bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An effective hybrid particle swarm optimization with Gaussian mutation
Authors: Lin Zhensi , Zhang Qishan
Published: June 2017

A novel hybrid particle swarm optimization variant is proposed, which combines particle swarm optimization with Gaussian mutation operation based on random strategy. It applies Gaussian mutation on the positions of some randomly selected particles to enhance the search accuracy and convergence speed of swarm. The proposed algorithm can retain the diversity of population and improve the ability of global search. A suite of benchmark test functions is employed to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The results have been compared with three state-of-the-art particle swarm optimization variants. Experimental results show that the Gaussian mutation and the random select strategy help the proposed algorithm to achieve faster convergence rate and provide better solutions in most of the problems. Further, the new algorithm has been tested on the high-dimensional problems. The results show that the proposed algorithm is not sensitive to high-dimensional problems and can even give a better performance. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis of the parameters was carried out and the setting of the parameters was given.
Ultrasound-guided injections for supraspinatus tendinopathy: corticosteroid versus glucose prolotherapy – a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Cole Brandi , Lam Patrick , Hackett Lisa , Murrell George A. C.
Published: June 2017

Background

Subacromial corticosteroid injections are frequently performed for pain associated with supraspinatus tendinopathy. Glucose prolotherapy has been used clinically for multiple tendinopathies and is hypothesized to be an alternate injection therapy for supraspinatus tendinopathy.

Methods

A prospective, randomized, double blinded clinical trial was conducted. Thirty-six patients with supraspinatus tendinopathy were randomized into two groups: 17 received an ultrasound-guided injection of glucose into the tendinopathic parts of the supraspinatus tendon and 19 received an ultrasound-guided injection of corticosteroid into the subacromial bursa. Primary outcome was level of pain with overhead activities at 3 months. Secondary outcome measures included level and frequency of pain and function, shoulder range of motion, impingement tests, strength and tendon changes on ultrasound.

Results

Level of pain with overhead activities was significantly reduced at the 3-month follow-up in the prolotherapy group and at the 6-month follow-up for both the prolotherapy and corticosteroid groups. There were no significant differences between the groups at any time point.

Conclusions

Both glucose prolotherapy and corticosteroid were generally well tolerated; however, glucose prolotherapy offered no additional benefit over subacromial corticosteroid injection for supraspinatus tendinopathy.
Tinnitus after administration of sublingual immunotherapy
Authors: Juel Jacob
Published: June 2017

Background/objectives:

Sublingual immunotherapy was first described in 1986. Since then, its use has been increased as an alternative to subcutaneously administered immunotherapy in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. The most common side effects are of oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal in nature, for example, itching, swelling, irritation, ulceration of the oropharynx and nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting. More severe side effects are dominated by systemic and respiratory tract manifestations.

Results:

In this clinical case, the author reports a right-sided transient tinnitus lasting for 48 h after administration of sublingual immunotherapy for house dust mite in allergic rhinitis.

Conclusions:

This case provide important insights for clinical practice, as tinnitus has not been previously reported as a side effect of sublingual immunotherapy with house dust mite allergens.
A bronchoscopic approach to benign subglottic stenosis
Authors: Raman Tuhina , Chatterjee Kshitij , Alzghoul Bashar N , Innabi Ayoub A , Tulunay Ozlem , Bartter Thaddeus , Meena Nikhil K
Published: June 2017

Objectives:

Subglottic stenosis is an abnormal narrowing of the tracheal lumen at the level of subglottis (the area in between the vocal cords and the cricoid cartilage). It can cause significant symptoms due to severe attenuation of airflow. We describe our experience in alleviating symptoms by addressing the stenosis using fibreoptic bronchoscopic methods.

Methods:

We report all concurrent cases performed between September 2015 and July 2016. We use a combination of balloon dilation, electro-surgery knife to dilate and incise stenotic segments followed by steroid injection to modulate healing.

Results:

We treated 10 patients in the study period, 8 of which were women. A total of 39 procedures were performed on these patients during this period. Gastro-esophageal reflux was the most common comorbidity associated with stenosis. The majority of the patients required more than 2 therapeutic procedures, but none required more than 4 procedures. There were no complications.

Conclusion:

Tracheal stenosis and in particular subglottic stenosis is a recurrent process and its management requires extensive collaboration amongst treating specialties. Our technique of steroid injection after dilation of the stenosis was effective in symptom control and decreased the number of repeat procedures.
Small intestinal peripheral nerve sheath tumour in a cat
Authors: Ribas Ariadna , Miller Rachel , Rasotto Roberta
Published: June 2017

Case summary

A 5-year-old female spayed Chinchilla cat presented with a 4 week history of weight loss and inappetence. A thorough clinical investigation confirmed the presence of a distal jejunal mass. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis was consistent with a small intestinal peripheral nerve sheath tumour.

