bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Favorable Outcomes in FGFR Fusion-Positive Cholangiocarcinomas and Evolution on Treatment Noted on Circulating Tumor DNA Liquid Biopsies
Authors: Kasi Pashtoon Murtaza
Published: August 2020

Cholangiocarcinoma is a very heterogenous cancer and “target-rich” disease. While the current classifications are based on the anatomic location of these tumors (intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and gallbladder cancer), tumors within and across these disease groups have unique and often mutually exclusive molecular aberrations. Amongst these, fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusion is one of the first amongst the list of “actionable” targets for which the US Food and Drug Administration just approved pemigatinib. This is for patients with cholangiocarcinoma who have received prior treatment and have FGFR2 fusion or another rearrangement. This was based on the results from the clinical trial FIGHT-202 (NCT02924376). At present, several FGFR inhibitors are actively being tested in several agnostic and tumor-specific clinical trials. Patients also have had the opportunity of getting access to some of these oral drugs through compassionate use programs. As a consequence, these patients have more options in addition to chemotherapy. These all tend to have “good” initial responses and improvement in performance status and later “acquired” mechanisms of resistance. The latter tend to often be gatekeeper mutations that bypass the inhibitory effects of these selective FGFR inhibitors and/or cause steric hindrance. These tumors, therefore, evolve on selective pressure (temporal heterogeneity). This can be captured noninvasively using “liquid biopsies” (circulating tumor DNA testing). Here we present cases (several years into treatment on average) showing the feasibility of using liquid biopsies (ctDNA testing) as well as the gain and later potential loss of intratumoral and temporal heterogeneity exhibited under selective pressure of these novel FGFR inhibitors, chemotherapy and/or locoregional therapies. Despite limitations in sample size and provider bias, it is important to identify these “exceptional responders” and/or better outcomes that may be inherent to the biology of FGFR fusion-positive cholangiocarcinomas.
Feasibility of a Cognitive Training Game in Parkinson’s Disease: The Randomized Parkin’Play Study
Authors: van de Weijer Sjors C.F. , Duits Annelien A. , Bloem Bastiaan R. , de Vries Nienke M. , Kessels Roy P.C. , Köhler Sebastian , Tissingh Gerrit , Kuijf Mark L.
Published: August 2020

Cognitive training (CT) shows modest positive effects on cognitive function in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Gamification may enhance adherence to traditional CT, but this has not been studied yet. Here, we investigated the feasibility of a gamified CT. We performed a randomized controlled trial including PD patients with mild cognitive impairment. Participants were randomly allocated to a 12-week home-based gamified CT intervention or waiting-list control group. Assessments were performed at baseline and at weeks 12 and 24. Forty-one patients were included (21 intervention and 20 waiting-list controls). Sixty-three percent of the intervention group trained >50% of the recommended sessions, while 81% voluntarily continued training after 12 weeks. After 24 weeks, 87.5% graded the game to be satisfactory. Global cognition scores improved after 24 weeks. Home-based gamified CT shows acceptable feasibility in patients with PD, and we observed preliminary indications for efficacy. Larger trials are needed to establish this efficacy.
Periostin
Authors: Nie Xiaowei , Shen Chenyou , Tan Jianxin , Wu Zhiyuan , Wang Wei , Chen Yuan , Dai Youai , Yang Xusheng , Ye Shugao , Chen Jingyu , Bian Jin-Song
Published: August 2020

Rationale:

POSTN (Periostin) is an ECM (extracellular matrix) protein involved in tissue remodeling in response to injury and a contributing factor in tumorigenesis, suggesting that POSTN plays a role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Objective:

We aimed to gain insight into the mechanistic contribution of POSTN in experimental mouse models of PH and correlate these findings with PH in humans.

Methods and Results:

We used genetic epistasis approaches in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (hPAECs), human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, and experimental mouse models of PH (Sugen 5416/hypoxia or chronic hypoxia) to discern the role of POSTN and its relationship to HIF (hypoxia-inducible factor)-1α signaling. We found that POSTN expression was correlated with the extent of PH in mouse models and in humans. Decreasing POSTN improved hemodynamic and cardiac responses in PH mice, blunted the release of growth factors and HIF-1α, and reversed the downregulated BMPR (bone morphogenetic protein receptor)-2 expression in hPAECs from patients with PH, whereas increasing POSTIN had the opposite effects and induced a hyperproliferative and promigratory phenotype in both hPAECs and human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. Overexpression of POSTN-induced activation of HIFs and increased the production of ET (endothelin)-1 and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) in hPAECs. SiRNA-mediated knockdown of HIF-1α abolished the proangiogenic effect of POSTN. Blockade of TrkB (tyrosine kinase receptor B) attenuated the effect of POSTN on HIF-1α expression, while inhibition of HIF-1α reduced the expression of POSTN and TrkB. These results suggest that hPAECs produce POSTN via a HIF-1α-dependent mechanism.

