Marked Absence Research Articles

El derecho operacional en Colombia: protagonismo militar y ausencias civiles

Outside military circles, little is known about operational law. However, this legal regime has grown dramatically in the last twenty years in Colombia. This research investigates the practice of operational law through interviews with five operators and identifies two characteristics of this field: the juridification of military operations and combat experience as a factor of legal expertise. The results evidence that the practice of operational law has developed with a leading role of military actors, as opposed to a marked civil absence. Therefore, the development of this military legal project should continue with its opening to external controls from civil governance.

In Vivo Effects of a GHR Synthesis Inhibitor during Prolonged Treatment in Dogs

Background: The activation of the growth hormone receptor (GHR) is a major determinant of body growth. Defective GHR signaling, as seen in human Laron dwarfism, resulted in low plasma IGF-1 concentrations and limited growth, but also marked absence in the development of breast cancer and type 2 diabetes. In vitro, we identified a small molecule (C#1) that inhibits the translation of GHR mRNA to receptor protein. Methods: Before its application in humans as a potential anticancer drug, C#1 was tested in animals to evaluate whether it could be administered to achieve a plasma concentration in vivo that inhibits cell proliferation in vitro without causing unwanted toxicity. To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of C#1, a group of six intact female Beagle dogs was treated daily each morning for 90 days with an oral solution of C#1 in Soiae oleum emulgatum at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg body weight. During treatment, dogs were closely monitored clinically, and blood samples were taken to measure plasma C#1 concentrations, complete blood counts (CBC), clinical chemistry, and endocrinology. At the end of the treatment, dogs were euthanized for gross and histopathological analysis. An additional group of six female Beagle dogs was included for statistical reasons and only evaluated for efficacy during treatment for 30 days. Results: Daily administration of C#1 resulted in a constant mean plasma concentration of approximately 50 nmol/L. In both groups, two out of six dogs developed decreased appetite and food refusal after 4–5 weeks, and occasionally diarrhea. No significant effects in CBC or routine clinical chemistry were seen. Plasma IGF-1 concentrations, used as biomarkers for defective GHR signaling, significantly decreased by 31% over time. As plasma growth hormone (GH) concentrations decreased by 51% as well, no proof of GHR dysfunction could be established. The measured 43% decrease in plasma acylated/non-acylated ghrelin ratios will also lower plasma GH concentrations by reducing activation of the GH secretagogue receptor (GHSR). C#1 did not directly inhibit the GHSR in vivo, as shown in vitro. There were no significant effects on glucose, lipid, or folate/homocysteine metabolism. Conclusions: It is concluded that with daily dosing of 0.1 mg C#1/kg body weight, the induction of toxic effects prevented further increases in dosage. Due to the concomitant decrease in both IGF-1 and GH, in vivo inhibition of GHR could not be confirmed. Since the concept of specific inhibition of GHR synthesis by small molecules remains a promising strategy, searching for compounds similar to C#1 with lower toxicity should be worthwhile.

A new species of Melanorivulus (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) from headwaters of the Taquari River basin, Paraguay River basin, central Brazilian Cerrado

ABSTRACT A new species of Melanorivulus is described from the upper Taquari River drainage, upper Paraguay River basin, in the Western Brazilian Cerrado. This species is a member of the Melanorivulus pictus group, endemic to the central Brazilian plateau and adjacent areas. Melanorivulus terena, new species, is endemic to the Paraguay River basin and is possibly closely related to other species endemic to the upper Paraná River basin, such as M. linearis, M. interruptus and M. egens, by the absence of distinctive dark marks on the humeral region in males. The new species is distinguished from all other species of the M. pictus group by a distal margin of unpaired fins and pelvic fin that is orangish red, and by the number of scales in the transversal series. The possible close relationship between the new species and other species recorded in the Paraná River basin may indicate an ancestral interconnection of the headwaters of the Rio Taquari (Paraguay River basin) with the headwaters of the upper Rio Verde and Rio Pardo (Paraná River basin). http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:8B0027D9-8346-4ADB-AE9E-8C770823B8D9

