bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Animal Studies and Ancient Judaism
Authors: Berkowitz Beth
Published: August 2019

Animal studies has its origins in philosophy but extends to all fields of the humanities, especially literature, history, and anthropology. The central concern of animal studies is how human beings perceive other species and themselves as one among them. Animal studies in ancient Judaism has generally not been undertaken in a critical mode, with notable and increasing exceptions. This article covers work from the past decade (2009–2019) that deals centrally with animals, from ancient Israel to late antiquity, spanning the Hebrew Bible, apocrypha and pseudepigrapha, library of Qumran, rabbinic literature, and material culture. Topics addressed are animal sacrifice and consumption; literary depictions of animals; studies of individual animal species; archaeology and art featuring animals; animal ethics, theology, and law; and critical theoretical approaches to species difference. The conclusion considers future directions for animal studies in ancient Judaism.
Digital Politics in the Diaspora: U.K. Aam Aadmi Party Supporters Online and Offline
Authors: Webb Martin
Published: August 2019

In 2012, the Aam Aadmi (common man) Party (AAP) made its debut on the Indian political scene on a platform promoting ethical politics, anticorruption action and active citizenship. Inspired by the AAP’s call to “change politics,” many nonresident Indians (NRIs) in the U.K. Indian diaspora joined an international network of groups that provided support for the party in subsequent successful election campaigns. This article follows the ways in which digital media played a key role in the formation of intense individual attachments to the party, and how, for some, it became the means through which disillusionment with the party and its project was expressed. By attending to digital politics in the Indian diaspora as it plays out in this relatively recent political formation, we can gain a new perspective on the circulations, connections, and class values through which postliberalization projects to reform the nation are worked on from beyond its borders.
Recognizing the Role of Research Assistants in the Protection of Participants in Vulnerable Circumstances
Authors: Friedland Judith , Peter Elizabeth
Published: August 2019

Little is known about how research assistants (RAs) protect participants in vulnerable circumstances. Using a critical qualitative method informed by feminist ethics, we ran five focus groups with experienced RAs. We identified two themes: (a) expressing moral competencies (subthemes: recognizing power, privilege, and vulnerability; adapting processes and providing support; understanding the sources of moral competencies) and (b) negotiating and making transparent roles and responsibilities (subthemes: separating responsibilities as a clinician from those of an RA; critically reflecting on the shared responsibilities of principal investigators and RAs; and identifying the role of the Research Ethics Committee). Although RAs possess a variety of moral competencies and have an important role in protecting research participants in vulnerable circumstances, that role is largely unrecognized.
Cross Talk Between TGF-β and JAK Expressions and Nepherotoxicity Induced by Tetrachloromethane: Role of Phytotherapy
Authors: Fadda Laila M. , Alhusaini Ahlam M. , Ali Hanaa M. , Hasan Iman H. , Badr Amira M. , Zakaria Enas A.
Published: August 2019

The aim of the current study is to assess the effectiveness of milk thistle seeds (Mth) in combination with Taraxacum officinale ( Tof) and/or Camellia sinensis ( Csin) against tetrachloromethane (Tcm) renotoxicity in rats. Tetrachloromethane was injected in a single dose, followed by 1-month treatments with Mth, Tof, and Csin alone or in combination. Serum urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels were significantly increased matched with the control group. Masson trichrome stain revealed increase in the deposition of fibrous tissue in the interstitium between the tubules and the renal corpuscles. Immunohistochemical analysis of kidney tissues revealed that Tcm induced an increase in the immune response of tumor growth factor β (TGF-β) and Janus kinase (JAK) protein expressions and cysteine–aspartic acid protease 3 (caspase 3), while B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) was downregulated. Treatment with the antioxidants in question either alone or in combination ameliorated all kidney function parameters and showed mild immune reactivity toward TGF-β and JAK protein expressions in blood vessels and glomeruli in the kidney tissues and downregulated caspase 3 and activated Bcl2 protein expression. The combination regimen of the 3 antioxidants showed the most significant renoprotective effect. This was also confirmed histopathologically. It was concluded that the antioxidant mixture is considered as a promising candidate toward renal dysfunction and immune reactivity induced by Tcm and other toxicants.
Synthesis of functionalized 1,2-dihydroisoquinolines via one-pot reactions of isoquinoline, alkyl propiolate, and thiazolidin-2,4-dione
Authors: Azad Leila , Ghazvini Maryam , Sanaeishoar Haleh , Yavari Issa
Published: August 2019

The reactive zwitterionic intermediates, generated from addition of isoquinoline to alkyl propiolates, react with thiazolidin-2,4-dione to afford 3-[1-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-3-yl)isoquinolin-2(1 H)-yl]acrylates in good yields. Using (Z)-5-arylidenethiazolidine-2,4-diones as the NH-acidic component leads to 3-{1-[( Z)-5-benzylidene-2,4-dioxothiazolidin-3-yl] isoquinolin-2(1 H)-yl}acrylates in moderate to good yields in the absence of any catalysts under mild reaction conditions. The reaction between quinoline, ethyl propiolate, and thiazolidin-2,4-dione leads to ethyl 3-[2-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-3-yl) quinolin-1(2 H)-yl]acrylate.
Anxiety in children and adolescents
Authors: Poppleton Aaron , Ramkission Roshelle , Ali Sidra
Published: August 2019

