bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of strut-and-tie models for structural concrete under dynamic loads
Authors: Shobeiri Vahid
Published: March 2019

This proposed study aims to develop reliable and efficient numerical optimization methods for generating optimal strut-and-tie models (STMs) in structural concrete members under dynamic loads. The numerical models are developed based on the bidirectional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) method for the stiffness maximization problems. In this method, a controlling index based on the minimum weight and maximum stiffness is defined as the optimization criterion function and the element virtual strain energy is taken as the element removal and addition criterion. By the dynamical analysis, optimal strut-and-tie models are established based on the BESO method. Several examples are presented to show the efficiency of the proposed approach in finding optimal STMs under dynamic loads. It is shown that optimal STMs and reinforcement layouts under dynamic loads generally differ from those obtained under static loads. The developed numerical models based on dynamic responses can be used by practicing design engineers for the analysis and design of STMs in concrete structures.
Mudflat reclamation causes change in the composition of fungal communities under long-term rice cultivation
Authors: Zhang Yang , Li Qing , Chen Yinglong , Dai Qigen , Hu Jian
Published: March 2019

Fungi play a critical role in farmland ecosystems, especially in improving soil fertility; however, little is known about the changes in fungal communities caused by mudflat reclamation under rice cultivation. In this study, mudflats located in Yancheng, China, which were divided into nine plots with 0, 11, and 20 years of successive rice cultivation histories, were sampled to determine the fungal community composition by using Illumina MiSeq sequencing. Results show that the Shannon diversity of the fungal communities did not change significantly but the species richness increased under mudflat reclamation with long-term rice cultivation. Ascomycota was the dominant phylum throughout the reclaimed mudflats samples, while Sordariomycetes was the dominant class. Fungal functional prediction found that the relative abundance of saprotrophs gradually increased with mudflat reclamation and mainly belonged to Ascomycota after 20 years of successive reclamation. Redundancy analysis showed that electrical conductivity, organic matter, and total nitrogen were the main factors affecting the composition and ecological function of the fungal community during mudflat reclamation. In short, a fungal community dominated by Ascomycota was established during mudflat reclamation under rice cultivation, which is more conducive to promoting soil fertility because of the higher proportion of saprotrophic fungi in Ascomycota.
Resveratrol prevents the development of high blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats through the inhibition of enhanced expression of Giα proteins
Authors: Sarkar Oli , Li Yuan , Anand-Srivastava Madhu B.
Published: March 2019

Resveratrol (RV), a polyphenolic component of red wine, has been shown to attenuate high blood pressure (BP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). We previously found that the enhanced expression of Giα proteins plays a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension in SHRs. In the present study, we investigated whether this RV-induced decrease in BP in SHRs can be attributed to the ability of RV to inhibit the enhanced expression of Giα proteins and the upstream signaling molecules implicated in the overexpression of Giα proteins. Administration of RV (50 mg/kg per day) to prehypertensive 2-week-old SHRs for 6 weeks prevented the development of high BP and inhibited the enhanced expression of Giα proteins, the enhanced levels of superoxide anion (O2−) and NADPH oxidase activity, the enhanced activation (phosphorylation) of c-Src and growth factor receptors, as well as the enhanced levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and protein kinase B (Akt) exhibited by vascular smooth muscle cells isolated from SHRs. In conclusion, these results indicate that RV attenuates the development of high BP in SHRs through the inhibition of enhanced levels of Giα proteins, oxidative stress, and the upstream signaling molecules that contribute to the overexpression of Giα proteins. These findings suggest that RV could potentially be used as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of cardiovascular complications including hypertension.
Transport exponents of states with large support
Authors: Gerbuz Vitalii
Published: March 2019

We investigate spreading rates of one-dimensional quantum states under the Schrödinger time-evolution. The focus of this paper is on the states that either have finite support or decay exponentially at [Formula: see text]. In particular, we extend results of Damanik and Tcheremchantsev on estimating transport exponents that were originally proved to hold for the initial states supported on a single site. These general upper and lower estimates are then applied to several classes of models, including Sturmian, quasi-periodic and substitution-generated potentials, and the random polymer model.
Antimonotonicity, Bifurcation and Multistability in the Vallis Model for El Niño
Authors: Rajagopal Karthikeyan , Jafari Sajad , Pham Viet-Thanh , Wei Zhouchao , Premraj Durairaj , Thamilmaran Kathamuthu , Karthikeyan Anitha
Published: March 2019

In this paper, the well-known Vallis model for El Niño is analyzed for the parameter condition [Formula: see text]. The conditions for the stability of the equilibrium points are derived. The condition for Hopf bifurcation occurring in the system for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are investigated. The multistability feature of the Vallis model when [Formula: see text] is explained with forward and backward continuation bifurcation plots and with the coexisting attractors. The creation of period doubling followed by their annihilation via inverse period-doubling bifurcation known as antimonotonicity occurrence in the Vallis model for [Formula: see text] is presented for the first time in the literature.
Bifurcations and Multistability in a Model of Cytokine-Mediated Autoimmunity
Authors: Fatehi Farzad , Kyrychko Yuliya N. , Molchanov Robert , Blyuss Konstantin B.
Published: March 2019

