bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for Sepsis Based on Sepsis-3 Criteria after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation
Authors: Wang Yanling , Gu Yu , Huang Fei , Liu Dezhao , Zhang Zheng , Zhou Niman , Liang Jiani , Lu Changyin , Yuan Dongdong , Hei Ziqing
Published: June 2018

Sepsis is a common complication of solid organ transplant procedures and, in particular, can affect the prognosis of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). This retrospective study determined the pre-, peri-, and postoperative risk factors for sepsis after OLT, using as reference the 2016 Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3). Pre-, peri-, and postoperative clinical data of the sepsis-positive (n=85) and sepsis-negative (n=41) groups were analyzed for potential risk factors of OLT-related sepsis. The sepsis-positive patients had a significantly higher rate of dialysis (49.4%), longer time under mechanical ventilation (1.5 d), higher hospitalization costs (0.41 million RMB), and worse survival rate (68.5%), compared with the sepsis-negative patients (4.8%, 1 d, 0.30 million RMB, and 73.1%, resp.). The multivariate logistic analysis identified the following as risk factors for OLT-related sepsis: preoperative Child-Pugh grade C (OR 10.43; 95% CI 2.081–52.292; P=0.004), preoperative hypercalcemia (OR 6.372; 95% CI 1.693–23.98; P=0.006), and perioperative acidosis (OR 6.364; 95% CI 1.196–33.869; P=0.030). Patients with preoperative Child-Pugh grade C, preoperative hypercalcemia, or perioperative acidosis are at higher risk for developing sepsis after OLT. When any of these problems occur, timely sepsis management should be planned.
Review of Basalt Fiber‐Reinforced Concrete in China: Alkali Resistance of Fibers and Static Mechanical Properties of Composites
Authors: Guo Zhensheng , Wan Chunfeng , Xu Mengye , Chen Jinxiang
Published: June 2018

Research on three‐dimensional, randomly distributed BFRC in China is analyzed and summarized in relative depth in this study. The results indicate that the effect of the fiber component and alkali corrosion temperature on the alkali resistance of BF is significant; the BF has little effect on the compressive strength of the concrete; the tensile and flexural strengths of the composites significantly increase compared with plain concrete, and the fiber content has a significant effect on the strength. In light of some problems in the current research, six possible research topics are suggested: (1) investigating the alkali resistance of the BF under dynamic temperatures, lower alkali concentrations, and longer alkali corrosion times; (2) improving the alkali resistance of the BF by increasing its hydrophobicity; (3) determining the optimal fiber distribution orientation of the BF with various characteristic parameters; (4) establishing the calculation formulas for the critical content and critical aspect ratio of various types of BF; (5) determining the optimal mixture ratio of two or more fibers in the FRC while studying the complementary mechanisms between each other; and (6) improving the dispersion of the BF and the BF/matrix interfacial properties.
FMRSS Net: Fast Matrix Representation-Based Spectral-Spatial Feature Learning Convolutional Neural Network for Hyperspectral Image Classification
Authors: Hou Feifei , Lei Wentai , Li Hong , Xi Jingchun
Published: June 2018

Convolutional Neural Network- (CNN-) based land cover classification algorithms have recently been applied in hyperspectral images (HSI) field. However, the large-scale training parameters bring huge computation burden to CNN and the spatial variability of spectral signatures leads to relative low classification accuracy. In this paper, we propose a CNN-based classification framework that extracts square matrix representation-based spectral-spatial features and performs land cover classification. Numerical results on popular datasets show that our framework outperforms sparsity-based approaches like basic thresholding classifier-weighted least squares (BTC-WLS) and other deep learning-based methods in terms of both classification accuracy and computational cost.
High Reliability and Fast‐Speed Phase‐Change Memory Based on Sb70Se30/SiO2 Multilayer Thin Films
Authors: Zhang Dan , Hu Yifeng , You Haipeng , Zhu Xiaoqin , Sun Yuemei , Zou Hua , Zheng Yan
Published: June 2018

Sb70Se30/SiO2 multilayer thin films were applied to improve the thermal stability by RF magnetron sputtering on SiO2/Si (100) substrates. The characteristics of Sb70Se30/SiO2 multilayer thin films were investigated in terms of crystallization temperature, ten years of data retention, and energy bandgap. It is observed that the crystallization temperature, 10‐year data retention, and resistance of Sb70Se30/SiO2 multilayer composite thin films exhibited a higher value, suggesting that Sb70Se30/SiO2 multilayer composite thin films have superior thermal stability. The AFM measurement suggests that the SbSe (1 nm)/SiO (9 nm) multilayer thin films possess a smaller surface roughness (RMS = 0.23 nm). Besides, it was found that the phase‐change time of SbSe (1 nm)/SiO (9 nm) multilayer thin films was shorter than that of GST in the process of crystallization and amorphization.
Adaptation of Anopheles Vectors to Anthropogenic Malaria-Associated Rubber Plantations and Indoor Residual Spraying: Establishing Population Dynamics and Insecticide Susceptibility
Authors: Pimnon Suntorn , Bhumiratana Adisak
Published: June 2018

