bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility of Endobronchial Ultrasound in Assessment of Intrathoracic Lesions in Paediatric Patients
Authors: Shanthikumar Shivanthan , Massie John , Ranganathan Sarath , Schuhmann Maren , Eberhardt Ralf , Irving Louis B. , Herth Felix J.F. , Steinfort Daniel P.
Published: August 2019

Introduction: In adults, linear endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is the preferred modality to sample intrathoracic adenopathy and radial EBUS is a useful tool to biopsy peripheral pulmonary nodules. Utility in children is less well known. Objectives: The objective of this study was to review the EBUS experience of two specialist centres to better define the current role of EBUS in paediatric practice. Methods: A retrospective record review of EBUS procedures undertaken in patients aged 0–17 years at the Royal Children’s Hospital (Melbourne, Australia) and Thoraxklinik (Heidelberg, Germany) was performed. Data extracted included patient demographics, clinical presentation, bronchoscope (size and model), EBUS technique used, pathologic results, need for further invasive investigation, and complications. Results: Between 2008 and 2017, ten EBUS procedures were performed (6 linear EBUS and 4 radial EBUS). No complications were reported. Linear EBUS was performed on subjects who were between 4 and 15 years old, with a 100% diagnostic yield. Radial EBUS was non-diagnostic in three cases of non-malignant disease. In one case, it was used successfully for imaging alone. Conclusion: Both linear and radial EBUS are safe and feasible in children. Diagnostic yield of linear EBUS was 100%. Radial EBUS did not demonstrate utility, likely reflecting the pathologies of underlying parenchymal masses in paediatric populations.
How to Intervene in the Root Caries Process? Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses
Authors: Meyer-Lueckel Hendrik , Machiulskiene Vita , Giacaman Rodrigo A.
Published: August 2019

The aim of this review as part of the preparation for a workshop organized by the European Federation of Conservative Dentistry (EFCD) in conjunction with the European Organisation for Caries Research (ORCA) was to systematically analyze available evidence of non-, micro- as well as invasive interventions for root caries lesions (RCLs). For each treatment strategy, a separate systematic review was either performed (micro-invasive and choice of restorative material) or updated (non-invasive and excavation technique) each of them following PRISMA guidelines, and if possible meta-analyses were performed. Besides the general advice to improve tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste main findings for non-invasive interventions in RCLs, the use of dentifrices containing 5,000 ppm F– as well as professionally applied chlorhexidine varnish or silver diamine fluoride seemed to be more efficacious to arrest root caries compared to conventional fluoride toothpaste or placebo respectively. However, this conclusion is based only on a few randomized clinical trials. For micro-invasive treatments, only 2 studies focusing on sealants were available without clear conclusions. A recent review on the comparison of atraumatic restorative treatment compared with conventional treatment concluded that there is insufficient data to clearly rule out if any difference with regard to restoration longevity between both techniques exists. When restoring coventionally, composites performed better than resin-modified and glass ionomer cements. However, all materials showed rather high annual failure rates in the majority of the studies and evidence is based on a low number of prospective studies with a rather high risk of bias.
Strong Intra-Esophageal Reflux May Contribute to the Development of Barrett’s Adenocarcinoma and Affect the Localization
Authors: Saito Masahiro , Koike Tomoyuki , Nakagawa Kenichiro , Abe Yasuaki , Norita Kazuaki , Kikuchi Hiroki , Kanno Takeshi , Hatta Waku , Ara Nobuyuki , Uno Kaname , Asanuma Kiyotaka , Asano Naoki , Imatani Akira , Shimosegawa Tooru , Masamune Atsushi
Published: August 2019

Background: There has been no study that has directly measured the esophageal reflux factors in Barrett’s adenocarcinoma (BA) using 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring (24-h MII-pH). We aimed to clarify the esophageal reflux factors in Barrett’s esophagus (BE) and BA and the factors that determine the location of BA with 24-h MII-pH. Methods: We performed 24-h MII-pH in 26 patients with superficial BA treated endoscopically (BA group) and 13 patients with BE (BE group) and examined the esophageal reflux factors (esophageal acid exposure time [AET], bolus exposure (acid, weakly acid, and alkaline), and number of reflux episodes. In the BA group, there were 16 cases in which the lesions were localized in an area in contact with the esophagogastric junction (EGJ; EGJ group), and 10 cases in which the lesions were proximal to the BE and separated from the EGJ (non-EGJ group). Results: Total reflux in the bolus exposure in the BA group showed higher values compared to that in the BE group. The total of acid and weakly acid reflux of bolus exposure was significantly higher in the BA group than that in the BE group. The BA group also had greater numbers of total reflux episodes than the BE group. As for the cancer locations in BE, the cases in which the lesions were located proximally and separated from the EGJ had more AET and total reflux and acid reflux indicated by bolus exposure compared to the lesions adjacent to the EGJ. Conclusions: Stronger gastro-esophageal reflux appeared to be an important factor in the development of adenocarcinoma from BE. In addition, the cancer location in BE may be related to the intensity of esophageal reflux.
Emoções em disputa
Authors: Machado Bernardo Fonseca
Published: August 2019

