bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(Re)Producing Cyborgs: Biomedicalizing Abortion through the Congressional Debate over Fetal Pain
Authors: Jaeger Ashlyn
Published: June 2018

The scientific and political debate over whether a fetus can experience pain highlights a vital and controversial boundary for governance—the boundary of human life. I use the 2012 and 2013 US federal debates over twenty-week abortion bans (also known as fetal pain laws) to investigate how personhood is constructed in a society transformed by biomedical science and technology in the United States. Although those who support and oppose the bill take different stances on abortion regulation, each relies on biomedical knowledge and risk assessment to substantiate claims. Through content analysis of congressional documents, I find that members of Congress strategically draw on biomedical discourse to manage the boundaries of bodies and construct a universal “at-risk” political subject in need of governmental protection. These findings bring scholarly debates about personhood into the era of biomedicalization by emphasizing the latent process of creating a hybridized subjectivity that I call cybernetic personhood.
The galanin receptor-3 antagonist, SNAP 37889, inhibits cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking and increases c-Fos expression in the nucleus accumbens shell of alcohol-preferring rats
Authors: Wilson Kira-Elise , Limburg Sigrid , Duggan Melissa K , Lawther Adam J , Williams Spencer J , Lawrence Andrew J , Hale Matthew W , Djouma Elvan
Published: June 2018

Introduction:

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the galanin-3 receptor antagonist, SNAP 37889, on c-Fos protein expression after cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking in the brains of alcohol-preferring rats.

Methods:

Eighteen alcohol-preferring rats were trained to self-administer 10% v/v ethanol in the presence of response-contingent cues, which was followed by extinction. Rats were then treated with SNAP 37889 (30 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle, before being tested for cue-induced reinstatement. Administration of SNAP 37889 reduced cue-induced reinstatement of ethanol-seeking behaviour. To examine the effect of SNAP 37889 and cue-induced reinstatement on neuronal activation, c-Fos expression was measured in subregions of the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens.

Results:

SNAP 37889 administration increased c-Fos immunoreactivity in the nucleus accumbens shell, but was without effect in the nucleus accumbens core and the medial prefrontal cortex. Dual-label Fos/tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry was used to examine the effects of SNAP 37889 on dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area; however, no differences between SNAP 37889 and vehicle-treated rats were found.

Conclusions:

These data support previous findings of galanin-3 receptor involvement in cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol-seeking behaviour, and provide novel evidence that the ability of galanin-3 receptor antagonism to attenuate cue-induced reinstatement relates to activation of the nucleus accumbens shell.
Risk-aware graph search with dynamic edge cost discovery
Authors: Chung Jen Jen , Smith Andrew J , Skeele Ryan , Hollinger Geoffrey A
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we introduce a novel algorithm for incorporating uncertainty into lookahead planning. Our algorithm searches through connected graphs with uncertain edge costs represented by known probability distributions. As a robot moves through the graph, the true edge costs of adjacent edges are revealed to the planner prior to traversal. This locally revealed information allows the planner to improve performance by predicting the benefit of edge costs revealed in the future and updating the plan accordingly in an online manner. Our proposed algorithm, risk-aware graph search (RAGS), selects paths with high probability of yielding low costs based on the probability distributions of individual edge traversal costs. We analyze RAGS for its correctness and computational complexity and provide a bounding strategy to reduce its complexity. We then present results in an example search domain and report improved performance compared with traditional heuristic search techniques. Lastly, we implement the algorithm in both simulated missions and field trials using satellite imagery to demonstrate the benefits of risk-aware planning through uncertain terrain for low-flying unmanned aerial vehicles.
Childhood Victimization, Recent Injustice, Anger, and Forgiveness in a Sample of Imprisoned Male Offenders
Authors: Erzar Tomaž , Yu Lifan , Enright Robert D. , Kompan Erzar Katarina
Published: June 2018

The links between childhood victimization, subsequent emotional dysregulation, and insufficient coping skills have been repeatedly documented in the scientific literature. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding the role of forgiveness as a coping strategy and relationships between offense-specific hurt, chronic anger, and early victimization. The goals of our study were (a) to explore how offenders cope with recent unjust treatment, and test the links between type of injustice, hurt experienced due to injustice, and use of forgiveness; (b) to test the links between childhood victimization, hurt, and chronic anger; and (c) to assess the mediating role of chronic anger in relation to hurt and forgiveness. The results reveal that multiplicity and severity of victimization exposure in the prison sample are positively associated with chronic anger, but not with hurt. The type of injustice affects the level of hurt and forgiveness, while chronic anger mediates the link between hurt and forgiveness. To improve coping and promote forgiving, offenders should be helped to identify everyday sources of stress and learn to express vulnerable feelings beneath anger.
Older adults' experiences of daily life occupations as everyday technology changes
Authors: Ryd Charlotta , Malinowsky Camilla , Öhman Annika , Kottorp Anders , Nygård Louise
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Knowledge is lacking of how technological development has affected occupational engagement and performance. Changes in the environment, for example, new technology, are likely to create changes in the dynamics of occupations and exploring this among older adults is especially important. This study aimed to explore what can drive and hinder the incorporation of everyday technology into occupations and how new technology affects occupational engagement and performance among older adults.