Relevance and novel information

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a small intestinal peripheral nerve sheath tumour in a cat. This case report demonstrates the use of immunohistochemistry in differentiating this entity from other mesenchymal neoplasms. The veterinary literature available in this field is very limited and this report adds a new differential diagnosis to feline patients presenting with an intestinal mass.
#familygoals: Family Influencers, Calibrated Amateurism, and Justifying Young Digital Labor
Authors: Abidin Crystal
Published: June 2017

Following in the celebrity trajectory of mommy bloggers, global micro-microcelebrities, and reality TV families, family Influencers on social media are one genre of microcelebrity for whom the “anchor” content in which they demonstrate their creative talents, such as producing musical covers or comedy sketches, is a highly profitable endeavor. Yet, this commerce is sustained by an undercurrent of “filler” content wherein everyday routines of domestic life are shared with followers as a form of “calibrated amateurism.” Calibrated amateurism is a practice and aesthetic in which actors in an attention economy labor specifically over crafting contrived authenticity that portrays the raw aesthetic of an amateur, whether or not they really are amateurs by status or practice, by relying on the performance ecology of appropriate platforms, affordances, tools, cultural vernacular, and social capital. In this article, I consider the anatomy of calibrated amateurism, and how this practice relates to follower engagement and responses. While some follower responses have highlighted concerns over the children’s well-being, a vast majority overtly signal their love, support, and even envy toward such parenting. I draw on ethnographically informed content analysis of two group of family Influencers on social media to illustrate the enactment and value of calibrated amateurism in an increasingly saturated ecology and, investigate how such parents justify the digital labor in which their children partake to produce viable narratives of domestic life.
Integrating Academic Press and Support by Increasing Student Ownership and Responsibility
Authors: Cannata Marisa Ann , Smith Thomas M. , Taylor Haynes Katherine
Published: June 2017

This article extends existing research on school effectiveness by focusing on identifying the combination of programs, practices, processes, and policies that explain why some high schools in a large urban district are effective at serving low-income students, minority students, and English language learners. Using a mixed methods study of high schools selected on the basis of value-added indicators, we conducted a comparative case study to understand what differentiated schools that “beat the odds” from those that struggled to improve student achievement. We found that the higher-value-added schools enacted practices that integrated academic press and support in ways that fostered student efficacy and engagement. These findings contribute to the larger literature on school effectiveness by highlighting the importance of the student culture of learning and noncognitive student characteristics. They do so by identifying student ownership and responsibility as a critical area for research on school effectiveness and improvement.
Reduction of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption in Elementary School Students Using an Educational Curriculum of Beverage Sugar Content
Authors: Rauba Jason , Tahir Ammar , Milford Brett , Toll Ashley , Benedict Valerie , Wang Chi , Chehab Lynn , Sanborn Timothy
Published: June 2017

Introduction: Given the known association between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake and poorer health, we instituted an educational curriculum to reduce student consumption of SSBs. Methods: The program included third- to fifth-grade students. A simple demonstration using teaspoons of sugar or small candies showed students the quantity of added sugar in common beverages. This amount of sugar was compared to the daily limit recommended by the American Heart Association. Key principles were reinforced over a 4-month period. Anonymous beverage recall surveys were distributed to 213 students at baseline and 211 students 6 months after exposure to the curriculum. Primary endpoints included evaluation of SSB, real fruit juice (RFJ), diet soda, and water servings in the last 24 hours. Results: The proportion of children consuming 2 or more beverages daily decreased from 8.9% to 4.3% ( P = .0546) for diet soda, from 70.0% to 58.3% ( P = .0123) for SSB + RFJ, and from 60.1% to 47.4% ( P = .0087) for SSB. At baseline, students reported an average consumption of 3.5 SSB, 4.5 SSB + RFJ, 0.4 diet soda, and 3.3 water servings per day. At 6 months after exposure, the average daily beverage consumption decreased to 2.7 servings per day for SSB ( P = .014), 3.8 for SSB + RFJ ( P = .039), and 0.2 for diet soda ( P = .027). Water consumption increased from 3.3 to 3.6 servings per day ( P = .075). Discussion: Our data suggest grade school students are receptive to information about the adverse effects of SSBs on health. Adding similar educational programs to elementary school curriculum may help reduce long-term SSB consumption.
Pediatric Hypertension: Provider Perspectives
Authors: Bello Jennifer K. , Mohanty Nivedita , Bauer Victoria , Rittner Sarah S. , Rao Goutham
Published: June 2017

Pediatric hypertension is a risk for adult cardiovascular disease, making early detection important. The prevalence of pediatric essential hypertension is rising due to the increased prevalence of obesity. Though guidelines for screening, diagnosis, evaluation, and management are available, there are barriers to accurate diagnosis of pediatric hypertension, including lack of knowledge and complexity of blood pressure standards. We aimed to gain insights into reasons for low rates of diagnosis and treatment from primary care providers. As part of a multisite randomized controlled trial, we interviewed 8 providers in a community health center network. We used a grounded theoretical approach to analyze transcripts. Providers reflected on numerous barriers to diagnosis, management, and follow-up; recommendations for educational content; and how community health center systems can be improved. Findings informed development of a multifaceted intervention. Despite lack of training on essential hypertension, providers were comfortable recommending lifestyle changes to promote healthier weight and reduced blood pressure.
Reforming the ‘Muslims’: Piety, State and Islamic Reform Movement in Bengal
Authors: Kapoor Aditya Ranjan
Published: June 2017

