bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discourse through Photovoice: “Lived experience” of epilepsy
Authors: Tuitaitė Jurgita , Šedienė Polina
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this article is to help medical students during the interaction of people with epilepsy, to learn more about “lived experience”, and find out more about patients' voices. People with epilepsy sometimes disincline to talk about their problems because of stigmatization. Stigmatization of epilepsy determines diminished self-esteem, depression, anxiety for the future and low quality of life [1]. Methodology—photovoice is a qualitative method that combines pictures and narratives in exploring “ived experience” of people with epilepsy, patients' and students' voices. Photovoice project was conducted in processing steps considering Luo (2016). The research members included people with epilepsy and medical students who were divided into 8 groups. The duration of the project was 6 weeks and after the project exhibition was arranged. Results. Voices of patients with epilepsy allow students to understand the discourse between insiders and outsiders, the differences between professional language and conversation among professionals.
Competences of older people to use smartphones as a factor of wellbeing in contemporary society
Authors: Zemaitaityte Irena , Katkoniene Agata
Published: November 2019

One of the key reflective aspects of modern society is the application of information communication technologies. According to SEB Bank and the information and communication technology company TEO [1] more people aged 65 and over are discovering the Internet and smart technology services to manage finances, communicate and spend their leisure time. Technological development has a large group of supporters even among seniors; however, many older adults have no skills and neither the intention nor the possibility to use digital devices which are critical for successful functioning in society. Escape from technological innovations in no way makes life easier. Modern smartphones can make life more enjoyable for seniors and to benefit society. The aim of this paper is to investigate seniors' opinions about the importance of increasing competence in smartphone usage in their daily lives. The investigation was conducted in two stages: 2018 April and 2018 September/October. During stage two, groups were former of 10–12 seniors. During and after the training, the participants were interviewed in focus groups about their opinions. The study revealed that older people's interest in new technologies activates their participation in the learning process, promotes interest in innovations and creates conditions for wellbeing in society.
Regional Innovation and Investment Development in Conditions of Cluster Industrial Policy
Authors: Zastupov A.V.
Published: November 2019

An important task of the modern industrial policy of the region is to ensure the growth of the industrial component on the basis of innovation and investment development of industries. Issues of post-crisis development and economic growth in conditions of limited resources were considered. The effectiveness of industrial policies in the region needs to be matched to real innovation and investment opportunities. On the basis of the analysis, a model on the formation of directions of innovation and investment development of industrial policy of the Samara region was developed. The relationship between the factors of innovative development of enterprises and the level of investment activity in the industrial sector of the region has been determined. The study identified problems of formation of innovation and investment potential of industrial enterprises of the region and ways to solve them.
Intermodal Line between Ploce and Brcko: Future Perspectives for the Pan-European Transport
Authors: Palic N. , Velinov E. , Vassilev V.
Published: November 2019

The aim of this paper is to propose the intermodal logistics Corridor Vc, relying on the European Union transport policy, which will be in the function of regional development. The main goal is to analyze a potential route of freight intermodal transport between the ports of Ploče and Brčko in order to popularize this intermodal line at the international level. Among the most important activities in achieving this goal is the integration in the Euro corridor system. This integration is of crucial importance for companies to successfully execute their supply chain processes both domestically and internationally. The paper is based on the analysis of the current socio-economic situation and the condition of the intermodal transport system in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), as well as existing strategic studies and development plans. This paper sheds a light on the creation of a strong integrated intermodal freight transport network in BiH, that will be a quality alternative to other international intermodal flows from the aspect of shorter transport time, lower transport costs and more favorable ecological aspects of transportation.
Systematization of Methodical Approaches to the Analysis of Economic Entity Sustainable Development
Authors: Likhtarova O.
Published: November 2019

The main approaches to the calculation and classification of indicators used for assessment of the economic entity sustainable development are considered in the study. Methodological advantages and shortcomings of approaches to the development of the system of indicators of an organization sustainable development within stakeholder approach are analyzed. The results of comparative analysis of the main international and Russian methodological approaches to the formation of the system of indicators for assessment of economic entity sustainable development are presented. The conclusion is drawn that in terms of stakeholder approach methodological approaches to the formation of integrated assessment of the organization sustainable development level on the basis of the formation of indexes and rating models are of great scientific and practical interest.
Some Aspects of Digitalization in the Study of Criminal Law Disciplines
Authors: Milova I.E. , Milova E.A. , Osipov D.D. , Kalenteva T.A.
Published: November 2019

Digitalization is a part of modern reality. It covers all areas of activity, including the educational process. For the training of lawyers is extremely important transition to the figure in the study of disciplines of criminal law orientation. It is in this area of knowledge that the use of artificial intelligence can give breakthrough results. Electronic formats of training not only develop the logic of thinking of lawyers, giving them a sum of theoretical ideas, but also prepare them for independent practical work, giving them the opportunity to gain professional applied skills. At the same time training simulators, business games, help to identify and develop the ability of students to implement specific law enforcement functions. At the same time, future lawyers develop a non-formal approach to obtaining information, with the transition from its simple perception to a logically oriented search, generalization and application, the ability to identify and identify the problem, to develop an algorithm for its step-by-step solution, to obtain optimally informed conclusions.
A technical review of artificial intelligence as applied to gastrointestinal endoscopy: clarifying the terminology
Authors: Ebigbo Alanna , Palm Christoph , Probst Andreas , Mendel Robert , Manzeneder Johannes , Prinz Friederike , de Souza Luis A. , Papa João P. , Siersema Peter , Messmann Helmut
Published: November 2019

Background and aim The growing number of publications on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine underlines the enormous importance and potential of this emerging field of research.

