bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Digital Terrain Modeling
Authors: Galin Eric , Guérin Eric , Peytavie Adrien , Cordonnier Guillaume , Cani Marie‐Paule , Benes Bedrich , Gain James
Published: June 2019

Terrains are a crucial component of three‐dimensional scenes and are present in many Computer Graphics applications. Terrain modeling methods focus on capturing landforms in all their intricate detail, including eroded valleys arising from the interplay of varied phenomena, dendritic mountain ranges, and complex river networks. Set against this visual complexity is the need for user control over terrain features, without which designers are unable to adequately express their artistic intent. This article provides an overview of current terrain modeling and authoring techniques, organized according to three categories: procedural modeling, physically‐based simulation of erosion and land formation processes, and example‐based methods driven by scanned terrain data. We compare and contrast these techniques according to several criteria, specifically: the variety of achievable landforms; realism from both a perceptual and geomorphological perspective; issues of scale in terms of terrain extent and sampling precision; the different interaction metaphors and attendant forms of user‐control, and computation and memory performance. We conclude with an in‐depth discussion of possible research directions and outstanding technical and scientific challenges.
Clinical, radiographic, and restorative peri‐implant measurements of narrow and standard diameter implants in obese and nonobese patients: A 3‐year retrospective follow‐up study
Authors: Alshiddi Ibraheem F. , Alsahhaf Abdulaziz , Alshagroud Rana S. , Al‐Aali Khulud A. , Vohra Fahim , Abduljabbar Tariq
Published: June 2019

Background

There is dearth of studies assessing clinical, restorative, and radiographic peri‐implant outcomes around narrow diameter implants (NDIs) and standard diameter implants (SDIs) in obese and nonobese subjects.

Objective

To assess clinical, restorative, and radiographic parameters of NDIs and SDIs placed in obese and nonobese individuals.

Materials and Methods

Obese and nonobese patients requiring NDIs and SDIs in the anterior maxilla/mandible were included. Based on the implant diameter, participants were further divided into two subgroups: (a) NDIs (3.3 mm) and (b) SDIs (4.1 mm). Peri‐implant clinical measurements including plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and radiographic crestal bone loss (CBL) were evaluated around NDIs and SDIs at 1 and 3‐year follow‐up.

Results

A total of 70 patients (35 obese and 35 nonobese) were included. Only BOP showed statistically significant differences between both the groups at patient level at 1 and 3‐year follow‐up (P < .05). There was no statistically significant difference in PI and PD around NDIs and SDIs between obese and nonobase patients. Statistical significant differences were observed in the total CBL around NDIs and RDIs among obese and nonbase subjects at 3 year follow‐up (P < .05).

Conclusion

Both NDIs and SDIs show consistent clinical stability among obese and nonobase patients. Higher amount of bone loss was observed in obese patients compared to nonobase patients despite regular hygiene maintenance.
Habitat changes and population dynamics of fishes in a stream with forest floor degradation due to deer overconsumption in its catchment area
Authors: Nakagawa Hikaru
Published: June 2019

Forest degradation caused by deer overabundance has become a worldwide problem in recent decades. Overgrazing by deer not only affects terrestrial ecosystems but also spreads to aquatic ecosystems. Mass consumption of forest floor vegetation by deer creates denuded slopes and increases sediment inputs into adjacent rivers. In addition, rivers have upstream–downstream continuum structures, whereby the effects of degradation events in forests at upstream sites may spread to larger ecosystems downstream. However, few studies have examined the indirect effects of deer overabundance on downstream ecosystems. I examined the relationships between population dynamics of 13 fish species and habitat characteristics at a downstream site over the course of 11 years after forest floor degradation by deer overconsumption in a 36.5‐km2 catchment area of the Yura River in the Ashiu Research Forest, Japan, which is well‐protected from anthropogenic influences. During my 11 years of observation, characteristics of stream habitats changed from a predominantly coarse substrate to a fine substrate. I observed a remarkable decrease in one species (Tribolodon hakonensis) and increase in another species (Pseudogobio esocinus), and these changes were reasonably consistent with the increase or decrease in their preferred habitat types in the sampling site. This study showed long‐term habitat changes in a stream after forest floor degradation due to deer overconsumption in its catchment area and demonstrated that fish populations reacted to these changes. This study suggests that catchment‐level management, including forest ecosystem conservation, is necessary to solve fundamental problems in stream ecosystems.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support following liver transplantation—A case series
Authors: Goussous Naeem , Akbar Hashem , LaMattina John C. , Hanish Steven I. , Barth Rolf N. , Bruno David A.
Published: June 2019

Background

Postoperative severe cardiopulmonary failure carries a high rate of mortality. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be used as a salvage therapy when conventional therapies fail.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed our experience with ECMO support in the early postoperative period after liver transplant between September 2011 and May 2016.

Results

Out of 537 liver transplants performed at our institution, seven patients required ECMO support with a median age of 52 and a median MELD score of 28. Veno‐venous ECMO was used in four patients with severe respiratory failure while the rest required veno‐arterial ECMO for circulatory failure. The median time from transplant to cannulation was 3 days with a median duration of ECMO support of 7 days. All patients except one were successfully decannulated. The median hospital length of stay was 58 days with an in‐hospital mortality of 28.6%.