Muslims in Bengal constitute a distinct ethnic group in terms of language, culture and history. After the Arabs, Bengali Muslims constitute the second largest Muslim ethnic group in the world. This article is based on a historical and ethnographic study of an Islamic reform movement that emerged in colonial Bengal. It was initiated by late Abu Bakr Siddique (d. 1939) and presently is linked with his shrine at Furfura Sahreif, West Bengal. The movement was an offshoot of tariqa-e-muhammadiya movement that came up in the early nineteenth century northern India and had an important impact on the social–religious landscape of colonial Bengal. This article attempts to illustrate how modern Islamic reform movements with its emphasis on scriptural purity and abhorrence towards any localised ways of practicing Islam interact with its cultural and historical context. This problematises any neat distinction between the ‘scriptural’ or ‘textual’ Islam understood in terms of great Islamic traditions against the localised or lived Islam. Second, it highlights the various ways through which the reform movement is sustained by exploring the dynamic interface between religious reform, popular piety and the role of the post-colonial state in shaping Muslim subjectivities.
An integrated approach to the safety assessment of food additives in early life
Authors: Constable Anne , Mahadevan Brinda , Pressman Peter , Garthoff Jossie A , Meunier Leo , Schrenk Dieter , Speijers Gerrit , O’Sullivan Aaron , Hayes A Wallace
Published: June 2017

During the development of international standards by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, infant foods and their constituent ingredients are subject to rigorous risk analysis and are strictly regulated by many authorities. Various jurisdictions have approved only a limited number of additives specifically with regard to infant foods to fulfill specific technical requirements of quality. As part of the approval process, a rigorous safety assessment is essential to confirm that the use of additives does not pose any health risk for the consumer. An acceptable daily intake (ADI) may be derived from the toxicological databases. However, the ADI may not be applicable to infants because of the possible developmental sensitivities and potentially high exposure scenarios, leading to possible lower margins of safety than would often be determined for adult populations. There is interest in defining better food safety assessment approaches for pre-weaned infants aged less than 12–16 weeks. To confirm safe use in infants, we reviewed the suitability of the existing safety databases of six additives with historical uses in infant nutrition products. To determine further toxicity testing strategies, it is necessary to understand whether the chemical used in the additives is identical to endogenous physiological metabolites and/or whether immature organs of infants are targets of toxicity. Combined with an in-depth review of the existing relevant toxicological and nutritional studies, this integrated approach will facilitate decision-making. We propose a decision tree as a tool within this approach to help guide appropriate data requirements and identify data gaps. In cases of reasonable uncertainty, studies of targeted juvenile should be considered to investigate the safe use levels in food products.
Outcomes of Retinal Surgery Performed by Supervised First-Year Vitreoretinal Fellows-in-Training
Authors: Levinson Joshua D. , Lai Michael M. , Daubert Jacquelyn
Published: June 2017

Purpose:

To review the outcomes of vitreoretinal surgery (VRS) performed by supervised first-year fellows-in-training.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed of consecutive VRS cases performed by 4 consecutive first-year fellows under direct attending supervision in a tertiary-care teaching hospital. Main outcomes were rates of surgical complications including vitreous hemorrhage (VH) and retinal detachment (RD).

Results:

One hundred thirty-five cases were reviewed. Common indications for surgery included rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD, 31.9%), VH (26.7%), tractional retinal detachment (TRD, 25.9%), and combined TRD/RRD (5.2%). The mean logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution visual acuity improved from preoperative 1.48 to 0.98 ( P < .0001). Forty-three cases were performed for RRD repair. Grade C proliferative vitreoretinopathy was present preoperatively in 34.9% (15 of 43). The mean duration of symptoms prior to RD repair was 40.1 days. The primary reattachment rate was 81.4% (35 of 43). Sixty-six vitrectomies were performed for proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Eleven (16.7%) patients experienced early VH, and 9 (13.6%) had delayed VH. Postoperative RD occurred in 6 (9.1%) patients all of whom initially presented with TRD. Outcomes of surgeries performed by beginning fellows (months 1-4) were compared to those performed by more experienced first-year fellows (months 5-12). Complication rates were found to be similar between the groups.

Conclusion:

With appropriate supervision, VRS can be safely performed by beginning fellows-in-training. Despite complex pathology, surgical outcomes of the first-year fellow cases compare favorably to published results.
Prognostic value of plasma DPP4 activity in ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Li Jing-Wei , Chen Yun-Dai , Chen Wei-Ren , You Qi , Li Bo , Zhou Hao , Zhang Ying , Han Tian-Wen
Published: June 2017

Background

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) regulates blood glucose levels and inflammation, and it is also implicated in the pathophysiological process of myocardial infarction (MI). Plasma DPP4 activity (DPP4a) may provide prognostic information regarding outcomes for ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI) patients.