Conclusions:

Our study reveals that POSTN expression is increased in human and animal models of PH and fosters PH development via a positive feedback loop between HIF-1α and POSTN during hypoxia. We propose that manipulating POSTIN expression may be an efficacious therapeutic target in the treatment of PH. Our results also suggest that POSTN may serve as a biomarker to estimate the severity of PH.
Underuse of Cardiovascular Medications in Individuals With Known Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease: HCHS/SOL
Authors: Hua Simin , Isasi Carmen R. , Kizer Jorge R. , Matsushita Kunihiro , Allison Matthew A. , Tarraf Wassim , Qi Qibin , Ponce Sonia G. , Daviglus Martha , Kaplan Robert C.
Published: August 2020

Background

Underuse of cardiovascular medications for secondary prevention among individuals with peripheral artery disease (PAD) has been reported. Little is known about PAD treatment status in the Hispanic/Latino population in the United States, who may have limited access to health care and who have worse clinical outcomes than non‐Hispanic individuals.

Methods and Results

We studied the use of cardiovascular therapies in 1244 Hispanic/Latino individuals recruited from 4 sites in the United States, including 826 individuals who reported diagnosis of PAD by physician and 418 individuals with coronary artery disease alone, in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. We compared the prevalence of using antiplatelet therapy, lipid‐lowering therapy and antihypertensive therapy by PAD and coronary artery disease status. Among those with PAD, we studied factors associated with taking cardiovascular medications, including demographic and socioeconomic factors, acculturation, access to health care and comorbidities, using multivariable regression models. The overall prevalence for individuals with PAD taking antiplatelet therapy, lipid‐lowering therapy and, among hypertensive individuals, antihypertensive therapy was 31%, 26% and 57%, respectively. Individuals of Mexican background had the lowest use for all classes of cardiovascular medications. Older age, number of doctor visits and existing hypertension and diabetes mellitus were significantly associated with taking cardiovascular therapies in adjusted models. Compared with those with PAD alone, individuals with PAD and concurrent coronary artery disease were 1.52 (95% CI, 1.20–1.93) and 1.74 (1.30–2.32) times more likely to use antiplatelet agents and statins according to multivariable analysis. No significant difference of antihypertensive medication use was found among PAD patients with or without coronary artery disease.

Conclusions

Hispanic/Latino individuals with known PAD underuse cardiovascular medications recommended in clinical guidelines. More efforts should be directed to improve treatment in this important group.
Coronary Flow Reserve in Patients With Prior Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection and Recurrent Angina
Authors: Sedlak Tara , Starovoytov Andrew , Humphries Karin , Saw Jacqueline
Published: August 2020

Background

A significant proportion of patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) have ongoing chronic chest pain despite healing of their dissection. We sought to determine whether coronary microvascular dysfunction contributes to post‐SCAD chronic chest pain by performing coronary reactivity testing in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Methods and Results

Eighteen patients consented to coronary reactivity testing at least 3 months post‐SCAD. Coronary flow reserve (CFR) and index of microcirculatory resistance were measured in the previously affected SCAD artery and 1 non‐SCAD artery. CFR <2.5 was defined as diagnostic of coronary microvascular dysfunction. An abnormal index of microcirculatory resistance was defined as >25 units. Seventeen women underwent coronary reactivity testing (1 had chronic dissection and was excluded). All presented with myocardial infarction and 2 underwent coronary stenting during the initial SCAD event. Fibromuscular dysplasia was present in 70.6% upon screening renal, iliac, and cerebrovascular arteries. Twelve patients (70.6%) had CFR <2.5 and 13 (76.5%) had an index of microcirculatory resistance >25 in at least 1 artery. There was no difference in the frequency of a low CFR measurement between SCAD and non‐SCAD arteries.

Conclusions

Among patients with chronic chest pain after an SCAD event, >70% had coronary microvascular dysfunction as indicated by abnormal CFR or index of microcirculatory resistance in at least 1 coronary artery on invasive coronary reactivity testing. Presence of coronary microvascular dysfunction in both SCAD and non‐SCAD arteries suggests that underlying microvascular abnormalities from vasculopathies such as coronary fibromuscular dysplasia may be the underlying etiology.
Blacks Are Less Likely to Present With Strokes During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Cummings Cori , Almallouhi Eyad , Al Kasab Sami , Spiotta Alejandro M. , Holmstedt Christine A.
Published: August 2020

Background and Purpose:

The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on stroke systems has not been systematically evaluated. Our study aims to investigate trends in telestroke consults during the pandemic.

Methods:

We did retrospective chart review of consecutive patients seen through a telestroke network in South Carolina from March 2019 to April 2020. We dichotomized patients to preCOVID-19 pandemic (March 2019 to February 2020) and during COVID-19 pandemic (March to April 2020).

Results:

A total of 5852 patients were evaluated during the study period, 613 (10.5%) were seen during the pandemic. The median number of weekly consults dropped from 112 to 77 during the pandemic,
P
=0.002. There was no difference in baseline features; however, Black patients were less likely to present with strokes during the pandemic (13.9% versus 29%,
P
≤0.002).

