bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimizing the Dangers of Air Pollution Using Alternative Facts: A Science Museum Case Study
Authors: Lee David Haldane
Published: December 2019

A science museum exhibition about human health contains an exhibit that minimizes health impacts of air pollution. Relevant details, such as the full range of health risks; fossil fuel combustion; air quality statutes (and the local electrical utility's violations of these statues), are omitted, while end users of electricity are blamed. The exhibit accomplishes this, not through outright falsification, but through selected “alternative facts” that change the focus and imply misleading alternate explanations. Using two classical rhetorical concepts (the practical syllogism and the enthymeme) allows for the surfacing of missing evidence and unstated directives underlying multimodal rhetoric. By stating multimedia arguments syllogistically, a technique is proposed for revealing hidden political subtexts from beneath a putatively disinterested presentation of facts. The piece should be of interest to researchers, message designers, and policymakers interested in the rhetoric of science, ecology, health, and museums.
Practicing Pathology: The Rhetoric of Pathology in Jane Doe's Struggle to Obtain an Abortion in Federal Immigration Custody
Authors: de Saint Felix Skye
Published: December 2019

In October 2017, the stories of Jane Doe, Roe, and Poe, young women detained at a Texas immigration detention center run by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) made national headlines. They were pregnant, undocumented immigrants who were denied access to abortion because the ORR argued that they were “not people for constitutional purposes.” Using rhetorical silence, paternalistic rhetoric, and dehumanizing rhetoric, ORR director Scott Lloyd had the ultimate power of definition that allowed him to rhetorically pathologize these women as undeserving of rights and health care. Tapping into cultural and historical discourses that treat abortion and immigration as pathological and measures of an afflicted society, Lloyd and ORR policy constituted a rhetoric of pathology that demonized these women for their “crimes” of illegal immigration, sex, and requesting abortion. Their stories and the rhetorical strategies used to justify their oppression are particularly important in the continued fight for women's bodily autonomy and immigrant rights in a time of heightened border security, deportation, and family separation.
Serving All Who Served: An Analysis of the VA's Visual and Digital Rhetorics for Welcoming Sexual and Gender Minority Veterans Into VA Care
Authors: Puntasecca Christina , Hall E. Ashley , Ware Jennifer
Published: December 2019

Nearly one million veterans identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) and could be eligible for services provided by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). Historical criminalization of service members prior to and during the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy created social and cultural barriers to LGBT veterans seeking VA care. To date, no studies have assessed the implementation of the VA's efforts to create a welcoming environment for LGBT veterans. This study fills that gap by using rhetorical genre studies to analyze how official VA.gov websites position and address LGBT veterans. Our results indicate that rhetorical and discursive strategies deployed on the VAMC web sites betray information asymmetries reflecting varying levels of ambition and commitment to inclusion of LGBT veterans. With a focus on techne, we conclude with research‐based recommendations for VA practitioners, administrators, and policymakers to improve patient‐provider communication through public digital rhetorics.
Leptogenesis from spontaneous symmetry breaking during inflation
Authors: Wu Yi-Peng , Yang Louis , Kusenko Alexander
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Symmetry breaking in the Higgs field via a non-minimal coupling to gravity or higher-dimensional interactions with the inflaton can lead to condensation at a large vacuum expectation value (VEV) during inflation. After inflation is over, the Higgs field must relax to the minimum of its effective potential, creating an era in which the CPT is effectively broken by the time-depended VEV. We show that the matter-antimatter asymmetry can be generated during this relaxation epoch.
Dynamic contact area ratio in shoulder instability: an innovative diagnostic technique measuring interplay of bony lesions
Authors: Weel Hanneke , Krekel Peter R. , Willigenburg Nienke , Willems W. Jaap , Randelli Pietro , Compagnoni Riccardo , van Deurzen Derek F. P.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The hypothesis of this study is that Dynamic Contact Area Ratio of the humerus and glenoid, measured with CT scans, is significantly reduced in patients with anterior shoulder instability compared to the Dynamic Contact Area Ratio in a control group of people without shoulder instability.

Methods

Preoperative CT scans of patients who underwent surgery for anterior shoulder instability were collected. Additionally, the radiologic database was searched for control subjects. Using a validated software tool (Articulis) the CT scans were converted into 3-dimensional models and the amount the joint contact surface during simulated motion was calculated.

Results

CT scans of 18 patients and 21 controls were available. The mean Dynamic Contact Area Ratio of patients was 25.2 ± 6.7 compared to 30.1 ± 5.1 in healthy subjects (p = 0.014).

Conclusion

Dynamic Contact Area Ratio was significantly lower in patients with anterior shoulder instability compared to controls, confirming the hypothesis of the study. The findings of this study indicate that calculating the Dynamic Contact Area Ratio based on CT scan images may help surgeons in diagnosing anterior shoulder instability.