Methods

Blood samples were obtained from 625 consecutively admitted, percutaneous coronary intervention-treated STEMI patients with a mean age of 57 years old. DPP4a was quantified using enzymatic assays.

Results

The median follow-up period was 30 months. Multivariate Cox-regression analyses (adjusted for confounding variables) showed that a 1 U/L increase of DPP4a did not associate with risks of major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCE), cardiovascular mortality, MI, heart failure readmission, stroke, non-cardiovascular mortality and repeated revascularization. However, in a subset of 149 diabetic STEMI patients, DPP4a associated with an increased risk of MACCE (HR 1.16; 95% CI 1.04–1.30; p = 0.01).

Conclusions

DPP4a did not associate with cardiovascular events and non-cardiovascular mortality in non-diabetic STEMI patients. However, DPP4a may be associated with future MACCE in diabetic STEMI patients.

Trial registration NCT03046576, registered on 5 February, 2017, retrospectively registered
Vascular sprouts induce local attraction of proangiogenic neutrophils
Authors: Christoffersson Gustaf , Lomei Jalal , O'Callaghan Paul , Kreuger Johan , Engblom Stefan , Phillipson Mia
Published: June 2017

Angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels, is a complex process requiring the orchestration of numerous different cell types, growth factors, and chemokines. Some of the recently acknowledged actors in this process are immune cells. They accumulate at hypoxic sites, but the kinetics, dynamics, and regulation of that trafficking are unknown. In this study, we used intravital and live cell imaging to understand how neutrophils and macrophages migrate and behave at angiogenic sites. We developed two reproducible models of angiogenesis: one by transplanting isolated and hypoxic pancreatic islets into the cremaster muscles of mice, and another by in vitro coculturing of mouse aortic rings with neutrophils. In vivo imaging of the hypoxic site revealed recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages, which occurred in parallel, with depletion of one subset not affecting the accumulation of the other. We found, by cell tracking and statistical analyses, that neutrophils migrated in a directional manner to “angiogenic hotspots” around the islet where endothelial sprouting occurs, which was confirmed in the in vitro model of angiogenesis and is dependent on CXCL12 signaling. Intimate interactions between neutrophils and neovessels were prevalent, and neutrophil depletion greatly hampered vessel growth. Macrophages were less motile and attained supportive positions around the neovessels. Here, we present two novel in vivo and in vitro imaging models to study leukocyte behavior and actions during angiogenesis. These models unveiled that neutrophil migration at a hypoxic site was guided by signals emanating from sprouting endothelium where these immune cells gathered at “angiogenic hotspots” at which vascular growth occurred.
Signal leakage in f-x deconvolution algorithms
Authors: Gülünay Necati
Published: June 2017

The old technology [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] deconvolution stands for [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] domain prediction filtering. Early versions of it are known to create signal leakage during their application. There have been recent papers in geophysical publications comparing [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] deconvolution results with the new technologies being proposed. These comparisons will be most effective if the best existing [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] deconvolution algorithms are used. This paper describes common [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] deconvolution algorithms and studies signal leakage occurring during their application on simple models, which will hopefully provide a benchmark for the readers in choosing [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] algorithms for comparison. The [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] deconvolution algorithms can be classified by their use of data which lead to transient or transient-free matrices and hence windowed or nonwindowed autocorrelations, respectively. They can also be classified by the direction they are predicting: forward design and apply; forward design and apply followed by backward design and apply; forward design and apply followed by application of a conjugated forward filter in the backward direction; and simultaneously forward and backward design and apply, which is known as noncausal filter design. All of the algorithm types mentioned above are tested, and the results of their analysis are provided in this paper on noise free and noisy synthetic data sets: a single dipping event, a single dipping event with a simple amplitude variation with offset, and three dipping events. Finally, the results of applying the selected algorithms on field data are provided.
Falls, Functioning, and Disability Among Women With Persistent Symptoms of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Winters-Stone Kerri M. , Horak Fay , Jacobs Peter G. , Trubowitz Phoebe , Dieckmann Nathan F. , Stoyles Sydnee , Faithfull Sara
Published: June 2017

Purpose

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) may persist after treatment ends and may lead to functional decline and falls. This study compared objective and self-report measures of physical function, gait patterns, and falls between women cancer survivors with and without symptoms of CIPN to identify targets for functional rehabilitation.

Methods

A secondary data analysis of 512 women cancer survivors (age, 62 ± 6 years; time since diagnosis, 5.8 ± 4.1 years) categorized and compared women self-reporting symptoms of CIPN (CIPN+) with asymptomatic women (CIPN−) on the following: maximal leg strength, timed chair stand, physical function battery, gait characteristics (speed; step number, rate, and length; base of support), self-report physical function and disability, and falls in the past year.

