bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aging Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells Manifest Profound Epigenetic Reprogramming of Enhancers That May Predispose to Leukemia
Authors: Adelman Emmalee R. , Huang Hsuan-Ting , Roisman Alejandro , Olsson André , Colaprico Antonio , Qin Tingting , Lindsley R. Coleman , Bejar Rafael , Salomonis Nathan , Grimes H. Leighton , Figueroa Maria E.
Published: May 2019

Aging is associated with functional decline of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) as well as an increased risk of myeloid malignancies. We performed an integrative characterization of epigenomic and transcriptomic changes, including single-cell RNA sequencing, during normal human aging. Lineage−CD34+CD38− cells [HSC-enriched (HSCe)] undergo age-associated epigenetic reprogramming consisting of redistribution of DNA methylation and reductions in H3K27ac, H3K4me1, and H3K4me3. This reprogramming of aged HSCe globally targets developmental and cancer pathways that are comparably altered in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) of all ages, encompassing loss of 4,646 active enhancers, 3,091 bivalent promoters, and deregulation of several epigenetic modifiers and key hematopoietic transcription factors, such as KLF6, BCL6, and RUNX3. Notably, in vitro downregulation of KLF6 results in impaired differentiation, increased colony-forming potential, and changes in expression that recapitulate aging and leukemia signatures. Thus, age-associated epigenetic reprogramming may form a predisposing condition for the development of age-related AML.

Significance:

AML, which is more frequent in the elderly, is characterized by epigenetic deregulation. We demonstrate that epigenetic reprogramming of human HSCs occurs with age, affecting cancer and developmental pathways. Downregulation of genes epigenetically altered with age leads to impairment in differentiation and partially recapitulates aging phenotypes.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 983
A multiplicidade do espaço como reflexão dialética
Authors: Manetti Claudio , Silva Jonathas Magalhães Pereira da
Published: May 2019

O presente artigo dialoga com diversos autores na problematização da definição do Espaço e a forma de apreendermos sua dinâmica e características físicas. Discute as formas de percepção das relações inter escalares, seu significado e as contribuições que esta reflexão é capaz de trazer para o campo da Arquitetura e do Urbanismo. Buscam-se as “chaves de conexão” da interferência antrópica como ação geomorfológica, da leitura do fragmento a inferir o espaço total. Não se aceitaria a normativa de insulamento de fragmentos ou recortes extraídos de certas estruturas maiores, nem se concentra nas decisões temáticas em confinamento (coerências monotemáticas), mas no cruzamento das temáticas do espaço definidas pelas coerências articuladas em sistemas de troca vitais (coerências pluritemáticas).
CAMÕES, POETA DA EXPERIÊNCIA INTERIOR
Authors: Machado Rodrigo Corrêa Martins
Published: May 2019

Este ensaio tem como objetivo principal analisar a escrita camoniana enquanto palco de encenações de experiências interiores. Para levar a cabo esse propósito, baseei a minha leitura nas obras A experiência interior, O erotismo e As lágrimas de Eros do ensaísta Georges Bataille, a fim de destacar que a poesia camoniana se constitui também enquanto palco para as manifestações das experiências interiores, possibilitando que, a partir do individual, a palavra poética toque os universais da existência humana.
MULHERES ENGAIOLADAS EM TEMPOS DE FARDAS: REPRESENTAÇÕES DA MULHER COMO SER À MARGEM EM “O PARDAL É UM PÁSSARO AZUL” DE HELONEIDA STUDART
Authors: Mello Evelyn Caroline de
Published: May 2019

O presente trabalho pretende problematizar a construção das personagens femininas na obra “O pardal é um pássaro azul”, de Heloneida Studart, escrito e publicado no período referente ao Regime Militar no Brasil, estabelecido em 1 de abril de 1964, cuja vigência se deu até o ano de 1985. Para tanto, dialoga-se com a teoria feminista, uma vez que juntamente ao protesto contra a ditadura, assume-se uma postura de contestação à situação de opressão feminina e à desigualdade de gênero, explicitada especialmente na construção das personagens e na manipulação do foco narrativo.
SUBJETIVIDADE GAY NA POESIA DE ANTÓNIO BOTTO
Authors: Fernandes Maria Lúcia Outeiro
Published: May 2019

Buscando entender os motivos da sua ausência no cânone da lírica portuguesa do século XX, este ensaio pretende suscitar algumas reflexões acerca das qualidades estéticas da poesia de António Botto. Além deste objetivo, este trabalho pretende mostrar de que modo o esteticismo e o decadentismo se articulam, na poesia dramática de António Botto, promovendo uma tensão com o humanismo ou vitalismo, a fim de melhor expressar uma subjetividade gay e criar uma identidade queer.
IRENE LISBOA E AS FICÇÕES DE GÉNERO DO ESTADO NOVO
Authors: Barbosa Sara Marina
Published: May 2019