Level of evidence

III.
Outcomes After Surgery for Unilateral Dominant Primary Aldosteronism in Sweden
Authors: Sellgren Fredrik , Koman Anna , Nordenström Erik , Hellman Per , Hennings Joakim , Muth Andreas
Published: December 2019

Background

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of secondary hypertension. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for unilateral dominant PA, but reported cure rates varies. The aim of the present study was to investigate contemporary follow‐up practices and cure rates after surgery for PA in Sweden.

Methods

Patients operated for PA and registered in the Scandinavian Quality Register for Thyroid, Parathyroid and Adrenal Surgery (SQRTPA) 2009–2015 were identified. Patient data were extracted, and follow‐up data (1–24 months) was recorded. Doses of antihypertensive medication and potassium supplementation were calculated using defined daily doses (DDD), and the Primary Aldosteronism Surgical Outcome (PASO) criteria were used to evaluate outcomes.

Results

Of 190 registered patients, 171 (47% female, mean age 53 years, median follow‐up 3.7 months) were available for analysis. In 75 patients (44%), missing data precluded evaluation of biochemical cure according to the PASO criteria. Minimal invasive approach was used in 168/171 patients (98%). Complication rate (Clavien‐Dindo >3a) was 3%. No mortality was registered. Pre/postoperatively 98/66% used antihypertensives (mean DDD 3.7/1.5). 89/2% had potassium supplementation (mean DDD 2.0/0) before/after surgery. Complete/partial biochemical and clinical success according to the PASO criteria were achieved in 92/7% and 34/60%, respectively.

Conclusion

In this study, reflecting contemporary clinical practice in Sweden complete/partial biochemical and clinical success after surgery for PA was 92/7% and 34/60%. Evaluation of biochemical cure was hampered by lack of uniform reporting of relevant outcome measures. We suggest mandatory reporting of surgical outcomes using the PASO criteria for all units performing surgery for PA.
A multicentre development and validation study of a novel lower gastrointestinal bleeding score—The Birmingham Score
Authors: Smith Samuel C. L. , Bazarova Alina , Ejenavi Efe , Qurashi Maria , Shivaji Uday N. , Harvey Phil R. , Slaney Emma , McFarlane Michael , Baker Graham , Elnagar Mohamed , Yuzari Sarah , Gkoutos Georgios , Ghosh Subrata , Iacucci Marietta
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is common and risk stratification scores can guide clinical decision-making. There is no robust risk stratification tool specific for LGIB, with existing tools not routinely adopted. We aimed to develop and validate a risk stratification tool for LGIB.

Methods

Retrospective review of LGIB admissions to three centres between 2010 and 2018 formed the derivation cohort. Using regressional analysis within a machine learning technique, risk factors for adverse outcomes were identified, forming a simple risk stratification score—The Birmingham Score. Retrospective review of an additional centre, not included in the derivation cohort, was performed to validate the score.

Results

Data from 469 patients were included in the derivation cohort and 180 in the validation cohort. Admission haemoglobin OR 1.07(95% CI 1.06–1.08) and male gender OR 2.29(95% CI 1.40–3.77) predicted adverse outcomes in the derivation cohort AUC 0.86(95% CI 0.82–0.90) which outperformed the Blatchford 0.81(95% CI 0.77–0.85), Rockall 0.60(95% CI 0.55–0.65) and AIM65 0.55(0.50–0.60) scores and in the validation cohort AUC 0.80(95% CI 0.73–0.87) which outperformed the Blatchford 0.77(95% CI 0.70–0.85), Rockall 0.67(95% CI 0.59–0.75) and AIM 65 scores 0.61(95% CI 0.53–0.69). The Birmingham Score also performs well at predicting adverse outcomes from diverticular bleeding AUC 0.87 (95% CI 0.75–0.98). A score of 7 predicts a 94% probability of adverse outcome.

Conclusion

The Birmingham Score represents a simple risk stratification score that can be used promptly on patients admitted with LGIB.
Genetic polymorphism patterns suggest a genetic driven inflammatory response as pathogenesis in appendicitis
Authors: Dimberg Jan , Rubér Marie , Skarstedt Marita , Andersson Manne , Andersson Roland E.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The pathogenesis of appendicitis is not well understood. Environmental factors are regarded most important, but epidemiologic findings suggest a role of inflammatory and genetic mechanisms. This study determines the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of inflammatory genes with appendicitis.

Methods

As part of a larger prospective study on the diagnostic value of inflammatory variables in appendicitis, the genotype frequency of 28 polymorphisms in 26 inflammatory response genes from the appendicitis and control patients was analyzed in blood samples from 343 patients, 100 with appendicitis, and 243 with non-specific abdominal pain, using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays.

Results

Associations with appendicitis were found for SNPs IL-13 rs1800925 with odds ratio (OR) 6.02 (95% CI 1.52–23.78) for T/T versus C/C + T/T, for IL-17 rs2275913 with OR 2.38 (CI 1.24–4.57) for A/A vs G/G + GA, for CCL22 rs223888 with OR 0.12 (0.02–0.90), and for A/A vs G/G + GA. Signs of effect modification of age for the association with appendicitis were found for IL-13 rs1800925 and CTLA4 rs3087243. Stratified analysis showed difference in association with severity of disease for IL-17 rs2275913 and CD44 rs187115.