Conclusions:

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant drop in telestroke volume. The impact seems to disproportionately affect Black patients.
On the taxonomic status of the varieties of Chorizanthe angustifolia (Polygonaceae)

Authors: GOWEN DAVID , JOHNSON LEIGH A.
Published: August 2020

Chorizanthe angustifolia var. eastwoodiae was named by Goodman in 1934, but has since generally been ignored as a taxon. A limited number of C. angustifolia var. angustifolia collections available for comparison and lack of clearly defined characters differentiating the two varieties likely account for the taxonomic concept for C. angustifolia that rejects infraspecific taxa. Nevertheless, several characters previously unnoted in floristic literature distinguish var. angustifolia from var. eastwoodiae. Variety angustifolia is a yellow-green plant with straw-colored tepals that are narrow and long-pointed, and has 3 stamens per flower. Variety eastwoodiae is a pinkish plant with pink, rounded and often erose tepals, with 8–9 stamens per flower. Morphological differences and comparative DNA sequencing indicate the two varieties are better treated as separate species. A new combination (C. eastwoodiae comb. et stat. nov.) is proposed and typification of the name C. angustifolia is clarified. A comparison table of closely related Chorizanthe is provided.
Majewska, R. (2020) Tursiocola neliana sp. nov (Bacillariophyceae) epizoic on South African leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) and new observations on the genus Tursiocola. Phytotaxa 453 (1): 1–15.

Authors: MAJEWSKA ROKSANA
Published: August 2020

N/A
Erythropodium caribaeorum (Duchassaing and Michelotti, 1860) (Cnidaria: Alcyonacea), an additional alien coral in the Southwestern Atlantic
Authors: CARPINELLI ÁGATHA NASCIMENTO , CORDEIRO RALF TARCISO SILVA , NEVES LEONARDO MITRANO , DE MOURA RODRIGO LEÃO , KITAHARA MARCELO VISENTINI
Published: August 2020

Invasive species may compromise biodiversity and ecosystem services, and represent a steadily growing concern for coastal marine ecosystems. The marine aquarium trade (MAT) is the source of some of the world’s worst aquatic invasions, inflicting multimillion-dollar losses in infected regions. In the Southwestern Atlantic (SWA), two Indo-Pacific coral species were recently introduced as a result of the MAT and already dominate the substrate at the introduction site in Southeastern Brazil (Praia Vermelha, Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro State). Herein, based on morphological and molecular evidence, we report a Caribbean native coral species likely introduced by the MAT in Praia Vermelha, Erythropodium caribaeorum (Duchassaing & Michelotti 1860). While the eradication of coral species that already have a pest status in the SWA is unlikely, we propose that the eradication of the three species still contained to their introduction sites, including E. caribaeorum, is still feasible and depends on a rapid and integrated embracement of the task by core stakeholders. Priority actions for the regulation of MAT and hobbyism in Brazil are proposed.
Description of the adult and larva of Clunio balticus Heimbach, 1978 (Diptera, Chironomidae) from the seashore of Bergen (Norway)
Authors: MOUBAYED-BREIL JOEL , MICHAILOVA P.
Published: August 2020

The male and female adult and larva of Clunio balticus Heimbach, 1978 are diagnosed and described based on reared material, which was collected in the marine littoral zone along the coast of Bergen (Norway). Male and female adults and larvae of C. balticus can be easily distinguished from other known European Clunio species on the basis of some atypical features found in the male and female adults and fourth instar larvae. The biological cycle (reproduction and emergence) of C. balticus is a slight semilunar-periodic synchronization on days near the high tides. C. balticus is a local biogeographic representative of the northern Atlantic coast, which includes the eastern and western seashores. Remarks on related known Clunio species from Europe with comments on the ecology and geographical distribution of C. balticus are given.
On the identity of the poorly known pea crab, Pinnothera obesa Dana, 1852, and description of a new species of Arcotheres Manning, 1993 from the Southwest Pacific (Decapoda: Brachyura: Pinnotheridae)
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI , KAWAI KEI , NG PETER K.L.
Published: August 2020

The pinnotherid crab, Pinnothera obesa Dana, 1852, was originally described on the basis of material from Fiji, but its taxonomic status has long been obscure because the original description and figures are too brief and schematic by modern standards and the types are also lost. Examination of newly collected material from Fiji revealed the presence of two intertidal pinnotherid species assignable to the genus Arcotheres Manning, 1993, one of which is herein identified with Dana’s taxon. A neotype is designated for Arcotheres obesus n. comb. in the interest of nomenclatural stability, and a detailed redescription is given. Arcotheres obesus is morphologically similar to A. exiguus (Bürger, 1895) and A. rotundatus (Bürger, 1895), and differentiating characters are discussed. The species is also reported from Peninsular Malaysia. The second species is new to science, here described as Arcotheres ocularius, and is most similar to A. palaensis (Bürger, 1895) and A. arcophilus (Bürger, 1895). The new species is also recorded from Lombok, Indonesia. Arcotheres obesus and A. ocularius n. sp. are associated with bivalve mollusks of the genera Gafrarium spp. (Veneridae) and Anadara spp. (Arcidae), respectively.
A new species and southernmost record of Cestrus Townes (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cryptinae)
Authors: SUPELETO FERNANDA A. , SANTOS BERNARDO F. , AGUIAR ALEXANDRE P.
Published: August 2020