Improving Pedestrian Conspicuity at Night: Testing the Efficacy of an Educational Intervention

Most pedestrian fatalities happen at night, and poor conspicuity has been identified as a critical problem. Researchers understand what typical pedestrians do not: At night, a pedestrian’s conspicuity heavily depends on contrast and the presence or absence of retroreflective markings and biological motion. This experiment aims to evaluate the impact of an 11-min educational video that explains these critical concepts. Half of the participants will view the video while the other half will not. All participants will provide quantitative estimates of the nighttime conspicuity and safety of a pedestrian wearing each of five clothing configurations. We hypothesize that participants who view the video will exhibit improved comprehension of safety-relevant concepts and the visual challenges experienced by drivers at night. This research could underscore the value of online interventions in educating road users about critical concepts that impact nighttime conspicuity, thereby encouraging them to adopt evidence-based methods to enhance their conspicuity.

Oecanthus buxixu sp. nov. (Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Oecanthidae): A new species of tree cricket from Brazilian Amazon rainforest

The Tree Crickets of the genus Oecanthus Serville, 1831 are distributed across tropical and temperate regions, where they can be found in all strata of vegetation. In this work, we describe a new species of tree cricket from the Brazilian Amazon rainforest, where only one species was known until the date of this publication. This new species differs from the other 79 species in this genus by the absence of marks on the scape and pedicel of the antennae, as well as by its calling song composed of 3 to 5 chirps/s, 6 to 20 pulses per chirp, and peak frequency 3 to 3.3 kHz, at 26ºC. Photos in vivo of the individuals, as well as images of the metanotal glands and phallic sclerites, are provided.

LANGUGE-SPECIFIC WAYS OF EXPRESSING A REQUEST IN RUSSIAN AND PERSIAN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE

The article is devoted to the linguistic specifi cs of ways of expressing requests in Russian and Persian business correspondence. The purpose of the article is to analyze the structure of request letters in Russian and Persian languages. Objectives of the study: to consider etiquette speech formulas in letters of request in Russian and Persian; compare the expressions used when writing such letters; identify diff erences, similarities, as well as universal ways of expressing requests in business correspondence in Russian and Persian. The main object of this scientifi c work is Russian and Persian business letters of request. This article contributes to the study of cross-cul-tural business correspondence by expanding the understanding of linguistic nuances in the expression of requests in Russian and Persian. Although the topic has been addressed in previous works, the present study deepens the analysis by comparing etiquette formulas and verb structures used in business request letters. As a result of the study, the authors came to the conclusion that the use of addresses and the use of verb forms in Russian and Per-sian business letters of request are signifi cantly diff erent. An important discovery was that in the Persian language, addresses have strict forms and arrangements that are diff erent from Russian, which refl ects deep cultural and lin-guistic traditions. The absence of patronymics and exclamation marks in Persian addresses, as well as the unique use of verb forms, emphasize the specifi cs of intercultural communication and the need to take these features into account when teaching Russian language. The practical value of the work is determined by the possibility of using its materials when teaching special courses on intercultural communication and contrastive linguistics, as well as when compiling textbooks on Russian as a foreign language.

Pemanfaatan Koleksi Kitab Kuning Santri Putri di Perpustakaan Pondok Pesantren Darul Arafah Raya Deli Serdang

