bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a manual identification system for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a primary tuberculosis laboratory in China
Authors: Zhao Ping , Yu Qin , Zhang Yu
Published: April 2019

Objective

To compare the diagnostic performance of the manual BACTEC™ Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT™) system (M-MGIT) with the automated BACTEC™ MGIT™ 960 system (A-MGIT) and Löwenstein-Jensen (L-J) culture method in detecting mycobacteria in sputum specimens from patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (TB).

Methods

For this cross-sectional study, sputum samples were taken from patients aged ≥18 years attending a TB clinic in Beijing, China between July 2015 and October 2016. Processed sputum samples were inoculated into the MGIT systems and L-J medium for up to 6 and 8 weeks, respectively.

Results

The M-MGIT and A-MGIT methods detected significantly more Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) isolates than L-J culture from the 565 sputum samples (39%, 40% and 32%, respectively). Using a positive result from any of the three culture systems as reference, the sensitivity of M-MGIT, A-MGIT and L-J methods were 92%, 94%, and 74%, respectively. The time-to-detection of mycobacteria was 12.9±4.2 days for M-MGIT, 11.8±5.2 days for A-MGIT and 24.2±8.7 days for L-J.

Conclusions

M-MGIT has a similar diagnostic performance to A-MGIT, and is a fast and reliable alternative to conventional culture methods in the diagnosis of pulmonary TB in a developing country.
Persons With Severe Mental Illnesses and Sex Offenses: Recidivism After Prison Release
Authors: Cuddeback Gary S. , Grady Melissa , Blank Wilson Amy , Van Deinse Tonya , Morrissey Joseph P.
Published: April 2019

Individuals who have committed sex offenses (ISOs) with severe mental illnesses are a complex population to serve and more research is needed to guide practice and policy, especially around community supervision, enrollment in Medicaid, housing, employment, criminal justice contacts, and reincarceration after prison reentry. To further the literature in this area, we used logistic regression to model recidivism and admissions to violator or prison facilities among 127 ISOs with severe mental illnesses and 2,935 people with severe mental illnesses who were incarcerated in prison for other crimes. Compared to prison releasees with severe mental illnesses who committed crimes other than sex offenses, prison releasees with severe mental illnesses who committed sex offenses were admitted to violator facilities at higher rates, when controlling for substance use, Medicaid enrollment, homelessness, and unemployment. Implications for practice, policy and research are discussed.
Work and Capitalist Globalization: Beyond Dualist Reason
Authors: Munck Ronaldo
Published: April 2019

Dualist, as against dialectical, thinking is seen to dominate the understanding of both informal and precarious work. We pose instead the centrality of labor in the making of capital and vice versa. An alternative approach to globalization and labor is posed that breaks with dualist thinking. As against the legalization or formalization frame to deal with informality and precarity we pose an organizing frame centered on the trade unions developing a social movement strategy.
Elastic and strength analysis of hybrid 3D woven orthogonal composites: Numerical and analytical modelling
Authors: Ahmed Sohail , Zheng Xitao , Wu Tianchi
Published: April 2019

Modern advancement of the 3D woven composites made it possible to adjust the mechanical properties either by laying the fiber tows in a certain angle or by replacing the fibers having nominal mechanical properties with the fiber of higher mechanical properties in a certain proportion, which can be regarded as hybridization of reinforcement material. By adding the fibers with different mechanical properties arises the challenge of estimation of their elastic and strength properties. In the current study, an analytical model is developed based on the volume averaging method to predict the elastic and strength parameters for non-hybrid and hybrid 3D woven composites on the basis of two distinct geometric models. In the later section, the results are verified through numerical simulation on the representative volume element level using finite element simulations. Detailed geometry is constructed for a finite element mosaic model for a weave configuration and the results are verified by comparison with the experimental data. After validating the models successfully, fiber tows in a certain ratio are replaced with other materials to attain the hybridization of 3D woven composite. Finally, the results from the numerical simulation for hybrid and non-hybrid material system are obtained and compared with the analytical results which showed a close agreement among them, making the analytical model a useful tool for estimating the elastic and strength properties for hybrid 3D woven composites.
Hispanic Parents’ Involvement and Teachers’ Empowerment as Pathways to Hispanic English Learners’ Academic Performance
Authors: Rivera Hector , Li Jui-Teng
Published: April 2019

This study examines the relationship between Hispanic English learners’ learning, their parents’ involvement, and their teachers’ empowerment through professional knowledge. It is believed that Hispanic parents’ involvement in their children’s school activities is more influential to academic performance and educational attitudes than is teacher empowerment alone. A total of 339 Hispanic English learners, 339 parents, and 40 teachers participated in this study. Structural equation modelling was used. The analysis produced an empirical model with a nonsignificant value of χ2 (53.11). Due to the nonsignificant difference of the p value, the empirical model was found to be a good fit. These results revealed that Hispanic parents’ involvement has a positive impact on their children’s academic performance, and that teachers’ empowerment has a negative impact when primarily focused on professional knowledge attainment only.
Acute Flaccid Myelitis Associated With Enterovirus D68: A Review
Authors: Christy Alison , Messacar Kevin
Published: April 2019

