bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Unpleasant to Unbearable—Why and How to Implement an Upper Limit to Pain and Other Forms of Suffering in Research with Animals
Authors: Olsson I Anna S , J Nicol Christine , Niemi Steven M , Sandøe Peter
Published: October 2019

The focus of this paper is the requirement that the use of live animals in experiments and in vivo assays should never be allowed if those uses involve severe suffering. This requirement was first implemented in Danish legislation, was later adopted by the European Union, and has had limited uptake in North America. Animal suffering can arise from exposure to a wide range of different external and internal events that threaten biological or social functions, while the severity of suffering may be influenced by the animals’ perceptions of their own situation and the degree of control they are able to exert. Severe suffering is more than an incremental increase in negative state(s) but involves a qualitative shift whereby the normal mechanisms to contain or keep negative states at arm’s length no longer function. The result of severe suffering will be a loss of the ability of cope. The idea of putting a cap on severe suffering may be justified from multiple ethical perspectives. In most, if not all, cases it is possible to avoid imposing severe suffering on animals during experiments without giving up the potential benefits of finding new ways to cure, prevent, or alleviate serious human diseases and generate other important knowledge. From this it follows that there is a strong ethical case to favor a regulatory ban on animal experiments involving severe suffering.
Morphometric estimation of copepod carbon biomass in coastal Antarctica: a case study in Prydz Bay
Authors: Kerkar Anvita U , Venkataramana Vankara , Tripathy Sarat C
Published: October 2019

Estimation of copepod carbon (C) biomass is essential in studies of secondary production and ecology in aquatic systems. The coastal Antarctic region belonging to the Indian Ocean sector of the Southern Ocean is a globally well-known sink for carbon and is extremely sensitive to climate change. During the austral summer, an attempt was made in Prydz Bay to measure copepod prosomal length and use regression equations to derive copepod C-biomass. The technique involved microscopic measurements, by means of a digital imaging device, of copepods collected at four intervals during a period of 48 hr, and the application of appropriate conversion factors to convert these values into C-biomass. Totals of 10.38 mgC m–3 and 25.55 mgC m–3 were recorded in the upper 200 m on day 1 and day 2, respectively. Out of the six copepod species present, Paraeuchaeta antarctica (Giesbrecht, 1902) (31.12 ± 11.10 µg m–3) and Oithona similis (Claus, 1866) (1.01 ± 0.42 µg m–3) represented the highest contributors to C-biomass amongst the calanoids and cyclopoids, respectively. Reports on copepod C-biomass estimates in general are extremely sparse. To our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind in the study area that provides species-specific estimates of C at every time point using a labor-saving and non-destructive method that allows preservation of the samples for further analyses. Based on the C estimates from our study, it can be said that copepod community is an extremely important component of the carbon cycle in coastal Antarctica.
CMC Is Dead, Long Live CMC!: Situating Computer-Mediated Communication Scholarship Beyond the Digital Age
Authors: Carr Caleb T
Published: October 2019

As the term “computer” and the processes and effects of technologies in human communication broaden, there is a need to have an accounting of the computer-mediated communication (CMC) subdiscipline. After identifying some of the changes that have occurred in both devices and our theories of CMC, suggestions are offered for how to uniquely situate CMC in the future. Ultimately, this article calls for a realignment of CMC scholarship away from focusing on the technological devices and toward an increased focus on the process, role, and effects of mediation. A litmus test whereby future researchers, authors, reviewers, and editors can help assess whether a study is of CMC or simply uses CMC is offered, and in doing so this work provides a foundation to develop theory and scholarship germane to the context of mediated interaction for the future.
A multi-sector model of relatedness, growth and industry clustering
Authors: Bond-Smith Steven C , McCann Philip
Published: October 2019

This article builds an understanding of regional innovation specialisation by developing a multi-sector model with endogenous growth through quality improving innovations and spillovers from related technologies. The model provides an approach to incorporate the relatedness literature within the mainstream theoretical frameworks of endogenous growth and economic geography. Each firm’s technology sector and the location of other firms play a role in each firm’s ability to improve its own technology. As a result, firms prefer to co-locate in technologically compatible clusters. Without relying on scale assumptions, the model for the first time coherently links related variety knowledge spillovers to mainstream urban economic frameworks and demonstrates that clustering is possible in both core and peripheral areas.
Undermining the Consensus-Building and List-Based Standards in Export Controls: What the US Export Controls Act Means to the Global Export Control Regime
Authors: Whang Cindy
Published: October 2019

On 13 August 2018, US President Donald Trump signed a legislation called the ‘Export Controls Act of 2018’ (ECA) that is important for reinvigorating the export control regime in the USA. This paper argues that contents of the ECA will not only impact the USA but also the way that the ECA is structured will potentially have a long-lasting influence on international export control regimes and the role that export controls play in international trade.

