education, politics, socioeconomic, culture, environment and climate – are some of the risk factors to aggravate further problems.
Double-segregated multiwalled carbon nanotube/silicone composites with large electrical to thermal conductivity ratios via in-situ silicone emulsion polymerization
Authors: Kim Dongouk , Lee Sang-Eui , Sohn Yoonchul
Published: May 2020

Polymer composites with a high electrical conductivity ( σ) to thermal conductivity ( k) ratio have been intensively investigated in recent years. While highly conductive materials, such as metallic fillers or conducting polymers, were used to enhance σ, microstructural engineering was used to decrease k by forming porous structures, such as aerogels or 3D networks. These structures, however, were mechanically vulnerable and could only have limited applications. In this study, multiwalled carbon nanotube /silicone composites with a high σ/k ratio were developed by forming a double-segregated multiwalled carbon nanotube network in the porous body of the composites. The unique microstructure of the composites was created by a novel fabrication process: layer-by-layer deposition with in-situ polymerization of silicone emulsion particles dispersed in a water solvent. This novel process yielded very thick films, >200 µm, with high σ/k values, ∼2 × 104 (S/m)/(W/m·K). These high σ/k composites can be used for various applications, such as resistive heating elements, thermoelectric materials, and wearable thermotherapy.
Risk Factors for Failure of Direct Restorations in General Dental Practices
Authors: Wierichs R.J. , Kramer E.J. , Meyer-Lueckel H.
Published: May 2020

The aim of this retrospective noninterventional multicenter practice-based study was to analyze factors influencing the survival of direct restorations. Records from patients who visited 5 private practices regularly were searched for the presence of direct restorations. Data were recorded from 7,858 patients with 27,407 direct restorations being detected at least 6 mo before the last recall visit. Multilevel Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the association between clinical factors and time until failure. Within 228 mo, 5,493 failures could be observed. Median survival time was 207 mo. The annual failure rates were 3.8%, 4.0%, 4.6%, 4.9%, and 3.9% for class I, II, III, IV, and V restorations, respectively. Class II and IV restorations showed a 1.1-times (95% CI, 1.0 to 1.2) and 1.2-times (95% CI, 1.1 to 1.2) higher failure rate than class I restorations ( P ≤ 0.029). Patients aged <20 y and >60 y showed up to a 1.4-times higher failure rate than patients aged 20 to 60 y ( P ≤ 0.015). Restorations that underwent check-up twice a year or more showed a significantly higher failure rate than those that did so less than twice a year ( P < 0.001). Furthermore, the dentists significantly influenced time until failure ( P < 0.001). Regarding the restorative material, composites showed up to a 2.1-times longer time until failure than GIC ( P ≤ 0.020). Moderate failure rates were observed for direct restorations in the private practice setting after up to 18.5 y. Within the limitations of the present study, several factors on the levels of practice (i.e., dentist), patient (i.e., age), and tooth (i.e., restorative material, restored surfaces according to the classification of Black) were significant predictors for the failure rate. Therefore, treatment decision should take into account most relevant factors (German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00015228).
Putting Research into Practice: Beyond Textbook Email Task Design for Pre-experience Business English Learners
Authors: Albers Robyn , Vences Paola Trejo , Nickerson Catherine
Published: May 2020

One of the consequences of the digital era has been the undeniable rise in the use of English in business. Studies have shown that large numbers of people in the business community now rely on English to get their work done, and at the same time, that many business transactions now take place through digital technologies in the form of computer mediated communication (CMC). In this study, we will be discussing a recent project carried out with high-proficiency learners of business English located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with no previous business experience, which aimed to help our learners to develop the CMC skills they will need to succeed in the contemporary UAE workplace, with specific reference to email. In doing so, it went beyond what is normally included within the textbook and attempted to place our learners in a writing space more similar to that of the modern business context.
Secularisation theory and its discontents: Recapturing decolonial and gendered narratives. Debate on Jörg Stolz’s article on Secularization theories in the 21st century: ideas, evidence, and problems
Authors: Müller Tobias
Published: May 2020