Vivendo na sociedade patriarcal, machista e misógina que é a portuguesa no período do Estado Novo (1933-1974), Irene Lisboa (1892-1958) ousa pôr em causa normas sociais e literárias. Em linha com a experimentação modernista, assina os seus livros de poemas com o pseudónimo “João Falco”, acto revelador da recusa de conformidades e imposições. A sua inteligente intuição parece já entrever as limitações de uma categorização em duas identidades fixas, cada uma com o seu conjunto de possibilidades e preconceitos. Partindo de alguns contributos dos estudos feministas, interroga-se a definição e a construção de uma identidade de género da “mulher” representada na poesia de Irene Lisboa.
Revisiting the Twin-Hub Trade Pattern in East Asia
Authors: Kuo Chun-Chien , Huang Deng-Shing , Yang Tzu-Han
Published: May 2019

Transport advantage, assembly hub under global value chains, technology advantage, and home-market effect are the four main factors contributing to the emergence of trade hubs in East Asia. Using a region-specific trade “hub-ness” measure, we examine the evolution of trade hubs in the East Asia. A China-Japan twin-hub pattern was found in the 1990s, but the twin hub began to divide in the beginning of the 21st century because of a rising China and declining Japan. We also show that ASEAN as an integrated region may lead to the emergence of another trade hub in East Asia, because of the enlarged ASEAN home-market-size effect, for the highly fragmented automatic data processing industry.
Effects of National Science and Technology Programs on Innovation in Chinese Firms
Authors: Shi Xing , Wu Yanrui , Fu Dahai , Guo Xiumei , Wu Huaqing
Published: May 2019

This paper aims to evaluate whether national science and technology programs in China help boost private investment in research and development and improve firms’ productive efficiency and innovation performance. The empirical analysis is based on a survey of 443 innovative firms in China during the period of 2008–11. A matching estimator together with a difference-in-difference approach is employed to investigate the effect of undertaking national science and technology programs. The results show that the effectiveness of national science and technology programs may be over-estimated. There are also heterogeneous effects across firms of different sizes and ownership and with different programs.
Introducing an Agenda-based Measurement of Mediation Success: The Divergent Effects of the Manipulation Strategy in African Civil Wars
Authors: Duursma Allard , Svensson Isak
Published: May 2019

Previous quantitative mediation research has relied on generalized measurements of “mediation success,” such as agreements, ceasefires or peace durability. However, these measurements of success do not take into account what mediators were mandated to achieve. We propose benchmarking outcomes against the explicit mandates of the interventions, a novel way of conceptualizing mediation success. Utilizing data on the agendas of mediated negotiations in intrastate armed conflicts in Africa between 1990 and 2010 as a proxy for mediation mandates, we examine the relative effectiveness of manipulation as a mediation strategy. The study shows, in contrast to previous research, that third party manipulation does not have a significant effect on whether the goal of a given round of negotiations is achieved and, that under some circumstances, may decrease the likelihood of mediation success. We discuss the opportunities as well as limitations of a mandate-based approach to the study of mediation success.
In Search of the True Faith: the Appearance of Orthodox Old Believers in Uganda and Spiritual Anti-globalism in Contemporary Africa
Authors: Bondarenko Dmitri M.
Published: May 2019

The present article, based on field evidence collected in 2017, deals with a very recent phenomenon — the Orthodox Old Believers in Uganda. This faith originated in Russia, however in Uganda all its adherents belong to African ethnic groups. We describe the short by now history and current state of the Old-Believer communities in Uganda and then concentrate on their members’ motivation for converting to Old Believers vs. knowledge of this religion. We show that what brings them to Old Believers is the search for the true faith associated with the original and hence correct way of performing Christian rites. In this we see an intricate interplay of the features typical for authentic African cultures and acquired by them in the course of interaction with the wider world. Basing on our case study, we discuss how globalist and anti-globalist trends manifest themselves in the religious context in contemporary Africa.
Poetic Record of Local Customs: Bamboo Branch Verses of Singapore (1888–1941)
Authors: Lam (林立) Lap
Published: May 2019

During the colonial period, Chinese poets in Singapore frequently adopted the short poetic genre called “Bamboo Branch Verse” to depict local customs, cultures, and their diasporic experiences. This genre has a folksong origin, and is traditionally used by literati writers to describe local folkways and secular love in exotic places. Li Qingnian’s Nanyang zhuzhici huibian shows that no fewer than 4,197 pieces were published in Malaya and Singapore from 1888 to 1950. Based on Li’s compilation yet adopting a more critical approach in handling his source materials, this article studies the content and generic style of Singapore’s zhuzhici and its relation to local society, from 1888, the year the first set of zhuzhici poems was published, to 1941, before Singapore was occupied by the Japanese army. It first reviews the tradition of zhuzhici writing and attempt to clarify its generic distinctiveness, so as to link the zhuzhici in Singapore with its origin and to point out what is new and unchanged. Second, it examines how writers used the miniature form of zhuzhici for social criticism and to respond to the colorful, complex Nanyang cultures. Finally, it focuses on Khoo Seok Wan’s poems to explicate the relationship between zhuzhici and print culture, his attitude toward local customs, and how he applied local languages, cyclic form, and explanatory notes in the genre.
Ismaili Onto-Cosmological Doctrines in the Manuscript Tradition of the Ikhwān al-Ṣafāʾ
Authors: Baffioni Carmela
Published: May 2019

