bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Predicting Flood Event Peak Discharge in Ungauged Basins by Learning Universal Hydrological Behaviors with Machine Learning
Authors: Sanjay Potdar Akhil , Kirstetter Pierre-Emmanuel , Woods Devon , Saharia Manabendra
Published: August 2021

In the hydrological sciences, the outstanding challenge of regional modeling requires to capture common and event-specific hydrologic behaviors driven by rainfall spatial variability and catchment physiography during floods. The overall objective of this study is to develop robust understanding and predictive capability of how rainfall spatial variability influences flood peak discharge relative to basin physiography. A machine learning approach is used on a high-resolution dataset of rainfall and flooding events spanning 10 years, with rainfall events and basins of widely varying characteristics selected across the continental United States. It overcomes major limitations in prior studies that were based on limited observations or hydrological model simulations. This study explores first-order dependencies in the relationships between peak discharge, rainfall variability, and basin physiography, and it sheds light on these complex interactions using a multi-dimensional statistical modeling approach. Amongst different machine learning techniques, XGBoost is used to determine the significant physiographical and rainfall characteristics that influence peak discharge through variable importance analysis. A parsimonious model with low bias and variance is created which can be deployed in the future for flash flood forecasting. The results confirm that although the spatial organization of rainfall within a basin has a major influence on basin response, basin physiography is the primary driver of peak discharge. These findings have unprecedented spatial and temporal representativeness in terms of flood characterization across basins. An improved understanding of sub-basin scale rainfall spatial variability will aid in robust flash flood characterization as well as with identifying basins which could most benefit from distributed hydrologic modeling.
An Exploration of the Heterogeneous Nature of Reading Comprehension Development in First Grade: The Impact of Word and Meaning Skills
Authors: Solari Emily J. , Grimm Ryan P. , Henry Alyssa R.
Published: August 2021

This exploratory study builds upon extant reading development studies by identifying discrete groups based on reading comprehension trajectories across first grade. The main goal of this study was to enhance the field’s understanding of early reading comprehension development and its underlying subcomponent skills, with the intent of better understanding the development of comprehension in students who display risk for reading difficulties and disabilities. A sample of first-grade readers ( N = 314) were assessed at three timepoints across the first-grade year. These data were utilized to derive empirical latent classes based on reading comprehension performance across the first-grade year. Reading subcomponent skill assessments (phonological awareness, word reading, decoding, linguistic comprehension, and reading fluency), measured in the fall of first grade, were compared across latent classes to examine how they related to growth across the first-grade year. Results suggest that there were four distinct latent classes with differential reading comprehension development, each of which could also be distinguished by the subskill assessments. These findings are presented within the context of the broader reading research base, and implications for practice are discussed.
A colored petri net-based modeling method for supply chain inventory management
Authors: Drakaki Maria , Tzionas Panagiotis
Published: August 2021

Supply chain planning and control approaches need to include a wide range of factors in order to optimize production. Supply chain simulation modeling has been identified as a potential methodology toward increasing the efficiency of current systems to this end. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of inventory management decisions on supply chain performance using a Colored Petri Net based simulation modeling method. The presented method uses hierarchical timed Colored Petri Nets to model inventory management in a multi-stage serial supply chain, under normal operating conditions, and under the presence of disruptions, for both traditional and information sharing configurations. Disruptions are introduced as canceled orders and canceled deliveries, in a time period. Supply chain performance has been evaluated, in the context of order variance amplification and stockout amplification. Validation of the method is done by comparing results obtained for the bullwhip effect with published literature results, as well as by state space analysis results.
Repositioning Disability in Children’s Picture Books Through Classroom Read-Alouds
Authors: Prince Angela M. T. , Hayden H. Emily
Published: August 2021

Students with disabilities represent an increasing percentage of students in general education classrooms. Yet, in early elementary grades, they may not see themselves represented in picture books. Teachers face many challenges in this issue, including choosing and evaluating books. In this article, we provide six questions to guide teachers' evaluations of picture books. We also recommend the use of these books in class read alouds that meet Common Core State Standards, and provide a guide for using these books to monitor a student's progress toward mastery of individualized education program (IEP) goals.
Dalit Women’s Narratives on Sexual Violence: Reflections on Indian Society and State
Authors: Pandey Ajit Kumar , Mishra V. N.
Published: August 2021

