bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Globalization and the Politics of Photographic Representation: Essentializing the Moments of Agony
Authors: Chatterjee Debangana
Published: July 2018

Prima facie photographic representations are reproducing reality, though in most of the cases they are artificially created and subjectively interpreted. Focusing on photography as a form of visual representation, the article argues that globalization as a process accelerates this agenda of photography. This article aims at exploring the cultural penetration of globalization through contemporary visual bombardments. The modern capitalist intervention has made globalization even more pregnable to the grassroots of everyday life. In this way, globalization creates stereotypical visual and cultural representations of the feminized societies. People belonging to these societies not only remain at the fringes but also are sympathized from an orientalist perspective. Two-fold questions remain relevant here. First, how does the politics of essentialization take place through photographic representation of feminized societies? Second, how is globalization at work for the creation of these visual images in a manner that in turn strengthens its own bio-power? The article, thus, engages in the exposition of the photographic representation by connecting its theoretical implications with the larger picture of globalization. It picks up some of the widely circulated photographs of the ‘backward’ Third World countries around the world as illustrative instances and shows how these photographs capture the phenomenon of essentialization reflecting a common narrative of suffering.
Material influence in newly proposed ferroelectric energy harvesters
Authors: Wang Dan , Melnik Roderick , Wang Linxiang
Published: July 2018

Recently, a novel method for mechanical energy harvesting has been proposed, which is based on stress-induced polarization switching in ferroelectric materials. Compared with the traditional piezoelectric energy harvesters, a huge improvement in the output energy has already been theoretically demonstrated. In this article, the influence of different materials on the energy-harvesting performance associated with this new strategy is further studied. The state-of-the-art phase-field model is adopted to investigate the nonlinear hysteretic energy-harvesting process in two nanoscale ferroelectric energy harvesters, which are respectively based on two typical ferroelectric materials—single-crystal BaTiO3 and PbTiO3. In both cases, the effects of the bias voltage and bias resistance are carefully investigated and the optimum values are obtained. Later, the energy-harvesting process and energy flow details in both harvesters working at the optimum conditions are presented and carefully compared in the context of real applications. Furthermore, the energy-harvesting performance of a BaTiO3-based nanoscale piezoelectric energy harvester with equivalent material size is additionally simulated with the finite element method and compared with the corresponding results of the ferroelectric energy harvesters, where obvious advantages associated with the new strategy are demonstrated.
E-cigarettes and cigarettes worsen peripheral and central hemodynamics as well as arterial stiffness: A randomized, double-blinded pilot study
Authors: Franzen Klaas Frederik , Willig Johannes , Cayo Talavera Silja , Meusel Moritz , Sayk Friedhelm , Reppel Michael , Dalhoff Klaus , Mortensen Kai , Droemann Daniel
Published: July 2018

The introduction of electronic cigarettes has led to widespread discussion on the cardiovascular risks compared to conventional smoking. We therefore conducted a randomized cross-over study of the acute use of three tobacco products, including a control group using a nicotine-free liquid. Fifteen active smokers were studied during and after smoking either a cigarette or an electronic cigarette with or without nicotine (eGo-T CE4 vaporizer). Subjects were blinded to the nicotine content of the electronic cigarette and were followed up for 2 hours after smoking a cigarette or vaping an electronic cigarette. Peripheral and central blood pressures as well as parameters of arterial stiffness were measured by a Mobil-O-Graph® device. The peripheral systolic blood pressure rose significantly for approximately 45 minutes after vaping nicotine-containing liquid ( p<0.05) and for approximately 15 minutes after smoking a conventional cigarette ( p<0.01), whereas nicotine-free liquids did not lead to significant changes during the first hour of follow-up. Likewise, heart rate remained elevated approximately 45 minutes after vaping an electronic cigarette with nicotine-containing liquid and over the first 30 minutes after smoking a cigarette in contrast to controls. Elevation of pulse wave velocity was independent from mean arterial pressure as well as heart rate in the electronic cigarette and cigarette groups. In this first of its kind trial, we observed changes in peripheral and central blood pressure and also in pulse wave velocity after smoking a cigarette as well as after vaping a nicotine-containing electronic cigarette. These findings may be associated with an increased long-term cardiovascular risk.
Comparative methods to assess renovation impact on indoor hygrothermal quality in a historical art gallery
Authors: Ganguly Shashwat , Wang Fan , Browne Michael
Published: July 2018

This paper presents a set of methods for renovation impact assessment of indoor hygrothermal conditions in a culturally significant historical building, functioning as an art gallery. A new parameter, Renovation Impact Index (RII), was developed and used for the assessment. The RII is defined as the performance gradient of indoor hygrothermal conditions over two annual periods, the year before and the year after the renovations. The performances of the two most critical parameters to artwork conservation – temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) – were assessed with respect to conservation specifications. RII was defined over two windows: tight set points specified in the BS 5454 : 2000 Conservation Standard and a relaxed strategy for energy saving potential. ‘Global’ Performance Index was obtained as a combined effect of T and RH. A seasonal analysis was undertaken for detailed study of renovation impact on individual seasons. Results identified the positive effects of the renovation solutions, with the indoor environment then being less influenced by outdoor weather changes. In addition to energy savings of 27%, the positive RII estimate showed quantitative improvement in hygrothermal performance. The proposed methods can be extended to other renovation projects in similar buildings to assist building managers to target future improvements.
Dangerous positions: Male homosexuality in the new penal code of Iran
Authors: Karimi Aryan , Bayatrizi Zohreh
Published: July 2018