Conclusions

The association of gene variants on risk of appendicitis and its severity suggest an etiologic role of genetically regulated inflammatory response. This may have implications for understanding the prognosis of untreated appendicitis as a possible self-limiting disorder and for understanding the inverse association of appendicitis with ulcerative colitis.
Time trends of vitamin D concentrations in northern Sweden between 1986 and 2014: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Summerhays Eva , Eliasson Mats , Lundqvist Robert , Söderberg Stefan , Zeller Tanja , Oskarsson Viktor
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Vitamin D, produced through cutaneous photosynthesis or ingested via foods or supplements, has generated considerable research interest due to its potential health effects. However, epidemiological data on the time trends of vitamin D status are sparse, especially from northern Europe. We examined the time trend of vitamin D concentrations in northern Sweden between 1986 and 2014.

Methods

We used data on 11,129 men and women (aged 25–74 years) from seven population-based surveys (the Northern Sweden MONICA study), recruited between 1986 and 2014. Serum vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) status was measured using a one-step immunoassay (Abbott Architect). Multivariable linear regression models, adjusted for age, sex, and a number of other variables, were used to estimate the time trend of vitamin D concentrations.

Results

The mean value of vitamin D in the entire study population was 19.9 ng/mL [standard deviation (SD) 7.9], with lower values in men (19.4 ng/mL; SD 7.5) than in women (20.5 ng/mL; SD 8.2). Using the survey in 1986 as reference category, the multivariable-adjusted mean difference [95% confidence interval (CI)] in ng/mL was 2.7 (2.2, 3.3) in 1990, 3.2 (2.7, 3.7) in 1994, 1.6 (1.0, 2.1) in 1999, − 2.0 (− 2.5, − 1.4) in 2004, 1.0 (0.4, 1.5) in 2009, and 3.1 (2.5, 3.6) in 2014.

Conclusion

In this large cross-sectional study, we observed no clear upward or downward trend of vitamin D concentrations in northern Sweden between 1986 and 2014.
Outcomes of superior capsule reconstruction for massive rotator cuff tears and risk factors for postoperative retear
Authors: Ohta Satoru , Komai Osamu , Onochi Yuuki
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) has been used for the tendon grafting of massive rotator cuff tears when primary repair is difficult. We examined the postoperative outcomes of SCR for massive rotator cuff tears and the risk factors for postoperative retear.

Materials and methods

Through this retrospective comparative study, we evaluated 35 patients with an average age of 75.3 (57–90) years who underwent SCR using the technique developed by Mihata et al. Clinical outcomes were evaluated 1 year postoperatively using the Japan Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score, elevation angle and the Sugaya classification, which uses a 5-point scale evaluation on magnetic resonance imaging in which types 4 and 5 are considered retears. We also investigated the progression of fatty degeneration before and after surgery and the rupture site of the graft. Acromio-humeral distance (AHD), before and after surgery was measured through X-rays. Rotator cuff tear-related shoulder arthritis was evaluated on plain X-rays using the Hamada stage. Risks of retear were identified using multiple regression analyses for sex, age, Hamada stage and JOA score.

Results

The JOA score improved from 62.3 ± 9.49 (SD) preoperatively to 84.6 ± 5.66 (SD) postoperatively (P < 0.001). The UCLA score improved from 15.3 ± 3.77 (SD) preoperatively to 30.1 ± 3.11 (SD) postoperatively (P < 0.001). AHD increased from 4.03 mm preoperatively to 6.23 mm postoperatively (P < 0.001).

Postoperative retear was observed in seven of the 35 patients. Moreover, retear was observed in five of nine patients with a Hamada stage ≥ 4. Multiple regression analysis revealed that age ≥ 80 years, male sex and Hamada stage ≥ 4 were risk factors for retear.

Conclusions

While the postoperative outcomes of SCR are favorable, age, sex and degree of arthropathic change should be considered for surgical indications of SCR.
Endoscopic transnasal transmaxillary approach to the upper parapharyngeal space and the skull base
Authors: Liu Quan , Wang Huan , Zhao Weidong , Song Xiaole , Sun Xicai , Yu Hongmeng , Wang Dehui , Fernandez-Miranda Juan C. , Snyderman Carl H.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Treatment of tumors arising in the upper parapharyngeal space (PPS) or the floor of the middle cranial fossa is challenging. This study aims to present anatomical landmarks for a combined endoscopic transnasal and anterior transmaxillary approach to the upper PPS and the floor of the middle cranial fossa and to further evaluate their clinical application.

Methods

Dissection of the upper PPS using a combined endoscopic endonasal transpterygoid and anterior transmaxillary approach was performed in six cadaveric heads. Surgical landmarks associated with the approach were defined. The defined approach was applied in patients with tumors involving the upper PPS.

