bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AI practioners
Authors: Hughes Cameron
Published: July 2017

I am currently the chair of NEOACM (North-east Ohio ACM), a professional chapter of the ACM, located in the state of Ohio in the U.S. founded in 2008. NEOACM is quickly coming up on its 10th anniversary. Our chapter, like most, is dedicated to advancing the art, science, engineering, and application of information technology, serving both professional and public interests. We accomplish much of our mission by hosting workshops, speakers, and panel discussions that are open to the public. In my capacity as chair, I have had the opportunity to influence the direction of some of the workshops and panel discussions that we host. I've always had a predilection for most things AI and I'm particularly interested in how the descriptions of embedded AI technologies are worded when those technologies are integral to goods and services targeted toward the average citizen or general public. Sure as insiders we throw around phrases like computational linguistics, particle swarm optimization, machine learning, domain ontologies, agent-oriented architectures, etc. all the time because its normal vernacular. But we know in most instances our techno-speak will need to be translated into terminology that's more consumer-oriented once commercial applications start to be generated. It's the gap that I worry about. The translation from artificial intelligence, computer science, and mathematics specific terminology into descriptions that the average citizen will end up trying to grapple with. For instance:
Probabilistic cleaning over trajectory events of mobile RFID objects
Authors: Liao Guoqiong , Yu Philip S. , Zhong Qianhui , Xie Sihong , Wan Changxuan , Liu Dexi
Published: July 2017

Cleaning up the trajectory events of mobile RFID objects should take the uncertainty of location and unreliability of event detection into account at the same time. In the paper, we first discuss the rules to distinguish false detection events in RFID object trajectories. Then, as a unified cleaning framework, we establish a probabilistic region connection graph to represent region detection features, region connection relationships, and region transition probabilities between neighboring physical regions. Focusing on interpolating the missing events, we suggest two path-based probabilistic cleaning strategies, namely, the Most Likely Path (MLP) strategy and the Highest Weighting Probability Path (HWPP) strategy.
Deviation maps for robust and informed indoor positioning services
Authors: Blunck Henrik , Prentow Thor S. , Temme Sylvie , Thom Andreas , Vahrenhold Jan
Published: July 2017

The ability to position and track people and assets has become increasingly widespread and important in business and personal life. The prevalent means for such tasks is signal-strength-based, prominently WiFi-based, positioning, together with GNSS positioning. The latter, however, is insufficient for the majority of indoor environments in which most of our work and personal lives takes place. Signal-strength-based positioning, though, too, is error-prone in real-life building environments, suffering from large biases induced by the often many and complex attenuating elements in the environment. Additionally, in the prevalent signal-strength-based positioning methods, which rely solely on signal pattern matching, such biases and errors are hard to assess and thus positioning quality and glitches hard to predict.

We present an approach for assessing, visualizing, and counter-acting positioning biases and impairments in signal-strength-based positioning. This approach, centered around the notion of deviation maps, aim at improving positioning quality and predictability/reliability and, at the same time, at gaining knowledge and understanding of tracking quality. We seek to understand how the tracking quality is influenced by both positioning installation and building environment, and how the former may be altered to better suit the latter. We discuss results from applying our approach in a real-world large-scale work environment, a major hospital spanning 160,000 square meters, as well as lessons learned from the underlying experimentation-driven and use-centric design process. From these lessons we also derive directions for future work.
ISA 2016 workshop report
Authors: Cheema Muhammad Aamir , Ali Mohammed Eunus
Published: July 2017

The series of ISA workshops started in 2009 to exchange original and cutting-edge research dedicated to indoor spatial awareness. As spatial information technologies and applications grow beyond their traditional boundaries, research on indoor space is increasingly attracting attention from academia and industry. Location Based Services, Geographic Information Systems, and Ubiquitous Computing Applications are all extending their coverage from outdoor to indoor spaces. Indoor space differs from outdoor space in several important aspects, including layout, topology, constraints, and so forth. High-quality research is required to create new theories and to acquire fresh experiences that can be applied to building integrated, seamless systems across spatial boundaries. This workshop is intended to bring together researchers, developers, and practitioners who work on different topics of indoor spatial awareness and to provide a forum for inspiring interdisciplinary discussions in all relevant aspects.
The Cell Wall of the Human Fungal Pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus: Biosynthesis, Organization, Immune Response, and Virulence
Authors: Latgé Jean-Paul , Beauvais Anne , Chamilos Georgios
Published: July 2017

More than 90% of the cell wall of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus comprises polysaccharides. Biosynthesis of the cell wall polysaccharides is under the control of three types of enzymes: transmembrane synthases, which are anchored to the plasma membrane and use nucleotide sugars as substrates, and cell wall–associated transglycosidases and glycosyl hydrolases, which are responsible for remodeling the de novo synthesized polysaccharides and establishing the three-dimensional structure of the cell wall. For years, the cell wall was considered an inert exoskeleton of the fungal cell. The cell wall is now recognized as a living organelle, since the composition and cellular localization of the different constitutive cell wall components (especially of the outer layers) vary when the fungus senses changes in the external environment. The cell wall plays a major role during infection. The recognition of the fungal cell wall by the host is essential in the initiation of the immune response. The interactions between the different pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) and cell wall pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) orientate the host response toward either fungal death or growth, which would then lead to disease development. Understanding the molecular determinants of the interplay between the cell wall and host immunity is fundamental to combatting Aspergillus diseases.
Spontaneous Hematoma of the Rectus Sheath: Urgent Embolization with Squidperi Liquid Embolic Device
Authors: Torcia Pierluca , Rossi Umberto G. , Squarza Silvia , Cariati Maurizio
Published: July 2017