Cestrus itatiensis sp. nov., from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, is described and illustrated. This is the southernmost record for the genus and the first record in Brazil. The new species is characterized by having the body reddish brown; a narrow yellow stripe along eye margin on supra-clypeal area, reaching briefly the supra-antennal area; transverse carina of propodeum complete and stout; postpetiole and T2–8 progressively dark brown towards apical margin in a somewhat triangular pattern; and apex of dorsal valve of ovipositor with nine distinct teeth. Extensive sampling suggest this is a rare species.
Observed Sensitivity of Low-Cloud Radiative Effects to Meteorological Perturbations over the Global Oceans
Authors: Scott Ryan C. , Myers Timothy A. , Norris Joel R. , Zelinka Mark D. , Klein Stephen A. , Sun Moguo , Doelling David R.
Published: August 2020

Understanding how marine low clouds and their radiative effects respond to changing meteorological conditions is crucial to constrain low-cloud feedbacks to greenhouse warming and internal climate variability. In this study, we use observations to quantify the low-cloud radiative response to meteorological perturbations over the global oceans to shed light on physical processes governing low-cloud and planetary radiation budget variability in different climate regimes. We assess the independent effect of perturbations in sea surface temperature, estimated inversion strength, horizontal surface temperature advection, 700-hPa relative humidity, 700-hPa vertical velocity, and near-surface wind speed. Stronger inversions and stronger cold advection greatly enhance low-level cloudiness and planetary albedo in eastern ocean stratocumulus and midlatitude regimes. Warming of the sea surface drives pronounced reductions of eastern ocean stratocumulus cloud amount and optical depth, and hence reflectivity, but has a weaker and more variable impact on low clouds in the tropics and middle latitudes. By reducing entrainment drying, higher free-tropospheric relative humidity enhances low-level cloudiness. At low latitudes, where cold advection destabilizes the boundary layer, stronger winds enhance low-level cloudiness; by contrast, wind speed variations have weak influence at midlatitudes where warm advection frequently stabilizes the marine boundary layer, thus inhibiting vertical mixing. These observational constraints provide a framework for understanding and evaluating marine low-cloud feedbacks and their simulation by models.
Callous-Unemotional Traits Among Children and Adolescents in Asian Cultures: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sng Khai Imm , Hawes David J. , Hwang Suhlim , Allen Jennifer L. , Fung Daniel S. S.
Published: August 2020

Considerable evidence now exists for callous and unemotional (CU) traits as markers for a high-risk pathway to child and adolescent conduct problems implicating unique risk processes and treatment needs, but research has been limited largely to Western countries. We review the evidence base related to CU traits in Asian countries that has emerged in recent years, with respect to four key questions. Specifically, are higher CU traits among Asian children and adolescents associated with (1) increased severity of conduct problems; (2) similar neurodevelopmental and neurocognitive correlates as reported in Western countries; (3) similar environmental risk factors as reported in Western countries; and (4) poorer treatment outcomes? A systematic search identified 28 studies that have reported on child and adolescent CU traits in Asian countries. Consistent with Western samples, CU traits were associated with individual risk factors including atypical neural activation during cognitive tasks and poor empathy, as well as parenting risk factors. CU traits were also positively associated with most measures of conduct problems. Differences from findings in Western samples, however, emerged for areas such as correlates of reactive aggression and delinquent peer influence. Treatment has been investigated in only one study to date and is therefore a high priority for future research. The limitations of existing evidence are addressed along with key directions for future cross-cultural research, including measurement research with children and adolescents.
A Socioeconomic Edge Effect: Rational Crime in Small Areas of Sharp Socioeconomic Contrast
Authors: Heinzeroth Robert Drew
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

To determine whether criminogenic “edges,” as defined by crime pattern theory, exist at points of sharp contrast of socioeconomic status (SES).

Methods:

The study uses a quasi-experimental design with pattern matching logic. A series of negative binomial regression models separately examine five different crimes with an economic incentive as dependent variables, and five crimes without an economic incentive as nonequivalent dependent variables, to determine whether census block groups of predominantly and comparatively higher SES than the wider surrounding area experience greater reported rational crime than would otherwise be expected.

Results:

The census block groups of comparatively higher SES located within and/or near areas of predominantly lower SES experienced one of the five crimes with an economic incentive, robberies by firearm, 40 percent more frequently than would otherwise be expected.