This paper discusses Ismaili tendencies in some additions to the MSS of the Rasāʾil Ikhwān al-Ṣafāʾ consulted for the new edition of the encyclopaedia launched by the Institute of Ismaili Studies. Onto-cosmology is addressed in particular. The texts are in part copied from the Risāla al-Jāmiʿa and the Risāla Jāmiʿat al-Jāmiʿa. Sometimes they show similarities with Balīnūs, the Arabic pseudo-Apollonius of Tyana whom recent studies consider to play an important role in Ismaili thought. Though based on emanatism, onto-cosmology shares the religious terminology referred to hypostases; it introduces the concept of ibdāʿ besides that of emanation, the cosmic role of Imperative and the conception of God “beyond everything”; and it re-examines the Neoplatonic hypostases in the light of the Scriptural tale of Adam. Even if the additions were later interpolations, they demonstrate that the Ikhwān’s leaning towards Ismailism was a common belief at least in a certain manuscript tradition.
Cortinarius uxorum, a new telamonioid species in Cortinarius sect. Firmiores from the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: GARRIDO-BENAVENT ISAAC , BALLARÀ JOSEP , MAHIQUES RAFAEL
Published: May 2019

Cortinarius is one of the most species-rich, conspicuous and widespread genera of basidiomycete ectomycorrhizal fungi. While knowledge of the morphogenetic diversity of Cortinarius in central and northern Europe is rather extensive, less is known about the genus in other regions, such as the Iberian Peninsula. The present study assesses the taxonomical status of an unknown Cortinarius species from the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park (north-eastern Iberian Peninsula), using morphological, phylogenetic and ecological data. As a result, C. uxorum is presented as new species in C. subg. Telamonia sect. Firmiores. It is phenotypically recognized by its medium to large-sized, stout basidiomata with persistent and copious whitish to silvery-white veil remnants on the pileus margin, and the ring-like stripe on the upper stipe. The restricted distribution of this species to a Natural Park highlights the need to consider fungi as a pivotal component of biodiversity in conservation policies.
A new species of Eriocaulon and an annotated checklist of Eriocaulaceae from the Coastal Plain grasslands of Southern Brazil
Authors: ALFF CAROLINA COSTA , STÜTZEL THOMAS , MIOTTO SILVIA TERESINHA SFOGGIA
Published: May 2019

Eriocaulon itapevense, a new species from the Coastal Plain grasslands of Southern Brazil, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to E. magnificum, from which it differs mainly by the pubescent and opaque-green to greyish leaves, spathes and scapes, the strongly cucullate and pungent leaf apex, the longer lateral slit of the spathe, the longer and wider involucral bracts, and the rhombic-spathulate median petals of the pistillate flowers. The description of the new species is accompanied by photos and line drawings, information on geographical distribution, habitat and a conservation status assessments. Additionally, we provide an annotated checklist and an identification key for the Eriocaulaceae from the Coastal Plain grasslands of Southern Brazil. Our checklist comprises five genera and nine species, including Eriocaulon arechavaletae and Paepalanthus planifolius, which are new records for this region.
Revision of the Alpheus websteri Kingsley, 1880 species complex (Crustacea: Decapoda: Alpheidae), with revalidation of A. arenensis (Chace, 1937)
Authors: ANKER ARTHUR , HURT CARLA , KNOWLTON NANCY
Published: May 2019

The Alpheus websteri Kingsley, 1880 species complex is revised. Alpheus websteri s. str. is redefined and restricted to the western Atlantic, ranging from the type locality in the Florida Keys to northeastern Brazil. The eastern Pacific A. arenensis (Chace, 1937), formerly a synonym of A. websteri, and the eastern Atlantic A. fagei Crosnier and Forest, 1966, are shown to be distinct from A. websteri morphologically, genetically and also by color pattern. Morphology, genetics and color patterns all suggest that A. websteri and A. arenensis are transisthmian sister species, with A. fagei being their closest relative. Complete synonymy, color photographs and GenBank barcodes (COI) are provided for all three species.
Revision of the flightless click-beetle genus Neodima Schimmel & Platia
(Elateridae: Dimini) endemic to China, with comments on its systematic position
Authors: KUNDRATA ROBIN , SORMOVA ELISKA , QIU LU , PROSVIROV ALEXANDER S.
Published: May 2019