Secularisation theory has been a central element of research and teaching in sociology since the middle of the twentieth century. This article discusses the current state of the art in secularisation research through the perspectives of decolonial theory, global sociology, feminist theory and the experiences of minority religions. Responding to Jörg Stolz, the article argues that current secularisation research suffers from conceptual shortcomings regarding the socio-political implications of secularism and the secular, that the parochial nature of secularisation theory has led to its entanglement in modernist, catching-up narratives, and that a feminist perspective is necessary to provide more detailed accounts of the gendered nature of processes of secularisation, particularly regarding new religious movements and the religious transformations within minority religious groups. The article concludes that secularisation theory needs to take into account minority religious experiences, the religiosity of women and religion beyond Euro-America in order to understand the significant shifts in religiosity that remain overlooked by methodologies operating solely at the level of nation-states.
Dyeing properties of orgonobase-induced poly(ethylene terephthalate) fabric
Authors: Toprak Tuba , Anis Pervin
Published: May 2020

Polyester is the most used of the synthetic fibers used in the textile industry. Nonetheless, due to its structure, the use of only disperse dyes for dyeing creates a significant weakness in its coloring. In this paper, the utilization of reactive and acid dyes in the dyeing of polyester after chemical modification with guanidine-based polymer is investigated. The dyeing of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fabrics with reactive and acid dyes was succeeded via modification with guanidine-based polymer. The effects of this polymer on disperse dyeing were also investigated. The effect of various parameters such as temperature, duration, pH, different amounts of salt and alkaline, the different dyes and processes were investigated for modifying and dyeing PET. The optimum parameters for reactive dyeing were found to be modification and dyeing in the same bath at 100° C for 60 minutes without salt and alkaline, for which the obtained color strength (12.87) was higher than that of conventional disperse dyeing with carrier (10.43). In addition, polymer modification at 130° C for 60 minutes before disperse dyeing provided higher color depth (24.39) than dyeing of PET by the conventional disperse high temperature method (22.48). Color fastness in laundering and the perspiration of modified and reactive dyed fabrics reached good to excellent levels (4/5). The modified and dyed samples were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared. Tensile tests and flexural rigidity tests for modified and reactive dyed samples were also conducted. The results indicate that the quality of the beginning material was not degraded after being modified and dyed.
The Effect of Herding Behaviors on Dual-Route Processing of Communications Aimed at Tourism Crowdfunding Ventures
Authors: Kim Myung Ja , Petrick James F.
Published: May 2020

Communications can be integral in persuading funders to invest in visitor economy crowdfunding. Despite the important role of diverse communications on consumer persuasion, research on the effectiveness of persuasive communications related to crowdfunding ventures has been limited. To bridge the gap, this study aims to verify an elaboration likelihood model to better understand the role of dual-route persuasive communications. Seven hypotheses related to argument quality, source credibility, benefit of crowdfunding, attachment to fundraiser and platform, and continued crowdfunding were examined, using herding behavior as a moderator. The findings revealed that argument quality had a substantial impact on benefit. Further, source credibility was found to have positive impacts on benefit and attachment; benefit had a significant effect on attachment and continued crowdfunding, and attachment had the strongest influence on continued crowdfunding. Additionally, herding behavior was found to moderate five of the six hypotheses.
Puzzled by Idealizations and Understanding Their Functions
Authors: Mäki Uskali
Published: May 2020

Idealization is ubiquitous in human cognition, and so is the inclination to be puzzled by it: what to make of ideal gas, infinitely large populations, homo economicus, perfectly just society, known to violate matters of fact? This is apparent in social science theorizing (from J. H. von Thünen, J. S. Mill, and Max Weber to Milton Friedman and Thomas Schelling), recent philosophy of science analyzing scientific modeling, and the debate over ideal and non-ideal theory in political philosophy (since John Rawls). I will offer a set of concepts and principles to improve transparency about the precise contents of idealizations (in terms of negligibility, applicability, tractability, and early-step status) and their distinct functions (such as contributing to minimal modeling, benchmark modeling, and how-possibly modeling).
Peripheral symmetrical gangrene due to severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria: a case report
Authors: Durdana Shazia , Rizwan Ahmad
Published: May 2020