In gastrointestinal endoscopy, AI has been applied to all segments of the gastrointestinal tract most importantly in the detection and characterization of colorectal polyps. However, AI research has been published also in the stomach and esophagus for both neoplastic and non-neoplastic disorders.

The various technical as well as medical aspects of AI, however, remain confusing especially for non-expert physicians.

This physician-engineer co-authored review explains the basic technical aspects of AI and provides a comprehensive overview of recent publications on AI in gastrointestinal endoscopy. Finally, a basic insight is offered into understanding publications on AI in gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Structure of HfO2 modified with Y, Gd, and Zr at ambient conditions and high pressures
Authors: Johnson Brienne , Fancher Chris M. , Hou Dong , Jones Jacob L.
Published: November 2019

High-resolution and high-pressure X-ray diffraction measurements were performed to determine the effects of 5% Y, 3% Gd, and 50% Zr substitution on the crystal structure and polymorphism of HfO2. High-resolution experiments at ambient pressure show a mixture of monoclinic and cubic fluorite phases in 5% Y:HfO2 and 3% Gd:HfO2, while 50% Zr:HfO2 formed a monoclinic, single-phase solid solution. Crystallographic refinement using the Rietveld method indicates that Y and Gd substitute for Hf in both the monoclinic and cubic phases. High-pressure X-ray diffraction was performed in situ up to 31 GPa and shows that the pressure-induced phase transitions were reduced with the addition of either Y, Gd, or Zr relative to the transition pressures in undoped HfO2. The pressure-induced changes in lattice parameter, relative volume, and spontaneous strain are reported.
Macroscopic electron-hole distribution in silicon and cubic silicon carbide by the intense femtosecond laser pulse
Authors: Otobe T.
Published: November 2019

Electron excitations at silicon and cubic silicon carbide (3C-SiC) surfaces caused by an intense femtosecond laser pulse are calculated by solving the time-dependent density functional theory and Maxwell’s equation simultaneously. The energy absorption, carrier density, and electron-hole quasitemperatures decrease exponentially in 100 nm from the surface. The electron and hole quasitemperatures have finite values even at large distances from the surface because of a specific photoabsorption channel. Although the quasitemperature in the silicon shows a smooth exponential decrease, 3C-SiC shows the stepwise decrease because of the change of concerning bands. The quasitemperature depends not only on the excitation process, i.e., tunnel and multiphoton absorption, but also on the band structure significantly.
Prolonged signals from silicon strip sensors showing enhanced charge multiplication
Authors: Diehl L. , Mori R. , Wiik-Fuchs L. , Parzefall U. , Jakobs K. , Kramberger G.
Published: November 2019

P-type silicon strip sensors have been irradiated and annealed to predict their performance as particle detectors. After long annealing times and at high voltages, the charge collection increases due to charge multiplication and an unexpected slow signal collection was observed. In addition to beta source measurements, an edge-transient current technique was used to investigate the origin of these slow pulses. It was discovered that sensors showing slow pulses exhibit a low but substantial electric field even beyond the high field region beneath the implants. Here, the created free electrons spread while slowly traveling to the depletion region. They subsequently get multiplied and create a broad secondary cloud of free holes, which moves toward the sensor backplane. Trapping is suspected to play a crucial role in reducing and slowing down the carrier drift. The features of the signal pulses also indicate that the large amount of free charge carriers created leads to a self-screening effect and behaves like a plasma. The results are correlated well with the observation of a ballistic deficit and an enlarged cluster size observed in charge collection measurements. The conclusions drawn by this investigation can be extended to every semiconductor detector exploiting enhanced charge multiplication but having low field regions.
Anisotropic electronic structure of antimonene
Authors: Lei Tao , Li Jin-Mei , Li Fang-Sen , Wang Jia-Ou , Ibrahim Kurash , Zhang Kai
Published: November 2019

Antimonene is a recently discovered two-dimensional semiconductor with high carrier mobility, suitable bandgap, and strong spin–orbit coupling, which is of great interest for future electronic, optoelectronic, and spintronics device applications. However, as the basic properties of materials, the electronic structure of antimonene is not fully understood. In this work, the whole and anisotropic electronic structures of antimonene modulated by a horizontal crystal field have been studied in detail by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. The valence band of antimonene for semiconductor properties is characterized by a three-dimensional anisotropic “M”-shape with hexagonal deformation in (E, kx, ky) space. Moreover, the surface state of antimonene for metallic properties is characterized by an upward conelike structure with a stronger warping effect. The anisotropic electronic structure of antimonene is systematically depicted along the high symmetric direction and constant energy contours.
The pair distribution function in the planar gas–liquid interface: Application to the calculation of the surface tension
Authors: Goujon F. , Malfreyt P. , Tildesley D. J.
Published: November 2019