Conclusion

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can be considered a viable rescue therapy in the setting of severe postoperative cardiopulmonary failure. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy was successful in saving patients who were otherwise unsalvageable.
Antifungal prophylaxis in lung transplant: A survey of United States' transplant centers
Authors: Pennington Kelly M. , Yost Kathleen J. , Escalante Patricio , Razonable Raymund R. , Kennedy Cassie C.
Published: June 2019

Background

Antifungal prophylaxis strategies for lung transplant recipients vary without consensus or standard of care. Our current study aims to identify antifungal prophylaxis practices in the United States.

Methods

From November 29, 2018, to February 15, 2019, we emailed surveys to medical directors of adult lung transplant centers. An alternate physician representative was approached if continued non‐response after three survey attempts. Descriptive statistics were used to report findings.

Results

Forty‐four of 62 (71.0%) eligible centers responded. All Organ Procurement and Transplantation Networks were represented. Only four (9.1%) centers used pre‐transplant prophylaxis for prevention of tracheobronchitis (3 of 4) and invasive fungal disease (4 of 4). Thirty‐nine of forty (97.5%) centers used post‐transplant prophylaxis: 36 (90.0%) universal and 3 (7.5%) pre‐emptive/selective prophylaxis. Most centers used nebulized amphotericin with a systemic agent (26 of 36, 72.2%). Thirty‐two of thirty‐six (88.9%) centers continued universal prophylaxis beyond the hospital setting. Duration of prophylaxis ranged from the post‐transplant hospitalization to lifelong with most centers (25 of 36, 69.4%) discontinuing prophylaxis 6 months or less post‐transplant.

Conclusion

Most United States' lung transplant centers utilize a universal prophylaxis with nebulized amphotericin and a systemic triazole for 6 months or less post‐transplant. Very few centers use pre‐transplant antifungal prophylaxis.
Risk intentions following pill test scenarios are predicted by MDMA use history and sensation seeking: A quantitative field study at an Australian music festival
Authors: Hollett Ross C. , Gately Natalie
Published: June 2019

Introduction and Aims

Most Australian Governments have resisted supporting formal pill testing (drug checking) at music festivals. With limited knowledge available regarding post‐pill test substance use behaviour, we aimed to understand risk behaviour within three pill test scenarios by determining the individual factors which predict subsequent risky or risk reduction intentions.

Design and Methods

Music festival attendees (N = 276) were presented with three hypothetical pill test scenarios and reported their risk intentions, MDMA use history and sensation seeking. The pill test scenarios described an inconclusive test (unknown substance), the detection of a high MDMA dose, or a harmful adulterant (PMA or PMMA).

Results

Findings revealed that access to pill test results would facilitate reduced risk behaviour rather than maintained or increased risk behaviour for people who have never used MDMA. However, people who have used MDMA were not necessarily more likely to engage in risk reduction following a pill test. Furthermore, and using predictive analyses, harm‐reducing behaviours are less likely when a person has a history of MDMA use and for those high in sensation seeking, particularly if a test result indicates a high MDMA dose.

Discussion and Conclusions

Pill testing alone may not prevent adverse outcomes in some festival attendees. While some individuals are more likely to reduce their risk than maintain or increase their risk, other features of a pill test scenario (e.g. referral to support services, drug education) are likely to be important facilitators of harm reduction intentions.
Fungal colonization patterns in necrotic rootstocks and stem bases of dieback‐affected Fraxinus excelsior L.
Authors: Meyn Robert , Langer Gitta Jutta , Gross Andrin , Langer Ewald Johannes
Published: June 2019

European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) trees currently face the major threat of ash dieback caused by an invasive fungus, Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. Collar rots in F. excelsior have been increasingly associated with infections by this pathogen. However, the aetiology of the collar rots is still unclear and remains heavily debated. In contrast to most studies of this kind, entire rootstocks of four diseased ash trees were dug out to examine necrotic tissues in these rootstocks and stem bases in detail and to sample necrotic wood for fungal isolation. With the aid of morphological and molecular identification techniques, five to twelve fungal taxa were detected per tree. Members of the Nectriaceae family and Botryosphaeria stevensii, the causal agent of stem and branch cankers on many tree species, were frequently isolated from outer xylem. In contrast, H. fraxineus was the dominating species in interior wood layers. Microsatellite genotyping of 77 H. fraxineus isolates helped to identify up to six different genotypes per tree. The role of H. fraxineus and other isolated fungi in the aetiology of ash collar rots are discussed.
The 3×1 Programme and criminal violence in Mexico
Authors: GARCÍA ANA ISABEL LÓPEZ
Published: June 2019