Conclusions:

The study’s findings are partially consistent with its hypothesis, which is grounded in crime pattern, rational choice, routine activities, and social disorganization theories. The findings encourage future research that may extend the definition of an “edge” under crime pattern theory as well as research at the intersection of criminological theories.
Military and Civilian Field–Related Factors in Estonian Reservists’ Military Service Readiness
Authors: Laanepere Taavi , Kasearu Kairi
Published: August 2020

The military service readiness of reserve soldiers is an essential question for countries that rely mostly on reserve units for their defense or other operational needs. This study examines how forms of capital related to the military and civilian fields are associated with the military service readiness of reservists. Survey data were obtained from 396 Estonian reservists during the 2018 Hedgehog exercise. Reservists’ military service readiness (RMSR) was studied first with respect to military field–related factors, and in the next phase civilian field linked factors are included. In a military field, cultural, social, and symbolic capital have a positive influence on RMSR. However, if civilian field–related social and economic capital is included, some military capitals would lose their effect. Study outcomes are discussed considering Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of the forms of capital.
Surrogacy as a Family Project: How Surrogates Articulate Familial Identity and Belonging
Authors: Teman Elly , Berend Zsuzsa
Published: August 2020

This paper explores how surrogates negotiate the meaning of familial belonging and family identity when they discuss surrogacy with their husband, children, and other relatives. We suggest that surrogacy necessitates reflexive explication of what a family is and how this family is implicated in surrogacy. Our comparative study analyzes ethnographic data on Israeli and US surrogates to illuminate key similarities in surrogates’ strategies vis-a-vis their husband and children, pointing to the importance of daily family practices in how people understand family belonging. First, we map out the ways surrogates engage their husbands in order to gain their support and protect their nuclear family unit before entering the process. Next, we look at how surrogates explain surrogacy to their children in efforts to clarify siblingship and the boundaries between the two families, and to make surrogacy into an educational family project. We analyze the metaphors and rituals in surrogates’ family-bounding practices.
An Umbrella Review of Qualitative Research on Teen Mothering
Authors: SmithBattle Lee , Punsuwun Sasinun , Phengnum Wisitsri
Published: August 2020

The sheer volume of qualitative research on teen mothering over three decades has generated numerous scientific reviews. This umbrella review synthesizes the findings of these reviews and describes the utility of this evidence for improving clinical practice and policy. A comprehensive search of six electronic databases performed through October 2019 yielded 17 articles from 15 independent reviews. Data were extracted and key findings were synthesized to yield the following paradox: mothering has the potential for transforming and redirecting teens’ lives in positive ways because of, and despite, difficult childhoods, constricted pathways to adulthood, fragile partner relationships, social inequities, and stigma. By bringing visibility to the paradox that teen mothering simultaneously transforms and imperils, this review extends the science on teen mothering and enhances the generalizability and utility of small-scale qualitative studies for reframing practice, policy, and behavioral interventions.
Caregivers of Persons with Diverse Health Conditions: Demographics and Burden of Care
Authors: Zauszniewski Jaclene A. , Lekhak Nirmala , Herbell Kayla , Badr Hanan
Published: August 2020

Although caregiver identity theory asserts there is no single generic caregiver identity, comparisons on demographic characteristics and burden of care have not been made among caregivers of persons with various health conditions. Using social media to access study participants, this cross-sectional study of 234 family caregivers of persons with various health conditions examined their demographic characteristics (age, gender, and race/ethnicity) and burden of care (daily care hours and caregiving years) using online data collection. Nine groups of caregivers were formed by the care recipient’s health condition. Caregiver groups were similar in gender (95% women) and race/ethnicity (88% white), and differed on age (F=4.74; p<.001) daily care hours, and caregiving years (F’s=2.76 and 2.84; p<.01). The findings suggest that caution is needed when recruiting caregivers through social media as the sample may not represent all caregivers. However, differences by care recipient condition on age and burden of care warrant further consideration.
Immaterial Empires: France and Spain in the Americas, 1860s and 1920s
Authors: Cano Gaël Sánchez , Rosa Lorente Miquel de la
Published: August 2020

Imperial expansion in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries has been largely studied as a military and economic phenomenon. According to the widely accepted narrative, European empires expanded their power across the world following different ‘formal’ (direct) and ‘informal’ (indirect) strategies. This article argues that, beyond material forms of conquest and effective domination, empires also implemented their rule through the use of immateriality. We explore this phenomenon through a transnational and diachronic comparison of the cases of France in the 1860s and Spain in the 1920s. Both examples suggest that such notions as ‘civilization’, ‘race’, ‘spirit’, and ‘greatness’ not only underpinned the imaginary and the conceptualization of empire, but also actively produced powerful ‘immaterial’ means of domination, expansion, and influence. This work’s methodological approach relies on the conviction that concepts and significations are an integral part of politics. France and Spain did not have empires in Latin America in the periods under study, but they were imagined as being imperial powers in the Americas. This crafted an imperial mind-set that complemented the formal and informal imperial practices that France in the 1860s and Spain in the 1920s were undertaking in other parts of the world. We focus on intellectual and political projects and on practices of cultural diplomacy as two manifestations of these immaterial empires. By virtue of these projects and policies, French and Spanish leaders managed to create an image of France and Spain as deserving their ‘natural’ important place in the global scene. Immateriality served as an instrument to counterbalance the growth of competing powers, namely the United States, which, in the 1860s as well as the 1920s, was seen as a dangerous competitor in the so-called Western hemisphere. In this way, notions of Latinity and Hispanity competed with each other and, at the same time, targeted the ‘Anglo-Saxon’, ‘racial’, and ‘spiritual’ competitor.
Romania and the Beginning of CMEA Controversies over a Common Trade Policy Towards the EEC, 1969–1972
Authors: Dragomir Elena
Published: August 2020