A Monte Carlo simulation is used to calculate the pair distribution function g(2)r1,r2 for a planar gas–liquid interface. Due to the cylindrical symmetry of the system, g(2) can be stored as a three-dimensional array that can be readily manipulated and used to calculate the surface tension and the single atom density profile directly. The consistency and accuracy of our calculation of g(2)(r1, r2) is demonstrated by a calculation of the single atom density through the first Born–Green–Yvon equation. We show that the surface tension calculated directly from the pair distribution function and from other well–established routes is completely consistent. In the case of the gas-liquid interface for argon modeled with an explicit inclusion of the three-body forces, an accurate pair distribution can be used to estimate the long-range contribution to the three–body part of the surface tension. A detailed analysis of this correction, its dependence on the three–body cutoff, and its overall contribution to the surface tension are presented.
Transport coefficients of the Lennard-Jones fluid close to the freezing line
Authors: Heyes D. M. , Dini D. , Costigliola L. , Dyre J. C.
Published: November 2019

Molecular dynamics simulations have been carried out along four Lennard-Jones (LJ) fluid isomorphs close to the freezing line, covering a temperature, T, in the range of 0.8–350 and a number density, ρ, in the range of 1.1–3.0 in LJ units. Analysis of the transport coefficients is via the Green-Kubo time correlation function method. The radial distribution function, percolation threshold connectivity distance, self-diffusion coefficient, and shear viscosity are shown to be invariant along an isomorph to a very good approximation when scaled with Rosenfeld’s macroscopic units, although there are some small departures for T ≃ 1 and lower temperatures. The thermal conductivity is shown for the first time also to be isomorph invariant. In contrast, the Einstein and moment-based frequencies, and especially the bulk viscosity, ηb, show poor isomorphic collapse at low T but not surprisingly tend to an “inverse power” potential limiting value in the high T limit. In the case of the bulk viscosity, the significant departures from invariance arise from oscillations in the pressure autocorrelation function at intermediate times, which scale for inverse power potential systems but not for the LJ case, at least in part, as the pressure and bulk elastic moduli are not isomorph invariant.
Magnetic anisotropy switching induced by shape memory effect in NiTi/Ni bilayer
Authors: Kyianytsia A. , Ponçot M. , Letoffe A. , Boulet P. , Migot S. , Ghanbaja J. , Cinar I. , Lima de Miranda R. , Bechtold C. , Kierren B. , Ozatay O. , Hauet T.
Published: November 2019

Strain modulation during a two-way shape memory effect (TWSME) in a sputtered nitinol NiTi is used to reliably induce and switch by 90° a uniaxial magnetic anisotropy of a 20 nm thick Ni film during the thermal cycle from 300 K to 400 K. NiTi strain and its distribution are carefully measured by digital image correlation during tensile prestrain and subsequent temperature cycles in order to compare with Ni strain extracted from the magnetometry measurement and from transmission electron microscopy. In a NiTi/Ni bilayer, a variation of 2.7% strain in NiTi during the TWSME generates 1.3% strain in Ni, which results in a transition from −2 × 104 J/m3 in-plane magnetic anisotropy to +1 × 105 J/m3. Such a composite system offers a way to timely ease writability while maintaining high thermal stability at rest in magnetic media.
A review of freshwater fish introductions to the Guangdong province, China
Authors: Wei Hui , Hu Yinchang , Li Shan , Chen Fangcan , Luo Du , Gu Dangen , Xu Meng , Mu Xidong , Yang Yexin
Published: November 2019

In the last few decades, non-native freshwater fishes have been introduced all over the world for economic purposes, including aquaculture and aquarium trade, as well as improvement for wild stocks resulting in adverse environmental and socio-economic effects. The Guangdong province of China is at a high risk of fish invasions owing to its warm and humid climate, abundance of water courses, flourishing aquaculture and ornamental fish trade, and extensive sea ports. A total of 160 non-native freshwater species were introduced in the Guangdong province and 71.9% of them were imported for aquarium purposes. Fourteen species have established self-sustaining populations and 21 species were found in the main river basin of the Guangdong province. Propagule pressure, rapid evolution and abundant resources in the environment were the factors likely to contribute to successful invasion by non-native fishes. The invasion of non-native fishes in the Guangdong province has already resulted in economic losses, decline of native species, as well as negative impacts on the functional diversity of native fish assemblages. To mitigate these effects and prevent future non-native fish invasions, scientists, policy makers and stakeholders should collaborate on the management of non-native fish introductions by developing risk assessments, statutory regulations, public education and scientific research.
An Introduction to and Translation of Chaïm Perelman’s 1933 De l’arbitraire dans laconnaissance [On the Arbitrary in Knowledge]
Authors: Bolduc Michelle , Frank David A.
Published: November 2019