Anthropogenic activity such as the establishment of Anopheles-infested rubber plantations can influence local malaria transmission dynamics to which the population dynamics and insecticide susceptibility of local Anopheles vectors are related. Using human landing catch collections at a house protected by indoor residual spraying (IRS), the periodic assessment of species composition, abundance, and blood-feeding behaviors was done in pre-IRS, during IRS, and post-IRS at 3, 6, and 12 months in a malaria-associated rubber plantation (MRP) ecotope of the Bo Rai district, Trat Province, Thailand, after malaria outbreak occurred. The study MRP ecotope elicited the population ratio (pi) of Anopheles vectors: An. campestris (0.747), An. dirus (0.168), An. minimus (0.037), An. barbirostris (0.027), and An. pseudowillmori (0.002), and of An. jamesii nonvector (0.019). Among these, two predominant An. campestris and An. dirus night-biters were then used in the susceptibility test against 0.05% deltamethrin (DEL) and 0.09% bifenthrin (BT) insecticides currently used in IRS. An. campestris, a suspected vector of Plasmodium vivax, had a tendency to appear throughout the study and behaved both exophagy and endophagy. It was highly susceptible to BT, showing 95.0% mortality (95% CI, 79.1–100) while decreasing sensitivity of 87.2% (95% CI, 78.4–95.9) to DEL. An. dirus, a primary vector of Plasmodium falciparum, had a tendency to feed outdoors rather than indoors. Significant differences in the abundance (mean density and human landing rate) were observed at pre-IRS (P<0.001  and  P=0.046), and similarly, during IRS (P=0.001  and  P=0.037). It was highly susceptible to DEL and BT, showing 100% mortality rate. Evidently, the study MRP ecotope contributed receptive environment to favor the abundant local Anopheles vectors and their outdoor biting preference. This can pose the risk for residual malaria parasite transmission in Anopheles vectors even though the house is protected by IRS.
Prevention of Cystitis: Travelling between the Imaginary and Reality
Authors: Vecchio Mariacristina , Iroz A. , Seksek I.
Published: June 2018

As a preventive strategy, increased water intake is often recommended to women affected by recurrent cystitis; however, clinical data are sparse and conflicting. This review evaluates the preventive approaches used as alternatives to obtain relief from the burden of cystitis and focuses on the effect of fluid intake on urinary tract infection.
Comparative Effects of Topical 0.2% Sirolimus for Angiofibromas in Adults and Pediatric Patients with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Lee Young In , Lee Ju Hee , Kim Do Young , Chung Kee Yang , Shin Jung U.
Published: June 2018

Background: Recent reports have suggested that the topical formulation of sirolimus is effective in treating facial angiofibromas in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Here, we determined the safety and efficacy of 0.2% topical sirolimus for the treatment of facial angiofibroma and compared its effects based on age. Method: This was a retrospective study which involved 36 TSC patients with facial angiofibromas who were treated with 0.2% sirolimus ointment. Its effect was evaluated using the Facial Angiofibroma Severity Index (FASI). In order to observe its comparative effect based on patient age, a subgroup analysis was performed, between the adult group (> 18 years old) and the pediatric group (≤18 years old). Results: The total FASI as well as its subcategories (erythema, size, and extent) showed statistically significant improvements after the topical treatment with 0.2% sirolimus ointment (FASI before treatment: 7.2 ± 1.1, FASI after treatment: 4.4± 1.4, p < 0.001). Among the subcategories of FASI, the erythema was most significantly reduced with the fastest response to the treatment. In a subgroup analysis, the pediatric group showed significantly greater improvements in FASI (improvement of FASI in the pediatric group = 49.7 ± 12.2%, adult group = 27.9 ± 15.6%, p < 0.001). The serial improvement analysis also showed that the pediatric group achieved a consistently greater improvement in FASI at all visits. Its 1-year application in 3 patients demonstrated a continuous maintenance effect. No significant adverse effects were observed. Conclusion: 0.2% sirolimus ointment is safe and effective for facial angiofibromas. Considering its higher efficacy in younger patients, an early initiation of the treatment is recommended.
Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy with Primary Implant Reconstruction: Surgical and Oncological Outcome of 435 Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Radovanovic Zoran , Ranisavljevic Milan , Radovanovic Dragana , Vicko Ferenc , Ivkovic-Kapicl Tatjana , Solajic Nenad
Published: June 2018

Background: This study aimed to examine the incidence of surgical complications associated with nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) with primary implant reconstruction, analyze risk factors for early and late surgical complications of NSM, and determine the incidence of local recurrences and the safety of sparing the nipple-areola complex (NAC). Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 435 patients with 441 NSM procedures over a period of 9 years (2004-2012). All surgical complications and the oncological outcome were recorded during follow-up. Results: The most common early surgical complication was skin flap ischemia/necrosis (26 patients, 5.9%). Prosthesis explantation due to complications was carried out in 11 (2.5%) cases. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, implant size >500 ml, diabetes mellitus, body mass index > 25 kg/m2, and incisions other than lateral were risk factors for early complications (p < 0.001). The NAC excision rate was 5.4% (24 cases) due to confirmed presence of cancer cells in the subareolar tissue. Capsular contracture as a late complication occurred in 33 (7.48%) cases. Local relapse occurred in 32 (7.3%) patients. Distant metastases were diagnosed in 68 (15.6%) patients, and 53 (12.2%) patients died during the follow-up period. Conclusions: NSM with immediate implant reconstruction has an acceptable morbidity rate and is an oncologically and surgically appropriate treatment for most women requiring mastectomy.
ЗМІНИ ВЕГЕТАТИВНОЇ РЕГУЛЯЦІЇ У ХВОРИХ НА СТАБІЛЬНУ СТЕНОКАРДІЮ ТА СУБКЛІНІЧНИЙ ГІПОТИРЕОЗ
Authors: Volobueva A. V. , Sved M. I. , Martynyuk L. P. , Kyrychok I. B.
Published: June 2018