O artigo pretende discutir os significados que o termo “amor” assumiu em duas circunstâncias de ação coletiva: as manifestações denominadas “mais amor em SP”, ocorridas em 2012, ano eleitoral na capital do estado de São Paulo; e a hashtag #LoveWins, iniciada em 26 de junho de 2015, após a Suprema Corte dos Estados Unidos aprovar a união civil entre pessoas do mesmo sexo. A questão que o trabalho procura responder é: como e por que o “amor” foi acionado nos debates políticos em questão? Ao que tudo indica, a aposta residiu justamente na capacidade de transcendência da emoção – ela superaria oposições (partidárias e sexuais). Ao valer-se de discursos com retórica emotiva, sujeitos produziram um argumento difícil de ser contestado, mobilizando um instrumento discursivo supostamente universal.
A multifuncionalidade das vasilhas cerâmicas do alto rio Madeira (séculos X-XII d.C)
Authors: Costa Angislaine Freitas , Gomes Denise Maria Cavalcante
Published: August 2019

Neste artigo, a cerâmica arqueológica do sítio Ilha Dionísio, localizado no alto rio Madeira, atual estado de Rondônia, é analisada em termos funcionais e pensada à luz das relações entre humanos e não humanos. A partir das amostras coletadas em pisos habitacionais, refugos secundários e estruturas funerárias datados entre os séculos X e XII d.C., delineou-se a noção de “multifuncionalidade” dos artefatos. A configuração espacial, bem como a padronização das vasilhas, demonstra e reforça a ideia de uma rede de interações no interior da comunidade, impulsionada por práticas coletivas, diretamente relacionadas a atividades de subsistência e rituais funerários envolvendo comensalidade. Esses aspectos, além de contribuírem para a construção e manutenção da socialidade indígena, parecem valorizar os laços comunitários, que se expressam por meio de elementos materiais e simbólicos do cotidiano, encontrados também nos espaços funerários.
Recuperar o espaço público e proteger os direitos fundamentais dos comerciantes informais:
Authors: Frota Hidemberg Alves da
Published: August 2019

O artigo jurídico tem como objetivo o exame dos acórdãos da Corte Constitucional da Colômbia de 2010 a 2017 que tiveram de balancear o dever do Estado-Administração de recuperar o espaço público com a salvaguarda dos direitos fundamentais dos comerciantes informais, negativamente, por tal espécie de exercício, nas esferas locais, das potestades fiscalizatória e punitiva do Poder Público. Inferiu-se que a Corte Constitucional colombiana, reiteradamente, tem reformado decisões do Poder Judiciário que desconsideram a omissão do Poder Executivo, em âmbito distrital e municipal, de proporcionar aos vendedores informais medidas administrativas concretas que viabilizem a sobrevivência financeira desses particulares e, uma vez que a Administração Pública recalcitra na conduta de não lhes providenciar programas estatais de capacitação, formalização de atividades econômicas e realocação ajustados às especificidades dessa parcela da população urbana, incorre em iterativo comportamento contraditório e desleal, ao frustrar a expectativa e a confiança legítimas de vendedores informais que desempenharam o seu ofício com a aquiescência dos entes estatais locais, que depois os surpreenderam com linha de ação oposta, marcada pela postura higienista e punitivista.
Dez parâmetros básicos de atuação da Administração Pública segundo os tratados internacionais de direitos humanos
Authors: Gussoli Felipe Klein
Published: August 2019

A função administrativa de Estado é constantemente criticada pela ineficiência e desrespeito aos direitos dos cidadãos. Não faltam exemplos de violações estruturais em matéria de serviços públicos, políticas públicas, atividade fiscalizadora e várias outras áreas de atuação do Poder Público inseridas no campo de estudo do Direito Administrativo. Nesse contexto, e com o objetivo de fornecer subsídios para revertê-lo, o trabalho indica dez parâmetros básicos de atuação da Administração Pública no exercício de sua função típica a partir dos impactos provocados por tratados internacionais de direitos humanos. Comumente negligenciado, o Direito Internacional dos Direitos Humanos é ramo transversal aos demais campos jurídicos, e tem o potencial incomparável de reformular o modo de atuação do Estado no Direito brasileiro. O trabalho em questão verticalizou o estudo na análise do Pacto de São José da Costa, o mais importante tratado do sistema regional de proteção de direitos humanos. Todavia, as conclusões alcançadas aproveitam todos os outros tratados internacionais de direitos humanos incorporados no Brasil.
Effect of Blood Pressure Control on Long‐Term Risk of End‐Stage Renal Disease and Death Among Subgroups of Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ku Elaine , Sarnak Mark J. , Toto Robert , McCulloch Charles E. , Lin Feng , Smogorzewski Miroslaw , Hsu Chi‐yuan
Published: August 2019

Background

Our objective was to explore the effect of intensive blood pressure (
BP
) control on kidney and death outcomes among subgroups of patients with chronic kidney disease divided by baseline proteinuria, glomerular filtration rate, age, and body mass index.