Sexual violence generally leaves a mark on historical records only if such incidents come to trial. Today’s experience suggests that only a fraction of such cases have ever reached the courts in the past; and even in those cases, the evidence that survives is far from the whole story. This neglect reflects the way sexual violence against women has been so easily waved aside, mainly by men, as a marginal event, a private catastrophe doubtless, but one of little historical significance for such criminals have been generally considered as sex maniacs. Also, ingrained misogynistic caricaturing of women has always allowed people to trivialise rape and render it titillating to the pornographic imagination. It is therefore suggested that such stereotypes in turn infect the way men have written history. A major achievement of feminist history, particularly in the post-structuralist debate, has been to end this neglect and challenge this trivialisation. Drawing upon post-structuralist feminists and Indian writings, this study examines sexual violence that forms a common theme in the daily lives of numerous dalit women in India.
Religious and Spiritual Growth Goals: A Forgotten Outcome
Authors: Patrick Julie Hicks , Carney Amy Knepple , Ebert Alexandria R.
Published: August 2021

Religious and spiritual (R/S) growth goals have been forgotten among self-improvement goals. We used social cognitive theory, useful in other domains of self-improvement, to study R/S goals. Data from 350 adults ( Mage = 40.5, SD = 14.6) were used to examine the relations among age, gender, social interactions, and commitment to R/S goals and physical activity goals. Results of the path analysis, X2 (DF = 2, N = 350) = 9.91, p < .01, showed similar contributions of positive social interactions to persistence on both goals. Differences between the two outcomes included a direct effect of age ( β = .18), dissatisfaction with negative social interactions ( β = .12), and satisfaction with positive social exchanges ( β = .15) on persistence on R/S goals. Only positive social exchanges ( β = .31) related to physical activity goals. The results are discussed in terms of the feasibility of applying goal-striving frameworks to the examination of R/S growth goals.
Remembering the Positive and Negative: Affective Themes as Predictors of Psychological Well-Being Across Adulthood
Authors: Corcoran Frederique , Alea Nicole
Published: August 2021

The current study explored the link between psychological well-being (PWB; self-acceptance, personal growth, and purpose in life) and affective themes, including redemption (positive endings for negative events), contamination (negative endings for positive events), and positive and negative affect (no change in affect) in the life stories of Caribbean adults ranging in age from 19 to 78 ( N = 105). How often the memory narrative was rehearsed, and whether or not the theme emerged after being cued in content-coded life story low, high, and turning point scenes were also considered. Affective theme alone did not predict PWB; however, when considering age, rehearsal, and cue, redemption and positive affect predicted personal growth. More work should cue meaning-making in specific ways for different age groups in order to understand why there were no associations for middle-aged adults. Efforts should also be made to understand cross-cultural differences in life stories and PWB.
Logic and Effectiveness of Urban Tree Preservation: A Comparative Case Study of Charlotte and San Antonio
Authors: Romero Francine S.
Published: August 2021

While most U.S. cities have a tree protection policy, the subsequent impact on the reduction of canopy loss is unclear. To rectify this, I utilize a theoretically grounded framework of influence comprised of clear identification of the problem/public support, adequate resources, and sound policy logic. This is then tested in a comparative case study of Charlotte, North Carolina, and San Antonio, Texas. While Charlotte benefits from public recognition of the problem and adequate resources, its regulations are weak, lacking a logical connection to aspirational outcomes. San Antonio's regulations are stronger, but combined with weaker problem identification and resources. Through quantitative and qualitative assessments, I find that San Antonio's strict regulations may have stabilized loss rates, while Charlotte's weaker rules have not. Results highlight the importance of policy logic over other commonly suggested determinants of natural resource protection.
Large intrathoracic lipoblastoma
Authors: Safavi Moeinadin , Akhlaghi Narges , Ashjaei Bahar
Published: August 2021

Lipoblastoma is a rare benign tumor of primitive white fat in children, which usually involves the trunk and extremities. It rarely involves retroperitoneum, head, neck, and mediastinum. Herein, the authors introduce a rare presentation of lipoblastoma as a large intrathoracic mass.
A national Swedish case-control study investigating incidence and factors associated with idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Sundholm Anna , Burkill Sarah , Waldenlind Elisabet , Bahmanyar Shahram , Nilsson Remahl A Ingela M
Published: August 2021

Objective

To study the incidence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension in Sweden and to explore whether previously proposed risk factors are associated with idiopathic intracranial hypertension by investigating the odds of exposure one year prior to diagnosis in patients compared to controls.

Methods

Using Swedish health care registers and validated diagnostic algorithms, idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients diagnosed between 2000–2016 were compared with randomly selected matched controls, five from the general population and five with obesity.

Results

We identified 902 idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients and 4510 matched individuals in each control group. Mean incidence among inhabitants ≥18 years of age was 0.71 per 100,000; rising from 0.53 in 2000–2005 to 0.95 in 2012–2016. There were increased odds for idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients compared to general population for exposure to: kidney failure (odds ratio =13.2 (4.1–42.0)), arterial hypertension (odds ratio =17.5 (10.5–29.3)), systemic lupus erythematosus (odds ratio =13.8 (4.3–44.7)), tetracyclines, sulphonamides, lithium, and corticosteroids. In obese controls, odds ratios were also significantly increased for these exposures. Hormonal contraceptive use and exposure to pregnancy did not appear to be associated factors for idiopathic intracranial hypertension development.