This is an introduction to and translation of Chaïm Perelman’s “De l’arbitraire dans la connaissance” published in 1933 by Maurice Lambertin publishing house. De l’arbitraire dans la connaissance has important implications for an understanding of Perelman’s intellectual development generally and specifically for an understanding the evolution of his New Rhetoric Project.
Dissociating Power and Racism: Stokely Carmichael at Berkeley
Authors: Hatch Justin D.
Published: November 2019

An analysis of Stokely Carmichael’s dissociation of “racism” attempted at UC Berkeley on October 29, 1966 extends the utility of Perelman and Olbrechts-Tyteca’s “dissociation of concepts” for those seeking racial justice. I offer a new term “subversive dissociations” to theorize the foundations of racist dominant narratives as what Perelman and Olbrechts-Tyteca call “linguistic common property.” This move reframes dissociative challenges to dominant narratives as attempts to counter other dissociations and thus makes available a set of tools outlined in The New Rhetoric for that purpose. Dissociation emerges as a dynamic anti-racist strategy.
Magnetic resonance-based computed tomography metal artifact reduction using Bayesian modelling
Authors: Nielsen Jonathan Scharff , Edmund Jens Morgenthaler , Van Leemput Koen
Published: November 2019

Metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithms reduce the errors caused by metal implants in x-ray computed tomography (CT) images and are an important part of error management in radiotherapy. A promising MAR approach is to leverage the information in magnetic resonance (MR) images that can be acquired for organ or tumor delineation. This is however complicated by the ambiguous relationship between CT values and conventional-sequence MR intensities as well as potential co-registration issues. In order to address these issues, this paper proposes a self-tuning Bayesian model for MR-based MAR that combines knowledge of the MR image intensities in local spatial neighborhoods with the information in an initial, corrupted CT reconstructed using filtered back projection. We demonstrate the potential of the resulting model in three widely-used MAR scenarios: image inpainting, sinogram inpainting and model-based iterative reconstruction. Compared to conventional alternatives in a retrospective study on nine head-and-neck patients with CT and T1-weighted MR scans, we find improvements in terms of image quality and quantitative CT value accuracy within each scenario. We conclude that the proposed model provides a versatile way to use the anatomical information in a co-acquired MR scan to boost the performance of MAR algorithms.
Study on tribological properties of palm kernel fiber for brake pad applications
Authors: Sai Krishnan G , Ganesh Babu L , Pradhan Raghuram , Kumar S
Published: November 2019

The need of the natural fibers as an alternative for existing synthetic fibers is in great demand for automotive applications. The primary objective of this work is to examine the effect of palm kernel fibers as the replacement of existing synthetic fibers. In this work the palm kernel shell fiber is added in three different weight percentages such as 0%, 5% and 10% and developed in the form of the standard brake pad as per industrial standards by keeping the Barites were used as an space filling ingredient. The various Physical, Chemical and mechanical properties were examined as per industrial standards. Chase Test Rig was used to examine the Tribological properties. Based on the evaluated Results it can be concluded that the coefficient of friction shows a decreasing value on increasing the fiber content. The Brake pad Composites containing 5 wt% of palm kernel fibers possessed high frictional value 0.454 and fade percentage was low with minimal undulations. Palm kernel fibers with 10 weight percentages showed some undulations. It can be concluded Palm Kernel Fiber with 5 weight percentage can be used as a replacement of the synthetic fibers. Scanning Electron Microscopy was used to determine the wear mechanism of the developed brake pad composites.
In the Wake: Postcolonial Migrations from the Horn of Africa
Authors: Duncan Derek
Published: November 2019

Abu Bakr Khaal’s African Titanics (written in Arabic) and Jonny Steinberg’s A Man of Good Hope (written in English) track diasporic movements from the former Italian colonies of Eritrea and Somalia. Focusing on mobility as well as memory, both books trace complicated and unpredictable patterns of forced displacement and precarious settlement. African Titanics charts the journey from Eritrea to the shores of the Mediterranean and the sea crossing to Europe, while A Man of Good Hope follows the movement overland from Somalia to South Africa. Both texts delineate communities networked across national borders and propose an alternative geography formed by cultural commonality rather than geopolitical division. The essay draws on Christina Sharpe’s concept of the ‘wake’ as a means of understanding how migrant subjectivity and community are formed through the multiple forms of racialized violence experienced in transnational mobility.
3-D dc resistivity modelling based on spectral element method with unstructured tetrahedral grids
Authors: Zhu Jiao , Yin Changchun , Liu Youshan , Liu Yunhe , Liu Ling , Yang Zhilong , Qiu Changkai
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we propose a spectral element method (SEM) based on unstructured tetrahedral grids for direct current (dc) resistivity modelling. Unlike the tensor-product of 1-D Gauss–Lobatto–Legendre (GLL) quadrature in conventional SEM, we use Proriol–Koornwinder–Dubiner (PKD) polynomials to form the high-order basis polynomials on tetrahedral grids. The final basis functions are established by using Vandermonde matrix. Compared to traditional SEM, our method truly takes into account the high precision of spectral method and the flexibility of finite element method with unstructured grids for modelling the complex underground structures. After addressing the theory on the construction of basis functions and interpolation and integration nodes, we validate our algorithm using the analytical solutions for a layered earth model and the results from other methods for multiple geoelectrical models. We further investigate a dual-track scheme for improving the accuracy of our SEM by increasing the order of interpolation polynomials or by refining the grids.
Directed evolution of a remarkably efficient Kdnase from a bacterial neuraminidase
Authors: Shamsi Kazem Abadi Saeideh , Deen Matthew C , Watson Jacqueline N , Shidmoossavee Fahimeh S , Bennet Andrew J
Published: November 2019