Acute flaccid myelitis is a disease that affects the anterior horn cells of the spinal cord, leading to rapid onset of flaccid paralysis. Recent biennial epidemics, beginning in the summer of 2014, have been associated with enterovirus D68, although the underlying pathophysiology is unknown. Patients present with asymmetric flaccid weakness of the extremities, with cranial neuropathy and without encephalopathy, and often have residual disability. Here we review the current literature on this disabling disease and discuss treatment modalities and ongoing research.
Extended Indications for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in the Operating Room
Authors: Kelly Barry , Carton Edmund
Published: April 2019

Background:

The use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) for cardiorespiratory support is increasing. Traditional absolute contraindications are currently deemed relative contraindications. Extracorporeal life support is now considered for a wider cohort of patients on a case-by-case basis.

Method:

We performed a review of the literature and examined current Extracorporeal Life Support Organization guidelines that support the use of ECLS in the operating room, based on the underlying pathology and surgical procedure proposed. We discuss specific surgical populations and different modes of ECLS and cannulation strategies.

Results:

Based on the available literature, veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be used for the management of complex tracheobronchial and lung surgery, both in the elective and in the emergent setting. Elective veno-arterial (V-A) ECMO for cardiocirculatory support should be considered in high-risk patients undergoing ventricular tachycardia ablation. Extracorporeal life support should be considered as a potential life-saving intervention in almost all parturients with severe respiratory failure or refractory cardiogenic shock. V-A ECMO should be considered in unanticipated intraoperative cardiac arrest in patients without preexisting end-organ failure.

Conclusion:

As the number of indications for ECLS in the operating room is growing, anesthesiology and surgical staff should become familiar with the perioperative management of patients on ECLS.
Student-Based Budgeting as a Mechanism for Promoting Democratic Decision Making: Testing the Theory of Action
Authors: Sinclair Kristin , Malen Betty
Published: April 2019

Although student-based budgeting (SBB) is a multifaceted finance, governance, and management reform, little research has examined its governance effects. This article addresses that gap by reporting findings from a “critical case” of SBB, implemented under conditions that might promote meaningful teacher, parent, and community engagement in site-based policy decisions. Anchored in theories of the micropolitics of schools and conceptions of democratic decision making, this case demonstrates that SBB did not alter how principals engaged teachers, parents, and community members in budget decision-making processes. Generally speaking, decision-making processes represented narrow and shallow forms of actor engagement and democratic decision making. Study findings reveal that SBB in its current form is not a robust mechanism for realizing its governance aims and suggest that other factors, including but not limited to the misalignment of accountability and authority, warrant the attention of researchers and policy makers.
The teenage gaze: Teens and tourism in belfast
Authors: Leonard Madeleine
Published: April 2019

This article addresses the absence of children in tourism studies by outlining an innovative case study involving teenagers co-constructing a bus tour of Belfast. Seventeen young people, aged 14–16 took part in designing a tour of Belfast that was subsequently facilitated by a major tour company operating in the city. The article outlines how young people’s local spatial knowledge challenges mainstream adult discourses and remains an untapped resource with the potential to contribute significantly to tourism’s understandings of divided cities providing existing tourism frameworks are extended to incorporate young people’s own ways of seeing and experiencing their everyday spatial lives.
Online force control of large optical grinding machine for brittle materials assisted by force prediction
Authors: Lin Shuo , Wang QianRen , Jiang ZhenHua , Yin YueHong
Published: April 2019

Trajectory planning of aspherical surfaces with appropriate cutting parameters is always a tedious task, especially on difficult-to-grind materials. Orthogonal experiments are usually designed and conducted first to get a full estimation of forces under different sets of grinding conditions (e.g. depth of cut and feeding velocity). However, all these data will change, as the grinding wheel becomes blunt. To reduce the work on the selection of grinding parameters and keep the grinding process stable, a new force-controlled grinding strategy for large optical grinding machine on brittle material is proposed. The grinding force is controlled by adjusting feeding velocity along the trajectories in real time. The grinding force model is established by analyzing the complex contact area between the arc-shaped wheel and the workpiece. The co-existing of brittle and ductile removal is also considered. For the longtime delay of the system, the controller foresees the grinding force in 0.4 s later based on the model proposed, to prevent the large overshoot of the force (up to 87.5%). The verification of the controller was conducted on silicon carbide ceramics. The force overshoot was reduced to 22.5%, and the motion accuracy was guaranteed by position servo within 5 µm. The subsurface damage along the trajectory was further analyzed and discussed.
An innovative design approach in three-dimensional printing of continuous fiber–reinforced thermoplastic composites via fused deposition modeling process: In-melt simultaneous impregnation
Authors: Akhoundi Behnam , Behravesh Amir Hossein , Bagheri Saed Arvin
Published: April 2019

