bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robotic pipeline wall thickness evaluation for dense nondestructive testing inspection
Authors: Valls Miro Jaime , Ulapane Nalika , Shi Lei , Hunt Dave , Behrens Michael
Published: November 2018

This paper addresses automated mapping of the remaining wall thickness of metallic pipelines in the field by means of an inspection robot equipped with nondestructive testing (NDT) sensing. Set in the context of condition assessment of critical infrastructure, the integrity of arbitrary sections in the conduit is derived with a bespoke robot kinematic configuration that allows dense pipe wall thickness discrimination in circumferential and longitudinal direction via NDT sensing with guaranteed sensing lift‐off (offset of the sensor from pipe wall) to the pipe wall, an essential barrier to overcome in cement‐lined water pipelines. A tailored covariance function for pipeline cylindrical structures within the context of a Gaussian Processes has also been developed to regress missing sensor data incurred by a sampling strategy folllowed in the field to speed up the inspection times, given the slow response of the pulsed eddy current electromagnetic sensor proposed. The data gathered represent not only a visual understanding of the condition of the pipe for asset managers, but also constitute a quantative input to a remaining‐life calculation that defines the likelihood of the pipeline for future renewal or repair. Results are presented from deployment of the robotic device on a series of pipeline inspections which demonstrate the feasibility of the device and sensing configuration to provide meaningful 2.5D geometric maps.
Patterns in random permutations avoiding the pattern 321
Authors: Janson Svante
Published: November 2018

We consider a random permutation drawn from the set of 321‐avoiding permutations of length n and show that the number of occurrences of another pattern σ has a limit distribution, after scaling by nm + ℓ where m is the length of σ and ℓ is the number of blocks in it. The limit is not normal, and can be expressed as a functional of a Brownian excursion.
HDAC8, A Potential Therapeutic Target, Regulates Proliferation and Differentiation of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells in Fibrous Dysplasia
Authors: Xiao Tao , Fu Yu , Zhu Weiwen , Xu Rongyao , Xu Ling , Zhang Ping , Du Yifei , Cheng Jie , Jiang Hongbing
Published: November 2018

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a disease of postnatal skeletal stem cells caused by activating mutations of guanine nucleotide-binding protein alpha-stimulating activity polypeptide (GNAS). FD is characterized by high proliferation and osteogenesis disorder of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), resulting in bone pain, deformities, and fractures. The cAMP-CREB pathway, which is activated by GNAS mutations, is known to be closely associated with the occurrence of FD. However, so far there is no available targeted therapeutic strategy for FD, as a critical issue that remains largely unknown is how this pathway is involved in FD. Our previous study revealed that histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8) inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs via epigenetic regulation. Here, compared with normal BMSCs, FD BMSCs exhibited significantly high proliferation and weak osteogenic capacity in response to HDAC8 upregulation and tumor protein 53 (TP53) downregulation. Moreover, inhibition of cAMP reduced HDAC8 expression, increased TP53 expression and resulted in the improvement of FD phenotype. Importantly, HDAC8 inhibition prevented cAMP-induced cell phenotype and promoted osteogenesis in nude mice that were implanted with FD BMSCs. Mechanistically, HDAC8 was identified as a transcriptional target gene of CREB1 and its transcription was directly activated by CREB1 in FD BMSCs. In summary, our study reveals that HDAC8 associates with FD phenotype and demonstrates the mechanisms regulated by cAMP-CREB1-HDAC8 pathway. These results provide insights into the molecular regulation of FD pathogenesis, and offer novel clues that small molecule inhibitors targeting HDAC8 are promising clinical treatment for FD. Stem Cells Translational Medicine  2019;8:148&14
Early Observations from Monitoring a Reintroduction Program: Return of Sockeye Salmon to a Nursery Lake of Historical Importance
Authors: Matala Andrew P. , Narum Shawn R. , Saluskin Brian P. , Johnston Mark V. , Newell Jeremiah E. , Fast David E. , Galbreath Peter F.
Published: November 2018