Methods and Results

We included 840 MDRD (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) trial and 1067 AASK (African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension) participants. We used Cox models to examine whether the association between intensive
BP
control and risk of end‐stage renal disease (
ESRD
) or death is modified by baseline proteinuria (≥0.44 versus <0.44 g/g), glomerular filtration rate (≥30 versus <30 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
), age (≥40 versus <40 years), or body mass index (≥30 versus <30 kg/m
2
). The median follow‐up was 14.9 years. Strict (versus usual)
BP
control was protective against
ESRD
(hazard ratio [HR]
ESRD
, 0.77; 95%
CI
, 0.64–0.92) among those with proteinuria ≥0.44 g/g but not proteinuria <0.44 g/g. Strict (versus usual)
BP
control was protective against death (
HR
death
, 0.73; 95%
CI
, 0.59–0.92) among those with glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
but not glomerular filtration rate ≥30 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
(
HR
death
, 0.98; 95%
CI
, 0.84–1.15). Strict (versus usual)
BP
control was protective against
ESRD
among those ≥40 years (

HR
ESRD

,
0.82; 95%
CI
, 0.71–0.94) but not <40 years. Strict (versus usual)
BP
control was also protective against
ESRD
among those with body mass index ≥30 kg/m
2
(

HR
ESRD

,
0.75; 95%
CI
, 0.61–0.92) but not body mass index <30 kg/m
2
.

Conclusions

The
ESRD
and all‐cause mortality benefits of intensive
BP
lowering may not be uniform across all subgroups of patients with chronic kidney disease. But intensive
BP
lowering was not associated with increased risk of
ESRD
or death among any subgroups that we examined.
Collateral Circulation in Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Liu Zhi-wen , Han Cong , Zhao Feng , Qiao Peng-gang , Wang Hui , Bao Xiang-yang , Zhang Zheng-shan , Yang Wei-zhong , Li De-sheng , Duan Lian
Published: August 2019

Background and Purpose—

Predicting the risk of stroke and determining intervention indications are highly important for patients with Moyamoya disease (MMD). Here, we evaluated a novel MMD grading system based on collateral circulation and Suzuki stage to evaluate symptoms and predict prognosis.

Methods—

In total, 301 idiopathic MMD patients were retrospectively analyzed between 2014 and 2016. A collateral circulation grading system with scores ranging from 1 to 12 was established: the anatomic extent of pial collateral blood flow from posterior cerebral artery to middle cerebral artery and anterior cerebral artery was scored from 1 to 6; perforator collateral and internal cerebral artery flow were scored as 6 to 1, which corresponded to Suzuki stages 1 to 6. Dynamic susceptibility contrast–magnetic resonance imaging was used to evaluate hemodynamic status. We assessed the association between the grading system and clinical characteristics.

Results—

We analyzed 364 symptomatic hemispheres of 301 patients (146 males, 28±16 years). Ischemic patients who presented with infarction were more likely to score <8 points (
P
<0.001), whereas those with ischemia symptoms (transient ischemic attack and headache) were more likely to score >8 points. Hemorrhagic patients who presented with intraparenchymal hemorrhage were more likely to score <8 points, whereas those who presented with intraventricular hemorrhage were more likely to score >8 points (
P
<0.001). According to dynamic susceptibility contrast–magnetic resonance imaging, lower scores were correlated with more severe time to peak delay (
P
<0.001) and worse relative cerebral blood volume ratio (
P
=0.016) and cerebral flow ratio (
P
=0.002). Encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis was performed in 348 symptomatic hemispheres. Patients who had collateral scores <4 points were more likely to have a postoperative stroke and a worse prognosis during the follow-up.

Conclusions—

This new MMD collateral grading system correlated well with clinical symptoms, hemodynamic status, and therapeutic prognosis and may facilitate risk stratification and prognosis predictions in patients with MMD.
Predicting Clinical Outcomes of Large Vessel Occlusion Before Mechanical Thrombectomy Using Machine Learning
Authors: Nishi Hidehisa , Oishi Naoya , Ishii Akira , Ono Isao , Ogura Takenori , Sunohara Tadashi , Chihara Hideo , Fukumitsu Ryu , Okawa Masakazu , Yamana Norikazu , Imamura Hirotoshi , Sadamasa Nobutake , Hatano Taketo , Nakahara Ichiro , Sakai Nobuyuki , Miyamoto Susumu
Published: August 2019

Background and Purpose—

The clinical course of acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion (LVO) is a multifactorial process with various prognostic factors. We aimed to model this process with machine learning and predict the long-term clinical outcome of LVO before endovascular treatment and to compare our method with previously developed pretreatment scoring methods.