Results

The medial pterygoid muscle, tensor veli palatini muscle and levator veli palatini muscle were key landmarks of the approach into the upper PPS. The lateral pterygoid plate, foramen ovale and mandibular nerve were important anatomical landmarks for exposing the parapharyngeal segment of the internal carotid artery through a combined endoscopic transnasal and anterior transmaxillary approach. The combined approach provided a better view of the upper PPS and middle skull base, allowing for effective bimanual techniques and bleeding control. Application of the anterior transmaxillary approach also provided a better view of the inferior limits of the upper PPS and facilitated control of the internal carotid artery.

Conclusions

Improving the knowledge of the endoscopic anatomy of the upper PPS allowed us to achieve an optimal approach to tumors arising in the upper PPS. The combined endoscopic transnasal and anterior transmaxillary approach is a minimally invasive alternative approach to the upper PPS.
Neonatal cardiac hypertrophy: the role of hyperinsulinism—a review of literature
Authors: Paauw Nina D. , Stegeman Raymond , de Vroede Monique A. M. J. , Termote Jacqueline U. M. , Freund Matthias W. , Breur Johannes M. P. J.
Published: December 2019

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in neonates is a rare and heterogeneous disorder which is characterized by hypertrophy of heart with histological and functional disruption of the myocardial structure/composition. The prognosis of HCM depends on the underlying diagnosis. In this review, we emphasize the importance to consider hyperinsulinism in the differential diagnosis of HCM, as hyperinsulinism is widely associated with cardiac hypertrophy (CH) which cannot be distinguished from HCM on echocardiographic examination. We supply an overview of the incidence and treatment strategies of neonatal CH in a broad spectrum of hyperinsulinemic diseases. Reviewing the literature, we found that CH is reported in 13 to 44% of infants of diabetic mothers, in approximately 40% of infants with congenital hyperinsulinism, in 61% of infants with leprechaunism and in 48 to 61% of the patients with congenital generalized lipodystrophy. The correct diagnosis is of importance since there is a large variation in prognoses and there are various strategies to treat CH in hyperinsulinemic diseases.

Conclusion: The relationship between CH and hyperinsulism has implications for clinical practice as it might help to establish the correct diagnosis in neonates with cardiac hypertrophy which has both prognostic and therapeutic consequences. In addition, CH should be recognized as a potential comorbidity which might necessitate treatment in all neonates with known hyperinsulinism.What is Known:• Hyperinsulinism is currently not acknowledged as a cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in textbooks and recent Pediatric Cardiomyopathy Registry publications.What is New:• This article presents an overview of the literature of hyperinsulinism in neonates and infants showing that hyperinsulinism is associated with cardiac hypertrophy (CH) in a broad range of hyperinsulinemic diseases.• As CH cannot be distinguished from HCM on echocardiographic examination, we emphasize the importance to consider hyperinsulinism in the differential diagnosis of HCM/CH as establishing the correct diagnosis has both prognostic and therapeutic consequences.
Seasonal variation in exploitative competition between honeybees and bumblebees
Authors: Wignall Veronica R. , Campbell Harry Isabella , Davies Natasha L. , Kenny Stephen D. , McMinn Jack K. , Ratnieks Francis L. W.
Published: December 2019

Honeybees (Apis mellifera) and bumblebees (Bombusspp.) often undergo exploitative competition for shared floral resources, which can alter their foraging behaviour and flower choice, even causing competitive exclusion. This may be strongest in summer, when foraging conditions are most challenging for bees, compared to other times of the year. However, the seasonal dynamics of competition between these major pollinator groups are not well understood. Here, we investigate whether the strength of exploitative competition for nectar between honeybees and bumblebees varies seasonally, and whether competitive pressure is greatest in summer months. We carried out experimental bee exclusion trials from May to late September, using experimental patches of lavender, variety Grosso, in full bloom. In each trial, we compared the numbers of honeybees (HB) foraging on patches from which bumblebees had been manually excluded (bumblebee excluded, BBE) versus control (CON) patches, HB(BBE-CON). This measure of exploitative competition varied significantly with season. As expected, mean HB(BBE-CON)was significantly greater in summer trials than in spring or autumn trials. This was despite high nectar standing crop volumes in BBE patch flowers in spring and autumn trials. Mean HB(BBE-CON)was not different between spring and autumn trials. Our results show that nectar competition between honeybees and bumblebees varies seasonally and is stronger in summer than spring or autumn, adding to current understanding of the seasonality of resource demand and competition between bee species. This information may also help to inform conservation programs aiming to increase floral resources for bees by showing when these resources are most needed.
The inhibitory control of pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) weakens when previously learned environmental information becomes unpredictable
Authors: Griffin Kandace R. , Beardsworth Christine E. , Laker Philippa R. , van Horik Jayden O. , Whiteside Mark A. , Madden Joah R.
Published: December 2019