У пацієнтів із стабільною стенокардією у поєднанні з субклінічним гіпотиреозом часто виявляють дисбаланс вегетативної регуляції. В ході дослідження обстежено 44 пацієнти із стабільною стенокардією та збереженою або зниженою функцією щитоподібної залози. Вивчали параметри варіабельності ритму серця.У хворих на стенокардію навантаження у поєднанні з субклінічним гіпотиреозом значення ТР становило (2325,95±49,83) мс2, а симпатовагусний індекс зростав і становив 2,29±0,04, що свідчить про зниження варіабельності ритму серця та гіперсимпатикотонію, тоді як у хворих на стенокардію навантаження зі збереженою функцією щитоподібної залози ці зміни були менш вираженими та становили, відповідно, (3054,30±32,13) мс2 і 2,08±0,06.
Sobre a mulher em Contos de Kolimá
Authors: Silva Andrea Zeppini Menezes da
Published: June 2018

Este artigo propõe uma discussão a respeito das imagens femininas presentes em Contos de Kolimá, principal obra de Varlam Chalámov, que passou dezessete anos em campos do Gulag e escreveu sua prosa sobre essa experiência. Através de suas personagens femininas, o autor nos mostra importantes aspectos de sua visão de mundo, de sua ética, de sua prosa.
2016 Jeffrey M. Hoeg Award Lecture
Authors: Rouwet Ellen , Lutgens Esther
Published: June 2018

Innate and adaptive immune effector mechanisms, in conjunction with hyperlipidemia, are important drivers of atherosclerosis. The interaction between the different immune cells and the secretion of cytokines and chemokines determine the progression of atherosclerosis. The activation or dampening of the immune response is tightly controlled by immune checkpoints. Costimulatory and coinhibitory immune checkpoints represent potential targets for immune modulatory therapies for atherosclerosis. This review will discuss the current knowledge on immune checkpoints in atherosclerosis and the clinical potential of immune checkpoint targeted therapy for atherosclerosis.
STK25 Regulates Cardiovascular Disease Progression in a Mouse Model of Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Cansby Emmelie , Magnusson Elin , Nuñez-Durán Esther , Amrutkar Manoj , Pedrelli Matteo , Parini Paolo , Hoffmann Jenny , Ståhlman Marcus , Howell Brian W. , Marschall Hanns-Ulrich , Borén Jan , Mahlapuu Margit
Published: June 2018

Objective—

Recent cohort studies have shown that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and especially nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), associate with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, independently of conventional cardiometabolic risk factors. However, the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiological link between NAFLD/NASH and cardiovascular disease still remain unclear. Our previous studies have identified STK25 (serine/threonine protein kinase 25) as a critical determinant in ectopic lipid storage, meta-inflammation, and progression of NAFLD/NASH. The aim of this study was to assess whether STK25 is also one of the mediators in the complex molecular network controlling the cardiovascular disease risk.

Approach and Results—

Atherosclerosis was induced in
Stk25
knockout and transgenic mice, and their wild-type littermates, by gene transfer of gain-of-function mutant of PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9), which induces the downregulation of hepatic LDLR (low-density lipoprotein receptor), combined with an atherogenic western-type diet. We found that
Stk25
−/−
mice displayed reduced atherosclerosis lesion area as well as decreased lipid accumulation, macrophage infiltration, collagen formation, and oxidative stress in aortic lesions compared with wild-type littermates, independently from alterations in dyslipidemia. Reciprocally,
Stk25
transgenic mice presented aggravated plaque formation and maturation compared with wild-type littermates despite similar levels of fasting plasma cholesterol. We also found that STK25 protein was expressed in all layers of the aorta, suggesting a possible direct role in cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions—

This study provides the first evidence that STK25 plays a critical role in regulation of cardiovascular disease risk and suggests that pharmacological inhibition of STK25 function may provide new possibilities for prevention/treatment of atherosclerosis.
Electrocardiograms in Healthy North American Children in the Digital Age
Authors: Saarel Elizabeth V. , Granger Suzanne , Kaltman Jonathan R. , Minich L. LuAnn , Tristani-Firouzi Martin , Kim Jeffrey J. , Ash Kathleen , Tsao Sabrina S. , Berul Charles I. , Stephenson Elizabeth A. , Gamboa David G. , Trachtenberg Felicia , Fischbach Peter , Vetter Victoria L. , Czosek Richard J. , Johnson Tiffanie R. , Salerno Jack C. , Cain Nicole B. , Pass Robert H. , Zeltser Ilana , Silver Eric S. , Kovach Joshua R. , Alexander Mark E. ,   for the Pediatric Heart Network Investigators*
Published: June 2018

Background:

Interpretation of pediatric ECGs is limited by lack of accurate sex- and race-specific normal reference values obtained with modern technology for all ages. We sought to obtain contemporary digital ECG measurements in healthy children from North America, to evaluate the effects of sex and race, and to compare our results to commonly used published datasets.