Method

A constructivist grounded theory methodology was applied. Data were collected by individual interviews with six women and five men between the ages of 67 and 92 years old. Participants also varied as regards their cognitive function and living conditions.

Results

The findings concerned the match between technology and the participants' perceptions of occupational purposes, needs of control and safety, and the kind of technology user they strived to be. A good match was a driving force for technology usage and satisfaction with the altered occupations and vice versa.

Conclusion

Occupational engagement and performance in relation to technology use can be facilitated, which is useful knowledge for stakeholders developing and implementing new technology, as well as those who encounter older adults with the needs or desire to use technology in their daily occupations.
Identification of Site Characteristics for Proactive High-Friction Surface Treatment Site Selection using Sensor-Based, Detailed, Location-Referenced Curve Characteristics Data
Authors: Tsai Yichang (James) , Wu Yi-Ching , P. S. Cibi Pranav , Ai Chengbo
Published: June 2018

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has developed a proactive high-friction surface treatment (HFST) program for curve sites prone to run-off-road (ROR) crashes. Using crash data and a single-criterion, ball bank indicator (BBI) value, GDOT seeks to maximize the return on its HFST investment. GDOT has partnered with Georgia Tech to identify additional factors for its HFST site-selection (HFST-SS) decision-making process by leveraging high-resolution, full-coverage sensor data (e.g., GPS and LiDAR). This paper proposes a methodology to identify site characteristics that can be used in GDOT’s HFST-SS process by leveraging the sensor data and automatically extracting roadway curve features as follows: (a) roadway data collection using state-of-the-art sensing technologies, (b) automatic extraction of detailed site characteristics data and curve information, (c) curved-based roadway segmentation using the extracted curve information; (d) spatial integration of curve-site characteristics data (CSCD); (e) analysis of CSCD and ROR crashes to identify additional factors for HFST site selection. A case study using CSCD extracted from Georgia State Route 2 demonstrates the proposed methodology. Results show that on sharp curves having comparable site characteristics, vertical grades greater than 3% play an important role in ROR crashes. Therefore, a vertical grade greater than 3% could be considered as an additional HFST-SS factor along with the current BBI criterion.
Deployment and Testing of Optimized Autonomous and Connected Vehicle Trajectories at a Closed-Course Signalized Intersection
Authors: Omidvar Aschkan , Pourmehrab Mahmoud , Emami Patrick , Kiriazes Rebecca , Esposito John C. , Letter Clark , Elefteriadou Lily , Crane Carl D. , Ranka Sanjay
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we discuss the deployment and testing of an intelligent real-time isolated intersection traffic control system (IICS), designed to optimize simultaneously signal control and automated vehicle (AV) and connected vehicle (CV) trajectories for low demand condition. The work described here is part of an ongoing larger project (funded by the National Science Foundation and the Florida Department of Transportation, FDOT) to develop, test, and deploy the IICS. The focus of this paper is on the deployment and testing of the algorithm at the Traffic Engineering and Research Laboratory (TERL), FDOT’s closed-course facility. The algorithm (described in more detail elsewhere) optimizes signal control and provides optimal AV and CV trajectories at isolated intersections. The algorithm is designed to handle AV, CV, and conventional vehicles in a mixed traffic and low demand condition. The paper provides an overview of the IICS framework, discusses the development and testing of the necessary software and hardware, and presents the scenarios tested at the TERL. The results from the field test confirm the feasibility of the IICS, and will be used to enhance it for future testing and ultimately for field deployment and in high demand condition.
The Structure of Comparison in the Study of Revolution
Authors: Beck Colin J.
Published: June 2018

The social scientific study of revolution has been deviled by a lack of progress in recent years, divided between competing views on the universality of patterns in revolution. This study examines the origins of these epistemologies. Drawing on an insight that different modes of comparison yield different types of knowledge, I argue that the network structure of how cases are compared constrains or enables the development of a field’s theoretical sensibilities. Analysis of comparative studies of revolution published from 1970 to 2009 reveals that the field overall is most amenable to knowledge about particular cases rather than the phenomenon of revolution broadly. Analysis of the changing structure of comparison over time reveals that comparison precedes the development of an epistemology. The results suggest that conclusions about the possibility, or lack thereof, of generalization may be an artifact of the comparative method.
Examining Dimensions of Treatment Intensity and Treatment Fidelity in Mathematics Intervention Research for Students at Risk
Authors: DeFouw Emily R. , Codding Robin S. , Collier-Meek Melissa A. , Gould Kaitlin M.
Published: June 2018