What does it matter who has what position in the same-sex sexual act? The difference can be life and death. This paper, drawing on sociology of punishment and the critiques of cultural determinism in explaining capital punishment, examines the new penal code of Iran (2013) with respect to same-sex sexual acts between men, analyzing it in terms of its literal and symbolic significance for homosexual men in Iran and its broader meaning and function within the current socio-political and economic situation of Iran. The new penal code makes distinction between male same-sex partners in terms of their respective position during intercourse. In a somewhat counter-intuitive manner, the penetrating man receives more leniency than the one who is penetrated. On the surface, we note greater leniency towards a whole class of gay men (the “tops”). But beneath the surface, some of the new provisions reveal potential anxieties around masculinity and the alteration in relationship between punishment and national identity in Iran as the country grapples with significant internal and geopolitical challenges. Our paper contributes to the literature on sociology of punishment that considers the interplay between global and national politics and the role of sexuality and gender in analyzing capital punishment.
A laugh for the national project: Contemporary Canadian blackface humour and its constitution through Canadian anti-blackness
Authors: Howard Philip SS
Published: July 2018

This article investigates the ways that the ostensible humour associated with contemporary blackface incidents in Canada is constituted. It argues that the conditions of possibility for contemporary Canadian blackface humour are an anti-black libidinal economy dependent upon the tropes of biological racism, and a socially embedded, psychic association of the Black body with pleasure that was entrenched through slavery’s relations of domination. With the specificities of anti-blackness in view, this article refines Simon Weaver’s concept, embodied racism, to emphasize that it is a form of biological racism that has historically targeted Black people, and continues to do so today. Then, building upon these foundations, I argue that contemporary Canadian blackface humour is constituted and intensified by the specific racialized social relations in Canada, such as its postracialist claim to being racially egalitarian, and the ways it mobilizes multiculturalist discourse to make Blackness perpetually foreign and out-of-place in Canada—matters that, in part, characterize the contemporary Canadian colonial project. The article therefore suggests that making clear these ways in which contemporary Canadian blackface is only legible as humour through racialized social relations is a necessary component of challenging suggestions that blackface is harmless, non-racial humour.
Clinical Outcomes of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Patients With Stage I Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Analysis of a Subset of the Japanese Radiological Society Multi-Institutional SBRT Study Group Database
Authors: Shioyama Yoshiyuki , Onishi Hiroshi , Takayama Kenji , Matsuo Yukinori , Takeda Atsuya , Yamashita Hideomi , Miyakawa Akifumi , Murakami Naoya , Aoki Masahiko , Matsushita Haruo , Matsumoto Yasuo , Shibamoto Yuta ,   Japanese Radiological Society Multi-Institutional SBRT Study Group (JRS-SBRTSG)
Published: July 2018

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is widely used as a curative treatment option for stage I non-small-cell lung cancer, but for patients with stage I small-cell lung cancer, the role of stereotactic body radiotherapy is unclear. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of a subset of patients with stage I small-cell lung cancer treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy in the database of the Japanese Radiological Society-Multi-Institutional stereotactic body radiotherapy Study Group. The 43 patients treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy for stage I small-cell lung cancer between 2004 and 2012 at 11 Japanese institutions were studied: median age = 77 years; 32 (74%) males and 11 females; and 80% were medically inoperable. The clinical stage was IA in 31 and IB in 12. In all patients, the lung tumors were pathologically proven as small-cell lung cancer. A total dose of 48 to 60 Gy was administered in 4 to 8 fractions. The median biologically effective dose (α/β = 10 Gy) was 105.6 Gy. Chemotherapy and prophylactic cranial irradiation were administered in only 8 patients, respectively. The median follow-up time was 23.2 months. The 2-year overall survival, progression-free survival, and distant metastasis-free survival rates were 72.3%, 44.6%, and 47.2%, respectively. The 2-year local control was 80.2%. Regarding the patterns of failure, distant metastasis, lymph node metastasis, and local recurrence were observed in 47%, 28%, and 16% of patients, respectively. No ≥grade 3 stereotactic body radiotherapy-related toxicities were observed. Although stereotactic body radiotherapy was thus revealed to be effective for the local control of stage I small-cell lung cancer, the incidence of distant metastases was high. Further investigations of larger cohorts are needed, including analyses of the effects of combined chemotherapy.
Salvage CyberKnife-Based Reirradiation of Patients With Recurrent Prostate Cancer: The Single-Center Experience
Authors: Miszczyk Leszek , Stąpór-Fudzińska Małgorzata , Miszczyk Marcin , Maciejewski Bogusław , Tukiendorf Andrzej
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate CyberKnife-based radioablation as a salvage treatment for prostate cancer postirradiation relapses based on a group of patients disqualified from available conventional methods of salvage treatment. Thirty-eight patients were treated with a fraction dose varying from 5.5 to 10 Gy (median 7.35) to a total dose of 18 to 36.25 Gy (median 36.25). In all, 55.3% of patients had androgen deprivation therapy during this time. Nine patients had oligometastases in the salvage time. The follow-up varied from 1.6 to 46.4 months (mean 19.7, median 14.4). In all, 92.6% to 97.4% of patients had no gastrointestinal acute adverse effects; no effects higher than G1 were noted. There were particular (up to 4.8%) G2 late gastrointestinal effects. The percentage without genitourinary acute effects varied from 59.1% to 78.9%; 3.7% had G3 toxicity. G3 late genitourinary toxicity appeared 3 times, the maximal percentage being 12.5% (24 months after salvage treatment). The nadir of prostate-specific antigen median was 0.24 ng/mL (9 months after treatment). Twelve (31.6%) patients failed in the timeline of 6 to 42 months after salvage treatment (mean 18.7, median 16.5)—5 due to dissemination. In 2 cases, progression in existing metastases was identified. Five (13.2%) patients had biochemical failure without additional metastases (local relapses); hence, local control was 86.8%. The failure risk is strongly influenced by initial disease stage and presalvage prostate-specific antigen concentration. The obtained results permit us to conclude that such a treatment could be an effective and safe option for prostate cancer postirradiation relapse salvage treatment.
Charge critical sensors first: Minimize data loss in wireless rechargeable sensor networks
Authors: Li Tong , Liu Tang , Peng Jian , Lin Feng , Xu Wenzheng
Published: July 2018

