bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intestinal Obstruction due to Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Hong Duc Pham , Minh Xuan Ngo , Huu Thuyet Nguyen , Quang Huy Huynh
Published: July 2020

Acute appendicitis has been proven to be a usual cause of mechanical small bowel obstruction since 1901, but there has been very little specific research on this subject. It usually occurs as an effect of adhesion because of periappendicular inflammation. Although previous studies exist, this presentation of acute appendicitis is not widely identified, which might lead to delays in making the right diagnosis and initiating treatment. We herein report a 17-year-old male patient who presented with the clinical manifestations of intestinal obstruction and fever for 3 days. Preoperative ultrasound and subsequent computed tomography were performed. On laparotomy, an obstructed bowel was seen, and the appendix was recognized to be the cause. We herein report a case of intestinal obstruction due to acute appendicitis and present an overview of the literature.
Mild Encephalitis/Encephalopathy with a Reversible Isolated Splenial Lesion (MERS) in Adult Patients: A Small Case Series
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Guo Jing , Li Xiaobin , Li Chuanling , Ma Xiaolin , Cui Xiao
Published: July 2020

Background: Mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible isolated splenial lesion (MERS) is a rare and complex clinico-radiological condition that aggregates various diseases. From a geographical point of view, most cases have been reported in Asia, especially in Japan. However, a very limited number of studies have properly evaluated Chinese patients diagnosed with MERS. Methods: Putative encephalitis/encephalopathy patients affected by a reversible isolated SCC lesion, as detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), were retrospectively evaluated. Specifically, we reviewed extensive patient data, including prodromal and neurologic symptoms, neurologic examinations, MRI and electroencephalography (EEG) findings, laboratory results, treatments, and prognosis. Results: Six clinically mild encephalitis/encephalopathy patients, affected by a reversible isolated SCC lesion, were identified in a cohort of 22 patients. Six patients presented fever symptoms before the onset of neurological manifestations. Initial MRI data exhibited isolated SCC lesions with isointense or slightly hypointense on T1WI, hyperintense on T2WI, Flair, and DWI, as well as decreased ADC values, without contrast enhancement. EEG data indicated abnormalities (3/4), as well as elevated serum inflammatory markers (5/6) and hyponatremia (4/6). Cell content and protein yields were normal or slightly increased in the CSF of 6 patients, excluding one episode of significant increase in cell number. Patients were treated with corticosteroids, antivirals, and antibiotics, resulting in their full clinical recovery. SCC lesions mostly disappeared in all patients. Conclusion: In our study, the clinical features identified in all affected patients were mostly identical, which consisted of relatively mild CNS manifestations with a promising prognostic status.
Downregulation of LAPTM4B Contributes to the Impairment of the Autophagic Flux via Unopposed Activation of mTORC1 Signaling During Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Gu Shanshan , Tan Jiliang , Li Qiang , Liu Shenyan , Ma Jian , Zheng Yanjun , Liu Jinlong , Bi Wei , Sha Ping , Li Xuxia , Wei Meng , Cao Nan , Yang Huang-Tian
Published: July 2020

Rationale:

Impaired autophagic flux contributes to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced cardiomyocyte death, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unexplored.

Objective:

To determine the role of LAPTM4B (lysosomal-associated transmembrane protein 4B) in the regulation of autophagic flux and myocardial I/R injury.

Methods and Results:

LAPTM4B was expressed in murine hearts but downregulated in hearts with I/R (30 minutes/2 hours) injury and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes with hypoxia/reoxygenation (6 hours/2 hours) injury. During myocardial reperfusion, LAPTM4B-knockout (LAPTM4B
−/−
) mice had a significantly increased infarct size and lactate dehydrogenase release, whereas adenovirus-mediated LAPTM4B-overexpression was cardioprotective. Concomitantly, LAPTM4B
−/−
mice showed higher accumulation of the autophagy markers LC3-II (microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3), but not P62, in the I/R heart, whereas they did not alter chloroquine-induced further increases of LC3-II and P62 in both sham and I/R hearts. Conversely, LAPTM4B-overexpression had opposite effects. The hypoxia/reoxygenation–reduced viability of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, ratio of autolysosomes/autophagosomes, and function of lysosomes were further decreased by LAPTM4B-knockdown but reversed by LAPTM4B-overexpression. Moreover, the LAPTM4B-overexpression–mediated benefits were abolished by knockdown of lysosome-associated membrane protein-2 (an autophagosome-lysosome fusion protein) in vivo and by the autophagy inhibitor bafilomycin A1 in vivo. In contrast, rapamycin (Rapa) successfully restored the impaired autophagic flux in LAPTM4B
−/−
mice and the subsequent myocardial I/R injury. Mechanistically, LAPTM4B regulated the activity of mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1) via interacting with mTOR through its EC3 (extracelluar) domain. Thus, mTORC1 was overactivated in LAPTM4B
−/−
mice, leading to the repression of TFEB (transcription factor EB), a master regulator of lysosomal and autophagic genes, during myocardial I/R. The mTORC1 inhibition or TFEB-overexpression rescued the LAPTM4B
−/−
-induced impairment in autophagic flux and I/R injury, whereas TFEB-knockdown abolished the LAPTM4B-overexpression–mediated recovery of autophagic flux and cardioprotection.