This paper investigates the dynamics of immune response and autoimmunity with particular emphasis on the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs), T cells with different activation thresholds, and cytokines in mediating T cell activity. Analysis of the steady states yields parameter regions corresponding to regimes of normal clearance of viral infection, chronic infection, or autoimmune behavior, and the boundaries of stability and bifurcations of relevant steady states are found in terms of system parameters. Numerical simulations are performed to illustrate different dynamical scenarios, and to identify basins of attraction of different steady states and periodic solutions, highlighting the important role played by the initial conditions in determining the outcome of immune interactions.
Asymptotic behavior of solutions to a tumor angiogenesis model with chemotaxis–haptotaxis
Authors: Pang Peter Y. H. , Wang Yifu
Published: March 2019

This paper studies the following system of differential equations modeling tumor angiogenesis in a bounded smooth domain [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]): [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are positive parameters. For any reasonably regular initial data [Formula: see text], we prove the global boundedness ([Formula: see text]-norm) of [Formula: see text] via an iterative method. Furthermore, we investigate the long-time behavior of solutions to the above system under an additional mild condition, and improve previously known results. In particular, in the one-dimensional case, we show that the solution [Formula: see text] converges to [Formula: see text] with an explicit exponential rate as time tends to infinity.
Acoustic modes of pulsating axion stars: Nonradial oscillations
Authors: Panotopoulos Grigoris , Lopes Ilídio
Published: March 2019

We compute the lowest frequency nonradial oscillation modes of dilute axion stars. The effective potential that enters into the Schrödinger-like equation, several associated eigenfunctions and the large as well as the small frequency separations are shown as well.
Black holes in Gauss–Bonnet and Chern–Simons-scalar theory
Authors: Myung Yun Soo , Zou De-Cheng
Published: March 2019

We carry out the stability analysis of the Schwarzschild black hole in Gauss–Bonnet and Chern–Simons-scalar theory. Here, we introduce two quadratic scalar couplings ([Formula: see text]) to Gauss–Bonnet and Chern–Simons terms, where the former term is parity-even, while the latter one is parity-odd. The perturbation equation for the scalar [Formula: see text] is the Klein–Gordon equation with an effective mass, while the perturbation equation for [Formula: see text] is coupled to the parity-odd metric perturbation, providing a system of two coupled equations. It turns out that the Schwarzschild black hole is unstable against [Formula: see text] perturbation, leading to scalarized black holes, while the black hole is stable against [Formula: see text] and metric perturbations, implying no scalarized black holes.
Vemurafenib Inhibits Active PTK6 inPTEN-null Prostate Tumor Cells
Authors: Wozniak Darren J. , Hitchinson Ben , Gilic Milica B. , Bie Wenjun , Gaponenko Vadim , Tyner Angela L.
Published: March 2019

Protein tyrosine kinase 6 (PTK6, also called BRK) is overexpressed and activated in human prostate cancer. Loss of the tumor suppressor PTEN, a frequent event in prostate cancer, leads to PTK6 activation at the plasma membrane and its oncogenic signaling. The small molecule inhibitor vemurafenib, also known as PLX4032, and its tool analog PLX4720 were designed to inhibit constitutively active BRAF V600E, yet they also have potent effects against PTK6. Vemurafenib is used in the treatment of metastatic melanoma, but its efficacy in prostate cancer has not been assessed. When activated at the plasma membrane, PTK6 promotes signaling through FAK, EGFR, and ERK1/2, and we show this can be blocked by vemurafenib. In addition, PTK6-mediated cell growth, migration, and invasion are inhibited upon vemurafenib administration. Using a flank xenograft model, vemurafenib treatment reduced tumor burden. Using saturation transfer difference NMR and molecular docking, we demonstrate that vemurafenib binds in the active site of PTK6, inhibiting its activation. These structural studies provide insight into the PTK6–vemurafenib complex, which can be utilized for further refinement chemistry, whereas functional studies demonstrate that active PTK6 is a viable drug target in prostate cancer.
Orbital Cellular Epithelioid Hemangioma
Authors: Stiefel Hillary C. , Ng John D. , Wilson David J. , Albert Daniel M.
Published: March 2019

Purpose: To report a case of orbital cellular epithelioid hemangioma (EH) in which FOSB and CAMTA1 immunostains were used to detect a cytogenetic rearrangement as an adjunctive tool in diagnosis. Methods: Case report. Results: A patient with a history of prior ligation of a presumed orbital varix presented with recurrent proptosis. Imaging revealed a highly vascular right orbital mass. Microscopic examination revealed a circumscribed neoplasm composed of plump epithelioid endothelial cells with copious mildly eosinophilic cytoplasm and relatively uniform vesicular nuclei. To aid in diagnosis, immunostains for FOSB and CAMTA1 were performed to detect corresponding cytogenetic rearrangements. The presence of multifocal nuclear positivity for FOSB, indicating FOSB genetic rearrangement, and negativity for CAMTA1 were considered reassuring features against a diagnosis of a malignant epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE), supporting a diagnosis of benign cellular EH. Conclusions: This case report demonstrates that the use of immunohistochemical stains to detect cytogenetic rearrangements may aid in the distinction between benign EH and malignant EHE. It also reminds providers of the clinical and histopathologic features of this lesion, which occurs rarely in the orbit, and helps clarify the evolving nomenclature surrounding epithelioid hemangioma.
Utility of Anti-DSF70 Antibodies to Predict Connective Tissue Disease in Patients Originally Presenting with Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonia
Authors: Lyu Yan , Boerner Eda , Theegarten Dirk , Guzman Josune , Kreuter Michael , Costabel Ulrich , Bonella Francesco
Published: March 2019