This article examines Romania’s opposition to the attempts of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CMEA) in the early 1970s to adopt a common trade policy towards the European Economic Community (EEC). The article covers the period between 1969, when the CMEA embarked on negotiations regarding the deepening of the intra-bloc cooperation and integration, and 1 January 1973, which is the date marking the end of the derogations that the Eastern European states received with regard to the implementation of the EEC’s Common Commercial Policy. The article focuses on Romania’s reasons and tactics of opposition, but it also outlines its views with regard to the EEC, in general, and the CMEA-EEC relations, in particular. Corroborated by findings involving studies in other Eastern European archives, this article will help to create a better understanding of the CMEA debates on integration, on the CMEA-EEC relations, in general, and on Romania’s opposition to the CMEA’s intended common policy towards the EEC, in particular.
Did you save some cash for a rainy COVID-19 day? The crisis and SMEs
Authors: Cowling Marc , Brown Ross , Rocha Augusto
Published: August 2020

As COVID-19 spreads across the globe, a common public policy response has been to enforce the temporary closure of non-essential business activity. In some countries, governments have underwritten a proportion of the wage income for staff forced to furlough or broadened their welfare systems to accommodate newly laid off workers or small business owners. While these actions are helpful, they do not explicitly address the lack of sales trading activity on business income and cash balances. In commentary, we identify what types of businesses have been increasing their cash holdings in the lead up to COVID-19 as an indication of what types of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are most at risk if the lockdown extends for a protracted period of time. We find that only 39% of the of businesses were bolstering their cash balances leading up to COVID-19 which suggests that 61% of businesses may run out of cash, including 8.6% that had no retained earnings whatsoever with micro firms at particular risk. The importance of precautionary saving for SMEs is critical to enhance resilience when Black Swan events occur.
Right watershed cerebral infarction following neck cannulation for veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in pediatric septic shock: a case series
Authors: Chenouard Alexis , Toulgoat Frédérique , Rolland Anne , Liet Jean-Michel , Maminirina Pierre , Joram Nicolas , Bourgoin Pierre
Published: August 2020

Children supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation present a high risk of neurological complications. Although carotid cannulation is known to be associated with neurologic injury, conflicting data exist with regard to the predominance of right- or left-sided lesions. We describe here two infants requiring veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for septic shock who encountered right watershed infarction ipsilateral to carotid artery cannulation. Hemodynamic failure seems to be the most probable underlying mechanism. The asymmetry of transcranial Doppler metrics in one case and the low right regional cerebral oxygen saturation value observed soon after right cannulation in both cases suggest an insufficient cerebral collateral flow compensation. The risk of ipsilateral watershed injury should be considered before cervical cannulation, notably in the context of sepsis and an evaluation of the cerebral collateral blood flow before and just after cannulation may be interesting in order to identify infants with higher risk of ipsilateral ischemic lesions.
Acute isotonic hyponatremia after single dose histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate cardioplegia: an observational study
Authors: van Houte Joris , Bindels Alexander J , Houterman Saskia , Dong Phi Vu , den Ouden Monique , de Bock Nina E , Verberkmoes Niels J , Curvers Joyce , Bouwman Arthur R
Published: August 2020

Introduction:

Histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate cardioplegia is used for prolonged myocardial protection in complex cardiac surgery. Administration leads to acute hyponatremia in a majority of patients, because of its low sodium concentration (15 mmol/L). However, histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate solution’s osmolality is slightly hypertonic (310 mOsm/kg). Hypothesized was that acute isotonic hyponatremia will be induced, which does not need to be corrected with hypertonic saline.

Methods:

Cardiac surgery patients who received histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate cardioplegia were included in this prospective single center study. Serial blood samples were taken from each patient at five different time points: after induction of anesthesia (T1) and 10 minutes (T2), 6 hours (T3), 12 hours (T4), and 18 hours (T5) after administration of histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate cardioplegia, respectively. Blood samples were analyzed for sodium concentration, osmolality, and acid-base balance.