International export control regimes were established post-World War II as a trade measure to pursue common strategic and national security goals among allied countries. Due to the sensitive nature of national security issues, international export control agreements were structured as non-binding agreements that heavily relied on the consensus of participating countries in formulating export control lists that the participating countries could then adopt in their domestic regulations. The cohesiveness of the global export control regimes has been based on the cornerstones of the consensus-building and list-based standards. The USA established its export control regimes to complement these international export control regimes and has been a strong proponent of requesting countries to adopt the international export control lists into domestic regulations. With the passage of the ECA, the infusion of economic policy considerations such as maintaining the USA’s technological leadership through adding a category of emerging and foundational technology has changed the long-standing export control narrative. Through the changes made to the US ECA, the scope of national security subject to export control regimes has expanded from being focused on military-oriented goods and technology into one that now includes commercial technology. While the changes made through the ECA serve to protect the USA’s technological interests, the statute could also undermine important elements of the global export control regime that the international community has established in the past seventy years post-World War II.
Phylogeography of moose in western North America
Authors: DeCesare Nicholas J , Weckworth Byron V , Pilgrim Kristine L , Walker Andrew B D , Bergman Eric J , Colson Kassidy E , Corrigan Rob , Harris Richard B , Hebblewhite Mark , Jesmer Brett R , Newby Jesse R , Smith Jason R , Tether Rob B , Thomas Timothy P , Schwartz Michael K
Published: October 2019

Subspecies designations within temperate species’ ranges often reflect populations that were isolated by past continental glaciation, and glacial vicariance is believed to be a primary mechanism behind the diversification of several subspecies of North American cervids. We used genetics and the fossil record to study the phylogeography of three moose subspecies (Alces alces andersoni, A. a. gigas, and A. a. shirasi) in western North America. We sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome (16,341 base pairs; n = 60 moose) and genotyped 13 nuclear microsatellites (n = 253) to evaluate genetic variation among moose samples. We also reviewed the fossil record for detections of all North American cervids to comparatively assess the evidence for the existence of a southern refugial population of moose corresponding to A. a. shirasi during the last glacial maximum of the Pleistocene. Analysis of mtDNA molecular variance did not support distinct clades of moose corresponding to currently recognized subspecies, and mitogenomic haplotype phylogenies did not consistently distinguish individuals according to subspecies groupings. Analysis of population structure using microsatellite loci showed support for two to five clusters of moose, including the consistent distinction of a southern group of moose within the range of A. a. shirasi. We hypothesize that these microsatellite results reflect recent, not deep, divergence and may be confounded by a significant effect of geographic distance on gene flow across the region. Review of the fossil record showed no evidence of moose south of the Wisconsin ice age glaciers ≥ 15,000 years ago. We encourage the integration of our results with complementary analyses of phenotype data, such as morphometrics, originally used to delineate moose subspecies, for further evaluation of subspecies designations for North American moose.
Molossid unlimited: extraordinary extension of range and unusual vocalization patterns of the bat, Promops centralis
Authors: Hintze Frederico , Arias-Aguilar Adriana , Dias-Silva Leonardo , Delgado-Jaramillo Mariana , Silva Carina Rodrigues , Jucá Thays , Mischiatti Francyne Lyrio , Almeida Márcio , Bezerra Bruna , Aguiar Ludmilla M S , Ramos Pereira Maria João , Bernard Enrico
Published: October 2019

The big crested mastiff bat, Promops centralis, occurs in Central and South America, but knowledge of its ecology is limited due to its open space hunting strategy, making captures extremely challenging. Notwithstanding, members of the species produce echolocation calls that are easy to identify. After recording calls of P. centralis 1,500 km away from its known range in Brazil, we hypothesized that the distribution range of this species was probably greatly underestimated. To improve the accuracy of P. centralis’ real distribution, we employed acoustic surveys throughout parts of Brazil, conducted after a bibliographic review to gather additional records, and used MaxEnt to model the species’ potential distribution. We have found that P. centralis has a much wider distribution in South America than previously thought, adding more than 3.8 million km2 to its former known area. We also describe an unusual vocalization pattern of P. centralis, with individuals emitting at least three very distinct but highly variable calls. This study shows that bioacoustic surveys and species distribution models can complement traditional methodologies in studying species that are difficult to capture, such as P. centralis, potentially contributing to more effective conservation and management plans.
INDUSTRY IMPACT OF CARTELS: EVIDENCE FROM THE STOCK MARKET
Authors: Bos Iwan , Letterie Wilko , Scherl Nina
Published: October 2019

This paper conducts an event study analysis to empirically assess the industry-wide impact of cartels. Using a sample of recent European cartel cases, we estimate the effect of the surprise inspection and final decision on the stock market value of cartel and noncartel firms. The overall effect of both events is negative for cartel members and statistically insignificant for noncartel members. However, the impact of the inspection is significantly negative for European noncartel suppliers and for noncartel suppliers in nonchemicals industries. This is consistent with the theory that cartels can create additional damages through positively affecting the performance of their competitors.
Merkel cell carcinoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Mulchan Nicholas , Cayton Alberto , Asarian Armand , Xiao Philip
Published: October 2019