Background: Anti-DFS70 antibodies, corresponding to the dense fine speckled antinuclear antibody (ANA) pattern in HEp-2 substrates, have been observed in chronic inflammatory conditions, cancer and in healthy individuals but in only a small percentage of patients with connective tissue diseases (CTD). Objectives: The study was aimed to investigate the possible role of Anti-DFS70 antibodies to distinguish CTD associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) from idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) and to explore potential correlations between anti-DFS70 antibodies and clinical parameters. Methods: Serum samples were collected from 49 healthy controls (HC), 35 scleroderma-ILD (SSc-ILD) patients as negative controls for anti-DFS70 antibody, and 260 patients with the initial diagnosis IIP including 100 nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) and 160 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients. ANA pattern was identified by indirect immunofluorescence on HEp-2 cells and anti-DFS70 antibodies were measured in serum by ELISA. Results: Serum anti-DFS70 antibodies were less frequently seen in ILD and SSc-ILD patients compared to HCs. Thirty-seven patients (34 initial idiopathic NSIP and 3 initial IPF patients) developed CTD during 24 months of follow-up, most of them combined with ANA positivity and anti-DFS70 antibody negativity. Anti-DFS70 antibody positivity was not significantly different between CTD-ILD and idiopathic ILD. Conclusions: The frequency of serum anti-DFS70 antibody is markedly decreased in patients with ILDs. Anti-DFS70 antibodies may be useful to predict CTD development in ILD patients.
Body Mass Index and Clinical Outcomes in Large Vessel Occlusion Acute Ischemic Stroke after Endovascular Therapy
Authors: Bouslama Mehdi , Perez Hilarie J. , Barreira Clara M. , Haussen Diogo C. , Grossberg Jonathan A. , Belagaje Samir R. , Bianchi Nicolas A. , Anderson Aaron M. , Frankel Michael R. , Nogueira Raul G.
Published: March 2019

Background and Purpose: Several reports have described lower mortality rates in overweight or obese patients as compared to normal weight ones. In the past decade, several studies have investigated the phenomenon, commonly known as the obesity paradox, with mixed results thus far. We sought to determine whether outcomes differ between patients with large vessel occlusion strokes (LVOS) after endovascular therapy (ET) according to their body mass index (BMI). Methods: We reviewed our prospectively collected endovascular database at a tertiary care academic institution. All patients that underwent ET for acute LVOS were categorized according to their BMI into 4 groups: (1) underweight (BMI < 18.5), (2) normal weight (BMI = 18.5–25), (3) overweight (BMI = 25–30), and (4) obese (BMI > 30). Baseline characteristics, procedural radiological as well as outcome parameters where compared. Results: A total of 926 patients qualified for the study, of which 20 (2.2%) were underweight, 253 (27.3%) had a normal weight, 315 (34%) were overweight, and 338 (36.5%) were obese. When compared with normal weight (reference), overweight patients were younger, had higher rates of dyslipidemia and diabetes and higher glucose levels, while obese patients were younger, less often smokers, and had higher rates of hypertension and diabetes and higher glucose levels. Other baseline and procedural characteristics were comparable. The rates of successful reperfusion (modified treatment in cerebral ischemia, 2b–3), parenchymal hematomas, 90-day good clinical outcomes (modified Rankin scale, 0–2), and 90-day mortality were comparable between groups. On multivariate analysis, BMI was not associated with good outcomes nor mortality. Conclusion: In patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy, BMI is not associated with outcomes. However, patients who are overweight or obese have more comorbidities and a higher stroke risk and, thus, should strive for a normal weight.
Is Head Computerized Tomography Indicated for the Workup of Headache in Patients with Intact Neurological Examination
Authors: Goldstein Lilach , Laytman Tamar , Steiner Israel
Published: March 2019

Introduction: The use of neuroimaging as part of the initial workup in the emergency department (ED) for patients with atraumatic headache is increasing, whereas the proportion of cases in which clinically significant intracranial pathology is detected is decreasing. In the last few decades, the exposure to medical ionized radiation from utilization of computer tomography (CT) increased dramatically, raising concern about radiation-induced cancer. Different guidelines were suggested to address the role of neuroimaging in the investigation of adult patients presenting to the ED with nontraumatic headache. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated data from all consecutive patients who underwent a head CT in the ED for the evaluation of headache during 2015. Patients were included only if a normal neurologic examination was documented. Results: In total, 422 patients were included. About 43.4% of scans were normal. Most abnormal findings were sinusitis (148 patients, 35%) or ischemic changes. Seven CT scans (1.6%) showed clinically significant findings requiring an immediate change in management. Conclusion: A normal neurologic examination, even when performed by a neurologist, does not rule out a significant secondary cause for headache. A CT scan in the ED is indicated for patients presenting with severe nonremitting headache who never had neuroimaging in the past.
The Evolution of Quality of Life Assessment and Use in Dermatology
Authors: Chernyshov Pavel V.
Published: March 2019