We present a patient with severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria of seven days’ duration who developed an altered sensorium of one day. During hospital admission, peripheral symmetrical gangrene of hands and feet followed, despite normal limb vasculature.
Septic arthritis of knee due to Burkholderia pseudomallei: a case report
Authors: Parija Debasish , Kar Bikram K , Das Padma , Mishra Jiten K , Agrawal Alok C , Yadav Sandeep K
Published: May 2020

Burkholderia pseudomallei is an important cause of sepsis in certain parts of Asia and northern Australia. It usually causes abscess in the lungs, liver, spleen, skeletal muscle and parotids, especially in patients who are immunocompromised. In India, musculoskeletal melioidosis has rarely been reported. We report such a case with septic arthritis of the knee, diagnosed on the basis of a positive pus culture. After being treated by arthrotomy and surgical debridement followed by a combination of intravenous ceftazidime (acute phase = three weeks) and oral doxycycline and co-trimoxazole (eradication phase = five weeks) for two months, the patient recovered completely with no recurrence.
Examining Predictive Validity of the Level of Service Inventory–Ontario Revision (LSI-OR) Substance Abuse Subscale for Different Types of Substance Users
Authors: Davis Paula , Hermann Chantal A. , Freedman Stuart , Lucenti Leslie
Published: May 2020

Substance abuse is a risk factor for recidivism that is commonly assessed by the Level of Service Inventory–Ontario Revision (LSI-OR) via the Substance Abuse subscale. Research has yet to examine the predictive validity of this subscale relative to types of substances abused. To explore this, substance abuse history, LSI-OR information, and recidivism were coded for a sample of 498 individuals convicted of a crime with a current substance abuse problem. These individuals were classified by the types and number of substances abused. Results of this study provide some evidence supporting the predictive validity of the LSI-OR Substance Abuse subscale. Furthermore, we found preliminary evidence supporting the predictive validity of the subscale for substance abusers relative to types of substances abused and for those who abuse a single substance versus multiple substances. These results have implications for research, policy, and correctional practice.
Upscaling, Obduracy, and Underground Parking in Maastricht (1965-Present): Is There a Way Out?
Authors: Stanković Jelena , Dijk Marc , Hommels Anique
Published: May 2020

This article reconstructs the history of underground parking in the Dutch city of Maastricht by connecting the model of obduracy (i.e., “resistance to change”) with the concept of upscaling, which offers new insights in historic urban transitions. We discuss how the decision-making process about the building of the first underground parking garage (Vrijthof) in the late 1960s was a starting point of a growing obduracy of the urban practice of car use and parking in the inner city of Maastricht. We argue that this obduracy can be explained by the growing interconnections between the cultural meanings of historic squares and urban car use, expertise of urban planners, traffic experts and parking operators, parking and traffic policies and regulations, and underground parking infrastructures. Ironically, the expansion of underground parking in Maastricht can be seen as a pivotal part of the successful upscaling and increasing obduracy of car mobility in this town, but at the same time significantly affects the upscaling of local sustainable mobility innovations forty years later and beyond.
An improved method to characterize the pore-throat structures in tight sandstone reservoirs: Combined high-pressure and rate-controlled mercury injection techniques
Authors: Zhang Wenkai , Shi Zejin , Tian Yaming
Published: May 2020

The pore-throat size determines the oil and gas occurrence and storage properties of sandstones and is a vital parameter to evaluate reservoir quality. Casting thin sections, field emission scanning electron microscopy, high-pressure mercury injection and rate-controlled mercury injection are used to qualitatively and quantitatively investigate the pore-throat structure characteristics of tight sandstone reservoirs of Xiaoheba Formation in the southeastern Sichuan Basin. The results show that the pore types include intergranular pores, intragranular dissolved pores, matrix pores, intercrystalline pores in clay minerals, and microfractures, and the pore-throat sizes range from the nanoscale to the microscale. The high-pressure mercury injection testing indicates that the pore-throat radius is in range of 0.004–11.017 µm, and the pore-throats with a radius >1 µm account for less than 15%. The rate-controlled mercury injection technique reveals that the tight sandstones with different physical properties have a similar pore size distribution (80–220 µm), but the throat radius and pore throat radius ratio distribution curves exhibit remarkable differences separately. The combination of the high-pressure mercury injection and rate-controlled mercury injection testing used in this work effectively reveals the total pore-throat size distribution in the Xiaoheba sandstones (0.004–260 µm). Moreover, the radius of the pore and the throat is respectively in range of 50–260 µm and 0.004–50 µm. The permeability of the tight sandstones is mostly affected by the small fraction (<40%) of relatively wide pore-throats. For the tight sandstones with good permeability (>0.1 mD), the larger micropores and mesopores exert a great influence on the permeability. In contrast, the permeability is mainly influenced by the larger nanopores. Furthermore, the proportion of narrow pore-throats in tight sandstones increases with reducing permeability. Although the large number of narrow pore-throat (<100 nm) makes a certain contribution to both reservoir porosity and permeability, they have contribution to the former is far more than to the latter.
Evaluating Behavioral Skills Training as an Evidence-Based Practice When Training Parents to Intervene with Their Children
Authors: Schaefer John M. , Andzik Natalie R.
Published: May 2020