In this study, an innovative method was devised and implemented to produce continuous glass fiber–reinforced thermoplastic composites via a fused deposition modeling three-dimensional printer to enhance the mechanical properties of the printed products. In the extrusion-based, or filament-based, additive manufacturing process, namely, fused deposition modeling, the parts are basically formed via deposition of the material in the molten state, and thus embedding continuous fiber, in a solid form, is highly challenging. Hence, a nozzle system was designed and manufactured to feed the continuous fiber into the molten polymer simultaneously, which is called, here, in-melt simultaneous impregnation. With the presence of continuous fibers in the nozzle outlet, the feed of filament was calculatedly adjusted in the G-codes depending on the fiber volume percentage, to produce sound flow, and consistent deposition. Composite products were produced with various geometrical shapes. Via analysis and close control of the filament feeding, as a critical requirement to produce a sound printed product, composites with various fiber volume percentages were printed. Also, the mechanical properties of the printed parts with 30% by volume of glass fiber were measured. The results of the tensile test indicated that the continuous fibers were appropriately and effectively embedded that could result in remarkable increases in tensile strength and modulus of the samples, higher than 700%. The resulted values of tensile modulus were consistent with the values calculated via the rule of mixture. In addition, scanning electron microscopic images of the fracture sections suggest a sound adhesion between fibers and the matrix.
The Efficacy of Antimalarials in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Esdaile John M.
Published: April 2019

The use of antimalarial drugs to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is reviewed regarding their value in SLE of mild-to-moderate disease activity, as corticosteroid-sparing agents, and as an adjunctive therapy in severe SLE. A retrospective controlled study of a variety of antimalarials and a randomized discontinuation trial of hydroxychloroquine support the considerable clinical belief that antimalarials are of benefit in mild-to-moderate SLE. Anecdotal reports and the opinion of experienced clinicians suggest that antimalarials permit the use of lower doses of corticosteroids. No controlled study has confirmed a corticosteroid-sparing role for antimalarials, although no controlled study has been conducted specifically to address this hypothesis. The data on antimalarials in severe SLE are scant.

Antimalarials are likely effective in at least a subgroup of SLE patients with mild-to-moderate disease activity. Whether these agents are corticosteroid sparing and prevent severe disease exacerbations is unproven. Given the low toxicity of antimalarials, further studies are clearly warranted.
The Relevance of Antimalarial Therapy with Regard to Thrombosis, Hypercholesterolemia and Cytokines in SLE
Authors: Wallace Daniel J. , Linker-Israeli Mariana , Metzger Allan L. , Stecher Vera J.
Published: April 2019

Hydroxychloroquine has several less well-known actions that may have clinical relevance in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). (1) Hydroxychloroquine has a possible antithrombotic action. It is a platelet inhibitor and appears to decrease the risk of thromboembolism in patients with anticardiolipin antibodies. (2) Hydroxychloroquine is associated with lower serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels compared to those present in patients who are taking corticosteroids but not antimalarials for SLE. (3) It may also decrease abnormal levels of cytokines. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble CD8 and soluble IL-2 receptors (sIL-2R) are lower in patients taking antimalarials compared to those on corticosteroids alone or on neither medication. Serum levels of CDS and sIL-2R decrease after 6 weeks of hydroxychloroquine treatment. These findings may help explain the favorable response of SLE patients treated with antimalarials.
Effect of Sex on the Induction of Anti-DNA Antibodies in Normal Mice Immunized with Bacterial DNA
Authors: Palmer Scott M. , Gilkeson Gary S. , Pisetsky David S.
Published: April 2019

Immunization of normal mice with bacterial DNA elicits a significant IgG anti-DNA response and has been explored as a model of systemic lupus erythematosus. To determine whether this induced response is influenced by sex, we have measured anti-DNA levels in normal male and female BALB/c mice immunized with single stranded DNA from E. coli as complexes with methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA) in adjuvant. By ELISA assays, anti-DNA levels of immunized females were approximately 16-fold higher than those of immunized males; levels of antibodies to the mBSA carrier were similar, however. The antibodies from females and males showed a similar degree of cross-reactivity when assayed using other natural and synthetic DNA antigens, including mammalian DNA. These findings suggest the potentiation of anti-DNA production in females by antigen-specific mechanisms and provide further evidence that immunization with bacterial DNA replicates features of autoantibody production in SLE.
The history of antimalarials
Authors: Wallace DJ
Published: April 2019

In the city of Lima, capital of Peru, the wife of the Viceroy, at that time the Count of Cinchon fell sick... Her illness was tertian fever... The rumour of her illness... became known by the people in the city, spread to neighboring places and reached Loxa. I believe since then thirty or forty years have passed. A Spaniard, the prefect in that place was told of the illness of the Countess, and thought to inform by letter her husband the Viceroy ... that he had a secret remedy he could recommend without hesitation ... she accepted at once ... and once taken, like something miraculous, she was cured to the amazement of all.