Methods:

Digital ECGs (12-lead) were retrospectively collected for children ≤18 years old with normal echocardiograms at 19 centers in the Pediatric Heart Network. Patients were classified into 36 groups: 6 age, 2 sex, and 3 race (white, black, and other/mixed) categories. Standard intervals and amplitudes were measured; mean±SD and 2nd/98th percentiles were determined by age group, sex, and race. For each parameter, multivariable analysis, stratified by age, was conducted using sex and race as predictors. Parameters were compared with 2 large pediatric ECG data sets.

Results:

Among ECGs from 2400 children, significant differences were found by sex and race categories. The corrected QT interval in lead II was greater for girls compared with boys for age groups ≥3 years (
P
≤0.03) and for whites compared with blacks for age groups ≥12 years (
P
<0.05). The R wave amplitude in V6 was greater for boys compared with girls for age groups ≥12 years (
P
<0.001), for blacks compared with white or other race categories for age groups ≥3 years (
P
≤0.006), and greater compared with a commonly used public data set for age groups ≥12 years (
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions:

In this large, diverse cohort of healthy children, most ECG intervals and amplitudes varied by sex and race. These differences have important implications for interpreting pediatric ECGs in the modern era when used for diagnosis or screening, including thresholds for left ventricular hypertrophy.
Nocturnal Blood Pressure Is Reduced by a Mandibular Advancement Device for Sleep Apnea in Women: Findings From Secondary Analyses of a Randomized Trial
Authors: Rietz Helene , Franklin Karl A. , Carlberg Bo , Sahlin Carin , Marklund Marie
Published: June 2018

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with high blood pressure. The magnitude of blood pressure effects from sleep apnea treatment is unclear. We aimed to determine the effect of mandibular advancement device therapy on ambulatory nighttime and daytime blood pressure in women and men with daytime sleepiness and snoring or mild to moderate sleep apnea (apnea‐hypopnea index, <30).

Methods and Results

In this 4‐month, double‐blind, randomized controlled trial comprising 96 untreated patients, 27 women and 58 men, aged 31 to 70 years, completed the study. The active group received individually made adjustable mandibular advancement devices, and the control group was given individually made sham devices, to be used during sleep. Polysomnographic sleep recordings and ambulatory 24‐hour blood pressure measurements were performed at baseline and at follow‐up. In women with mandibular advancement devices, the mean nighttime systolic blood pressure was 10.8 mm Hg (95% confidence interval, 4.0–17.7 mm Hg;
P
=0.004) lower than in the women in the sham group, adjusted for baseline blood pressure, age, body mass index, and the apnea‐hypopnea index. The mean nighttime adjusted diastolic blood pressure was 6.6 mm Hg (95% confidence interval, 2.7–10.4 mm Hg;
P
=0.002) lower in the mandibular advancement device group. In men, there were no significant differences in blood pressure at night or during the daytime between the intervention groups.

Conclusions

A mandibular advancement device for obstructive sleep apnea reduces nocturnal blood pressure in women.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
00477009.
Chinese Services Gaining Significance in Global Production Chains
Authors: Simola Heli
Published: June 2018

China has been a key participant in international fragmentation of production during the last decades. China has specialized mainly in labor-intensive manufacturing, but is striving to shift toward higher value-added production stages and production. At the same time, during recent decades, services have contributed increasing shares of valued-added to products produced through global production chains. For this reason we examine the evolving role of Chinese services in international production chains. Our results suggest that Chinese services account for an increasingly large share of production for the domestic market, and more recently have made increasing contributions to foreign production chains, which suggests that Chinese production is shifting to activities in production chains that are associated with higher value-added.
Urban Factionalism in Late Ottoman Gaza, c. 1875-1914: Local Politics and Spatial Divisions
Authors: Ben-Bassat Yuval , Büssow Johann
Published: June 2018

During the late Ottoman period the city of Gaza was caught up in internal political strife. The city’s elite families tended to operate within rival factions while trying to draw Istanbul into its internal conflicts. In this context, they formed complex relationships with the elite of Jerusalem that dominated Palestine’s politics, as well as with peasants and Bedouins in Gaza’s hinterland. The article presents the first systematic account of factional strife in Gaza during the period. In addition, it examines what caused the internal divisions in Gaza to be so severe and considers whether factionalism also played out in the urban space. It is argued that (1) the severity of this factionalism derived from the rising stakes resulting from imperial politics and economic benefits, and (2) factionalism and urban development interacted with each other, leading to a particular type of ‘spatialized factionalism’. We suggest that this perspective can lead to a better understanding of both urban politics and urban development in other towns and cities in the Ottoman Empire’s Arab provinces.
Black Pepper Consumption in the Roman Empire
Authors: Cobb Matthew
Published: June 2018