We treated a 78-year-old female affected by nontraumatic spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma. We decided to perform the embolization with the new liquid agent Squidperi. Complete exclusion of the bleeding vessel was obtained without complications. Its use should be considered for treatment of nontraumatic rectus sheath hematoma.
Pertussis Reinfection in an Adult: A Cause of Persistent Cough Not to Be Ignored
Authors: Koufakis Theocharis , Paschala Anastasia , Siapardanis Dimitrios
Published: July 2017

Pertussis is traditionally considered as a disease of the childhood; however, accumulating evidence suggests a stable increase of its incidence among adults and adolescents, during the last decades. Despite the fact that reinfection after natural disease or vaccination is not uncommon, the index of clinical suspicion of pertussis diagnosis in adults remains low. In this article, we report a case of pertussis reinfection 30 years after natural infection, which was complicated by pneumonia, and we discuss our diagnostic and therapeutic approach, aiming to raise clinicians’ degree of suspicion regarding pertussis diagnosis in adults. Prompt recognition and appropriate therapy of adult patients can result in the effective control of the symptoms, prevention of severe complications, and spread of the infection to children; thus, they are of great clinical and public health importance.
Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration for Retrieval of Impacted Dormia Basket following Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography with Mechanical Failure: Case Report with Literature Review
Authors: O’Brien J. W. , Tyler R. , Shaukat S. , Harris A. M.
Published: July 2017

Dormia baskets are commonly used during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). One complication is basket retention, through impaction with a gallstone or wire fracture. We describe a case where the external handle of the basket snapped causing retained basket plus large gallstone impacted in the common bile duct (CBD). Following laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic CBD exploration allowed direct stone fragmentation under vision with the choledochoscope. Fragments were removed using a choledochoscopic basket and Fogarty catheter, and the basket was withdrawn. Literature search identified 114 cases of retained baskets with management including shockwave lithotripsy (27%), papillary balloon dilatation (22%), open CBD exploration (11%), and one laparoscopic case.
Concomitant Transverse Myelitis and Acute Axonal Sensory-Motor Neuropathy in an Elderly Patient
Authors: Oliveira L. M. , Cury R. G. , Castro L. H. , Nitrini R.
Published: July 2017

Diagnosing concomitant transverse myelitis (TM) and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) can be challenging. We report a case of an elderly patient presenting with acute sensory and motor disturbances in the four limbs, associated with urinary retention, ophthalmoparesis, facial weakness, and dysarthria. Electrodiagnostic studies were consistent with acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN), and imaging showed a longitudinally extensive tumefactive contrast-enhancing hyperintense spinal cord lesion extending from T6 to the cone. Concomitant AMSAN and TM have not been previously reported in the elderly. Comorbid TM and other GBS variants have been previously reported. Intravenous methylprednisolone, plasma exchange, cyclophosphamide, or combination therapies are usually used, although there are no randomized controlled studies regarding treatment choices.
EGFRAmplification andIDHMutations in Glioblastoma Patients of the Northeast of Morocco
Authors: Senhaji Nadia , Louati Sara , Chbani Laila , El Fatemi Hind , Hammas Nawal , Mikou Karima , Maaroufi Mustapha , Benzagmout Mohammed , Boujraf Said , El Bardai Sanae , Giry Marine , Marie Yannick , Chaoui El Faiz Mohammed , Mokhtari Karima , Idbaih Ahmed , Amarti Afaf , Bennis Sanae
Published: July 2017

Glioblastomas are the most frequent and aggressive primary brain tumors which are expressing various evolutions, aggressiveness, and prognosis. Thus, the 2007 World Health Organization classification based solely on the histological criteria is no longer sufficient. It should be complemented by molecular analysis for a true histomolecular classification. The new 2016 WHO classification of tumors of the central nervous system uses molecular parameters in addition to histology to reclassify these tumors and reduce the interobserver variability. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence ofIDHmutations andEGFRamplifications in the population of the northeast region of Morocco and then to compare the results with other studies.Methods.IDH1codon 132 andIDH2codon 172 were directly sequenced and the amplification of exon 20 ofEGFRgene was investigated by qPCR in 65 glioblastoma tumors diagnosed at the University Hospital of Fez between 2010 and 2014.Results. The R132HIDH1mutation was observed in 8 of 65 tumor samples (12.31%). No mutation ofIDH2was detected.EGFRamplification was identified in 17 cases (26.15%).Conclusion. A systematic search of both histological and molecular markers should be requisite for a good diagnosis and a better management of glioblastomas.
Prediction of Outcome in Neonates with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy II: Role of Amplitude-Integrated Electroencephalography and Cerebral Oxygen Saturation Measured by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Goeral Katharina , Urlesberger Berndt , Giordano Vito , Kasprian Gregor , Wagner Michael , Schmidt Lisa , Berger Angelika , Klebermass-Schrehof Katrin , Olischar Monika
Published: July 2017