Results:

Twenty-five patients were included. Median blood sodium levels decreased from 140 [138-141] at T1 to 128 [125-130] mmol/L at T2 (p < 0.001). At T3, T4, and T5, median blood sodium concentrations were 136 [134-138], 139 [137-140], and 140 [137-142] mmol/L, respectively. Median osmolality was 289 [286-293] at T1 and increased to 296 [291-299] mOsm/kg (p < 0.001) at T2. At T3, T4, and T5, osmolality was 298 [292-302], 298 [294-304], and 300 [297-306] mOsm/kg, respectively. Median pH decreased from 7.38 [7.36-7.40] at T1 to 7.30 [7.27-7.32] at T2 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Administration of histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate cardioplegia during cardiac surgery leads to acute moderate to severe isotonic hyponatremia, which resolves spontaneously in the first 18 hours perioperatively. Correction with hypertonic saline is not necessary.
Is code law? Current legal and technical adoption issues and remedies for blockchain-enabled smart contracts
Authors: Drummer Daniel , Neumann Dirk
Published: August 2020

Blockchain technology has enabled so-called smart contracts between different parties on a decentralized network. These self-enforceable and self-executable computerized contracts could initiate a fundamental paradigm shift in the understanding and functioning of our legal practices. Opportunities for their application are increasingly understood, and numerous tests of feasibility have been completed. However, only very few use cases have yet been implemented at scale. This article—as the first of its kind—comprehensively analyzes the underlying challenges and locates a key reason for the slow adoption in the discrepancy between legal requirements and IT capabilities. Our work combines a wide range of academic sources and interviews with 30 domain experts from IT, the legal domain and private industry. First, we establish that smart contracts still fall within the boundaries of the general legal framework. We then systematically dissect current shortcomings of smart contracts on three distinct levels, namely, (1) how smart contracts are likely to cause conflicts with existing laws, (2) how smart contracts are intrinsically limited on an individual contract level and (3) how they are impeded by their current technical design. Across those levels, we dissect 20 distinct issues concerning the current implementation of smart contracts for which we derive potential remedies. We further outline implications for policy-makers as well as IT management, and examine how information systems research can play an important role in advancing smart contracts. Finally, we show how managerial and organizational issues might represent an ongoing challenge for the widespread adoption of smart contracts.
Assessment of Factors Affecting Measurement Accuracy for High-Quality Weigh-in-Motion Sites in the Long-Term Pavement Performance Database
Authors: Haider Syed Waqar , Masud Muhamad Munum , Selezneva Olga , Wolf Dean J.
Published: August 2020

Weigh-in-motion (WIM) is a primary technology used for monitoring and collecting vehicle weights and axle loads on roadways. Highway agencies collect WIM data for many reasons, including highway planning, pavement and bridge design, freight movement studies, motor vehicle enforcement, and regulatory studies. Therefore, the data collected at WIM systems must be accurate and represent actual field loadings. Several factors or field conditions can affect the WIM system accuracy (i.e., measurement error). The potential site-related factors include road geometry, pavement stiffness, pavement surface distresses, road roughness, and climate. The WIM calibration and equipment-related factors may include sensor type and array, calibration speed and speed points, and sensors’ age. The WIM data for Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) research-quality sites were considered to estimate benchmark accuracies for different sensors and evaluate the effects of different factors on WIM measurement errors. These are the 35 sites with WIM calibration data that meet the ASTM E1318-09 error tolerances for Type I WIM systems and are consistently calibrated using the LTPP protocol with a complete set of supporting data about WIM site performance and WIM site conditions. The data for the LTPP research-quality sites showed that for the sensor arrays utilized, the best achievable total errors based on GVW are ±5% for load cell (LC), ±9% for bending plate (BP), and ±9.8% for the quartz piezo (QP) sensors. These accuracy levels for different sensor types provide highway agencies with the benchmark values demonstrating the practically achievable accuracy of WIM measurements after calibration for different WIM sensor types. Based on available data, WIM sensor accuracy can be significantly affected by climate, especially for QP and polymer piezo sensors. Also, the longitudinal roadway slope at a WIM site, sensor array, and speed points may significantly affect the WIM system accuracy.
Vertebral Fractures: Which Radiological Criteria Are Better Associated With the Clinical Course of Osteoporosis?
Authors: Lentle Brian C. , Berger Claudie , Brown Jacques P. , Probyn Linda , Langsetmo Lisa , Hammond Ian , Hu Jeff , Leslie William D. , Prior Jerilynn C. , Hanley David A. , Adachi Jonathan D. , Josse Robert G. , Cheung Angela M. , Kaiser Stephanie M. , Towheed Tanveer , Kovacs Christopher S. , Wong Andy Kin On , Goltzman David
Published: August 2020

Study Purpose:

Morphometric methods categorize potential osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF) on the basis of loss of vertebral height. A particular example is the widely used semiquantitative morphometric tool proposed by Genant (GSQ). A newer morphologic algorithm-based qualitative (mABQ) tool focuses on vertebral end-plate damage in recognizing OVF. We used data from both sexes in the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos) to compare the 2 methods in identifying OVF at baseline and during 10 years of follow-up.

Materials and Methods:

We obtained lateral thoracic and lumbar spinal radiographs (T4-L4) 3 times, at 5-year intervals, in 828 participants of the population-based CaMos. Logistic regressions were used to study the association of 10-year changes in bone mineral density (BMD) with incident fractures.