Conclusions

The incidence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension in Sweden is lower relative to reports from other countries but is on the rise. This case-control study confirms several previously reported risk factors associated with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
Micturition-triggered severe headache associated with bladder paraganglioma: A case report
Authors: Liu Yonghui , Wei Tianlu
Published: August 2021

Background

Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors, especially in the bladder. Although many paragangliomas are non-functional, functioning paragangliomas present with many non-specific signs and symptoms, such as hypertension and headache, complicating their diagnosis. Here, we report a case of micturition-induced severe headache associated with a bladder paraganglioma. Case description: This report describes a severe headache disorder triggered by micturition and associated with a bladder paraganglioma in a middle-aged woman. Her pain occurred consistently after micturition, beginning from the left side of the nose and gradually extended to the forehead and the parietal and occipital regions. The headaches lasted 5–10 min. Removal of the paraganglioma completely eliminated the patient’s pain syndrome.

Conclusion

This case elucidates the association between micturition-triggered headaches and bladder paragangliomas. The presence of a post-micturition severe headache should suggest the possibility of a bladder paraganglioma.
On Methods and Marshmallows: A Roadmap for Science That Is Openly Feminist and Radically Open
Authors: Gervais Sarah J. , Baildon Amanda E. , Lorenz Tierney K.
Published: August 2021

In this commentary, we argue that feminist science and open science can benefit from each other’s wisdom and critiques in service of creating systems that produce the highest quality science with the maximum potential for improving the lives of women. To do this, we offer a constructive analysis, focusing on common methods used in open science, including open materials and data, preregistration, and large sample sizes, and illuminate potential benefits and costs from a feminist science perspective. We also offer some solutions and deeper questions both for individual researchers and the feminist psychology and open science communities. By broadening our focus from a myopic prioritization of certain methodological and analytic approaches in open science, we hope to give a balanced perspective of science that emerges from each movement’s strengths and is openly feminist and radically open.
Effects of enhanced metal recovery on the recycling potential of MSWI bottom ash fractions in various legal frameworks
Authors: Glauser Andreas , Weibel Gisela , Eggenberger Urs
Published: August 2021

In recent years, complex new bottom ash treatment processes for enhanced metal recovery have been implemented in Switzerland, producing residual bottom ash fractions with various qualities. This study focusses on three different treatment processes by characterizing all arising fractions in detail. Thereby the factors influencing the composition of these fractions are identified and their recycling potential in Switzerland is investigated. However, high legislative requirements on total contents of heavy metals represent a high barrier for bottom ash recycling in Switzerland. Therefore, the recycling potential is further evaluated based on the waste legislation applied in the Netherlands, where recycling of bottom ash has a long tradition. There, threshold values for bottom ash recycling are based on leachate concentrations and not on total contents as in Switzerland. However, Swiss Waste Legislation also knows threshold values based on leachate concentrations for certain waste materials. The leaching tests applied in these two countries, however, are different. The comparison of both leaching tests reveals that the setup and conditions, especially the considered pH range, significantly influence the leaching of heavy metals. With emphasis on problematic pollutants, the possibilities for new applications of these fractions are evaluated based on Swiss and Dutch legal threshold values. The comparison within the legal frameworks of these two countries allows recognizing opportunities and risks related to bottom ash recycling.
Measuring Preservice Teachers’ Anticipated Teacher–Student Relationship Quality
Authors: Chesnut Steven R. , Hajovsky Daniel B.
Published: August 2021

The current study aimed to develop a measure of anticipated teacher–student relationship quality to be used with preservice teacher populations that is operationally similar to a measure commonly used with inservice teachers (i.e., short-form of the Student–Teacher Relationship Scale). To date, teacher–student relationship quality has been a construct studied solely with inservice teacher populations. Two hundred and thirteen preservice teachers participated in the current study. Results suggest that the developed measure of anticipated teacher–student relationship with preservice teachers demonstrated response trends similar to the measure used with inservice teachers except that preservice teachers anticipate more conflict with future students than inservice teachers report with current students. Additionally, results show the developed measure fits the two factor structure of the original scale and exhibits concurrent validity via associations with teacher self-efficacy beliefs. Implications for measuring anticipated teacher–student relationship quality within teacher education programs and future directions for research are discussed.
Barriers and opportunities to increase PD incidence and prevalence: Lessons from a European Survey
Authors: Hahn Lundström Ulrika , Abrahams Alferso C , Allen Jennifer , Altabas Karmela , Béchade Clémence , Burkhalter Felix , Clause Anne-Lorraine , Corbett Richard W , Eden Gabriele , François Karlien , de Laforcade Louis , Lambie Mark , Martin Heike , Pajek Jernej , Panuccio Vincenzo , Ros-Ruiz Silvia , Steubl Dominik , Vega Almudena , Wojtaszek Ewa , Zaloszyc Ariane , Davies Simon J , Van Biesen Wim , Gudmundsdottir Helga
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) remains underutilised and unplanned start of dialysis further diminishes the likelihood of patients starting on PD, although outcomes are equal to haemodialysis (HD).