Results

After an average of 6 years after treatment, 47% of women still reported symptoms of CIPN. CIPN+ had significantly worse self-report and objectively measured function than did CIPN−, with the exception of maximal leg strength and base of support during a usual walk. Gait was slower among CIPN+, with those women taking significantly more, but slower and shorter, steps than did CIPN− (all P < .05). CIPN+ reported significantly more disability and 1.8 times the risk of falls compared with CIPN− ( P < .0001). Increasing symptom severity was linearly associated with worsening function, increasing disability, and higher fall risk (all P < .05).

Conclusion

This work makes a significant contribution toward understanding the functional impact of CIPN symptoms on cancer survivors. Remarkably, 47% of women in our sample had CIPN symptoms many years after treatment, together with worse function, greater disability, and more falls. CIPN must be assessed earlier in the clinical pathway, and strategies to limit symptom progression and to improve function must be included in clinical and survivorship care plans.
Role of ERα in Mediating Female Uterine Transcriptional Responses to IGF1
Authors: Hewitt Sylvia C , Winuthayanon Wipawee , Lierz Sydney L , Hamilton Katherine J , Donoghue Lauren J , Ramsey J Tyler , Grimm Sara A , Arao Yukitomo , Korach Kenneth S
Published: June 2017

Estrogen (E2) signaling through its nuclear receptor, E2 receptor α (ERα) increases insulinlike growth factor 1 (IGF1) in the rodent uterus, which then initiates further signals via the IGF1 receptor. Directly administering IGF1 results in similar biological and transcriptional uterine responses. Our studies using global ERα-null mice demonstrated a loss of uterine biological responses of the uterus to E2 or IGF1 treatment, while maintaining transcriptional responses to IGF1. To address this discrepancy in the need for uterine ERα in mediating the IGF1 transcriptional vs growth responses, we assessed the IGF1 transcriptional responses in PgrCre+Esr1f/f (called ERαUtcKO) mice, which selectively lack ERα in progesterone receptor (PGR) expressing cells, including all uterine cells, while maintaining ERα expression in other tissues and cells that do not express Pgr. Additionally, we profiled IGF1-induced ERα binding sites in uterine chromatin using chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing. Herein, we explore the transcriptional and molecular signaling that underlies our findings to refine our understanding of uterine IGF1 signaling and identify ERα-mediated and ERα-independent uterine transcriptional responses. Defining these mechanisms in vivo in whole tissue and animal contexts provides details of nuclear receptor mediated mechanisms that impact biological systems and have potential applicability to reproductive processes of humans, livestock and wildlife.
Extracellular polyphosphate signals through Ras and Akt to prime Dictyostelium discoideum cells for development
Authors: Suess Patrick M. , Watson Jacob , Chen Wensheng , Gomer Richard H.
Published: June 2017

Linear chains of five to hundreds of phosphates called polyphosphate are found in organisms ranging from bacteria to humans, but their function is poorly understood. In Dictyostelium discoideum, polyphosphate is used as a secreted signal that inhibits cytokinesis in an autocrine negative feedback loop. To elucidate how cells respond to this unusual signal, we undertook a proteomic analysis of cells treated with physiological levels of polyphosphate and observed that polyphosphate causes cells to decrease levels of actin cytoskeleton proteins, possibly explaining how polyphosphate inhibits cytokinesis. Polyphosphate also causes proteasome protein levels to decrease, and in both Dictyostelium and human leukemia cells, decreases proteasome activity and cell proliferation. Polyphosphate also induces Dictyostelium cells to begin development by increasing expression of the cell–cell adhesion molecule CsA (also known as CsaA) and causing aggregation, and this effect, as well as the inhibition of proteasome activity, is mediated by Ras and Akt proteins. Surprisingly, Ras and Akt do not affect the ability of polyphosphate to inhibit proliferation, suggesting that a branching pathway mediates the effects of polyphosphate, with one branch affecting proliferation, and the other branch affecting development.
Opportunities, Welfare, and Social Justice: A Review of Fishkin'sBottlenecks
Authors: Maniquet François
Published: June 2017

In his Bottlenecks: A New Theory of Equal Opportunity, Joseph Fishkin claims he presents an entirely new way of thinking about equality of opportunity. The core of the new theory is the call for opportunity pluralism, which consists in enlarging the range of opportunities available to people at every stage in life. In this essay, we discuss how successful Fishkin is at shaking the way economists think about equality of opportunity. We identify two aspects of Fishkin's theory that deeply conflict with economic theories of equality of opportunity. Those aspects have to do with the way economists interpret the ethical values of respect for preferences and responsibility. We also argue that the way Fishkin suggests to look at opportunities can help economists fill gaps in the way they define well-being and social justice. (JEL A13, D63, I31).
Quantifying Double McCormick
Authors: Speakman Emily , Lee Jon
Published: June 2017

When using the standard McCormick inequalities twice to convexify trilinear monomials, as is often the practice in modeling and software, there is a choice of which variables to group first. For the important case in which the domain is a nonnegative box, we calculate the volume of the resulting relaxation, as a function of the bounds defining the box. In this manner, we precisely quantify the strength of the different possible relaxations defined by all three groupings, in addition to the trilinear hull itself. As a by-product, we characterize the best double-McCormick relaxation.