During the Roman Imperial period huge quantities of black pepper arrived into the Empire from southern India and were employed in a range of contexts, from the culinary and medicinal, to the religious. This article seeks to examine the popularity of black pepper in the Roman Empire and test the theory that its consumption was not simply restricted to elite circles, but reached a wider spectrum of the population. In particular, price and wage data from theEdict of Maximum Pricesis examined to see how feasible it was for those lower down the socio-economic spectrum to make such purchases.
Neoliberal Ideology and the Centrality of Trust
Authors: Salerno Roger A.
Published: June 2018

While trust has become an important symbol of social health, this essay proposes that critical mistrust is essential to social progress and personal well-being. Trust is examined here as a foundational element of liberal and neoliberal ideology that has taken the place of religious faith in the unseen. However, its commodification is responsible for its scarcity and inflated value. While trust is a tool that commands allegiance to the powerful, those with power have little trust in the vast majority. Expenditures on systems of security appear to correlate with ever-declining rates of trust in social institutions, just as they decline with the increasing disparities between rich and poor around the world.
Negotiating 21st Century Rules on Energy: What Is at Stake for the European Union, the United States and the BRICS?
Authors: Espa Ilaria , Holzer Kateryna
Published: June 2018

In the context of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), the European Union (EU) has taken the lead in promoting the inclusion of a specific chapter on energy trade and investment in order to enhance energy security and promote renewable energy. Irrespective of the success of the TTIP negotiations, the EU proposal can contribute to developing multilateral rules on energy trade and investment. This is especially important given the increased number of energy disputes filed by the EU and the United States against other leading energy market players, including the BRICS. This article provides a normative analysis of the new rules proposed by the EU and reflects on potential responses of BRICS energy regulators. It argues that, while these rules are unlikely to immediately affect BRICS energy practices, they may eventually be ‘imported’ in BRICS domestic jurisdictions in order to promote renewable energy and attract investment in energy infrastructure.
The BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement: A Subversive Power Against the IMF’s Conditionality?
Authors: Würdemann Aike I.
Published: June 2018

In 2014, the BRICS countries established the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) purportedly to compensate for the BRICS’ frustration over the non-materialization of reforms in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that had long been promised but blocked by the United States until late 2015. A contractual analysis of the CRA reveals that though all BRICS countries enjoy equality for strategic decisions, the CRA strongly resembles the IMF’s quota-based voting distribution where operational decisions are taken. It nevertheless provides a more balanced voting system, as it does not provide one single party with a veto position. The CRA further lacks legal personality and other fundamental features such as its own staff or macroeconomic research facilities. Financing approvals are thus linked to IMF on-track arrangements, which undermines the CRA’s significance. The CRA nonetheless holds the potential to be developed into a viable BRICS alternative to the IMF in the long term.
Responding to Human Rights Violations in Africa
Authors: Ssenyonjo Manisuli
Published: June 2018

This article examines the main achievements and challenges of Africa’s two regional bodies established to ensure the implementation of human rights in Africa. It makes an assessment of the role of Africa’s oldest regional human rights body, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Commission) in the last 31 years of its operation (from 1987–March 2018). It also considers the judicial role of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Court) in the last 12 years of its operation (from 2006–March 2018). The increasing contribution of both the Commission and the Court to the protection of human rights under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights is rarely subjected to scrutiny in mainstream human rights literature. The article is limited to the consideration of the Commission’s contribution with respect to: (i) decisions on admissibility of communications concerning mainly exhaustion of domestic remedies; (ii) decisions on merits of communications; (iii) adoption of resolutions, principles/guidelines, general comments, model laws and advisory opinions; (iv) special rapporteurs and working groups to deal with thematic human rights issues; (v) consideration of State reports and conducting on-site visits; and (vi) referral of communications to the African Court involving unimplemented interim measures, serious or massive human rights violations, or the Commission’s findings on admissibility and merits.
Lissothuria imbricata sp. nov., a new species of sea cucumber (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) from the central-eastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: SOLÍS-MARÍN FRANCISCO ALONSO , ARRIAGA-OCHOA JULIO ADRIAN , VILLA CRISTIAN MOISES GALVAN , LAGUARDA-FIGUERAS ALFREDO
Published: June 2018

A new species of sea cucumbers of the genus Lissothuria Verrill, 1867 is described. Lissothuria imbricata sp. nov. was found in the central-eastern Pacific Ocean, at 2–16 m depth living on top of rocky reefs, partially covered by algae and organic material. It is distinguished from other species of the genus by having body wall ossicles in form of short, broad towers with a slightly spiny apex, giving the dorsal area a granular appearance. The shape of the ossicles shows some similarities with L. nutriens (H.L. Clark, 1901).
Description of a new Charinus species (Amblypygi: Charinidae) from the Monseñor Nouel province, Dominican Republic
Authors: SEITER MICHAEL , SCHRAMM FREDERIC D. , SCHWAHA THOMAS
Published: June 2018