This research explores the Utilization of Yellow Book Collections by Female Students at the Library of Darul Arafah Raya Islamic Boarding School in Deli Serdang. The aim of this study is to determine whether the yellow book collections for female students in the library of Darul Arafah Raya Islamic boarding school have been utilized and to identify the obstacles experienced by female students in utilizing the yellow book collections available in the library of Darul Arafah Raya Islamic boarding school. This research is descriptive in nature, employing a qualitative approach with data collection techniques including observation, interviews, and documentation. The findings of this study indicate that the utilization of yellow book collections by female students in the library of Darul Arafah Raya Islamic boarding school has not been fully exploited, as the female students encounter difficulties in understanding and utilizing the yellow books due to the absence of diacritical marks (fathah, kasrah, dhammah, sukun). Additionally, their everyday vocabulary (mufhrodat) is still lacking, and their proficiency in studying nahwu and sharaf is weak. The obstacles to the utilization of yellow book collections for female students at the library of Darul Arafah Raya Islamic boarding school include the absence of diacritical marks (fathah, kasrah, dhammah, sukun) in the yellow books, which makes it difficult for female students to comprehend them. Furthermore, the difficulty in interpreting the yellow books is due to the lack of everyday vocabulary, the weakness in Arabic language proficiency among female students, the absence of specific schedules for learning yellow books, and the lack of communication between female students and teachers in yellow book learning.

Risk factors for decreased quality of life in patients with permanent colostomy

The purpose of the study: to identify risk factors for decreased quality of life in patients with permanent colostomy. The results of a survey of 114 patients with permanent stoma after radical surgical treatment of stage I–III rectal cancer were analyzed. The quality of life was assessed with EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire.Severe impact on the global health status (less than 50 points) was observed in 21 (18.4 %) respondents. The significant risk factors of impaired quality of life include the absence of preoperative stoma site marking (OR = 6.5, 95 %CI = 2.0–20.4; p = 0.002) and the lack of specialized stoma care service in the region of residence (OR = 4.6, 95 %CI = 1.6–13.1; p = 0.005). The emergency nature of the primary operation also had a significant negative impact on subsequent quality of life (OR = 6.1, 95 %CI = 1.8–20.1; p = 0.004). The employment had a positive effect on the quality of life of patients (OR = 0.2, 95 %CI = 0.07–0.9; p = 0.024). Conclusion. The quality of life of patients with a permanent colostomy after radical surgery for rectal cancer depends on several factors. The absence of preoperative stoma site marking, inaccessibility of the rehabilitation service for colostomy patients in the region, and surgery emergency negatively affect the quality of life of this category of patients.

The Hamas massacre of Oct 7, 2023, and its aftermath, medical crimes, and the Lancet commission report on medicine, Nazism, and the Holocaust

BackgroundThe report of the Lancet Commission on medicine, Nazism, and the Holocaust, released in November 2023, calls for this history to be required for all health professions education, to foster morally courageous health professionals who speak up when necessary.Main bodyThe report was released a month after Hamas’ October 7 invasion of Israel, with the accompanying massacre of over 1200 people, taking of civilian hostages, and gender-based violence. These acts constitute crimes against humanity including genocide. Post-October 7, war in Gaza resulted, with a legitimate objective of Israel defending itself within international law. The authors discuss an accompanying Statement to the report condemning Hamas crimes and denouncing the perpetrators’ use of their own civilians as human shields, including in healthcare facilities, and with the Hamas attack unleashing immense and ongoing suffering in Israel and beyond. With some exceptions, the medical literature shows a marked absence of condemnation of Hamas atrocities and includes unsubstantiated criticisms of Israel’s military. A significant surge in global antisemitism including on university campuses since October 7, 2023, has occurred; and health professionals, according to the Commission, have a special responsibility to fight antisemitism and discrimination of all kinds. In this context, the authors discuss the controversy and criticism regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion education programs (“DEI”) including such programs failing to protect Jews on campuses, especially as the U.S. President Biden’s “The U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism,” released in May 2023, calls for the inclusion of issues of antisemitism and religious discrimination within all DEI education programs. The authors support an evidence-based approach to the Hamas massacre, its aftermath and its relevance to health professionals both within medicine and their global citizenship, including refuting the international community accusations and anti-Israel libel.ConclusionsThe report of the Lancet Commission on medicine, Nazism, and the Holocaust has striking relevance to the Hamas massacre of October 7, 2023 and its aftermath. This is further conveyed in an accompanying Statement, that describes the report’s implications for contemporary medicine, including: 1) provision of skills required to detect and prevent crimes against humanity and genocide; (2) care for victims of atrocities; (3) upholding the healing ethos central to the practice of medicine; and (4) fostering history-informed morally courageous health professionals who speak up when necessary.