In this article, we study the scheduling of a charging vehicle to replenish sensor energy in a large-scale wireless sensor network, by utilizing the novel wireless energy transfer technology. We note that existing studies do not treat different sensors in the network discriminatively and consider only how to charge as many sensors as possible before their energy expirations. However, there are some critical sensors in the network, so that many other sensors have no alternative routing paths to upload their sensing data to the base station if the critical sensors die. Therefore, the energy expiration of a critical sensor will result in that not only the sensor itself cannot continue its monitoring task, but also many other sensors cannot send their data during the dead period of the critical sensor. Then, the monitoring quality of the sensor network will significantly deteriorate due to the energy expirations of the critical sensor. Unlike existing studies, we take into account the impact of energy depletions of critical sensors and investigate a charging scheduling problem for sensor networks, which is to schedule a charging vehicle to replenish a set of to-be-charged sensors, such that not only the amount of lost data by dead sensors is minimized, but also the traveling cost of the vehicle for charging sensors is minimized, too. We then propose a novel algorithm for the problem. We finally compare the proposed algorithm with existing studies and simulation results show that the amount of lost data by the proposed algorithm is only about 50% of those by the existing studies, and the weighted sum of the amount of lost data and the vehicle travel distance is about 70% of those by the existing ones.
Misuse of Coauthorship in Medical Theses in Sweden
Authors: Helgesson Gert , Juth Niklas , Schneider Josephine , Lövtrup Michael , Lynøe Niels
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to explore experiences of authorship issues among persons who have recently received their doctoral degree in medicine in Sweden. A survey was mailed to all who received their PhD at a medical faculty at a Swedish university the first half of 2016. Questions concerned experiences of violations of the first three authorship criteria in the Vancouver rules and of misuse of authorship order in the articles of their thesis, and the respondents’ attitudes to these matters. The questionnaire was returned by 285 respondents (68%). According to the majority (53%), the Vancouver rules were not fully respected in the articles of their thesis. A vast majority (97%) found it important that authorship issues are handled correctly, but only 19% responded that their department has a clear and consistently applied policy. We conclude that authorship guidelines are frequently disrespected at medical faculties in Sweden. The universities seem to provide limited support on authorship issues.
Primary angiitis of the central nervous system: diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Beuker Carolin , Schmidt Antje , Strunk Daniel , Sporns Peter B. , Wiendl Heinz , Meuth Sven G. , Minnerup Jens
Published: July 2018

Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) represents a rare inflammatory disease affecting the brain and spinal cord. Stroke, encephalopathy, headache and seizures are major clinical manifestations. The diagnosis of PACNS is based on the combination of clinical presentation, imaging findings (magnetic resonance imaging and angiography), brain biopsy, and laboratory and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) values. PACNS can either be confirmed by magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)/conventional angiography or tissue biopsy showing the presence of typical histopathological patterns. Identification of PACNS mimics is often challenging in clinical practice, but crucial to avoid far-reaching treatment decisions. In view of the severity of the disease, with considerable morbidity and mortality, early recognition and treatment initiation is necessary. Due to the rareness and heterogeneity of the disease, there is a lack of randomized data on treatment strategies. Retrospective studies suggest the combined administration of cyclophosphamide and glucocorticoids as induction therapy. Immunosuppressants such as azathioprine, methotrexate or mycophenolate mofetil are often applied for maintenance therapy. In addition, the beneficial effects of two biological agents (anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab and tumour necrosis factor-α blocker) have been reported. Nevertheless, diagnosis and treatment is still a clinical challenge, and further insights into the immunopathogenesis of PACNS are required to improve the diagnosis and management of patients. The present review provides a comprehensive overview of diagnostics, differential diagnoses, and therapeutic approaches of adult PACNS.
Clinical trials in multiple sclerosis: milestones
Authors: Zhang Yinan , Salter Amber , Cutter Gary , Stüve Olaf
Published: July 2018