Are levels of criminal violence lower where emigrants collaborate with the state authorities in the funding and provision of public goods and services? In this article, I examine the causal effect on violence levels in the municipalities participating in Mexico's Three‐for‐One (3×1) Programme for Migrants. Using municipal‐level data for the period between 2001 and 2010, the analysis shows that the implementation of this programme led to an increase in violence in the municipalities in question, and that this effect is driven by the ‘war on drugs’ initiated by the Mexican government in 2006. Because cartels splinter when kingpins are captured, they look for sources of revenue other than drug smuggling. The budgetary gains obtained via the 3×1 Programme inadvertently increased the returns of extortion and directed the attention of organized criminals to the participant municipalities. The evidence highlights some of the unintended effects that the leveraging of emigrants' money may have in home countries where governments make the so‐called ‘kingpin strategy’ a centrepiece of their security strategy.
Increased tumour angiogenesis in SOX11‐positive mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Petrakis Georgios , Veloza Luis , Clot Guillem , Gine Eva , Gonzalez‐Farre Blanca , Navarro Alba , Bea Silvia , Martínez Antonio , Lopez‐Guillermo Armando , Amador Virginia , Ribera‐Cortada Inmaculada , Campo Elias
Published: June 2019

Aims

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a heterogeneous disease with an aggressive behaviour in most cases, which is associated with expression of sex determining region‐Y‐box11 (SOX11). Experimental studies have shown that SOX11 expression is associated with an angiogenic switch characterised by increased expression of angiogenic‐related signatures and vascularisation of murine tumours. However, the relationship between angiogenesis and SOX11 expression in primary tumours is not well understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the development of microvascular angiogenesis in primary MCL in relation to SOX11 expression and its potential prognostic value.

Methods and results

Fifty‐six patients diagnosed with MCL, 38 SOX11‐positive and 18 SOX11‐negative, were studied. The relative intratumoral microvascular area (MVA) and microvessel density (MVD) (number of intratumoral microvessels/μm2) were measured on CD34‐stained slides using a computerised image analysis system. SOX11‐positive MCL showed a significant higher microvascular development than negative tumours (median MVA = 14.5 × 10−3 versus 5.0 × 10−3 P < 0.001; median MVD = 18.6/μm2 versus 14.2/μm2, P = 0.021). Analysing the MVA and MVD as continuous variables, a high MVD was associated with shorter overall survival (P = 0.004), and a similar tendency was observed for high MVA (P = 0.064). The microvascular development was not related to the Ki‐67 proliferative index or 17p/TP53, 9p or 11q alterations.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that SOX11 promotes an angiogenic phenotype in primary MCL, which may contribute to the more aggressive behaviour of these tumours.
Selection principle of the synthetic route for fabrication of HfB2 and HfB2‐SiC ceramics
Authors: Zhu Qi‐Qi , Zhang Yan , Guo Wei‐Ming , Sun Shi‐Kuan , Lin Hua‐Tay
Published: June 2019

Densification, microstructure, and mechanical properties of spark plasma sintered HfB2 and HfB2‐SiC ceramics using HfB2 powders from borothermal reduction and boro/carbothermal reduction were investigated and compared. It was found that HfB2ceramics obtained by boro/carbothermal reduction exhibited a significantly higher sinterability compared to that by borothermal reduction. Inversely, HfB2‐SiC ceramics obtained by borothermal reduction exhibited a refined microstructure and better mechanical properties (Vickers hardness: 23.60 ± 2.43 GPa; fracture toughness: 5.89 ± 0.30 MPa.m1/2) than that by boro/carbothermal reduction. These results indicated that optimal fabrication of HfB2‐based ceramics could be achieved by the selection of synthetic route of HfB2 powders.
‘You can always see it from a different angle’ — Art as Resistance
Authors: Johansen Martin Blok
Published: June 2019

In this article, taking three selected works by the Danish artist Julie Nord as my point of departure, I will analyse and discuss the role of art in educational theory and practice. In this analysis and discussion I present two concepts, ‘resistance’ and ‘undecidability’, which are rooted in the theories of Dutch professor of education and director of research Gert Biesta and the French philosopher Jacques Derrida, respectively. The two concepts are used to analyse the three works of art and then come to grips with the empirical part of the study. The empirical part explores how a Danish fifth‐grade class (ages 11–12) interacts with works of art characterised by these very things, resistance and undecidability. The point the article makes is that it is not always what is easy and unambiguous that offers the best conditions for learning and gives school pupils a desire to learn. Rather it is often what is full of resistance and is difficult to decipher and understand.
Comparison of the amount and patterns of late enhancement in Chagas disease according to the presence and type of ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Melendez‐Ramirez Gabriela , Soto Maria Elena , Velasquez Alvarez Leyli Claribel , Meave Aloha , Juarez‐Orozco Luis Eduardo , Guarner‐Lans Veronica , Morales Jose Luis
Published: June 2019

Background

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is one of the main predictors of mortality in Chagas cardiomyopathy (CC). Although the substrate of sustained and nonsustained‐VT (NS‐VT) seems to be the same, little is known about the distribution of late enhancement (LE). Our aim was to compare the clinical findings and the amount and patterns of LE in Chagas disease according to the presence and type of VT.