N-acetylneuraminic acid (5-acetamido-3,5-dideoxy-d-glycero-d-galacto-non-2-ulosonic acid), which is the principal sialic acid family member of the non-2-ulosonic acids and their various derivatives, is often found at the terminal position on the glycan chains that adorn all vertebrate cells. This terminal position combined with subtle variations in structure and linkage to the underlying glycan chains between humans and other mammals points to the importance of this diverse group of nine-carbon sugars as indicators of the unique aspects of human evolution and is relevant to understanding an array of human conditions. Enzymes that catalyze the removal N-acetylneuraminic acid from glycoconjugates are called neuraminidases. However, despite their documented role in numerous diseases, due to the promiscuous activity of many neuraminidases, our knowledge of the functions and metabolism of many sialic acids and the effect of the attachment to cellular glycans is limited. To this end, through a concerted effort of generation of random and site-directed mutagenesis libraries, subsequent screens and positive and negative evolutionary selection protocols, we succeeded in identifying three enzyme variants of the neuraminidase from the soil bacterium Micromonospora viridifaciens with markedly altered specificity for the hydrolysis of natural Kdn (3-deoxy-d-glycero-d-galacto-non-2-ulosonic acid) glycosidic linkages compared to those of N-acetylneuraminic acid. These variants catalyze the hydrolysis of Kdn-containing disaccharides with catalytic efficiencies (second-order rate constants: kcat/Km) of greater than 105 M−1 s−1; the best variant displayed an efficiency of >106 M−1 s−1 at its optimal pH.
Reduction of Tet2 exacerbates early stage Alzheimer’s pathology and cognitive impairments in 2×Tg-AD mice
Authors: Li Liping , Qiu Yisha , Miao Miao , Liu Zhitao , Li Wanyi , Zhu Yiyi , Wang Qinwen
Published: November 2019

Abnormal modification of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is closely related to the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the role of 5hmC and its writers, ten-eleven translocation (Tet) proteins, in regulating the pathogenesis of AD remains largely unknown. We detected a significant decrease in 5hmC and Tet2 levels in the hippocampus of aged APPswe/PSEN1 double-transgenic (2×Tg-AD) mice that coincides with abundant amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque accumulation. On this basis, we examined the reduction of Tet2 expression in the hippocampus at early disease stages, which caused a decline of 5hmC levels and led young 2×Tg-AD mice to present with advanced stages of AD-related pathological hallmarks, including Aβ accumulation, GFAP-positive astrogliosis and Iba1-positive microglia overgrowth as well as the overproduction of pro-inflammatory factors. Additionally, the loss of Tet2 in the 2×Tg-AD mice at 5 months of age accelerated hippocampal-dependent learning and memory impairments compared to age-matched control 2×Tg-AD mice. In contrast, restoring Tet2 expression in adult neural stem cells isolated from aged 2×Tg-AD mice hippocampi increased 5hmC levels and increased their regenerative capacity, suggesting that Tet2 might be an exciting target for rejuvenating the brain during aging and AD. Further, hippocampal RNA sequencing data revealed that the expression of altered genes identified in both Tet2 knockdown and control 2×Tg-AD mice was significantly associated with inflammation response. Finally, we demonstrated that Tet2-mediated 5hmC epigenetic modifications regulate AD pathology by interacting with HDAC1. These results suggest a combined approach for the regulation and treatment of AD-related memory impairment and cognitive symptoms by increasing Tet2 via HDAC1 suppression.
Modified iliac spine wafer osteotomy for exposure during Bernese periacetabular osteotomy
Authors: Samuel Linsen T , Munim Mohammed , Acuña Alexander J , Sultan Assem A , Kamath Atul F
Published: November 2019

The Bernese periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a well-established procedure for the management of symptomatic hip dysplasia. The associated Smith–Petersen exposure offers excellent visualization of the acetabulum and control of acetabular osteotomy and mobilization. The traditional exposure of the true pelvis involves osteotomy of the iliac wing in order to mobilize the sartorial and inguinal ligament insertion. However, full osteotomy of the iliac spine may necessitate screw fixation if a relatively large segment of bone is included. A known complication with screw fixation of the iliac wing osteotomy involves failure of fixation and screw back out. Moreover, the screw may irritate the patient even in the setting of adequate fixation. A larger osteotomy may also injure the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) as it travels near the anterior–superior spine. To minimize the risk of these potential complications, a wafer osteotomy may be used to develop a sleeve of tissue involving the sartorial insertion. This sleeve also mobilizes the entirety of the LFCN medially and affords protection throughout the procedure. Furthermore, the wafer osteotomy may be re-fixed to the stable pelvis during closure with simple heavy suture fixation alone, avoiding screw insertion or associated removal. Because only a wafer or bone is taken during the spine osteotomy, more bone is available at the anterior–superior iliac spine for fixation of the mobile fragment after repositioning. In this technical note, we describe the wafer osteotomy technique in further detail.
Questionnaire survey on treatment planning techniques for lung stereotactic body radiotherapy in Japan
Authors: Ueda Yoshihiro , Takakura Toru , Ota Seiichi , Kito Satoshi , Sasaki Koji , Shimizu Hidetoshi , Tatsumi Daisaku , Yano Shinsuke , Nakamura Mitsuhiro
Published: November 2019