The achievements in multiple sclerosis (MS) therapeutics are founded on the outcomes of clinical trials that demonstrate quantifiable results in treating a disease with an unpredictable course. Much has changed since the early trials in MS from the mid-20th century that compared a potential therapeutic agent with a placebo and measured outcomes based on patients’ subjective reports. Advancements over the past decades have simplified diagnosis of the disease and allowed for more quantitative monitoring of its progression alongside support from paraclinical studies. Further collaborative efforts have led to pivotal meetings that steered the direction of future trials and the creation of patient databases that provided important epidemiologic information on trial subjects. These innovations and changes have improved MS clinical trials but challenge future trials to create more efficient designs lest the pace of progress necessarily slows because of the increased time to conduct such studies. As treatment options for MS broaden, clinical trials will continue to incorporate new strategies to identify novel therapies and pathways of intervention.
A bundling strategy for items with different quality based on functions involving the minimum of two random variables
Authors: Yassine Noura , AlSagheer Abdullah , Azzam Nadia
Published: July 2018

A common strategy to increase sales and profit is to combine different types of products into bundles and sell at a discounted price. In this study, we consider the case where a wholesaler offers to sell two types of products through discount bundles. Each of the two types of products is purchased from a producer in lots that contain a percentage of imperfect quality items, which is a random variable having a known probability density function. Items received from the producer are inspected for imperfect quality using a 100% screening process. The perfect quality items are used to make the discount bundles, while the imperfect quality items are sold at a discounted price at the end of the screening period. Items of perfect quality of one type that are not bundled are kept in stock to be used in the next inventory cycle. A mathematical model is developed to determine the total profit function. A closed-form formula for the wholesaler’s optimal order quantity of each type of product is determined by maximizing the profit function. The optimal solution is given in terms of the expected values of functions involving the two random variables representing the percentages of perfect quality items. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the model, and simulation is used to calculate the optimal solution.
Dialogue and listening
Authors: Janz Bruce B
Published: July 2018

When we think about dialogue, we often implicitly assume that we are thinking about speaking. We are faced, though, with the breakdown of the ‘rules’ of dialogue, resulting in a situation that has more in common with war than with a marketplace of ideas. I raise the question of the other side of dialogue, listening, as having an active role in constructing the ecosystem of thought in which dialogue can happen. Listening is difficult to compel, hard to measure, and easy to mischaracterize, but it nevertheless is crucial in establishing the conditions for productive intellectual exchange.
A seat at the table? Reflections on Black geographies and the limits of dialogue
Authors: Hawthorne Camilla , Heitz Kaily
Published: July 2018

This commentary uses the Black Geographies Symposium, held at UC Berkeley from October 11-12, 2017, as a point of departure to discuss the political and intellectual limits of calls for dialogue. We focus specifically on the historical exclusion of Black scholars and Black thought from human geography and understand the academy as a site for the reproduction of epistemic violence against women and people of color. Calls for dialogue within the academy that neglect to consider historically sedimented power relations—including human geography’s own entanglement with colonialism and racism—therefore commit the grave error of substituting equity for true justice. We argue instead for nonhierarchical and nonlinear modes of study that can attend to the complex geographical itineraries and interconnected struggles that continue to shape our understandings of the relations of capitalism, racism, and sexism structuring the modern world. Specifically, an intellectual praxis that begins from a place of Black humanness can enable us to tap into a wider epistemological network, one that refutes cursory lip service to Black scholarship and engages deeply with its consequences for our political and intellectual interactions.
‘From billions to trillions’
Authors: Mawdsley Emma
Published: July 2018

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) require and are helping normalize a radical shift in development finance. The previous focus on raising donor contributions in the form of Official Development Assistance (ODA, or ‘foreign aid’) is being surpassed by the call for private finance to fund the SDGs. A growing role for ODA in this vision of moving from ‘billions to trillions’ is to leverage investment from business, venture capital, sovereign wealth funds and other non-state sources. In this commentary, I argue that any analysis of the SDGs must be attentive to the possibilities and risks of the emerging development finance regime that they are helping legitimate.
Development goals and geography
Authors: Liverman Diana M
Published: July 2018

In response to the four excellent commentaries on my article, I address several points including the significance of development finance, the problems of development data, and questions about how development goals are created and for whom. I also provide assessment of some more recent literature on the Sustainable Development Goals and consider the rise of neoliberal metrics and the changes in US international policy that affect development.
A hospital-based study of socioeconomic status and clinical spectrum of rheumatic heart disease patients of Assam, North-East India
Authors: Baro Lokajeet , Sharma Neha , Toor Devinder , Chaliha Mriganka S , Kusre Giriraj , Baruah Sreemanta M , Das Sangeeta
Published: July 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of socioeconomic factors in increased prevalence of rheumatic heart disease and its clinical spectrum in Assam, North-East India.