Sebastiano Bado, in Anastasis corticis Peruviae seu Chinae Chinae defensio (1663), pp. 20–21
Hydroxychloroquine use in the Baltimore Lupus Cohort: effects on lipids, glucose and thrombosis
Authors: Petri M
Published: April 2019

Hydroxychloroquine is used by 35% of SLE patients enrolled in the Baltimore Lupus Cohort. Eighty per cent of patients who took hydroxychloroquine at cohort entry remain on it six years later. In addition to its role for disease manifestations of lupus, hydroxychloroquine may be indicated for the prevention of disease or treatment-induced complications, including hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, liver function test elevation and thrombosis.
The use of hydroxychloroquine in lupus pregnancy: the British experience
Authors: Khamashta MA , Buchanan NMM , Hughes Grv
Published: April 2019

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a valuable and possibly underused agent in treating mild lupus. Whether this drug should be discontinued in pregnancy is still controversial. We studied the full obstetric histories of 33 women with lupus who had taken HCQ at some point during pregnancy. HCQ was not, apparently, teratogenic and we believe that continuation of this drug is probably safe in lupus pregnancies.
Antimalarial drugs in pregnancy – the North American experience
Authors: Parke AL , Rothfield NF
Published: April 2019

The use of the 4-aminoquinoline antimalarials in pregnancy is controversial. The current practice of discontinuing these medications because of pregnancy makes little sense as the half-life of these medications is so long. Patients with SLE have increased fetal wastage and one of the factors known to contribute to this fetal wastage is disease activity. It is also known that discontinuing the 4-aminoquinoline antimalarial drugs can precipitate flares of disease in lupus patients. Mothers and their potential offspring are therefore at risk for flares of disease and pregnancy failure if these medications are discontinued because of pregnancy. This review addresses the North American experience of the use of antimalarial drugs in pregnant lupus patients. Unlike most centers in North America, we continue our patients on these medications throughout pregnancy and to date have documented 16 lupus patients who have taken these drugs throughout pregnancy. Our most recent study documents nine pregnancies in eight women. All of these pregnancies resulted in live births (five pre-term deliveries and four full-term deliveries). There were no congenital abnormalities in these infants and follow-up to date has revealed no evidence of ocular or oral deficits in any of these children. One patient experienced a flare of disease when her antimalarial therapy was temporarily discontinued.
Retinopathy and antimalarial drugs – the British experience
Authors: Spalton DJ
Published: April 2019

A study at St Thomas’ Hospital and review of the literature show that retinopathy associated with antimalarial treatment is now much less common. This is probably due to the prescription of lower dosages and shorter durations of treatment and possibly due to the tendency to prescribe hydroxychloroquine rather than chloroquine. The dosage parameters associated with retinopathy are still uncertain as well as the best way to screen for it but the dosage/kg body weight appears to be important. We suggest that if hydroxychloroquine is prescribed in doses of less than 6.5 mg/kg the incidence of retinopathy is minimal. Ophthalmic screening can then be restricted to a baseline examination at the onset of treatment with a yearly examination of visual acuity and fundoscopy if treatment carries on after three years. Patients who have had over ten years of treatment need more careful and detailed follow up.
Modeling and experimental characterization of a multi-point loaded piezocomposite beam for actuation and energy harvesting
Authors: Heaney Patrick S , Bilgen Onur
Published: April 2019

This article proposes a multi-point support and inertial loading for beam-like piezocomposite vibration energy harvesters as an alternative to the common cantilevered beam configuration. In the proposed configuration, symmetrical overhanging free segments extend beyond two interior pinned supports, and tip masses are attached to the free ends for inertial tip-loading. The dynamic response of this multi-point loaded beam can be significantly altered by varying two configuration parameters: the support location and tip-loading. In this article, the transverse vibration due to harmonic excitation of a piezocomposite beam in this multi-point configuration is analyzed. The effects of configuration parameters on the natural frequency and curvature shapes of the beam are shown. Results from experimental testing of several support locations and tip masses are compared with analytical predictions, and it is demonstrated that the fundamental frequency of this system can be tuned by adjusting the support location and tip-loading. Comparisons of the output-to-input power ratios for the different configurations during vibration energy harvesting are also made, which demonstrate increased strain-normalized transduction for the multi-point configurations over a reference cantilevered beam. This article concludes with a discussion of the potential application of this configuration as a vibration energy harvester.
Tunable unipolar synchronized electric charge extraction strategy for piezoelectric energy harvesting
Authors: Brenes Alexis , Lefeuvre Elie , Seok Seonho , Yoo Chan-Sei
Published: April 2019