Distribution of flightless insect lineages often help us to identify the areas of long-term stability which serve as biodiversity hotspots. In this paper we taxonomically revise the wingless click-beetle genus Neodima Schimmel & Platia, 1992 endemic to the mountainous regions of Sichuan, China. Neodima sichuanensis Schimmel & Platia, 1992 and N. cechovskyi Schimmel, 1998 are redescribed, and N. belousovi Prosvirov & Kundrata sp. nov. is described as new for science. The distribution and morphological diversity of Neodima is discussed, main diagnostic characters for all species are figured, and an identification key to the species of this genus is provided. Mouthparts as well as female pregenital segments and genitalia are described and figured for the first time for this genus. Further, we compare Neodima to morphologically similar genera, and discuss its systematic position within Dimini.
Developing Priority Observational Requirements from Space Using Multi-Attribute Utility Theory
Authors: Anthes Richard A. , Maier Mark W. , Ackerman Steve , Atlas Robert , Callahan Lisa W. , Dittberner Gerald , Edwing Richard , Emch Pamela G. , Ford Michael , Gail William B. , Goldberg Mitch , Goodman Steve , Kummerow Christian , Onsager Terrance , Schrab Kevin , Velden Chris , Vonderhaar Thomas , Yoe James G.
Published: May 2019

Over a two-year period beginning in 2015, a panel of subject matter experts, the Space Platform Requirements Working Group (SPRWG), carried out an analysis and prioritization of different space-based observations supporting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s operational services in the areas of weather, oceans, and space weather. NOAA leadership used the SPRWG analysis of space-based observational priorities in different mission areas, among other inputs, to inform the Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT)-based value model and the NOAA Satellite Observing Systems Architecture (NSOSA) study. The goal of the NSOSA study is to develop candidate satellite architectures for the era beginning in approximately 2030. The SPRWG analysis included a prioritized list of observational objectives together with the quantitative attributes of each objective at three levels of performance: a threshold level of minimal utility, an intermediate level that the community expects by 2030, and a maximum effective level, a level for which further improvements would not be cost effective. This process is believed to be unprecedented in the analysis of long-range plans for providing observations from space. This paper describes the process for developing the prioritized objectives and their attributes and how they were combined in the Environmental Data Record (EDR) Value Model (EVM). The EVM helped inform NOAA’s assessment of many potential architectures for its future observing system within the NSOSA study. However, neither the SPRWG nor its report represents official NOAA policy positions or decisions, and the responsibility for selecting and implementing the final architecture rests solely with NOAA senior leadership.
African American Males’ Decisions to Teach: Barriers, Motivations, and Supports Necessary for Completing a Teacher Preparation Program
Authors: Wallace Denelle L. , Gagen Linda M.
Published: May 2019

The growing diversity of student populations within the public schools of the United States and the lack of diversity present in the current pool of certified teachers are of great interest to colleges and universities seeking to increase the diversity of teacher candidates. Researchers explored the factors that encouraged African American male teachers in a large southeastern public school division to complete an accredited teacher education program leading to state licensure. Completed questionnaires and structured interviews with 11 African American male educators from elementary and secondary classrooms provided data revealing the barriers, motivations, and supports related to the retention of African American males in college and university teacher preparation programs.
Occupational Licensure and Entrepreneurs: The Case of Tax Preparers in the United States
Authors: Albert Kyle W. , Galperin Roman V. , Kacperczyk Aleksandra
Published: May 2019

The authors examine the relationship between entrepreneurship and occupational licensure using data on the universe of more than 700,000 tax preparers in the United States. Prior research suggests that occupational licensure has negative effects on entrepreneurship because it increases the costs of operating a business. By contrast, the authors argue that licensure may allow entrepreneurs to signal quality and enhance their legitimacy. States that require tax preparers to be licensed have higher average rates of entrepreneurship—approximated by tax practice ownership—and, in high-income ZIP codes, more demand for paid preparer services. In the analysis of the introduction of a federal license requirement in tax preparation in 2013, voluntary early adoption of the license by preparers predicts higher chances of survival in the industry. Entrepreneurs are less likely to adopt the license early than are non-entrepreneurs, unless they lack other state-level credentials. Results thus suggest that licensure represents a trade-off for entrepreneurs between the costs of obtaining a license and the benefits of signaling quality and legitimacy.
Effects of Choir Spacing and Riser Step Heights on Acoustic and Perceptual Measures of SATB Choir Sound Acquired From Four Microphone Positions in Two Performance Halls
Authors: Daugherty James F. , Grady Melissa L. , Coffeen Robert C.
Published: May 2019

We assessed the effects of singing in two venues on acoustic and perceptualmeasures of performances by an SATB choir ( N = 28) as it sang in three spacing conditions, on two different riser unit heights, with data acquired from four microphone locations in each hall. Among primary acoustic results, long-term average spectra measures yielded a systematic pattern of significant contrasts between close and spread spacing conditions, with decreasing high-frequency energy as space between singers increased, regardless of venue, riser unit, or microphone location. Unlike previous findings with 12-in. (0.30-m) riser step heights, a doubled 16-in. (0.41-m) height did not enhance this pattern. Primary perceptual results were as follows: (a) All choristers (100%) thought spread singer spacing facilitated best hearing of their own voices in relation to the rest of the ensemble. (b) Nearly all singers (96%) reported their most comfortable vocal production in spread spacing. (c) All choristers thought the doubled riser step heights influenced choral sound, but 78% described vocal production as most comfortable with spread spacing on the regular riser unit. We discuss results in terms of implications for choral pedagogy and directions for future research.
School factors and anxiety disorder among Hispanic youth: Results from the 2016 US National Survey on Children’s Health
Authors: Yockey R. Andrew , King Keith A. , Vidourek Rebecca A.
Published: May 2019