Methods:

A survey was sent to members of EuroPD and regional societies presenting a case vignette of a 48-year-old woman not previously known to the nephrology department and who arrives at the emergency department with established end-stage kidney disease (unplanned start), asking which dialysis modality would most likely be chosen at their respective centre. We assessed associations between the modality choices for this case vignette and centre characteristics and PD-related practices.

Results:

Of 575 respondents, 32.8%, 32.2% and 35.0% indicated they would start unplanned PD, unplanned HD or unplanned HD with intention to educate patient on PD later, respectively. Likelihood for unplanned start of PD was only associated with quality of structure of the pre-dialysis program. Structure of pre-dialysis education program, PD program in general, likelihood to provide education on PD to unplanned starters, good collaboration with the PD access team and taking initiatives to enhance home-based therapies increased the likelihood unplanned patients would end up on PD.

Conclusions:

Well-structured pre-dialysis education on PD as a modality, good connections to dedicated PD catheter placement teams and additional initiatives to enhance home-based therapies are key to grow PD programs. Centres motivated to grow their PD programs seem to find solutions to do so.
Otherness in the Workplace among Highly Skilled Labour Migrants: Swedes in Germany and the UK
Authors: Wallinder Ylva
Published: August 2021

The conditions for intra-European labour mobility have changed significantly during recent decades, mainly due to the European Single Market. Despite this, internationally mobile and highly skilled intra-EU migrants from West to West have not received enough attention in the sociology of work. The present article focuses on highly skilled labour migrants with a university degree from Sweden, currently working in Germany or the UK. Swedish migrants feel they challenge specific norms related to hierarchies in the workplace, behaving according to their own ‘taken-for-granted’ norms concerning the ways in which work is organized and tasks are assigned. Their privileged position as educated Swedish migrants is an important part of their self-image and enables them to challenge norms. Furthermore, they also deal with self-perceived otherness while making sense of their experiences of contradictions and norm-breaking. The findings highlight their self-definitions, according to which they are simultaneously (by default) insiders and/or (superior) outsiders.
Adaptive finite time attitude tracking control of a rigid spacecraft considering input magnitude and rate saturations
Authors: Chen Haitao , Song Shenmin
Published: August 2021

This article investigates the attitude tracking control problem of a rigid spacecraft under the modeling inaccuracy, environmental disturbance, and input magnitude and rate saturations. A robust controller is proposed based on several nonlinear control methods, including the integral terminal sliding mode control, adaptive control, backstepping control, auxiliary system, and nonlinear observer methods. Within the control framework, a new integral terminal sliding mode surface (ITSMS) is first designed which integrates the fast nonsingular terminal sliding mode surface (FNTSMS) with a first-order filter to achieve the finite time stability without the input singularity problem. And adaptive laws are employed to compensate for the modeling inaccuracy and environmental disturbance with no prior knowledge. To satisfy the input magnitude and rate saturation constraints, a dynamic model in the form of a first-order filter is built up to restrict the dynamics of the actuators, which is then associated with the auxiliary system. Meanwhile, a nonlinear observer is used to avoid calculating the derivative of the expected virtual control signal. Semi-globally uniformly ultimate bounded stability is proved for the closed-loop system, and the tracking errors can converge to small regions around the expected equilibrium in finite time. Finally, numerical simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Tuberculous aortitis in an human immunodeficiency virus–positive Ivorian migrant: A case report
Authors: Fama’ Fausto , Sindoni Alessandro , Donato Rocco , Cascio Antonio , Mondello Placido , Gaeta Roberto
Published: August 2021

We report an unusual case of a 35-year-old Ivorian migrant with an abdominal mass and medical history relevant for human immunodeficiency virus-2 positivity with a CD4/CD8 ratio of 0.63; Mantoux and lymphocyte stimulation tests (QuantiFERON) were positive. 3D-CT images revealed a voluminous non-homogeneous retroperitoneal mass in the right abdominal region presenting no significant contrast impregnation. Thoraco-abdominal aorta presented diffuse-altered morphology with multiple ectasias throughout its course and an aneurysm at the level of the subrenal tract. The patient underwent vascular surgery. Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex was detected by polymerase chain reaction performed on intraoperative tissue specimens. Postoperative course was uneventful. After surgery, 3D-CT images showed no signs of malfunction of the prosthesis. At last, at 6-month follow-up, the patient was well. Cross-sectional imaging techniques, such as contrasted-CT, are essential and allow for making diagnosis, assessing disease activity, and evaluating post-treatment condition. 3D reconstruction permits an appropriate patient care by means of an excellent visualization and staging of the disease process.
Predictive Uncertainty Underlies Auditory Boundary Perception
Authors: Hansen Niels Chr. , Kragness Haley E. , Vuust Peter , Trainor Laurel , Pearce Marcus T.
Published: August 2021