Inhibitory control (IC) is the ability to intentionally restrain initial, ineffective responses to a stimulus and instead exhibit an alternative behaviour that is not pre-potent but which effectively attains a reward. Individuals (both humans and non-human animals) differ in their IC, perhaps as a result of the different environmental conditions they have experienced. We experimentally manipulated environmental predictability, specifically how reliable information linking a cue to a reward was, over a very short time period and tested how this affected an individual’s IC. We gave 119 pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) the opportunity to learn to associate a visual cue with a food reward in a binary choice task. We then perturbed this association for half the birds, whereas control birds continued to be rewarded when making the correct choice. We immediately measured all birds’ on a detour IC task and again 3 days later. Perturbed birds immediately performed worse than control birds, making more unrewarded pecks at the apparatus than control birds, although this effect was less for individuals that had more accurately learned the initial association. The effect of the perturbation was not seen 3 days later, suggesting that individual IC performance is highly plastic and susceptible to recent changes in environmental predictability. Specifically, individuals may perform poorly in activities requiring IC immediately after information in their environment is perturbed, with the perturbation inducing emotional arousal. Our finding that recent environmental changes can affect IC performance, depending on how well an animal has learned about that environment, means that interpreting individual differences in IC must account for both prior experience and relevant individual learning abilities.
Health state utilities associated with treatment for transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia
Authors: Matza Louis S. , Paramore L. Clark , Stewart Katie D. , Karn Hayley , Jobanputra Minesh , Dietz Andrew C.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) is a genetic disease that affects production of red blood cells. Conventional treatment involves regular red blood cell transfusions and iron chelation, which has a substantial impact on quality of life. While potentially curative, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is associated with risk of complications, including graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Gene addition therapy, a novel treatment approach, involves autologous transplantation of the patient’s own genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells. The purpose of this study was to estimate utilities associated with treatment approaches for TDT.

Methods

General population respondents in England valued eight health state vignettes (developed with clinician, patient, and parent input) in time trade-off interviews.

Results

A total of 207 participants completed interviews (49.8% female; mean age = 43.2 years). Mean (SD) utilities for the pre-transplant health states were 0.73 (0.25) with oral chelation and 0.63 (0.32) with subcutaneous chelation. Mean utilities for the transplant year were 0.62 (0.35) for gene addition therapy, 0.47 (0.39) for allo-HSCT, and 0.39 (0.39) for allo-HSCT with acute GvHD. Post-transplant utilities were 0.93 (0.15) for transfusion independent, 0.75 (0.25) for 60% transfusion reduction, and 0.51 (0.38) for chronic GvHD. Acute and chronic GvHD were associated with significant disutility (acute = − 0.09, p < 0.0001; chronic = − 0.42, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Utilities followed expected patterns, with logical differences between treatment options for TDT and substantially greater utility for transfusion independence than for ongoing treatment involving transfusion and chelation. These utilities may be useful in cost-utility models estimating the value of treatments for TDT.
Pig Exposure and Health Outcomes in Hospitalized Infectious Disease Patients in Vietnam
Authors:   the VIZIONS consortium, Robertson Gail , Perry Meghan , Vinh Phat Voong , Ngoc Dung Tran Thi , Thanh Tam Pham Thi , My Phuc Tran , Thao Huong Dang , Rabaa Maia , Baker Stephen , Woolhouse Mark
Published: December 2019

Many infectious diseases have a zoonotic origin, and several have had major public health implications. Contact with animals is a known risk factor for zoonotic infections, although there are limited data on disease symptoms and pathogens associated with contact with different animal species. The rise in pig production in Southeast Asia has contributed to the emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic infections caused by contact with pigs and pig products. To compare the symptom and pathogen profiles of hospitalized patients with and without pig contact, we collected data on disease symptoms, infecting pathogens, and animal contact behaviour from patients attending six hospitals across Vietnam between 2012 and 2016. Patients who had previous contact with pigs were more likely to have enteric disease than respiratory or central nervous system infections and were more likely to grow Escherichia coli and Shigella from stool culture than those without pig contact. Patients with enteric infections who kept pigs were also more likely to have a disease of unknown origin. Public health initiatives that account for differences in animal contact behaviours and offer more comprehensive diagnostics in high-risk individuals are needed if emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic disease is to be monitored and prevented.
Subject-Specific Finite Element Modelling of the Human Hand Complex: Muscle-Driven Simulations and Experimental Validation
Authors: Wei Yuyang , Zou Zhenmin , Wei Guowu , Ren Lei , Qian Zhihui
Published: December 2019

