bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Criminalized Vietnamese women, ‘problem gambling’ and experiential rifts: Towards a criminology of diversity
Authors: Trần R-Coo , Spivakovsky Claire
Published: September 2019

When issues emerge in women’s imprisonment, criminology often responds with narratives of ‘difference’. In this article we respond to the call of Barbara Hudson, and generate a ‘criminology of diversity’ instead. We present the case of Vietnamese women in Victoria, Australia, whose incarceration is increasing at an alarming rate. According to government discourse, this increase occurs because Vietnamese women in Victoria have a distinct ‘problem gambling’ pathway to crime that is supported by Vietnamese lending arrangements. Seeking to disaggregate and denature this essentialist and reductionist narrative, we draw on the accounts of specialist Vietnamese community workers to explore the various meanings and significance of gambling in the lives of Vietnamese women in Victoria. We further engage with the work of Paul Gilroy on diasporic identities and Ghassan Hage on vacillations to illustrate what is gained by recognizing the overlaps, parallels and points of divergence that form within and between ‘different’ groups.
How to evaluate the effect of seven years of the Norwegian School Fruit Scheme (2007–2014) on fruit, vegetable and snack consumption and weight status: A natural experiment
Authors: Hovdenak Ingrid Marie , Stea Tonje Holte , Magnus Per , Krokstad Steinar , Samdal Oddrun , Bere Elling
Published: September 2019

Aim: From August 2007 to June 2014, the Norwegian School Fruit Scheme (NSFS) legally established that all pupils in junior high and combined schools (275,000 pupils every year), but not those in primary schools (343,000 pupils every year), were entitled to a free piece of fruit or vegetable every school day. The NSFS is a natural experiment, unique in terms of scope and lengthiness. Such governmental efforts to improve the diet of the public are rarely evaluated. Thus, an evaluation of the comprehensive, well-designed NSFS is warranted. The aim was to describe how the NSFS can be evaluated using existing data sets. Methods: Four data sets have been identified for the evaluation of the NSFS: (a) the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, (b) the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study, (c) the Norwegian Child Growth Study/Growth in Teenagers and (d) Health Behaviour in School Aged Children. These comprehensive studies have collected cross-sectional or longitudinal data providing information about children’s dietary consumption and/or weight status, which can be utilised in the evaluation of the NSFS. Both short- and long-term effects of the NSFS related to dietary habits and weight status and the potential effect of moderators such as socio-economic status, sex, ethnicity and the age of children and adolescents can be studied. Conclusions: Worldwide, there is a lack of well-designed, long-term studies evaluating the impact of governmental efforts to improve public diet. The present study describes how the NSFS can be evaluated using data from four large data sets on eating habits and weight status.
Eye-wearable head-mounted tracking and gaze estimation interactive machine system for human–machine interface
Authors: Lee Ko-Feng , Chen Yen-Lin , Yu Chao-Wei , Jen Cheng-Lung , Chin Kai-Yi , Hung Chen-Wei , Wen Chih-Bo
Published: September 2019

In this study, a head-mounted camera was used to track eye behaviors and estimate the gaze point on the user’s visual plane. The integration of the elastic mechanism design makes the headset adaptable for various users. The wearable cases were prototyped with low-cost cameras to produce an efficient eye tracking solution. This proposed system can effectively extract and estimate pupil ellipse from a few camera images of an eye and compute the corresponding three-dimensional eye model. The system can match later images of the same pupil ellipse from a head-mounted camera to give the possible visual angles. To estimate the gaze point, the system uses multiple-point calibration to solve the related polynomial formula for future angle-to-gaze mapping. The proposed eye-tracking algorithms can provide a low-complexity solution with high accuracy, precision, and speed. This tracking system is a low-cost and promising system that can be used in headsets for virtual reality, auxiliary equipment, interactive machine, and human–machine interface applications. The proposed eye-tracking algorithm can achieve satisfactory performance without using a high-end high-speed camera and can be detected under different lighting sources, and the average errors of the detection results are stably within 9 pixels and at a distance of 50 cm from the screen; while the average error of the fixation mapping results is within 3°.
Impacts of average illuminance, spectral distribution, and uniformity on brightness and safety perceptions under parking lot lighting
Authors: Bullough JD , Snyder JD , Kiefer K
Published: September 2019

In addition to supporting visibility, parking lot lighting should enable people to feel safe and secure while they are walking through a parking lot at night. Previously published research has indicated that perceptions of safety and security under outdoor illumination are correlated with perceptions of scene brightness, which in turn are influenced by the light level in the lot, by the spectral distribution of the illumination, and the uniformity of illumination. However, the interactions and interplay among these factors are not well understood. To address this knowledge gap, two laboratory experiments were conducted using a scale model parking lot scene and a controllable light-emitting diode (LED) lighting system that allowed parametric variations in light level, spectrum and uniformity. From the results, a mathematical model of overall brightness and safety perceptions was developed to predict how different lighting configurations are perceived. The model can be used to help specifiers select lighting systems for parking lot illumination that meet the objectives of reinforcing sensations of personal safety while balancing energy use and cost concerns.
Brain–computer interface and assist-as-needed model for upper limb robotic arm
Authors: Kapsalyamov Akim , Hussain Shahid , Sharipov Askhat , Jamwal Prashant
Published: September 2019