We wish to emphasize that, in the context of spatial branch and bound for factorable formulations, our results do not only apply to variables in the input formulation. Our results apply to monomials that involve auxiliary variables as well. So, our results apply to the product of any three (possibly complicated) expressions in a formulation.
Dynamic Asset Allocation with Uncertain Jump Risks: A Pathwise Optimization Approach
Authors: Jin Xing , Luo Dan , Zeng Xudong
Published: June 2017

This paper studies the dynamic portfolio choice problem with ambiguous jump risks in a multidimensional jump-diffusion framework. We formulate a continuous-time model of incomplete market with uncertain jumps. We develop an efficient pathwise optimization procedure based on the martingale methods and minimax results to obtain closed-form solutions for the indirect utility function and the probability of the worst scenario. We then introduce an orthogonal decomposition method for the multidimensional problem to derive the optimal portfolio strategy explicitly under ambiguity aversion to jump risks. Finally, we calibrate our model to real market data drawn from 10 international indices and illustrate our results by numerical examples. The certainty equivalent losses affirm the importance of jump uncertainty in optimal portfolio choice.
Non-surgical vs surgical labiaplasty: better outcomes with fewer complications
Authors: Soos Emma
Published: June 2017

The demand for the surgical correction of labial hypertrophy has increased since the introduction of labiaplasty in 1983. Many surgical techniques have been modified since then to produce better functional and aesthetic outcomes. However, with unfavourable post-surgical complications, patient satisfaction remains the major outcome that is not often met. Laser labiaplasty is found to be a very convenient procedure for both practitioners and patients. It is a straightforward procedure to perform, with fewer postoperative complications and better aesthetic outcomes. This article reviews a specific type of fractionated CO2 laser labiaplasty technique and compares it with the other standard surgical procedures which are widely used despite achieving less comparative outcomes.
Is there more to medical aesthetics than big lips and vanity?
Authors: Grove Jodie
Published: June 2017

There are many misconceptions surrounding medical aesthetics. The general public and even some nursing and medical colleagues have a misunderstanding about the work they do and the physical and psychological impact it has on their patients. Jodie Grove, an aesthetic nurse from South Wales, discusses her views on the benefits cosmetic interventions can have on patients
Upper lip complications: common presentations and management
Authors: King Martyn
Published: June 2017

Lip augmentation has become an increasingly popular aesthetic procedure due to cultural trends and its association with both youth and beauty. However, more than half of complications reported to the Aesthetic Complications Expert Group, arising from the injection of dermal fillers, pertain to this area. Martyn King outlines the post-treatment problems that can be observed on and around the upper lip
A Genoproteomic Approach to Detect Peptide Markers of Bacterial Respiratory Pathogens
Authors: Wang Honghui , Drake Steven K , Yong Chen , Gucek Marjan , Lyes Matthew A , Rosenberg Avi Z , Soderblom Erik , Arthur Moseley M , Dekker John P , Suffredini Anthony F
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Rapid identification of respiratory pathogens may facilitate targeted antimicrobial therapy. Direct identification of bacteria in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry is confounded by interfering substances. We describe a method to identify unique peptide markers of 5 gram-negative bacteria by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for direct pathogen identification in BAL.

METHODS

In silico translation and digestion were performed on 14–25 whole genomes representing strains of Acinetobacter baumannii, Moraxella catarrhalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Peptides constituting theoretical core peptidomes in each were identified. Rapid tryptic digestion was performed; peptides were analyzed by LC-MS/MS and compared with the theoretical core peptidomes. High-confidence core peptides (false discovery rate <1%) were identified and analyzed with the lowest common ancestor search to yield potential species-specific peptide markers. The species specificity of each peptide was verified with protein BLAST. Further, 1 or 2 pathogens were serially diluted into pooled inflamed BAL, and a targeted LC-MS/MS assay was used to detect 25 peptides simultaneously.

RESULTS

Five unique peptides with the highest abundance for each pathogen distinguished these pathogens with varied detection sensitivities. Peptide markers for A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa, when spiked simultaneously into inflamed BAL, were detected with as few as 3.6 (0.2) × 103 and 2.2 (0.6) × 103 colony-forming units, respectively, by targeted LC-MS/MS.