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous malignancy of neuroendocrine origin presenting as a painless, rapidly growing nodule. MCC often presents in elderly, fair-skinned individuals in sun-exposed areas. Diagnosis is often overlooked at time of presentation due to its rarity, but MCC is twice as deadly as malignant melanoma. There has been bigger interest in the disease due to increasing incidence and an association with the prevalent virus Merkel cell polyomavirus. This study describes an uncommon presentation of MCC as a right gluteal lesion in an Afro-Panamanian patient. The tumor was suspected to be fibrolipoma, but Immunohistochemistry revealed the diagnosis of MCC, as stains for CD56 and CK20 were positive. In addition to surgical excision, the patient was referred for adjuvant radiotherapy. This case report and literature review elucidates the clinical, histopathologic and management aspects of MCC, which will help in recognizing and treating these tumors.
“We Are Not Copyists”: Socialist Networks and Non-alignment from Below in A. Philip Randolph’s Asian Journey
Authors: Lewis Su Lin
Published: October 2019

In 1952, A. Philip Randolph, the head of America’s largest black union and a prominent civil rights campaigner, traveled to Japan and Burma funded by the American Committee for Cultural Freedom. In Asia, he encountered socialists and trade unionists struggling to negotiate the fractious divides between communism and capitalism within postwar states. In Burma, in particular, Western powers, the Soviet bloc, and powerful Asian neighbors used propaganda, aid missions, and subsidized travel to offer competing visions of development while accusing each other of new forms of imperialism and foreign interference. In such an environment, a battle for hearts and minds within Asian labor movements constituted the front lines of the early years of the Cold War. Randolph’s journey shows us how Asian socialists and trade unionists responded to powerful foreign interests by articulating an early sense of non-alignment, forged in part through emerging Asian socialist networks, well before this was an official strategy. The Asian actors with whom Randolph interacted in Japan and Burma mirrored his own struggles as a socialist, a trade unionist, and a “railway man” while furthering his campaign for civil rights at home. This article uses Randolph’s journey to examine parallels and divergences between African-American and Asian socialists and trade unionists during the early Cold War, an age characterized by deepening splits in the politics of the Left.
Concurrent effect of Alfvén waves and planar magnetic structure on geomagnetic storms
Authors: Shaikh Zubair I , Raghav Anil , Vichare Geeta , Bhaskar Ankush , Mishra Wageesh , Choraghe Komal
Published: October 2019

Generally, interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME) triggers intense and strong geomagnetic storms. It has been established that the ICME sheath-moulded planar magnetic structure enhances the amplitude of the storms. Alfvén waves embedded in ICME magnetic clouds or high solar streams including corotating interacting regions (CIRs) in turn extend the recovery phase of the storm. Here, we investigate a geomagnetic storm with a very complex temporal profile with multiple decreasing and recovery phases. We examine the role of planar magnetic structure (PMS) and Alfvén waves in the various phases of the storm. We find that fast decrease and fast recovery phases are evident during transit of PMS regions, whereas a slight decrease or recovery is found during the transit of regions embedded with Alfvénic fluctuations.
Standard Galactic field RR Lyrae II: a Gaia DR2 calibration of the period–Wesenheit–metallicity relation
Authors: Neeley Jillian R , Marengo Massimo , Freedman Wendy L , Madore Barry F , Beaton Rachael L , Hatt Dylan , Hoyt Taylor , Monson Andrew J , Rich Jeffrey A , Sarajedini Ata , Seibert Mark , Scowcroft Victoria
Published: October 2019

RR Lyrae stars have long been popular standard candles, but significant advances in methodology and technology have been made in recent years to increase their precision as distance indicators. We present multiwavelength (optical UBVRcIc and Gaia G, BP, RP; near-infrared JHKs; mid-infrared [3.6], [4.5]) period–luminosity–metallicity (PLZ), period–Wesenheit–metallicity (PWZ) relations, calibrated using photometry obtained from the Carnegie RR Lyrae Program and parallaxes from the Gaia second data release for 55 Galactic field RR Lyrae stars. The metallicity slope, which has long been predicted by theoretical relations, can now be measured in all passbands. The scatter in the PLZ relations is on the order of 0.2 mag, and is still dominated by uncertainties in the parallaxes. As a consistency check of our PLZ relations, we also measure the distance modulus to the globular cluster M4, the Large Magellanic Cloud and the Small Magellanic Cloud, and our results are in excellent agreement with estimates from previous studies.
On the origin of jet-like features in bow shock pulsar wind nebulae
Authors: Olmi B , Bucciantini N
Published: October 2019

Bow shock pulsar wind nebulae are a large class of non-thermal synchrotron sources associated to old pulsars that have emerged from their parent supernova remnant and are directly interacting with the interstellar medium. Within this class a few objects show extended X-ray features, generally referred as ‘jets’, that defies all the expectations from the canonical MHD models, being strongly misaligned respect to the pulsar direction of motion. It has been suggested that these jets might originate from high energy particles that escape from the system. Here we investigate this possibility, computing particle trajectories on top of a 3D relativistic MHD model of the flow and magnetic field structure, and we show not only that beamed escape is possible, but that it can easily be asymmetric and charge separated, which as we will discuss are important aspects to explain known objects.
Three- and two-point spatial correlations of intergalactic medium at z ∼ 2 using projected quasar triplets
Authors: Maitra Soumak , Srianand Raghunathan , Petitjean Patrick , Rahmani Hadi , Gaikwad Prakash , Choudhury Tirthankar Roy , Pichon Christophe
Published: October 2019