Anticipating the future is essential for efficient perception and action planning. Yet the role of anticipation in event segmentation is understudied because empirical research has focused on retrospective cues such as surprise. We address this concern in the context of perception of musical-phrase boundaries. A computational model of cognitive sequence processing was used to control the information-dynamic properties of tone sequences. In an implicit, self-paced listening task ( N = 38), undergraduates dwelled longer on tones generating high entropy (i.e., high uncertainty) than on those generating low entropy (i.e., low uncertainty). Similarly, sequences that ended on tones generating high entropy were rated as sounding more complete ( N = 31 undergraduates). These entropy effects were independent of both the surprise (i.e., information content) and phrase position of target tones in the original musical stimuli. Our results indicate that events generating high entropy prospectively contribute to segmentation processes in auditory sequence perception, independently of the properties of the subsequent event.
Competency Assessment of Project Managers of a National NGO in India
Authors: Sandhu Monisha Vaid , Liang Zhanming
Published: August 2021

Public health projects carried out by non-government organisations (NGOs) are considered a critical contributor in the provision of health services to rural population in India. But there is clear lack of documented evidence that describes the capacity and competency of the NGO project managers to successfully design and implement a new project. This article presents findings of an exploratory case study using outreach model of family planning service delivery as an example to understand the steps and actions taken by senior managers throughout the project’s life cycle and competencies required by them to execute the project. Focus group discussion followed by paper-based survey using sections of Management Competency Assessment Tool was conducted with senior managers of the chosen NGO. The results indicate that the strategies developed by the NGO managers are consistent with the existing literature on project management. However, not all managers have the same level of confidence in demonstrating the competencies of (a) knowledge of healthcare environment; (b) evidence informed decision making; and (c) interpersonal, communication qualities and relationship management. The organisation needs to invest in human resource development using mixed approach of providing training, team building activities, mentoring, and support.
Emerging Challenges and Prospects of Digital Transformation and Stakeholders Integration in Urban Land Administration in Ethiopia
Authors: Gebrihet Hafte Gebreselassie , Pillay Pregala
Published: August 2021

There is global consensus on the need for information and communication technology (ICT) to support digital transformation in public administration. This is specifically true in decentralized public administration, where the stakeholders need a modern technology that integrates them. This study examines the emerging challenges and prospects of digital transformation and the stakeholders’ integration in urban land administration in Mekelle City, Ethiopia. An interpretive paradigm, qualitative analytical method, and case study strategy were adopted for this study. A total of 78 interviewees comprising 30 auctioneers, 20 experts, 20 officials, 4 judges, and 4 prosecutors participated based on the data saturation principle. The study revealed that digitalized land administration offers opportunities to reduce civil servants’ workload, improve cost-effective service delivery, and enhance trust between the municipal government and its clients. However, the system of urban land administration in the city is not digitalized due to financial limitations and leadership challenges. Furthermore, this study revealed a low level of stakeholders’ integration in Mekelle due to the lack of proper implementation of e-government, e-service, and e-participation, including lack of commitment by the stakeholders. Thus, a non-digitalized land administration system, insufficient capacity, and weak monitoring and evaluation systems impeded the client’s pursuit of enhanced municipal government services.
Effectiveness of Educational Programs on Palliative and End-of-life Care in Promoting Perceived Competence Among Health and Social Care Professionals
Authors: Wong Kelly Tsz Ching , Chow Amy Yin Man , Chan Iris Kwan Ning
Published: August 2021

Background:

There is a growing need for palliative care for patients near the end of life and their caregivers. Palliative and end-of-life care (EoLC) education are recommended for all health care (e.g., physicians, nurses, and allied health practitioners) and social care professionals (e.g., social workers) to ensure the quality of services. However, less attention has been afforded to generic, in contrast to specialized, EoLC education. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a series of short-term generic EoLC educational programs for health and social care professionals.

Method:

A pre-post survey design was adopted, focusing on different EoLC core competences.

Results:

Significant improvement was observed in all perceived competences after the educational programs, regardless of participants’ occupation or EoLC experience. Perceived competence in self-care was rated significantly higher than all other competences prior to the programs. Healthcare professionals rated significantly higher on competence in symptom management than social workers. Scores on communication skill and self-care competences were significantly higher following longer (i.e., 16-24 hours) than shorter (i.e., 4-8 hours) programs.