CONCLUSIONS

This proof-of-concept study shows the feasibility of identifying unique peptides in BAL for 5 gram-negative bacterial pathogens, and it may provide a novel approach for rapid direct identification of bacterial pathogens in BAL.
San Lorenzo y Puerto General San Martín. territorios atravesados por dinámicas globales
Authors: Schweitzer Mariana
Published: June 2017

Se analizan las manifestaciones de los procesos globales en territorios locales vinculados a la Hidrovía Paraná-Paraguay, en Puerto General San Marín y San Lorenzo, territorios que han recibido inversiones para atender a la economía global, con el desarrollo de terminales portuarias para la exportación de commodities. Se analizan las transformaciones territoriales derivadas de la articulación global-local, a través de indicadores referidos a actividades productivas, condiciones habitacionales, demográficas y socioeconómicas, de ocupación y usos del suelo, equipamientos, servicios, y los riesgos ambientales a los que se encuentra sometida la población local. Se evidencia el avance de las actividades globales por sobre la población local, que ve comprometida su calidad de vida sin gozar de mayores beneficios.
Rastreando las dinámicas territoriales de la fragmentación partidista en México (1991-2015)
Authors: Sonnleitner Willibald
Published: June 2017

En las últimas décadas, la política mexicana transitó de un régimen corporativista y autoritario, de partido hegemónico, a un multipartidismo más plural y competitivo. En los noventa, este se estructuraba en torno a tres fuerzas antes de fragmentarse y alcanzar un promedio de 5,6 partidos efectivos en 2015. ¿Cómo interpretar este proceso de fragmentación político-partidista desde una perspectiva estructural? ¿Cuáles han sido sus principales dinámicas temporales y territoriales? ¿Qué consecuencias han tenido estas sobre la nueva geografía electoral de México?
Le Corbusier and the Romanian Cula
Authors: Bing Judith
Published: June 2017

While Le Corbusier's famous “journey to the east” has been the subject of numerous investigations as an important chapter in the great modernist's formative years, his days in Romania while en route to Constantinople are thinly covered. Le Corbusier and the Romanian Cula helps to fill that gap by focusing on one important detail: discovery of the identity and location of a much-discussed building he sketched while there and its importance for both traditional Romanian architecture and Le Corbusier's emerging vision of modernity. Judith Bing's discussion of her long search and unexpected discovery draws on firsthand knowledge of vernacular architecture in the Balkans, including Romania, and a long-standing interest in the early travels and subsequent modern architecture of Le Corbusier.
Contested Space at the Entrance of the Athenian Acropolis
Authors: Paga Jessica
Published: June 2017

Public spaces of protest in ancient cities, whether deliberately crafted or organically formed, can prove elusive, but the existence, appearance, and function of such spaces should not be ignored because of their relative invisibility. In Contested Space at the Entrance of the Athenian Acropolis, Jessica Paga looks to ancient Athens to demonstrate how such spaces were built and used, as well as their potential role in propagating the success of the world's first democracy. Concentrating on the archaeological record and the historical context surrounding the use and transformation of public spaces in Athens, Paga posits the entrance area to the Athenian Acropolis as a consciously elaborated site of dissent and unity for the burgeoning democratic polis in the late sixth and early fifth centuries BCE.
Severe Cushing’s syndrome due to small cell prostate carcinoma: a case and review of literature
Authors: Elston M S , Crawford V B , Swarbrick M , Dray M S , Head M , Conaglen J V
Published: June 2017

Cushing’s syndrome (CS) due to ectopic adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) is associated with a variety of tumours most of which arise in the thorax or abdomen. Prostate carcinoma is a rare but important cause of rapidly progressive CS. To report a case of severe CS due to ACTH production from prostate neuroendocrine carcinoma and summarise previous published cases. A 71-year-old male presented with profound hypokalaemia, oedema and new onset hypertension. The patient reported two weeks of weight gain, muscle weakness, labile mood and insomnia. CS due to ectopic ACTH production was confirmed with failure to suppress cortisol levels following low- and high-dose dexamethasone suppression tests in the presence of a markedly elevated ACTH and a normal pituitary MRI. Computed tomography demonstrated an enlarged prostate with features of malignancy, confirmed by MRI. Subsequent prostatic biopsy confirmed neuroendocrine carcinoma of small cell type and conventional adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Adrenal steroidogenesis blockade was commenced using ketoconazole and metyrapone. Complete biochemical control of CS and evidence of disease regression on imaging occurred after four cycles of chemotherapy with carboplatin and etoposide. By the sixth cycle, the patient demonstrated radiological progression followed by recurrence of CS and died nine months after initial presentation. Prostate neuroendocrine carcinoma is a rare cause of CS that can be rapidly fatal, and early aggressive treatment of the CS is important. In CS where the cause of EAS is unable to be identified, a pelvic source should be considered and imaging of the pelvis carefully reviewed.
Whole-Genome Sequence and Variant Analysis of W303, a Widely-Used Strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Matheson Kinnari , Parsons Lance , Gammie Alison
Published: June 2017