To prevent academic failure and promote long-term success, response-to-intervention (RtI) is designed to systematically increase the intensity of delivering research-based interventions. Interventions within an RtI framework must not only be effective but also be implemented with treatment fidelity and delivered with the appropriate level of treatment intensity to improve student mathematics achievement. The purpose of this systematic review was to explore the mathematics intervention research for students at risk of mathematics failure by examining intervention characteristics related to treatment fidelity and intensity. Results from 66 math intervention studies conducted from 2004 to 2015 were summarized. The majority of studies monitored treatment fidelity and provided details of some aspects of treatment intensity (i.e., dose, group size). However, interventionists’ characteristics, implementation characteristics, and treatment design were less frequently reviewed. Implications for future research and educational practices are discussed.
Temporal Gait Measures Associated With Overground and Treadmill Walking in Rett Syndrome
Authors: Layne Charles Shannon , Lee Beom-Chan , Young David Ryan , Glaze Daniel Gordon , Schwabe Aloysia , Suter Bernhard
Published: June 2018

Rett syndrome is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder leading to intellectual impairment and global developmental delays, including difficulty or inability to walk. Assessing differences in temporal parameters and associated variability between overground and treadmill walking is important if gait training is to be incorporated into intervention protocols. Fourteen female patients with Rett syndrome (mean age 10.4 years ± SD 5.1) were evaluated during overground and treadmill walking. Stride, stance, swing, and double support times, and the variance of these measures, were obtained. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to assess for potential differences between overground and treadmill measures. Treadmill gait resulted in decreases in swing and double support times. When normalized to stride time, treadmill gait displayed an increase in stance time with decreases in swing and double support times. Excepting stance time, treadmill gait resulted in decreased variability, indicating a more regularized gait while walking on the treadmill. These results suggest that treadmill walking can be beneficial for ambulatory patients with Rett syndrome and could be incorporated into a therapeutic protocol designed to maintain the maximum degree of mobility and overall general health as part of a comprehensive health management approach.
Effectiveness of Workplace Lactation Interventions on Breastfeeding Outcomes in the United States: An Updated Systematic Review
Authors: Kim Julia H. , Shin Jong C. , Donovan Sharon M.
Published: June 2018

Background

Returning to work is one of the main barriers to breastfeeding duration among working mothers in the United States. However, the impact of workplace lactation programs is unclear.

Research Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of workplace lactation programs in the United States on breastfeeding practices.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted of seven databases through September 2017. Articles ( N = 10) meeting the inclusion criteria of describing a workplace lactation intervention and evaluation in the United States and measuring initiation, exclusivity, or duration using an experimental or observational study design were critically evaluated. Two reviewers conducted quality assessments and reviewed the full-text articles during the analysis.

Results

Common services provided were breast pumps, social support, lactation rooms, and breastfeeding classes. Breastfeeding initiation was very high, ranging from 87% to 98%. Several factors were significantly associated with duration of exclusive breastfeeding: (a) receiving a breast pump for one year (8.3 versus 4.7 months), (b) return-to-work consultations (40% versus 17% at 6 months), and (c) telephone support (42% versus 15% at 6 months). Each additional service (except prenatal education) dose-dependently increased exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months. Sociodemographic information including older maternal age, working part-time, longer maternity leave, and white ethnicity were associated with longer breastfeeding duration.

Conclusion

Workplace lactation interventions increased breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusive breastfeeding, with greater changes observed with more available services. More evidence is needed on the impact of workplace support in low-income populations, and the cost-effectiveness of these programs in reducing health care costs.
Composite dynamic models for periodically heterogeneous media
Authors: Colquitt Daniel J , Danishevskyy Vladyslav V , Kaplunov Julius
Published: June 2018

Propagation of elastic waves through discrete and continuous periodically heterogeneous media is studied. A two-scale asymptotic procedure allows us to derive macroscopic dynamic equations applicable at frequencies close to the resonant frequencies of the unit cells. Matching the asymptotic solutions by two-point Padé approximants, we obtain new higher-order equations that describe the dynamic behaviour of the medium both in the low and in the high frequency limits. An advantage of the proposed approach is that all the macroscopic parameters can be determined explicitly in terms of the microscopic properties of the medium. Dispersion diagrams are evaluated and the propagation of transient waves induced by pulse and harmonic loads is considered. The developed analytical models are verified by comparison with data of numerical simulations. For high-contrast media, we can observe an analogy between the propagation of waves in heterogeneous solids and in thin-walled waveguides. It is also shown that different combinations of cell resonances may result in some additional types of waves that do not appear in the classical continuous theory.
Political Masculinities, Crisis Tendencies, and Social Transition: Toward an Understanding of Change
Authors: Starck Kathleen , Luyt Russell
Published: June 2018