This article focuses on an intelligent control strategy to improve the performances of shunt-rectifier architectures for vibration energy harvesting. It demonstrates how proper tuning can improve the frequency bandwidth and maximum power of unipolar synchronized electric charge extraction architectures. For resonators with strong enough coupling ( k2 Q[Formula: see text]2), tuning the duration of charge extraction with the oscillation frequency improves the power harvesting performances. The main differences with other similar solutions such as unipolar synchronized electric charge extraction without tuning strategy or tunable synchronized electric charge extraction are illustrated. In particular, we show how the choice of the shunt rectifier significantly affects the power response of the generator due to electromechanical coupling phenomenon. The analytical study is experimentally validated on a cantilever-based piezoelectric generator.
Conceptualizing the Association Between Community Participation and CQI in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PHC Services
Authors: Turner Nalita Nungarrayi , Taylor Judy , Larkins Sarah , Carlisle Karen , Thompson Sandra , Carter Maureen , Redman-MacLaren Michelle , Bailie Ross
Published: April 2019

Drawing from Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, we conceptualize the association between community participation and continuous quality improvement (CQI) processes in Indigenous primary health care (PHC) services. Indigenous experiences of community participation were drawn from our study identifying contextual factors affecting CQI processes in high-improving PHC services. Using case study design, we collected quantitative and qualitative data at the micro-, meso-, and macro-health system level in 2014 and 2015 in six services in northern Australia. Analyzing qualitative data, we found community participation was an important contextual factor in five of the six services. Embedded in cultural foundations, cultural rules, and expectations, community participation involved interacting elements of trusting relationships in metaphorically safe spaces, and reciprocated learning about each other’s perspectives. Foregrounding Indigenous perspectives on community participation might assist more effective participatory processes in Indigenous PHC including in CQI processes.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients With Pelvic and Acetabular Fractures
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Kandemir Utku , Zhang Binfei , Wang Baohui , Li Jiahao , Zhuang Yan , Wang Hu , Zhang Hong , Liu Ping , Zhang Kun
Published: April 2019

This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with pelvic and acetabular fractures. Patients with pelvic or acetabular fractures were included. Demographic data, fracture classification, time to surgery, and d-dimer levels at admission and one day after surgical intervention were recorded. Duplex ultrasonography was performed in the lower extremities for DVT evaluation. All patients received mechanical and chemical thromboprophylaxis. One hundred ten patients with a mean age of 44.2 ± 13.8 years were included. There were 48 patients with pelvic fractures and 62 patients with acetabular fractures. Thirty-two (29.09%) patients sustained DVT; 21 (19.09%) patients exhibited proximal thrombosis, and 3 patients suffered pulmonary embolism. The incidence of DVT in patients with acetabular fractures was significantly higher than that of patients with pelvic fractures (χ2 = 4.42, P = .04). The incidence of proximal DVT was significantly higher in patients with complex acetabular fractures than in patients with simple acetabular fractures (χ2 = 6.65, P = .01). Multivariate analysis showed that age older than 60 years, associated injuries, and the time to surgery longer than 2 weeks were independent risk factors ( P < .05). Despite mechanical and chemical thromboprophylaxis, the risk of DVT in patients with pelvic and acetabular fractures is still very high, and most of the thromboses were localized proximally. The risk of DVT is higher in patients older than 60 years, in those with associated injuries, and when the time from injury to operation is more than 2 weeks.
Runtime mechanisms to survive new HPC architectures: A use case in human respiratory simulations
Authors: Garcia-Gasulla Marta , Mantovani Filippo , Josep-Fabrego Marc , Eguzkitza Beatriz , Houzeaux Guillaume
Published: April 2019

Computational fluid and particle dynamics (CFPD) simulations are of paramount importance for studying and improving drug effectiveness. Computational requirements of CFPD codes demand high-performance computing (HPC) resources. For these reasons, we introduce and evaluate in this article system software techniques for improving performance and tolerating load imbalance on a state-of-the-art production CFPD code. We demonstrate benefits of these techniques on Intel-, IBM- and Arm-based HPC technologies ranked in the Top500 supercomputers, showing the importance of using mechanisms applied at runtime to improve the performance independently of the underlying architecture. We run a real CFPD simulation of particle tracking on the human respiratory system, showing performance improvements of up to 2×, across different architectures, while applying runtime techniques and keeping constant the computational resources.
Portomesenteric Venous Thrombosis Post-Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Do Energy Systems Pose as Instigating Factor to This Infrequent Complication?
Authors: Bani Hani Mohammed N , Al manasra Abdel Rahman A , Obeidat Firas , Al-Omari Mamoon H , Bani Hani Farah
Published: April 2019

Background:

Portomesenteric venous thrombosis (PMVT), a rare complication after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Severe consequences are owed to a high risk of bowel ischemia. Our aim is to present a series of patients who developed PMVT after LSG, highlighting the potential role of the vessel sealer and divider as a risk factor.