The authors of this systematic review identified 20 individual single-subject studies examining the efficacy of Behavior Skills Training (BST) implemented with parents. Findings indicate that researchers have used BST to successfully train parents to implement a range of evidence-based practices (EBP) with their own children. Parents of children with autism or intellectual disability made up the large majority of participants in these studies. Applying the methodological quality standards set by What Works Clearinghouse (WWC), the authors detail the evidence from 67 individual cases provided by single-subject design research. Practitioners looking to train parents of children with disabilities to implement EBPs can be confident that BST is an effective training practice.
A Basis for Standardizing Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence Management
Authors: Cozart Ashley C. , Kennedy John T. , Seidman Michael D.
Published: May 2020

Objectives:

(1) To determine how otologic/neurotologic surgeons counsel patients with superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD). (2) To understand the plethora of presenting symptoms associated with SSCD and appropriate management. (3) To suggest appropriate management; oftentimes avoiding surgery.

Methods:

This was a survey study of both community and academic physicians. A 23-question survey was distributed to all members of the American Neurotological (ANS) and American Otologic Societies (AOS) via email in the Fall of 2018. A total of 54 responses were received from a possible pool of 279 for a response rate of 19.4%. Inferences were made about the population through sample proportions and confidence intervals.

Results:

All respondents use computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing SSCD and 11.1% use CT exclusively. Cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP; 77.8%) are used more often than ocular VEMPs (38.9%). Magnetic resonance imaging (7.4%) is used infrequently; 96.3% of surgeons surveyed have seen patients with SSCD on imaging that are asymptomatic. Following surgical treatment, respondents reported balance issues and mild-to-moderate high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss (88.4%); 32.6% reported that the majority (>50%) of their patients needed further intervention after surgery, typically aggressive vestibular rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

There is a discrepancy in the systematic approach to SSCD between both the surgeons and the published literature. Patients with SSCD on ultra-high-resolution CT may have myriad symptoms while others are asymptomatic, and surgery may lead to additional complications. We will present a methodical recommendation to assist in the management of patients with SSCD depending upon their symptoms. This may improve patient selection, counseling, and outcomes.
Glyceryl trinitrate in first-episode psychosis unmedicated with antipsychotics: A randomised controlled pilot study
Authors: Merritt Kate , Catalan Ana , Cowley Samuel , Demjaha Arsime , Taylor Matthew , McGuire Philip , Cooper Ruth , Morrison Paul
Published: May 2020

Background:

There is a pressing need for new classes of treatment for psychosis. A key therapeutic target for novel compounds is the NMDA receptor, which may be modulated by nitric oxide donors such as sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Recent studies of SNP in patients with psychosis have mixed results, and the drug has to be administered intravenously. Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) is a well-established cardiovascular medicine that is also a nitric oxide donor, and can be given orally.

Aims:

We explored the safety and potential effects of GTN in unmedicated patients with a first episode of psychosis.

Methods:

This was a single-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial from December 2016 to April 2019 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02906553). Patients received 3 × sprays of GTN or placebo for three consecutive days, and were re-assessed on Days 1, 2, 3 and 7. The primary outcome was cognition (Jumping to Conclusions task), secondary outcomes were symptoms (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)), verbal memory (Hopkins Verbal Learning task), and mood (Bond–Lader Visual Analogue Scales).