Method

A case–control questionnaire-based study of 100 echocardiography confirmed rheumatic heart disease cases with age- and sex-matched healthy controls from Assam medical college and hospital in Dibrugarh, Assam was conducted.

Results

There was a trend toward increased risk of rheumatic heart disease and its clinical spectrum with respect to low socioeconomic status. Three parameters were found to be statistically significant in posing increased risk towards rheumatic heart disease: rural dwelling location ( p < 0.0001, odds ratio (OR) 4.1, 95% confidence interval (CI = 2.29−7.45), low monthly income ( p < 0.001, OR=9.5, 95% CI = 4.99−18.1) and education status ( p < 0.05, OR=9.5, 95% CI = 1.866). Out of the severe cases of mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation and aortic regurgitation, 69.6%, 58.3% and 34% patients were of low socioeconomic status.

Conclusion

Socioeconomic factors can be of significant importance in increased prevalence of rheumatic heart disease and might also influence the clinical spectrum of the disease. Increased awareness and up-gradation of socioeconomic status might ameliorate the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease.
Phase 1 investigation of lenalidomide/rituximab plus outcomes of lenalidomide maintenance in relapsed CNS lymphoma
Authors: Rubenstein James L. , Geng Huimin , Fraser Eleanor J. , Formaker Paul , Chen Lingjing , Sharma Jigyasa , Killea Phoebe , Choi Kaylee , Ventura Jenny , Kurhanewicz John , Lowell Clifford , Hwang Jimmy , Treseler Patrick , Sneed Penny K. , Li Jing , Wang Xiaomin , Chen Nianhang , Gangoiti Jon , Munster Pamela N. , Damato Bertil
Published: July 2018

Key Points

Lenalidomide penetrates ventricular CSF and is active as monotherapy in relapsed CNS lymphomas. Maintenance lenalidomide is feasible and may potentiate response duration after salvage in relapsed PCNSL and delay WBRT.
Partial trisomy 21 contributes to T-cell malignancies induced by JAK3-activating mutations in murine models
Authors: Rivera-Munoz Paola , Laurent Anouchka P. , Siret Aurelie , Lopez Cecile K. , Ignacimouttou Cathy , Cornejo Melanie G. , Bawa Olivia , Rameau Philippe , Bernard Olivier A. , Dessen Philippe , Gilliland Gary D. , Mercher Thomas , Malinge Sébastien
Published: July 2018

Key Points

Jak3A572V-induced CTCL-like disorders are mutant Jak3 dose-dependent, transplantable, and phenotypically heterogeneous. Trisomy 21, somatically acquired in human CTCL, functionally cooperates with activated Jak3 to enhance the CTCL-like phenotype in vivo.
Impact of post-ASCT maintenance therapy on outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in Connect MM
Authors: Jagannath Sundar , Abonour Rafat , Durie Brian G. M. , Narang Mohit , Terebelo Howard R. , Gasparetto Cristina J. , Toomey Kathleen , Hardin James W. , Wagner Lynne , Agarwal Amit , Srinivasan Shankar , Kitali Amani , Flick E. Dawn , Sturniolo Michael , Rifkin Robert M.
Published: July 2018

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) followed by lenalidomide maintenance therapy is the standard of care for transplant-eligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). Clinical trials show progression-free survival (PFS) benefits, with some studies (Cancer and Leukemia Group [CALGB] trial and meta-analysis) also showing overall survival (OS) benefits, but applicability to real-world clinical settings is unclear. Using data from Connect MM, the largest US-based observational registry of NDMM patients, we analyzed effects of maintenance therapy on long-term outcomes in 1450 treated patients enrolled from 2009 to 2011. Patients who received induction therapy and ASCT (n = 432) were analyzed from 100 days post-ASCT (data cut 7 January 2016): 267 received maintenance (80% lenalidomide-based [of whom 88% received lenalidomide monotherapy]); 165 did not. Lenalidomide maintenance improved median PFS and 3-year PFS rate vs no maintenance (50.3 vs 30.8 months [hazard ratio (HR), 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.46-0.82; P < .001] and 56% vs 42%, respectively). Improvements in median OS and 3-year OS rate were associated with lenalidomide maintenance vs no maintenance (not reached in either group [HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.36-0.83; P = .005] and 85% vs 70%, respectively). Five hematologic serious adverse events were reported with lenalidomide maintenance (pancytopenia [n = 2], febrile neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia [n = 1 each]) and 1 with no maintenance (thrombocytopenia). Second primary malignancies occurred at rates of 1.38 and 2.19 events per patient-year in lenalidomide maintenance and no maintenance groups, respectively. Survival benefits associated with lenalidomide maintenance previously demonstrated in clinical trials were observed in this community-based Connect MM Registry.
Fast image-domain target-oriented least-squares reverse time migration
Authors: Zhao Zeyu , Sen Mrinal K.
Published: July 2018