Methods:

Medical records of seven patients who underwent LSG and developed PMVT from April 2010 to January 2019, at King Abdullah University Hospital and Jordan University Hospital, Jordan were reviewed. Our findings were studied, audited, and compared with published data.

Results:

A sum of 4900 patients underwent LSG, 7 (0.14%) developed PMVT. The mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 36.8 years and 45 kg/m2, respectively. Four were women. Epigastric pain radiating to the back was the presenting symptom at a median time of 9 days after surgery. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen confirmed the diagnosis. Five patients presented with a total portal vein thrombosis (PVT), one with splenic vein thrombosis and one with dual portal and mesenteric vein thrombosis.

Conclusion:

Portomesenteric venous thrombosis is a relatively uncommon complication following LSG. Early recognition is required to avoid catastrophic outcomes. The role of energy systems in the development of PMVT remains unknown and requires further elaboration.
Is negative mass media news always associated with outgroup prejudice? The buffering role of direct contact
Authors: Fuochi Giulia , Voci Alberto , Veneziani Chiara A. , Boin Jessica , Fell Benjamin , Hewstone Miles
Published: April 2019

We examined the association of the combination of direct intergroup contact and mass media news with attitudes toward immigrants and gay people in Italy, hypothesizing that direct intergroup contact would buffer the negative association between media news and attitudes, but only when contact was intimate or positive. Measuring contact variables and attitudes toward immigrants (Study 1, N = 428; Study 2, N = 426) and gay men and women (Study 3, N = 220), we found that intimate and positive direct intergroup contact was associated with more positive attitudes toward outgroup members, whereas exposure to negative news was related to more negative attitudes. Moreover, our results supported the buffering hypothesis, as the negative association between negative news and intergroup attitudes was significantly weaker amongst respondents with higher levels of intimate and positive intergroup contact.
Countering violent extremism, governmentality and Australian Muslim youth as ‘becoming terrorist’
Authors: Abdel-Fattah Randa
Published: April 2019

This article explores how a ‘regime of truth’ about Muslim youth has been historically produced through the underlying logic of Australia’s counter-terrorism and countering violent extremism (CVE) policies and practices. The article is divided into three parts. I first look at how the pre-emptive logic of countering the ‘becoming terrorist’ constitutes young Australian Muslims. I then interrogate the way CVE has constituted Australian Muslims as a self-contained space, a governmental population divided between ‘moderates’ and ‘extremists’. Lastly, I discuss how CVE operates as a technique of governmentality in the way that it deploys grants programs to foster the ‘conduct of conduct’ of Muslim subjects within this self-contained racialised space. I argue that the central organising logic of community partnership has been the targeting of the conditions of emergence of ‘extremist’ Muslim subjects, thereby guaranteeing the racialisation of Muslim youth as always at-risk, marked with the ‘potential’ of ‘becoming terrorist’.
Where Is “the South”? Assessing the Meaning of Geography in Politics
Authors: Springer Melanie J.
Published: April 2019

The use of geographic classifications to make empirical or theoretical generalizations is common in political science research. Yet, in most cases, these groupings, in and of themselves, lack broader meaning. Offering an in-depth example of the American South, this study demonstrates the need to scrutinize the qualities we are actually interested in when using geographic classifications to explore political trends. The article begins by discussing the many ways that “the South” has been defined in the existing literature. Then, it evaluates the theoretical and empirical consequences of these various definitions using examples focused on discriminatory practices, voter turnout, and civil rights roll call votes. This evidence demonstrates the importance of grounding one’s definition in substantive metrics and historical context over and beyond basic geography. The study concludes with a discussion of its broader implications that apply to several topics of interest and research strategies.
Dosimetric Comparison Between Jaw Tracking and No Jaw Tracking in Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy
Authors: Yao Shengyu , Zhang Yin , Chen Tingfeng , Zhao Guoqi , Hu Zhekai , Lu Xiaokai , Liu Yong
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

This article compares the dosimetric differences between jaw tracking and no jaw tracking technique in static intensity-modulated radiation therapy plans of large and small tumors.

Methods:

Eight plans with large tumor (nasopharyngeal carcinoma, volume range: 510.9 to 768.0 cm3) and 8 plans with small tumor (single brain metastasis, volume range: 5.3 to 9.9 cm3) treated with jaw tracking on Varian EDGE LINAC were chosen and recalculated with no jaw tracking to study the dosimetric differences. We compared the differences of organ-at-risk doses (Dmax, Dmean), monitor units, and γ passing rate of plan verification (3mm/3%, threshold 10%; 2mm/2%, threshold 10%) between the 2 techniques.