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has emerged as a superior model organism. Selection of distinct laboratory strains of S. cerevisiae with unique phenotypic properties, such as superior mating or sporulation efficiencies, has facilitated advancements in research. W303 is one such laboratory strain that is closely related to the first completely sequenced yeast strain, S288C. In this work, we provide a high-quality, annotated genome sequence for W303 for utilization in comparative analyses and genome-wide studies. Approximately 9500 variations exist between S288C and W303, affecting the protein sequences of ∼700 genes. A listing of the polymorphisms and divergent genes is provided for researchers interested in identifying the genetic basis for phenotypic differences between W303 and S288C. Several divergent functional gene families were identified, including flocculation and sporulation genes, likely representing selection for desirable laboratory phenotypes. Interestingly, remnants of ancestor wine strains were found on several chromosomes. Finally, as a test of the utility of the high-quality reference genome, variant mapping revealed more accurate identification of accumulated mutations in passaged mismatch repair-defective strains.
Whole Genome Sequencing of the Braconid Parasitoid Wasp Fopius arisanus, an Important Biocontrol Agent of Pest Tepritid Fruit Flies
Authors: Geib Scott M , Liang Guang Hong , Murphy Terence D , Sim Sheina B
Published: June 2017

The braconid wasp Fopius arisanus (Sonan) is an important biological control agent of tropical and subtropical pest fruit flies, including two important global pests, the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata), and the oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis). The goal of this study was to develop foundational genomic resources for this species to provide tools that can be used to answer questions exploring the multitrophic interactions between the host and parasitoid in this important research system. Here, we present a whole genome assembly of F. arisanus, derived from a pool of haploid offspring from a single unmated female. The genome is ∼154 Mb in size, with a N50 contig and scaffold size of 51,867 bp and 0.98 Mb, respectively. Utilizing existing RNA-Seq data for this species, as well as publicly available peptide sequences from related Hymenoptera, a high quality gene annotation set, which includes 10,991 protein coding genes, was generated. Prior to this assembly submission, no RefSeq proteins were present for this species. Parasitic wasps play an important role in a diverse ecosystem as well as a role in biological control of agricultural pests. This whole genome assembly and annotation data represents the first genome-scale assembly for this species or any closely related Opiine, and are publicly available in the National Center for Biotechnology Information Genome and RefSeq databases, providing a much needed genomic resource for this hymenopteran group.
Occupational violence in pregnant women in Brazil: a sample of cases in the Labor Court
Authors: Turatti Bárbara de Oliveira , Moretti-Pires Rodrigo Otávio
Published: June 2017

Brazilian women are still a recurring target of discrimination in the workplace, facing violence related to gender relations and moral harassment, especially when they are pregnant. When the worker perceives discriminatory acts and attitudes or any violation of the rights guaranteed by law, she may appeal to the Labor Court to initiate legal action. This in turn exposes the worker to a number of issues, such as workplace persecution and future dismissal. The rights of pregnant women to temporary stability, free time for medical examinations, change of duties and maternity leave contrast with the usurpation of the administration’s workforce. The rights of pregnant women to temporary stability, free time for medical examinations, change of duties and maternity leave contrast with the growing power of labor administration.
The Yale Observation Scale Score and the Risk of Serious Bacterial Infections in Febrile Infants
Authors: Nigrovic Lise E. , Mahajan Prashant V. , Blumberg Stephen M. , Browne Lorin R. , Linakis James G. , Ruddy Richard M. , Bennett Jonathan E. , Rogers Alexander J. , Tzimenatos Leah , Powell Elizabeth C. , Alpern Elizabeth R. , Casper T. Charles , Ramilo Octavio , Kuppermann Nathan ,   for the Febrile Infant Working Group of the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN)
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVES:

To assess the performance of the Yale Observation Scale (YOS) score and unstructured clinician suspicion to identify febrile infants ≤60 days of age with and without serious bacterial infections (SBIs).

METHODS:

We performed a planned secondary analysis of a prospective cohort of non–critically ill, febrile, full-term infants ≤60 days of age presenting to 1 of 26 participating emergency departments in the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network. We defined SBIs as urinary tract infections, bacteremia, or bacterial meningitis, with the latter 2 considered invasive bacterial infections. Emergency department clinicians applied the YOS (range: 6–30; normal score: ≤10) and estimated the risk of SBI using unstructured clinician suspicion (<1%, 1%–5%, 6%–10%, 11%–50%, or >50%).

RESULTS:

Of the 4591 eligible infants, 444 (9.7%) had SBIs and 97 (2.1%) had invasive bacterial infections. Of the 4058 infants with YOS scores of ≤10, 388 (9.6%) had SBIs (sensitivity: 51/439 [11.6%]; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.8%–15.0%; negative predictive value: 3670/4058 [90.4%]; 95% CI: 89.5%–91.3%) and 72 (1.8%) had invasive bacterial infections (sensitivity 23/95 [24.2%], 95% CI: 16.0%–34.1%; negative predictive value: 3983/4055 [98.2%], 95% CI: 97.8%–98.6%). Of the infants with clinician suspicion of <1%, 106 had SBIs (6.4%) and 16 (1.0%) had invasive bacterial infections.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this large prospective cohort of febrile infants ≤60 days of age, neither the YOS score nor unstructured clinician suspicion reliably identified those with invasive bacterial infections. More accurate clinical and laboratory predictors are needed to risk stratify febrile infants.