Methods and Results

Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 54 Chagas seropositive patients: 8 indeterminate and 46 with CC of whom 15 were without VT, 13 with NS‐VT, and 18 with sustained‐VT (S‐VT). There were 31 males (57%), mean age was 55.9 ± 12.2 years. LE was found in 87% of all patients and in 50%, 80%, and 100% of the indeterminate, without VT and VT groups, respectively. The percentage of LE increased progressively in the indeterminate, CC without VT, and CC with VT groups; without a significant difference between NS‐VT and S‐VT (0.93%, 15.2%, 23.2%, and 21.4%, respectively). The amount of LE increased with the functional class. LE in the basal and mid lateral wall was more frequent in VT, without difference between S‐VT and NS‐VT. The only predictor of VT was the percentage of LE, odds ratio (OR), 6.2; (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.7‐28.4; P = .01) with a cutoff of Odds Ratio 17.1%.

Conclusions

The amount of LE increases in relation to the clinical stage of the disease and its functional class in Chagas seropositive patients. The amount of LE was the main predictor of VT, without difference between S‐VT and NS‐VT.
Trends in the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of diabetes in rural areas of northern China from 1992 to 2011
Authors: Zhang Hongyan , Qi Dongwang , Gu Hongfei , Wang Tao , Wu Yanan , Li Jingyan , Ni Jingxian , Liu Jie , Tu Jun , Ning Xianjia , Wang Jinghua
Published: June 2019

Aims/Introduction

The worldwide prevalence of diabetes mellitus has been increasing over the past decades, particularly in developing countries. Because of the lack of information regarding changes in diabetes mellitus prevalence, awareness, treatment and control in rural China, we assessed these trends – overall and in the context of related health conditions – to explore the impact of these primary health issues on these rates in a poorly educated, rural population.

Materials and Methods

Diabetes mellitus prevalence, awareness, treatment and control rates were compared between two surveys carried out in 1992 and 2011. The residents of three villages, aged 35–64 years, were recruited for this study.

Results

In 1992, 1,091 individuals were interviewed and, in 2011, 2,338 individuals were interviewed. Between the two surveys, the overall diabetes mellitus prevalence in the study population was lower in 1992 than that in 2011 (P < 0.001); among men, the prevalence was 5.2‐fold higher in 2011 than in 1992 (10.5 vs 1.7%) and nearly 4.3‐fold higher (11.2 vs 2.1%) among women. Men aged 35–44 years, with >6 years of education, stage I hypertension and being overweight, had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus in 2011 than in 1992. Similarly, for the same time periods, there was also a higher diabetes mellitus prevalence among women aged 55–64 years, with 1–6 years of education, stage III hypertension and who were overweight. However, there were no significant changes in diabetes mellitus awareness, treatment or control in this population.

Conclusions

These results suggest that particular efforts must be made to enhance diabetes mellitus prevention, control and public awareness in rural communities in China.
Implementing lower‐risk brief resolved unexplained events guideline reduces admissions in a modelled population
Authors: Oglesbee Scott J. , Roberts Melissa H. , Sapién Robert E.
Published: June 2019

Rationale

American Academy of Pediatrics released a clinical practice guideline (CPG) in 2016 recommending the term apparent life‐threatening events (ALTE) be replaced by brief resolved unexplained events (BRUE). The CPG provides recommendations for the clinical evaluation and management of infants with this condition based on the risk of a serious underlying disorder or repeat event. The lower‐risk CPG was applied to a modelled population, studying predictors of hospital admission, defined as length of stay (LOS) ≥ 24 hours.

Methods

An algorithm was derived using a Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network database. Propensity score weighting, based on probability of following the CPG, determined the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of hospital admission. Multiple imputation allowed any missing data problems be addressed and a sensitivity analysis of database robustness.

Results

Applying the modelling algorithm, 3116 observations were identified, among whom 1974 (63.4%) the CPG was followed and 1142 (36.6%) not followed. The CPG was followed for 60.1% of infants staying ≥24 hours compared with 76.6% of infants staying <24 hours (P < .001). After propensity score weighting and multiple imputation, the likelihood of hospital admission was significantly lower when the CPG was followed (aOR = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.39‐0.62, P < .001).

Conclusions

Results suggest that use of the CPG under strict conditions would lead to fewer hospital admissions among infants with a lower‐risk BRUE. Implementation of CPGs in modelled populations may help clinicians identify unanticipated factors and address these issues beforehand. We noted differences in care based on race, necessitating further investigation.
Dietary acid load in relation to depression and anxiety in adults
Authors: Milajerdi Alireza , Hassanzadeh Keshteli Ammar , Haghighatdoost Fahimeh , Azadbakht Leila , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Adibi Peyman
Published: June 2019

Background

No previous study has examined the association of dietary acid load (DAL) with depression and anxiety in adults. The present study aimed to investigate the association between DAL and the risk of depression and anxiety in Iranian adults.

Methods

In total, 4378 non‐academic healthy personnel (1909 men and 2469 women) were included in this cross‐sectional study. A validated detailed food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess dietary intakes of participants. DAL was estimated using the protein to potassium ratio (Pro:K). Depression and anxiety were screened using an Iranian validated Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire.