Anxiety is the physiological state of fear, unease or apprehension experienced by an individual in the face of an uncertain outcome. Anxiety disorders are characterised by recurrent symptoms of anxiety disproportionate to the eliciting situation, and are the most common disorders of emotion among young people in the UK. They have an early onset and increasing prevalence. This article provides a detailed insight into causes, diagnosis and management strategies for the different anxiety disorders in young people within primary care and the wider community.
Soluble human Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2 is associated with endoscopic activity in patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis treated with golimumab
Authors: Magro Fernando , Lopes Susana , Silva Marco , Coelho Rosa , Portela Francisco , Branquinho Diogo , Correia Luís , Fernandes Samuel , Cravo Marília , Caldeira Paulo , Tavares de Sousa Helena , Patita Marta , Lago Paula , Ramos Jaime , Afonso Joana , Redondo Isabel , Machado Patrícia , Philip George , Lopes Joanne , Carneiro Fátima
Published: August 2019

Background:

Suppressor of Tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) is an IL33 receptor detected in the mucosa and serum of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. We evaluated soluble ST2 (sST2) as a surrogate biomarker of disease outcome and therapeutic response, in moderate-to-severe UC patients treated with golimumab.

Methods:

We conducted an open-label single-arm multicentre prospective study. At screening/baseline, week 6 (W6) and week 16 (W16), clinical and endoscopic activity (total Mayo score), histologic activity (Geboes index) and biomarkers were evaluated.

Results:

From 38 patients, 34 (89.5%) completed W6 and 29 (76.3%) completed W16. Mean age (±SD) was 34.6 ± 12.6 years; 55.9% were female. At W16, 62.1% achieved clinical response. Patients with endoscopic activity at W6 ( n = 20) had higher baseline sST2 (median, 24.5 versus 18.7 ng/ml, p = 0.026) and no decrease from baseline (median change, 0.8 versus −2.7, p = 0.029). At W6, sST2 levels correlated with endoscopic activity ( rs = 0.45, p = 0.007) but not with histological activity ( rs = 0.25, p = 0.151). The best cut-offs for endoscopic activity were sST2 = 16.9 ng/ml (sensitivity = 85%; specificity = 71%) and faecal calprotectin (FC) = 353 μg/g (sensitivity = 90%, specificity = 67%). Patients with histological activity at W6 ( n = 27) had higher baseline ST2 levels (median, 23.0 versus 13.7 ng/ml, p = 0.035). sST2 did not correlate with FC or serum C-reactive protein. FC levels correlated with histological activity and baseline FC were higher when Geboes ⩾3.1 at W6.

Conclusions:

sST2 may be a surrogate biomarker of UC activity and therapeutic response as it correlates with endoscopic and clinical activity at W6 of golimumab treatment, and subjects with endoscopic and histological activity at W6 had higher baseline ST2 levels.
A review of pollutants emissions in various pressure gain combustors
Authors: Anand Vijay , Gutmark Ephraim
Published: August 2019

Recent years have witnessed a significant growth in the advancement and study of various unsteady combustors because of the prospective stagnation pressure gain offered by them. The pressure gain combustion produced by this class of combustors is poised to produce a step-change increase in the thermodynamic efficiency of gas-turbine engines. The current manuscript is oriented toward presenting a review on the pollutant emission characteristics of these devices; specifically, studies done so far on wave rotor combustors, pulsejet combustors, pulse detonation combustors, and rotating detonation combustors are evaluated. Because of the inherent fluid dynamic unsteadiness peculiar to pressure gain combustion devices, their emissions behavior is not well understood, and is notably different from the more conventional, steady combustors. The global view provided herein is expected to further the understanding of pressure gain combustion systems and ascertain the practicality of implementing them in real-world applications.
Does Overexertion Correlate With Increased Injury? The Relationship Between Player Workload and Soft Tissue Injury in Professional American Football Players Using Wearable Technology
Authors: Li Ryan T. , Salata Michael J. , Rambhia Sagar , Sheehan Joe , Voos James E.
Published: August 2019

Background:

The relationship of training load to injury using wearable technology has not been investigated in professional American football players. The primary objective of this study was to determine the correlation between player workload and soft tissue injury over the course of a football season utilizing wearable global positioning system (GPS) technology.

Hypothesis:

Increased training load is associated with a higher incidence of soft tissue injuries.

Study Design:

Case-control study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

Player workloads were assessed during preseason and regular-season practice sessions using GPS tracking and triaxial accelerometry from 2014 to 2016. Soft tissue injuries were recorded during each season. Player workload during the week of injury (acute) and average weekly workload during the 4 weeks (chronic) prior to injury were determined for each injury and in uninjured position-matched controls during the same week. A matched-pairs t test was used to determine differences in player workload. Subgroup analysis was also conducted to determine whether observed effects were confounded by training period and type of injury.