The creation of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire facilitated many studies on the impact of skin diseases on patients’ quality of life (QoL). Many national and international guidelines recommend QoL assessment in dermatology, and some of them contain detailed recommendations on treatment goals and changes of treatment approaches based on DLQI score banding and minimal clinically important difference. The methodology of QoL in strument development and validation is constantly becoming more rigorous. Initiatives on selection of core outcome sets for skin diseases are focused on clinical trials but may also be beneficial for clinicians. There are various benefits of using QoL information in clinical practice, but experience of this is very limited at the moment. QoL assessment in dermatology is a rapidly developing field with a gradual shift from theory to practice.
Switching from Secukinumab to Ustekinumab in Psoriasis Patients: Results from a Multicenter Experience
Authors: Chiricozzi Andrea , Conti Andrea , Burlando Martina , Odorici Giulia , Gaiani Francesca , Panduri Salvatore , Malagoli Piergiorgio
Published: March 2019

Background: Switching between biologics is commonly performed for the management of plaque psoriasis. However, no evidence about switching from secukinumab to ustekinumab has been reported. Methods: This retrospective observational multicenter study aimed to describe efficacy and safety of ustekinumab in secukinumab nonresponder patients. Results: A total of 21 patients unresponsive to secukinumab were treated with ustekinumab for a mean period of 53.3 weeks. Ustekinumab was effective in reducing disease severity, with significant improvements of both psoriasis area severity index (PASI) and dermatology quality of life index (DLQI) scores. PASI score improvements of 31.8, 44, 77.8, 80.3, 80.5, and 89.6%, at week 4, 12, 24, 36, 48, and above 60 weeks, respectively, were detected (p < 0.05), achieving PASI 50, 75, and > 90 responses in 93.8, 87.5, and 50% of patients at week 48. Four patients withdrew from ustekinumab treatment because of inefficacy, and failure of multiple biologic agents (> 2) seemed to affect ustekinumab drug survival. No serious adverse events (AEs) were reported while 38.1% of patients experienced mild AEs. Conclusion: Ustekinumab was safe and effective in treating patients unresponsive to secukinumab.
Resected Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma with Anaphylactic Shock from a Preoperative Liver Function Test before Hepatectomy
Authors: Higuchi Kazuhiro , Nanashima Atsushi , Hiyoshi Masahide , Imamura Naoya , Yano Koichi , Hamada Takeomi , Tsuchimochi Yuki , Wada Takashi , Tsuchiya Kazuyo , Kawano Fumiaki , Ikeda Takuto , Takeno Shinsuke
Published: March 2019

The indocyanine green test is a reliable liver function examination before major hepatectomy, and anaphylaxis is rarely a concern. A 65-year-old male patient without epigastralgia was diagnosed with a 2.2-cm intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. He had no history of allergic reactions. Some liver dysfunction was indicated by the laboratory data; however, there was no marked obstructive jaundice and the liver functional reserve was maintained by technetium-99m galactosyl serum albumin. The indocyanine green test was routinely performed, but the patient immediately demonstrated severe anaphylaxis due to indocyanine green administration. He had cardiorespiratory arrest, but recovered after immediate resuscitation. Although acute renal and respiratory failure was significant, the patient recovered at day 10 after the event, and his liver function and other organ functions were improved. Then, the scheduled left hepatectomy with caudate and extrahepatic duct resection was successfully performed without issues. The patient exhibited no allergic response against the administration of antibiotics or other drugs and the postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was discharged on day 17. The tumor was diagnosed as stage III intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and R0 resection was accomplished. Preoperative management, including the liver functional loading test, should be carefully carried out before major hepatectomy.
Clinically Relevant Response to Cisplatin-5-Fluorouracyl in Intestinal-Type Sinonasal Adenocarcinoma with Loss of Vision: A Case Report
Authors: Claus Jonas , Jorissen Mark , Vander Poorten Vincent , Nuyts Sandra , Hermans Robert , Casteels Ingele , Clement Paul M.J.
Published: March 2019

A 68-year-old man presented with rapid progressive visual loss caused by a progressive local invasive sinonasal intestinal-type adenocarcinoma (ITAC) with intracranial invasion. The local relapse of ITAC in the ethmoid sinus was previously treated with palliative radiotherapy and carboplatin-paclitaxel, without response, hence disease progression was seen. Ophthalmological examination revealed irreversible blindness of the left eye and a dramatic progressive visual loss of the right eye. Due to important visual loss caused by optic nerve invasion, a palliative treatment with cisplatin-5-fluorouracyl was started. This therapy resulted in a good clinical response with a regression of the local mass and a partial recovery of the vision.
Escritos de Lygia Pape: cidade, neovanguarda e cultura material popular
Authors: Machado Vanessa Rosa , Santos Fábio Lopes de Souza
Published: March 2019