Methods—

The derivation cohort included 387 LVO patients, and the external validation cohort included 115 LVO patients with anterior circulation who were treated with mechanical thrombectomy. The statistical model with logistic regression without regularization and machine learning algorithms, such as regularized logistic regression, linear support vector machine, and random forest, were used to predict good clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2 at 90 days) with standard and multiple pretreatment clinical variables. Five previously reported pretreatment scoring methods (the Pittsburgh Response to Endovascular Therapy score, the Stroke Prognostication Using Age and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale index, the Totaled Health Risks in Vascular Events score, the Houston Intra-Arterial Therapy score, and the Houston Intra-Arterial Therapy 2 score) were compared with these models for the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results—

The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of random forest, which was the worst among the machine learning algorithms, was significantly higher than those of the standard statistical model and the best model among the previously reported pretreatment scoring methods in the derivation (the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.85±0.07 for random forest, 0.78±0.08 for logistic regression without regularization, and 0.77±0.09 for Stroke Prognostication using Age and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) and validation cohorts (the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.87±0.01 for random forest, 0.56±0.07 for logistic regression without regularization, and 0.83±0.00 for Pittsburgh Response to Endovascular Therapy).

Conclusions—

Machine learning methods with multiple pretreatment clinical variables can predict clinical outcomes of patients with anterior circulation LVO who undergo mechanical thrombectomy more accurately than previously developed pretreatment scoring methods.
Multiple Soluble Components of the Glycocalyx Are Increased in Patient Plasma After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: DellaValle Brian , Hasseldam Henrik , Johansen Flemming F. , Iversen Helle K. , Rungby Jørgen , Hempel Casper
Published: August 2019

Background and Purpose—

The GLX (glycocalyx) is a protein/polysaccharide meshwork at the cellular surface. Consisting largely of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, the GLX can shed in response to stress. In this study, we assay 11 components of the GLX in plasma from patients with ischemic stroke from a longitudinal cohort.

Methods—

Plasma samples from healthy individuals (N=8), and patients with ischemic stroke day ≥3, day 7, and day 90 (N=9–14) were immunoassayed for diverse components of the GLX.

Results—

Median stroke severity was mild (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 2.0 (range, 0–6) at day ≤3). Three (keratan-chondroitin-heparan-sulfate) of 4 glycosaminoglycans and CD44 (proteoglycan) were increased at day 7 and returned to baseline at day 90. Proteoglycan syndecan (Syn)-3 increased and Syn-2 levels decreased, significantly.

Conclusions—

Individual GLX components are often assayed as stand-alone biomarkers for endothelial health. This study suggests a full assessment of GLX components is more indicative of the endothelial health of an individual and represents a complex GLX signature that may be valuable as a composite biomarker of disease.
Geographical distribution of Lasaia Bates, 1868 (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae) across the biogeographical provinces of Mexico
Authors: ARELLANO-COVARRUBIAS ARTURO , TRUJANO-ORTEGA MARYSOL , LUIS-MARTÍNEZ ARMANDO , LUNA-REYES MERCEDES , LLORENTE-BOUSQUETS JORGE
Published: August 2019

Riodinidae are one of the most diverse families of Lepidoptera, mainly in the Neotropical region; however, their biology, ethology, taxonomy, systematics, and biogeography are poorly known. In Mexico, the regional and local distributions of the family are still incomplete. We review the distributional data of the genus Lasaia Bates (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae), based on records from four national and seven international collections. We record five species and seven subspecies in Mexico, with 2722 records, distributed in 314 localities of 24 states. The states with higher species richness are Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Veracruz; also, the genus was recorded in 11 of the 14 biogeographical provinces of Mexico. The tropical semi-deciduous and deciduous forests, below of 1000 m a.s.l., contain most of the diversity of Lasaia. Historical data are crucial for the study of local and regional diversity and ecological patterns at large temporal scales. Data presented here show the morphological and ecological variation of Lasaia over the last 80 years, mostly from the XX century when anthropogenic disturbances were intensified. This kind of studies is the first step in recording the historical distribution of these taxa, which will lead to more complex analyses on distribution range shifts, their causes and consequences.
Trend Analysis of Seasonal Precipitation (1960–2013) in Subregions of Hunan Province, Central South China Using Discrete Wavelet Transforms
Authors: Hu Qian , He Xinguang , Lu Xi-An , Zhang Xinping
Published: August 2019

In this study, trends of seasonal precipitation are investigated in subregions of Hunan Province in China over 1960–2013 by discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and Mann–Kendall (MK) tests. The main purpose of trend analysis is to detect the most dominant periodic components affecting the observed trends of seasonal precipitation in each subregion. For this purpose, the homogeneous precipitation regions are first delineated by combining rotated empirical orthogonal functions with agglomerative hierarchical clustering. Results suggest dividing the precipitation of Hunan Province into five subregions for winter and three subregions for spring, summer, and autumn. Delineated subregions for each season show strongly coherent spatial patterns, all of which are along the strip extending in the southwest–northeast direction. After regionalization, areal seasonal precipitation series in each subregion are decomposed into several detail and approximation component subseries, and then the decomposed subseries are analyzed by three types of MK tests. Results reveal that winter and summer precipitations experience an increasing trend in all of the divisions—winter precipitation in southeast-central and southern Hunan and summer precipitation in southwest-central Hunan especially exhibit a statistically significant tendency. However, spring and autumn precipitations show a nonsignificant decreasing trend in all of the divisions. Results from DWT and sequential MK analyses suggest that detail component 1 (plus approximation) of seasonal precipitations in all subregions is the most dominant periodic mode affecting their observed trends, except for summer precipitation in the subregion of southern Hunan, where detail component 2 is the most dominant one. Therefore, short-term periodicity (2–4 yr) is the most influential in affecting the observed trends of seasonal precipitation over Hunan Province.
A Diagnostic Equation for Tendency of Lapse-Rate-Tropopause Heights and Its Application
Authors: Kohma Masashi , Sato Kaoru
Published: August 2019