Conclusions:

The downregulation of LAPTM4B contributes to myocardial I/R–induced impairment of autophagic flux via modulation of the mTORC1/TFEB pathway.

Graphic Abstract:

A
graphic abstract
is available for this article.
Life Course Changes in Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Associated With Preterm Delivery: The 30‐Year CARDIA Study
Authors: Sun Baiyang , Bertolet Marnie , Brooks Maria M. , Hubel Carl A. , Lewis Cora E. , Gunderson Erica P. , Catov Janet M.
Published: July 2020

Background

Women who deliver preterm infants (<37 weeks) have excess cardiovascular risk; however, it is unclear whether the unfavorable changes in the cardiometabolic profile associated with preterm delivery initiate before, during, or after childbearing.

Methods and Results

We identified 1306 women (51% Black) with births between baseline (1985–1986) and year 30 in the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) study. We compared life course changes in blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, and lipids in women with preterm deliveries (n=318) with those with all term deliveries (n=988), using piecewise linear mixed‐effects models. Specifically, we evaluated group differences in rates of change before and after the childbearing period and change in level across the childbearing period. After adjusting for the covariates, women with preterm deliveries had a higher change in diastolic blood pressure across the childbearing period than those with all term deliveries (1.59 versus −0.73 mm Hg,
P
<0.01); the rates of change did not differ by group, both prechildbearing and postchildbearing. Women with preterm deliveries had a larger body mass index increase across the childbearing period (1.66 versus 1.22 kg/m
2
,
P
=0.03) compared with those with all term deliveries, followed by a steeper increase after the childbearing period (0.22 versus 0.17 kg/m
2
per year,
P
=0.02).

Conclusions

Preterm delivery was associated with unfavorable patterns of change in diastolic blood pressure and adiposity that originate during the childbearing years and persist or exacerbate later in life. These adverse changes may contribute to the elevated cardiovascular risk among women with preterm delivery.
Side Reactions Do Not Completely Disrupt Linear Self-Replicating Chemical Reaction Systems
Authors: Liu Yu , Hjerpe Daniel , Lundh Torbjörn
Published: July 2020

A crucial question within the fields of origins of life and metabolic networks is whether or not a self-replicating chemical reaction system is able to persist in the presence of side reactions. Due to the strong nonlinear effects involved in such systems, they are often difficult to study analytically. There are however certain conditions that allow for a wide range of these reaction systems to be well described by a set of linear ordinary differential equations. In this article, we elucidate these conditions and present a method to construct and solve such equations. For those linear self-replicating systems, we quantitatively find that the growth rate of the system is simply proportional to the sum of all the rate constants of the reactions that constitute the system (but is nontrivially determined by the relative values). We also give quantitative descriptions of how strongly side reactions need to be coupled with the system in order to completely disrupt the system.
Myxobolus jialingensis n. sp. (Myxozoa: Myxobolidae) infecting urinary bladder and hepatopancreas of yellowhead catfish Tachysurus fulvidraco from China
Authors: GAO LEI , ZHANG JING , YANG CHENGZHONG , ZHAO YUANJUN
Published: July 2020

In the present study, we described a novel myxosporean species, Myxobolus jialingensis n. sp. (Myxozoa: Myxobolidae), which infected the urinary bladder and hepatopancreas of yellowhead catfish Tachysurus fulvidraco in China. The mature spores of M. jialingensis n. sp. were pyriform with the length of 15.8 ± 0.7 (15.4–17.0) μm and width of 8.0 ± 0.3 (7.8–8.9) μm. Two pyriform polar capsules were slightly unequal in size: the larger polar capsule was 7.4 ± 0.3 (6.7–8.0) μm in length and 3.1 ± 0.2 (2.8–3.6) μm in width; and the smaller polar capsule measured 7.3 ± 0.3 (6.6–8.1) μm in length and 3.3 ± 0.2 (2.9–3.6) μm in width. The polar capsules were directed toward the apex of the spore, packing seven to eight spirals of the polar filaments. The small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (18S rDNA) sequence of M. jialingensis n. sp. was unique among all myxozoans, and the highest similarity was 96.1% with M. voremkhai. Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rDNA sequences revealed that myxosporeans infecting the close host affinity (belonging to the same order) had close phylogenetic relationship and, some myxosporeans infecting the same host order might have multiple origins.
Resurrection of Amolops nepalicus Yang, 1991 (Amphibia: Anura: Ranidae), with Comments on the Record of A. cf. afghanus in Nepal and China and the Validity of Two Other Junior Synonyms of A. marmoratus (Blyth, 1855)
Authors: WANG KAI , BHATTARAI SANTOSH , WU YUNHE , CHE JING , SILER CAMERON D.
Published: July 2020