Breast Cancer in the Tissue of the Contralateral Breast Reduction

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide, and the increasing number of survivors is due to advances in early diagnosis and treatment efficacy. Consequently, the risk of developing contralateral breast cancer (CBC) among these survivors has become a concern. While surgical intervention with lumpectomy is a widely used primary approach for breast cancer, post-operative breast asymmetry is a potential concern. Many women opt for symmetrizing reduction procedures to improve aesthetic outcomes and quality of life. However, despite careful radiological screening, there is a chance of accidentally finding CBC. To address this, tissue excised during symmetrizing surgery is examined pathologically. In some cases, CBC or in situ lesions have been incidentally discovered in these specimens, prompting a need for a more thorough examination. Resection in pieces and the absence of surgical marking and pathological inking of the margin have made it challenging to precisely identify tumor location and assess tumor size and margin status, hampering adjuvant treatment decisions. A new protocol introduced in July 2022 aims to enhance the precision of CBC diagnosis, allowing for tailored treatment plans, including re-excision, systemic adjuvant therapy, or radiation therapy.

Sinocyclocheilusxiejiahuai (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae), a new cave fish with extremely small population size from western Guizhou, China.

This study describes a new species, Sinocyclocheilusxiejiahuai sp. nov., discovered within a cave located in Hongguo Town, Panzhou City, Guizhou Province, southwestern China, with the type locality in the Nanpanjiang River basin. Phylogenetic trees reconstructed based on mitochondrial genes show that the new species represents an independent evolutionary lineage with large genetic differences, 1.9%-13.8% in mitochondrial Cyt b, from congeners. Morphologically, this species can be differentiated from the 79 species currently classified under the genus Sinocyclocheilus by several characteristics: absence of horn-like structures and indistinct elevation at the head-dorsal junction, absence of irregular black markings on the body lateral and scaleless, eyes large, eye diameter 13% of head length, dorsal-fin rays, iii, 6½, last unbranched ray strong, with serrations along posterior margin, pectoral-fin rays, i, 13, anal-fin rays, iii, 5, pelvic-fin rays, i, 7, lateral line pores 74, gill rakers well developed, nine on first gill arch, pectoral fins short, tip not reaching to pelvic-fin origin. The number of Sinocyclocheilus species has been increased from 79 to 80 since the description of this new species.

Notice of Violation of IEEE Publication Principles: An Efficient Nonlinear Quantized Constant Envelope Precoding for Massive MU-MIMO Systems