Conhecida por obras neoconcretas e pela experimentação dos anos 1960 e 1970, a artista carioca Lygia Pape (1927-2004) manteve um interesse constante pela cultura popular. Destacam-se neste artigo três de seus pouco conhecidos escritos: “Tramas de caboclo ou a geometria do mato” (s/d), “Favela da Maré ou milagre das palafitas” (1972) e “A mulher na iconografia de massa” (1978). Em conjunto, revelam tanto uma abordagem original e positiva sobre essa produção, visão que compartilhou com seu amigo e interlocutor Hélio Oiticica, quanto uma inflexão em seu interesse pelo popular urbano, que se desloca em direção à cultura de massa.
Imobiliário-Infraestrutura na cidade do século XXI: desafios para uma crítica contra-hegemônica
Authors: Rufino Maria Beatriz Cruz , Ferrara Luciana Nicolau , Shimbo Lucia Zanin
Published: March 2019

A produção do espaço urbano se alterou profundamente e o domínio da financeirização impõe novos desafios analíticos para a compreensão dos fenômenos em curso. O objetivo deste artigo é problematizar conceitos relacionados à interpretação da urbanização contemporânea que, de certo modo, ocultam as relações sociais, as formas de espoliação e a reprodução de desigualdades. Trata-se de uma análise dos debates ocorridos na Escola de Ciência Avançada “Produção Imobiliária: desigualdade, financiamento e planejamento territorial na América Latina” ocorrida em 2017 na Universidade de São Paulo e que reuniu pesquisadores do Brasil, Chile, Argentina, Venezuela e México, associada a uma revisão bibliográfica dos principais estudos latino-americanos sobre produção imobiliária e infraestrutura urbana.
Factors associated with depression symptoms in women after breast cancer
Authors: Boing Leonessa , Pereira Gustavo Soares , Araújo Camila Da Cruz Ramos de , Sperandio Fabiana Flores , Loch Monique Da Silva Gevaerd , Bergmann Anke , Borgatto Adriano Ferreti , Guimarães Adriana Coutinho De Azevedo
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors associated with the presence of depression symptoms in women after breast cancer. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 181 women with breast cancer, aged 57.0 years (SD = 9.5), who were undergoing treatment or after treatment in the Oncology Research Center in Florianópolis, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The questionnaire comprised items addressing general and health information, economic level, anthropometric measures, depression symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), and body image (Body Image After Breast Cancer Questionnaire). Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were performed by chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests to verify association, Mann-Whitney U test to compare the groups and Poisson regression to identify the prevalence ratio of the factors associated with presence of depression symptoms (p < 0.05). RESULTS: We found an association between the presence of depression symptoms and the group of younger women (aged 40–60 years), those who had another disease besides cancer, those who had mastectomy surgery, those who suffered from lymphedema, and those who presented low–medium self-esteem. Less educated women presented more depressive symptoms, as did women with worse body image on the subscales of limitations, transparency, and arm concerns. CONCLUSIONS: Age, educational attainment, diagnosis of other diseases, type of surgery, lymphedema, self-esteem, and body image were factors associated with the presence of depression symptoms in Brazilian women after breast cancer. Health professionals should be aware of these relationships and try to detect depression symptoms earlier and improve the care they provide to these women.
Inflammatory markers and occurrence of falls
Authors: Amorim Juleimar Soares Coelho de , Torres Karen Cecília Lima , Teixeira-Carvalho Andréa , Martins-Filho Olindo Assis , Lima-Costa Maria Fernanda , Peixoto Sérgio Viana
Published: March 2019

OBJECTIVE: Analyze whether inflammatory markers are associated with falls among older adults living in Bambuí. METHODS: Study that analyzed baseline data from a Bambuí Cohort Study of Aging, involving 1,250 participants. Data about falls were collected from previous 12 months, classified as single or multiple occurrence and severity (participant seeking health services). Information about sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors and health condition was also collected and used as confounding factors. The exposures of interest included interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein (us-CRP) and chemokines (CXCL9, CCL5, CCL10, MCP1). Data were processed through logistic regression, obtaining odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (95%CI). RESULTS: The prevalence of falls was 27.1%; 40.1% of the older adults reported multiple falls and 33.3% sought health services. After adjustments, the following elevated levels were associated with falls: us-CRP (OR = 1.46, 95%CI 1.04–2.03), CCL5 (OR = 1.38, 95%CI 1.01–1.90) and CXCL9 (OR = 1.43, 95%CI 1.02–2.02). An association was observed between the number of elevated markers and the occurrence of falls: two (OR = 1.47, 95%CI 1.02–2.12) and three (OR = 2.08, 95%CI 1.12–3.87) elevated biomarkers indicated fall probability of 32.0% and 39.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of us-CRP, CCL5 and CXCL9, which were associated with falls, may contribute to a proper understanding of the mechanism associated with the occurrence of falls among older people.
The Impact of Cell Therapy on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Refractory Angina
Authors: Jones Daniel A. , Weeraman Deshan , Colicchia Martina , Hussain Mohsin A. , Veerapen Devanayegi , Andiapen Mervyn , Rathod Krishnaraj S. , Baumbach Andreas , Mathur Anthony
Published: March 2019

Rationale:

Cell-based therapies are a novel potential treatment for refractory angina and have been found to improve markers of angina. However, the effects on mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) have not been definitively investigated.