The taxonomic validity of the controversial taxon, Amolops nepalicus Yang, 1991, is evaluated based on the examination of its holotype, along with topotypic A. marmoratus (Blyth, 1855) and A. afghanus (Günther, 1858), and other related congeners. Morphological comparison shows the holotype of A. nepalicus differs from its senior synonym A. marmoratus and all recognized species, supporting its valid species status. We provide a detailed redescription of the holotype based on a robust morphometric dataset and expanded comparisons with recognized congeners from the Pan-Himalayas and Southeast Asia. In addition, we discuss the remaining suspicious records of A. cf. afghanus in Nepal and China based on available specimens, and comment on the validity of two remaining junior synonyms of A. marmoratus, namely Ixalus argus Annandale, 1912 and Rana latopalmata Boulenger, 1882, suggesting that they may represent subjective synonyms of A. gerbillus (Annandale, 1912) and A. panhai Matsui and Nabhitabhata, 2006, respectively.
On the Evaluation of the Proportionality Coefficient between the Turbulence Temperature Spectrum and Structure Parameter
Authors: Gibbs Jeremy A. , Fedorovich Evgeni
Published: July 2020

The turbulence temperature spectrum and structure parameter are related through a widely adopted proportionality coefficient. We formally derive this expression, and present further evidence, to demonstrate that this coefficient is too large by a factor of 2.
Tropical Pacific Decadal Variability Induced by Nonlinear Rectification of El Niño–Southern Oscillation
Authors: Kim Geon-Il , Kug Jong-Seong
Published: July 2020

On the basis of 32 long-term simulations with state-of-the-art coupled GCMs, we investigate the relationship between tropical Pacific decadal variability (TPDV) and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The first empirical orthogonal function (EOF) mode for the 11-yr moving sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the coupled models is commonly characterized by El Niño–like decadal variability with Bjerknes air–sea interaction. However, the second EOF mode can be separated into two groups, such that 1) some models have a zonal dipole SST pattern and 2) other models are characterized by a meridional dipole pattern. We found that models with the zonal dipole pattern in the second mode tend to simulate strong ENSO amplitude and asymmetry in comparison with those of the other models. Also, the residual patterns, which are defined as the summation of El Niño and La Niña SST composite anomalies, are very similar to the decadal dipole pattern, which suggests that ENSO residuals can cause the dipole decadal variability. It is found that decadal modulation of ENSO variability in these models strongly depends on the phase of the dipole decadal variability. The decadal changes in ENSO residual correspond well with the decadal changes in the dipole pattern, and the nonlinear dynamic heating terms by ENSO anomalies are well matched with the decadal dipole pattern.
The Impact of Medical Financial Hardship on Children’s Health
Authors: Sarathy Brinda , Morris Hannah , Tumin Dmitry , Buckman Cierra
Published: July 2020

Objective. To determine whether living in a family with medical financial hardship decreases children’s access to health care. Methods. We identified children aged 4 to 17 years from the 2013 to 2018 National Health Interview Surveys. Medical financial hardship was defined as living in a family where one or more family members had problems paying medical bills in the past 12 months. Results. Of 53 483 children in the analysis, 19% were exposed to medical financial hardship. This was adversely associated with children’s health status and health care use, especially greater odds of delaying care (odds ratio [OR] = 5.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.51-6.19) and having unmet health care needs (OR = 4.43; 95% CI = 4.00-4.91). Conclusions. One fifth of children live in families experiencing medical financial hardship, and this exposure is adversely correlated with child health outcomes even controlling for established measures of socioeconomic status, such as family income, health insurance coverage, and need-based program participation.
Immigrants’ spatial integration dynamics in Tel-Aviv: An analysis of residential mobility and sorting
Authors: Modai-Snir Tal , Plaut Pnina O.
Published: July 2020

Residential mobility patterns of immigrant and majority groups are key in understanding immigrants’ spatial integration. This article explores the spatial integration dynamics of immigrants from the Former Soviet Union in Tel-Aviv, Israel, as reflected in changing residential mobility behaviour. Unlike previous research, the article investigates the simultaneous effect of the relocations of both immigrants and majority members, with treatment of ethnic and socioeconomic dimensions of residential sorting considered simultaneously. Using a unique data set that spans the period 1997–2008, the analysis reveals a dynamic interplay of both groups’ mobility patterns. Their joint effect decreased residential sorting across both neighbourhood dimensions over time. Despite the decreasing magnitude, residential sorting processes remained active by the end of the research period, delaying the spatial integration of immigrants.
A Case of Endonasal Endoscopic Surgery for Intraorbital Metastasis of Gastric Ring Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Tsuruta Yukinori , Maeda Yohei , Kitaguchi Yoshiyuki , Hayama Masaki , Nojima Satoshi , Tsuda Takeshi , Takeda Kazuya , Nakatani Ayaka , Obata Sho , Morii Eiichi , Inohara Hidenori
Published: July 2020