Anxiety disorders continue to be a major mental health problem among Hispanic youth. A greater understanding of particular risk factors among this at-risk population may assist school health professionals in developing psychosocial interventions designed to mitigate this growing problem. The present study evaluated a variety of school factors related to anxiety among a national sample of Hispanic youth in the US. A secondary analysis of the 2016 National Children’s Health Survey was conducted. A total of 2,138 of Hispanic adolescents aged 12- to 17-years-old participated in the study. A sizeable percentage (10.9%) of Hispanic youth reported anxiety. Results from the final multivariate regression model indicated that bullying others or excluding them, being bullied or excluded by others, not doing all required homework, and school contact to parents about their child’s behavior were all significant risk factors for anxiety among Hispanic adolescents in the US. These risk factors should be considered when planning school health and psychology interventions for Hispanic adolescents in the US.
Properties of Performance Measures and the Demand for Discretion in Incentive Contracts
Authors: Huang Jizhang , Balakrishnan Ramji , Pan Fei
Published: May 2019

We examine how the congruity and the measurability of performance measures affect the demand for discretion in incentive contracting. We test our hypotheses using survey data from 179 profit center managers in China. Focusing on the use of non-financial performance measures, we predict and find that the demand for discretion increases as measurability decreases. Furthermore, congruity amplifies the rate of increase in the demand for discretion. Our findings add to the literature on the use of discretion in incentive contracting.
Exploring the potential and limits of a neuroscientific approach to entrepreneurship
Authors: Nicolaou Nicos , Lockett Andy , Ucbasaran Deniz , Rees Geraint
Published: May 2019

We critically examine the potential that neuroscience holds for the future of entrepreneurship research and provide a framework for entrepreneurship researchers interested in pursuing this line of inquiry. Specifically, we propose four complementary mechanisms through which neuroscience can inform entrepreneurship theory and research. We conclude with a discussion of the limitations and ethical implications of a neuroscientific approach to entrepreneurship.
Urban dynamics, everyday hazards and disaster risks in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Adelekan Ibidun O
Published: May 2019

Many cities in sub-Saharan Africa lack official records of deaths and of serious illnesses and injuries from everyday hazards and disaster events at all scales. This is a major limitation to effective planning for risk reduction. This paper seeks to fill some of these data gaps for the city of Ibadan, drawing on newspaper reports, hospital records, and databases or records of government departments for the period 2000–2015. It presents what can be learned about risks from these sources and discusses how the social, economic and political structures at the national, city and locality levels contribute to the most serious urban risks, as well as how these drive the process of risk accumulation, especially for vulnerable groups. Excluding public health risks for which data are scarce and incomplete, road traffic accidents, crime, violence and flooding constitute the most serious hazards in the city of Ibadan.
The compliant effect of controlled spine on interaction with the ground in quadruped trotting
Authors: Li Zhang , Tan Yuegang , Wu Ping , Zeng Shun
Published: May 2019

The spine plays important roles in the quadruped locomotion. These effects not only stand out in high-speed gait but also function in low-speed gait, especially the transition gait – trotting gait. In order to investigate the effects of the spine on the motion performance of the quadruped trotting, the spine with two joints is applied into the structure of the quadruped robot. This structure is inspired from the analyses for the canine, which imitates the configuration of thoracic vertebra, front lumbar vertebra and hind lumbar vertebra. Different from the quadruped robot with the passive spine or the active spine by inputting position, a compliant control is applied to the spinal joints. The feature of force control not only possesses the soft feature of the passive spine but also has the advantage of enlarging the motion ability. In the simulation process, a large amount of analyses are carried out including the influence of the control parameters of the controlled spine, the comparison with the quadruped robot with rigid torso and the gait simulation when the robot moves on the flat ground and across an obstacle. The results reveal that the controlled spine has an excellent compliant effect on the interaction with the ground. It contributes to reducing the ground reaction forces; meanwhile, the compliant effect is beneficial for improving the stability. By establishing the prototype robot and performing the motion experiment, the compliant effect of the spine is proven effective.
Would Firm Performance be Better with Women Directors? Evidence from India
Authors: Jyothi Pavana , Mangalagiri Jayasree
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this article is to examine the impact of women directors on firm performance of Indian companies and to check the impact after controlling their firm-specific and corporate governance variables. Further, the study explores the impact of women directors on firm performance of group firms and standalone firms. Regression models used in the study reveal that women directors create a positive and significant impact on firm performance as measured by return on assets (ROA) and Tobin’s Q. Further, the study found that the relationship becomes stronger if a firm belongs to the business group. This article adds to the existing literature on gender diversity at the board level, by analysing the impact of women directors on firm performance in the Indian context. This study is the first to examine the aspect of gender diversity in the Indian context.
Innovating the Check-In, Check-Out Intervention: A Process for Creating Adaptations
Authors: Bundock Kaitlin , Hawken Leanne S. , Kladis Kristin , Breen Kimberli
Published: May 2019