Post-stroke paralysis, whereby subjects loose voluntary control over muscle actuation, is one of the main causes of disability. Repetitive physical therapy can reinstate lost motions and strengths through neuroplasticity. However, manually delivered therapies are becoming ineffective due to scarcity of therapists, subjectivity in the treatment, and lack of patient motivation. Robot-assisted physical therapy is being researched these days to impart an evidence-based systematic treatment. Recently, intelligent controllers and brain–computer interface are proposed for rehabilitation robots to encourage patient participation which is the key to quick recovery. In the present work, a brain–computer interface and assist-as-needed training paradigm have been proposed for an upper limb rehabilitation robot. The brain–computer interface system is implemented with the use of electroencephalography sensor; moreover, backdrivability in the actuator has been achieved with the use of assist-as-needed control approach, which allows subjects to move the robot actively using their limited motions and strengths. The robot only assists for the remaining course of trajectory which subjects are unable to perform themselves. The robot intervention point is obtained from the patient’s intent which is captured through brain–computer interface. Problems encountered during the practical implementation of brain–computer interface and achievement of backdrivability in the actuator have been discussed and resolved.
Dynamic modeling of spatial parallel mechanism with multi-spherical joint clearances
Authors: Chen Xiulong , Sun Chenghao
Published: September 2019

The parallel mechanism has advantages of the high speed, high precision, strong carrying capacity, and high structural rigidity. Most of the previous studies concerning the dynamic modeling focused on planar mechanisms with revolute clearance joints or spatial mechanisms with one spherical joint clearance, while few studies focused on spatial parallel mechanisms with multi-spherical joint clearances. In this article, a general dynamic modeling method for spatial parallel mechanism with multi-spherical joint clearances based on Lagrange multiplier method is proposed. Taking 4universal joint-prismatic joint-spherical joint/universal joint-prismatic joint- universal joint (4UPS-UPU) spatial parallel mechanism as an example, the constraint equations of common kinematic pairs in spatial parallel mechanism, such as universal joint, spherical joint, and prismatic joint, are derived in detail. The dynamic model of the parallel mechanism with two spherical joint clearances combining the Flores contact force model and the LuGre friction model is established. The correctness of model has also been verified by comparing the analysis results of MATLAB with those of ADAMS. It can be seen that dynamic model of spatial parallel mechanism with multi-spherical joint clearances could be easily established by this method, which provides a theoretical reference to establish the dynamic model of other parallel mechanism with multi-clearance in the future.
Photovoice and refugee research: The case for a ‘layers’ versus ‘labels’ approach to vulnerability
Authors: Humpage Louise , Fozdar Farida , Marlowe Jay , Hartley Lisa
Published: September 2019

‘Vulnerability’ is a key concept used to understand the ethical implications of conducting refugee-focused research. This case study illustrates the need to follow Luna’s (2009) call for a shift from a ‘labels’ to a ‘layers’ approach to vulnerability by analysing how two university ethics committees responded to issues of informed consent in two similar refugee research projects using the PhotoVoice method. The following commentary argues that, when driven by a research governance regime, ethics review risks viewing refugees through a static label of vulnerability, negatively affecting research viability and data quality. In contrast, a layers approach opens space for understanding the potential for vulnerability amongst refugee research participants while supporting PhotoVoice’s goals of empowerment and facilitating agency. The case study highlights the need for national-level ethics statements that encourage a more flexible approach within research institutions.
Political tolerance of demobilizing armed actors: The case of FARC in Colombia
Authors: Mun Kwansik , Rojas Hernando , Coppini David , Cho Helen
Published: September 2019

Recent scholarship has shown the importance of political conservatism, perceived (in)security, and communication channels (i.e. mass media) in increased or decreased tolerance toward certain groups. This study advances our knowledge in this area by integrating the importance of media exposure, interpersonal communication and attitudes toward political elites in shaping tolerance levels toward the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army (FARC, after the initials in Spanish). For this, the authors analyze national survey data collected in Colombia and carry out a path analysis to explore the formation of political (in)tolerance toward FARC. Results from exploring tolerance toward FARC, a rebel group transitioning from a military force to a political one, show the importance of interpersonal discussion and attitudes toward political elites in fostering tolerance both directly and indirectly via increased preference for a peace negotiation over a military solution. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Benefits Associated With Experiential and Material Purchases May Depend on Culture
Authors: Razavi Pooya , Shaban-Azad Hadi , Chai Wen Jia , Zhang Jia Wei , Nguyen Ngoc-Han , Howell Ryan T.
Published: September 2019