Objective:

To investigate the efficacy and safety of stem cell treatment compared with optimal medical treatment for refractory angina by conducting an updated meta-analysis, looking at clinical outcomes.

Methods and Results:

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed of PubMed, EMBASE (Excerpta Medica database), Cochrane,
ClinicalTrials.gov
, Google Scholar databases of randomized controlled trials, and scientific session abstracts. Studies were deemed eligible if they met the following criteria: (1) full-length publications in peer-reviewed journals; (2) evaluated cell therapy use in patients with no further revascularisation options while on optimal medical treatment; (3) patients had ongoing angina, Canadian Cardiovascular Society class II—IV; and (4) included a placebo/control arm. We calculated risk ratios for all-cause mortality, combined MACE events. We assessed heterogeneity using χ
2
and
I
2
tests. We identified 1191 citations with 8 randomized controlled trials meeting inclusion criteria involving 526 patients. Outcomes pooled were MACE, mortality, and indices of angina (angina episodes, Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina class, exercise tolerance, and antianginal medications). Our analysis showed a decreased risk of both MACE (odds ratio, 0.41; CI, 0.25−0.70) and mortality (odds ratio, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.10−0.60) in cell-treated patients compared with patients on maximal medical therapy. This was supported by improvements in surrogate end points of anginal episodes, use of antianginal medications, Canadian Cardiovascular Society class, and exercise tolerance.

Conclusions:

In addition to improvements in indices of angina, cell-based therapies improve cardiovascular outcomes (mortality/MACE) in patients with refractory angina. Given the premature termination of the phase III study, this supports the need for further definitive trials.

Prospero Registration

: URL:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/
. Unique identifier: CRD42018084257.
Diastolic Ventricular Interaction in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Parasuraman Sathish K. , Loudon Brodie L. , Lowery Crystal , Cameron Donnie , Singh Satnam , Schwarz Konstantin , Gollop Nicholas D. , Rudd Amelia , McKiddie Fergus , Phillips Jim J. , Prasad Sanjay K. , Wilson Andrew M. , Sen‐Chowdhry Srijita , Clark Allan , Vassiliou Vassilios S. , Dawson Dana K. , Frenneaux Michael P.
Published: March 2019

Background

Exercise‐induced pulmonary hypertension is common in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (
HF
p
EF
). We hypothesized that this could result in pericardial constraint and diastolic ventricular interaction in some patients during exercise.

Methods and Results

Contrast stress echocardiography was performed in 30
HF
p
EF
patients, 17 hypertensive controls, and 17 normotensive controls (healthy). Cardiac volumes, and normalized radius of curvature (
NRC
) of the interventricular septum at end‐diastole and end‐systole, were measured at rest and peak‐exercise, and compared between the groups. The septum was circular at rest in all 3 groups at end‐diastole. At peak‐exercise, end‐systolic
NRC
increased to 1.47±0.05 (
P
<0.001) in
HF
p
EF
patients, confirming development of pulmonary hypertension. End‐diastolic
NRC
also increased to 1.54±0.07 (
P
<0.001) in
HF
p
EF
patients, indicating septal flattening, and this correlated significantly with end‐systolic
NRC
(ρ=0.51,
P
=0.007). In hypertensive controls and healthy controls, peak‐exercise end‐systolic
NRC
increased, but this was significantly less than observed in
HF
p
EF
patients (
HF
p
EF
,
P
=0.02 versus hypertensive controls;
P
<0.001 versus healthy). There were also small, non‐significant increases in end‐diastolic
NRC
in both groups (hypertensive controls, +0.17±0.05,
P
=0.38; healthy, +0.06±0.03,
P
=0.93). In
HF
p
EF
patients, peak‐exercise end‐diastolic
NRC
also negatively correlated (
r
=−0.40,
P
<0.05) with the change in left ventricular end‐diastolic volume with exercise (ie, the Frank‐Starling mechanism), and a trend was noted towards a negative correlation with change in stroke volume (
r
=−0.36,
P
=0.08).

Conclusions

Exercise pulmonary hypertension causes substantial diastolic ventricular interaction on exercise in some patients with
HF
p
EF
, and this restriction to left ventricular filling by the right ventricle exacerbates the pre‐existing impaired Frank‐Starling response in these patients.
Hyperkalemia Is Associated With Increased Mortality Among Unselected Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Brueske Benjamin , Sidhu Mandeep S. , Schulman‐Marcus Joshua , Kashani Kianoush B. , Barsness Gregory W. , Jentzer Jacob C.
Published: March 2019