Conclusion:

Generalist palliative/EoLC educational programs may enable health and social care professionals to refresh and extend their knowledge and skills and enhance their perceived competence in providing EoLC. Further research on generalist palliative/EoLC education is needed to examine the impact of continuing training on professionals’ actual practice in EoLC and palliative care.
Palliative Care for the Interstitial Lung Disease Patient a Must and Not Just a Need
Authors: Chaaban Said , McCormick James , Gleason Debra , McFarlin Jessica M.
Published: August 2021

Patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) have many unmet palliative care needs. The majority of patients with chronic ILD have poor access to a specialist in palliative medicine and that is due to several barriers. The mortality for the ILD patient is high and reaches up to 80% if admitted to the ICU with respiratory failure. Palliative care addresses symptoms in diseases where cure is unlikely or impossible. Palliative care consultation also ensures communication among patients, caregivers and providers regarding treatments, prognosis, and end of life planning. Methods: We performed a literature review on palliative care and ILD, accessing articles published since 2002. We found 71 articles related to the topic. We chose 37 that were most relevant and with no redundancy of information to include in this review. Objectives: Summarize the palliative care needs of patients with ILD, discuss the barriers to receiving palliative care, and summarize clinical practice for providing palliative care to this patient population.
Description of Total Population Hospital Admissions for Treacher Collins Syndrome in Australia
Authors: Junaid Mohammed , Slack-Smith Linda , Wong Kingsley , Baynam Gareth , Calache Hanny , Hewitt Timothy , Leonard Helen
Published: August 2021

Objective

To describe patterns and demographic characteristics of total-population hospital admissions with a diagnosis of Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) in Australia.

Data Source

Population summary data for inpatient hospitals admissions (public and private) with a principal diagnosis of TCS (ICD10-AM-Q87.04) were obtained from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare National Hospital Morbidity Database for a 11-year period (2002-2013).

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome was hospital separation rate (HSR), calculated by dividing the number of hospital separations by estimated resident population per year. Trends in HSR s adjusted for age and sex were investigated by negative binomial regression presented as annual percent change and the association of rates with age and sex was expressed as incidence rate ratio.

Results

In 244 admissions identified, we observed an increase of 4.55% (95% confidence interval [CI] −1.78, 11.29) in HSR's over the 11-year period. Rates were higher during infancy (1.87 [95% CI 1.42, 2.42]), declining markedly with increasing age. The average length of hospital stay was 6.09 days (95% CI 5.78, 6.40) per episode, but longer for females and infants.

Conclusions

Findings indicate an increase in hospitalization rates, especially among infants and females which potentially relates to early airway intervention procedures possibly influenced by sex specific-disease severity and phenotypic variability of TCS. Awareness of the TCS phenotype and improved access to genetic testing may support more personalized and efficient care. Total-population administrative data offers a potential to better understand the health burden of rare craniofacial diseases.
Investigation of Genetic Causes in a Developmental Disorder: Oculoauriculovertebral Spectrum
Authors: Güleray Naz , Koşukcu Can , Oğuz Sümeyra , Ürel Demir Gizem , Taşkıran Ekim Z. , Kiper Pelin Özlem Şimşek , Utine Gülen Eda , Alanay Yasemin , Boduroğlu Koray , Alikaşifoğlu Mehmet
Published: August 2021

Objective

Oculoauriculovertebral spectrum (OAVS) is a genetically and clinically heterogeneous disorder that occurs due to a developmental field defect of the first and second pharyngeal arches. Even though recent whole exome sequencing studies (WES) have led to identification of several genes associated with this spectrum in a subset of individuals, complete pathogenesis of OAVS remains unsolved. In this study, molecular genetic etiology of OAVS was systematically investigated.

Design/Setting/Patients

A cohort of 23 Turkish patients with OAVS, referred to Hacettepe University Hospital, Department of Pediatric Genetics from 2008 to 2018, was included in this study. Minimal diagnostic criteria for OAVS were considered as unilateral microtia or hemifacial microsomia with preauricular skin tag. The cohort was clinically reevaluated for craniofacial and extracranial findings. Molecular etiology was investigated using candidate gene sequencing following copy number variant (CNV) analysis. WES was also performed for 2 of the selected patients.

Results

Patients in the study cohort presented similar demographic and phenotypic characteristics to previously described patients in the literature except for a higher frequency of bilaterality, cardiac findings, and intellectual disability/developmental delay. CNV analysis revealed a possible genetic etiology for 3 patients (13%). Additional WES in 1 of the 2 patients uncovered a novel heterozygous nonsense variant in Elongation factor Tu GTP-binding domain-containing 2 ( EFTUD2) causing mandibulofacial dysostosis with microcephaly (MFDM), which clinically overlaps with OAVS.