Background: Few data have been published on the combined use of amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for outcome prediction in neonates cooled for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the predictive values and the most powerful predictive combinations of single aEEG and NIRS parameters and the respective cut-off values with regard to short-term outcomes in HIE II. Methods: aEEG and NIRS were prospectively studied at the Medical University of Vienna in the first 102 h of life with regard to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thirty-two neonates diagnosed with HIE II treated with hypothermia were investigated. The measurement period was divided into 6-h epochs. According to MRI, 2 outcome groups were defined and predictive values of aEEG parameters, regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2), and the additional value of both methods combined were studied. Receiver operating curves (ROC) were obtained and area under the curve (AUC) values were calculated. ROC were then used to detect the optimal cut-off points, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values. Results: At all time epochs, combined parameter scores were more predictive than single parameter scores. The highest AUC were observed between 18 and 60 h of cooling for the aEEG summation score (0.72-0.84) and for (background pattern + seizures) × rScO2 (0.79-0.85). At 42-60 h sensitivity was similar between those 2 scores (87.5-90.0%), but the addition of NIRS to aEEG led to an increase in specificity (from 52.4-59.1% to 72.7-90.5%). Conclusions: In HIE II, aEEG and NIRS are important predictors of short-term outcome. The combination of both methods improves prognostication. The highest predictive abilities were observed between 18 and 60 h of cooling.
The Impact of Low-Grade Germinal Matrix-Intraventricular Hemorrhage on Neurodevelopmental Outcome of Very Preterm Infants
Authors: Reubsaet Pauline , Brouwer Annemieke J. , van Haastert Ingrid C. , Brouwer Margaretha J. , Koopman Corine , Groenendaal Floris , de Vries Linda S.
Published: July 2017

Background: Very preterm infants often show germinal matrix-intraventricular hemorrhage (GMH-IVH) on cranial ultrasound (cUS). Aim: To determine the impact of low-grade GMH-IVH on early neurodevelopmental outcome in very preterm infants. Methods: A retrospective case-control study in very preterm infants with and without low-grade GMH-IVH on cUS. Additional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was available in all infants with a gestational age (GA) <28 weeks and high-risk infants >28 weeks. Infants were seen at 2 years' corrected age to assess neurodevelopment. Results: In total, 136 infants (GA 24-32 weeks) with low-grade GMH-IVH on cUS were matched with 255 controls. Outcome data was available for 342 (87%) infants. Adverse outcome (i.e., cerebral palsy [CP], neurodevelopmental delay) was present in 11 (9%) cases and 20 (9%) controls. No statistically significant differences in outcome were found between cases and controls. Additional MRI was performed in 165/391 infants (42%) and showed additional lesions in 73 (44%) infants that could explain subsequent development of CP in 2 out of 5 infants and epilepsy in 1 of 2 infants. Conclusion: Very preterm infants with low-grade GMH-IVH on cUS have a similar early neurodevelopmental outcome compared with controls. Additional MRI showed mostly subtle abnormalities that were missed with cUS, but these could not explain subsequent development of CP and developmental delay in all infants.
Sirtuins in Skin and Skin Cancers
Authors: Garcia-Peterson Liz Mariely , Wilking-Busch Melissa Jean , Ndiaye Mary Ann , Philippe Christine Gaby Azer , Setaluri Vijayasaradhi , Ahmad Nihal
Published: July 2017

The sirtuins are a family of proteins that comprise class III of the histone deacetylases. These NAD+-dependent proteins have been found to be intricately involved in a variety of important and skin-relevant cellular functions and processes, including aging, UV damage response, oxidative stress, and wound repair. In addition, recent research is unraveling the role of sirtuins in a variety of skin diseases, including melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers. In this review, we provide a discussion on the potential roles and implications of different sirtuins in skin-specific cellular processes, which may have relevance to skin health and skin diseases. Based on the available literature, the sirtuins appear to be important targets in the management of a variety of skin diseases from cosmetic (e.g., skin aging) to fatal conditions (e.g., melanoma).
Intestinal Obstruction of Uncommon Cause and Point-of-Care Ultrasonography - Where Do We Stand
Authors: Capela Tiago , Sousa Paula , Caldeira Ana , Pereira Eduardo
Published: July 2017

Malignant neoplasms of the small bowel, especially from the jejunum, are among the rarest types of cancer. Given its location, a delayed diagnosis is frequent and sometimes only made in an emergency context. The authors present a case of intestinal obstruction, where ultrasonography was pivotal in establishing a diagnosis. Point-of-care ultrasonography seems to be particularly sensitive in assessing emergency patients with abdominal pain, allowing effective orientation and saving human and technical resources.
Sturge-Weber Syndrome Associated with Monolateral Ocular Melanocytosis, Iris Mammillations, and Diffuse Choroidal Haemangioma
Authors: Plateroti Andrea Maria , Plateroti Rocco , Mollo Roberto , Librando Aloisa , Contestabile Maria Teresa , Fenicia Vito
Published: July 2017