Gastric signet ring cell carcinoma has well-known metastatic features, including peritoneal dissemination and carcinomatous lymphangitis of the lung, but no intraorbital metastases were reported previously. A woman in her 60s developed left eye pain, sudden vision loss, and headache 12 years after gastric cancer treatment. Symptoms did not improve despite steroid pulses. Craniotomy showed no malignant findings. The patient was referred to our department for symptomatic relief and biopsy due to the lack of a definitive diagnosis and no improvement in her ocular pain. Endonasal endoscopic surgery was performed for diagnostic purposes and to relieve symptoms through orbital decompression. Preoperative computed tomography examination revealed a tumor at the left medial orbit, extending to the orbital apex. Orbital decompression through the open left medial orbital wall was performed with biopsy of the intraorbital tumor. Pathological findings were consistent with metastatic signet ring cell carcinoma. Pain and subjective improvement of visual acuity were noted the day after surgery. Twelve months postoperatively, diplopia remains, but there has been no worsening of symptoms.
Model Talk: Calculative Cultures in Quantitative Finance
Authors: Hansen Kristian Bondo
Published: July 2020

This paper explores how calculative cultures shape perceptions of models and practices of model use in the financial industry. A calculative culture comprises a specific set of practices and norms concerning data and model use in an organizational setting. Drawing on interviews with model users (data scientists, software developers, traders, and portfolio managers) working in algorithmic securities trading, I argue that the introduction of complex machine-learning models changes the dynamics in calculative cultures, which leads to a displacement of human judgment in quantitative finance. In this paper, I distinguish between three calculative cultures: (1) an idealistic culture of undivided trust in models, (2) a pragmatic culture of skepticism toward model accuracy, and (3) a pragmatic idealist culture of early stage skepticism and implementation and production-phase idealism. Based on the empirical material, the analysis engages with examples of each of the three calculative cultures. The study contributes to the social studies of finance and science and technology studies more broadly by showing how perceptions of models shape and are shaped through model work in data-intensive, computerized finance.
“Not Just Me Anymore.” A Qualitative Study of Transitioning to Marriage after Cohabitation
Authors: Hall Scott S. , Adams Rebecca A.
Published: July 2020

Premarital cohabitation could influence the transition to marriage by cultivating the belief that getting married will have little effect on a relationship that has already taken root through cohabitation. Yet uncertainty about a relationship could influence cohabiting couples to hold back some investment in their relationship until marriage. This qualitative study of 36 individuals (18 newlywed couples) investigated the transition from cohabitation to marriage by focusing on perceived differences between premarital cohabitation and marriage while adjusting to being married. Newlyweds typically identified changes and they were often unexpected. Several themes emerged pertaining to the deepening and solidifying of the relationship and changes in approaching conflict. Marital permanence was an overarching metatheme that was reflected throughout the findings. Results are discussed in the context of relationship certainty, investment, and delayed dedication. Implications for the potential of cohabitation to mirror marriage are discussed.
The afterlives of the lively commodity: Life-worlds, death-worlds, rotting-worlds
Authors: Gillespie Kathryn
Published: July 2020

This article engages with Rosemary-Claire Collard and Jessica Dempsey’s theory of lively commodities in a discussion of cows raised for dairy exchanged in farmed-animal auctions. Taking their theorization of the lively commodity as a starting point to better understand the commodification of nonhuman life, I propose an extension of this work that attends to a continuum of commodity forms understood through the life and death of the cow. Cows raised for dairy move through the auction yard as a site of capitalist exchange as lively, soon-to-be-dead, and once-living commodities, their value determined by the stage of their life-course and their bodily condition. As such, the auction can be understood as a landscape of life-worlds, where the cow’s liveliness determines her value; and death-worlds and rotting-worlds, where the afterlives of the lively commodity are extracted as capital. Ultimately, the article calls for an upending of the commodification of nonhuman life and a new imaginary of the kinds of life-worlds that are possible beyond logics of capital.
Gender, Sense of Power, and Desire to Lead: Why Women Don’t “Lean In” to Apply to Leadership Groups That Are Majority-Male
Authors: Goodwin Rachael D. , Dodson Samantha J. , Chen Jacqueline M. , Diekmann Kristina A.
Published: July 2020

We investigated why women may have lower desires and intentions to apply to become a member of a leadership group (i.e., committee) than men when the majority of its members are men. In four studies, we examined the interaction between gender and gender composition of the leadership group on leader candidates’ sense of power, desire to lead, and intentions to apply to become a member of a leadership group. Informed by research on gender, perceived power, and the model of goal-directed behavior, we found that women, compared to men, expected lower sense of power when considering applying to a majority-male (vs. gender-balanced) online leadership committee (Study 1A, N = 294; Study 1B, N = 278). This pattern observed for women in majority-male leadership committees was not, however, evident for men in majority female leadership committees (Study 2, N = 560). Furthermore, women’s lower sense of power explained why they expressed lower desires to lead and intentions to apply for a majority-male leadership committee compared to men. Finally, we found that increasing women’s sense of power increased their desires and intentions to lead in a majority-male committee (Study 3, N = 460). We contribute to understanding why there still exists a discrepancy in the number of men versus women in leadership groups despite ongoing efforts to reduce it. We hope readers will apply these findings by identifying ways to increase women leader candidates’ sense of power in order to increase women’s representation on leadership committees and groups (e.g., boards). Online slides for instructors who want to use this article for teaching are available on PWQ's website at http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/10.1177/0361684320939065
Does Purpose Grow Here? Exploring 4-H as a Context for Cultivating Youth Purpose
Authors: Burrow Anthony L. , Ratner Kaylin , Porcelli Sabrina , Sumner Rachel
Published: July 2020