Spending money on experiences, compared to materials, is often associated with more happiness. This experiential advantage, however, is developed based on samples from Western cultures. To investigate the boundaries of this effect, we studied participants from three divergent cultures (Iran, Malaysia, and the United States; N = 1,718) and examined the benefits associated with different purchase types across material–experiential and solitary–social dimensions. Results indicated a cross-culturally robust experiential advantage in terms of affiliative outcomes (i.e., positive other-focused emotions and relational enhancement), even when we accounted for the sociality of the purchases. However, the results were less consistent with the experiential advantage in terms of happiness and self-focused outcomes (i.e., self-focused emotions and self-elevation). Interestingly, experiential-solitary purchases were associated with stronger self-focused benefits among Iranians. We discuss possible explanations for this effect and offer recommendations for future research. Data and analysis code are publicly available at https://osf.io/n39gj/
De-mythologizing and re-branding of kava as the new ‘world drug’ of choice
Authors: Aporosa S Apo
Published: September 2019

What seemed impossible 50 years ago is today becoming a reality as ‘soft drugs’ such as cannabis are being decriminalized and accepted for their calming effects as well as their legitimate medicinal properties. Several countries have now made the possession of cannabis legal, with others considering this, while the coffee shops in the Netherlands have been supplying cannabis in different forms for many years. It is now the turn of kava to be re-evaluated, to see whether there are properties in this plant that might be readily substituted for more conventional and harmful drugs, for instance tobacco and alcohol. However, as highlighted by Norton and Ruze (1994), kava like cannabis, has an enduring reputation that still makes it difficult for many to accept. Kava has been mythologized as an illicit alcohol, highly addictive, and causing physical harm. When examining the history of kava use in traditional contexts and considering the evidence now available, it is possible to demythologize this characterization. Looking at the potential benefits, it is time to re-brand kava, not only on the grounds as a relaxant, but in possessing life enhancing medicinal properties and as an alternative to alcohol, understanding that will be beneficial to policy makers, doctors and pharmacists.
Lower adalimumab trough levels are associated with higher bowel wall thickness in Crohn's disease
Authors: Ungar Bella , Ben‐Shatach Zohar , Selinger Limor , Malik Alona , Albshesh Ahmad , Ben‐Horin Shomron , Eliakim Rami , Kopylov Uri , Carter Dan
Published: September 2019

Background

In Crohn's disease, higher adalimumab trough levels and negative anti‐adalimumab‐antibodies associate with better clinical and endoscopic outcomes. Intestinal ultrasound has become a relevant non‐invasive method to monitor treatment. However, data on the association between adalimumab levels and bowel wall thickness measured with ultrasound is limited.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the possible association between the sonographic transmural‐thickness and adalimumab trough levels.

Methods

This prospective observational cohort study was conducted at Sheba Medical Center in 2014–2018. Crohn's disease patients on adalimumab maintenance therapy with intestinal ultrasound performed within <30 days of trough level measurement were included. Associations between terminal ileum and colonic thickness, adalimumab levels and therapy retention were assessed.

Results

Fifty events of ultrasound with concomitant adalimumab trough level measurements in 44 Crohn's disease patients were included. Patients with trough level <3 μg/ml had significantly higher bowel wall thickness, both for terminal ileum (p  = 0.04) and colon (p  = 0.02). Thirty‐two patients continued adalimumab therapy over one year. The adalimumab retention rate was higher among those with terminal ileum thickness <4 mm (p  = 0.03).

Conclusion

Lower adalimumab trough levels were associated with higher bowel wall thickness indicating poorer therapy outcome. Transmural thickness measurement with ultrasound may be a useful target for guiding biologic therapy in Crohn's disease.
Debatable sphere: Major party hegemony, minor party marginalization in the UK leaders’ debate
Authors: Hughes Ceri
Published: September 2019

The United Kingdom political landscape has historically been dominated by the two main political parties: Labour and the Conservatives. However, by the 2010 General Election, their vote share had dropped to 65%. The 2010 election also saw a new development enter the UK political landscape—televised leaders’ debates, which featured the leaders of the three largest political parties. Discussions before the 2015 General Election resulted in a decision to repeat the debate experiment, but this time, partly due to changes in projected vote shares, seven leaders were invited to the main debate. Using content analysis of the debate, this research questions the presentation of the debate as a deliberative event. Participatory parity was not achieved in the debate—far from it. Instead, the debate served to reinforce extant power differentials between the leaders of parties of differing political standings.
Impact of Economic Policy Uncertainty on Exchange Market Pressure
Authors: Olanipekun Ifedolapo Olabisi , Olasehinde-Williams Godwin , Güngör Hasan
Published: September 2019