Results:

At baseline, 161 participants had grade 1 and 32 had grade 2 GSQ OVF; over the next 10 years, only 9 of these participants had sustained incident GSQ OVF. Contrastingly, 21 participants at baseline had grade 1 and 48 grade 2 mABQ events; over the next 10 years, 79 subjects experienced incident grade 1 or grade 2 mABQ events. Thus, incident grades 1 and 2 morphologic fractures were 8 times more common than morphometric deformities alone. Each 10-year decrease of 0.01 g/cm2 in total hip BMD was associated with a 4.1% (95% CI: 0.7-7.3) higher odds of having an incident vertebral fracture.

Conclusions:

This analysis further suggests that morphometric deformities and morphologic fractures constitute distinct entities; morphologic fractures conform more closely to the expected epidemiology of OVF.
Randomized Controlled Trial: Cognitive-Narrative Therapy for IPV Victims
Authors: Moreira André , Moreira Ana Cristina , Rocha José Carlos
Published: August 2020

The objective is to test the efficacy of cognitive-narrative therapy in the treatment of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex posttraumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) and borderline symptoms on a sample of women who suffered from intimate partner violence (IPV). Trial design is a longitudinal randomized controlled trial with a sample of 19 battered women allocated in two groups, a control group and treatment group, assessed twice at baseline before intervention, and at follow-up. The outcome measures were the Patient Health Questionnaire, International Trauma Questionnaire, PTSD and CPTSD Diagnostic Interview Schedule for International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-11, Conjugal Violence Exposure Scale (CVES), Life Events Checklist and Intervention Program Satisfaction Assessment Instrument. The treatment group received a four-session cognitive-narrative manualized intervention. There were no statistically significant differences between groups at baseline and follow-up, however, positive effect sizes ranging between 0.04 and 0.43 were found in depression, PTSD, and borderline, as well in some CPTSD dimensions when analyzing baseline-follow-up deltas between groups. There was also a negative effect size of –0.28 in the CPTSD total. This intervention is effective in the treatment of depression, PTSD and borderline and is an important tool in the treatment of these disorders.
State and Local Government Pension Funding on the Eve of the COVID-19 Recession
Authors: Kilgour John G.
Published: August 2020

This article examines the funding of public pension plans through 2019. Particular attention is paid to the impact of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board’s Standard No. 68. It addressed (1) discount rates, (2) amortization periods, (3) asset valuation and smoothing, and (4) the actuarial cost method used. The combined effect of these measures has been to increase the amount of public pension underfunding significantly. The actuarial funded ratio of the 126 plans in the Public Plans Database went from 101.9 in 2001 to 71.9 in 2019, on the eve of the COVID-19 recession. It will no doubt continue to worsen in the years ahead. The extent of that likely worsening is also explored.
The Puzzle of Punitive Memory Laws: New Insights into the Origins and Scope of Punitive Memory Laws
Authors: Bachmann Klaus , Lyubashenko Igor , Garuka Christian , Baranowska Grażyna , Pavlaković Vjeran
Published: August 2020

In recent years and decades, authoritarian regimes and illiberal democracies have passed and enforced punitive memory laws, intending to ban certain interpretations of past events or sheltering official versions of history against challenges. This comes as no surprise in countries whose governments undermine pluralism and assume the existence of a historical truth that is stable over time, invariable, and self-explanatory. But why do liberal democracies, committed to political pluralism and open debate, pass laws that penalize challenges to certain interpretations of the past and restrict freedom of speech? This article argues that liberal democracies may do so yielding to bottom–up pressure by courts and to regulate civil law disputes for which existing legislation and jurisprudence may not suffice. Based on case studies from Germany, France, Switzerland, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, Rwanda, and the former Yugoslavia, we also found punitive memory laws in liberal democracies narrower and more precise than in nonliberal states.
Research on wind buffeting noise characteristics of a vehicle based on ILRN and DES-ILRN methods
Authors: Yu Anqian , Yi Yang , Gu Zhengqi , Zheng Ledian , Han Zhengtong , Hu Hongbo , Liu Zhuangzhi
Published: August 2020

In view of the unsatisfactory calculation accuracy of common turbulence models, two improved models, called improved low-Reynolds number (ILRN) k− ε and Detached EddySimulation (DES)-ILRN are proposed. Basing on the low-Reynolds number (LRN k− ε) turbulence model in this paper, revised concepts include the introduction of turbulence time scale, eddy viscosity coefficient limitation concept and separation perception model. Otherwise, the DES model is improved by introducing the ILRN model. The accuracy of the two models is validated through wind tunnel test. Then, the wind buffeting noise from rear windows is received by ILRN and DES-ILRN turbulence models, and the obtained results are compared with the road test. The accuracy of ILRN and DES-ILRN turbulence models in calculating wind buffeting noise of a real vehicle is validated by experiment. ILRN and DES-ILRN models are applied to research the wind buffeting noise, and good calculation results are obtained. They are promising methods to solve wind buffeting noise problems.