Background

Hyperkalemia has been associated with increased mortality in patients with myocardial infarction, but few data exist regarding hyperkalemia in cardiac intensive care unit (
CICU
) patients. We hypothesize that hyperkalemia is associated with increased mortality in unselected
CICU
patients.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively reviewed a historical cohort of 9681
CICU
patients admitted from January 2007 to December 2015. Hyperkalemia was defined as admission potassium ≥5.0 mEq/L and hypokalemia as admission potassium <3.5 mEq/L. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine predictors of in‐hospital mortality. Postdischarge survival was assessed using Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards models. The mean age of included patients was 67±15 years, with 36% females, and in‐hospital mortality was 9%. Hyperkalemia occurred in 1187 (12.3%) and hypokalemia occurred in 719 (7.4%) patients. Both patients with hyperkalemia (unadjusted odds ratio, 2.85; 95%
CI,
2.40–3.39;
P
<0.001) and patients with hypokalemia (unadjusted odds ratio, 2.31; 95%
CI,
1.85–2.88;
P
<0.001) were at increased risk of unadjusted in‐hospital mortality. After adjustment for illness severity and renal function, only patients with hyperkalemia demonstrated increased risk of in‐hospital death (adjusted odds ratio, 1.44; 95%
CI,
1.11–1.87;
P
=0.006). Among hospital survivors, only patients with hyperkalemia had lower postdischarge survival by Kaplan–Meier analysis (
P
<0.001). After adjustment for illness severity and renal function, hospital survivors with admission hyperkalemia remained at increased risk for postdischarge mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.20; 95%
CI,
1.08–1.34;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Hyperkalemia on
CICU
admission is associated with higher in‐hospital and postdischarge mortality, independent of renal function and illness severity. These findings emphasize the importance of potassium abnormalities as a risk predictor in patients admitted to the
CICU
.
Migration as Foundation: Hagar, the ‘Resident Alien’, as Euro-America’s Surrogate Self *
Authors: Sherwood Yvonne
Published: March 2019

In this paper I use Hagar as a type of the shifting modern figure of the migrant, refugee or ‘resident alien’ inside the national family. In a modern update of the productively anachronistic typologies attempted by the Church Fathers, I use the presence of the Egyptian slave in biblical-European foundations to trouble the unstable concept of Europe/Christendom founded on a (distant) Christian heritage. I also use what I’m calling the ‘Hagaramic’ to disturb bland invocations of the ‘Abrahamic’ on the contemporary political stage. What happens when we replace the spiritualised, fraternal/paternal figure of the Abrahamic with the Hagaramic: the immigrant mimic of the Abrahamic; the resident female Egyptian alien who is there before, and supports and enables, the ‘true’ family? How does my attempt to use this figure relate to earlier attempts (by thinkers like Sigmund Freud or Edward Said) to draw on strange old biblical figures to force European identities outside themselves?
Geopolitical Economy and the Chimera of Hegemony
Authors: Lubbock Rowan
Published: March 2019

This review critically engages with Radhika Desai’s concept of geopolitical economy as a framework for understanding the evolution of the capitalist state system. While presenting a useful challenge to many of the most deeply-held beliefs in International Relations theory, Desai’s over-reliance on a geopolitical lens produces a relatively one-sided account of the ways in which capitalism forges distinct international regimes and ideological formations under a given set of historical conditions of possibility. Thus, Desai’s somewhat opaque reading of the international relations of capitalism clouds our understanding of what the current conjuncture might entail for any possible future beyond the social discipline of capital.
War Families and the Iraq Wars
Authors: Sjoberg Laura
Published: March 2019

In this paper, I argue that it is not just that wars impact people’s lives—it is that people live wars and wars are constituted by people living them. It is appropriate to think of war as happening on battlefields and in bedrooms, in command centers and in kitchens, with fighter planes and with soup cans. Using this interpretation of war as everyday experience, this article looks at Iraqi war families—that is, families constituted by and constitutive of the Iraq war(s). It begins with five vignettes that tell some, by necessity, partial, stories of the complexity of families living the war(s). Drawing from those vignettes and aggregated data, the article explores changing demographic, nutritional, and health dynamics of Iraqi families over the successive years of war and conflict in Iraq. The article concludes with a contextualization of war families, and a look forward for families in Iraq’s near future.
Explaining Marriage Payments
Authors: Safar Jihan
Published: March 2019

The high amount of mahr paid by the groom to the bride, among other marriage payments, constitutes a real burden for young Omanis today. This article sheds light on the main factors and motives that determine the amount of the mahr. Paradoxically, new consumerist desires, more highly educated women, and “love marriages” seem to coincide inversely with rising marriage payments. Modernization variables, such as women’s education and exogamous marriages, are not decreasing the mahr as predicted by theories of modernization, nor is institutional regulation effectively decreasing the amount. Beyond its economic aspects, mahr needs to be situated in its social, political, and cultural dimensions to better understand the complexity and variability of this institution. This article answers fundamental questions about how the mahr amount is fixed and negotiated between families in Oman.