Capturing changes in foreign reserves and exchange rates through the exchange market pressure, this article investigates whether economic policy uncertainty plays any role in exchange market pressure movements while controlling for the effects of domestic and external factors. A panel of 20 countries was examined from 2003Q1 to 2017Q4 using panel techniques that are consistent in the presence of heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence. The study finds that a long-run relationship exists between exchange market pressure and economic policy uncertainty. Our estimation results reveal that a rise in economic policy uncertainty, consumer price index, trade openness, and financial openness increases the severity of the exchange market pressure in the long run. However, gross domestic product (GDP) growth, domestic credit, and foreign direct investment inflows can cushion the effect of the pressure. Therefore, irrespective of whether a country operates fixed, flexible, or intermediate exchange rate regime, its foreign exchange market is still significantly affected by economic policy uncertainty.
Adhesive strips as the sole method for skin closure is effective in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Yuenyongviwat Varah , Iamthanaporn Khanin , Tuntarattanapong Pakjai , Dissaneewate Kantapon , Tangjatsakow Preyanun , Liawrungrueang Wongthawat , Hongnaparak Theerawit
Published: September 2019

Objective:

Adhesive strips are used as the sole method for skin closure in many operations except total knee arthroplasty. The claims are decreased wound closure time, less tissue reaction, and lack of stitch marks. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of closure using adhesive strips versus running subcuticular stitches.

Methods:

This study was a retrospective case-matched study. Running subcuticular stitches or adhesive strips were used for skin closure in 151 and 137 patients, respectively. All of the patients had an operation by a single surgeon and had the same patient care protocol. All of the patients were evaluated postoperatively for wound complication at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months follow-up.

Results:

The wounds of most patients in both groups had healed. The incidence of superficial infection was not different between the groups (1.32% in the running subcuticular suture group and 1.46% in the adhesive strip group) ( p = 0.92). One case (0.66%) in the running subcuticular suture group had deep infection, which required reoperation ( p = 0.34). The patients in the running subcuticular suture group had higher unabsorbable sutures, which required further removal compared to the adhesive strip group ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The use of adhesive strips is an effective skin closure method with a low rate of infection and skin complications. This technique is easy and there is no need for suture removal. Furthermore, there are no stitch marks and the cost of suturing is lower.
Prevalence of systemic sclerosis in Colombia: Data from the National Health Registry 2012–2016
Authors: Fernández-Ávila Daniel G , Bernal-Macías Santiago , Gutiérrez Juan M , Rincón Diana N , Rosselli Diego
Published: September 2019

Introduction:

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that characteristically presents with fibrosis and vasculopathy. In Latin America, the information on the epidemiology of this disease is scarce and records are essential to know its behavior in the populations. In Colombia, the Ministry of Health uses the SISPRO tool to collect information on the unified national health system which offers nearly universal coverage (around 95%). This public information makes it possible to perform epidemiological studies on different diseases.

Objectives:

Using the SISPRO data corresponding to the years 2012–2016, we analyzed the prevalence and characteristics of patients with systemic sclerosis.

Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed based on the SISPRO data; we used as keywords the diagnoses of the International Classification of Diseases related to the diagnosis of systemic sclerosis.

Results:

A total of 11,300 individuals diagnosed with systemic sclerosis were documented. The estimated prevalence was 23.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (based on a total population of 47,663,162); this disease is more frequent in the age group of 65–69 years in females (77%), and has a female:male ratio of 3.27:1.

Conclusion:

This study describes the epidemiological characteristics of systemic sclerosis in Colombia, based on official statistics from the Ministry of Health. The results provide a new vision of this disease in Latin America and open the door to future research, in order to better understand the particular characteristics of this disease in our country and our region.
The political role of date palm trees in the Jordan Valley: The transformation of Palestinian land and water tenure in agriculture made invisible by epistemic violence
Authors: Trottier Julie , Leblond Nelly , Garb Yaakov
Published: September 2019

In the West Bank, date palm trees have been sweeping over the Jordan Valley at an accelerating rate since the 2000s. The current scientific literature has depicted this transformation as sustainable development. This article proposes a method to harness social sciences in a meaningful manner within the interdisciplinary study of agricultural transformation. Focusing on appropriation rather than bundles of rights, within an exploration of water and land tenure, allows uncovering actors and mechanisms that remain undetected by the current scientific discourse. Date palms transform both land and water tenure. As seasonal labor replaces sharecroppers that lived on site, the livelihoods, housing security, and food security of those practicing family farming are compromised. Geospatial analysis allows a triangulation of the results produced by qualitative methods. Mapping and quantifying the spatial progression of Israeli and Palestinian date palm trees between 1999 and 2016 allows assessing the number of sharecroppers displaced by date palm trees during that period. This demonstrates a Valley Clearance is now occurring, akin to the Highland Clearances that took place in 18th century Scotland. The present transformation of agriculture in the Jordan Valley has clear social and political impacts. Donors, the Palestinian Authority, and Palestinian date palm agribusinesses refer to the Palestinian water law within the perspective of a two state solution. The Israeli Water Authority and Israeli settlers further a network of wastewater reuse which stands as the only reliable source of water for date palm cultivation in the foreseeable future and contributes to the development of a one state solution. Meanwhile, Palestinians practicing family farming rely on legal pluralism to secure their access to water.
Minimal residual disease undetectable by next-generation sequencing predicts improved outcome in CLL after chemoimmunotherapy
Authors: Thompson Philip A. , Srivastava Jaya , Peterson Christine , Strati Paolo , Jorgensen Jeffrey L. , Hether Tyler , Keating Michael J. , O’Brien Susan M. , Ferrajoli Alessandra , Burger Jan A. , Estrov Zeev , Jain Nitin , Wierda William G.
Published: September 2019