We have developed a fast image-domain target-oriented least-squares reverse time migration (LSRTM) method based on applying the inverse or pseudoinverse of a target-oriented Hessian matrix to a migrated image. The image and the target-oriented Hessian matrix are constructed using plane-wave Green’s functions that are computed by solving the two-way wave equation. Because the number of required plane-wave Green’s functions is small, the proposed method is highly efficient. We exploit the sparsity of the Hessian matrix by computing only a couple of off-diagonal terms for the target-oriented Hessian, which further improves the computational efficiency. We examined the proposed LSRTM method using the 2D Marmousi model. We demonstrated that our method correctly recovers the reflectivity model, and the retrieved results have more balanced illumination and higher spatial resolution than traditional images. Because of the low cost of computing the target-oriented Hessian matrix, the proposed method has the potential to be applied to large-scale problems.
Contemporary Radiation Treatment of Prostate Cancer in Africa: A Ghanaian Experience
Authors: Asamoah Francis A. , Yarney Joel , Awasthi Shivanshu , Vanderpuye Verna , Venkat Puja S. , Fink Angelina K. , Naghavi Arash O. , Abrahams Afua , Mensah James E. , Sasu Evans , Tagoe Samuel N.A. , Johnstone Peter A.S. , Yamoah Kosj
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Data on prostate cancer (PCa) treatment in Africa remains under-reported. We present a review of the management of PCa at the cancer center of the largest tertiary referral facility in Ghana, with emphasis on curative treatment.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed data on 1,074 patients seen at the National Center for Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine from 2003 to 2016. Patient and disease characteristics at presentation are presented using descriptive statistics. The χ2 and Fisher’s exact tests and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze differences between categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Methods of survival analysis were used to evaluate the relative risk of biochemical disease-free survival (bDFS).

Results

Seventy percent of the study population presented with localized disease. High-risk disease presentation accounted for 64.4% of these patients. Only 57.6% of patients with localized disease received curative radiotherapy. The 5-year overall survival for the curative cohort was 96% (interquartile range, 93% to 98%). The 5-year bDFS rates for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups were 95%, 70%, and 48%, respectively. Both Gleason score and pretreatment prostate-specific antigen were significant predictors for bDFS in multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

We show that the majority of patients with PCa have locally advanced disease at the time of presentation for radiotherapy. bDFS was significantly better for low- and intermediate-risk than for high-risk disease. These data emphasize the dire need to re-evaluate screening and patient education of PCa in regions of the world with high incidence and mortality as well as the need for improved access to care and treatment delivery.
Phase 2 Open-Label Trial Investigating Percutaneous Laser Ablation for Treatment of Early-Stage Breast Cancer: MRI, Pathology, and Outcome Correlations
Authors: Schwartzberg Barbara , Lewin John , Abdelatif Osama , Bernard Jacqueline , Bu-Ali Hanadi , Cawthorn Simon , Chen-Seetoo Margaret , Feldman Sheldon , Govindarajulu Sasirekha , Jones Lyn , Juette Arne , Kavia Sanjay , Maganini Robert , Pain Simon , Shere Mike , Shriver Craig , Smith Simon , Valencia Alexandra , Whitacre Eric , Whitney Roger
Published: July 2018

Background

An institutional review board-approved, multicenter clinical trial was designed to determine the efficacy and outcome of percutaneous laser ablation (PLA) in the treatment of invasive ductal breast carcinoma (IDC). Post-ablation magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was compared with surgical pathology in evaluation of residual post-ablation IDC and ductal carcinoma in situ.

Methods

Patients with a single focus of IDC 20 mm or smaller by pre-ablation MRI were treated with PLA. The patients underwent a 28-day post-ablation MRI, followed by surgical resection. Cell viability criteria were applied to pre- and post-ablation pathology specimens, which evaluated hematoxylin–eosin (H&E), cytokeratin (CK) 8/18, estrogen receptor, and Ki67 staining patterns.

Results

In this study, 61 patients were reported as the intention-to-treat cohort for determination of PLA efficacy. Of these 61 patients, 51 (84%) had complete tumor ablation confirmed by pathology analysis. One subject’s MRI imaging was not performed per protocol, which left 60 subjects evaluable for MRI pathology correlation. Five patients (8.3%) had residual IDC shown by both MRI and pathology. Post-ablation discordance was noted between MRI and pathology, with four patients (6.7%) false-positive and four patients (6.7%) false-negative. The negative predictive value (NPV) of MRI for all the patients was 92.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 71.9–91.9%). Of the 47 patients (97.9%) with tumors 15 mm or smaller, 46 were completely ablated, with an MRI NPV of 97.7% (95% CI, 86.2–99.9%).