Results:

In total, 136 lower extremity injuries were recorded. Of the recorded injuries, 101 injuries with complete GPS and clinical data were included in the analysis. Injuries were associated with greater increases in workload during the week of injury over the prior month when compared with uninjured controls. Injured players saw a 111% (95% CI, 66%-156%) increase in workload whereas uninjured players saw a 73% (95% CI, 34%-112%) increase in workload during the week of injury ( P = 0.032). Individuals who had an acute to chronic workload ratio higher than 1.6 were 1.5 times more likely to sustain an injury relative to time- and position-matched controls (64.6% vs 43.1%; P = 0.004).

Conclusion:

Soft tissue injuries in professional football players were associated with sudden increases in training load over the course of a month. This effect seems to be especially pronounced during the preseason when player workloads are generally higher. These results suggest that a gradual increase of training intensity is a potential method to reduce the risk of soft tissue injury.

Clinical Relevance:

Preseason versus regular-season specific training programs monitored with wearable technology may assist team athletic training and medical staff in developing programs to optimize player performance.
Updates in the management of polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia
Authors: Bose Prithviraj , Verstovsek Srdan
Published: August 2019

Polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) are both classic, relatively indolent, chronic Philadelphia-chromosome-negative (Ph−) myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) characterized by elevated blood counts, thrombotic as well as hemorrhagic tendencies, a variety of symptoms, cumulative risks of progression to myelofibrosis and transformation to acute myeloid leukemia over time, and long survival. Molecularly, PV is more homogenous, being driven by JAK2 mutations in virtually all cases, while ET can be JAK2-, CALR-, or MPL-mutated, as well as ‘triple negative’. Recent targeted next-generation sequencing efforts have identified other, nondriver gene mutations, some with prognostic relevance. Prevention of thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications continues to be the major focus of management, although symptoms are increasingly being recognized as a relatively unmet need, particularly in ET. Thrombotic risk stratification in PV is still based on age and history of thrombosis, while in ET, the additional contribution of JAK2 V617F to thrombotic risk is now well established. The associations of leukocytosis with clotting risk (in both conditions) and mortality (in PV) have drawn increased attention with the availability of ruxolitinib as a second-line treatment in PV. Similarly, there is a renewed interest in interferons with the emergence of ropeginterferon alfa-2b as a potential new frontline treatment option in PV. Drug development is more difficult in ET, the most indolent of the classic Ph− MPNs, but ruxolitinib is being studied. Triggering apoptosis via the p53 pathway through pharmacologic inhibition of human double minute 2 (and synergism with interferon) is a new, promising therapeutic strategy.
Effects of Visual Working Memory on Individual Differences in Echolocation Performance in Sighted Participants
Authors: Maezawa Tomoki , Kawahara Jun I.
Published: August 2019

Echolocation performance differs widely among individuals. This study examined a possible factor that may explain this variation, namely, visual working memory, which is a subcomponent of spatial working memory. Sighted participants performed an object-detection task consisting of initial testing on 2 separate days (up to 8 days apart) with follow-up testing on a third day (up to 1 month after the second day of testing) while manipulating the target distance from 20 to 50 cm. Participants performed two types of visual spatial working memory tasks, one of which required them to memorize color–location combinations and the other, an imaginary pathway. The participants’ performance on the object-detection task generally improved in the first 2 days, but there were substantial individual differences in detection ability. A positive correlation was observed between performance on these tasks and visual working memory capacity, except on the second day, after detection ability had improved. These findings suggest that factors contributing to echolocation skill are related to nonauditory factors in a sighted group.
Identification of novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Memon Ashfaque A , Zarrouk Moncef , Ågren-Witteschus Sophia , Sundquist Jan , Gottsäter Anders , Sundquist Kristina
Published: August 2019

Aims

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a life-threatening condition due to the risk of aneurysm growth and rupture. There are no approved diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for abdominal aortic aneurysm. We aimed to identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for abdominal aortic aneurysm and to investigate their relationship with abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter and growth.

Methods

In this case-control study, patients were included from an abdominal aortic aneurysm screening study on men aged ≥65 years. Of 24,589 examined men, 415 had abdominal aortic aneurysm, out of whom 134 consented to participate in the present study. One hundred and thirty-six screened men with aortic diameter <30 mm, matched for comorbidities and time of sampling were included as non-abdominal aortic aneurysm patients. Ninety-one cardiovascular specific proteins in plasma samples were measured by the Proseek Multiplex CVD III96x96panel.

Results

After Bonferroni correction, plasma levels of 21 proteins associated with proteolysis, oxidative-stress, lipid metabolism, and inflammation were significantly increased, whereas levels of paraoxonase 3, associated with high-density lipoprotein metabolism, were decreased in abdominal aortic aneurysm patients. Combination of growth/differentiation factor 15 and cystatin B had the best ability to discriminate abdominal aortic aneurysm from non-abdominal aortic aneurysm (area under the curve, 0.76; sensitivity, 80% and specificity, 52%). Myeloperoxidase showed the best prognostic value (area under the curve, 0.71; sensitivity, 80% and specificity, 59%) and higher baseline levels of myeloperoxidase were significantly associated with faster abdominal aortic aneurysm growth compared with lower levels, independent of baseline diameter.