The tropopause is the boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere and is normally defined by the temperature lapse rate. Previous studies have noted that synoptic-scale and planetary-scale disturbances bring about lapse-rate-tropopause (LRT) height fluctuations on time scales from several days to several years. In the present study, a diagnostic expression for the tendency of LRT height is derived by assuming that the LRT can be characterized as a discontinuity in the vertical gradient of the potential temperature. In addition, the contribution from each term in the thermodynamic equation to the LRT height is quantified. The derived equation is validated by examining the time variation of the LRT height associated with baroclinic waves in an idealized numerical calculation, that of the zonal-mean LRT height in GPS radio occultation data, and that of the LRT height in reanalysis data.
Response of Orographic Precipitation to Subsaturated Low-Level Layers
Authors: Fu Shizuo , Rotunno Richard , Xue Huiwen
Published: August 2019

In orographic precipitation events, there are times when subsaturated low-level layers are observed to be below saturated, nearly moist-neutral, upper-level layers. By performing a series of idealized two-dimensional simulations, this study investigates the response of orographic precipitation to subsaturated low-level layers. When the nondimensional parameter N2zt/U, where N2 and zt are, respectively, the dry Brunt–Väisälä frequency and depth of the subsaturated low-level layer, and U the cross-mountain wind speed, exceeds a critical value, the decelerated region on the upwind side of the mountain moves upwind, resulting in weak surface precipitation near the mountain peak. The critical value determined from the simulations is close to that derived from linear theory. When N2zt/U is less than the critical value, increasing zt has two competing effects: 1) the vapor-transport effect, meaning that increasing zt decreases the amount of vapor transported to the mountain, and hence tends to decrease surface precipitation; and 2) the updraft-width effect, meaning that increasing zt enhances flow blocking, producing a wider updraft over the upwind slope, and hence tends to increase surface precipitation. When the vapor-transport effect dominates, surface precipitation decreases with zt. When the updraft-width effect dominates, surface precipitation increases with zt. Increasing the maximum mountain height hm or U generally increases surface precipitation. However, for certain combinations of hm and U, the simulations produce lee waves, which substantially reduce surface precipitation. Finally, the response of orographic precipitation in the simulations with both liquid-phase and ice-phase microphysics is similar to that in the simulations with only liquid-phase microphysics.
Addressing Fractional Dimensionality in the Application of Weather Index Insurance and Climate Risk Financing in Agricultural Development: A Dynamic Triggering Approach
Authors: Turvey Calum G. , Shee Apurba , Marr Ana
Published: August 2019

Climate risk financing programs in agriculture have caught the attention of researchers and policy makers over the last decade. Weather index insurance has emerged as a promising market-based risk financing mechanism. However, to develop a suitable weather index insurance mechanism it is essential to incorporate the distribution of underlying weather and climate risks to a specific event model that can minimize intraseasonal basis risk. In this paper we investigate the erratic nature of rainfall patterns in Kenya using Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Station Data (CHIRPS) rainfall data from 1983 to 2017. We find that the patterns of rainfall are fractional, both erratic and persistent, which is consistent with the Noah and Joseph effects that are well known in mathematics. The erratic nature of rainfall emerges from the breakdown of the convergence to a normal distribution. Instead we find that the distribution about the average is approximately lognormal, with an almost 50% higher chance of deficit rainfall below the mean than adequate rainfall above the mean. We find that the rainfall patterns obey the Hurst law and that the measured Hurst coefficients for seasonal rainfall pattern across all years range from a low of 0.137 to a high above 0.685. To incorporate the erratic and persistent nature of seasonal rainfall, we develop a new approach to weather index insurance based upon the accumulated rainfall in any 21-day period falling below 60% of the long-term average for that same 21-day period. We argue that this approach is more satisfactory to matching drought conditions within and between various phenological stages of growth.
Theories on Tornado and Waterspout Formation in Ancient Greece and Rome
Authors: Antonescu Bogdan , Schultz David M. , Ricketts Hugo M. A. M. , Ene Dragoş
Published: August 2019