A new species of Charinus Simon, 1892 from the Dominican Republic is described. With the addition of Charinus magua sp. nov. from the Monseñor Nouel province, the number of known members of the genus Charinus occurring on the island Hispaniola is increased to three. The frontal process, the trichobothria on leg IV, the number and shape of the articles of leg I and the shape of the tarsomers of legs II–IV are often included in taxonomical descriptions of Charinus species. We present these characters in the detailed description of C. magua sp. nov. and illustrate these for the first time for the two other known Charinus from Hispaniola, Charinus dominicanus and Charinus bahoruco. Furthermore, we present and discuss the cerotegument ultrastructure of all three species.
A Phenomenological Paradigm for Midtropospheric Cyclogenesis in the Indian Summer Monsoon
Authors: Choudhury Ayantika Dey , Krishnan R. , Ramarao M. V. S. , Vellore R. , Singh M. , Mapes B.
Published: June 2018

Midtropospheric cyclones (MTCs) are a distinct class of synoptic disturbances, characterized by quasi-stationary cyclonic circulation in midtropospheric levels, which often produce heavy rainfall and floods over western India during the summer monsoon. This study presents a composite and diagnostic process study of long-lived (>5 days) midtropospheric cyclonic circulation events identified by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Reanalysis data confirm earlier studies in revealing that the MTC composite has its strongest circulation in the midtroposphere. Lagged composites show that these events co-occur with broader-scale monsoon evolution, including larger synoptic-scale low pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal (BoB) and east coast, and the active phase of regional-scale poleward-propagating intraseasonal rain belts, with associated drying ahead (north) of the convectively active area. Diabatic heating composites, in particular the TRMM latent heating and Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, version 2 (MERRA-2)-derived radiative cooling in the dry inland areas of southwest Asia north of the rain belt, are used to drive a nonlinear multilayer dynamical model in a forced-damped reconstruction of the global circulation. Results show that the midlevel circulation is largely attributable to top-heavy latent heating, indicative of the prevalence of stratiform-type precipitation in mesoscale convective systems in these moist, active larger-scale settings. Both the west coast and BoB latent heating are important, while the radiative cooling over southwest Asia plays a modest role in sharpening some of the simulated features. A conceptual model encapsulates the paradigm based on this composite and diagnostic modeling, a diabatic update of early theoretical studies that emphasized hydrodynamic flow instabilities.
Economic Regulations, Competition, and Consumer Protection in Ancient India
Authors: Mehta Pradeep S.
Published: June 2018

The ancient Indian texts, mainly Manusmriti and Arthashastra, not only paint a vivid picture of flourishing trade and commerce in ancient India, but also provide detailed account of various regulations that were in force to tackle foul play in the markets. It is learned that the Ancient India was a “mixed economy” adhering to the socio-economic philosophy of a “welfare state”. The reliance on market forces to deliver social goods was less. In general, the state was both regulator and competitor, including state enjoying monopoly over certain sectors, such as mines and mineral. This article is divided into four parts. The first part introduces the audience to the ancient Indian ethos, where dharma (duty) was the backbone of the civilisation that made the society righteous and duty-centred. The second part gives an overview of ancient India’s economic activities along with a short account of sectoral regulations. The covered sectors are: mines and minerals, agriculture, industry, forest produce, liquor, trade and commerce, transport and communication, finance, and justice administration. The third part presents a competition analysis of the then regulations. It analysed the state monopolies, state as regulator and competitor, the prevalence of the guild system, differential regulatory treatments, price control, treatment of cartels and consumer protection. The fourth part is the conclusion.
I Taccuini di Pirandello, ovvero l’immaginario fantastico nella stanza segreta dello scrittore
Authors: Garosi Linda
Published: June 2018

Il saggio propone una lettura dei taccuini pirandelliani editi ( Taccuino di Coazze, Taccuino di Harvard e Taccuino segreto) in quanto testi autonomi. Nella prima parte si tracciano le coordinate concettuali su cui poggia la definizione dello statuto finzionale ibrido del corpus oggetto di studio. Sebbene si tratti di una scrittura periferica rispetto all’opera pirandelliana, i taccuini racchiudono tuttavia i fondamentali segmenti del percorso di ricerca compiuto dallo scrittore. Proiettano l’immaginario fantastico dell’artista ed è possibile quindi inquadrarli nel territorio irregolare delle scritture dell’io. Da questa angolatura, rappresentano la soglia della stanza più “segreta” e intima di Pirandello. Su tali presupposti, nella seconda parte, si prendono in esame i testi sul tema fondamentale del personaggio. Seguendo questo filo rosso, vengono messi in evidenza la genesi e i tratti distintivi delle figure che abitano la produzione artistica pirandelliana. Nel contempo viene riscontrata, inscritta nella finzione, la presenza dello scrittore. Tale gioco di specchi culmina, e si fa scoperto, nel Taccuino segreto. Il materiale raccolto in questo testo è attraversato, infatti, da una metaletterarietà che getta luce, retrospettivamente, anche sugli altri testi meno espliciti in tale senso.
Societal Level of Religiosity and Religious Identity Expression in Europe
Authors: van der Noll Jolanda , Rohmann Anette , Saroglou Vassilis
Published: June 2018