The study was carried out in Oman in 2016. Thirty-nine semi-structured interviews were conducted in different areas of the country in order to give firsthand information on the evolution, motives, perceptions, experiences, attitudes, and mechanisms related to matrimonial decision-making and familial strategies during the mahr bargaining. In addition to ethnographic research, a general online survey was conducted to provide statistical data on the main economic and non-economic factors that determine the mahr amount.
Islamic Financial Law and the Law of the United Arab Emirates: Disjuncture and the Necessity for Reform
Authors: Ercanbrack Jonathan George
Published: March 2019

Islamic financial law (IFL), an emerging global legal order, is a highly fragmented law comprised of both state and non-state generated laws, standards, commercial practices, institutions, fatwās and legal ideas. A recent event involving ṣukūk issuance in which Dana Gas claimed that its ṣukūk were no longer Sharīʿah-compliant highlights the legal disjuncture between global IFL and the laws of municipal legal systems, which have chosen to facilitate and regulate Islamic finance. Systemic legal issues or ‘legal gaps’ undermine investor confidence and impede sustainable development of the Islamic finance industry. Legal gaps include but are not limited to undeveloped securities laws, enforceability issues and a lack of clarity with respect to the role and effect of the Sharīʿah in the municipal legal systems of many MENA (Middle East/North Africa) states. This paper analyses these gaps and in so doing illustrates the relationship of IFL to the law of the United Arab Emirates.
Fundamental Legal Treatment of Trafficking in Women on a Lebanese and International Level
Authors: Barafi Jamal
Published: March 2019

Throughout history, many women have lived in slave-like conditions and have suffered oppression, coercion and disrespect, as well as being deprived of their social, political, and essential natural rights. Therefore, the aim of this research is to focus on the role of international legislation in combating the crime of trafficking in women and in reducing its effects. This article first examines multiple forms of trafficking in women and how this heinous crime is facilitated. Thereafter solutions to the crime of trafficking in women are covered under international law, narrowing its focus to Lebanese legislation and its compatibility with international legislation. Organisations working in this regard in Lebanon are examined, alongside the most important cases of trafficking in women in this country.
On the Relative Nature of (Pitch-Based) Crossmodal Correspondences
Authors: Spence Charles
Published: March 2019

This review deals with the question of the relative vs absolute nature of crossmodal correspondences, with a specific focus on those correspondences involving the auditory dimension of pitch. Crossmodal correspondences have been defined as the often-surprising crossmodal associations that people experience between features, attributes, or dimensions of experience in different sensory modalities, when either physically present, or else merely imagined. In the literature, crossmodal correspondences have often been contrasted with synaesthesia in that the former are frequently said to be relative phenomena (e.g., it is the higher-pitched of two sounds that is matched with the smaller of two visual stimuli, say, rather than there being a specific one-to-one crossmodal mapping between a particular pitch of sound and size of object). By contrast, in the case of synaesthesia, the idiosyncratic mapping between inducer and concurrent tends to be absolute (e.g., it is a particular sonic inducer that elicits a specific colour concurrent). However, a closer analysis of the literature soon reveals that the distinction between relative and absolute in the case of crossmodal correspondences may not be as clear-cut as some commentators would have us believe. Furthermore, it is important to note that the relative vs absolute question may receive different answers depending on the particular (class of) correspondence under empirical investigation.
Ghazan Khan’s Political Will and Testament: Further Light on the Mongol Household
Authors: Melville Charles
Published: March 2019

Towards the end of his life, Ghazan Khan (r.1295–1304) made arrangements for the continuation of the Ilkhanid government along the lines he had established in his short but formative reign. Rashid al-Din refers briefly to Ghazan’s last testament (vasiyat-nama) but gives no details; however, Qashani in his history of Öljeitü reproduces it as a document and Vassaf, writing around the same time, presents it as a speech made by Ghazan to the assembled courtiers. This paper will compare the two texts and seek to identify both the offices and the office-holders mentioned, with a view to better understanding the underpinning of political power and faction in the Ilkhanate.
A Synopsis of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Southeastern Sulawesi including four new species. Phytotaxa 381 (1): 27–50.
Authors: ARDI WISNU H. , CHIKMAWATI TATIK , WITONO JOKO R. , THOMAS DANIEL C.
Published: March 2019

N/A
A Tripole Pattern of Summertime Rainfall and the Teleconnections Linking Northern China to the Indian Subcontinent
Authors: Zhang Jie , Chen Haishan , Zhao Siwen
Published: March 2019

Because of the interactive margin between the East Asian summer monsoon and westerly circulation, summer rainfall in northern China (NC) exhibits high variability. By employing reanalysis data and geostationary satellite data from the Fengyun-2G (FY-2G) satellite and using the linear baroclinic model (LBM) and Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model, this study suggests a tripole pattern in summer rainfall over NC and the Indian subcontinent (IS) that is related to the Indian summer monsoon. The distributions of atmospheric circulation indicate three teleconnections: one is from the IS via the Indo-China Peninsula (ICP) and NC, enhancing the Pacific–Japan (PJ) pattern; another is from the IS via west-central Asia and NC, arousing a Eurasian wave pattern; and the third is an IS–TP–NC pattern via the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Those teleconnections modulate vorticity and atmospheric stability over NC. In addition, along with the circulation distribution related to those teleconnections, two pathways of moisture transport related to the IS rainfall are suggested, except for moisture transport via the Bay of Bengal: one is from the Indo-Pacific to NC due to enhancing cyclones over the Indo-Pacific and a PJ-like pattern; and another is from the IS to NC via the TP within the midtroposphere, which modulates midtroposphere moisture fluxes and atmospheric stability over NC. Both teleconnections and moisture transport result in anomalous rainfall over NC. This study reveals a new mechanism and pathway of the Indian summer monsoon impacting NC rainfall, possibly explaining the reason behind the high variability in NC rainfall.