We present analysis of two- and three-point correlation functions of Lyα forest (at 2 ≤ z ≤ 2.5) using X-Shooter spectra of three background quasar triplets probing transverse separations of 0.5–1.6 pMpc. We present statistics based on transmitted flux and clouds identified using Voigt profile fitting. We show that the observed two-, three-point correlation functions and reduced three-point correlation (i.e. Q) are well reproduced by our simulations. We assign probabilities for realizing all the observed correlation properties simultaneously using our simulations. Our simulations suggest an increase in correlation amplitudes and Q with increasing NH i. We roughly see this trend in the observations too. We identify a concurrent gap of 17Å (i.e. 14.2 h−1 cMpc, one of the longest reported) wide along one of the triplets. Such gap is realized only in 14.2 per cent of our simulated sightlines and most of the time belongs to a void in the matter distribution. In the second triplet, we detect Damped Lyα systems (DLAs) along all three sightlines (with spatial separations 0.64 to 1.6 pMpc) within a narrow redshift interval (i.e. Δz = 0.088). Detection of a foreground quasar (∼1 pMpc from the triplet sightlines) and excess partial Lyman Limit systems (with NH i in the range $10^{16-17.2} \, \mathrm{cm}^{-2}$) around these DLAs suggest that we may be probing a large overdense region. We also report positive C iv–C iv correlations up to ∼500 km s−1 only in the longitudinal direction. Additionally, we conclude a positive C iv–Lyα correlations for higher NH i thresholds (${\gt}10^{15}\, \mathrm{cm}^{-2}$) up to a scale of ∼1000 km s−1 both in transverse and longitudinal directions.
Prediction of H α and [O iii] emission line galaxy number counts for future galaxy redshift surveys
Authors: Zhai Zhongxu , Benson Andrew , Wang Yun , Yepes Gustavo , Chuang Chia-Hsun
Published: October 2019

We perform a simulation with Galacticus, a semi-analytical galaxy formation model, to predict the number counts of H α and [O iii] emitting galaxies. With a state-of-the-art N-body simulation, UNIT, we first calibrate Galacticus with the current observation of H α luminosity function. The resulting model coupled with a dust attenuation model, can reproduce the current observations, including the H α luminosity function from HiZELS and number density from WISP. We extrapolate the model prediction to higher redshift and the result is found to be consistent with previous investigations. We then use the same galaxy formation model to predict the number counts for [O iii] emitting galaxies. The result provides further validation of our galaxy formation model and dust model. We present number counts of H α and [O iii] emission line galaxies for three different line flux limits: 5 × 10−17erg s−1 cm−2, 1 × 10−16 erg s−1 cm−2 (6.5σ nominal depth for WFIRST GRS), and 2 × 10−16 erg s−1 cm−2 (3.5σ depth of Euclid GRS). At redshift 2 < z < 3, our model predicts that WFIRST can observe hundreds of [O iii] emission line galaxies per square degree with a line flux limit of 1 × 10−16 erg s−1 cm−2. This will provide accurate measurement of large-scale structure to probe dark energy over a huge cosmic volume to an unprecedented high redshift. Finally, we compare the flux ratio of H α/[O iii] within the redshift range of 0 < z < 3. Our results show the known trend of increasing H α/[O iii] flux ratio with H α flux at low redshift, which becomes a weaker trend at higher redshifts.
Gravitational-wave follow-up with CTA after the detection of GRBs in the TeV energy domain
Authors: Bartos I , Corley K R , Gupte N , Ash N , Márka Z , Márka S
Published: October 2019

The recent discovery of TeV emission from gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) by the MAGIC and H.E.S.S. Cherenkov telescopes confirmed that emission from these transients can extend to very high energies. The TeV energy domain reaches the most sensitive band of the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA). This newly anticipated, improved sensitivity will enhance the prospects of gravitational-wave follow-up observations by CTA to probe particle acceleration and high-energy emission from binary black hole and neutron star mergers, and stellar core-collapse events. Here we discuss the implications of TeV emission on the most promising strategies of choice for the gravitational-wave follow-up effort for CTA and Cherenkov telescopes more broadly. We find that TeV emission (i) may allow more than an hour of delay between the gravitational-wave event and the start of CTA observations; (ii) enables the use of CTA’s small size telescopes that have the largest field of view. We characterize the number of pointings needed to find a counterpart. (iii) We compute the annual follow-up time requirements and find that prioritization will be needed. (iv) Even a few telescopes could detect sufficiently nearby counterparts, raising the possibility of adding a handful of small-sized or medium-sized telescopes to the network at diverse geographic locations. (v) The continued operation of VERITAS/H.E.S.S./MAGIC would be a useful compliment to CTA’s follow-up capabilities by increasing the sky area that can be rapidly covered, especially in the United States and Australia, in which the present network of gravitational-wave detectors is more sensitive.
Structural basis for 2′-deoxyguanosine recognition by the 2′-dG-II class of riboswitches
Authors: Matyjasik Michal M , Batey Robert T
Published: October 2019