This introduction to the special issue on “Political Masculinities and Social Transition” rethinks the notion of “crisis in masculinity” and points to its weaknesses, such as cyclical patterns and chronicity. Rather than viewing key moments in history as points of rupture, we understand social change as encompassing ongoing transitions marked by a “fluid nature” (Montecinos 2017, 2). In line with this, the contributions examine how political masculinities are implicated within a wide range of social transitions, such as nation building after war, the founding of a new political party in response to an economic crisis, an “authoritarian relapse” in a democracy, attempts at changing society through terrorism, rapid industrialization as well as peace building in conflict areas. Building on Starck and Sauer’s definition of “political masculinities” we suggest applying the concept to instances in which power is explicitly either being (re)produced or challenged. We distinguish between political masculinities that are more readily identified as such (e.g., professional politicians) and less readily identified political masculinities (e.g., citizens), emphasizing how these interact with each other. We ask whether there is a discernible trajectory in the characteristics of political masculinities brought about by social transition that can be confirmed across cultures. The contributors’ findings indicate that these political masculinities can contribute to different kinds of change that either maintain the status quo, are progressive, retrogressive, or a mixture of these. Revolutionary transitions, it seems, often promote the adherence to traditional forms of political masculinity, whereas more reformatory transition leaves discursive spaces for argument.
Potential Role of the Gut Microbiome in ALS: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wright Michelle L. , Fournier Christina , Houser Madelyn C. , Tansey Malú , Glass Jonathan , Hertzberg Vicki Stover
Published: June 2018

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) etiology and pathophysiology are not well understood. Recent data suggest that dysbiosis of gut microbiota may contribute to ALS etiology and progression. This review aims to explore evidence of associations between gut microbiota and ALS etiology and pathophysiology. Databases were searched for publications relevant to the gut microbiome in ALS. Three publications provided primary evidence of changes in microbiome profiles in ALS. An ALS mouse model revealed damaged tight junction structure and increased permeability in the intestine versus controls along with a shifted microbiome profile, including decreased levels of butyrate-producing bacteria. In a subsequent publication, again using an ALS mouse model, researchers showed that dietary supplementation with butyrate relieved symptoms and lengthened both time to onset of weight loss and survival time. In a small study of ALS patients and healthy controls, investigators also found decreased levels of butyrate-producing bacteria. Essential for maintaining gut barrier integrity, butyrate is the preferred energy source of intestinal epithelial cells. Ten other articles were reviews and commentaries providing indirect support for a role of gut microbiota in ALS pathophysiology. Thus, these studies provide a modicum of evidence implicating gut microbiota in ALS disease, although more research is needed to confirm the connection and determine pathophysiologic mechanisms. Nurses caring for these patients need to understand the gut microbiome and its potential role in ALS in order to effectively counsel patients and their families about emerging therapies (e.g., prebiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbial transplant) and their off-label uses.
The Burden of Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis in Canadian Children: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Bridgman Alanna C. , Eshtiaghi Panteha , Cresswell-Melville Amanda , Ramien Michele , Drucker Aaron M.
Published: June 2018

Objectives:

Although atopic dermatitis (AD) has significant impacts on quality of life, data from Canada on the subject are limited. This survey aims to assess the burden of moderate to severe AD on quality of life and disease management for pediatric patients and their caregivers in Canada.

Methods:

The Eczema Society of Canada conducted an online national cross-sectional survey in English and French. We included children with self-reported moderate to severe AD. We present descriptive statistics from the survey.

Results:

Of all initial respondents (n = 658), 70% (n = 458) were children or caregivers of children who have moderate or severe AD and were therefore eligible. Among them, 27% (123/451) are managed by a dermatologist, with 71% (174/244) waiting more than 3 months to see a dermatologist. Many respondents (85%, 279/330) feel that their child’s AD is not well controlled, and 27% (75/275) have difficulty obtaining treatments for their child’s AD. Impaired quality of life was found in 52% of families (200/381), with most reporting sleep disturbances in both the child (70%, 253/361) and the caregiver (55%, 199/361), as well as mental health issues.

Conclusions:

This survey demonstrates the medical and psychosocial burden of moderate to severe AD in Canadian children. Quality of life, access to care, and disease management are all areas of concern for patients and their families and warrant attention from individual clinicians and the health care system as a whole.
‘I Don’t Like Maths, That’s Why I am in Journalism’: Journalism Student Perceptions and Myths about Data Journalism
Authors: Weiss Amy Schmitz , Retis Jéssica
Published: June 2018

Journalism programs today face the need to train their students in the latest applications and tools - including data journalism techniques. Despite several classes and programs available in this subject area (Berret & Phillips, 2016), students are not actively enrolling in such classes. Using an epistemological approach and Actor-Network Theory (Latour, 2005), this exploratory study of US journalism students identifies some key perceptions that highlight potential barriers to entry for enrollment in such courses.
How do foreign income shocks affect the magnitude of Spanish tourism?
Authors: Iglesias Jesús , Gegundez Manuel E , Golpe Antonio A , Vides José Carlos
Published: June 2018