Notice of Violation of IEEE Publication Principles <BR><BR>"An Efficient Nonlinear Quantized Constant Envelope Precoding for Massive MU-MIMO Systems," <BR>by R. Liang, H. Li, W. Zhang, C. Liu and Y. Guo, <BR>in IEEE Systems Journal, Early Access <BR><BR>After a careful and considered review of the content and authorship of this paper by a duly constituted expert committee, this paper has been found to be in violation of IEEE’s Publication Principles. <BR><BR>This paper contains content from the papers cited below. Credit notices were used, but due to the absence of quotation marks or offset text, the copied content is not clearly referenced or specifically identified. <BR><BR>"VLSI Design of a 3-bit Constant-Modulus Precoder for Massive MU-MIMO," <BR>by O. Castañeda, S. Jacobsson, G. Durisi, T. Goldstein and C. Studer, <BR>in the Proceedings of the IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems (ISCAS), May 2018 <BR><BR>"Quantized Precoding for Massive MU-MIMO," <BR>by S. Jacobsson, G. Durisi, M. Coldrey, T. Goldstein and C. Studer, <BR>in IEEE Transactions on Communications, vol. 65, no. 11, pp. 4670-4684, November 2017 <BR><BR> <br/> Massive multiuser multiple-input&#x2013;multiple-output (MU-MIMO) systems are foreseen as the key technology in next-generation wireless communication systems. However, many radio-frequency (RF) chains will require high power consumption and lots of hardware cost. One of the practical solutions is using low-resolution discrete phase shifters (PSs) for each antenna and RF chain. This article designs a nonlinear quantized constant envelope precoding algorithm for MU-MIMO systems with low-resolution discrete PS at the base station. In this algorithm, the quantized constant envelope precoding problem is presented as a nonconvex optimization problem. The multiuser interference is minimized by solving the optimal precoded vector and the associated precoding factors. First, we consider relaxing the nonconvex constraint on the 1-bit quantized constant envelope precoding to a continuous set of convex constraints on the unit circle. Afterwards, the semidefinite relaxation method is used to tackle the equivalent 1-bit quantized precoding problem. We further extend the algorithm to provide multi-bit quantized constant envelop precoding. Finally, the simulations are carried out under various conditions and compared with the most advanced precoding methods. The results demonstrate that this algorithm achieves a comparable performance to the existing precoding methods. At the same time, the corresponding performance-complexity tradeoff is more conducive to the expansion of the proposed algorithm to the multibit case.

Persuasion in the Business Speeches of Chief Executive Officers of Selected International Companies

This study investigated the persuasive strategies employed in the business speeches of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of selected international companies. Anchored in Speech Act Theory within the broader aspect of pragmatics, it analyzed 12 speeches, totalling 14,938 words, from a diverse range of international CEOs. These speeches, intended for both employees and shareholders, provided a rich corpus for examining the nuances of persuasion in a business context. The analysis focused on identifying various categories of persuasion, particularly distinguishing between direct and indirect speech acts. Utilizing a qualitative approach, 1,172 clauses were coded to elucidate the persuasive mechanisms at play. Findings revealed a predominant use of indirect persuasion by CEOs. Despite their intention to persuade, these business leaders predominantly opted for subtle, indirect speech acts, making their persuasive intent both non-obvious and inherent. Contrary to expectations, the study found a marked absence of direct rhetorical devices such as rhetorical questions, suppositions, and wonderings. This aligned with the pragmatic realities of business communication, which often eschews overtly unrealistic assertions. The analysis proposed a novel model for understanding the linguistic strategies of persuasive speech in business, highlighting both utilized and potential areas of persuasive speech acts. The implications of these findings extended beyond the specific speeches analyzed, suggesting avenues for further research. Recommendations included exploring persuasion directed at varied audiences, analyzing the perlocutionary effects post-delivery, and integrating paralinguistic and extralinguistic elements with verbal aspects of business speeches. This research not only mapped the current landscape of persuasive strategies in CEO speeches but also opened new possibilities for linguistic exploration in the realm of corporate communication.

H - 59 The Utility of Neuropsychology in the U.S. Naturalization Process: an Unexplored Opportunity in Multicultural Practice, Training, and Advocacy.