This paper aims to develop and validate a subject-specific framework for modelling the human hand. This was achieved by combining medical image-based finite element modelling, individualized muscle force and kinematic measurements. Firstly, a subject-specific human hand finite element (FE) model was developed. The geometries of the phalanges, carpal bones, wrist bones, ligaments, tendons, subcutaneous tissue and skin were all included. The material properties were derived from in-vivo and in-vitro experiment results available in the literature. The boundary and loading conditions were defined based on the kinematic data and muscle forces of a specific subject captured from the in-vivo grasping tests. The predicted contact pressure and contact area were in good agreement with the in-vivo test results of the same subject, with the relative errors for the contact pressures all being below 20%. Finally, sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate the effects of important modelling parameters on the predictions. The results showed that contact pressure and area were sensitive to the material properties and muscle forces. This FE human hand model can be used to make a detailed and quantitative evaluation into biomechanical and neurophysiological aspects of human hand contact during daily perception and manipulation. The findings can be applied to the design of the bionic hands or neuro-prosthetics in the future.
Interaction Between Odor Identification Deficit and APOE4 Predicts 6-Year Cognitive Decline in Elderly Individuals
Authors: Olofsson Jonas K. , Larsson Maria , Roa Catalina , Wilson Donald A. , Jonsson Laukka Erika
Published: December 2019

Olfactory identification impairment might indicate future cognitive decline in elderly individuals. An unresolved question is to what extent this effect is dependent on the ApoE-ε4, a genotype associated with risk of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Given the current concern about reproducibility in empirical research, we assessed this issue in a large sample (n = 1637) of older adults (60 – 96 years) from the population-based longitudinal Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K). A hierarchical regression analysis was carried out to determine if a low score on an odor identification test, and the presence of ApoE-ε4, would predict the magnitude of a prospective 6-year change in the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) after controlling for demographic, health-related, and cognitive variables. We found that overall, lower odor identification performance was predictive of cognitive decline, and, as hypothesized, we found that the effect was most pronounced among ApoE-ε4 carriers. Our results from this high-powered sample suggest that in elderly carriers of the ApoE-ε4 allele, odor identification impairment provides an indication of future cognitive decline, which has relevance for the prognosis of AD.
From “We Didn’t Do It” to “We’ve Learned Our Lesson”: Development of a Typology of Neutralizations of Corporate Crime
Authors: Schoultz Isabel , Flyghed Janne
Published: December 2019

When corporations are faced with accusations of crime, they usually find it necessary to justify their actions to the public, the media and their shareholders. Corporate self-defense, aimed at protecting a corporation’s image and legitimacy, belongs to a broader category of offenders’ denials and neutralizations. The objective of this article is to compile and discuss literature that is of value for an understanding of neutralizations of corporate crime and, by means of this literature and our own empirical studies on corporate denials, to outline a typology of corporate neutralizations. The typology distinguishes between a wide variety of corporate responses to allegations of crime and exemplifies how these techniques have been used. We also discuss the function of corporate neutralization techniques and argue that corporate accounts mediate action; they influence both other actors and future corporate actions.
Do Benefits from Dynamic Tariffing Rise? Welfare Effects of Real-Time Retail Pricing Under Carbon Taxation and Variable Renewable Electricity Supply
Authors: Gambardella Christian , Pahle Michael , Schill Wolf-Peter
Published: December 2019

We analyze the gross welfare gains from real-time retail pricing in electricity markets where carbon taxation induces investment in variable renewable technologies. Applying a stylized numerical electricity market model, we find a U-shaped association between carbon taxation and gross welfare gains. The benefits of introducing real-time pricing can accordingly be relatively low at relatively high carbon taxes and vice versa. The non-monotonous change in welfare gains can be explained by corresponding changes in the inefficiency arising from “under-consumption” during low-price periods rather than by changes in wholesale price volatility. Our results may cast doubt on the efficiency of ongoing roll-outs of advanced meters in many electricity markets, since net benefits might only materialize at relatively high carbon tax levels and renewable supply shares.
Being-in-the-World Reconsidered: Thinking Beyond Absorbed Coping and Detached Rationality
Authors: Leidlmair Karl
Published: December 2019

Recently, a revival of phenomenological approaches has been gaining ground in the literature of cognition and human understanding. Heidegger’s Being-in-the-World plays a decisive role here. Instead of viewing the mind as an independent entity separated from the “outer” world, these approaches assert an immediate understanding of a meaningful environment. Such an immediate understanding is seen in the light of embodied practices, when humans are engaged in skillful absorbed coping. An analysis of Heidegger’s concept of truth provides a more sophisticated view. Being-in-the-World does not always grant direct access to an immediate understanding of a meaningful environment. Often, other objects in the world conceal themselves from human view. In a first approach, this understanding of truth will be elaborated on the basis of an exegesis of Heidegger’s text concerning his question of truth. What this actually means for a phenomenological understanding will be explained by a closer look at two central topics in Being and Time: disturbance and anxiety. The idea is to show that Heidegger’s Being-in-the-World—properly interpreted—can offer a “third way” beyond the limits of a mindless coping and an understanding of the mind as a self-standing entity detached from other entities in the world.
Vibrational Response of Felodipine in the THz Domain: Optical and Neutron Spectroscopy Versus Plane-Wave DFT Modeling
Authors: Łuczyńska Katarzyna , Drużbicki Kacper , Runka Tomasz , Pałka Norbert , Węsicki Jan
Published: December 2019