This article analyses how income shocks in nine countries with major tourism flows to Spain affect the Spanish tourism arrivals for the period 2000–2017. To this end, we apply a Granger causality analysis based on augmented vector autoregressive (VAR) model in levels and extra lags. This provides more efficient and robust results than the standard VAR model that can lead to biased results with limited samples, especially in the country-by-country analysis. In this article, we present the first application of these econometric techniques in the field by studying the relationship between tourism and economic growth. Empirical results suggest that the impact of gross domestic product in the origin countries of inbound Spanish tourism is heterogeneous and country specific, and asymmetric behaviours appear among countries. The analysis of this issue is relevant for the design and implementation of tourism promotion programmes specific to the country of origin by policymakers and practitioners.
A review of green systems within the indoor environment
Authors: Moya Tatiana Armijos , van den Dobbelsteen Andy , Ottelé Marc , Bluyssen Philomena M.
Published: June 2018

This paper reviews the state of art of vegetation systems and their effect on the indoor environmental quality (IEQ), based on scientific studies from the past 30 years. Some studies have shown that biophilic workspaces and interaction with plants may change human attitudes, behaviours, improve productivity and the overall well-being. Evapotranspiration from plants helps lowering the temperature around the planting environment and this can be utilised for air cooling and humidity control. Also, indoor greenery can be used to reduce sound levels as a passive acoustic insulation system. Living wall systems in combination with biofiltration are emerging technologies to provide beneficial effects on improvement of indoor comfort. Several studies have indicated that green systems may improve indoor air quality and that they have different pathways for pollutant removal of volatile organic compounds. The plant root zone in potted plants may be an effective area for removing volatile organic compounds under controlled conditions. In conclusion, the full capacity of plants in real-life settings will need to be clarified to establish the true pollutant-removal mechanisms and the general effect on IEQ. The effects of green systems in combination with mechanical elements such as conventional heating, ventilation and air conditioning would need to be studied.
Numerical optimization of straight multi-array side-branched mufflers using differential evolution method
Authors: Chiu Min-Chie
Published: June 2018

To overcome this noise, traditional reactive as well as dissipative mufflers have been used. However, the allowable backpressure and the extra load acting on the cooling tower are limited. So, in order to efficiently reduce the broad noise under a low-pressure drop and a small dead weight, a straight multi-array resonator muffler without sound absorbing wool is required. Multi-array Helmholtz mufflers with complicated Helmholtz resonators were found to be too expensive in manufacturing costs and can be easily accumulated with duct and water. Therefore, a straight multi-array side-branched muffler with an empty chamber is proposed. Here, to efficiently reduce the broadband noise level, eight kinds of mufflers (muffler A–H) with 1–8 raw chambers internally partitioned with concentric perforated plate will also be introduced. To delineate the best acoustical performance of a space-constrained muffler, a numerical assessment using a four-pole matrix method in conjunction with a differential evolution method is adopted. To verify the availability of the differential evolution optimization, a numerical optimization of mufflers A–H at a pure tone (400 Hz) is exemplified. Before the differential evolution operation in broadband noise elimination can be carried out, the accuracy of the mathematical model has been checked using the experimental data. Consequently, a successful approach in eliminating a broadband noise with a low-pressure drop and a dead load using optimally shaped straight multi-array side-branched mufflers and a differential evolution method within a constrained space has been demonstrated.
Experimental study of the tensile and flexural mechanical properties of directionally distributed steel fibre-reinforced concrete
Authors: Li Fangyuan , Cui Yunxuan , Cao Chengyuan , Wu Peifeng
Published: June 2018

Directionally distributed steel fibre-reinforced concrete has been proposed as a novel concrete because of its high tensile strength and crack resistance in specific directions. Based on the existing studies of the effect of the fibre direction on the mechanical properties of fibre-reinforced concrete, the authors in this paper performed further studies of the mechanical properties of directionally distributed steel fibre-reinforced concrete by conducting split tensile and bending tests. The split tensile strength of the directionally distributed fibre-reinforced concrete clearly exhibited anisotropy. The split tensile strength perpendicular to the fibre direction was much higher than that parallel to the fibre direction. The split tensile strength perpendicular to the fibre direction was almost twice the tensile strength of plain concrete. The flexural performance of directionally distributed fibre-reinforced concrete in the fibre direction significantly improved compared to that of randomly distributed fibre-reinforced concrete. Specifically, the flexural strength increased by as much as 97%. Gravity resulted in a deviation in the tensile properties of concrete prepared by manually and directionally placing fibres in a layered casting process. The test results can be utilised in subsequent concrete designs. The conclusions reached in this paper provide comprehensive mechanical design parameters for the application of directionally distributed fibre-reinforced concrete.
Intergovernmental or supranational integration? A quantitative analysis of pension recommendations in the European Semester
Authors: Guidi Mattia , Guardiancich Igor
Published: June 2018