Growing diversity in terms of values and worldviews is one of the main challenges in current European societies. It is often argued that, in these societies, suspicion toward some aspects and forms of religion, if not religion in general is one of the main obstacles toward the acceptance of minority religious practices. In this article, we focused on the role of religion as a part of culture across European societies in allowing or inhibiting the expression of a religious identity by wearing visible religious symbols in the workplace. We examined the, intuitive but still to be tested, assumption that religious identity expression is more accepted in societies with an elevated level of societal religiosity in a European context. Using the 2006 data of Eurobarometer 65.4 on discrimination, we examined differences in the acceptance of religious identity expression through support for wearing visible religious symbols in 26 European societies. Results of multilevel analyses showed cross-societal variation in the acceptance of wearing visible religious symbols and that societal religiosity positively predicts the acceptance of religious identity expression. Our results showed that it is meaningful to differentiate between European countries when examining the role of cultural characteristics at the societal level when analyzing individual attitudes related to identity expressions and their acceptance.
The Nature of the Beast: Commentary on “Can There Be a Recovery-Oriented Diagnostic Practice?”
Authors: Shahar Golan
Published: June 2018

Pavlo, Flanagam, Leither, and Davidson attempt to reconcile the recovery movement in mental health service with a formal diagnostic practice is as courageous as it is timely. Acknowledging this, I note several points of convergence and divergence with the authors’ views. Points of convergence include (1) the inevitability of a diagnostic system when working with (severe) mental illness, (2) the importance of going beyond signs and symptoms in capturing the unique characteristics of the person, (3) the focus on humanistic values, particularly the emphasis on a collaborative assessment and on human strengths, in the diagnostic process, and (4) the role of future-oriented thinking in diagnosis. Divergence with the authors concerns (1) my own reliance on descriptive psychiatry, with its focus on signs and symptoms, as a part and parcel of an effective diagnosis, (2) the potential benefits of psychological tests, for example, self-report questionnaires and projective procedures over and above the clinical interview, and (3) my emphasis on mental representations of self-with-others, termed here and elsewhere as “agents in relations,” as the building blocks of personality and psychopathology.
Comparative study of attitude control methods based on Euler angles, quaternions, angle–axis pairs and orientation matrices
Authors: Ozgoren M Kemal
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a comparative study about the attitude control methods based on four commonly used error indicators, namely the triad of 3-2-1 deviational Euler angles, the error quaternion, the deviational angle–axis pair and the orientation error matrix. These error indicators are used here with the same backstepping control law to have a common basis of comparison. This control law makes the controller track a restoring angular velocity generated here specifically for each error indicator. This comparative study shows that all these error indicators can be used satisfactorily even in the critical orientations associated with them by taking special measures. For the deviational Euler angle triad, a critical orientation is a singularity, at which the angles become indefinite. Unless the vehicle is stationary, this indefiniteness is resolved here by applying L’Hopital’s Rule on the angular velocity information. The Euler angle triad has also a multiplicity problem. It is solved here by using the novel criterion of minimal deviation angles. For the other error indicators, a critical orientation is an antipodal orientation, which is opposite to the desired one. In an antipodal orientation, the error quaternion and the deviational angle–axis pair cannot be determined through the customary formulas. They are determined here by using the novel specially introduced formulas. Besides, they may suffer from the unwinding phenomenon in an ordinary orientation. This phenomenon is prevented here by keeping the scalar part of the error quaternion non-negative and the deviation angle between 0° and 180°. For the orientation error matrix, a stationary and undisturbed antipodal orientation is an unstable equilibrium, in which the ordinary backstepping control law becomes ineffective for driving the system into action. This problem is solved here by adding an extra term to the ordinary backstepping control law.
Discrimination and Generalization of Negatively-Reinforced Mands in Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Chezan Laura C. , Drasgow Erik , McWhorter Gabriela Z. , Starkey Kristine I. P. , Hurdle Brooke M.
Published: June 2018

In this study, we extended the literature on the generalization of negatively-reinforced mands in three young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). First, we used example and nonexample stimuli embedded in mand training to teach a new, socially appropriate, negatively-reinforced mand to reject unpreferred food items while continuously assessing mand discrimination. Second, we evaluated the discriminated generalization of the newly acquired mand by using untrained example and nonexample stimuli. Finally, we conducted maintenance probes to examine if the new, discriminated mand occurred over time in the absence of training. Results suggest that our mand training produced acquisition of a discriminated negatively-reinforced mand in all three children. Data indicate that the newly acquired, discriminated mand generalized to untrained food items and was maintained after training was discontinued. We discuss the conceptual significance and clinical implications of using example and nonexample stimuli to produce acquisition, generalization, and maintenance of negatively-reinforced mands in young children with ASD and language delays.
The Influence of a Personal Values Intervention on Cold Pressor-Induced Distress Tolerance
Authors: Smith Brooke M. , Villatte Jennifer L. , Ong Clarissa W. , Butcher Grayson M. , Twohig Michael P. , Levin Michael E. , Hayes Steven C.
Published: June 2018