Results:

The organ-at-risk doses of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cases having jaw tracking are all less than those with no jaw tracking. The Dmax and Dmean of organ-at-risks reduced 0.61% to 17.65% and 2.17% to 19.32%, P < .05, respectively. In cases with single brain metastasis, the organ-at-risk doses with jaw tracking were also lower than no jaw tracking. The Dmax and Dmean of organ-at-risk doses reduced 0.84% to 1.52% and 0.90% to 1.86%, P < .05, respectively. The monitor units for the large tumor and small tumor were increased by 2.41% and 1.1%, respectively. The γ passing rates (3mm/3%, th10%; 2mm/2%, th10%) of nasopharyngeal carcinoma plans are 99.89% ± 0.06% (jaw tracking) versus 99.56% ± 0.19% (no jaw tracking; P = .127); 97.15% ± 0.98% (jaw tracking) versus 91.90% ± 1.40% (no jaw tracking; P = .000), and the γ passing rates (3mm/3%, th10%; 2mm/2%, th10%) of brain metastasis plans are 99.97% ± 0.05% (jaw tracking) versus 99.44% ± 1.24% (no jaw tracking; P = .251), 98.65% ± 1.27% (jaw tracking) versus 93.35% ± 2.72% (no jaw tracking; P = .000).

Conclusion:

Jaw tracking can reduce the dose of organ-at-risks compared to no jaw tracking, and the effect is more significant for plans with large tumor. The γ passing rate of plans with jaw tracking is also higher than the plans with no jaw tracking. Although the monitor units in plans of jaw tracking will increase slightly, it is recommended to use jaw tracking in static intensity-modulated radiation therapy both in large and in small tumors.
Cancer Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy and the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Frankel Arthur E. , Deshmukh Sachin , Reddy Amit , Lightcap John , Hayes Maureen , McClellan Steven , Singh Seema , Rabideau Brooks , Glover T. Grant , Roberts Bruce , Koh Andrew Y.
Published: April 2019

The past decade has seen tremendous advances in both our understanding of cancer immunosuppressive microenvironments and colonic bacteria facilitated by immune checkpoint inhibitor antibodies and next generation sequencing, respectively. Because an important role of the host immune system is to communicate with and regulate the gut microbial community, it should not come as a surprise that the behavior of one is coupled to the other. In this review, we will attempt to dissect some of the studies demonstrating cancer immunotherapy modulation by specific gut microbes and discuss possible molecular mechanisms for this effect.
Robust point cloud normal estimation via neighborhood reconstruction
Authors: Yu Zhiqiang , Wang Taiyong , Guo Ting , Li Hongbin , Dong Jingchuan
Published: April 2019

This article presents a novel method for estimating normals on unorganized point clouds that preserves sharp features. Many existing methods are unable to reliably estimate normals for points around sharp features since the neighborhood employed for the normal estimation would enclose points belonging to different surface patches across the sharp feature. To address this challenging issue, a neighborhood reconstruction-based normal estimation method is developed to find a proper neighborhood for points around sharp features. A robust statistics-based method is proposed to identify points that near sharp features and classify the points into two categories: edge points and non-edge points. Two specific neighborhood reconstruction strategies are designed for these two types of points to generate a neighborhood clear of sharp features. The normal of the current point can thus be reliably estimated by principal component analysis using the generated isotropic neighborhood. Numerous case studies have been carried out to compare the reliability and robustness of the proposed method against various existing methods. The experiment results show that the proposed approach performs better than the state-of-the-art methods most of the time and offers an ideal compromise between precision, speed, and robustness.
Pedestrians’ violation behavior model based on group decision-making
Authors: Xiao Zhongbin , Zhou Zhuping , Zhang Kai
Published: April 2019

Based on dynamic group decision theory of herd mentality, this study analyzed pedestrian violation mechanism and focused on the interaction views of pedestrian violation under the influence of herd mentality. For a typical signalized intersection in Yangzhou of China, a dynamic group decision-making model of pedestrians’ illegal crossing is established with opinion dynamics theory and scale-free network. Opinion leaders were considered and introduced in this model to capture the limitations of individual homogenization. Then, MATLAB was used to simulate and present the dynamic evolution process of decision makers. Results suggested that under the general conditions, the group decision results are closely related to the initial degree of knowledge, and once a few people lead the violation, there would be a greater probability of an illegal group crossing in the intersection. More importantly, the results gave a clear dynamic evolution process of the viewpoint and provided reference for similar research and a good guide for the management of violation crossing.
Observer-based feedback linearization control of multi-input multi-output nonlinear system and application to double rotor system
Authors: Chang Pen-Feng , Chen Chung-Cheng , Chang Jin-Rong
Published: April 2019

This study first proposes an observer-based feedback linearization control of nonlinear multi-input multi-output systems with the input-to-state stability and almost disturbance decoupling characteristics, and summarizes an efficient algorithm for deriving the almost disturbance decoupling control. The state variables for the nonlinear dynamic equations generally are not available, and a state observer is applied to estimate the state variables. The existing approach solves the almost disturbance decoupling problem under the difficult sufficient conditions including the nonlinearities which are not globally Lipschitz and disturbances which appears linearly but multiplied nonlinearities. On the contrary, this problem can be easily solved via the proposed approach without those difficult conditions in this study. The generality of this approach and implications, due to the fact that unlike Jacobian linearization feedback linearization is not only locally valid, are also shown. The double rotor multi-input multi-output system mechanical structure is a laboratory equipment for some flying viewpoints and is investigated in this study to demonstrate the practical value of the proposed results.
Political advertising effectiveness in war-time Syria
Authors: Mahmoud Ali Bassam , Grigoriou Nicholas , Fuxman Leonora , Reisel William D
Published: April 2019