The European Semester, launched in 2011, enhances the coordination of macroeconomic policies among European Union member states. This article contributes to the lively scholarly debate on whether this policy-making cycle has empowered more the European supranational or intergovernmental institutions. Drawing on a new dataset covering all pension-related country-specific recommendations between 2011 and 2016, and employing an original quantitative method, we show that the Commission mainly follows a ‘technocratic’ approach in drafting its recommendations, which are grounded in objective indicators. As the Council refrains from systematically altering the recommendations’ logic, we conclude that, at least in pension policy, the Commission’s role in macroeconomic surveillance has been significantly strengthened in the aftermath of the Great Recession.
Theorising commercial society: Rousseau, Smith and Hont
Authors: Douglass Robin
Published: June 2018

In his posthumously published lectures, Politics in Commercial Society, István Hont argues that Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Adam Smith should be understood as theorists of commercial society. This article challenges Hont’s interpretation of both thinkers and shows that some of his key claims depend on conflating the terms ‘commercial society’ and ‘commercial sociability’. I argue that, for Smith, commercial society should not be defined in terms of the moral psychology of commercial sociability, before questioning Hont’s Epicurean interpretation of Smith’s theory of sociability. I then turn to Rousseau and outline some of the difficulties involved with classifying him as a theorist of commercial society, the most important of which is that he often appeared to be more deeply opposed to commercial progress than Hont suggests. I conclude by highlighting some of the most salient differences between Rousseau’s and Smith’s views of the politics of eighteenth-century Europe.
Comorbid Hoarding and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Manifested During Early Childhood
Authors: Borda Tania , Gardini Danielle H. , Neziroglu Fugen
Published: June 2018

This case report outlines the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) used to treat an 11-year-old female, “Gabriela,” with comorbid hoarding and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Gabriela participated in treatment involving CBT and exposure and response prevention (ERP) sessions for OCD and hoarding, following a cognitive rehabilitation software program designed for cognitive impairment. Upon completion of the treatment, Gabriela no longer exhibited behaviors consistent with a comorbid hoarding and OCD diagnosis and demonstrated marked improvements in her presenting problems (mental rituals; hoarding items for magical thinking purposes). This case report supports the focus of research, continuing to explore hoarding and comorbidity diagnoses across the life span.
Dual Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Poststroke Dysphagia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pingue Valeria , Priori Alberto , Malovini Alberto , Pistarini Caterina
Published: June 2018

Background. Poststroke dysphagia is associated with considerable morbidity and has high health care cost implications. Objective. To evaluate whether anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the lesioned hemisphere and cathodal tDCS to the contralateral one during the early stage of rehabilitation can improve poststroke dysphagia. Methods. A total of 40 patients referred to our neurorehabilitation department were randomized to receive anodal tDCS over the damaged hemisphere plus cathodal stimulation over the contralateral one versus sham stimulation during swallowing maneuvers over the course of 10 sessions of treatment. Swallowing function was evaluated before and after stimulation using the Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS). Results. The percentage of patients who reached various thresholds of improvement was higher in the tDCS group than in the sham group, but the differences were not significant (eg, DOSS score ≥ 20% increase from baseline: 55% in the tDCS group vs 40% in the sham group; P = .53). Among all variables recorded at baseline, only a subgroup of patients without nasogastric tube showed a significantly higher improvement with tDCS treatment versus sham (DOSS score ≥10% and ≥20% from baseline: 64.29% vs 0%, P = .01). Conclusions. In patients with poststroke dysphagia, treatment with dual tDCS in the early phase of rehabilitation does not significantly increase the probability of recovery compared with sham stimulation.
Lichen Sclerosus Accompanied by Urethral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study From a Urethral Referral Center
Authors: Guo Hailin , Peng Xufeng , Jin Chongrui , Wang Lin , Chen Fang , Sa Yinglong
Published: June 2018

To evaluate the characteristics of lichen sclerosus (LS) accompanied by urethral squamous cell carcinoma (USCC) and to raise urologists’ awareness about the early management of LS, a retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of 18 male genital LS accompanied by USCC patients who were referred to Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital between June 2000 and August 2014. All of the patients had a long-term history of LS, urethral strictures, and urethral dilatation. Seven patients are with distal (glanular or penile) USCC, 10 patients with proximal USCC, and one with entire USCC. The most common presentation, except for LS and urethral strictures, was periurethral abscess, followed by extraurethral mass, pelvic pain, urethrocutaneous fistula, hematuria, and bloody urethral discharge. All had primary surgical excision that was adapted to tumor location and extension. All of the USCC were positive for P53 and Ki-67. P16 was positive in four cases of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated USCC and negative in 14 cases of HPV-independent USCC. Patients with distal USCC had a significant longer survival time than proximal USCC ( p < .05). LS should be treated early to prevent the disease progression. LS probably has some associations with USCC. Distal USCC has a relatively better prognosis than proximal USCC.
Vedolizumab and early postoperative complications in nonintestinal surgery: a case-matched analysis
Authors: Kotze Paulo Gustavo , Ma Christopher , Mckenna Nicholas , Almutairdi Abdulelah , Kaplan Gilaad G. , Raffals Laura E. , Loftus Edward V. , Panaccione Remo , Lightner Amy L.
Published: June 2018