Thompson and colleagues report that detection of minimal residual disease using next-generation sequencing, which is 2 orders of magnitude more sensitive than flow cytometry, is a much better predictor of progression-free survival.
Macrolide combination therapy for patients hospitalised with community-acquired pneumonia? An individualised approach supported by machine learning
Authors: König Rainer , Cao Xueqi , Oswald Marcus , Forstner Christina , Rohde Gernot , Rupp Jan , Witzenrath Martin , Welte Tobias , Kolditz Martin , Pletz Mathias
Published: September 2019

Background

The role of macrolide/β-lactam combination therapy in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) of moderate severity is a matter of debate. Macrolides expand the coverage to atypical pathogens and attenuate pulmonary inflammation, but have been associated with cardiovascular toxicity and drug interactions. We developed a decision tree based on aetiological and clinical parameters, which are availableex anteto support a personalised decision for or against macrolides for the best clinical outcome of the individual patient.

Methods

We employed machine learning in a cross-validation scheme based on a well-balanced selection of 4898 patients after propensity score matching to data available on admission of 6440 hospitalised patients with moderate severity (non-intensive care unit patients) from the observational, prospective, multinational CAPNETZ study. We aimed to improve the primary outcome of 180-day survival.

Results

We found a simple decision tree of patient characteristics comprising chronic cardiovascular and chronic respiratory comorbidities as well as leukocyte counts in the respiratory secretion at enrolment. Specifically, we found that patients without cardiovascular or patients with respiratory comorbidities and high leukocyte counts in the respiratory secretion benefit from macrolide treatment. Patients identified to be treated in compliance with our treatment suggestion had a lower mortality of 27% (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.48–2.27; p<0.001) compared to the observed standard of care.

Conclusion

Stratifying macrolide treatment in patients following a simple treatment rule may lead to considerably reduced mortality in CAP. A future randomised controlled trial confirming our result is necessary before implementing this rule into the clinical routine.
Latent tuberculosis screening and treatment among asylum seekers: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Spruijt Ineke , Tesfay Haile Dawit , Suurmond Jeanine , van den Hof Susan , Koenders Marga , Kouw Peter , van Noort Natascha , Toumanian Sophie , Cobelens Frank , Goosen Simone , Erkens Connie
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Evidence on conditions for implementation of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening and treatment among asylum seekers is needed to inform tuberculosis (TB) control policies. We used mixed-methods to evaluate the implementation of an LTBI screening and treatment programme among asylum seekers in the Netherlands.

Methods

We offered voluntary LTBI screening to asylum seekers aged ≥12 years living in asylum seeker centres from countries with a TB incidence >200 per 10 000 population. We calculated LTBI screening and treatment cascade coverage, and assessed associated factors with Poisson regression using robust variance estimators. We interviewed TB care staff (seven group interviews) and Eritrean clients (21 group and 21 individual interviews) to identify programme enhancers and barriers.

Results

We screened 719 (63% of 1136) clients for LTBI. LTBI was diagnosed among 178 (25%) clients; 149 (84%) initiated LTBI treatment, of whom 129 (87%) completed treatment. In-person TB and LTBI education, the use of professional interpreters, and collaboration with partner organisations were enhancers for LTBI screening uptake. Demand-driven LTBI treatment support by TB nurses enhanced treatment completion. Factors complicating LTBI screening and treatment were having to travel to public health services, language barriers and moving from asylum seeker centres to the community during treatment.

Conclusion

LTBI screening and treatment of asylum seekers is feasible and effective when high quality of care is provided, including culture-sensitive TB education throughout the care cascade. Additionally, collaboration with partner organisations, such as agencies responsible for reception and support of asylum seekers, should be in place.
Ground state solutions of Nehari–Pohožaev type for a kind of nonlinear problem with general nonlinearity and nonlocal convolution term
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Liao Fangfang
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we consider the following nonlinear problem with general nonlinearity and nonlocal convolution term:$$ \textstyle\begin{cases} -\Delta u+V(x)u+(I_{\alpha }\ast \vert u \vert ^{q}) \vert u \vert ^{q-2}u=f(u), \quad x\in {\mathbb{R}}^{3}, \\ u\in H^{1}(\mathbb{R}^{3}), \quad \end{cases} $${−Δu+V(x)u+(Iα∗|u|q)|u|q−2u=f(u),x∈R3,u∈H1(R3),where$a\in (0,3)$a∈(0,3),$q\in [1+\frac{\alpha }{3},3+\alpha )$q∈[1+α3,3+α),$I_{\alpha }:\mathbb{R}^{3}\rightarrow \mathbb{R}$Iα:R3→Ris the Riesz potential,$V\in \mathcal{C}(\mathbb{R}^{3},[0,\infty ))$V∈C(R3,[0,∞)),$f\in \mathcal{C}(\mathbb{R},\mathbb{R})$f∈C(R,R)and$F(t)=\int _{0}^{t}f(s)\,ds$F(t)=∫0tf(s)dssatisfies$\lim_{|t|\to \infty }F(t)/|t|^{\sigma }=\infty $lim|t|→∞F(t)/|t|σ=∞with$\sigma =\min \{2,\frac{2\beta +2}{\beta }\}$σ=min{2,2β+2β}where$\beta =\frac{ \alpha +2}{2(q-1)}$β=α+22(q−1). By using new analytic techniques and new inequalities, we prove the above system admits a ground state solution under mild assumptions onVandf.
Delayed Enucleation With Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Advanced Intraocular Unilateral Retinoblastoma: AHOPCA II, a Prospective, Multi-Institutional Protocol in Central America
Authors: Luna-Fineman Sandra , Chantada Guillermo , Alejos Amanda , Amador Geraldina , Barnoya Margarita , Castellanos Mauricio E. , Fu Ligia , Fuentes-Alabi Soad , Girón Verónica , Goenz Marco Antonio , Maldonado Carlos , Méndez Gustavo , Morales Rosa Amelia , Ortiz Roberta , Sanchez Gissela , Wilson Matthew , Rodríguez-Galindo Carlos
Published: September 2019