The historical distribution of Sockeye Salmon Oncorhynchus nerka in the Columbia River basin has been constrained by the species’ dependence on nursery lakes for juvenile rearing. Several productive lake systems were impounded by dams during the last century leading to the extirpation of Sockeye Salmon from many nursery lakes in the region. Recent efforts to re‐establish populations in historically natal areas are exemplified by the Cle Elum Lake reintroduction program. The program is founded on outplanting adult fish from two middle Columbia River donor populations with different adaptive potentials. We used genetic stock identification methods to differentiate stock origins between Osoyoos Lake (OSO) and Lake Wenatchee (WEN) donor stocks and to evaluate the relative productivity from two brood years (2011 and 2012) of natural spawning in the novel environment. Spawning ground surveys revealed assortative mating between earlier‐spawning WEN fish that were more abundant farthest upstream and later‐spawning OSO fish that were concentrated (82%) downstream nearest the lake. Hybrids accounted for only 5% of sampled smolts and 4% of adult returns. Smolts rearing in Cle Elum Lake were significantly larger overall (OSO, 140 mm; WEN, 129 mm) than smolts in either donor population (84 mm). However, the average size of OSO smolts varied among emigration years, and relative smolt abundances favored the WEN stock (70% overall), indicative of a rearing survival advantage. In relation, the WEN stock exhibited a better average rate of replacement (0.80) in adult‐to‐adult escapement compared with the OSO stock (0.17). Continued monitoring will focus on trends in productivity and potential demographic shifts that may arise in the Cle Elum Lake population and will provide managers with information concerning limiting factors in the environment that might affect similar approaches to reintroductions in other lake systems.
Doppler changes in umbilical artery and ductus venosus during fetoscopic prenatal surgical repair of myelomeningocele
Authors: Kassir E. , Belfort M. A. , Shamshirsaz A. A. , Sanz Cortes M. , Whitehead W. E. , Espinoza J.
Published: November 2018

Objective

Cardiac dysfunction has been described in 60% of fetuses undergoing open myelomeningocele (MMC) repair. Routine Doppler evaluation of the umbilical artery (UA) and ductus venosus (DV) is challenging during fetal surgery. The aim of this study was to describe Doppler changes in the UA and DV in a cohort of fetuses during fetoscopic MMC repair.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of fetuses that underwent fetoscopic repair of MMC at a single institution between 2014 and 2017. Ultrasound images taken intraoperatively were analyzed to describe the changes in Doppler parameters of the UA and DV during fetoscopic MMC repair. The timing of Doppler changes was matched with the phase of surgery to determine whether a pattern to their appearance could be ascertained.

Results

Of the thirty‐five cases of fetoscopic MMC repair performed during the study period, Doppler data were available for 15. Of these, UA Doppler data were obtained in 12 cases, and DV Doppler data were obtained in 13 cases. Of the 12 cases for which there were UA data, nine (75%) showed transient absence of end‐diastolic flow (EDF), with five (41.7%) of them progressing to reversal of EDF. Of the 13 cases for which there were DV data, nine had elevated pulsatility index; however, none of them had absent or reversed blood flow during atrial contraction. Of the nine cases with absent EDF in the UA, this abnormality first appeared during fetoscopic repair in five (55.6%), after uterus exteriorization but before CO2 insufflation in two (22.2%), after uterus replacement but before skin closure in one (11.1%) and after CO2 insufflation but before the start of the MMC repair in one (11.1%). Doppler abnormalities in four fetuses with reversed EDF and in three with absent EDF resolved during surgery. Follow‐up examination 1 day after surgery demonstrated resolution of UA and DV Doppler abnormalities in all fetuses.

Conclusion

Transient Doppler abnormalities of the UA, without significant changes in the DV, can be seen during fetoscopic MMC repair. The clinical significance of these Doppler findings remains unclear due to their transient and intermittent nature. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Learning curve for ultrasonographic diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis using structured offline training program
Authors: Guerriero S. , Pascual M. A. , Ajossa S. , Rodriguez I. , Zajicek M. , Rolla M. , Rams Llop N. , Yulzari V. , Bardin R. , Buonomo F. , Comparetto O. , Perniciano M. , Saba L. , Mais V. , Alcazar J. L.
Published: November 2018

Objective

To assess the learning curves of trainees during a structured offline/hands‐on training program for the ultrasonographic diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE).

Methods

Four trainees (all Ob/Gyn postgraduates with at least 5 years' experience in ultrasonography in obstetrics and gynecology, but with no experience of sonographic examination of DIE) participated in the study. They underwent a 2‐week training program with a single trainer. Day 1  was devoted to theoretical issues and guided offline analysis of 10 three‐dimensional ultrasound volumes. During the following days, four sessions of real‐time sonographic examinations were performed in a DIE referral center ultrasound unit. In between these sessions, the trainees analyzed four datasets offline, each containing 25 volumes. At the end of each set, misinterpreted volumes were reassessed with the trainer. Presence or absence of DIE at surgery was considered the gold standard. The trainees' learning process was evaluated by learning‐curve cumulative summation (LC‐CUSUM) and the deviations of the trainees' level of performance at the control stage was assessed by CUSUM (standard CUSUM), for different locations of DIE.