Results

Participants with the highest DAL had a higher risk of depression compared to those in the lowest category [odds ratio (OR) = 1.57; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.27–1.95, Ptrend < 0.001), which remained unchanged after controlling for probable confounders, such that those in the top category of DAL had a 100% higher risk of having depression than those in the bottom category (OR = 2.00; 95% CI = 1.52–2.64). In addition, a significant positive association was seen between DAL and anxiety in a crude model (OR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.02–1.78, Ptrend = 0.01) and even after adjustment for a wide range of confounders, such that participants in the top category of DAL had a 92% greater risk of anxiety than those in the bottom category (OR = 1.92; 95% CI = 1.35–2.74, Ptrend < 0.001).

Conclusions

In the present study, we found a significant direct association between DAL and the risk of depression, as well as anxiety. Further studies, in particular prospective cohorts are required to confirm these findings.
On Targeting Frameworks And Optimal Monetary Policy
Authors: BODENSTEIN MARTIN , ZHAO JUNZHU
Published: June 2019

We show that speed limit policy, a monetary policy strategy that focuses on stabilizing inflation and the change in the output gap, consistently outperforms flexible inflation targeting and flexible price level targeting in empirical medium‐scale DSGE models under discretionary policymaking. In contrast to small‐scale New Keynesian models, this welfare ranking of the targeting frameworks is not overturned when inflation dynamics are mostly backward‐looking. Importantly, the performance of the speed limit policy shows less sensitivity to its parameterization than other frameworks that target the inflation rate or the price level.
Amniotic fluid‐derived mesenchymal stem cell products combined with microneedling for acne scars: A split‐face clinical, histological, and histometric study
Authors: El-Domyati Moetaz , Moftah Noha H. , Nasif Ghada A. , Ragaie Maha H. , Ibrahim Michel R. , Ameen Sameh W.
Published: June 2019

Background

Postacne scars are still a challenge in its management. Microneedling is a popular minimally invasive technique in treatment of such scars. However, the addition of topical stem cell products after microneedling is considered a new treatment regimen for these scars.

Objective

To compare efficacy of amniotic fluid‐derived mesenchymal stem cell‐conditioned media (AF‐MSC‐CM) and microneedling vs microneedling alone in management of atrophic acne scars.

Methods

Ten cases with atrophic postacne scars received five sessions of microneedling, with 2‐week interval on both sides of the face. Then, AF‐MSC‐CM was topically applied to right side of the face after microneedling. Clinical examination with histopathological and computerized histometric analysis was done 1 month after the sessions.

Results

There was significant increase in the improvement percentage of acne scars on right side (dermaroller and AF‐MSC‐CM) vs left side of face (dermaroller; P < 0.001). Histologically, improvement of character of collagen and elastic fibers was noticed, especially on right side. Meanwhile, significant increase in epidermal thickness on both sides of face was detected.

Conclusion

Amniotic fluid‐derived mesenchymal stem cell‐conditioned media combined with microneedling is more effective in management of atrophic postacne scars than microneedling alone.
Safety and efficacy of mifepristone versus dinoprostone gel in induction of labor: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jindal Nidhi , Rao Rohini , Dhiman Bishan , Kandoria Meenakshi , Jamwal Ankita
Published: June 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mifepristone for cervical ripening and induction of labor and compare the results with dinoprostone gel which is an established agent for labor induction.

Methods

A total of 100 patients were enrolled in a prospective study and assigned to one of two treatment protocols. After the exclusion of 10 patients, there were 46 patients in the mifepristone group and 44 in the dinoprostone group. Outcome was evaluated using the improvement in Bishop score, admission delivery interval, duration between induction and the onset of active phase of labor and the mode of delivery.

Results

The baseline demographics in the two groups were comparable. The improvement in Bishop's score at first post‐intervention assessment was significantly better in dinoprostone group. Duration between instillation and active phase assessment was significantly lesser in dinoprostone group while the admission delivery interval was lesser in mifepristone group. There was no difference in mode of delivery between the two groups.

Conclusion

The results of the study suggest that oral administration of 200 mg mifepristone in term patients is an effective method of labor induction; and is more convenient and equally safe as compared to intravaginal instillation of dinoprostone.
A Generalised Fractional Differencing Bootstrap for Long Memory Processes
Authors: Kapetanios George , Papailias Fotis , Taylor A. M. Robert
Published: June 2019

A bootstrap methodology suitable for use with stationary and non‐stationary fractionally integrated time series is further developed in this article. The resampling algorithm involves estimating the degree of fractional integration, applying the fractional differencing operator, resampling the resulting approximation to the underlying short memory series and, finally, cumulating to obtain a resample of the original fractionally integrated process. This approach extends existing methods in the literature by allowing for general bootstrap schemes including blockwise bootstraps. Furthermore, we show that it can also be validly used for non‐stationary fractionally integrated processes. We establish asymptotic validity results for the general method and provide simulation evidence which highlights a number of favourable aspects of its finite sample performance, relative to other commonly used bootstrap methods.
Cut it out! Thoracic surgeon’s approach to pulmonary mucormycosis and the role of surgical resection in survival
Authors: Multani Ashrit , Reveron‐Thornton Rosyli , Garvert Donn W. , Gomez Carlos A. , Montoya Jose G. , Lui Natalie S.
Published: June 2019

Background

Mucormycosis portends a poor prognosis with mortality rates ranging from 50% to 70% in pulmonary mucormycosis (PM) and up to 95% in disseminated disease. However, detailed outcomes data have been lacking. It remains unknown how to identify patients who would benefit from surgical resection.