We present a joint experimental and computational terahertz (THz) spectroscopy study of the most stable polymorph (form I) of an antihypertensive pharmaceutical solid, felodipine (FLD). The vibrational response has been analyzed at room temperature by combining optical (THz-TDS, FT-IR, THz-Raman) and neutron (INS) terahertz spectroscopy. With the challenging example of a large and flexible molecular solid, we illustrate the complementarity of the experimental techniques. We show how the results can be understood by employing ab initio modeling and discuss current progress in the field. To this end, we employ plane wave formulation of density functional theory (plane wave DFT) along with harmonic lattice dynamics calculations (HLD) and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. Based on a comprehensive theoretical analysis, we discover an inconsistency in the commonly accepted structural model, which can be linked to a distinct librational dynamics of the side ester chains. As a result, only a moderate agreement with the experimental spectra can be achieved. We, therefore, propose an alternative structural model, effectively accounting for the influence of the large-amplitude librations and allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the vibrational resonances up to 4.5 THz. In that way, we illustrate the applicability of the computationally supported THz spectroscopy to detect subtle structural issues in molecular solids. While the provided structural model can be treated as a guess, the problem calls for further revision by means of high-resolution crystallography. The problem also draws a need of extending the THz experiments toward low-temperature conditions and single-crystal samples. On the other hand, the studied system emerges as a challenge for the DFT modeling, being extremely sensitive to the level of the theory used and the resulting description of the intermolecular forces. FLD form I can be, hence, considered as a testbed for the use of more sophisticated theoretical approaches, particularly relying on an advanced treatment of the van der Walls forces and going beyond zero-temperature conditions and harmonic approximation.
Enhancing NMR derived ensembles with kinetics on multiple timescales
Authors: Smith Colin A. , Mazur Adam , Rout Ashok K. , Becker Stefan , Lee Donghan , de Groot Bert L. , Griesinger Christian
Published: December 2019

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has the unique advantage of elucidating the structure and dynamics of biomolecules in solution at physiological temperatures, where they are in constant movement on timescales from picoseconds to milliseconds. Such motions have been shown to be critical for enzyme catalysis, allosteric regulation, and molecular recognition. With NMR being particularly sensitive to these timescales, detailed information about the kinetics can be acquired. However, nearly all methods of NMR-based biomolecular structure determination neglect kinetics, which introduces a large approximation to the underlying physics, limiting both structural resolution and the ability to accurately determine molecular flexibility. Here we present the Kinetic Ensemble approach that uses a hierarchy of interconversion rates between a set of ensemble members to rigorously calculate Nuclear Overhauser Effect (NOE) intensities. It can be used to simultaneously refine both temporal and structural coordinates. By generalizing ideas from the extended model free approach, the method can analyze the amplitudes and kinetics of motions anywhere along the backbone or side chains. Furthermore, analysis of a large set of crystal structures suggests that NOE data contains a surprising amount of high-resolution information that is better modeled using our approach. The Kinetic Ensemble approach provides the means to unify numerous types of experiments under a single quantitative framework and more fully characterize and exploit kinetically distinct protein states. While we apply the approach here to the protein ubiquitin and cross validate it with previously derived datasets, the approach can be applied to any protein for which NOE data is available.
Schrödinger’s fetus examined
Authors: Blackshaw Bruce P.
Published: December 2019

Joona Räsänen has proposed a concept he calls Schrödinger’s Fetus as a solution to reconciling what he believes are two widely held but contradictory intuitions. I show that Elizabeth Harman’s Actual Future Principle, upon which Schrödinger’s Fetus is based, uses a more convincing account of personhood. I also argue that both Räsänen and Harman, by embracing animalism, weaken their arguments by allowing Don Marquis’ ‘future like ours’ argument for the immorality of abortion into the frame.
Threats on the horizon: understanding security threats in the era of cyber-physical systems
Authors: Walker-Roberts Steven , Hammoudeh Mohammad , Aldabbas Omar , Aydin Mehmet , Dehghantanha Ali
Published: December 2019

Disruptive innovations of the last few decades, such as smart cities and Industry 4.0, were made possible by higher integration of physical and digital elements. In today’s pervasive cyber-physical systems, connecting more devices introduces new vulnerabilities and security threats. With increasing cybersecurity incidents, cybersecurity professionals are becoming incapable of addressing what has become the greatest threat climate than ever before. This research investigates the spectrum of risk of a cybersecurity incident taking place in the cyber-physical-enabled world using the VERIS Community Database. The findings were that the majority of known actors were from the US and Russia, most victims were from western states and geographic origin tended to reflect global affairs. The most commonly targeted asset was information, with the majority of attack modes relying on privilege abuse. The key feature observed was extensive internal security breaches, most often a result of human error. This tends to show that access in any form appears to be the source of vulnerability rather than incident specifics due to a fundamental trade-off between usability and security in the design of computer systems. This provides fundamental evidence of the need for a major reevaluation of the founding principles in cybersecurity.
Neural phase: a new problem for the modal account of epistemic luck
Authors: Bricker Adam Michael
Published: December 2019