Most youth development programs strive to promote thriving, but scientific inquiry into how they achieve this aim is rare and often complicated by nuanced program structures and delivery. Across two studies, we explored how one thriving indicator, having a sense of purpose in life, may be cultivated by a statewide 4-H program. In Study 1, an inductive text mining approach called latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) was used to content analyze 63 4-H practitioners’ definitions of purpose and focus group conversations about how the program fosters this sense in youth. In Study 2, 113 4-H participants (aged 12–18 years, Mage = 14.77; 66% female) reported their purpose exploration and commitment and the extent to which they have engaged with particular program experiences. The LDA suggested educators believe 4-H fosters purpose by offering diverse and transformative activities that equip youth with key resources. Youth reports largely corroborated these beliefs: Correlational analyses revealed youth who felt they acquired life skills in 4-H reported greater purpose commitment, whereas youth who felt they had access to older youth with long-term aspirations reported greater purpose exploration. Implications for how 4-H and other programs might scaffold activities to promote youth purpose are discussed.
Dexmedetomidine and Mortality From Sepsis Requiring Mechanical Ventilation: A Japanese Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Aso Shotaro , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: July 2020

Background:

Dexmedetomidine has a mild sedative effect and may reduce mortality in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients. However, few studies have examined the effects of dexmedetomidine in patients with sepsis who require mechanical ventilation. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between dexmedetomidine and mortality in patients with sepsis requiring mechanical ventilation, using a nationwide inpatient database in Japan.

Methods:

Using the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database from July 1, 2010, to March 31, 2016, we identified adult patients with sepsis who required mechanical ventilation for more than 2 days. Patients were divided into those who received dexmedetomidine and those who received midazolam or propofol within 1 day after admission. Logistic regression analysis, propensity score-matched analysis, and instrumental variable analysis were performed to compare all-cause 28-day mortality and duration of mechanical ventilation between the groups.

Results:

In total, 50 671 were eligible patients, including dexmedetomidine group (n = 13 759) and propofol or midazolam group (n = 36 912). The dexmedetomidine group had significantly lower all-cause 28-day mortality compared with the group receiving midazolam or propofol, as shown by the logistic regression analysis (odds ratio [OR]: 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73-0.84), the propensity score–matched analysis (OR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.80-0.91), and the instrumental variable analysis (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.57-0.73). The duration of mechanical ventilation in the dexmedetomidine group was significantly shorter than that in the midazolam or propofol group.

Conclusions:

Dexmedetomidine was associated with a reduction in all-cause 28-day mortality and duration of mechanical ventilation.
Field-of-view-constrained impact angle control guidance with error convergence before interception considering speed changes
Authors: Kim Jinrae , Cho Namhoon , Kim Youdan
Published: July 2020

An impact angle control guidance law is proposed for stationary target interception considering missile's field-of-view limit and speed changes. The proposed impact angle control guidance law is structured as a biased proportional navigation with a time-varying bias. The proposed guidance law does not involve any switching logic for maintaining lock-on; hence, the guidance command is continuous during the entire engagement. Unlike the most existing studies, the proposed method guarantees that the impact angle error converges to zero before interception without the constant-speed assumption. To realize these desirable properties, the positive invariance of the bounded look angle interval and the change of independent variable are utilized. Numerical simulations are conducted to demonstrate the performance of the proposed guidance law.
Nodular secondary syphilis in three HIV-positive patients: a case series
Authors: Wang Catherine J , Leavens Joan , Thorpe Joseph , Crew Ashley , Kim Gene , Ahronowitz Iris , Worswick Scott
Published: July 2020

Nodular secondary syphilis is an uncommon variant of secondary syphilis. We identified three cases of nodular secondary syphilis at our institution. The first patient presented with a diffuse nodular rash that included his scrotum and penis. The second patient had disseminated skin-colored nodules with serosanguinous crust on his face, trunk, and extremities. The third patient had a pruritic papular and nodular rash with overlying crust. All three patients had a reactive rapid plasma reagin and tested positive for fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption. All were eventually confirmed to be human immunodeficiency virus-positive. Histopathological examination demonstrated inflammatory infiltrate in the dermis composed of lymphocytes, histiocytes, and plasma cells, and treponemal staining highlighted spirochetes in the dermis. The patients were successfully treated with intramuscular penicillin benzathine G. Physicians should be aware of nodular syphilis as a less common cutaneous manifestation of secondary syphilis. Prompt diagnosis of secondary syphilis can expedite resolution of the infection and avoid progression to tertiary syphilis.
CO2 absorption of anhydrous colloidal suspension based silica nanospheres with different microstructures
Authors: Ding Yudong , Guo Liheng , Li Xiaoqiang , Liao Qiang , Zhu Xun , Wang Hong
Published: July 2020