Tornadoes and waterspouts have long fascinated humankind through their presence in myths and popular beliefs and originally were believed to have supernatural causes. The first theories explaining weather phenomena as having natural causes were proposed by ancient Greek natural philosophers. Aristotle was one of the first natural philosophers to speculate about the formation of tornadoes and waterspouts in Meteorologica (circa 340 BCE). Aristotle believed that tornadoes and waterspouts were associated with the wind trapped inside the cloud and moving in a circular motion. When the wind escapes the cloud, its descending motion carries the cloud with it, leading to the formation of a typhon (i.e., tornado or waterspout). His theories were adopted and further nuanced by other Greek philosophers such as Theophrastus and Epicurus. Aristotle’s ideas also influenced Roman philosophers such as Lucretius, Seneca, and Pliny the Elder, who further developed his ideas and also added their own speculations (e.g., tornadoes do not need a parent cloud). Almost ignored, Meteorologica was translated into Latin in the twelfth century, initially from an Arabic version, leading to much greater influence over the next centuries and into the Renaissance. In the seventeenth century, the first book-length studies on tornadoes and waterspouts were published in Italy and France, marking the beginning of theoretical and observational studies on these phenomena in Europe. Even if speculations about tornadoes and waterspouts proposed by Greek and Roman authors were cited after the nineteenth century only as historical pieces, core ideas of modern theories explaining these vortices can be traced back to this early literature.
Morphometric Differences in the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve in Patients with Vocal Fold Paralysis
Authors: Chao Melissa R. , Howe Katherine A. , Pierce Jennifer L. , Stark Amanda C. , Smith Marshall E. , Christensen Michael B.
Published: August 2019

Objectives:

Injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), if severe enough, can result in vocal fold paralysis. Reinnervation surgery can improve patient outcomes, but previous studies have reported a negative correlation between time since onset of paralysis and surgical outcomes. The ability of the paralyzed nerve to serve as a conduit for donor nerve fibers may be a factor in the success of reinnervation; however, changes in RLN composition after paralysis have not been well studied. Therefore, we investigated the morphometric composition of explanted RLN sections from patients who had experienced vocal fold paralysis for varying length of times.

Methods:

Nine nerve sections from unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVP) patients and seven control nerve sections were analyzed for morphometric parameters including fascicular area, fiber count, fiber density, fiber packing, mean g-ratio, and fiber diameter distribution. Nerves from UVP patients were also compared as a function of time since UVP onset.

Results:

In comparison to control nerves, paralyzed nerves were found to have significantly lower fiber densities and fiber packing, higher mean g-ratio values, and a shift in diameter distributions toward smaller diameter fibers. With respect to paralysis duration, no significant differences were observed except in fiber diameter distributions, where those with paralysis for >2 years had distributions that were significantly shifted toward smaller diameter fibers.

Conclusions:

The morphometric data presented here suggest that correlations between the time since onset of vocal fold paralysis and reinnervation outcomes may be due to fiber size changes in the paralyzed nerve over time.
Exposure to Awe-Evoking Natural and Built Scenes Has Positive Effects on Cognitive Performance and Affect
Authors: Collado Silvia , Manrique Héctor Marín
Published: August 2019

We investigated the possible restorative effects of exposure to awe-evoking scenes (natural/built) compared with mundane scenes (natural/built). A careful selection of visual stimuli was carried out, followed by an experiment with 250 participants. We included a mentally fatigued condition and a not mentally fatigued condition (i.e., control group). Participants’ performance on an attentional task and positive affect were recorded before (T0) and after (T1) exposure to one of four slideshows (i.e., natural/built, awe-evoking; natural/built, mundane). In addition, participants reported how restored they felt after the slideshow presentation, and how awe-evoking and familiar the slideshow was for them. Our depletion task did not affect participants’ performance on the attentional task at T0, so we cannot claim that psychological restoration took place. Nevertheless, we found positive effects of exposure to awe-evoking scenes, and we provide alternative explanations for these effects.
Non-native isiZulu Pre-service Teachers’ Views and Experiences on Learning isiZulu as a Second Language at a South African KwaZulu-Natal University
Authors: Nkosi Zinhle Primrose
Published: August 2019

This paper explores non-mother tongue isiZulu pre-service teachers’ views and experiences on learning isiZulu as a second language. The study uses qualitative study methods and it operates under the interpretivist paradigm. Semi-structured interviews are used with 20 students. Among findings are issues that relate to the usefulness of learning isiZulu as a compulsory module, good student attitude and academic performance. One of the recommendations is that there is a need to separate students studying isiZulu for the first time and those who are not studying it for the first time.
When Does Terror Induce a State of Emergency? And What Are the Effects?
Authors: Bjørnskov Christian , Voigt Stefan
Published: August 2019

The relationship between terrorist activities and states of emergency has never been explored in a cross-country perspective. This article is a first step to change that. Given that a terror act has been committed, what are the factors that lead governments to declare a state of emergency (SOE)—or refrain from declaring it? And given that a SOE has been declared, what are the effects thereof? On the basis of seventy-nine countries all having Western-style constitutions, we find that more terrorist incidents increase the likelihood of a SOE. Interestingly, emergencies are less likely to be declared in election years, supposedly because governments believe them to be unpopular. Once a SOE is declared, it generally leads to substantially more government repression. Finally, countries already under a SOE are more likely to suffer from additional terror attacks, challenging the effectiveness of states of emergency.
Examining Community College Students’ Progression Through the English as a Second Language Sequence
Authors: Park Elizabeth S.
Published: August 2019