Objectives

We present our experience with patients undergoing surgical resection for PM, including an analysis of factors affecting postoperative survival. We also describe a thoracic surgeon's approach through illustrative cases.

Patients/Methods

We conducted a single‐centre retrospective study of all adult patients with PM who received antifungal therapy and underwent surgical resection or who received antifungal therapy alone at Stanford between January 2004 and June 2018.

Results

Twelve patients received antifungal therapy and underwent surgical resection and 13 patients received antifungal therapy alone. From infection onset to death (or right‐censoring if still alive), patients who underwent surgical resection had a median survival of 406 days (mean, 561.3; range, 22‐2510), and patients who received antifungal therapy alone had a median survival of 28 days (mean, 66.7; range, 8‐447). In patients who underwent surgical resection, median postoperative survival time was 154 days (range, 11‐2495), in‐hospital mortality was 16.7%, and 1‐year mortality was 50.0%. Age, primary disease, ASA status, extrapulmonary dissemination, laterality, multilobar involvement, number of lesions, largest lesion size, platelet count, surgical approach, type of resection or extent of resection were not significantly associated with postoperative survival.

Conclusions

Surgical resection significantly increases survival and should be strongly considered for selected patients with PM.
Elevated serum levels of periostin in patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Wu Ge , Meng Xun , Zheng Peiyan , Zhang Xiaohua Douglas , Li Lu , Hu Haisheng , Sun Baoqing
Published: June 2019

Background

Serum periostin levels have been reported to be an indicator of Th2 inflammation in asthmatic patients.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate serum levels of periostin in patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and to evaluate its diagnostic and monitoring value in the disease.

Methods

Patients with ABPA (n = 19) and asthma (n = 24), including severe asthma with fungal sensitisation (SAFS, n = 11) and severe asthma without fungal sensitization (SAwFS, n = 13), were enrolled. Serum levels of periostin were analysed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Serum total IgE and Aspergillus fumigatus specific IgE, IgG were measured by ImmunoCAP. Levels of cytokines (IFN‐γ, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐13 and IL‐17A) were measured by Meso Scale Discovery (MSD).

Results

Serum levels of periostin in ABPA patients (85.55 ng/mL, [68.28‐166] ng/mL) were higher than those in SAFS (50.99 ng/mL, [32.02‐71.80] ng/mL; P < 0.01). Among the analysed cytokines, IL‐5 levels in ABPA (1.55 pg/mL, [0.96‐3.33] pg/mL) were higher than those in SAFS (0.31 pg/mL, [0.26‐0.56] pg/mL; P < 0.05) or SAwFS (0.34 pg/mL, [0.21‐0.56] pg/mL; P < 0.01). Serum periostin levels was positively associated with total IgE levels (r = 0.319, P < 0.05), serum IL‐5 levels (r = 0.484, P < 0.01) and blood eosinophil counts (r = 0.428, P < 0.05). In ROC analysis, the clinical reference value of periostin was 68.8 ng/mL for differential diagnosis of ABPA and SAFS, with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.81. Longitudinally, serum periostin levels did not change significantly after treatment in ABPA.

Conclusions

These findings suggested that serum levels of periostin were up‐regulated in ABPA patients, which may be associated with eosinophilic inflammation.
Investigating everyday acts of contributing as ‘admission tickets’ to belong to the nation in Norway
Authors: Strømsø Mette
Published: June 2019

This article examines the centrality of contributing to questions of belonging in Norway. Building on the diversity of individuals living within a shared national space, the study identifies how everyday acts of contributing were conceived of by the participants as ‘admission tickets’ to belong. The study further investigates the participants' motivations and desires for contributing and unveils how, given their migration background (internal, international or non‐migrant), they respond to expectations of contributing from different positions of ontological security. The participants reveal ontological (in)security at different geographical scales, and they seek to manage this less secure position of national or local belonging through their acts of contributing in everyday life.
Tracing the history of chromosome evolution in legumes using genomics
Authors: Wojciechowski Martin F.
Published: June 2019

This article is a Commentary on Ren et al. 223: 2090–2103.
Food and specific macronutrient limitation in an assemblage of predatory beetles
Authors: Toft Søren , Cuende Elsa , Olesen Astrid Louise , Mathiesen Anne , Meisner Larsen Maria , Jensen Kim
Published: June 2019

Habitats vary in food resources with carnivores often being prey limited, but it is unclear whether habitats facilitate a nutritionally balanced diet. Two paradigms in nutritional ecology, ecological stoichiometry and nutritional geometry, predict that carnivores are limited mainly by protein or lipid, respectively. Using the carabid beetle Anchomenus dorsalis and 10 other predatory beetles from agricultural fields, we developed and tested two simple procedures for quantifying macronutrient‐specific habitat conditions without requiring information about the natural prey. Both procedures assume that predators forage for nutrients rather than specific prey. Our results show that 10 of 11 species were food limited. Five species were lipid limited and one species was protein limited in the field. Co‐existing predator species showed considerable segregation of fundamental macronutritional niches. A linear relationship between specific nutrient limitation and the target lipid:protein (L:P) intake ratio indicates that species with high L:P target are more protein limited while species with low L:P target are more lipid limited. The study illustrates how species within a natural assemblage vary in nutritional niche and in specific nutrient limitation.
Skin preparation for prevention of peripheral blood culture contamination in children
Authors: Yodoshi Toshifumi , Ueda Shinichiro , Goldman Ran D
Published: June 2019