We present the case of a 12-year-old boy with Sturge-Weber syndrome and ocular melanocytosis who presented with bilateral naevus flammeus of the face and hyperpigmentation of the right iris associated with ipsilateral iris mammillations. The patient had glaucoma and a diffuse choroidal haemangioma of the right eye. Optical coherence tomography of the anterior segment confirmed iris hyper-pigmentation and did not show abnormalities of the chamber angle structures. B-scan ultrasonography and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography were performed and showed a marked difference in thickness and reflectance between the right and left choroid. Visual field examinations with perimetry showed early defects in the right eye. Peripapillary optical coherence imaging showed borderline values of retinal nerve fibre layer thickness reduction in the right eye. Sturge-Weber syndrome associated with ocular melanocytosis and iris mammillations is an extremely rare condition. This paper highlights the role of multi-imaging methods in the enhanced evaluation of rare diseases towards choosing the most appropriate management strategies and improving the follow-up of patients over time.
Application of the DruGeVar Database in Cancer Genomics and Pharmacogenomics
Authors: Sarris Konstantinos , Komianou Angeliki , Patrinos George P. , Katsila Theodora
Published: July 2017

In the post-genomic era, there is an increasing and urgent need for managing and visualizing big data. Data complexity and size will turn information growth into knowledge growth only if presented in a comprehensive and user-friendly way. In such a context, the information technology community collaborates in a multidisciplinary manner with other scientific fields searching for and/or developing tools and services for data management and visualization. We have previously developed DruGeVar, a comprehensive database that triangulates drugs with genes and pharmacogenomic biomarkers to serve clinical pharmacogenomics. To empower its functionality, we explored and implemented new visualization tools, such as POWER-BI (Microsoft), which allows for interactive visualization. Herein, we describe the synergy of POWER-BI and DruGeVar, focusing on cancer genomics data in light of translational pharmacogenomics.
Serum Ferritin Variations and Mortality in Incident Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Kim Taehee , Streja Elani , Soohoo Melissa , Rhee Connie M. , Eriguchi Rieko , Kim Tae Woo , Chang Tae Ik , Obi Yoshitsugu , Kovesdy Csaba P. , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar
Published: July 2017

Background: Higher serum ferritin levels may be influenced by iron use and inflammation, and are associated with higher mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We hypothesized that a major rise in serum ferritin is associated with a higher risk of mortality, irrespective of baseline serum ferritin in incident HD patients. Methods: In a cohort of 93,979 incident HD patients between 2007 and 2011, we examined the association of change in serum ferritin from the baseline patient quarter (first 91 days from dialysis start) to the subsequent quarter with mortality. Multivariable adjustments were done for case-mix and markers of the malnutrition, and inflammation complex and intravenous iron dose. Change in serum ferritin was stratified into 5 groups: <-400, -400 to <-100, -100 to <100, 100 to <400, and ≥400 ng/mL/quarter. Results: The median change in serum ferritin was 89 ng/mL/quarter (interquartile range -55 to 266 ng/mL/quarter). Compared to stable serum ferritin (-100 to <100 ng/mL/quarter), a major rise (≥400 ng/mL/quarter) was associated with higher all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [95% CI] 1.07 [0.99-1.15], 1.17 [1.09-1.24], 1.26 [1.12-1.41], and 1.49 [1.27-1.76] according to baseline serum ferritin: <200, 200 to <500, 500 to <800, and ≥800 ng/mL in adjusted models, respectively. The mortality risk associated with a rise in serum ferritin was robust, irrespective of intravenous iron use. Conclusions: During the first 6-months after HD initiation, a major rise in serum ferritin in those with a baseline ferritin ≥200 ng/mL and even a slight rise in serum ferritin in those with a baseline ferritin ≥800 ng/mL are associated with higher mortality.
SGLT1 Deficiency Turns Listeria Infection into a Lethal Disease in Mice
Authors: Sharma Piyush , Khairnar Vishal , Madunić Ivana Vrhovac , Singh Yogesh , Pandyra Aleksandra , Salker Madhuri S. , Koepsell Hermann , Sabolić Ivan , Lang Florian , Lang Philipp A. , Lang Karl S.
Published: July 2017

Background: Cellular glucose uptake may involve either non-concentrative glucose carriers of the GLUT family or Na+-coupled glucose-carrier SGLT1, which accumulates glucose against glucose gradients and may thus accomplish cellular glucose uptake even at dramatically decreased extracellular glucose concentrations. SGLT1 is not only expressed in epithelia but as well in tumour cells and immune cells. Immune cell functions strongly depend on their metabolism, therefore we hypothesized that deficiency of SGLT1 modulates the defence against bacterial infection. To test this hypothesis, we infected wild type mice and gene targeted mice lacking functional SGLT1 with Listeria monocytogenes. Methods: SGLT1 deficient mice and wild type littermates were infected with 1x104 CFU Listeria monocytogenes intravenously. Bacterial titers were determined by colony forming assay, SGLT1, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-12a transcript levels were determined by qRT-PCR, as well as SGLT1 protein abundance and localization by immunohistochemistry. Results: Genetic knockout of SGLT1 (Slc5a1–/– mice) significantly compromised bacterial clearance following Listeria monocytogenes infection with significantly enhanced bacterial load in liver, spleen, kidney and lung, and significantly augmented hepatic expression of TNF-α and IL-12a. While all wild type mice survived, all SGLT1 deficient mice died from the infection. Conclusions: SGLT1 is required for bacterial clearance and host survival following murine Listeria infection.
Entre caras y caretas: caricatura y fotografía en los inicios de la prensa ilustrada argentina
Authors: Cuarterolo Andrea
Published: July 2017