This study aimed to obtain details regarding treatment planning techniques for lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) employed at each institution in Japan by using a questionnaire survey. An Internet questionnaire survey on SBRT procedures performed in 2016 was conducted by the QA/QC committee of the Japan Society of Medical Physics from April to June 2017. The questionnaire assessed two aspects: the environment for SBRT at each institution and the treatment planning techniques with and without respiratory motion management techniques (RMMT). Of the 309 evaluated responses, 218 institutions had performed SBRT. A total of 186 institutions performed SBRT without RMMT and 139 institutions performed SBRT with RMMT. When respiratory motion was ≥10 mm, 69 institutions applied RMMT. The leading RMMT were breath holding (77 institutions), respiratory gating (49 institutions) and real-time tumor tracking (11 institutions). The most frequently used irradiation technique was 3D conformal radiotherapy, which was used in 145 institutions without RMMT and 119 institutions with RMMT. Computed tomography (CT) images acquired under free breathing were mostly used for dose calculation for patients treated without RMMT. The usage ratio of IMRT/VMAT to SBRT is low in Japan, compared to elsewhere in the world (<20% vs ≥70%). Among the available dose calculation algorithms, superposition convolution was the most frequently used regardless of RMMT; however, 2% of institutions have not yet made heterogeneity corrections. In the prescription setting, about half of the institutions applied point prescriptions. The survey results revealed the most frequently used conditions, which may facilitate standardization of treatment techniques in lung SBRT.
Mapping the dark matter halo of early-type galaxy NGC 2974 through orbit-based models with combined stellar and cold gas kinematics
Authors: Yang Meng , Zhu Ling , Weijmans Anne-Marie , van de Ven Glenn , Boardman Nicholas , Morganti Raffaella , Oosterloo Tom
Published: November 2019

We present an orbit-based method of combining stellar and cold gas kinematics to constrain the dark matter profile of early-type galaxies. We apply this method to early-type galaxy NGC 2974, using Pan-STARRS imaging and SAURON stellar kinematics to model the stellar orbits, and introducing H i kinematics from VLA observation as a tracer of the gravitational potential. The introduction of the cold gas kinematics shows a significant effect on the confidence limits of especially the dark halo properties: we exclude more than $95{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of models within the 1σ confidence level of Schwarzschild modelling with only stellar kinematics, and reduce the relative uncertainty of the dark matter fraction significantly to $10{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ within 5Re. Adopting a generalized Navarro–Frenk–White (NFW) dark matter profile, we measure a shallow cuspy inner slope of $0.6^{+0.2}_{-0.3}$ when including the cold gas kinematics in our model. We cannot constrain the inner slope with the stellar kinematics alone.
The human methyltransferase ZCCHC4 catalyses N6-methyladenosine modification of 28S ribosomal RNA
Authors: Pinto Rita , Vågbø Cathrine B , Jakobsson Magnus E , Kim Yeji , Baltissen Marijke P , O’Donohue Marie-Françoise , Guzmán Ulises H , Małecki Jędrzej M , Wu Jie , Kirpekar Finn , Olsen Jesper V , Gleizes Pierre-Emmanuel , Vermeulen Michiel , Leidel Sebastian A , Slupphaug Geir , Falnes Pål Ø
Published: November 2019

RNA methylations are essential both for RNA structure and function, and are introduced by a number of distinct methyltransferases (MTases). In recent years, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of eukaryotic mRNA has been subject to intense studies, and it has been demonstrated that m6A is a reversible modification that regulates several aspects of mRNA function. However, m6A is also found in other RNAs, such as mammalian 18S and 28S ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), but the responsible MTases have remained elusive. 28S rRNA carries a single m6A modification, found at position A4220 (alternatively referred to as A4190) within a stem–loop structure, and here we show that the MTase ZCCHC4 is the enzyme responsible for introducing this modification. Accordingly, we found that ZCCHC4 localises to nucleoli, the site of ribosome assembly, and that proteins involved in RNA metabolism are overrepresented in the ZCCHC4 interactome. Interestingly, the absence of m6A4220 perturbs codon-specific translation dynamics and shifts gene expression at the translational level. In summary, we establish ZCCHC4 as the enzyme responsible for m6A modification of human 28S rRNA, and demonstrate its functional significance in mRNA translation.
Neonatal coning secondary to hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy: A case study and literature review
Authors: Soliman Yasser , Yusuf Kamran , Blayney Marc , El Shahed Amr I , Belik Jaques
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Brain herniation is an extremely rare complication of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) in the neonatal period with only a single report described. We report a 2-day-old term infant with severe HIE, who developed diffuse brain oedema and herniation.