PURPOSE

Treatment abandonment because of enucleation refusal is a limitation of improving outcomes for children with retinoblastoma in countries with limited resources. Furthermore, many children present with buphthalmos and a high risk of globe rupture during enucleation. To address these unique circumstances, the AHOPCA II protocol introduced neoadjuvant chemotherapy with delayed enucleation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with advanced unilateral intraocular disease (International Retinoblastoma Staging System [IRSS] stage I) were considered for upfront enucleation. Those with diffuse invasion of the choroid, postlaminar optic nerve, and/or anterior chamber invasion received six cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy (vincristine, carboplatin, and etoposide). Patients with buphthalmos and those with a perceived risk for enucleation refusal and/or abandonment were given two to three cycles of chemotherapy before scheduled enucleation followed by adjuvant chemotherapy to complete six cycles, regardless of pathology.

RESULTS

A total of 161 patients had unilateral IRSS stage I disease; 102 underwent upfront enucleation, and 59 had delayed enucleation. The estimated 5-year abandonment-sensitive event-free and overall survival rates for the group were 0.81 ± 0.03 and 0.86 ± 0.03, respectively. The 5-year estimated abandonment-sensitive event-free survival rates for patients undergoing upfront and delayed enucleation were 0.89 ± 0.03 and 0.68 ± 0.06, respectively ( P = .001). Compared with AHOPCA I, abandonment for patients with IRSS stage I retinoblastoma decreased from 16% to 4%.

CONCLUSION

AHOPCA describes the results of advanced intraocular retinoblastoma treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In eyes with buphthalmos and patients with risk of abandonment, neoadjuvant chemotherapy can be effective when followed by enucleation and adjuvant chemotherapy. Our study suggests that this approach can save patients with buphthalmos from ocular rupture and might reduce refusal of enucleation and abandonment.
The Association Between Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Lipids in Cord Blood
Authors: Spratlen Miranda J , Perera Frederica P , Lederman Sally Ann , Robinson Morgan , Kannan Kurunthachalam , Herbstman Julie , Trasande Leonardo
Published: September 2019

Introduction

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were among various persistent organic pollutants suspected to have been released during the collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) on 9/11/2001. Evidence suggests that PFAS may have cardiometabolic effects, including alterations in lipid profiles. This study evaluated the association between cord blood PFAS and lipids in a population prenatally exposed to the WTC disaster.

Study Population

222 pregnant women in the Columbia University WTC birth cohort enrolled between December 13, 2001 and June 26, 2002 at hospitals located near the WTC site: Beth Israel, St. Vincent’s, and New York University Downtown.

Methods

We evaluated the association between 5 cord blood PFAS—perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecane sulfonate (PFDS)—and cord blood lipids (total lipids, total cholesterol, triglycerides).

Results

Median (interquartile range [IQR]) concentrations of PFAS were 6.32 (4.58–8.57), 2.46 (1.77–3.24), 0.38 (0.25–0.74), 0.66 (0.48–0.95) and 0.11 (0.09–0.16) ng/mL for PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS, and PFDS, respectively. Median (IQR) for lipids were 59.0 (51.5–68.5) mg/dL for total cholesterol, 196.5 (170.5–221.2) mg/dL for total lipids and 33.1 (24.2–43.9) mg/dL for triglycerides. In fully adjusted models, several PFAS were associated with higher lipid levels, including evidence of a strong linear trend between triglycerides and both PFOA and PFHxS.