Conclusions

We have identified multiple proteins associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter and growth with a potential to become novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Tethered women, mobile men: Gendered mobilities of typewriting
Authors: Plotnick Rachel
Published: August 2019

In recent years, scholars have turned their attention to the nexus of mobility, space, and communication practices. At the same time, historians of information and communication technologies (ICTs) have amassed a large body of literature on the history of typewriters and their contribution to gendered office work. To date, however, these two strains have yet to converge. This article thus examines intersections between typewriting, gender, and mobility, focusing on the case of portable typewriters to investigate users’ “differential” mobilities before World War II in the United States. In this regard, it reconceives of typewriters as fluid historical objects defined significantly by their social contexts. It calls upon scholars to expand their characterizations of typing beyond thinking only of it as an immobile, desk-based practice and as “women’s work.” Instead, it draws attention to itinerant male typists as an early class of portable typewriter users who could (and were encouraged to) travel with a typewriter in tow. More broadly, the article also contributes to understandings of mobile media histories beyond mobile phones by demonstrating similar concerns related to portability, usability, and ergonomics in the early 20th century.
The pattern of substance abuse in Thai elderly: Ramathibodi Poison Center
Authors: Ruangritchankul Sirasa , Srisuma Sahaphume
Published: August 2019

Objective:

To describe substances, clinical manifestations, treatment, and medical outcomes of substance abuse exposures among older adults in Thailand.

Method:

This is a retrospective study of individuals aged 60 years or older with intentional abuse exposures reported to the Ramathibodi Poison Center from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2017.

Results:

Forty-four cases were reported. The most common manifestation was somnolence (20, 45.5%). The most common substance used was kratom. There were 12 severe and fatal cases. Only one died due to methadone abuse. The most frequent manifestation among severe cases was respiratory failure (8 of 12 cases, 66.7%). Two cases had severe metabolic acidosis and were treated with hemodialysis. Three cases received norepinephrine.

Conclusion:

Substance abuse in the elderly is a serious problem that is often overlooked. Health personnel should promptly recognize and address this issue in order to reduce morbidity and mortality in the elderly population.
Prostatic malakoplakia associated with severe chronic active prostatitis
Authors: Mukendi Alain Mwamba , Dlamini Khayalethu , Padayachee Rushen Siva , Ngomane Nhlanhla
Published: August 2019

A 70-year-old black male presented with a 2-month history of obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms. He had no current or previous proven history of urinary tract infections and was not on any antibiotics, steroids or immunosuppressive drugs. A tender, firm and non-nodular prostate was noted on digital rectal examination and his prostate-specific antigen level was 32.4 ug/L. Histopathological analysis following transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy showed an unusual finding, malakoplakia associated with severe chronic active prostatitis. Only a limited number of cases of prostatic malakoplakia have ever been reported in the literature. We present the first ever case of malakoplakia without any evidence of urinary tract infection associated with severe chronic active prostatitis in a black African male.

Level of evidence: Level 5.
Capacity of Kidney Care in Canada: Identifying Barriers and Opportunities
Authors: Lunney Meaghan , Samimi Arian , Osman Mohamad A. , Jindal Kailash , Wiebe Natasha , Ye Feng , Johnson David W. , Levin Adeera , Bello Aminu K.
Published: August 2019

Background:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant health problem in Canada. Understanding the capacity of the Canadian health-care system to deliver kidney care is important to provide optimal care.

Objective:

To compare Canada’s position in relation to countries of similar economic standing.

Design:

Cross-sectional electronic survey.

Setting:

Member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) that participated in the survey.

Participants:

Nephrologists, other physicians, policymakers, and other professionals with relevant expertise in kidney care.

Measurements:

Not applicable.

Methods:

A survey administered by the International Society of Nephrology assessed the global capacity of kidney care delivery. Data from participating OECD countries were analyzed using descriptive statistics to compare Canada’s position.

Results:

Of the participating countries, most funded kidney care services (non-medication) by government (transplantation: 85%, dialysis: 81%, acute kidney injury (AKI): 77%). Most countries covered medication. Canada reported a public funding model for kidney services and a mix of public and private sources for medication. Nephrologists and nephrology trainee densities were lower in Canada compared to the median (15.33 vs. 25.82 and 1.74 vs. 3.94, respectively). CKD was recognized as a health priority in five countries, but not in Canada. Registries for CKD did not exist in most (24/26) countries. Canada followed a national strategy for noncommunicable diseases, but this was not specific to CKD care, dialysis, or transplantation.

Limitations:

Risks of recall bias or social desirability bias are present. Differences in a number of factors could influence discrepancies among countries and were not explored. Responses reflected the existence of practices, policies, and strategies, and may not necessarily describe action or impact. Capacity of care is not equal across all regions and provinces within Canada; however, the findings are reported on a national level and therefore may not appropriately address variability.