Case presentation and description

A term female infant delivered by vacuum, required therapeutic hypothermia for severe encephalopathy. At 36 hours of age, a marked change in neurological status was noted with signs of brainstem involvement. A head Computed Tomography Scan showed uncal and tonsillar herniation.

Conclusion

Vigilance in monitoring neonatal neurological status during therapeutic hypothermia is imperative for early brain herniation detection.
Enhancing control of cell-free metabolism through pH modulation
Authors: Karim Ashty S , Rasor Blake J , Jewett Michael C
Published: November 2019

Engineering metabolism for the synthesis of bio-based products in non-model organisms can be challenging. One specific challenge is that biosynthetic pathways are often built from enzyme candidates sourced from diverse organisms, which can prove difficult to implement in recombinant hosts due to differences in their cellular environments (e.g. pH, cofactor balance). To address this problem, we report a cell-free synthetic biology approach for understanding metabolism in a range of environmental conditions, specifically under varied pH. The key idea is to control the pH of Escherichia coli-based cell-free systems for assessing pathway performance using enzymes sourced from organisms other than E. coli. As a model, we apply this approach to study the impact of pH on the n-butanol biosynthesis pathway derived from clostridia in E. coli lysates. Specifically, we exploit the open, cell-free reaction environment to explore pH outside the habitable range of E. coli, revealing insights into how chemical context impacts the interaction between native metabolism and heterologous enzymes. We find that the pH optimum for butanol production from acetyl-CoA is substantially lower than the optimal pH of glycolysis in E. coli-based crude lysates. In addition, pH is an essential factor to consider when activating metabolic pathways in the cell-free environment due to its effect on reaction yield or enzyme activity, the latter of which is demonstrated in this work for alcohol dehydrogenases from a range of extremophiles. Ultimately, altering metabolism through pH control will allow cell-free systems to be used in studying the metabolic state of organisms and identify suitable enzymes for pathway engineering.
The law applicable to third-party effects of assignments of claims: the UN Convention and the EU Commission Proposal compared
Authors: Bazinas Spyridon V
Published: November 2019

In October 2019, the U.S. ratified the United Nations Convention on the Assignment of Receivables in International Trade (the “Convention”) by the US, thus creating a new impetus for the broad adoption and entry into force of the Convention and with that for the facilitation of international receivables finance. In March 2018, the E.U. Commission issued a Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the law applicable to the third-party effects of assignments of claims (the “Commission Proposal” or “Proposal”). The Commission Proposal includes a first draft of the proposed Regulation (the “draft Regulation”). An alignment of the main rule of the draft Regulation with the equivalent rule in the Convention could result in an internationally uniform conflict-of-laws rule on this matter, which would remove the legal divergences existing among legal systems and reduce the uncertainty as to the law applicable to the third-party effects of assignments of claims. The purpose of this article is to compare the relevant rules of the Convention and the draft Regulation, determine whether this coordinated approach is achieved and, if not, make suggestions as to how it can be achieved to the benefit of all parties involved in international receivables finance.
Improving Access to Safe Anesthetic Care in Rural and Remote Communities in Affluent Countries
Authors: Orser B.A. , Wilson C.R. , Rotstein A.J. , Iglesias S.J. , Spain B.T. , Ranganathan P. , MacDonald W.A. , Ng V. , O’Leary S. , Lafontaine A.
Published: November 2019

(Anesth Analg. 2019;129(1):294–300)

Low-income and middle-income countries have historically struggled to provide access to anesthesia and surgical services for their patient populations, but this is also a difficulty for the rural areas of higher-income countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States. The World Health Organization considers anesthesia and surgical services to be part of patients’ rights to health, but it is more difficult for surgical patients to access needed care in rural areas due to the limited availability of medical professionals in those areas. A study of the proposed solutions to these issues can be beneficial not only for Australia, Canada, and the United States, but can also help provide a framework for other countries to improve their population’s access to needed medical care.
Stem Cell Joint Therapy: Promising, but Not Ready for Prime Time
Authors: Nelson Roxanne
Published: November 2019

Despite burgeoning marketing efforts, evidence is scant.
New Antibiotic for Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
Authors: Aschenbrenner Diane S.
Published: November 2019

Lefamulin (Xenleta) is a new antibiotic approved to treat adults with community-acquired bacterial pneumonia.

Lefamulin's labeling warns of the risk of QT interval prolongation, the potential for fetal harm, and the risk of Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea.
A Kangaroo Care Pathway for NICU Staff and Families
Authors: Stadd Karen , Diehl Beth , Yenokyan Gayane , Aucott Susan W.
Published: November 2019

Background:

Kangaroo care (KC) improves bonding and neonatal health outcomes worldwide. However, concerns for patient safety, interrupted workflow, and parent readiness continued to impede KC in a level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Its current policy did not recommend using more than 1 staff member during patient transfer. In addition, NICU staff and parents lacked skills training and education regarding the feasibility of routine KC.