Background:

Vedolizumab (VDZ) is a gut-specific α4-β7 integrin antagonist that has demonstrated efficacy in Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). The safety of VDZ in the perioperative period remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative complications and perioperative safety in VDZ-treated patients undergoing nonintestinal operations.

Methods:

A case-matched study was performed at two inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) referral centers. Adult patients with CD and UC who underwent a nonintestinal surgical procedure during treatment with VDZ were included. Patients who had their last VDZ infusion up to 12 weeks before the procedure were considered exposed and were matched in a 1:1 ratio to patients without VDZ therapy, according to type of surgical procedure, age, and sex. The primary outcome was overall risk of early postoperative infectious complications (up to 30 days after surgery), readmissions, reoperations, surgical site infections, and other infections. The VDZ and control groups were subsequently compared using the Pearson χ2 test and Wilcoxon rank sum.

Results:

We identified 34 patients treated with VDZ who underwent 36 nonintestinal surgical procedures. These patients were matched with 36 control procedures. Postoperative complications were not different between the VDZ-treated and control cohorts for all outcomes analyzed: infectious complications occurred in 14% versus 8% ( p = 0.45), superficial surgical site infections 6% versus 0% ( p = 0.15), reoperations 6% versus 3% ( p = 0.56) and readmissions 11% versus 6% ( p = 0.37).

Conclusions:

VDZ-treated patients with IBD undergoing nonintestinal procedures did not have an increased risk of overall postoperative infections or other complications compared with matched controls.
Hypoxia‐induced alterations in the lung ubiquitin proteasome system during pulmonary hypertension pathogenesis
Authors: Wade Brandy E. , Zhao Jingru , Ma Jing , Hart C. Michael , Sutliff Roy L.
Published: June 2018

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a clinical disorder characterized by sustained increases in pulmonary vascular resistance and pressure that can lead to right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy and ultimately RV failure and death. The molecular pathogenesis of PH remains incompletely defined, and existing treatments are associated with suboptimal outcomes and persistent morbidity and mortality. Reports have suggested a role for the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) in PH, but the extent of UPS‐mediated non‐proteolytic protein alterations during PH pathogenesis has not been previously defined. To further examine UPS alterations, the current study employed C57BL/6J mice exposed to normoxia or hypoxia for 3 weeks. Lung protein ubiquitination was evaluated by mass spectrometry to identify differentially ubiquitinated proteins relative to normoxic controls. Hypoxia stimulated differential ubiquitination of 198 peptides within 131 proteins (p < 0.05). These proteins were screened to identify candidates within pathways involved in PH pathogenesis. Some 51.9% of the differentially ubiquitinated proteins were implicated in at least one known pathway contributing to PH pathogenesis, and 13% were involved in three or more PH pathways. Anxa2, App, Jak1, Lmna, Pdcd6ip, Prkch1, and Ywhah were identified as mediators in PH pathways that undergo differential ubiquitination during PH pathogenesis. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report global changes in protein ubiquitination in the lung during PH pathogenesis. These findings suggest signaling nodes that are dynamically regulated by the UPS during PH pathogenesis. Further exploration of these differentially ubiquitinated proteins and related pathways can provide new insights into the role of the UPS in PH pathogenesis.
Cerebral small vessel disease in Indonesia: Lacunar infarction study from Indonesian Stroke Registry 2012–2014
Authors: Harris Salim , Kurniawan Mohammad , Rasyid Al , Mesiano Taufik , Hidayat Rakhmad
Published: June 2018

Background and Purpose:

Stroke is the number one cause of morbidity and mortality in Indonesia. Lacunar infarction is one of cerebral small vessel disease spectrum. This study aimed to present stroke epidemiology in Indonesia and risk factors associated with cerebral small vessel disease.

Methods:

A multicenter prospective cross-sectional study of 18 hospitals in Indonesia was conducted using Stroke Case Report Form from 2012 to 2014. Stroke was diagnosed based on clinical findings confirmed with non-contrast computed tomography of the brain. Subjects were classified into two large groups: ischemic (lacunar and non-lacunar) and hemorrhagic (intracranial and subarachnoid hemorrhage). Other risk factors were assessed on admission.