Conclusions:

This study describes the capacity for kidney care at a national level within the context of the Canadian health system. The Canadian health-care system is well funded by the government; however, there are areas that could be improved to increase the optimization of kidney care provided.
Harnessing Creativity at Kings & Company
Authors: Ghosh Somonnoy , Srivastava Bhupen K.
Published: August 2019

What started as a potentially valuable initiative at Kings & Company was threatening to degenerate into a routine system of rewarding a handful of employees who were brave and lucky enough to get their suggestions pass through multiple gates of evaluation. The company is in the business of manufacturing and selling home appliances in the Indian market. Its financials bear evidence of its success as a business. The CEO, Prakash Parekh, believed in the creative potential of individual employees and wanted to harness it to create sustainable value for the company. He, therefore, conceived of and implemented an employee suggestion scheme (ESS) whereby each employee could give suggestions to improve aspects related to his/her area of work, operations and business. The case describes how the ESS at Kings & Company has evolved from 2013, when it was initiated, till 2017. These changes are juxtaposed with a steady decline in employee satisfaction during the same period. Worried with such a trend, Parekh asks Uday Gupta, GM Human Resources, to review the ESS and recommend further changes, including dropping it altogether.
Predictive factors of mortality of patients with fragility hip fractures at 1 year after discharge: A multicenter, retrospective study in the northern Kyushu district of Japan
Authors: Kimura Atsushi , Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Wakata Yoshifumi , Oyamada Akiko , Ohishi Masanobu , Fujiwara Toshifumi , Ikuta Ko , Tsuchiya Kuniyoshi , Tayama Naohisa , Tomari Shinji , Miyahara Hisaaki , Mae Takao , Hara Toshihiko , Saito Taichi , Arizono Takeshi , Kaji Kozo , Mawatari Taro , Fujiwara Masami , Sakimura Riku , Shin Kunichika , Ninomiya Kenichi , Nakaie Kazutoshi , Antoku Yasuaki , Tokunaga Shoji , Nakashima Naoki , Iwamoto Yukihide , Nakashima Yasuharu
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

Fragility hip fractures (FHFs) are associated with a high risk of mortality, but the relative contribution of various factors remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate predictive factors of mortality at 1 year after discharge in Japan.

Methods:

A total of 497 patients aged 60 years or older who sustained FHFs during follow-up were included in this study. Expected variables were finally assessed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.

Results:

The 1-year mortality rate was 9.1% (95% confidence interval: 6.8–12.0%, n = 45). Log-rank test revealed that previous fractures ( p = 0.003), Barthel index (BI) at discharge ( p = 0.011), and place-to-discharge ( p = 0.004) were significantly associated with mortality for male patients. Meanwhile, body mass index (BMI; p = 0.023), total Charlson comorbidity index (TCCI; p = 0.005), smoking ( p = 0.007), length of hospital stay (LOS; p = 0.009), and BI ( p = 0.004) were the counterparts for females. By multivariate analyses, previous vertebral fractures (hazard ratio (HR) 3.33; p = 0.044), and BI <30 (HR 5.42, p = 0.013) were the predictive variables of mortality for male patients. BMI <18.5 kg/m2 (HR 2.70, p = 0.023), TCCI ≥5 (HR 2.61, p = 0.032), smoking history (HR 3.59, p = 0.018), LOS <14 days (HR 13.9; p = 0.007), and BI <30 (HR 2.76; p = 0.049) were the counterparts for females.

Conclusions:

Previous vertebral fractures and BI <30 were the predictive variables of mortality for male patients, and BMI <18.5 kg/m2, TCCI ≥5, smoking history, LOS <14 days, and BI <30 were those for females. Decreased BI is one of the independent and preventable risk factors. A comprehensive therapeutic approach should be considered to prevent deterioration of activities of daily living and a higher risk of mortality.
Algorithmic Control in Platform Food Delivery Work
Authors: Griesbach Kathleen , Reich Adam , Elliott-Negri Luke , Milkman Ruth
Published: August 2019

Building on an emerging literature concerning algorithmic management, this article analyzes the processes by which food delivery platforms control workers and uncovers variation in the extent to which such platforms constrain the freedoms—over schedules and activities—associated with gig work. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 55 respondents working on food delivery platforms, as well as a survey of 955 platform food delivery workers, we find that although all of the food delivery platforms use algorithmic management to assign and evaluate work, there is significant cross-platform variation. Instacart, the largest grocery delivery platform, exerts a type of control we call “algorithmic despotism,” regulating the time and activities of workers more stringently than other platform delivery companies. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of the spectrum of algorithmic control for the future of work.
Equifinality and Pathways to Environmental Concern: A Fuzzy-Set Analysis
Authors: Fitzgerald Jared Berry
Published: August 2019

Studying how people understand and develop concern for environmental problems is a key area of research within environmental sociology. Previous research shows that numerous social factors have measurable effects on environmental concern. However, results tend to be somewhat inconsistent across studies on this topic. One possible explanation for this is because these social factors are typically examined as independent from one another. However, these factors are interrelated in complex ways, as shown by research on the moderating effects of race and political ideology on education. Using qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), this study examines the complex ways in which previously identified social factors interact with one another to affect environmental concern. The findings suggest that aside from political ideology, all of the other factors should be understood in combination with others. The findings also suggest equifinality and asymmetry as there are multiple distinct pathways to environmental concern.
Focalizing new-Fascism: Right politics and integralisms in contemporary Italy
Authors: Bialasiewicz Luiza , Stallone Sabrina
Published: August 2019