Conclusions

Findings support previous evidence of an association between PFAS exposure and altered lipid profiles and add novel information on this relationship in cord blood, as well as for an understudied PFAS, PFDS (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 105: 43–54, 2020).
Administrative Monsters
Authors: Leeds Adam E.
Published: September 2019

Yurii Yaremenko was one of the late great theorists of the Soviet planning system. His theory, as presented first in censored and self-censored form in his major monograph, Structural Changes in the Socialist Economy (1981), describes the planned economy as composed of groups of technologically differentiated industries, ordered by their priority for receiving scarce high-quality goods. The forced development of the economy is its qualitative differentiation, which over time creates inherent structural imperatives for large-scale reorderings of that priority hierarchy, lest the phenomena of structural transformation become pathological. This account is supplemented by post-Soviet published interviews and by the author’s own interviews with Yaremenko’s associates. They reveal what Yaremenko’s theory left unsaid: that the disintegration of the late Soviet state into a multitude of competing, self-reproducing “administrative monsters,” the most powerful being the military industries distorted industrial structure, degraded civilian life, and ultimately made reform impossible.
Shestidesyatniki Economics, the Idea of Convergence, and Perestroika
Authors: Zweynert Joachim
Published: September 2019

The article analyzes the reception of the idea of convergence in Soviet economics from the 1960s to the end of the 1980s. It is predominantly concerned with convergence theory as a policy idea that inspired perestroika. Its central question is: Under the conditions of an authoritarian regime, how could an imported policy idea that bluntly contradicted official ideology reach a degree of dissemination and (among a specific stratum of the elite) popularity that would later turn it into a central pillar of reform policy? An important finding is that the idea of convergence united the Soviet “people of the sixties” and some Western “progressive” intellectuals who together formed a transregional epistemic community that only for a short period of time, at the end of the 1980s, gained political influence.
Juan Crow and the Erasure of Blackness in the Latina/o South
Authors: Márquez Cecilia
Published: September 2019

This essay examines the use of the term Juan Crow in protests against anti-immigrant legislation in the South. Using the passage of Alabama’s 2011 HB 56 law and the subsequent resistance to the legislation, this essay considers the limits of Juan Crow as a framework for immigrant justice. More specifically, it argues that the term erases the historical and contemporary presence of Afro-Latinos/ as in the South and that those deploying Juan Crow often inadvertently stage Jim Crow as a historical relic and Juan Crow as a present concern, thereby erasing contemporary black oppression in the region.
Listening to el Southside: Kap G’s Southern Mexicanidad
Authors: Rodriguez Iliana Yamileth
Published: September 2019

As part of the New Directions of the Latina/o South forum, this essay centers southern Latina/o cultural productions to examine practices of representation through Kap G’s rap texts. As the first popular Mexican American rapper from Atlanta, Georgia, Kap G lyrically and visually works to represent a southern Mexicanidad through his songs, music videos, and interviews. His work illustrates a second-generation identification with migrant struggles around issues of (im)migration, (il)legality, and labor.
Experimental evidence that symbiotic bacteria produce chemical cues in a songbird
Authors: Whittaker Danielle J. , Slowinski Samuel P. , Greenberg Jonathan M. , Alian Osama , Winters Andrew D. , Ahmad Madison M. , Burrell Mikayla J. E. , Soini Helena A. , Novotny Milos V. , Ketterson Ellen D. , Theis Kevin R.
Published: September 2019

Symbiotic microbes that inhabit animal scent glands can produce volatile compounds used as chemical signals by the host animal. Though several studies have demonstrated correlations between scent gland bacterial community structure and host animal odour profiles, none have systematically demonstrated a causal relationship. In birds, volatile compounds in preen oil secreted by the uropygial gland serve as chemical cues and signals. Here we test whether manipulating the uropygial gland microbial community affects chemical profiles in the dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis). We found an effect of antibiotic treatment targeting the uropygial gland on both bacterial and volatile profiles. In a second study, we cultured bacteria from junco preen oil, and found that all the cultivars produced at least one volatile compound common in junco preen oil, and that most cultivars produced multiple preen oil volatiles. In both studies, we identified experimentally generated patterns in specific volatile compounds previously shown to predict junco reproductive success. Together, our data provide experimental support for the hypothesis that symbiotic bacteria produce behaviourally relevant volatile compounds within avian chemical cues and signals.
Wings as inertial appendages: how bats recover from aerial stumbles
Authors: Boerma David B. , Breuer Kenneth S. , Treskatis Tim L. , Swartz Sharon M.
Published: September 2019