Background

In Japan, blood cultures for children are performed by pediatric residents, and povidone‐iodine (PI) is the recommended solution for skin preparation. Given that PI needs to be applied for 1.5–2 min before venipuncture, skin preparation may be suboptimal if this is not followed. In this study, we investigated the blood culture contamination rate after skin preparation with only 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or IPA plus PI.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of patients aged ≤6 years who provided blood cultures in the emergency department or pediatric ward. Patients with indwelling central venous catheter were excluded. We evaluated the impact of changing the method of skin preparation, comparing the traditional method using IPA plus PI between 2008 and 2010 (IPA + PI group) with the simplified method using only IPA between 2015 and 2017 (IPA group).

Results

A total of 5,365 blood culture samples were eligible for this study. Of these, 171 (3.2%) had an organism identified in blood culture. Of the blood culture‐positive samples, 68 (1.3%) were true positive and 103 (1.9%) were contaminated. Thirty‐eight (1.6%) of 2,407 cultures in the IPA group were contaminated, whereas 65 (2.2%) of 2,958 cultures in the IPA + PI group were contaminated (OR, 0.72; 95%CI: 0.48–1.07; P = 0.1). Coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus grew significantly less in the IPA group (1.7% vs 1.0%, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

A single application of 70% IPA may be the optimal skin preparation method for obtaining peripheral blood cultures from children in Japan.
Exogenous application of melatonin improves plant resistance to virus infection
Authors: Zhao L. , Chen L. , Gu P. , Zhan X. , Zhang Y. , Hou C. , Wu Z. , Wu Y.‐F. , Wang Q.‐C.
Published: June 2019

In this study, melatonin (MEL)‐mediated plant resistance to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) was examined to study local infection in Nicotiana glutinosa and systemic infection in Solanum lycopersicum. Exogenous application of 100 µm MEL increased anti‐virus infection activity to 37.4% in virus‐infected N. glutinosa plants. The same treatment significantly reduced relative levels of virus RNA analysed by qRT‐PCR and virus titres measured by dot‐ELISA, and increased the relative expression levels of the PR1 and PR5 genes analysed by qRT‐PCR, in virus‐infected S. lycopersicum. MEL treatment induced considerable accumulations of salicylic acid (SA) and nitric oxide (NO) but did not significantly affect production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the virus‐infected S. lycopersicum plants. Transgenic nahG N. tabacum was used to determine whether MEL‐induced TMV resistance was dependent on the SA pathway. The results showed that the relative RNA level of the TMV analysed by qRT‐PCR and virus titres analysed by dot‐ELISA were not reduced by the MEL treatment in the nahG transgenic N. tabacum seedlings treated twice with 100 µm MEL. The increased relative expression levels of PR1 and PR5 were greatly reduced when cPTIO, an NO scavenger, was included in the MEL treatment. A working model of MEL‐mediated plant resistance to TMV is proposed. MEL‐mediated plant resistance to viruses provides a new avenue to control plant viral diseases.
A Novel Approach to Chemical Mixture Risk Assessment—Linking Data from Population‐Based Epidemiology and Experimental Animal Tests
Authors: Bornehag Carl‐Gustaf , Kitraki Efthymia , Stamatakis Antonios , Panagiotidou Emily , Rudén Christina , Shu Huan , Lindh Christian , Ruegg Joelle , Gennings Chris
Published: June 2019

Humans are continuously exposed to chemicals with suspected or proven endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Risk management of EDCs presents a major unmet challenge because the available data for adverse health effects are generated by examining one compound at a time, whereas real‐life exposures are to mixtures of chemicals. In this work, we integrate epidemiological and experimental evidence toward a whole mixture strategy for risk assessment. To illustrate, we conduct the following four steps in a case study: (1) identification of single EDCs (“bad actors”)—measured in prenatal blood/urine in the SELMA study—that are associated with a shorter anogenital distance (AGD) in baby boys; (2) definition and construction of a “typical” mixture consisting of the “bad actors” identified in Step 1; (3) experimentally testing this mixture in an in vivo animal model to estimate a dose–response relationship and determine a point of departure (i.e., reference dose [RfD]) associated with an adverse health outcome; and (4) use a statistical measure of “sufficient similarity” to compare the experimental RfD (from Step 3) to the exposure measured in the human population and generate a “similar mixture risk indicator” (SMRI). The objective of this exercise is to generate a proof of concept for the systematic integration of epidemiological and experimental evidence with mixture risk assessment strategies. Using a whole mixture approach, we could find a higher rate of pregnant women under risk (13%) when comparing with the data from more traditional models of additivity (3%), or a compound‐by‐compound strategy (1.6%).
Out of Sight, Out of Mind? Geographic and Social Predictors of Flood Risk Awareness
Authors: Gray‐Scholz Daran , Haney Timothy J. , MacQuarrie Pamela
Published: June 2019