A pesar de los debates que a partir de 1839 enfrentaron al daguerrotipo con las artes tradicionales, fotografía y caricatura iniciaron tempranamente unafructífera relación, que se extendería al nuevo siglo. En este artículo estudiamos algunas particularidades de este fenómeno en la prensa argentina, focalizándonos en la revista Caras y Caretas, cuyo carácter pionero y modélico sentó las bases para muchas publicaciones locales posteriores. Analizando las diversas formas de interacción entre fotografía y caricatura, mostramos el rápido proceso de sofisticación y entrenamiento visual que propiciaron estas tempranas revistas ilustradas.
Relationship Between Myocardial Function, Body Mass Index, and Outcome After ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Joyce Emer , Hoogslag Georgette E. , Kamperidis Vasileios , Debonnaire Philippe , Katsanos Spyridon , Mertens Bart , Marsan Nina Ajmone , Bax Jeroen J. , Delgado Victoria
Published: July 2017

Background—

Better survival for overweight and obese patients after ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been demonstrated. The association between body mass index (BMI), outcome, and left ventricular (LV) structure and function after STEMI, including LV longitudinal strain (global longitudinal strain), was evaluated.

Methods and Results—

First patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (n=1604; mean age, 61±12 years; 75% men) had BMI measured on admission, and 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography performed within 48 hours. Patients were categorized based on standard criteria (normal/underweight, BMI<25 kg/m
2
[n=486]; overweight, 25≤BMI<30 kg/m
2
[n=820]; obese, BMI≥30 kg/m
2
[n=298]). LV global longitudinal strain was measured using speckle-tracking analysis. Primary outcome measure was all-cause mortality. Compared with normal/underweight patients, obese patients were younger and more likely to have diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia and have higher discharge blood pressures. Despite no significant differences in infarct size, obese patients had significantly more impaired LV global longitudinal strain (−13.7±3.8 versus −15.0±4.2% and −15.0±4.1%;
P
<0.001) compared with normal/underweight and overweight patients, respectively. Although normal/underweight patients had the worst overall survival (log-rank
P
=0.04) after STEMI during a median follow-up of 5.2 (3.6, 6.9) years on Kaplan–Meier analysis, a significant nonlinear association between BMI and all-cause mortality across the range of BMI was seen, persisting after adjustment for age and sex.

Conclusions—

Obese patients demonstrate greater adverse LV remodeling and more impaired LV deformation after STEMI compared with those with normal BMI, amid similar infarct characteristics. Normal weight patients continue to demonstrate the worst survival, suggesting that the potential nonadverse effect of higher BMI in this population is independent of LV function.
Effect of Ferric Carboxymaltose on Exercise Capacity in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure and Iron Deficiency
Authors: van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Ponikowski Piotr , van der Meer Peter , Metra Marco , Böhm Michael , Doletsky Artem , Voors Adriaan A. , Macdougall Iain C. , Anker Stefan D. , Roubert Bernard , Zakin Lorraine , Cohen-Solal Alain
Published: July 2017

Background:

Iron deficiency is common in patients with heart failure (HF) and is associated with reduced exercise capacity and poor outcomes. Whether correction of iron deficiency with (intravenous) ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) affects peak oxygen consumption [peak V
O
2
], an objective measure of exercise intolerance in HF, has not been examined.

Methods:

We studied patients with systolic HF (left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45%) and mild to moderate symptoms despite optimal HF medication. Patients were randomized 1:1 to treatment with FCM for 24 weeks or standard of care. The primary end point was the change in peak V
O
2
from baseline to 24 weeks. Secondary end points included the effect on hematinic and cardiac biomarkers, quality of life, and safety. For the primary analysis, patients who died had a value of 0 imputed for 24-week peak V
O
2
. Additional sensitivity analyses were performed to determine the impact of imputation of missing peak V
O
2
data.

Results:

A total of 172 patients with HF were studied and received FCM (n=86) or standard of care (control group, n=86). At baseline, the groups were well matched; mean age was 64 years, 75% were male, mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 32%, and peak V
O
2
was 13.5 mL/min/kg. FCM significantly increased serum ferritin and transferrin saturation. At 24 weeks, peak V
O
2
had decreased in the control group (least square means −1.19±0.389 mL/min/kg) but was maintained on FCM (−0.16±0.387 mL/min/kg;
P
=0.020 between groups). In a sensitivity analysis, in which missing data were not imputed, peak V
O
2
at 24 weeks decreased by −0.63±0.375 mL/min/kg in the control group and by −0.16±0.373 mL/min/kg in the FCM group;
P
=0.23 between groups). Patients’ global assessment and functional class as assessed by the New York Heart Association improved on FCM versus standard of care.