This project reviewed literature related to evaluating U.S. citizenship applicants seeking exemption from the naturalization exams due to cognitive and/or psychological impairment. U.S. Naturalization rates are rising, and neuropsychologists are especially qualified to conduct evaluations to determine eligibility for test waiver. Exploring this topic may contribute to improvements in service provision and advocacy for citizenship applicants, a historically underserved group. Data extraction occurred in April of 2023. Sources derived from The Clinical Neuropsychologist, PsycNet, Google Scholar, and Widener University's library database. Search phrases combined "neuropsychology" with (1) "U.S. citizenship tests," (2) "U.S. citizenship exemption," and (3) "Form N-648." Result pages one through five were examined, and any source referencing "neuropsychology" and "citizenship," "exemption," "Form N-648," "U.S. citizens," "U.S. citizenship," and/or "waiver" was selected. Ten scholarly articles, two book chapters, two presentations, and one poster abstract fit the above criteria for review. Information was limited to brief statements about naturalization and acknowledgment that test exemption exists, and case illustrations where exemption was considered. However, none of the results provided specific strategies to help guide neuropsychologists who are less familiar with this process, but still called upon to evaluate and determine eligibility for test waiver. There is a marked absence of neuropsychology literature regarding assessment for exemption from the U.S. citizenship exams. Given the socioeconomic benefits afforded with naturalization, this absence seems to represent a gap in the field. Future research and collaboration with allied networks may pose a novel way to broaden neuropsychology's relevance and optimize services for citizenship applicants.

Analysis of Aircraft Movement Monitoring by Apron Movement Control Officers Due to the Absence of Lead In Markings at the Apron Area at Bandung's Husein Sastranegara International Airport

Bandung's Husein Sastranegara International Airport does not have a Lead in marking in the Apron area and is one of the factors causing aircraft that will park to often leave the parking stand center line and have an impact on other aircraft that will park at the parking stand next to it. Apron Movement Control (AMC) officers play an important role in overseeing the movement of aircraft when they are going to park towards the parking stand because there is no Lead in marking on the apron area. The purpose of this study was to find out how the supervision of aircraft movements by Apron Movement Control (AMC) officers was due to the absence of Lead-in markings on the apron area and the impact of not having Lead-in markings on the Apron area at Husein Sastranegara International Airport, Bandung. This study uses a qualitative approach. The data used in this study is the result of interviews, observations, and documentation at the Apron Movement Control (AMC) unit of Husein Sastranegara International Airport, Bandung. The informants in this study were Apron Movement Control (AMC) officers. Observations were made by observing the Apron Movement Control (AMC) unit, and for documentation in this study, namely by taking pictures of events that occurred in the field. The results in this study are that Apron Movement Control (AMC) officers supervise by going directly to the field and ensuring that marshaller officers are in position for the aircraft to be parked, besides that Apron Movement Control (AMC) officers add at least one wingman for safety and safety in flight activities is maintained. Bandung's Husein Sastranegara International Airport does not have a Lead in marking on the apron area, which is one of the factors why planes often leave the centerline parking stand markings.

Dermoscopy of lichen nitidus: a study of 20 cases

Lichen nitidus (LN) is a chronic inflammatory lichenoid dermatosis, commonly seen in childhood or early adulthood. In this case series, we studied the various dermoscopic features of LN and correlate them with clinical variants, duration of disease and histopathology. A total of 20 patients of LN were studied. The mean age was 25.7 years with 45% and 55% male and female, respectively. The median duration of disease was 6 months. The dermoscopic findings seen on non-polarizing mode were-shiny elevated surface with absence of skin markings (100%), scaling (70%), radial ridges (50%) and central depression (35%). Findings seen on polarizing mode were-hypopigmentation (100%), brown shadow (70%), linear vessels (65%), accentuation of surrounding reticulate pigment network (65%), diffuse erythema (45%). Newer findings seen were central grey-brown structureless areas (30%), speckled brown pigment (40%), curvilinear vessels (50%), branching/serpentine vessels (20%), radial vessels (10%), white dots and streaks (30%) and ring-in-ring appearance (5%). LN presents fairly distinctive dermoscopic features and dermoscopy can be a non-invasive, painless aid in differentiating it from close clinical differentials and avoid the need for a biopsy, especially in children.