A recent bioinformatic analysis of well-characterized classes of riboswitches uncovered subgroups unable to bind to the regulatory molecule of the parental class. Within the guanine/adenine class, seven groups of RNAs were identified that deviate from the consensus sequence at one or more of three positions directly involved purine nucleobase recognition, one of which was validated as a second class of 2′-deoxyguanosine riboswitch (called 2′-dG-II). To understand how 2′-dG-II riboswitches recognize their cognate ligand and how they differ from a previously identified class of 2′-deoxyguanosine binding riboswitches, we have solved the crystal structure of a 2′-dG-II aptamer domain bound to 2′-deoxyguanosine. This structure reveals a global architecture similar to other members of the purine riboswitch family, but contains key differences within the ligand binding core. Defining the 2′-dG-II riboswitches is a two-nucleotide insertion in the three-way junction that promotes novel base-base interactions. Unlike 2′-dG-I riboswitches, the 2′-dG-II class only requires local changes to the ligand binding pocket of the guanine/adenine class to achieve a change in ligand preference. Notably, members of the 2′-dG-II family have variable ability to discriminate between 2′-deoxyguanosine and riboguanosine, suggesting that a subset of 2′-dG-II riboswitches may bind either molecule to regulate gene expression.
Potassium-lowering agents for the treatment of nonemergent hyperkalemia: pharmacology, dosing and comparative efficacy
Authors: Bridgeman Mary Barna , Shah Milisha , Foote Edward
Published: October 2019

Hyperkalemia represents a common and potentially life-threating electrolyte abnormality, a complication frequently observed in patients with heart failure, kidney disease, diabetes or in those receiving drug therapies influencing the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. Elevated serum potassium levels are often the result of impaired urinary potassium elimination, inadequate or reduced cellular potassium uptake, severe heart failure, use of medications influencing potassium levels in the circulation, or, more commonly, a combination of these factors. Strategies for the treatment of nonemergent hyperkalemia include the use of cation-exchange resins, polymers or other novel mechanisms of potassium trapping, including sodium polystyrene sulfonate, patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate. These agents differ in their pharmacology and mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, including onset and extent of potassium-lowering effect, dosage and administration, and potential safety and adverse effect profiles. In this review, an evaluation of these characteristics, including clinical evidence and safety concerns, in the management of nonemergent hyperkalemia will be explored.
Development and Piloting Testing of an Experimental Tobacco and Nicotine Product Marketplace
Authors: Carroll Dana Mowls , Strayer Lori , Nardone Natalie , Pacek Lauren R , Kozink Rachel V , Tessier Katelyn , McClernon Joseph , Benowitz Neal , Bickel Warren K , Hatsukami Dorothy
Published: October 2019

Introduction

We describe the development and pilot testing of the experimental tobacco and nicotine product marketplace (ETM)—a method for studying tobacco and nicotine product (TNP) choices and use behavior in a standardized way.

Aims and Methods

The ETM resembles an online store populated with TNPs. Surveillance activities and data from a US representative survey and consumer reports were used to determine the most popular TNPs for inclusion in the ETM. Standardized information and videos demonstrating how to use the TNPs were provided. To test the feasibility of using the ETM, smokers (n = 119) underwent monitoring of usual brand cigarette smoking and other TNP use (Baseline Phase) followed by access to the ETM (ETM Phase) that included their usual brand cigarettes, e-cigarettes, moist snuff, snus, and nicotine replacement therapy. During the ETM Phase, participants were provided points based on their baseline TNP consumption to exchange for TNPs in the ETM. Participants were advised to exchange points for enough TNPs to last until their next visit and to refrain from using TNPs not obtained in the ETM. A subset of the participants (n = 62) completed a survey on their experience with the ETM.

Results

The majority of the participants stated they were comfortable with navigating the ETM (97%), it was easy to determine product characteristics (89%), and they were satisfied with the products included in the marketplace (85%).

Conclusions

The ETM was well received by the vast majority of the participants and can be utilized by researchers to investigate a variety of TNP policy and regulatory science research questions.

Implications

Patterns of TNP use are complex due to greater availability, marketing, and promotion of a diverse array of TNPs. Innovative methods are needed to experimentally study TNP choices and patterns. Through describing the development of the ETM, we provide researchers with a tool that can be readily adapted to studying a variety of phenomena challenging public health.
Hilbertian Structuralism and the Frege-Hilbert Controversy†
Authors: Doherty Fiona T
Published: October 2019

This paper reveals David Hilbert’s position in the philosophy of mathematics, circa 1900, to be a form of non-eliminative structuralism, predating his formalism. I argue that Hilbert withstands the pressing objections put to him by Frege in the course of the Frege-Hilbert controversy in virtue of this early structuralist approach. To demonstrate that this historical position deserves contemporary attention I show that Hilbertian structuralism avoids a recent wave of objections against non-eliminative structuralists to the effect that they cannot distinguish between structurally identical but importantly distinct mathematical objects, such as the complex roots of $-1$.
Effects of High-Intensity Laser Therapy on Pain Sensitivity and Motor Performance in Patients with Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cantero-Téllez Raquel , Villafañe Jorge Hugo , Valdes Kirstin , García-Orza Santiago , Bishop Mark D , Medina-Porqueres Ivan
Published: October 2019

Objective

To examine the effects of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) on pain sensitivity and motor performance in patients with thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis (OA).