This study addresses the effectiveness of political advertising in an extreme context, during war-time. A self-administered cross-sectional survey was used to collect data during the 2016 parliamentary elections in Syria. Structural equation modelling was utilized to test the hypothetical model and its invariance related to political involvement. The results indicated that beliefs are a four-dimensional structure consisting of information, veracity, sarcasm, and cynicism. Furthermore, war-time perceptions were found to negatively affect attitude towards political advertising via sarcasm among less politically involved voters. Negative attitude was found to be linked to lower levels of veracity among such voters and to higher levels of cynicism for those who are highly involved in politics. Negative attitudes regarding political advertising were found for lowering the chances for watching advertisements, for supporting a candidate, and for willingness to vote. The results also revealed that paying attention to political advertising does not relate to voters’ intention to vote. This study is the first of its kind to empirically validate a conceptual model predicting voters’ turnout behaviour based on voters’ war-time perceptions, beliefs and attitudes regarding political advertising in an authoritarian setting. In addition, this study investigates whether the effects of the proposed model may be moderated by voters’ political involvement.
The value of structured radiology reports to categorize intracranial metastases following radiation therapy
Authors: Benson John , Burgstahler Matthew , Zhang Lei , Rischall Matthew
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Radiology descriptions of intracranial metastases following radiotherapy are often imprecise. This study sought to improve such reports by creating and disseminating a structured template that encourages discrete categorization of intracranial lesions.

Methods

Following initiation of the structured template, a retrospective review assessed patients with intracranial metastases that underwent radiotherapy, comparing ‘pre-template’ with ‘post-template’ reports. A total of 139 patients were included; 94 patients (67.6%) were imaged pre-template, 45 (32.4%) post-template. Reports were assessed for discrete versus non-specific descriptions of lesions: ‘(presumed) new metastases’, ‘treated metastases’, and ‘indeterminate lesions’. Non-specific language was subdivided based on the type of lesion(s) described: e.g. ‘stable enhancing foci’ was deemed a non-specific description of ‘treated metastases’.

Results

Non-specific descriptions of lesions were used in 25/94 reports (26.6%) pre-template, and eight reports (17.8%) post-template. No significant difference was found in the frequency of inappropriate/ambiguous descriptions of intracranial lesions following template initiation ( P = 0.52). However, only 27/45 (60.0%) of the reports in the post-template time period used the structured report; the other reports were written as free prose. Of the reports that did use the structured template, the authors used significantly less ambiguous language structured template ( P = 0.02).

Conclusion

When utilized, a structured report template resulted in decreased non-specific descriptions and improved discrete characterization of intracranial metastases in patients treated with radiation. However, the frequency of non-specific language usage before and after template initiation was unchanged, probably due to poor compliance with template utilization.
Numerical and analytical study of overpressures and impulses inside a masonry box subjected to external blast loading
Authors: Codina Ramon , Ambrosini Daniel
Published: April 2019

Blast loads have attracted considerable attention in recent years due to accidental or intentional events involving important structures, which have occurred around the world. The activities related to terrorist attacks have increased and, unfortunately, the current trend suggests that they will continue to rise in the future. In relation to the design of structures subjected to blast loadings, there are still many uncertainties in the specialized technical literature. Particularly, the overpressures and impulses inside constructions are difficult to estimate due to many reflections of the shock wave. The main objective of this work is to study the propagation of the blast wave inside constructions subjected to external loadings. An experimental study was performed using a masonry box with reinforced concrete beams and columns and a typical window. The results were previously presented. In this article, numerical models are developed in order to compare results and to obtain design guidelines. Explosive charges of equivalent 1–5 kg of TNT and elevated 1 m above the ground were detonated at different distances from the window, and overpressures and impulses were obtained at five points inside and outside the room. However, empirical–analytical results using a well-known technical manual are also obtained and compared. The obtained results are useful to evaluate numerical codes and empirical formulas.
Susac syndrome presenting with acute hemibody paraesthesia
Authors: Campbell Philip , Kaski Diego , Saifee Tabish A
Published: April 2019

Susac syndrome is an orphan disease characterised by encephalopathy, branch retinal artery occlusion and sensorineural hearing loss. As the clinical triad is rarely present at symptom onset, it is often initially misdiagnosed and appropriate treatment is often delayed. Herewith, we report a case of Susac syndrome in a 47-year-old man presenting with acute hemisensory loss and highlight the challenges of early diagnosis, particularly relevant in the era of hyperacute stroke management.