Liquid absorption and solid adsorption technologies have been researched and reported widely for CO2 capture. Combining the advantages of these two capture materials, a novel anhydrous colloidal suspension was synthesized by dispersing amine-modified microporous silica nanospheres in 2-[2-(dimethylamino) ethoxy] ethanol. In this study, solid, hollow, and porous silica nanospheres with different internal pore structures were synthesized and characterized. The effects of the silica nanosphere microstructures on diethylenetriamine loading and CO2 absorption in anhydrous colloidal suspensions were studied. Due to a more developed pore structure, the hollow and porous silica-based absorbents possessed stronger amine loading capacities compared to solid silicon-based absorbent, and the best absorption performance was an absorption capacity of 1.2543 mmol/g at a pressure of 150 kPa and a temperature of 300 K. The results indicated that pore structure had a significant influence on the absorption property, and the porous silica-based absorbent was more favorable for CO2 absorption than solid and hollow silica-based absorbents. Moreover, the pseudo-second-order model was successful in predicting the CO2 absorption process in colloidal suspensions.
Calcinosis cutis universalis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: a case report
Authors: Khudadah Mohammad , Jawad Ali , Pyne Debasish
Published: July 2020

Calcinosis cutis is a deposition of calcium salts in the skin and subcutaneous tissue which can occur in connective tissue diseases such as scleroderma, dermatomyositis, myositis and overlap syndrome, but rarely in association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is subdivided into a localized ‘circumscripta’ and diffuse ‘universalis’. The few reported cases of calcinosis in SLE were mainly of the circumscripta type. Calcinosis universalis is extremely rare and is usually associated with a history of chronic active SLE in female patients, with few proven effective treatments. We report a case of a young female patient with a long and complicated history of SLE. She presented with widespread pain and tenderness associated with multiple subcutaneous skin lesions. She was found to have evidence of calcinosis universalis on X-rays. Investigations did not reveal any associated conditions that could explain this diagnosis other than her prolonged history of SLE.
Propensity score weighting under limited overlap and model misspecification
Authors: Zhou Yunji , Matsouaka Roland A , Thomas Laine
Published: July 2020

Propensity score weighting methods are often used in non-randomized studies to adjust for confounding and assess treatment effects. The most popular among them, the inverse probability weighting, assigns weights that are proportional to the inverse of the conditional probability of a specific treatment assignment, given observed covariates. A key requirement for inverse probability weighting estimation is the positivity assumption, i.e. the propensity score must be bounded away from 0 and 1. In practice, violations of the positivity assumption often manifest by the presence of limited overlap in the propensity score distributions between treatment groups. When these practical violations occur, a small number of highly influential inverse probability weights may lead to unstable inverse probability weighting estimators, with biased estimates and large variances. To mitigate these issues, a number of alternative methods have been proposed, including inverse probability weighting trimming, overlap weights, matching weights, and entropy weights. Because overlap weights, matching weights, and entropy weights target the population for whom there is equipoise (and with adequate overlap) and their estimands depend on the true propensity score, a common criticism is that these estimators may be more sensitive to misspecifications of the propensity score model. In this paper, we conduct extensive simulation studies to compare the performances of inverse probability weighting and inverse probability weighting trimming against those of overlap weights, matching weights, and entropy weights under limited overlap and misspecified propensity score models. Across the wide range of scenarios we considered, overlap weights, matching weights, and entropy weights consistently outperform inverse probability weighting in terms of bias, root mean squared error, and coverage probability.
Linking Decent Work With Academic Engagement and Satisfaction Among First-Generation College Students: A Psychology of Working Perspective
Authors: Ma Yin , Huang Genghua , Autin Kelsey L.
Published: July 2020

Links between decent work and academic outcomes among a sample ( N = 1,231) of first-generation college students were examined based on Psychology of Working Theory (PWT). A theory-driven mediation model was proposed by placing decent work as a mediator between predictors of PWT and academic outcomes. The predictor component of PWT was supported. Future decent work perceptions positively predicted academic engagement but not academic satisfaction. Support for the mediation results was mixed. Overall, findings suggested that positive future decent work perceptions may boost academic engagement for university students. Thus, interventions that aim to improve student academic satisfaction should be implemented. Two malleable psychological factors, namely, work volition and career adaptability appear to be two malleable psychological factors that could be used as targets when working with this group. Theoretical contributions and future research directions are discussed.
Adaptive fractional-order backstepping sliding mode controller design for an electrostatically actuated size-dependent microplate
Authors: Karami Marzieh , Kazemi Arash , Vatankhah Ramin , Khosravifard Amir
Published: July 2020