Check-in, check-out (CICO), an intervention implemented with students at risk for behavioral disorders, addresses minor misbehaviors by providing students with a structured means of receiving positive adult attention. CICO reduces problem behaviors and improves appropriate behaviors of students with and without behavioral disorders. Research indicates CICO may be adapted to target a range of behaviors. This article presents a six-step process for adapting CICO and applies this process to demonstrate how the intervention can be adapted to support students with academic difficulties, internalizing behavior problems, and more severe behavior problems.
Eravacycline: The Tetracyclines Strike Back
Authors: Heaney Maria , Mahoney Monica V. , Gallagher Jason C.
Published: May 2019

Objective: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, and place in therapy of eravacycline, a novel fluorocycline antibiotic from the tetracycline family. Data Sources: A PubMed search was conducted for data between 1946 and March 2019 using MeSH terms eravacycline and TP-434. An internet search was conducted for unpublished clinical research. Study Selection and Data Extraction: The literature search was limited to English-language studies that described clinical efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics in humans and animals. Abstracts featuring prepublished data were also evaluated for inclusion. Data Synthesis: Eravacycline has in vitro activity against multidrug-resistant organisms, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, and Acinetobacter. It was approved for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAIs) in adults following favorable results of 2 phase III trials, IGNITE 1 and IGNITE 4, compared with ertapenem and meropenem, respectively. The most common adverse drug events associated with eravacycline were infusion site reactions (7.7%), nausea (6.5%), vomiting (3.7%), and diarrhea (2.3%). Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Eravacycline will likely be most useful for resistant infections when lack of tolerability, resistant phenotypes, or allergies prevent the use of β-lactams. Conclusions: Eravacycline is a new tetracycline antibiotic with a broad spectrum of activity that has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of cIAIs. Although it has activity against multidrug-resistant organisms, data are limited for other indications.
Governing Without Government: Nonprofit Governance in Detroit and Flint
Authors: Reckhow Sarah , Downey Davia , Sapotichne Joshua
Published: May 2019

Scholars across the social sciences have shown how economic, social, and political changes are weakening local governments and contributing to rising nonprofit activity in urban politics. But these trends could now add up to a new form of decision-making in some American cities. The convergence of public sector austerity and a burgeoning philanthropic and nonprofit sector have created space for what we call “nonprofit governance.” In some cities, nonprofit leaders can guide urban policy, sometimes with limited input from elected officials or citizens. First, we apply insights from studies in comparative politics to demonstrate how nonprofit leadership can expand, particularly in the context of a weak state. Next, we assess trends in public sector capacity, based on local government employment in Midwestern U.S. cities. We closely examine Detroit and Flint due to dramatic declines in local government capacity and recent public sector crises in both cities, focusing on the role of nonprofits in each. These leading-edge cases allow us to trace the development of nonprofit governance and explore different forms of nonprofit and local government relationships.
From the margins to mainstream: How providers of autologous ‘stem cell treatments’ legitimise their practice in Australia
Authors: MacGregor Casimir , Petersen Alan , Munsie Megan
Published: May 2019

This article examines how Australian providers of unproven autologous ‘stem cell treatments’ legitimise these products and their practices. We focus on the strategies employed by providers in their efforts to create and sustain a market for procedures that have yet to be proven safe and clinically efficacious. Drawing on the work of Thomas Gieryn and Pierre Bourdieu and the findings of research involving an analysis of direct-to-consumer online advertising of clinics that sell purported ‘stem cell treatments’ and interviews with clinicians who provide them, we examine the mechanisms by which medical legitimacy for these products is established and defended. We argue that Australian providers employ a number of strategies in order to create medical legitimacy for the use and sale of scientifically unproven therapies. A key strategy employed by providers of stem cell treatments is to use markers of social distinction, drawing strongly on the symbols of science, to confirm their legitimacy and differentiate their own practices from those of other providers, who are posited as operating outside the boundary of accepted practice and hence illegitimate. We argue there is a paradox at the heart of the autologous stem cell treatment market. Providers aim to create legitimacy for their work by emphasising the potential benefits of their ‘treatments’, their expertise and the professionalisation of their practices in an environment where regulators are yet to take a firm stance; they are also required to undertake the challenging task of managing patients’ hopes and expectations that both enable and potentially jeopardise their operations and revenue. We conclude by suggesting that providers’ creation of symbolic capital to establish medical legitimacy is a crucial means by which they seek to bring unproven ‘stem cell treatments’ from the margins of medicine into the mainstream and to portray themselves as medical pioneers rather than medical cowboys who exploit vulnerable patients.
Counting on the body: Techniques of embodied digitality
Authors: Puskar Jason
Published: May 2019