Conclusions:

Treatment with intravenous FCM in patients with HF and iron deficiency improves iron stores. Although a favorable effect on peak V
O
2
was observed on FCM, compared with standard of care in the primary analysis, this effect was highly sensitive to the imputation strategy for peak V
O
2
among patients who died. Whether FCM is associated with an improved outcome in these high-risk patients needs further study.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01394562.
Geographic Variations in Cardiovascular Disease Mortality Among Asian American Subgroups, 2003–2011
Authors: Pu Jia , Hastings Katherine G. , Boothroyd Derek , Jose Powell O. , Chung Sukyung , Shah Janki B. , Cullen Mark R. , Palaniappan Latha P. , Rehkopf David H.
Published: July 2017

Background

There are well‐documented geographical differences in cardiovascular disease (
CVD
) mortality for non‐Hispanic whites. However, it remains unknown whether similar geographical variation in
CVD
mortality exists for Asian American subgroups. This study aims to examine geographical differences in
CVD
mortality among Asian American subgroups living in the United States and whether they are consistent with geographical differences observed among non‐Hispanic whites.

Methods and Results

Using US death records from 2003 to 2011 (n=3 897 040
CVD
deaths), age‐adjusted
CVD
mortality rates per 100 000 population and age‐adjusted mortality rate ratios were calculated for the 6 largest Asian American subgroups (Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese) and compared with non‐Hispanic whites. There were consistently lower mortality rates for all Asian American subgroups compared with non‐Hispanic whites across divisions for
CVD
mortality and ischemic heart disease mortality. However, cerebrovascular disease mortality demonstrated substantial geographical differences by Asian American subgroup. There were a number of regional divisions where certain Asian American subgroups (Filipino and Japanese men, Korean and Vietnamese men and women) possessed no mortality advantage compared with non‐Hispanic whites. The most striking geographical variation was with Filipino men (age‐adjusted mortality rate ratio=1.18; 95%
CI
, 1.14–1.24) and Japanese men (age‐adjusted mortality rate ratio=1.05; 95%
CI
: 1.00–1.11) in the Pacific division who had significantly higher cerebrovascular mortality than non‐Hispanic whites.

Conclusions

There was substantial geographical variation in Asian American subgroup mortality for cerebrovascular disease when compared with non‐Hispanic whites. It deserves increased attention to prioritize prevention and treatment in the Pacific division where approximately 80% of Filipinos
CVD
deaths and 90% of Japanese
CVD
deaths occur in the United States.
Visualizations in Economics
Authors: Carriazo Fernando , García Jorge H
Published: July 2017

Visual artists and graphic designers have rarely communicated with economists. Yet much of applied economics involves comparisons of states of the world that ought to be imagined. Through a simple case study, we discuss methods used in economics to value individual preferences over the environment, and the use of visualizations in these exercises. We pinpoint that it is time for economists to start a constructive dialogue with artists in general and visual artists in particular.
Transforming Nature
Authors: McMahon Margot
Published: July 2017

Interpretations of human, plant and animal forms define the sculptures and drawings of MargotMcMahon. Humans, plants and animals symbolizing lifeforms may be fused into organic interpretations in bronze, ciment Fondu, aluminum, stone or wood. These sculptural symbols, in natural materials, emphasize the importance of interdependent and unique evolved forms of nature.
Checklist of scythridid moths (Lepidoptera, Scythrididae) of Ukraine with description of two new species
Authors: BIDZILYA OLEKSIY V. , BUDASHKIN YURY I. , ZHAKOV ALEKSANDR V.
Published: July 2017

An annotated list of 46 species of Scythrididae from Ukraine is given. Two species are described as new: Scythris zhakovi Bidzilya & Budashkin, sp. n. (Crimea, Kherson Region) and Scythris psammitis Bidzilya & Budashkin sp. n. (Kherson Region). 13 species are recorded from Ukraine for the first time: Scythris bifissella (Hofmann, 1889); Scythris perlucidella Nupponen & Nupponen, 2000; Scythris subaerariella (Stainton, 1867), Scythris aegrella K. Nupponen & Junnilainen, 2000, Scythris sinensis (Felder & Rogenhofer, 1875); Scythris anomaloptera (Staudinger, 1880); Scythris flaviventrella (Herrich-Schäffer, 1855); Scythris acipenserella Nupponen & Nupponen, 2000; Scythris nigridorsella K. Nupponen, 2007; Scythris mikkolai Sinev, 1993; Scythris sublaminella Nupponen & Nupponen, 2000; Scythris kasyi Hannemann, 1962; and Episcythris triangulella (Ragonot, 1874). One species remains undetermined due to lack of male. The biology of S. zhakovi sp. n., S. aegrella, S. acipenserella and S. inertella is described based on observation by the second author in Crimea. The adults and the genitalia of one or both sexes of S. anomaloptera, S. flaviventrella, S. pudorinella (Möschler, 1866), S. kasyi and S. aegrella are illustrated.
The spiny theridiid genus Meotipa Simon, 1895 in India, with description of a strange new species with translucent abdomen and a phylogenetic analysis about the genus placement (Araneae, Theridiidae)
Authors: KULKARNI SIDDHARTH , VARTAK ATUL , DESHPANDE VISHWAS , HALALI DHEERAJ
Published: July 2017