Planning for walkable cities in Africa: Co-producing knowledge on conditions, practices, and strategies

This study sought to unravel the conditions of the walking environment, and residents lived experiences of walking in two urban neighbourhoods in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA). Drawing on a participatory mapping exercise and a total of 70 community and institutional qualitative interviews, the results revealed that the study neighbourhoods have precarious walking conditions manifested by the absence of road markings, inadequate traffic lights and other road-calming infrastructure such as speed ramps. The results also show that previous and current national and local development plans do little to plan for the walking environment. This study demonstrates the impacts of the failure of planning and policy responses to the walking environment on urban residents. In an important stakeholder engagement workshop involving a total of 40 participants, our study brought academics, institutional representatives and residents from the two neighbourhoods together to discuss the findings and establish a stronger collaborative relationship for designing an equitable and sustainable walking environment. Based on the findings from the qualitative interviews and stakeholder engagement workshop, we therefore recommend a community-based participatory planning strategy for improving walkability conditions.

A New Species of Terrestrial-Breeding Frog, Genus Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae), from the Peruvian Yungas of Central Peru

We describe a new species of terrestrial-breeding frog of the genus Pristimantis from the Peruvian Yungas ecoregion of central Peru, Junin Department. The description is based on the observation of morphological features, color patterns of fourteen specimens, bioacoustic traits of the advertisement calls, and a phylogenetic analysis using a sequence fragment of 16S rRNA. The new species is mainly characterized by having a rounded or truncate snout in dorsal view, presence of dorsolateral folds, tympanic membrane and annulus distinct, absence of flash marks on the hidden surfaces of flanks and hindlimbs, and a small size (maximum SVL 15.6 mm in males and 19.3 mm in females). We provide diagnostic traits to differentiate the new species from phylogenetically close relatives, as well as morphologically similar and sympatric species of Pristimantis.

Salience and Learned Attention: A Study on the Perception of Uninflected Verbs by Brazilian Portuguese-English Bilinguals

The present study explores the potential reasons for L2 users’ difficulty with inflectional morphology. We investigated the effects of salience and learned attention on the processing of second language inflectional morphology by Brazilian Portuguese(BP)-English bilinguals. To analyze the effects of salience, we tested L2 users’ perception of past regular verbs and past irregular verbs ending with /?t/, which involves a more salient change in the verb root. To probe the influence of learned attention, we compared their behavior concerning regular past tense makers (–ed) and regular present tense markers (–s), as the latter occurs in a grammatical context in which Portuguese uses null morphemes. We conducted an Acceptability Judgment Task to observe L2 users’ behavior in relation to sentences that were ungrammatical due to the use of uninflected verbs. The results indicate that the participants were more sensitive to the absence of regular past tense than to the absence of regular present tense marking, but the absences of regular and irregular past tense markings were perceived similarly. The study's results corroborate models that account for the effects of cross-linguistic influence on learned attention to linguistic cues and also reverberate through second language teaching practices.

A Marked Absence: Pneumatic Abandonment as Desert Hermeneutic

This paper examines the ways in which the Letters of Ammonas, John Cassian’s Conference IV, and the corpus of Macarius-Symeon appropriate and develop the motif of divine abandonment found in St. Antony and shifts it into a distinctly pneumatological key through Scriptural exegesis. Correcting a misconception popularized by Vladimir Lossky, this paper argues for a normative experience of divine abandonment in the Eastern Christian tradition via sustained engagement with the experience of those practitioners of desert spirituality. Engaging with the hermeneutics of Hans Georg Gadamer and following the previously established trajectories of Douglas Burton-Christie, I argue that the desert fathers, despite initial hesitation and eventual qualification, accepted the reality of pneumatic abandonment due to the interlocking pressures of Scripture and monastic experience. The paper concludes with some implications for contemporary pneumatological discussions by drawing critical parallels between the pneumatological tradition of the desert and the contemporary pneumatic doctrine of Ephraim Radner. Radner is affirmed in his insistence on individual pneumatic abandonment but is critically questioned regarding his articulation of the pneumatic abandonment of the Church through the vantage of Macarius-Symeon’s stabilized pneumatology.