Design

Prospective, triple-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Setting

Private practice, Malaga, Spain.

Subjects

Forty-three patients (mean ± SD age = 71 ± 12 years) with a diagnosis of thumb CMC OA grade 1–2 were randomized to the control group (N = 21) or experimental group (N = 22).

Methods

The experimental group (ExpG) received high-intensity laser therapy (HILT), and the control group (ConG) received a placebo treatment. The outcome measures were pain intensity (visual analog scale) and key pinch strength measurements (dynamometer). All outcome measures were collected at baseline, immediately following the intervention, at four weeks, and at 12 weeks following the intervention.

Results

Analysis of variance revealed a group × time interaction (F = 40.8, P < 0.001) for pain intensity, with those patients receiving LT experiencing a greater reduction in pain compared with those receiving placebo therapy at the end of the intervention (P < 0.001), as well as at 12 weeks after the intervention. Although mean values in the ExpG were higher than in the ConG for key pinch at assessment, these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

HILT effectively diminishes pain intensity when used as an isolated treatment for patients with thumb CMC OA, but the effect of treatment decreases after 12 weeks.
NICE Update NICE public health guidance update
Authors: Fletcher Rebecca , Leaman Jane , McSloy Aedin , Leng Gillian
Published: October 2019

This article covers recent National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance relevant to public health with a focus on suicide prevention. The article concentrates on the ‘Preventing suicide in community and custodial settings’ guideline that underpins the recently published ‘Suicide prevention’ quality standard. The article includes actions that local organizations can take together to prevent suicide and to help people affected by suicide.
Validation of the self-administered comorbidity questionnaire adjusted for spondyloarthritis: results from the ASAS-COMOSPA study
Authors: Stolwijk Carmen , Essers Ivette , van den Bosch Filip , Dougados Maxime , Etcheto Adrien , van der Heijde Désirée , Landewé Robert , Molto Anna , van Tubergen Astrid , Boonen Annelies ,   for the ASAS-COMOSPA study group
Published: October 2019

Objective

To confirm validity of the Self-administered Comorbidity Questionnaire modified for patients with SpA (mSCQ), and assess whether validity improves when adding items on extra-articular manifestations (EAMs), i.e. uveitis, psoriasis, and IBD, and osteoporosis and fractures.

Methods

Data from the Assessment in SpondyloArthritis international Society COMOrbidities in SPondyloArthritis study were used. Criterion validity of presence of EAMs, osteoporosis and fractures was assessed as agreement (kappa) between patients’ self-reported and physician-confirmed disease. Construct validity of the mSCQ including EAMs, osteoporosis and/or fractures (SpA-SCQ) was assessed by testing hypotheses about correlations with demographics, physical function, work ability, health utility and disease activity, and was compared with construct validity of the rheumatic disease comorbidity index.

Results

In total, 3984 patients contributed to the analyses. Agreement between patient-reported and physician-reported EAMs was substantial to almost perfect (uveitis ĸ = 0.81, IBD ĸ = 0.73, psoriasis ĸ = 0.86). Agreement for osteoporosis (ĸ = 0.38) and fractures (ĸ = 0.39) was fair. As hypothesized, the mSCQ correlated moderately to weakly with age, physical function, work limitations and health utility, and very weakly with disease activity. In contrast to our hypothesis, adding EAMs, osteoporosis and/or fractures to the mSCQ decreased correlations with several external constructs, especially among patients with peripheral SpA. Correlations with the different constructs were stronger for the both mSCQ and SpA-SCQ (rBASFI = 0.34; rEQ-5D = −0.33) compared with the rheumatic disease comorbidity index (rBASFI = 0.24; rEQ-5D = −0.21).

Conclusion

The mSCQ is a valid self-report instrument to assess the influence of comorbidities on health outcomes in patients with SpA. Adding EAMs and/or osteoporosis or fractures does not improve validity of the mSCQ.
INVESTIGATION OF NUCLEAR EMULSIONS IN TERMS OF NEUTRON DOSIMETRY
Authors: Lužová Martina , Zaitsev Andrei A , Bradnová Věra , Ambrožová Iva , Kákona Martin , Štěpán Václav , Košťál Michal , Kolros Antonín , Ploc Ondřej , Zarubin Pavel I
Published: October 2019

Neutron detection using nuclear emulsions can offer an alternative in personal dosimetry. The production of emulsions and their quality have to be well controlled with respect to their application in dosimetry. Nuclear emulsions consist mainly of gelatin and silver halide. Gelatin contains a significant amount of hydrogen, which can be used for fast neutron detection. The addition of B-10 in the emulsion is convenient for thermal neutron detection. In this paper, standard nuclear emulsions BR-2 and nuclear emulsions BR-2 enriched with boron produced at the Slavich Company, Russia, were applied for evaluation of fast and thermal neutron fluences. The results were obtained by calculation from the presumed emulsion composition without prior calibration. Evidence that nuclear emulsions used in the experiment are suitable for neutron dosimetry is provided.
The role of food gateways at increasing access to alternative retail food outlets
Authors: Paré Elizabeth R , Body Katherine , Gilstorf Sarah , Lucarelli Jennifer
Published: October 2019