Results:

We enrolled 5411 patients, of whom 3627 (67.03%) had ischemic stroke and 1784 (32.97%) had hemorrhagic stroke. Male patients were prevalent in both large groups, although found less in subarachnoid hemorrhage group. Among patients with hemorrhagic stroke, 1603 (89.54%) of them had intracerebral hemorrhage and 181 (10.46%) had subarachnoid hemorrhage. From 3627 ischemic stroke patients, 1635 (45.07%) of them had lacunar infarction. We found that age above 55 years old, male gender, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes were important risk factors associated with lacunar stroke (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Ischemic stroke was the leading cause of stroke in Indonesia. In total, 45% of the total ischemic stroke patients had lacunar infarction. Important risk factors associated with lacunar infarction were hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, age over 55, and male population.
Outcome following open and endovascular intervention for carotid stump syndrome
Authors: Dulai Makinderjit , Elsherif Mohamed , Tawfick Wael , Kavanagh Edel P , Hynes Niamh , Sultan Sherif
Published: June 2018

Carotid stump syndrome is defined as the persistence of retinal or cerebral ischaemic events with complete occlusion of the ipsilateral internal carotid artery. The aim of this retrospective cases series was to assess the outcomes for patients with carotid stump syndrome managed with surgical intervention. A series of 11 cases of carotid stump syndrome in nine patients presented to our tertiary vascular centre from October 2004 to February 2016. Indications for intervention were amaurosis fugax, transient ischaemic attacks and stroke. In total, 11 procedures were performed on nine patients including carotid angioplasty and stenting or carotid endarterectomy with patching. The mean follow-up period was 56.6 months. One patient suffered a myocardial infarction 30 days, post-operatively, and one patient was lost to follow-up. In the remaining seven patients, there was a complete resolution of symptoms. There were no incidents of death, stroke, cranial nerve injury, wound haematoma or procedural bleeding. Surgical exclusion of carotid stumps combined with dual antiplatelet agents was found to be a safe and effective treatment method for carotid stump syndrome.
Impact of spliceosome mutations on RNA splicing in myelodysplasia: dysregulated genes/pathways and clinical associations
Authors: Pellagatti Andrea , Armstrong Richard N. , Steeples Violetta , Sharma Eshita , Repapi Emmanouela , Singh Shalini , Sanchi Andrea , Radujkovic Aleksandar , Horn Patrick , Dolatshad Hamid , Roy Swagata , Broxholme John , Lockstone Helen , Taylor Stephen , Giagounidis Aristoteles , Vyas Paresh , Schuh Anna , Hamblin Angela , Papaemmanuil Elli , Killick Sally , Malcovati Luca , Hennrich Marco L. , Gavin Anne-Claude , Ho Anthony D. , Luft Thomas , Hellström-Lindberg Eva , Cazzola Mario , Smith Christopher W. J. , Smith Stephen , Boultwood Jacqueline
Published: June 2018

Key Points

RNA-seq analysis of CD34+ cells identifies novel aberrantly spliced genes and dysregulated pathways in splicing factor mutant MDS. Aberrantly spliced isoforms predict MDS survival and implicate dysregulation of focal adhesion and exosomes as drivers of poor survival.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Systematic analyses reveal long non-coding RNA (PTAF)-mediated promotion of EMT and invasion-metastasis in serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Liang Haihai , Zhao Xiaoguang , Wang Chengyu , Sun Jian , Chen Yingzhun , Wang Guoyuan , Fang Lei , Yang Rui , Yu Mengxue , Gu Yunyan , Shan Hongli
Published: June 2018

Background

A deeper mechanistic understanding of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulation is needed to improve current anti-metastasis strategies in ovarian cancer (OvCa). This study was designed to investigate the role of lncRNAs in EMT regulation during process of invasion-metastasis in serous OvCa to improve current anti-metastasis strategies for OvCa.

Methods

We systematically analyzes high-throughput gene expression profiles of both lncRNAs and protein-coding genes in OvCa samples with integrated epithelial (iE) subtype and integrated mesenchymal (iM) subtype labels. Mouse models, cytobiology, molecular biology assays and clinical samples were performed to elucidate the function and underlying mechanisms of lncRNA PTAF-mediated promotion of EMT and invasion-metastasis in serous OvCa.

Results

We constructed a lncRNA-mediated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network that affects the expression of many EMT-related protein-coding genes in mesenchymal OvCa. Using a combination of in vitro and in vivo studies, we provided evidence that the lncRNA PTAF-miR-25-SNAI2 axis controlled EMT in OvCa. Our results revealed that up-regulated PTAF induced elevated SNAI2 expression by competitively binding to miR-25, which in turn promoted OvCa cell EMT and invasion. Moreover, we found that silencing of PTAF inhibited tumor progression and metastasis in an orthotopic mouse model of OvCa. We then observed a significant correlation between PTAF expression and EMT markers in OvCa patients.

Conclusions

The lncRNA PTAF, a mediator of TGF-β signaling, can predispose OvCa patients to metastases and may serve as a potential target for anti-metastatic therapies for mesenchymal OvCa patients.