Conclusions

Percutaneous laser ablation is a potential alternative to surgery for treatment of early-stage IDC. Strong correlations exist between post-ablation MRI and pathologic alterations in CK8/18, ER, and Ki67 staining.
ΚΤΗΝΙΑΤΡΙΚΗ ΚΑΙ ΔΗΜΟΣΙΑ ΥΓΙΕΙΝΗ
Authors: DALLING Sir THOMAS
Published: July 2018

NO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE
The gut microbiome and irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Menees Stacy , Chey William
Published: July 2018

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders encountered in clinical practice. It is a heterogeneous disorder with a multifactorial pathogenesis. Recent studies have demonstrated that an imbalance in gut bacterial communities, or “dysbiosis”, may be a contributor to the pathophysiology of IBS. There is evidence to suggest that gut dysbiosis may lead to activation of the gut immune system with downstream effects on a variety of other factors of potential relevance to the pathophysiology of IBS. This review will highlight the data addressing the emerging role of the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of IBS and review the evidence for current and future microbiome based treatments
Analysis of the complete genome of hepatitis B virus subgenotype C2 isolate NHB17965 from a patient with uncomplicated chronicity
Authors: Shaha Modhusudon , Sarker Palash Kumar , Hossain Md. Saddam , Das Keshob Chandra , Jahan Munira , Dey Shuvra Kanti , Tabassum Shahina , Hashem Abu , Salimullah Md.
Published: July 2018

The number of chronic cases of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is increasing rapidly in the world. Herein, we report a complete genome of HBV subgenotype C2 (HBV/C2) with current common amino acid substitutions from a patient with chronic HBV without liver complications. Complete genome analysis revealed that the isolated strain was a non-recombinant wild type and had several regular substitutions in the reverse transcriptase domain and small surface proteins of HBV. The isolated complete sequence could be considered as a chronic reference strain of HBV/C2 in Bangladesh. This study may help clinicians and scientists gain in-depth knowledge on common substitutions of HBV/C2 genome and to identify potential therapies against chronic HBV infections.
Typification of names of plants described by Carlos Pau from Morocco (1908–1922)
Authors: Nualart Neus , Ibáñez Neus , Susanna Alfonso , Soriano Ignasi
Published: July 2018

The vascular plant names proposed by Carlos Pau from Morocco between 1908 and 1922 were studied and, when necessary and possible, typified. Nine lectotypes for Pau names plus one for a synonym have been designated; most of them preserved in MA and BC herbaria (isolectotypes at BCN, G, LD, and P).
A worldwide phylogeny of Adiantum (Pteridaceae) reveals remarkable convergent evolution in leaf blade architecture
Authors: Huiet Layne , Li Fay-Wei , Kao Tzu-Tong , Prado Jefferson , Smith Alan R. , Schuettpelz Eric , Pryeri Kathleen M.
Published: July 2018

Adiantum is among the most distinctive and easily recognized leptosporangiate fern genera. Despite encompassing an astonishing range of leaf complexity, all species of Adiantum share a unique character state not observed in other ferns: sporangia borne directly on the reflexed leaf margin or “false indusium” (pseudoindusium). The over 200 species of Adiantum span six continents and are nearly all terrestrial. Here, we present one of the most comprehensive phylogenies for any large (200+ spp.) monophyletic, subcosmopolitan genus of ferns to date. We build upon previous datasets, providing new data from four plastid markers (rbcL, atpA, rpoA, chlN) for 146 taxa. All sampled taxa can be unequivocally assigned to one of nine robustly supported clades. Although some of these unite to form larger, well­supported lineages, the backbone of our phylogeny has several short branches and generally weak support, making it difficult to accurately assess deep relationships. Our maximum likelihood­based ancestral character state reconstructions of leaf blade architecture reveal remarkable convergent evolution across multiple clades for nearly all leaf forms. A single unique synapomorphy—leaves once­pinnate, usually with prolonged rooting tips—defines the philippense clade. Although a rare occurrence in Adiantum, simple leaves occur in three distinct clades (davidii, philippense, peruvianum). Most taxa have leaves that are more than once­pinnate, and only a few of these (in the formosum and pedatum clades) exhibit the distinct pseudopedate form. Distributional ranges for each of the terminal taxa show that most species (75%) are restricted to only one of six major biogeographical regions. Forty­eight of our sampled species (nearly one­third) are endemic to South America.
Unravelling Vellozo’s Dupatya (Eriocaulaceae): A long­standing case of mistaken identities and species
Authors: Chagas Earl C. de O. , Trovó Marcelo , Zappi Daniela C. , Prado Jefferson , Giulietti Ana M.
Published: July 2018

A re­evaluation of the Dupatya (Eriocaulaceae) names proposed by Vellozo in the Florae fluminensis is presented. Based on analyses of Vellozo’s text, plates, original material and protologues of all species of Eriocaulon and Paepalanthus originally assigned to Dupatya, we accept E. ligulatum and P. aequalis, while D. hirsuta is reduced into synonymy with E. kunthii. Lectotypes are proposed for names based on the original plates of Vellozo’s work deposited at the Manuscript Section of the Rio de Janeiro National Library.
A New Protocol Using Artificial Seeds to Evaluate Dietary Preferences of Harvester Ants in Semi-arid Environments
Authors: Luna Pedro , Dáttilo Wesley
Published: July 2018