Results:

Nineteen patients were randomised, and 13 participants were included in the analyses. Compared with placebo, GTN was well tolerated, but was not associated with significant effects on cognition, symptoms, or mood. Bayesian statistics indicate that our results were 2× more likely under the null hypothesis than the alternative hypothesis, providing anecdotal evidence that GTN does not improve psychotic symptoms.

Conclusions:

We found no indication of an effect of GTN on symptoms of psychosis or cognition.
Developmental patterns of CBF and BOLD responses to visual stimulus
Authors: Zou Ping , Scoggins Matthew A , Li Yimei , Jones Melissa , Helton Kathleen J , Ogg Robert J
Published: May 2020

To investigate the developmental changes of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and hemodynamic responses to changing neural activity, we used the arterial spin label (ASL) technique to measure resting CBF and simultaneous CBF / blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) signal changes during visual stimulation in 97 typically developing children and young adults (age 13.35 [6.02, 25.25] (median [min, max]) years old at the first time point). The longitudinal study protocol included three MRIs (2.7 ± 0.06 obtained), one year apart, for each participant. Mixed-effect linear and non-linear statistical models were used to analyze age effects on CBF and BOLD signals. Resting CBF decreased exponentially with age ( p = 0.0001) throughout the brain, and developmental trajectories differed across brain lobes. The absolute CBF increase in visual cortex during stimulation was constant over the age range, but the fractional CBF change increased with age ( p = 0.0001) and the fractional BOLD signal increased with age ( p = 0.0001) correspondingly. These findings suggest that the apparent neural hemodynamic coupling in visual cortex does not change after age six years, but age-related BOLD signal changes continue through adolescence primarily due to the changes with age in resting CBF.
Depressive Symptoms and Loneliness in Early Adolescence: The Role of Empathy and Emotional Self-Efficacy
Authors: Calandri Emanuela , Graziano Federica , Cattelino Elena , Testa Silvia
Published: May 2020

Knowledge about the role of empathy, emotional self-efficacy, and loneliness on early adolescents’ depressive symptoms is scarce. The main aims of the study were to investigate the following: (a) the role of empathy and emotional self-efficacy (additive and interactive) on loneliness and depressive symptoms, taking into account gender differences and (b) the possible mediating role of loneliness in the relationship between emotional predictors and depressive symptoms. Three hundred forty-eight Italian early adolescents (48% girls; mean age, 13; SD = 0.3) completed an anonymous self-report questionnaire at two time points (1 year apart). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze data. Results indicated the following: (a) high empathy and low emotional self-efficacy were related to higher subsequent loneliness and depressive symptoms; (b) emotional self-efficacy moderated the relationship between empathy and loneliness and, only for girls, between empathy and depressive symptoms; (c) no mediation role of loneliness between emotional predictors (empathy and emotional self-efficacy) and depressive symptoms was found. Results are discussed in relation to preventive interventions targeting early adolescents.
Downregulation of PTEN mediates bleomycin-induced premature senescence in lung cancer cells by suppressing autophagy
Authors: Sai Xiaoyan , Qin Chu , Wu Yan , Zhao Yinying , Bian Tao
Published: May 2020

Objective

Bleomycin is an important chemotherapeutic drug that activates premature senescence to decrease the tumorigenic process. We aimed to investigate the role of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) in bleomycin-induced premature senescence in lung cancer cells.

Methods

Human lung cancer A549 cells were incubated in the presence of different concentrations of bleomycin for 5 days. A lentivirus vector was used to silence the PTEN gene, followed by stimulation with bleomycin (1 µg/mL). Changes were evaluated by senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and western blot.

Results

Treatment with bleomycin induced premature senescence. PTEN expression was decreased and key downstream molecules in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway were gradually activated following bleomycin treatment. Silencing PTEN reduced autophagy and accelerated senescence of A549 cells. Autophagy levels were also increased and senescence markers were reduced after inhibiting mTOR.

Conclusions

Downregulation of PTEN mediates bleomycin-induced premature senescence in lung cancer cells by suppressing autophagy via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. These findings provide new insights into the potential role of PTEN as a molecular target for cancer chemotherapy.