In this article, we examine the role of fringe new-Fascist movements within broader right-integralist politics in today’s Europe. Our focus lies with CasaPound, one of the most active movements in the Italian far-right galaxy, and highly visible in both the Italian as well as international mass media. We argue that while the strength of the movement itself should not be exaggerated, CasaPound has played a crucial role in the wider realm of integralist politics in Italy. Examining the movement’s discursive as well as material interventions in both urban and rural spaces, we suggest that CasaPound’s extreme rhetoric and highly spectacularized performances deserve attention for they serve to focalize in distinct ways migration and precarization, and in so doing help sustain calls by more “respectable” political forces to reclaim the national community from the assault of globalizing and neo-liberalizing forces and increasingly racialized migrant others.
International Migration and Gentrification: Territorial Exclusion at National and Urban Scales
Authors: Vigneswaran Darshan
Published: August 2019

Territorial exclusion is a multi-scalar phenomenon. However, research has tended to focus on exclusion at separate scales. This paper develops a conversation between research on the territorial exclusion of international migrants at the national scale and the territorial exclusion of lower- and working-class residents at the urban scale. Both strands of research have encountered a common empirical puzzle: territorially exclusive practices rarely comport with official government policies. The paper argues that these apparent “policy gaps”—and efforts to overcome them—can be more fruitfully studied as outcomes of the scalar structuration of legitimate violence, which shapes the way that policy-makers seek to achieve exclusionary goals. The paper suggests that this approach may be used as the platform for richer inter-disciplinary conversations between Human Geography and International Relations (IR) about territorial exclusion and the historical scaling and rescaling of legitimate violence over time.
Neurophysiological Correlates and Differential Drug Response in Subjects With a Family History of an Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Comstock Sage M. , Vaidya Jatin G. , Niciu Mark J.
Published: August 2019

A family history of an alcohol use disorder (AUD) has been shown to increase one’s risk of developing an AUD. Additionally, a positive family history of AUD (family history positive (FHP)) has neurobiological and neuropsychopharmacological consequences, and this review summarizes differential drug response as well as neuroanatomical and neurocognitive correlates. FHP status is related to altered responses to a number of drugs, including substances with abuse liability like alcohol, opioids, amphetamines, and ketamine. FHP individuals demonstrate fewer aversive effects and more rewarding response to both alcohol and subanesthetic dose ketamine. Ketamine is a rapid-acting antidepressant, and several studies have reported that ketamine is more effective for FHP treatment-resistant depressed individuals. In short, the reviewed neurophysiological differences may contribute to ketamine’s enhanced antidepressant efficacy in FHP patients. Volumetric differences in the amygdala, nucleus accumbens, neocortex, and cerebellum are commonly reported. Furthermore, FHP has also been associated with altered neurocognitive performance, e.g., increased impulsivity. The imaging and psychological literature supports a neurodevelopmental lag hypothesis in FHP youth. The review will further discuss these findings in depth.
KDM2B in polycomb repressive complex 1.1 functions as a tumor suppressor in the initiation of T-cell leukemogenesis
Authors: Isshiki Yusuke , Nakajima-Takagi Yaeko , Oshima Motohiko , Aoyama Kazumasa , Rizk Mohamed , Kurosawa Shuhei , Saraya Atsunori , Kondo Takashi , Sakaida Emiko , Nakaseko Chiaki , Yokote Koutaro , Koseki Haruhiko , Iwama Atsushi
Published: August 2019

KDM2B together with RING1B, PCGF1, and BCOR or BCORL1 comprise polycomb repressive complex 1.1 (PRC1.1), a noncanonical PRC1 that catalyzes H2AK119ub1. It binds to nonmethylated CpG islands through its zinc finger-CxxC DNA binding domain and recruits the complex to target gene loci. Recent studies identified the loss of function mutations in the PRC1.1 gene, BCOR and BCORL1 in human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). We previously reported that Bcor insufficiency induces T-ALL in mice, supporting a tumor suppressor role for BCOR. However, the function of BCOR responsible for tumor suppression, either its corepressor function for BCL6 or that as a component of PRC1.1, remains unclear. We herein examined mice specifically lacking the zinc finger-CxxC domain of KDM2B in hematopoietic cells. Similar to Bcor-deficient mice, Kdm2b-deficient mice developed lethal T-ALL mostly in a NOTCH1-dependent manner. A chromatin immunoprecipitation sequence analysis of thymocytes revealed the binding of KDM2B at promoter regions, at which BCOR and EZH2 colocalized. KDM2B target genes markedly overlapped with those of NOTCH1 in human T-ALL cells, suggesting that noncanonical PRC1.1 antagonizes NOTCH1-mediated gene activation. KDM2B target genes were expressed at higher levels than the others and were marked with high levels of H2AK119ub1 and H3K4me3, but low levels of H3K27me3, suggesting that KDM2B target genes are transcriptionally active or primed for activation. These results indicate that PRC1.1 plays a key role in restricting excessive transcriptional activation by active NOTCH1, thereby acting as a tumor suppressor in the initiation of T-cell leukemogenesis.
Increased overall and bacterial infections following myeloablative allogeneic HCT for patients with AML in CR1
Authors: Ustun Celalettin , Kim Soyoung , Chen Min , Beitinjaneh Amer M. , Brown Valerie I. , Dahi Parastoo B. , Daly Andrew , Diaz Miguel Angel , Freytes Cesar O. , Ganguly Siddhartha , Hashmi Shahrukh , Hildebrandt Gerhard C. , Lazarus Hillard M. , Nishihori Taiga , Olsson Richard F. , Page Kristin M. , Papanicolaou Genovefa , Saad Ayman , Seo Sachiko , William Basem M. , Wingard John R. , Wirk Baldeep , Yared Jean A. , Perales Miguel-Angel , Auletta Jeffery J. , Komanduri Krishna V. , Lindemans Caroline A. , Riches Marcie L.
Published: August 2019