One of the most widely recognised intuitions about knowledge is that knowing precludes believing truly as a matter of luck. On Pritchard’s highly influential modal account of epistemic luck, luckily true beliefs are, roughly, those for which there are many close possible worlds in which the same belief formed in the same way is false. My aim is to introduce a new challenge to this account. Starting from the observation—as documented by a number of recent EEG studies—that our capacity to detect visual stimuli fluctuates with the phase of our neural oscillations, I argue that there can be very close possible worlds in which an actual-world detectable stimulus is undetectable. However, this doesn’t diminish our willingness to attribute knowledge in the case that the stimulus is detectable, even when undetectability would result in the same belief formed in the same way being false. As I will argue at length, the modal account appears unable to accommodate this result.
The Dome Technique, an Option for Massive Anterosuperior Medial Acetabular Bone Loss: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Melnic Christopher M. , Knedel Matthew , Courtney P. Maxwell , Sheth Neil P. , Paprosky Wayne G.
Published: December 2019

Background

Acetabular bone loss in revision total hip arthroplasty can be very challenging even for fellowship-trained surgeons. Although it is uncommon, massive anterosuperior medial defects may be encountered, but treatment options have been limited and better ones are needed.

Questions/Purposes

The primary purpose of this case series is to describe a novel surgical treatment, which we call the dome technique, that can be used to address these challenging defects. The dome technique allows for the systematic reconstruction of massive anterosuperior medial defects of the acetabulum. We sought to illustrate the utility of this procedure in three patients with failed acetabular components and massive anterosuperior medial defects.

Methods

We undertook a retrospective chart review of three patients who had had Paprosky 3B bone defects and undergone revision total hip arthroplasty by the senior author between 2013 and 2016 using the dome technique. The procedure involved the use of tantalum metal augments pieced together to fill the medial defect and recreate the column support needed for jumbo cup placement. The dome technique is unusual because it allows for intra-operative customization to obtain the proper fit.

Results

At a mean of 23.6 months’ follow-up (range, 10 to 37 months), all patients had good functional outcomes; none was in need of further revision.

Conclusions

In three patients, the dome technique allowed for the anterosuperior column to be recreated by piecing together two porous metal augments to fill the medial bony void and create a stable column for a jumbo cup to be press fit. By recreating the deficient anterosuperior medial bone, the acetabulum can be downsized in a stepwise manner (with further surgery) and reconstructed in a stable fashion. This novel procedure is a unique option for the treatment of this challenging problem.
The Politicisation of Evaluation: Constructing and Contesting EU Policy Performance
Authors: Stephenson Paul J. , Schoenefeld Jonas J. , Leeuw Frans L.
Published: December 2019

Although systematic policy evaluation has been conducted for decades and has been growing strongly within the European Union (EU) institutions and in the member states, it remains largely underexplored in political science literatures. Extant work in political science and public policy typically focuses on elements such as agenda setting, policy shaping, decision making, or implementation rather than evaluation. Although individual pieces of research on evaluation in the EU have started to emerge, most often regarding policy “effectiveness” (one criterion among many in evaluation), a more structured approach is currently missing. This special issue aims to address this gap in political science by focusing on four key focal points: evaluation institutions (including rules and cultures), evaluation actors and interests (including competencies, power, roles and tasks), evaluation design (including research methods and theories, and their impact on policy design and legislation), and finally, evaluation purpose and use (including the relationships between discourse and scientific evidence, political attitudes and strategic use). The special issue considers how each of these elements contributes to an evolving governance system in the EU, where evaluation is playing an increasingly important role in decision making.
From What to How: An Initial Review of Publicly Available AI Ethics Tools, Methods and Research to Translate Principles into Practices
Authors: Morley Jessica , Floridi Luciano , Kinsey Libby , Elhalal Anat
Published: December 2019

The debate about the ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence dates from the 1960s (Samuel in Science, 132(3429):741–742, 1960. 10.1126/science.132.3429.741; Wiener in Cybernetics: or control and communication in the animal and the machine, MIT Press, New York, 1961). However, in recent years symbolic AI has been complemented and sometimes replaced by (Deep) Neural Networks and Machine Learning (ML) techniques. This has vastly increased its potential utility and impact on society, with the consequence that the ethical debate has gone mainstream. Such a debate has primarily focused on principles—the ‘what’ of AI ethics (beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, justice and explicability)—rather than on practices, the ‘how.’ Awareness of the potential issues is increasing at a fast rate, but the AI community’s ability to take action to mitigate the associated risks is still at its infancy. Our intention in presenting this research is to contribute to closing the gap between principles and practices by constructing a typology that may help practically-minded developers apply ethics at each stage of the Machine Learning development pipeline, and to signal to researchers where further work is needed. The focus is exclusively on Machine Learning, but it is hoped that the results of this research may be easily applicable to other branches of AI. The article outlines the research method for creating this typology, the initial findings, and provides a summary of future research needs.