A characteristic new species Meotipa sahyadri n. sp. with tall and white translucent abdomen in females is described in detail based on morphology of both sexes, based on specimens collected from the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa. The new species has epigynal projection which is known only in Meotipa picturata Simon, 1895, but differs in shape (trifid vs. quadrangular respectively). Males have longest straight embolus exceeding conductor length. Observations of its natural history are provided. Meotipa picturata is newly recorded from Goa, which extends its north-westward distribution from the previously known records from ‘Kodei Kanal’, India (type locality), Ratchasima Province, Thailand and East Kalimantan, Indonesia. A new combination Meotipa andamanensis (Tikader, 1977) n. comb. (=Argyrodes andamanensis) is proposed based on the comparison of description and illustrations provided in the original paper to that of the characters of the type species M.picturata. 242 morphological characters studied in the previous literature and one additional character ‘epigynal projection’ were scored for Meotipa sahyadri n. sp. and Meotipa picturata. These species were obtained monophyletic, placed within Theridiinae as sister to Chrysso cf. nigriceps using parsimony analysis and Bayesian inference.
A new species of Gonatodes (Squamata: Sphaerodactylidae) from the western versant of the Cordillera de Mérida, Venezuela
Authors: SCHARGEL WALTER E. , RIVAS GILSON A. , GARCÍA-PÉREZ JUAN E. , RIVERO-BLANCO CARLOS , CHIPPINDALE PAUL T. , FUJITA MATTHEW K.
Published: July 2017

Gonatodes rayito sp. nov. is described from the western versant of the Cordillera de Mérida, Venezuela. Like most species of Gonatodes the new species is sexually dichromatic and is one of only a few in the genus in which individuals have a conspicuous, pale middorsal stripe. The new species is similar to, and has been confused in the past with, G. petersi and G. vittatus. It differs from both species in several aspects of color pattern, and also from G. vittatus in size and scale counts. The validity of Gonatodes rayito sp. nov. is also strongly supported by a phylogenetic analysis using a fragment of the ornithine decarboxylase nuclear gene.
Judicial Power and the Restoration of Federalism
Authors: Nagel Robert F.
Published: July 2017

A series of decisions by the United States Supreme Court raises the question of whether the federal judiciary will help to induce a major shift toward decentralization. Despite the ambitious hopes of some observers and the desperate fears of others, there are reasons to doubt that the Court will implement such a program. The justices are unlikely to persist in protecting states' rights in part because of their own ambivalence and in part because the idea itself is too self-contradictory to support a consistent interpretive agenda. Even if the Court were to overcome these problems, it lacks the capacity to control the relevant behaviors and attitudes. The main potential political allies in a states'-rights campaign—state officials and populist dissenters—are unlikely to have interests compatible with judicial norms or to be effective voices for federalism. In fact, general social and cultural conditions seem to favor further centralization.
Federalism and the Court: Congress as the Audience?
Authors: Jackson Vicki C.
Published: July 2017

The Supreme Court's revival of federalism as a limit on national power has roots, in part, in the Court's mistrust of the national legislative process and its sense of institutional competition with Congress. To the extent that the Court is concerned about careless legislating, six rules of "care and craft" in drafting legislation are proposed for members of Congress to consider: develop a factual record, reflect the source of constitutional authority, tailor the statute to reach "national" and not "local" matters, consider the implications of decentralized enforcement for surviving constitutional challenges as well as for efficacy, consider whether state governments are treated comparably to the federal government, and be particularly cautious in efforts to overrule the effects of the Court's decisions. To the extent the Court is concerned with its own institutional prerogatives, however, or is committed to a categorical divide between areas constitutionally committed to the states and the federal government, care and craft alone will not be a solution.
Friends or Foes? Nonprofits and the Puzzle of Welfare Reform
Authors: Withorn Ann
Published: July 2017

Nonprofit human service agencies are in the middle of the welfare reform mess. They may have the opportunity to obtain more public dollars for delivering more services to low-income families, and from their position, they have the potential to be effective witnesses to what is happening. On the other hand, the effects of welfare reform on the constituencies they serve call for advocacy and challenging action that they do not know how to do. The author uses comments from interviews with workers in the system to argue that, if agencies are not very careful, it will be extremely hard for them to play a dependable role in whatever future welfare state evolves.
Explaining Aspects of the Transition to Adulthood in Italy, Sweden, Germany, and the United States: A Cross-Disciplinary, Case Synthesis Approach
Authors: Cook Thomas D. , Furstenberg Frank F.
Published: July 2017