Purpose:

A KC pathway was developed and integrated within a multifaceted, champion-based, simulated educational training program for NICU staff and families to promote earlier and more frequent KC by increasing their knowledge and comfort with this practice.

Methods:

Patient data collected before and after the study determined the frequency, timing, and mode of respiratory support during KC. Pre- and posttest surveys evaluated nurses' knowledge and comfort level with KC.

Results:

The frequency of KC occurred 2.4 times more after the intervention. The percentage of KC episodes for intubated patients nearly doubled. The posttest survey scores for nursing knowledge and comfort level also markedly improved.

Implications for Practice:

The KC pathway ameliorated feelings of discomfort by depicting criteria and instructions for safe practice. Multidisciplinary champions were invaluable in assisting the nursing staff with patient transfer during KC.

Implications for Research:

More dose–response studies are needed to maximize the clinical benefits of KC in developed countries.
Team-Based Implementation of an Exclusive Human Milk Diet
Authors: Delaney Manthe Eva , Perks Patti H. , Swanson Jonathan R.
Published: November 2019

Background:

The University of Virginia neonatal intensive care unit is a 51-bed unit with approximately 600 to 700 admissions per year. Despite evidenced-based clinical care, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and feeding intolerance remained problematic.

Purpose:

In September 2016, the neonatal intensive care unit implemented an exclusive human milk diet (EHMD) for infants born 1250 g or less with the goal of reducing NEC, feeding intolerance, parenteral nutrition use, and late-onset sepsis. Length of stay, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and retinopathy of prematurity were also evaluated.

Methods:

A work group developed systems for charging and documenting products used in an EHMD. Outcomes were compared with a control group of similar infants born prior to the availability of the EHMD.

Results:

Infants who received an EHMD had significantly fewer late-onset sepsis evaluations (P = .0027) and less BPD (P = .018). While not statistically significant, less surgical NEC was also demonstrated (4 cases vs 1 case, which was 57% of total NEC cases vs 14.3%) while maintaining desirable weight gain and meeting financial goals.

Implications for Practice:

A multidisciplinary team that implements financial and documentation systems can provide a sustainable clinical practice that improves patient outcomes. Ongoing evaluations of clinical and financial data provide valuable information to guide future clinical practices related to the EHMD.

Implications for Research:

Future research on the anti-inflammatory effect of an EHMD is needed to provide direction regarding a potential dose-dependent response for reduced BPD rates and severity. The role of human milk and prevention or mitigation of sepsis is not fully understood, but the reduction of the number of late-onset sepsis evaluations may support the relationship between an EHMD and infection protection. Exploring clinical and financial outcomes for implementing the EHMD in infants born more than 1250 g remains a key area for research.
Robustness of NHANES Estimates of the US Prevalence of a Positive Tuberculin Skin Test
Authors: Haddad Maryam B. , Lash Timothy L. , Hill Andrew N. , Navin Thomas R. , Castro Kenneth G. , Gandhi Neel R. , Winston Carla A.
Published: November 2019

Background:

A single 2-year National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycle is designed to provide accurate and stable estimates of conditions with prevalence of at least 10%. Recent NHANES-based estimates of a tuberculin skin test (TST) ≥10 mm in the noninstitutionalized US civilian population are at most 6.3%.

Methods:

NHANES included a TST in 1971–1972, 1999–2000, and 2011–2012. We examined the robustness of NHANES-based estimates of the US population prevalence of a skin test ≥10 mm with a bias analysis that considered the influence of non-US birth distributions and within-household skin test results, reclassified borderline-positive results, and adjusted for TST item nonresponse.

Results:

The weighted non-US birth distribution among NHANES participants was similar to that in the overall US population; further adjustment was unnecessary. We found no evidence of bias due to sampling multiple participants per household. Prevalence estimates changed 0.3% with reclassification of borderline-positive TST results and 0.2%–0.3% with adjustment for item nonresponse.

Conclusions:

For estimating the national prevalence of a TST ≥10 mm during these three survey cycles, a conventional NHANES analysis using the standard participant weights and masked design parameters that are provided in the public-use datasets appears robust. See video abstract at, http://links.lww.com/EDE/B636.
Food Sources of Shortfall Nutrients Among US Adolescents
Authors: Leme Ana Carolina , Baranowski Tom , Thompson Debbe , Philippi Sonia , O'Neil Carol E. , Fulgoni Victor L. , Nicklas Theresa A.
Published: November 2019

To identify food sources of shortfall nutrients consumed by adolescents (n = 3156), data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2011-2014) were used. Some of the food groups commonly consumed by adolescents made a significant contribution to shortfall nutrient intakes in the diet. Many food sources that provided significant amounts of shortfall nutrients were from foods that also provided nutrients to limit. Awareness of nutrient intakes and food sources is essential to establish dietary guidance in a practical context. Efforts to continue monitoring the food sources of nutrients consumed by adolescents will be important to improve the current knowledge on this topic of research.