Conclusion

Detailed clinical evaluation for any patient with OAVS is recommended due to a high rate of accompanying systemic findings. We further expand the existing genetic heterogeneity of OAVS by identifying several CNVs and a phenotypically overlapping disorder, MFDM.
Intraocular lens explantation following cataract surgery: Indications, techniques, and video demonstrations
Authors: Safran Steven G , Darian-Smith Erica , Coroneo Minas T
Published: August 2021

As techniques for modern cataract surgery have expanded and premium intraocular lens (IOL) use is now widespread, patient expectations are high. The need for IOL explantation, whilst still low, remains an ongoing issue. Intraocular lens explantation can be challenging for a number of reasons and as such we have introduced an additional technique to add to the surgeon’s repertoire. Bimanual haptic stripping of fibrosis at the specific area where the haptic is adherent to the capsular bag is an effective strategy to aid in dissection of haptics without compromising the capsule or zonules. Given the challenges associated with IOL explantation, newly designed IOLs need to avoid these “sticking points” at which the IOLs interact with the fibrosed capsule. Techniques we have evolved and which are described below should assist anterior segment surgeons to facilitate IOL removal in an efficient and safe way.
Pregnancy in women with multiple sclerosis in France from 2010 to 2015: Incidence, outcomes, and exposure to disease-modifying therapies
Authors: Tillaut Hélène , Degrémont Adeline , Kerbrat Sandrine , Roux Jonathan , Le Page Emmanuelle , Mainguy Christelle , Duros Solène , Polard Elisabeth , Leray Emmanuelle
Published: August 2021

Background:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is usually diagnosed between 20-40 years old, when women often plan to have children.

Objective:

Our objectives were to estimate pregnancy incidence rates in women with multiple sclerosis (MS), and to describe the use of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) before conception and during pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included all 15- to 49-year-old women with MS in the French national health insurance database over 2010–2015. A pregnancy was exposed if a DMT reimbursement claim occurred during pregnancy or in the 14 preceding days. We used zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) regression models to estimate incidence rates and ordinal and multinomial regression models to estimate DMT exposure and pregnancy outcomes.

Results:

The pregnancy incidence rate was 4.5 per 100 person-years. The probability of having a DMT-exposed pregnancy increased from 0.22 in 2010 to 0.30 in 2015. The probability of live birth was 0.72 (95% CI = 0.70–0.74) for exposed pregnancies (varied considerably among DMTs), 0.77 (95% CI = 0.76–0.79) without treatment, and 0.81 (95% CI = 0.79–0.83) if treatment was stopped within the previous year.

Conclusion:

In this population-based study, we showed an increase of exposed pregnancies over time, beta-interferon and glatiramer acetate being the most used DMTs and associated with the highest probabilities of live birth. Interrupted exposed pregnancies may reflect undesired pregnancies or fear of an adverse outcome, while recent DMT stop probably reflects pregnancy planning.
Development of Lys to Arg Mutation at Codon 70 of the Reverse Transcriptase Gene of HIV-1 during Zidovudine Monotherapy and Alternating Zidovudine/Didanosine Therapy
Authors: Bruun Louise , Katzenstein Terese , Gerstoft Jan , Pedersen Court , Mathiesen Lars R , Nielsen Claus
Published: August 2021

Objective

To study the association between the Lys to Arg mutation at codon 70 of the reverse transcriptase (RT) gene and resistance development during zidovudine monotherapy and alternating zidovudine/didanosine therapy.

Methods

Blood samples from 33 antiretroviral-naive patients were drawn prior to therapy and after 6, 12, 18 and 24 months (18 patients received zidovudine monotherapy and 15 patients alternating zidovudine/didanosine). Results: After 6 months of zidovudine monotherapy, 72% of the patients had provirus encoding Lys to Arg at codon 70. This decreased to 53% and 38% after 12 and 18 months, respectively, but increased to 60% after 24 months. During alternating zidovudine/didanosine therapy, the percentages with the mutation were 6%, 7%, 11% and 20% after 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of therapy, respectively. During both therapy regimens provirus showed the same progression of mutations in RT codons 41 and 215, increasing from 10% after 6 months to 80–100% after 24 months. Codon 70 and 215 mutations together were only found with the codon 67 mutation. No significant difference in IC50 or viral load was shown between patients on either therapy.