Research has demonstrated that values and acceptance interventions can increase distress tolerance, but the individual contribution of each remains unclear. The current study examined the isolated effect of a values intervention on immersion time in a cold pressor. Participants randomized to Values ( n = 18) and Control ( n = 14) conditions completed two cold pressor tasks, separated by a 30-min values or control intervention. Immersion time increased 51.06 s for participants in the Values condition and decreased by 10.79 s for those in the Control condition. Increases in self-reported pain and distress predicted decreases in immersion time for Control, but not Values, participants. The best-fitting model accounted for 39% of the variance in immersion time change. Results suggest that a brief isolated values exercise can be used to improve distress tolerance despite increased perceptions of pain and distress, such that values alone may be sufficient to facilitate openness to difficult experiences.
Neighborhood Transition and Mental Hospitalization Patterns
Authors: Muhlin Gregory L.
Published: June 2018

This study assesses the relationship of the change in neighborhood ethnic composition with 1970 psychiatric hospitalization rates for those persons born in Ireland, Germany, Poland, Austria and Hungary, the U.S.S.R., and Italy. Using data extracted from the admission records of foreign born psychiatric patients and from the 1960 and 1970 censuses, it was found that change in ethnic composition was unrelated to psychiatric hospitalization rates of the foreign born. The study concludes with a discussion of policy implications and recommendations for further research.
Demographic and Related Determinants of Recent Cuban Emigration
Authors: Briquets Sergio Díaz
Published: June 2018

This article highlights some of the principal demographic determinants of recent Cuban emigration, while also considering how these demographic variables interact with other social and economic determinants, utilizing a broad conceptualization of emigration. It also makes reference to Cuban military activities abroad. The conclusions that follow suggest that labor migration is more responsive to demographic factors than some theorists assume.
Cultural Pluralism and the Future of American Unity: The Impact of Illegal Aliens
Authors: Fuchs Lawrence H.
Published: June 2018

This essay explores the question of the impact of illegal migration on American unity and cultural pluralism in the United States. Assuming that over time the descendents of undocumented workers now in the United States will behave substantially like descendants of those who immigrate legally, the author concludes that the long-term impact of illegal migration barely will be noticeable provided it is reduced substantially in the future. The process of acculturation will work in the same way for both groups as it has for other ethnic groups in the past, given comparable levels of education and length of family residence in the United States. The author takes special notice of the illegal migration of Spanish-speaking workers and hypothesizes that the behavior of their descendants will not differ from the descendants of other immigrants, legal or illegal, in ways that disrupt fundamental patterns of American political unity and cultural pluralism.
A Preliminary Profile of Unapprehended Undocumented Aliens in Northern New Jersey: A Research Note
Authors: Papademetriou Demetrios G. , DiMarzio Nicholas
Published: June 2018

This research sheds some light on a number of questions regarding the sociodemographic structure, economic behavior, and the process of economic insertion of unapprehended undocumented aliens in the Northern New Jersey area. The data have been obtained from clients of the Catholic Community Services of the Archdiocese of Newark. Sixty respondents have been interviewed. The preliminary analysis of these interviews indicates that the subjects hold secondary labor market positions and are full participants in the economy of the region — including the discharge of their tax obligations.
Responsibility for Examining an Asylum Request
Authors: Melander Goran
Published: June 2018

Parallel to the influx of asylum seekers during the 1980s, xenophobic tendencies have been witnessed in certain Western European countries. While directed at all foreigners, these tendencies sometimes have led to restrictive practices or methods which include both denying that asylum seekers qualify as refugees, so they may be sent home more easily, and shifting the responsibility for examining asylum claims to other countries. An analysis of the increasingly restrictive practices regarding the granting of asylum and the concept of a refugee is a complicated task, which requires a detailed investigation of the jurisprudence in a number of countries. This article, however, will not concentrate on an analysis of jurisprudence regarding asylum but rather on the tendency of various states to shift the responsibility for examining asylum requests to another country.
Health Status, Health Problems and Practices among Refugees from the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia
Authors: Young Rosalie F. , Bukoff Allen , Waller John B. , Blount Stephen B.
Published: June 2018

Recent refugees from Poland, Romania, Iraq, and Vietnam were extensively interviewed to assess their health, health care utilization and health service use barriers. Two hundred seventy-seven recent arrivals from these countries and sixty-three previously arrived Laotians comprised the sample. Results from a 195 item bilingual questionnaire indicated good overall health and little evidence of serious physical health symptoms. Dental health was the area of greatest reported need. Prenatal care and mental health services were additional areas of need noted by researchers. Barriers to health service utilization were primarily language related. There were major differences in both health problems and health service utilization among the four groups surveyed.
National Recording Systems and the Measurement of International Migration in Canada: An Assessment
Authors: Samuel T.J. , White P.M. , Perreault J.
Published: June 2018

This article describes and provides a critical assessment of the adequacy of Canada's statistical sources on immigration and emigration for both scientific study and policy needs. The article discusses the relationship between immigrant data collection systems and immigration policy and the importance of political considerations in the establishment of immigrant data collection systems. Special attention is given to the statistical sources that apply to the various categories of migrants.