In this article, adaptive backstepping sliding mode controller and adaptive fractional backstepping sliding mode controller methods are proposed to control an electrostatic microplate with a piezoelectric layer. Based on the modified couple stress theory, a size-dependent mathematical model is proposed, in which the microplate is modeled using the Kirchhoff plate theory. To take into account the geometric nonlinearities, the von Kármán nonlinear strains are considered in the mathematical model. The Hamilton’s principle is used to obtain the nonlinear equation of motion of the system, which is then converted into a nonlinear ordinary differential equation via the Galerkin technique. The validity of the results obtained from the proposed reduced-order model is checked through direct numerical simulation of the partial differential equation using the finite element method. Finally, two Lyapunov-based control approaches that are adaptive backstepping sliding mode and adaptive fractional backstepping sliding mode are applied to the system. In the adaptive fractional backstepping sliding mode controller method, the adaptive control law is used to evaluate the upper bound of uncertainties and random disturbances. The fractional-order form of sliding surface is used to reduce the amount of chattering and also to improve the tracking error. In the results section, first, numerical studies are conducted to study the effect of system parameters, such as material length scale parameter, aspect ratio, fractional order, and robustness of the controller, on the performance of the system. In addition, the performances of the two control methods are compared, and the merits and demerits of each method are discussed.
Embodying Narrative: Diffractive Readings of Ethical Relationality in Qualitative Inquiry
Authors: Carlson David Lee
Published: July 2020

This introduction provides an inquisition into the role of narrative inquiry in the field of qualitative inquiry. Drawing on Michel Foucault’s works on painting, this introduction discusses the philosophical tensions within narrative inquiry as a methodology to situate narrative in a broader context of research methodologies and to raise some questions about the very specific role of the human and anthropomorphism in narrative inquiry. The authors in this special issue were tasked with thinking through narratives with unexplored theories or theoretical perspective. The purpose of the special issue is to invite readers to consider these various tensions.
Larotrectinib followed by selitrectinib in a novel DCTN1–NTRK1 fusion undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma
Authors: Goh Xue Na , Seng Michaela Su-Fern , Loh Amos Hong Pheng , Gupta Achint , Chang Kenneth Tou En , Iyer Prasad
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase fusions cause overexpression or activation of kinase and are believed to confer oncogenic potential in some non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas. TRK inhibitors have recently been shown to induce responses in these tumours though current experience with these agents is still limited.

Case report

We report a case of an adolescent with treatment-refractory non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas, carrying a novel DCTN1–NTRK1 gene fusion whose progressive disease was treated with multi-kinase and TRK inhibitors. Management and outcome: Our patient was started on pan-TRK inhibitor larotrectinib, as his disease progressed after chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery, based on next-generation sequencing test showing DCTN1–NTRK1 gene fusion. He responded quickly to larotrectinib with the improvement of symptoms and reduction of masses. However, this response was short-lived due to the development of acquired solvent front resistance mutation. This patient did not respond to next-generation TRK inhibitor selitrectinib and eventually succumbed to his disease.

Discussion

The initial rapid and drastic response of our patient to larotrectinib was not sustained due to the development of acquired resistance. This case emphasizes the need for upfront and periodic next-generation sequencing testing to guide treatment of patients with refractory non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas.
A theory of capitalist co-optation of radical alternatives: The case of Islamic banking industry
Authors: Ul-Haq Shoaib , Lone Razi Allah , Ashraf Naeem
Published: July 2020

In this article, we use the critical theory literature to describe the processes of co-optation by which capitalism engages with its radical alternatives in order to subvert their emancipatory potential. We chose the global Islamic banking industry as our empirical context, which represents bold efforts to build a radical alternative embedded in Islamic moral precepts. However, we observed that the performative intent of capitalist discourse, reflected in a strong preoccupation with effectiveness and efficiency, has come to dominate all economic claims in the Islamic banking industry. The oppositional ideas that were intended to disturb the economic status quo now reproduce it along with its privileges, despite the vaulted rhetoric about establishing a genuine alternative. The article ends by mapping out some implications of re-introducing co-optation in the critical theory literature.
What kills international organisations? When and why international organisations terminate
Authors: Eilstrup-Sangiovanni Mette
Published: July 2020

This article addresses the puzzle of why, and under what conditions, international organisations cease to exist. International Relations literature offers rich explanations for the creation, design and effectiveness of international institutions and their organisational embodiments, international organizations (IOs), but surprisingly little effort has gone into studying the dynamics of IO termination. Yet if we want to understand the conditions under which international organisations endure, we must also explain why they frequently fail to do so. The article formulates and tests a theory of ‘IO death’ using a combination of population-wide statistical analysis and detailed historical case studies. My analysis is based on an original dataset covering the period 1815–2016. I find that exogenous shocks are a leading proximate cause of IO terminations since 1815 and that organisations that are newly created, have small memberships, and/or lack centralised structures are most likely to succumb. My analysis leads me to suggest a number of extensions and refinements to existing institutionalist theories.
Confronting bias in the online representation of pregnancy
Authors: Bogers Loes , Niederer Sabine , Bardelli Federica , De Gaetano Carlo
Published: July 2020