By recovering the history of simple finger counting techniques and their relevance to a wide range of enumerative and calculative technologies, this article argues that human fingers have long shaped the digital, and more importantly, that the digital has long shaped the fingers. The interfaces of calculating machines from the Roman abacus to the touchscreen calculators mathematize the body in very specific and consistent ways, such that the fingers have come to connote human reason just as fluids such as tears have come to connote human feeling. This embodied digitality naturalizes and humanizes the digital in ways that we have too often taken for granted. Digital calculating machines are not just utilitarian instruments under human control, but engines of hominization that, across much of the world today, define what it means to be human.
Micro–macro properties of plastic concrete anti-seepage wall materials mixed with low-liquid limit clay
Authors: Shi Yan , Chen Xia , Li Jiazheng , Li Xiang , Peng Ziling
Published: May 2019

In this study, the micro–macro properties of plastic concrete mixed with low-liquid limit clay were explored, including the mechanical properties, deformation, impermeability, triaxial stress–strain curve, hydration products, phase composition, and pore structure. The results showed that the strength of the plastic concrete decreased with the increase in clay content. When the clay content was 140 kg/m3, the compressive strength and elasticity modulus/strength ratio at 28 days were 3.77 MPa and 316, respectively. The average water-absorption rate of plastic concrete was 10.4%, and the relative permeability coefficient was about 10−7−10−8 cm/s. The stress–strain curves obtained from the triaxial test indicate softening behavior, and the volume change–axial strain curves indicate expansion. The variation in strength showed good linearity with the increase of confining pressure, and the corresponding model parameters were obtained. In addition, micro-analysis showed that the types of hydration products in the hardened paste with different clay contents were almost the same, but the intensity of each diffraction peak was different. As the curing age increased, the degree of hydration of the paste increased, internal pore diameter became smaller, and structural integrity was improved. This study aims to enable the use of local low-liquid limit clay resources to reduce engineering cost and adjust the performance of concrete.
Field, capital and the policing habitus: Understanding Bourdieu through the NYPD’s post-9/11 counterterrorism practices
Authors: Quinlan Tara Lai
Published: May 2019

This article extends existing Bourdieusian theory in criminology and security literature through examining the practices of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in the post-9/11 counterterrorism field. This article makes several original contributions. First, it explores the resilient nature of the policing habitus, extending Bourdieusian criminological findings that habitus are entrenched and difficult to change. Second, this article examines the way the resilient habitus drives subordinate factions to displace dominant factions in a field’s established social hierarchy through boundary-pushing practices, a concept previously unexamined in Bourdieusian criminology. Drawing on original documentary analysis, this article uses the illustrative example of the NYPD’s post-9/11 counterterrorism practices, exploring how it sought to displace the existing social structure by using its aggressive policing habitus and an infusion of ‘War on Terror’ capital to challenge the dominant position of the FBI in the post-9/11 counterterrorism field. The NYPD’s habitus driven counterterrorism practices were novel and unprecedented, creating strain with both the FBI and local communities.
‘Menstrual blood is bad and should be cleaned’: A qualitative case study on traditional menstrual practices and contextual factors in the rural communities of far-western Nepal
Authors: Thapa Subash , Bhattarai Shivani , Aro Arja R
Published: May 2019

Objective:

Unhealthy menstrual practices and the contexts surrounding them should be explored and clearly understood; this information could be useful while developing and implementing interventions to increase hygienic practices during menstruation and consequently increase health and well-being of women. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore traditional menstrual practices and the contextual factors surrounding the practices in the rural communities of far-western Nepal.

Methods:

This was a qualitative case study conducted in the Achham district of Nepal. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among four women, three men and two female community health volunteers to collect data and thematic analysis was performed to analyze the data.

Results:

We found two commonly reported menstrual practices: seclusion practice (Chhaupadi) and separation practice. In the Chhaupadi practice, women are secluded to stay in a small shed away from the house and restricted to wash or take a bath in public water sources for 5–7 days of the periods, whereas in the separation practice, women can stay in the house, but they still have several restrictions. The contextual factors that were reported to influence the cultural practices are as follows: cultural beliefs that symbolize menstruation as impure, menstrual stigma, poverty, illiteracy, the influence of traditional healers and family members, and limited effect of Chhaupadi elimination interventions. We also found that some development in the reduction of cultural myths and practices is happening, but the rate of change is rather slow.

Conclusion:

Most of the Nepalese women, especially in the rural areas of far-western Nepal, are forced to follow the harmful menstrual practices because of the socio-cultural context surrounding their lives. We believe the findings of this study would be relevant in terms of developing and implementing further menstrual health-related, community-based interventions that will be responsive to the local cultural context, beliefs, and practices.
Oral lipoic acid as a treatment for acute optic neuritis: a blinded, placebo controlled randomized trial
Authors: Falardeau Julie , Fryman Allison , Wanchu Rohan , Marracci Gail H , Mass Michele , Wooliscroft Lindsey , Bourdette Dennis N , Murchison Charles F , Hills William L , Yadav Vijayshree
Published: May 2019

Background

Lipoic acid, an antioxidant, has beneficial effects in experimental acute optic neuritis and autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Optical coherence tomography can detect retinal nerve fiber layer thinning, representing axonal degeneration, approximately 3–6 months after acute optic neuritis.

Objective

To determine whether lipoic acid is neuroprotective in acute optic neuritis.