Conclusions

The codon 70 mutation was present in a low proportion of the patients during alternating zidovudine/didanosine therapy compared with patients on zidovudine monotherapy ( P<0.01). Mutations associated with zidovudine resistance appeared in an ordered manner. Based on the phenotypic susceptibility of the virus isolated, the appearance of the different combinations of mutations could be explained by outgrowth of virus with an increased level of phenotypic resistance.
Evolution of HIV drug Resistance in Zidovudine/Zalcitabine- and Zidovudine/ Didanosine-Experienced Patients Receiving Lamivudine-Containing Combination Therapy
Authors: Schmit Jean-Claude , Martinez-Picado Javier , Ruiz Lidia , Jural Cristina , Van Laethem Kristel , Cabrera Cecilia , Ibanez Angeles , Puig Teresa , Witvrouw Myriam , Desmyter Jan , De Clercq Erik , Clotet Bonaventura , Vandamme Anne-Mieke
Published: August 2021

Drug resistance patterns and their correlation to treatment response 24 weeks after addition of lamivudine to a previous zidovudine/zalcitabine or zidovudine/ didanosine combination treatment, or after substitution of lamivudine for the zalcitabine or didanosine in these combinations, were evaluated in 21 patients with CD4 counts between 50 and 300 cells/mm3. Clinical, immunological and virological outcomes were measured at baseline and at weeks 4, 12 and 24. Drug resistance was assessed using the recombinant virus assay and direct solid-phase sequencing of the reverse transcriptase gene. Viral load decreased by an average of 0.78 log RNA copies/ml at week 4, but returned to baseline at week 24 for most patients. CD4 cell counts increased in all treatment groups without reaching statistical significance. Resistance to lamivudine was readily acquired in all four treatment groups and was often associated with a partial reversal of phenotypic zidovudine resistance and a moderate increase in the 50% inhibitory concentrations for didanosine and zalcitabine. One patient receiving the zidovudine/didanosine combination treatment harboured multi-nucleoside analogue-resistant virus. A poor response to lamivudine tended to be related to the extent of pre-existing zidovudine resistance.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Sustainable Pensions: Do Sustainable Pensions Require Sustainable Investments?
Authors: Autenne Alexia , Degoli Maria-Cristina , Hartmann-Cortés Kevin
Published: August 2021

This Special Issue addresses the concept of sustainability in pension systems from a wide range of perspectives. It examines the central questions raised about sustainable, socially responsible investments and other associated concepts by opening up a comprehensive discussion with an interdisciplinary approach. Normative trends and international cases are analysed in some detail concerning the situation of specific European Member States. Also, the concept of sustainability in European occupational pension schemes is questioned as an efficient vehicle able to assure adequate pension entitlements to all workers to avoid old-age poverty.
The (un)celebrated asylum centre: How Danish media hijacked an ethnographic fieldwork and altered local realities
Authors: Larsen Birgitte Romme
Published: August 2021

Denmark’s oldest asylum centre has been in operation in the small town of Jelling since 1993. Here, over time, the institutions of the local community and the asylum centre have merged, spatially and socially. Today, a local daycare centre and the local after-school club operate on the premises of the asylum centre. Based on an ethnographic study of the everyday institutional neighbourliness between ‘asylum centre’ and ‘local community’ in this small Danish town, this tale from the field pertains to the overwhelming national media attention that hit the research case halfway through its term – and unpacks how public media collaboration came to alter the very local state of affairs that I was in the middle of studying. It is argued how, more than simply dissemination partners or collaborators, ‘the media’ instead turned into actual co-creators of the ethnographic field – and so of the concrete empirical findings and analyses.
Detecting bearish and bullish markets in financial time series using hierarchical hidden Markov models
Authors: Oelschläger Lennart , Adam Timo
Published: August 2021

Financial markets exhibit alternating periods of rising and falling prices. Stock traders seeking to make profitable investment decisions have to account for those trends, where the goal is to accurately predict switches from bullish to bearish markets and vice versa. Popular tools for modelling financial time series are hidden Markov models, where a latent state process is used to explicitly model switches among different market regimes. In their basic form, however, hidden Markov models are not capable of capturing both short- and long-term trends, which can lead to a misinterpretation of short-term price fluctuations as changes in the long-term trend. In this article, we demonstrate how hierarchical hidden Markov models can be used to draw a comprehensive picture of market behaviour, which can contribute to the development of more sophisticated trading strategies. The feasibility of the suggested approach is illustrated in two real-data applications, where we model data from the Deutscher Aktienindex and the Deutsche Bank stock. The proposed methodology is implemented in the R package fHMM, which is available on CRAN.
Refrains for More-Than-Human Intimacy: Mutual Inclusion With a Canine Difference
Authors: Powell Kimberly
Published: August 2021

In my article, I speculate on intimacy that embraces uncertainty, difference, and/in more-than-human relations. An intimacy that embraces uncertainty is what Massumi characterizes as “indiscernable expression”—that which may not be clearly perceived—through play and walking encounters with humans and dogs. That which differs from itself has preoccupied my relationship with my dog and provides an occasion to think with intimacy toward humans and animals. Writing performatively, I depict encounters with my dog and present them as unfolding experiences that enter into powerful refrains—Deleuze’s and Guattari’s concept of a vector in which certainty and uncertainty occupy the same space, in which the nameable and certainty coexist with the improvised and defamiliarized, and in which kin and intimacy are made through uncertain relations.