This article interrogates platform-specific bias in the contemporary algorithmic media landscape through a comparative study of the representation of pregnancy on the Web and social media. Online visual materials such as social media content related to pregnancy are not void of bias, nor are they very diverse. The case study is a cross-platform analysis of social media imagery for the topic of pregnancy, through which distinct visual platform vernaculars emerge. The authors describe two visualization methods that can support comparative analysis of such visual vernaculars: the image grid and the composite image. While platform-specific perspectives range from lists of pregnancy tips on Pinterest to pregnancy information and social support systems on Twitter, and pregnancy humour on Reddit, each of the platforms presents a predominantly White, able-bodied and heteronormative perspective on pregnancy.
Neighborhood characteristics and ataque de nervios: the role of neighborhood violence
Authors: Ginzburg Shir Lerman , Lemon Stephenie C. , Rosal Milagros
Published: July 2020

Ataque de nervios is a Latina/o idiom of distress that may occur as a culturally sanctioned response to acute stressful experiences, particularly relating to grief, threat, family conflict, and a breakdown in social networks. The contextual factors associated with ataque de nervios have received little attention in research. This study examined the association between neighborhood factors and the experience of ataque de nervios among a sample of Latinas/os participating in the Latino Health and Well-Being Project in the northeastern United States. We examined the association between neighborhood cohesion, safety, trust, and violence and ataque de nervios. In multivariate logistic regression models, neighborhood violence was associated with ataque de nervios ( p = .02), with each unit increase in the neighborhood violence scale being associated with 1.36 times greater odds of experiencing ataque de nervios. None of the other neighborhood variables were significantly associated with ataque de nervios. The positive association between neighborhood violence and the experience of ataque de nervios makes a further case for policy efforts and other investments to reduce neighborhood violence.
Exploring young people’s perceptions about secondary school: Critical issues and improvements to prevent dropout risk in disadvantaged contexts
Authors: Bussu Anna , Pulina Manuela
Published: July 2020

Through a mixed methods approach, this article explores young people’s perceptions about critical issues in secondary school and the improvements being made to prevent dropout risk. The empirical data were gathered from a representative sample of young people (14–24) in a socioeconomically disadvantaged region in the European Union. A principal component analysis assessed the most significant indicators that influence young people’s scholastic experience and effectiveness of education. A content analysis was applied to identify the key critical issues and possible strategies to support young people’s school satisfaction. The findings reveal a set of key indicators: interpersonal relationships, learning process, teacher role, school management, the impact of new technologies.
Blunt and Penetrating Liver Trauma have Similar Outcomes in the Modern Era
Authors: Keizer A. A. , Arkenbosch J. H. C. , Kong V. Y. , Hoencamp R. , Bruce J. L. , Smith M. T. D. , Clarke D. L.
Published: July 2020

Background:

The trend in liver trauma management has progressively become increasingly conservative. However, a vast majority of literature focuses heavily on the management of blunt trauma. This study reviews the management of hepatic trauma at a major trauma center in a developing world setting, in order to compare blunt and penetrating liver trauma and to define current management algorithms and protocols.

Methods:

All patients who sustained liver trauma between 2012 to 2018 were identified in the Hybrid Electronic Medical Registry and extracted for further analysis.

Results:

A total of 808 patients with hepatic trauma were managed by our trauma center. There were 658 males and 150 females. The mean age was 30 years (standard deviation 13.3). A total of 68 patients died (8.2%) and a total of 290 (35%) patients required intensive care unit admission. The mean presenting shock index was 0.806 (standard deviation 0.67–1.0), the median Injury Severity Score was 18 (interquartile range 10–25) and the mean Revised Trauma Score was 12 (standard deviation 11–12). There were 367 penetrating and 441 blunt liver injuries. The age distribution was similar in both groups. There were significantly less females in the penetrating group. The shock index and the Injury Severity Score on presentation were significantly worse in the blunt group, respectively: 0.891 (standard deviation 0.31) versus 0.845 (standard deviation 0.69) (p < 0.001) and score 21 (interquartile range 13–27) versus 16 (interquartile range 9–20) (p < 0.01). The opposite applied to the Revised Trauma Score of 11.75 (standard deviation 0.74) versus 11.19 (standard deviation 1.3) (p < 0.001). There were significantly more associated intra-abdominal injuries in the penetrating group than the blunt group, in particular that of hollow organs, and 84% of patients with a penetrating injury underwent a laparotomy while only 33% of the blunt injuries underwent a laparotomy. The mortality rate was comparable between both groups.

Conclusion:

Hepatic trauma is still associated with a high morbidity rate, although there have been dramatic improvements in mortality rates over the last three decades. The mortality rates for blunt and penetrating liver trauma are now similar. Non-operative management is feasible for over two-thirds of blunt injuries and for just under 20% of penetrating injuries.