For many animals, movement through complex natural environments necessitates the evolution of mechanisms that enable recovery from unexpected perturbations. Knowledge of how flying animals contend with disruptive forces is limited, however, and is nearly nonexistent for bats, the only mammals capable of powered flight. We investigated perturbation recovery in Carollia perspicillata by administering a well-defined jet of compressed air, equal to 2.5 times bodyweight, which induced two types of disturbances, termed aerial stumbles: pitch-inducing body perturbations and roll-inducing wing perturbations. In both cases, bats responded primarily by adjusting extension of wing joints, and recovered pre-disturbance body orientation and left-right symmetry of wing motions over the course of only one wingbeat cycle. Bats recovered from body perturbations by symmetrically extending their wings cranially and dorsally during upstroke, and from wing perturbations by asymmetrically extending their wings throughout the recovery wingbeat. We used a simplified dynamical model to test the hypothesis that wing extension asymmetry during recovery from roll-inducing perturbations can generate inertial torques that alone are sufficient to produce the observed body reorientation. Results supported the hypothesis, and also suggested that subsequent restoration of symmetrical wing extension helped decelerate recovery rotation via passive aerodynamic mechanisms. During recovery, humeral elevation/depression remained largely unchanged while bats adjusted wing extension at the elbow and wrist, suggesting a proximo-distal gradient in the neuromechanical control of the wing.
Microalbuminuria and cardiorenal risk: old and new evidence in different populations
Authors: Márquez Diego Francisco , Ruiz-Hurtado Gema , Segura Julian , Ruilope Luis
Published: September 2019

Since the association of microalbuminuria (MAU) with cardiovascular (CV) risk was described, a huge number of reports have emerged. MAU is a specific integrated marker of CV risk and targets organ damage in patients with hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and diabetes and its recognition is important for identifying patients at a high or very high global CV risk. The gold standard for diagnosis is albumin measured in 24-hour urine collection (normal values of less than 30 mg/day, MAU of 30 to 300 mg/day, macroalbuminuria of more than 300 mg/day) or, more practically, the determination of urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio in a urine morning sample (30 to 300 mg/g). MAU screening is mandatory in individuals at risk of developing or presenting elevated global CV risk. Evidence has shown that intensive treatment could turn MAU into normoalbuminuria. Intensive treatment with the administration of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker, in combination with other anti-hypertensive drugs and drugs covering other aspects of CV risk, such as mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, new anti-diabetic drugs, and statins, can diminish the risk accompanying albuminuria in hypertensive patients with or without CKD and diabetes.
Novel strategies for the treatment of myelofibrosis driven by recent advances in understanding the role of the microenvironment in its etiology
Authors: Eran Zimran , Zingariello Maria , Bochicchio Maria Teresa , Bardelli Claudio , Migliaccio Anna Rita
Published: September 2019

Myelofibrosis is the advanced stage of the Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), characterized by systemic inflammation, hematopoietic failure in the bone marrow, and development of extramedullary hematopoiesis, mainly in the spleen. The only potentially curative therapy for this disease is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, an option that may be offered only to those patients with a compatible donor and with an age and functional status that may face its toxicity. By contrast, with the Philadelphia-positive MPNs that can be dramatically modified by inhibitors of the novel BCR-ABL fusion-protein generated by its genetic lesion, the identification of the molecular lesions that lead to the development of myelofibrosis has not yet translated into a treatment that can modify the natural history of the disease. Therefore, the cure of myelofibrosis remains an unmet clinical need. However, the excitement raised by the discovery of the genetic lesions has inspired additional studies aimed at elucidating the mechanisms driving these neoplasms towards their final stage. These studies have generated the feeling that the cure of myelofibrosis will require targeting both the malignant stem cell clone and its supportive microenvironment. We will summarize here some of the biochemical alterations recently identified in MPNs and the novel therapeutic approaches currently under investigation inspired by these discoveries.
Ventilatory compensation during the incremental exercise test is inversely correlated with air trapping in COPD
Authors: Kuint Rottem , Berkman Neville , Nusair Samir
Published: September 2019

Background: Air trapping and gas exchange abnormalities are major causes of exercise limitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). During incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing, ventilatory equivalents for carbon dioxide (VE/VCO2) and oxygen (VE/VO2) may be difficult to identify in COPD patients because of limited ventilatory compensation capacity. Therefore, we aimed to detect a possible correlation between the magnitude of ventilation augmentation, as manifested by increments in ventilatory equivalents from nadir to peak effort values and air trapping, detected with static testing.   

Methods: In this observational study, we studied data obtained previously from 20 COPD patients who, during routine follow-up, underwent a symptom-limited incremental exercise test and in whom a plethysmography was obtained concurrently. Air trapping at rest was assessed by measurement of the residual volume (RV) to total lung capacity (TLC) ratio (RV/TLC). Gas exchange data collected during the symptom-limited incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test allowed determination of the nadir and peak effort values of VE/VCO2 and VE/VO2, thus enabling calculation of the difference between peak effort value and nadir values of  VE/VCO2 and VE/VO2, designated ΔVE/VCO2 and ΔVE/VO2, respectively.

Results: We found a statistically significant inverse correlation between both ΔVE/VCO2 (r = -0. 5058, 95% CI -0.7750 to -0.08149, p = 0.0234) and ΔVE/VO2 (r = -0.5588, 95% CI -0.8029 to -0.1545, p = 0.0104) and the degree of air trapping (RV/TLC). There was no correlation between                ΔVE/VCO2 and peak oxygen consumption, forced expiratory volume in the first second, or body mass index. 

Conclusions: The ventilatory equivalents increment to compensate for acidosis during incremental exercise testing was inversely correlated with air trapping (RV/TLC) and may be a candidate prognostic biomarker.