“Food gateways”, or individuals providing transportation, food distribution, and advocacy, can improve access to alternative retail food outlets for vulnerable populations.
The development and use of an assessment tool to capture changes in the food pantry nutrition environment and system of food distribution
Authors: McCormack Lacey A , Eicher-Miller Heather A , Remley Dan T , Moore Lindsay A , Stluka Suzanne R
Published: October 2019

The MyChoice Scorecard assesses the food pantry environment, including client-choice, and can be used by community professionals to document and facilitate meaningful change in pantries.
Why is it difficult to understand statistical inference? Reflections on the opposing directions of construction and application of inference framework
Authors: Kula Fulya , Koçer Rüya Gökhan
Published: October 2019

Difficulties in learning (and thus teaching) statistical inference are well reported in the literature. We argue the problem emanates not only from the way in which statistical inference is taught but also from what exactly is taught as statistical inference. What makes statistical inference difficult to understand is that it contains two logics that operate in opposite directions. There is a certain logic in the construction of the inference framework, and there is another in its application. The logic of construction commences from the population, reaches the sample through some steps and then comes back to the population by building and using the sampling distribution. The logic of application, on the other hand, starts from the sample and reaches the population by making use of the sampling distribution. The main problem in teaching statistical inference in our view is that students are taught the logic of application while the fundamental steps in the direction of construction are often overlooked. In this study, we examine and compare these two logics and argue that introductory statistical courses would benefit from using the direction of construction, which ensures that students internalize the way in which inference framework makes sense, rather than that of application.
Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for an active older adult
Authors: Chrystal Caitlin , Stoehr James D.
Published: October 2019

An active 72-year-old woman presented with pain, weakness, and decreased range of motion in her right shoulder. After a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty and 6 months of physical therapy, she was able to return to full activity level without pain.
The latest diagnostic criteria and treatment options for neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Moore Randy R. , Tanner Meagan
Published: October 2019

Neuromyelitis optica, also known as Devic disease, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the spinal cord and optic nerve. This atypical demyelinating syndrome can be difficult to diagnose and responds poorly to treatments that are used for multiple sclerosis, a similar demyelinating disease. This article discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, latest diagnostic criteria, and treatment options for neuromyelitis optica and neuromyelitis spectrum disorders.
What is the role of triple inhaled therapy in COPD?
Authors: Petite Sarah E.
Published: October 2019

Triple inhaled therapy for maintenance of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) consists of an inhaled corticosteroid, long-acting muscarinic antagonist, and long-acting beta2-agonist. Recent clinical studies evaluating triple therapy found a reduction in COPD exacerbations compared with other combination therapies. This article discusses the role of triple therapy in treating patients with COPD.
Association Between Excessive Weight Gain During Pregnancy and Persistent Low Back and Pelvic Pain After Delivery
Authors: Matsuda Naoka , Kitagaki Kazufumi , Perrein Emeline , Tsuboi Yamato , Ebina Aoi , Kondo Yuki , Murata Shunsuke , Isa Tsunenori , Okumura Maho , Kawaharada Rika , Horibe Kana , Ono Rei
Published: October 2019

Study Design.

Retrospective study.

Objective.

To investigate the association between gestational weight gain (GWG) during pregnancy and persistent low back and pelvic pain (LBPP) after delivery.

Summary of Background Data.

Persistent LBPP after delivery is a risk factor for developing depression and chronic pain as well as incurring sick leave. Women experience weight gain during pregnancy. Excessive weight gain places a greater burden on the musculoskeletal system. However, little is known about how GWG is associated with LBPP after delivery.

Methods.

After Ethics Committee approval, we analyzed 330 women at 4 months after delivery who had LBPP during pregnancy. The exclusion criteria were as follows: specific low back pain, multiple birth, and incomplete data. Four months after delivery, LBPP was assessed using a self-report questionnaire. Persistent LBPP was defined as pain at 4 months after delivery with an onset during pregnancy or within 3 weeks after delivery. GWG was calculated as the difference between the pregnancy weight and the prepregnancy weight, which we categorized into three groups: <10, 10 to <15, and ≥15 kg. Other confounding factors including age, height, weight at 4 months after delivery, parity, gestational week, mode of delivery, weight of the fetus, and prepregnancy LBPP were assessed. We used logistic regression analysis to calculate LBPP odds ratios (ORs) according to GWG.

Results.

The prevalence of persistent LBPP was 34.1% (n = 113). Compared with women with a GWG of <10 kg, women with a GWG of ≥15 kg had a higher prevalence of persistent LBPP (OR = 2.77, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.28–5.96, adjusted OR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.06–5.21); however, no significant difference was found for women with a GWG of 10 to <15 kg (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 0.72–1.92, adjusted OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.61–1.72).