The preferences of seed intake by harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex spp.) have been debated for a long time, mainly due the lack of repeatable methods to draw clear conclusions. However, several characteristics of the food resource are well recognized as the drivers of such selective predation. For instance, resource quality (i.e., availability of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins) is one factor that could explain the observed foraging patterns of Pogonomyrmex species. In this sense, experimental approaches using artificial resources (e.g., synthetic seeds/diaspores) have provided an useful and alternative tool to study ant’s food foraging behavior. Therefore, it is expected that the use of artificial seeds also could offer a versatile way to assess the influence of resource quality exert on the resource selection by harvester ants. On the other hand, empirical experiments involving harvester ants and artificial seeds are still rare in the literature and it is not known if such methodology is efficient with different Pogonomyrmex species. In this study carried out in a Neotropical arid environment of central Mexico, we tested a simple but fundamental question: Do harvester ants (Pogonomyrmex barbatus) predate artificial seeds with manipulated nutrient content (lipids and proteins) in the field? We found that the proportion of native seeds removed was lower than the proportion of artificial seeds removed. However, we found no difference between the removal of artificial seeds containing only lipids and the seeds containing lipids + proteins. These findings indicate that the artificial seeds synthesized by us could be an effective method to test different ecological hypothesis involving harvester ants. Moreover, our empirical experiment offers a benchmark to study the influence of resource quality on the food foraging behavior of harvester ants in Neotropical arid environments.
Orchid Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Euglossini) in Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest (Caatinga) in Brazil
Authors: Carneiro Lazaro Da Silva , Aguiar Willian Moura , Aguiar Candida Maria Lima , Santos Gilberto Marcos De Mendonça
Published: July 2018

Euglossini bees are important Neotropical pollinators, but there is a lack in the knowledge about this fauna in dry tropical environments. The aims of this study were to evaluate the richness and abundance of euglossine bees in two fragments of seasonally dry tropical forest (Caatinga), as well as to assess the distribution of euglossine species richness in the Caatinga environment. Males were collected along 12 consecutive months, using traps with aromatic baits. The species richness (S=5) was lower than in rainforests and savannas. Euglossa cordata (L.) was the dominant species in the assemblage, representing 70% of the individuals. The highest abundance occurred in the rainy season. Euglossini fauna presents low local species richness in Caatinga areas, however the beta diversity is higher, since assemblages in different habitats have differences in species composition.
Phylogeny of the ant genus Aphaenogaster (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Iberian Peninsula, with the description of a new species
Authors: Gómez Kiko , Martinez David , Espadaler Xavier
Published: July 2018

A phylogenetic tree of the Iberian Aphaenogaster species - except for A. splendida (Roger) - and a key to the worker caste of all Iberian Aphaenogaster species are proposed. The position of A. striativentris Forel and A. cardenai Espadaler is discussed, stating the possibility that this second species may belong to a new, undescribed genus. Aphaenogaster ulibeli n. sp. is described from the Iberian Peninsula. Its closest relatives are A. gibbosa (Latreille) and A. striativentris. Its habitat seems to be restricted to caducifolia forests in the Western Central Massif.
Occurrence of Social Wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in a Sugarcane Culture
Authors: Barbosa Bruno Corrêa , Silva Newton José de Jesus , Zanuncio José Cola , Prezoto Fábio
Published: July 2018

Predation of Lepidoptera caterpillars - including agricultural pest species - is one of the main ways through which social wasps gather proteinaceous resources. The presence of social wasps was sampled through active search and bait traps through a sugarcane culture cycle, totaling 12 months. Our aim was to record the presence of these insects during the sugarcane development cycle in order to obtain data to support alternative pest control strategies. A total of 1091 individuals in seven genera and 20 species of social wasps were collected, including the swarm-founding Agelaia vicina and Polybia sericea (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). Social wasp richness and abundance were not correlated with climatic variables (temperature, humidity and precipitation). However, richness was negatively correlated to the sugarcane plants’ height (r= -0.4360, p= 0.05). The presence of social wasps during the plant’s cycle shows their potential as predators in sugarcane culture pest management.
Cytogenetic studies in Trachymyrmex holmgreni Wheeler, 1925 (Formicidae: Myrmicinae) by conventional and molecular methods
Authors: Barros Luísa Antônia Campos , Teixeira Gisele Amaro , De Aguiar Hilton Jeferson Alves Cardoso , Lopes Denilce Meneses , Pompolo Silvia Das Graças
Published: July 2018

Over the past several decades, ant cytogenetic studies have focused on chromosome number and morphology; however, recently, additional information concerning heterochromatin composition and 45S rDNA location has become accessible. The fungus-growing ants are a peculiar ant group that cultivates fungus for food, and Trachymyrmex is suspected to be the sister group of leafcutter ants. Cytogenetic data are so far available for sixn Trachymyrmex species. The present study aimed to increase the knowledge about Trachymyrmex cytogenetics by the chromosomal characterization of Trachymyrmex holmgreni including the karyotyping, fluorochromes staining, 18S rDNA, and microsatellite (GA)15 fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Karyotyped samples from four ant colonies showed 2n = 20 metacentric chromosomes. Centromeric heterochromatin rich in GC base pairs was detected in all chromosomes. FISH revealed the presence of rDNA clusters on the fourth chromosome pair, and an intense spreading of the microsatellite (GA)15 including exclusively euchromatic areas of the chromosomes. The GC-rich heterochromatin observed in different ant species may have a common origin and, thus, phylogenetic implication that needs to be further investigated. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report of the use of chromosomal physical location of repetitive DNA sequences by means of microsatellite probes in Formicidae.