Presumably, reduced-intensity/nonmyeloablative conditioning (RIC/NMA) for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) results in reduced infections compared with myeloablative conditioning (MAC) regimens; however, published evidence is limited. In this Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research study, 1755 patients (aged ≥40 years) with acute myeloid leukemia in first complete remission were evaluated for infections occurring within 100 days after T-cell replete alloHCT. Patients receiving RIC/NMA (n = 777) compared with those receiving MAC (n = 978) were older and underwent transplantation more recently; however, the groups were similar regarding Karnofsky performance score, HCT–comorbidity index, and cytogenetic risk. One or more infections occurred in 1045 (59.5%) patients (MAC, 595 [61%]; RIC/NMA, 450 [58%]; P = .21) by day 100. The median time to initial infection after MAC conditioning occurred earlier (MAC, 15 days [range, <1-99 days]; RIC/NMA, 21 days [range, <1-100 days]; P < .001). Patients receiving MAC were more likely to experience at least 1 bacterial infection by day 100 (MAC, 46% [95% confidence interval (CI), 43-49]; RIC/NMA, 37% [95% CI, 34-41]; P = .0004), whereas at least a single viral infection was more prevalent in the RIC/NMA cohort (MAC, 34% [95% CI, 31-37]; RIC/NMA, 39% [95% CI, 36-42]; P = .046). MAC remained a risk factor for bacterial infections in multivariable analysis (relative risk, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.23-1.67; P < .0001). Moreover, the rate of any infection per patient-days at risk in the first 100 days (infection density) after alloHCT was greater for the MAC cohort (1.21; 95% CI, 1.11-1.32; P < .0001). RIC/NMA was associated with reduced infections, especially bacterial infections, in the first 100 days after alloHCT.
Comparative effectiveness of triple therapyversusdual bronchodilation in COPD
Authors: Voorham Jaco , Corradi Massimo , Papi Alberto , Vogelmeier Claus F. , Singh Dave , Fabbri Leonardo M. , Kerkhof Marjan , Kocks Janwillem H. , Carter Victoria , Price David
Published: August 2019

This real-world study compared the effectiveness of triple therapy (TT; long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs)/long-acting inhaled β-agonists (LABAs)/inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs))versusdual bronchodilation (DB; LAMAs/LABAs) among patients with frequently exacerbating COPD. A matched historical cohort study was conducted using United Kingdom primary care data. Patients with COPD aged ≥40 years with a history of smoking were included if they initiated TT or DB from no maintenance/LAMA therapy and had two or more exacerbations in the preceding year. The primary outcome was time to first COPD exacerbation. Secondary outcomes included time to treatment failure, first acute respiratory event, and first acute oral corticosteroid (OCS) course. Potential treatment effect modifiers were investigated. In 1647 matched patients, initiation of TT reduced exacerbation risk (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.87, 95% CI 0.76–0.99), risk of acute respiratory event (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.66–0.84) and treatment failure (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.73–0.95) compared with DB. Risk reduction for acute respiratory events was greater for patients with higher rates of previous exacerbations. At baseline blood eosinophil counts (BECs) ≥ 0.35×109 cells·L−1, TT was associated with lower risk of OCS prescriptions than DB. This study provides real-life evidence of TT being more effective in reducing exacerbation risk than DB, which became more accentuated with increasing BEC and previous exacerbation rate.
Cellular properties of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells during postnatal development
Authors: Lucas Jasmine A. , Schmidt Tiffany M.
Published: August 2019

Background

Melanopsin-expressing, intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) respond directly to light and have been shown to mediate a broad variety of visual behaviors in adult animals. ipRGCs are also the first light sensitive cells in the developing retina, and have been implicated in a number of retinal developmental processes such as pruning of retinal vasculature and refinement of retinofugal projections. However, little is currently known about the properties of the six ipRGC subtypes during development, and how these cells act to influence retinal development. We therefore sought to characterize the structure, physiology, and birthdate of the most abundant ipRGC subtypes, M1, M2, and M4, at discrete postnatal developmental timepoints.

Methods

We utilized whole cell patch clamp to measure the electrophysiological and morphological properties of ipRGC subtypes through postnatal development. We also used EdU labeling to determine the embryonic timepoints at which ipRGC subtypes terminally differentiate.

Results

Our data show that ipRGC subtypes are distinguishable from each other early in postnatal development. Additionally, we find that while ipRGC subtypes terminally differentiate at similar embryonic stages, the subtypes reach adult-like morphology and physiology at different developmental timepoints.