Objective: Although immigrant students placed in English as a Second Language (ESL) sequence at community colleges are a growing student population, there is a dearth of research focused on these students in college. This study provides descriptive estimates of community college students’ progression through the credit-earning ESL sequence and disaggregates the findings by Generation 1.5/2.0 status. As community colleges seek to better support students whose primary language is not English, this study provides some of the first empirical evidence on who is placing where and how long it takes students to progress through the ESL sequence. Method: This study uses transcript data from a community college in California that enrolls a large proportion of students in the ESL sequence and estimates a Cox proportional hazards model with time to completing English 101 as the dependent variable. Results: Most Generation 1.5/2.0 students who take the ESL placement test start three levels or below college-level English. Furthermore, Generation 1.5/2.0 students attempt and complete English 101 at a lower rate than international students. Results from the Cox proportional hazards model show that international students are more likely to complete English 101 than U.S. citizens at any given point in time. Among the Generation 1.5/2.0 subsample, female permanent residents are more likely to complete English 101 than citizens. Conclusion: The findings suggest a need to reassess the ESL placement process so that all students placed in ESL are able to successfully progress toward college-level English.
Perspective Taking and Empathic Emotions in Letters Written by Grandchildren to Their Grandparent With Dementia Versus Grandparent Without Dementia
Authors: Ebert Alexandria R. , Miron Anca M. , Hodel Amy E. , Rowley Sarah K. , Davis Rachel , Melotik Emma
Published: August 2019

We examined differences in perspective taking and empathic emotions in letters written by young adults with grandparents with dementia (GD; N = 21) versus those with grandparents without dementia (GND; N = 45). College students wrote a letter to either their grandparent with dementia or their grandparent without dementia. The letters were coded for perspective taking and empathic emotions. Perspective taking was operationalized as participants’ scores on a perspective-taking orientation scale as well as number of second-person pronouns and number of shared experiences in the letters. Compared with participants in the GND group, those in the GDs group reported greater perspective taking, higher levels of tenderness and empathic distress, but similar levels of sympathy toward their grandparent. These findings suggest that interpersonal interventions should capitalize on family members’ higher orientation toward taking the perspective of their family member with dementia and their empathic feelings of tenderness toward that person.
Development and Validation of an Image Analysis System for the Measurement of Cell Proliferation in Mammary Glands of Rats
Authors: Lindauer Klaus , Bartels Thomas , Scherer Petra , Kabiri Mostafa
Published: August 2019

Reliable detection and measurement of cell proliferation are essential in the preclinical assessment of carcinogenic risk of therapeutics. In this context, the assessment of mitogenic potential on mammary glands is crucial in the preclinical safety evaluation of novel insulins. The existing manual counting is time-consuming and subject to operator bias. To standardize the processes, make it faster, and resistant to errors, we developed a semiautomated image analysis system (CEPA software, which is open-source) for counting of proliferating cells in photomicrographs of mammary gland sections of rats labeled with Ki-67. We validated the software and met the predefined targets for specificity, accuracy, and reproducibility. In comparison to manual counting, the respective mean differences in absolute labeling indices (LIs) for CEPA software were 3.12% for user 1 and 3.05% for user 2. The respective regression analysis revealed a good correlation between the CEPA software user and manual counting. Moreover, the CEPA software showed enhanced reproducibility between independent users. The interuser variability is centered around 0 and the absolute difference was about 0.53% LI. Based on validation data, our software has superiority to the manual counting and is a valid and reliable tool for the routine analysis of cell proliferation in mammary glands from rats exposed to insulin analogs.
Effect of nitric acid oxidation on the surface of hydrochars to sorb methylene blue: An adsorption mechanism comparison
Authors: Nguyen Duy H , Tran Hai Nguyen , Chao Huan-Ping , Lin Chu-Ching
Published: August 2019

The capacity and underlying mechanism of hydrochars derived from commercial D-glucose and wasted orange peels (designated as pristine-hydrochars) and further modified with nitric acid (designated as oxidized-hydrochars) to adsorb methylene blue were investigated. Both pristine- and oxidized-hydrochars were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmet–Teller-specific surface area, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and mass titration. The maximum methylene blue adsorption capacity at 30°C estimated by the Langmuir model was found to follow the order: mGH (246 mg/g) > mOPH (107 mg/g) > OPH (59.6 mg/g) > GH (54.8 mg/g). Six adsorption mechanisms were elucidated, in which the electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding were identified as the primary methylene blue-hydrochar adsorptive interaction; furthermore, because the nitric acid modification process enhanced oxygen- and nitrogen-containing functional groups and unsaturated bonds on the surface of oxidized-hydrochars, the π– π and n– π interaction became minor pathways for methylene blue adsorption onto oxidized-hydrochars. Our results suggest that modified hydrochars could be used as environmentally friendly adsorbents alternative to activated carbon in dealing with methylene blue contamination in aqueous solutions.
Can Young Children Draw What Does Not Exist?
Authors: Harris Paul L.
Published: August 2019