This paper synthesizes essays on Italy, Sweden, Germany, and the United States that were presented at a conference seeking to explain the school, work, and family findings outlined in these foregoing chapters. Three essays were written per country--by a social historian, by a developmental scientist, and by someone in social policy. This paper synthesizes these country-specific accounts. For Italy, the synthesis constructed stresses the accommodations the Italian family has to make because of the protracted period during which adult children live at home. For Sweden, the synthesis emphasizes the willingness of many formal and informal institutions to support youthful experimentation, so long as it does not go over into the early twenties. For Germany, the synthesis stresses the strains the apprenticeship system is under because of the increasing strength of market-oriented labor policies in German business. And for the United States, the synthesis emphasizes how race and poverty create particularly difficult transitions in a nation that stresses individual initiative, and where second or third chances are available but are not easily attainable.
Globalization from Below: Toward a Collectively Rational and Democratic Global Commonwealth
Authors: Chase-Dunn Christopher
Published: July 2017

This article presents a model of the structures and processes of the modern world-system and proposes a project to transform the system into a democratic and collectively rational global commonwealth. Popular transnational social movements are challenging the ideological hegemony of corporate capitalism. The global women's movement, the labor movement, environmentalist movements, and indigenous movements are attempting to form strong alliances that can challenge the domination of an emerging transnational capitalist class. This article argues that new democratic socialist states in the semiperiphery will be crucial allies and sources of support for the antisystemic movements.
Danish Drug Policy— An Ambivalent Balance between Repression and Welfare
Authors: Laursen Lau , Jepsen Jorgen
Published: July 2017

This article maps recent developments in drug policy in Denmark: control, treatment, prevention, and harm reduction. Prevailing issues have been the introduction of a Danish heroin experiment, injection rooms and other harm reduction measures, moral panics around street level phenomena, and a renewed discussion of the relative roles of law enforcement and treatment/harm reduction. The power positions of the actors--police, politicians, administrators, and users' representatives--have shifted over time. A covert conflict between the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Health has resulted in an uneasy balance on the political and policy level and confusion about guidelines and practices. There have been oscillations between optimism and pessimism in the law enforcement and treatment sectors. Ritualistic invocations of prohibition, prevention, and treatment coupled with ideological opposition have not been able to stem increasing acceptance of harm reduction--a modified version of the Scandinavian welfare approach.
Native American Traditional and Alternative Medicine
Authors: Johnston Susan L.
Published: July 2017

Native American traditional medicine is alive and vibrant in many North American societies, although not all. These traditions coexist with other forms of healing, and the particular patterns of existence, interaction, and meaning vary among groups. The literature examining these issues is likewise diverse. This article explores, through a selective review of the recent literature, how social and behavioral scientists, among others, are focusing their investigations of traditional and alternative medicine in Native American communities of the United States and Canada today. Issues include how native practices have persisted and changed, how they are being used (e.g., in framing cultural identity), and how they interact with other systems, especially biomedicine and faith healing.
The Social Context of Science: Cancer and the Environment
Authors: Davis Devra Lee , Webster Pamela S.
Published: July 2017

Science remains an eminently social institution, though the interactions between science and society are often poorly understood. This article addresses the context of recent efforts to identify environmental contributions to cancer. The authors first examine cancer incidence and discuss how incidence patterns may be related to air pollution and occupational and general toxic chemical and xenestrogen exposures. They then discuss the social context in which cancer research and treatment occurs, including the dominating role of the biomedical model and socioeconomic factors, including regulatory strategies that address single chemicals, corporate conflicts of interest, and the manipulation of public opinion. Last, they consider the broad context out of which cancer arises and discuss the merits of applying the precautionary principle to sustainable social policies. Progress in reducing cancer may be fruitfully made by returning our attention to broad-scale factors such as those affecting the quality of air, water, workplace, household environments, and the global climate.
Emotional Labor in Academia: The Case of Professors
Authors: Bellas Marcia L.
Published: July 2017

Most professors divide their time between teaching, research, service, and, for some, administration. As in the nonacademic labor market, there is a gendered reward structure in academia. Teaching and service are most closely aligned with characteristics and behaviors culturally defined as feminine, and, in the aggregate, women spend more time in these activities than men. Teaching and service clearly involve substantial amounts of emotional labor, but this labor is generally not seen as involving valued skills and is conse quently poorly rewarded. In contrast, research and administration are associated with traits culturally defined as masculine, and, on average, men spend more time in these activities. Although research and administration also involve emotional labor, their emotional aspects are largely ignored, while intellectual, technical, or leadership skills are emphasized and highly compensated. Aside from differences in the propensity of women and men to engage in different activities and the gendered reward structure associated with these activities, even when the tasks are the same, the type and intensity of emotional labor required of the sexes may differ.
Civil Society and European Integration
Authors: Laursen Finn
Published: July 2017

Nowadays, various processes, events, and changes are discussed under the heading of regional integration. Examples of regional integration include the European Union (EU). States increasingly deal with international interdependence through international policy coordination and integration. Joint decision making can be one way to deal with the negative externalities of interdependence. This article looks mainly at European integration. The question is whether European integration, an example of deep integration, has lessons for other integration schemes. Such lessons, if they exist, could possibly help policymakers in other parts of the world plan their efforts better and maybe avoid some mistakes. Even if many scholars have stressed that European integration is sui generis, it is the assumption of this article that lessons can be learned and that integration in different parts of the world can be compared.