Conclusions.

Our study showed that excessive weight gain during pregnancy is one of the risk factors of persistent LBPP. Appropriate weight control during pregnancy could help prevent persistent LBPP after delivery.

Level of Evidence: 3
Utility of Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling in Point-of-Care Decisions: An Example Using Digoxin Dosing in Continuous Venovenous Hemodiafiltration
Authors: Srinivasan Meenakshi , Hirani Raiz , Tsiu Melissa , Kabani Khadija , Chaturvedula Ayyappa , Palasik Brittany
Published: October 2019

We describe the case of a patient on continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration with atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response and hypotension requiring vasopressor use, which warranted digoxin therapy. In the absence of guidelines specifying appropriate digoxin dosing in patients undergoing continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration, anecdotal evidence-guided digoxin dosing was performed for this patient using plasma digoxin concentration-based therapeutic drug monitoring. We use this case to demonstrate the potential role of physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling in assisting therapeutic decision making.
A Modified Levator Resection to Improve Postoperative Lagophthalmos and Eyelid Lag
Authors: Al-Faky Yasser H. , Abu El-Eneen Mohamed A. , Selim Khaled M. , Ali Hassan A.
Published: October 2019

Releasing the central attachment between levator palpebrae superioris muscle and Whitnall’s ligament during levator aponeurosis resection allows better levator excursion and minimizes postoperative lagophthalmos, eyelid lag, and corneal complications.

Purpose:

To assess the effect of releasing the central attachment between the Whitnall’s ligament (WL) and the levator palpebrae superioris muscle on the postoperative levator function (LF), eyelid lag, and degree of lagophthalmos.

Methods:

This retrospective case-control study included patients with moderate and severe simple congenital ptosis who underwent skin approach levator aponeurosis resection (LR) as a primary procedure with a minimum of 6-month follow up. Patients were divided into 2 groups; the first group underwent LR without WL release (control group) while the second group underwent LR with WL release. Preoperative demographics and clinical data were reviewed. Postoperative LF, eyelid lag, and degree of lagophthalmos as well as surgical outcomes were compared and analyzed in both groups.

Results:

A total of 81 patients (88 eyelids) were included in this study. There were 50 males (61.7%). The mean age was ±SD 12.0 ± 9.5 years. The first group included 43 eyelids while the second had 45 eyelids. There was no statistical difference in demographics and preoperative data between both groups. The postoperative LF was higher in the second group (10.7 ± 2.1 mm) with less consecutive eyelid lag compared with the control group (7.8 ± 1.9 mm) (p < 0.001). The control group had acquired more postoperative lagophthalmos compared with the second group (p < 0.001). Complete surgical success was achieved in 82.2% in the second group compared with 60.5% in the control group (p = 0.024).

Conclusions:

Releasing the central attachment between WL and levator palpebrae superioris muscle has achieved an improvement in LF with minimal postoperative eyelid lag, lagophthalmos, and corneal complications.
Glaucoma Filtering Bleb Analysis Before and After Aponeurotic Blepharoptosis Surgery
Authors: Yunoki Tatsuya , Tojo Naoki , Oiwake Toshihiko , Otsuka Mitsuya , Hayashi Atsushi
Published: October 2019

In patients with glaucoma filtering bleb, transcutaneous levator aponeurotic ptosis surgery is considered to be highly safe and unlikely to affect the morphology of the filtering bleb or intraocular pressure in the short term.

Purpose:

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of aponeurotic blepharoptosis surgery and the morphology of filtering bleb in patients with filtrating bleb.

Methods:

This retrospective case series included 7 consecutive patients (9 eyes) with filtering bleb after trabeculectomy. They underwent transcutaneous levator aponeurotic advancement from May 2018 to April 2019. The authors evaluated margin reflex distance-1 and intraocular pressure and analyzed filtering bleb morphology, such as filtering bleb volume, filtering bleb height, and filtering bleb wall thickness, using anterior segment optical coherence tomography before and after aponeurotic advancement. The authors also evaluated intra and postoperative complications.

Results:

The mean age was 75.6 ± 7.8 years; the mean duration from glaucoma surgery to blepharoptosis surgery was 36.9 ± 26.8 months; the mean follow-up after blepharoptosis surgery was 6.1 ± 2.9 months. The mean margin reflex distance-1 value changed significantly from 0.7 ± 0.8 mm before surgery to 3.3 ± 0.4 mm after surgery (p < 0.0001). The mean intraocular pressure showed no significant change from 12.9 ± 2.6 mm Hg before surgery to 12.7 ± 3.3 after surgery. In the filtering bleb analysis using anterior segment optical coherence tomography no significant differences were found, such as in bleb volume, height and wall thickness, before and after blepharoptosis surgery. There were no intraoperative complications in any of the cases. A postoperative corneal disorder was seen in 1 eye, but there was no infection of or damage to filtering bleb in any of the cases during the postoperative follow-up period.

Conclusions:

In patients with glaucoma filtering bleb, transcutaneous levator aponeurotic ptosis surgery is considered to be safe and unlikely to affect the morphology of the filtering bleb or intraocular pressure in the short term.