Research on children’s drawing has focused primarily on the challenges they face in depicting reality on a two-dimensional surface. As they get older, their depictions become increasingly realistic. However, the development of drawing also reflects children’s increasing ability to surmount another challenge, notably the constraints imposed by what they know about reality. In the course of development, children become increasingly capable of drawing creatures and objects that they have not observed and that do not exist. More specifically, they are able to imagine hybrids and other impossible entities and to depict what they imagine. By implication, the development of drawing involves two distinct trajectories: increased realism alongside a growing ability to escape the confines of known reality. Effectively, children gradually become capable of portraying the unreal as if it were real.
Long-term Results of Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Initial Tear Size Matters: A Prospective Study on Clinical and Radiological Results at a Minimum Follow-up of 10 Years
Authors: Randelli Pietro Simone , Menon Alessandra , Nocerino Elisabetta , Aliprandi Alberto , Feroldi Francesca Maria , Mazzoleni Manuel Giovanni , Boveri Sara , Ambrogi Federico , Cucchi Davide
Published: August 2019

Background:

Arthroscopic techniques are now considered the gold standard for treatment of most rotator cuff (RC) tears; however, no consensus exists on the maintenance of results over time, and long-term follow-up data have been reported for few cohorts of patients.

Purpose:

To present the long-term results associated with the arthroscopic treatment of RC tears and to evaluate associations between preoperative factors and RC integrity at final follow-up.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 169 patients were contacted at least 10 years after arthroscopic RC surgery and were invited to a clinical evaluation. Information on preoperative conditions, tear size, subjective satisfaction, and functional scores was collected; isometric strength and range of motion were also measured; and each patient underwent an ultrasound examination to evaluate supraspinatus integrity and a shoulder radiograph to evaluate osteoarthritis.

Results:

A total of 149 patients (88.2% of the eligible patients) were available for a complete telephonic interview, and 102 patients were available for the final evaluation. Ultrasound revealed an intact supraspinatus in 54 patients (53.47%). By adding the 10 patients who underwent revision surgery to the nonintact group, this percentage would drop to 48.65%. Tear size was associated with supraspinatus integrity in univariate analysis (hazard ratio, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.63-5.69; P = .001) and multivariable analysis (hazard ratio, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.03-4.62; P = .04). However, no significant differences were encountered in the subjective and functional scores collected, with the exception of the Constant-Murley Score, which was significantly higher in patients with smaller tears at the index procedure. Strength testing also revealed significantly superior abduction and flexion strength in this group, and radiographs showed a significantly higher acromion-humeral distance and lower grades of osteoarthritis. Patients with an intact supraspinatus at final follow-up showed superior results in all functional scores, greater satisfaction, superior abduction and flexion strength, higher acromion-humeral distance, and lower grades of osteoarthritis.

Conclusion:

RC tear size at the time of surgery significantly affects supraspinatus integrity at a minimum follow-up of 10 years. However, a larger tear is not associated with an inferior subjective result, although it negatively influences abduction and flexion strength, range of motion, and osteoarthritis progression. Intraoperative efforts to obtain a durable RC repair are encouraged, since supraspinatus integrity at final follow-up influences clinical and functional outcomes, patient satisfaction, and osteoarthritis progression.
Neighborhood Walkability or Third Places? Determinants of Social Support and Loneliness among Older Adults
Authors: Lee Ji Hei , Tan Teck Hong
Published: August 2019

In the context of creating age-friendly communities, this paper examines the effects of neighborhood walkability and third places on older adults’ social connectedness. The subject was older adult homeowners aged sixty-five years and above in the context of American college towns. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used, controlling personal abilities and sociodemographic factors. Third places positively influenced older adults’ social support network, but it was not associated with loneliness. Objective and perceived neighborhood accessibility had no association with either social support network or loneliness in later life. Findings suggest that planners and developers should prioritize third places in designing for active living.
Les systèmes d’échanges locaux : création d’une échelle de mesure des motivations au sélisme et identification de profils de sélistes
Authors: Privat Hélène , Urien Bertrand , Cherrier Hélène , Valette-Florence Pierre
Published: August 2019

Les SEL, ou Systèmes d’Echanges Locaux, sont régulièrement cités dans le cadre des travaux sur la consommation collaborative mais ont paradoxalement rarement été étudiés par les chercheurs en marketing. Alors que les SEL continuent à se développer, ils font face à un fort turnover. Au point de se demander si les SEL existant répondent aux motivations qui sous-tendent la pratique séliste. Quelle est la nature des motivations d’un séliste ? Ces motivations sont-elles différentes des motivations génériques relatives à toute forme de consommation collaborative ? Est-il possible de les mesurer et de proposer d’identifier ainsi des profils de sélistes fondés sur ces motivations ? Une étude qualitative portant sur 16 sélistes et une étude quantitative portant au total sur 957 sélistes ont permis d’identifier cinq types de motivations et cinq profils de sélistes – « les intellos contestataires », « les sélistes débutants », « les idéalistes affectifs », « les consommateurs pragmatiques » et « les sélistes accomplis ». Les apports théoriques de l’étude résident notamment dans l’importance de la motivation « S’enrichir intellectuellement » et dans la création d’une échelle de mesure des motivations au sélisme fiable et valide. Ces résultats ont des conséquences pour le pilotage des gestionnaires de SEL, qui pourront ainsi améliorer la nature des offres d’échanges, l’efficacité de leur communication interne et externe, le recrutement de nouveaux membres, mais également réduire l’important turnover.