The persistent gap in flood risk awareness in Canada, and elsewhere in North America, is a continual source of worry for researchers and emergency managers; many people living in at‐risk places are simply unaware of risks and of their proximity to hazards. This study seeks to understand which residents were aware of flood risk, using unique representative survey data of Calgary residents living in the city's flood‐prone neighborhoods collected after the devastating and costly 2013 Southern Alberta Flood. The article uses logistic regression models to analyze which residents were aware of risk to their homes. Findings indicate that, in addition to various demographic predictors, many of the geographic predictors (including the elevation of one's home relative to the river) are significant predictors of awareness. Having a direct sight line to one of Calgary's two rivers is also a significant predictor in some of the models, suggesting that the visibility of hazards matters for flood risk perception, although this effect fades when many of the geographic predictors are added. Finally, the models indicate that several variables related to local, neighborhood‐based social networks are significant as well. These findings reveal that both physical surroundings and social context are important for understanding risk awareness. The article concludes by discussing the relevance for social science research on disasters and hazards, as well as for planners and emergency managers.
“Лучше перегнуть, чем недогнуть”: “Dekulakization” as a Facet of Stalin's Social Revolution (The Case of Perm Region)
Authors: SUSLOV ANDREI
Published: June 2019

This article explores the process of seizure of peasants’ property during the course of the campaign to “liquidate the kulaks as a class” at the beginning of the 1930s. It describes in detail the manifestation of arbitrary rule in the Perm region, analyzes directives emanating from regional party bodies, and reveals the links between arbitrary rule in the localities during the course of “dekulakization” and Stalin's policy aimed at changing the social structure of the Soviet society. The author examines numerous local cases and argues that the seizure of peasants’ property led directly to the destruction of an entire social group: peasant‐owners. Official prompting of “kulak liquidation” without legal regulations and accurate instructions, in fact, stimulated local leaders to take radical action. The campaign to “liquidate the kulaks as a class” constituted the main part of Stalin's social engineering policies in the early 1930s.
From the New Word to the True Word: The Bronze Horseman Subtext of Crime and Punishment
Authors: SCOLLINS KATHLEEN
Published: June 2019

It has become obligatory in Crime and Punishment scholarship to define Raskolnikov's “schism” (raskol), which readers generally attribute to the conflict between intellect/spirit or selfishness/suffering. Many read Part One of the novel as a chart of the hero's divided psyche; indeed, the schizoid path he cuts through Petersburg reads like a roadmap of the battle between rationality and compassion. A reading informed by the novel's position in the Petersburg literary tradition does not invalidate this interpretation, but rather helps to contextualize it: as this paper demonstrates, the schism's roots are actually textual ones, extending back to the iconic roles established by Pushkin in The Bronze Horseman, the tradition's foundational text. In Pushkin's poem, the world‐building words of Peter the Great (“From here we will threaten the Swede, / Here a city will be founded”) instantly take shape in cast‐iron and granite, while those of the poor clerk Evgenii (“Somehow I will build for myself / A humble and simple refuge”) remain forever unrealized. In contrast to Evgenii, the archetypal “inarticulate” little man of the Petersburg tradition, Raskolnikov strives to fully control language: he has actually taken up the pen, written what he terms a “new word” (novoe slovo) and then taken steps (730 of them, to be exact) to actualize that word through the murder of the pawnbroker, a crime explicitly likened to Peter's own “crime” of hacking a window through to the West. The zigzag course that Raskolnikov carves as he alternately steps toward and recoils from the idea of murder may be profitably interpreted in light of this primal split between Peter, controller of word and nature, and Evgenii, voiceless victim of the State. An analysis of Raskolnikov's impressions of and engagement with Peter's city in the moments immediately before the murder and in the days just following it highlights this struggle between the hero's two sides.
Quality of life and burden of caregivers of children and adolescents with disabilities
Authors: Barros Alina Lúcia Oliveira , de Gutierrez Gabriela Mancia , Barros Amanda Oliveira , Santos Maria Teresa Botti Rodrigues
Published: June 2019

Aims

To evaluate the quality of life (QoL) and burden of primary caregivers of children and young adults (PCCYAs) with and without disabilities.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was carried out with sample composed of 336 PCCYAs with cerebral palsy (CP; n = 84), Down syndrome (DS; n = 84), autism spectrum disorder (ASD; n = 84), and without disabilities (control group: CG n = 84), matched by gender and age. The burden of caregivers was assessed with the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), whereas QoL was assessed using the WHOQOL‐BREF instrument.

Results

QoL and burden of CG presented better results compared to groups with disabilities, with the lowest environmental domain of all study groups (P <.001). The prevalence of burden was moderate for PCCAs of groups with disabilities. There was association between all WHOQOL‐BREF and ZBI domains and variables age, schooling, occupation and per capita income (Spearman's correlation coefficient, P <.05). There is a negative impact on WHOQOL‐BREF, with an increase in the level of burden of PCCAs with disabilities.

Conclusion

The majority of PCCYAs were unemployed married mothers, with low schooling and health problems. Older caregivers experience even higher burden and greater impact on QoL.