Conclusions

This work provides a broad assessment of ipRGC morphological and physiological properties during the postnatal stages at which they are most influential in modulating retinal development, and lays the groundwork for further understanding of the specific role of each ipRGC subtype in influencing retinal and visual system development.
Clinical implications of Delphian lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma: A single-institution study, systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Bin , Wen Xing-zhu , Zhang Wei , Qiu Ming
Published: August 2019

Background

To evaluate the possible predictive value and clinicopathological characteristics of Delphian lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of papillary thyroid carcinoma patients with Delphian lymph node metastasis in a single institution and meta-analysis of literature reports were performed.

Results

In own series, Delphian lymph node metastasis was detected in 19 (9.9%) of 192 papillary thyroid carcinoma patients and was significantly associated with tumor size≥1 cm ( P = 0.003), multifocality ( P = 0.006) and extrathyroid extension ( P < 0.001) in the multivariate analysis. Female was a protective factor for Delphian lymph node metastasis ( P = 0.001). Delphian lymph node metastasis was highly predictive of further central lymph node metastasis (positive predictive value = 89.5%, negative predictive value = 67.6%) and moderately predictive of lateral lymph node metastasis (positive predictive value = 26.3%, negative predictive value = 95.4%). In this meta-analysis, there was a strong correlation between Delphian lymph node metastasis and aggressive clinicopathologic characteristics with regards to multifocality ( P = 0.0008), bilaterality ( P = 0.04), extrathyroid extension ( P < 0.00001), lymphovascular invasion ( P < 0.00001), further central lymph node metastasis ( P < 0.00001) and lateral lymph node metastasis ( P < 0.00001).

Conclusions

This single-institution observational study and meta-analysis identified that Delphian lymph node metastasis was significantly associated with unfavorable clinicopathological characteristics and had a strong predictive power for further disease in the central compartment.

Trial registration

The clinical study was retrospectively registered to UMIN clinical trials registry (the registry number: UMIN000033835 ).
Investigating Instructor Talk in Novel Contexts: Widespread Use, Unexpected Categories, and an Emergent Sampling Strategy
Authors: Harrison Colin D. , Nguyen Tiffy A. , Seidel Shannon B. , Escobedo Alycia M. , Hartman Courtney , Lam Katie , Liang Kristen S. , Martens Miranda , Acker Gigi N. , Akana Susan F. , Balukjian Brad , Benton Hilary P. , Blair J. R. , Boaz Segal M. , Boyer Katharyn E. , Bram Jason B. , Burrus Laura W. , Byrd Dana T. , Caporale Natalia , Carpenter Edward J. , Chan Yee-Hung M. , Chen Lily , Chovnick Amy , Chu Diana S. , Clarkson Bryan K. , Cooper Sara E. , Creech Catherine J. , de la Torre José R. , Denetclaw Wilfred F. , Duncan Kathleen , Edwards Amelia S. , Erickson Karen , Fuse Megumi , Gorga Joseph J. , Govindan Brinda , Green L. Jeanette , Hankamp Paul Z. , Harris Holly E. , He Zheng-Hui , Ingalls Stephen B. , Ingmire Peter D. , Jacobs J. Rebecca , Kamakea Mark , Kimpo Rhea R. , Knight Jonathan D. , Krause Sara K. , Krueger Lori E. , Light Terrye L. , Lund Lance , Márquez-Magaña Leticia M. , McCarthy Briana K. , McPheron Linda , Miller-Sims Vanessa C. , Moffatt Christopher A. , Muick Pamela C. , Nagami Paul H. , Nusse Gloria , Okimura K. M. , Pasion Sally G. , Patterson Robert , Pennings Pleuni S. , Riggs Blake , Romeo Joseph M. , Roy Scott W. , Russo-Tait Tatiane , Schultheis Lisa M. , Sengupta Lakshmikanta , Spicer Greg S. , Swei Andrea , Wade Jennifer M. , Willsie Julia K. , Kelley Loretta A. , Owens Melinda T. , Trujillo Gloriana , Domingo Carmen , Schinske Jeffrey N. , Tanner Kimberly D.
Published: August 2019

Instructor Talk—noncontent language used by instructors in classrooms—is a recently defined and promising variable for better understanding classroom dynamics. Having previously characterized the Instructor Talk framework within the context of a single course, we present here our results surrounding the applicability of the Instructor Talk framework to noncontent language used by instructors in novel course contexts. We analyzed Instructor Talk in eight additional biology courses in their entirety and in 61 biology courses using an emergent sampling strategy. We observed widespread use of Instructor Talk with variation in the amount and category type used. The vast majority of Instructor Talk could be characterized using the originally published Instructor Talk framework, suggesting the robustness of this framework. Additionally, a new form of Instructor Talk—Negatively Phrased Instructor Talk, language that may discourage students or distract from the learning process—was detected in these novel course contexts. Finally, the emergent sampling strategy described here may allow investigation of Instructor Talk in even larger numbers of courses across institutions and disciplines. Given its widespread use, potential influence on students in learning environments, and ability to be sampled, Instructor Talk may be a key variable to consider in future research on teaching and learning in higher education.