Methods

A single-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, 24-week trial. Intervention included 6 weeks of once daily lipoic acid (1200 mg) or placebo within 14 days of acute optic neuritis diagnosis. The primary outcome was the mean difference in affected eye retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness from baseline to 24 weeks.

Results

We enrolled 31 subjects (placebo n=16; lipoic acid n=15; average age 38.6 years (standard deviation (SD) 10.3)). Affected eye mean global RNFL thickness (µm) in the lipoic acid group decreased from 108.47 (SD 26.11) at baseline to 79.31 (SD 19.26) at 24 weeks. The affected eye RNFL in the placebo group decreased from 103.67 (SD 18.04) at baseline to 84.43 (SD 20.94) at 24 weeks. Unaffected eye RNFL thickness did not significantly change in either group over 24 weeks.

Conclusion

Six weeks of oral lipoic acid supplementation after acute optic neuritis is safe and well tolerated; however, because of insufficient recruitment, we could not conclude that lipoic acid treatment was neuroprotective in acute optic neuritis.
The Values and Usefulness of Same-Sex Marriages Among the Females in Igbo Culture in the Continuity of Lineage or Posterity
Authors: Urama Evelyn Nwachukwu
Published: May 2019

The Igbo world in Southeastern Nigeria, as a patriarchal society, believes in passing the family inheritance along the male line excluding the female. This sociocultural belief and practice leads to gender role problems, especially in the case of families with no children or male child who will inherit the family estate. Same-sex marriage among women is used to bridge the gap created by the challenges of the socially and culturally constructed gender roles with the aim of “male daughters” and “female husbands” becoming sons and husbands to wives for procreation and continuity of the family’s lineage. Through Gender Studies and Gender and Power theory, this study examines the reasons and benefits of such practices, the risks the practices expose women to, as well as the sociocultural implications of the practice to the Igbo worldview.
Carbohydrate Availability as a Regulator of Energy Balance With Exercise
Authors: Gonzalez Javier T. , Betts James A. , Thompson Dylan
Published: May 2019

We explore the novel hypothesis that carbohydrate availability is involved in the regulation of energy balance with exercise, via hormonal and neural signals. We propose that carbohydrate availability could play a direct mechanistic role and partially explain previously documented relations between a more active lifestyle and tighter control of energy balance.
The Impact of Big Data on Firm Performance: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Bajari Patrick , Chernozhukov Victor , Hortaçsu Ali , Suzuki Junichi
Published: May 2019

We examine the impact of “big data” on firm performance in the context of forecast accuracy using proprietary retail sales data obtained from Amazon. We measure the accuracy of forecasts in two relevant dimensions: the number of products (N), and the number of time periods for which a product is available for sale (T). Theory suggests diminishing returns to larger N and T, with relative forecast errors diminishing at rate 1/sqrt(N)+1/sqrt(T). Empirical results indicate gains in forecast improvement in the T dimension but essentially flat N effects.
Big Data and Firm Dynamics
Authors: Farboodi Maryam , Mihet Roxana , Philippon Thomas , Veldkamp Laura
Published: May 2019

We study a model where firms accumulate data as a valuable intangible asset. Data accumulation affects firms' dynamics. It increases the skewness of the firm size distribution as large firms generate more data and invest more in active experimentation. On the other hand, small data-savvy firms can overtake more traditional incumbents, provided they can finance their initial money-losing growth. Our model can be used to estimate the market and social value of data.
The Rise of the Dollar and Fall of the Euro as International Currencies
Authors: Maggiori Matteo , Neiman Brent , Schreger Jesse
Published: May 2019

International currencies play important roles as foreign exchange reserves but are also most frequently used to denominate corporate and government bonds, bank loans, and import and export invoices. These currencies offer unrivaled liquidity, constituting large shares of the volume on global foreign exchange markets, and are commonly chosen as the anchors targeted by countries with pegged or managed exchange rate regimes. We provide evidence suggesting a recent rise in the use of the dollar, and fall of the use of the euro, with similar patterns manifesting across all these aspects of international currency use.
Ending Rent Control Reduced Crime in Cambridge
Authors: Autor David H. , Palmer Christopher J. , Pathak Parag A.
Published: May 2019

Using detailed location-specific criminal incident-level data, we find that sudden rent decontrol in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1995 caused overall crime to fall by 16 percent--approximately 1,200 crimes annually. We estimate that this annual direct benefit to Cambridge residents was roughly $10 million (in 2008 dollars), accounting for 10 percent of the growth in the Cambridge residential property values attributable to decontrol.
The Introduction of Tasers and Police Use of Firearms: Evidence from the Chicago Police Department
Authors: Ba Bocar , Grogger Jeffrey
Published: May 2019

Many police jurisdictions have recently expanded their Taser arsenals with a goal of reducing officer-involved shootings. We analyze substitution between Tasers and firearms by means of an event study made possible by a policy change at the Chicago Police Department. Before March 2010, only sergeants and field training officers had access to Tasers; after that date, they were made available to patrol officers. We find that the change in Taser policy led to a large increase in Taser use, but not to a decrease in the use of firearms.