Results

The trainees reached competence after an average of 17 (range, 14–21) evaluations for bladder, 40 (range, 30–60) for rectosigmoid, 25 (range, 14–34) for forniceal, 44 (range, 25–66) for uterosacral ligament (USL) and 21 (range, 14–43) for rectovaginal septum (RVS) locations of DIE, and then kept the process under control, with error levels of less than 4.5% until the end of the test. The overall accuracy for each trainee in diagnosis of DIE at the different locations ranged from 0.91 to 0.98 for bladder DIE, from 0.80 to 0.94 for rectosigmoid DIE, from 0.90 to 0.94 for forniceal DIE, from 0.79 to 0.82 for USL DIE and from 0.89 to 0.98 for RVS DIE.

Conclusions

The suggested 2‐week training program, based on a mixture of offline and live scanning sessions, is feasible and apparently provides effective training for the ultrasonographic diagnosis of DIE. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Left ventricular mechanics in late second trimester of healthy pregnancy
Authors: Meah V. L. , Backx K. , Cockcroft J. R. , Shave R. E. , Stöhr E. J.
Published: November 2018

Objective

To evaluate left ventricular (LV) mechanics in the second trimester of healthy pregnancy and to determine the influence of underpinning hemodynamics (heart rate (HR), preload and afterload) on LV mechanics during gestation.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of 18 non‐pregnant, 14 nulliparous pregnant (22–26 weeks' gestation) and 13 primiparous postpartum (12–16 weeks after delivery) women. All pregnant and postpartum women had uncomplicated, singleton gestations. Cardiac structure and function were assessed using echocardiography. LV mechanics, specifically longitudinal strain, circumferential strain and twist/untwist, were measured using speckle‐tracking echocardiography. Differences between groups were identified using ANCOVA, with age, HR, end‐diastolic volume (EDV) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) as covariates. Relationships between LV mechanics and hemodynamics were examined using Pearson's correlation.

Results

There were no significant differences in LV structure and traditional measurements of systolic and diastolic function between the three groups. Pregnant women, compared with non‐pregnant ones, had significantly higher resting longitudinal strain (–22 ± 2% vs –17 ± 3%; P = 0.002) and basal circumferential strain (–23 ± 4% vs –16 ± 2%; P = 0.001). Apical circumferential strain and LV twist and untwist mechanics were similar between the three groups. No statistically significant relationships were observed between LV mechanics and HR, EDV or SBP within the groups.

Conclusions

Compared to the non‐pregnant state, pregnant women in the second trimester of a healthy pregnancy have significantly greater resting systolic function, as assessed by LV longitudinal and circumferential strain. Contrary to previous work, these data show that healthy pregnant women should not exhibit reductions in resting systolic function between 22 and 26 weeks' gestation. The enhanced myocardial contractile function during gestation does not appear to be related to hemodynamic load and could be the result of other physiological adaptations to pregnancy. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Sm3O2Sm[SeO3]4 and Sm3O2Cl[SeO3]2: A Monoclinic Form of Samarium Oxide Oxoselenate(IV) and a Samarium Oxide Chloride Oxoselenate(IV) both with 1∞{[O2Sm3]5+} Chains
Authors: Zitzer Sabine , Su Sheng‐Han , Greiner Stefan , Schleid Thomas
Published: November 2018

Appropriate mixtures of Sm2O3 and SeO2 with various chloride fluxes yielded single crystals of Sm3O2Sm[SeO3]4 (monoclinic, P21/n; a = 1497.89(8), b = 556.61(3), c = 1639.63(9) pm, β = 91.054(3)° with Z = 8 for Sm2Se2O7) or Sm3O2Cl[SeO3]2 (orthorhombic, Pnma; a = 565.82(4), b = 1457.14(9), c = 1145.23(7) pm and Z = 4). In contrast to the known tetragonal form of Sm2Se2O7, the monoclinic one exhibits four crystallographically different Sm3+ and Se4+ cations. Nonetheless [OSm4]10+ tetrahedra are connected by trans‐oriented edges to single chains 1∞{[OSm4/2]4+} like in tetragonal Sm2O[SeO3]2. The monoclinic form, however, displays double chains 1∞{[O2Sm3]5+} of edge‐linked [OSm4]10+ tetrahedra, which are also present in the samarium(III) oxide chloride oxoselenate(IV) Sm3O2Cl[SeO3]2. Both tetragonal Sm2O[SeO3]2 and monoclinic Sm3O2Sm[SeO3]4 with the empirical formula Sm2Se2O7 as well as Sm3O2Cl[SeO3]2 contain empty channels in their crystal structures, apt to accommodate the lone‐pair electrons at the Se4+ cations. These are residing in isolated ψ1‐tetrahedral [SeO3]2― anions. Non‐selenium bonded oxide anions (and if necessary chloride anions in the case of Sm3O2Cl[SeO3]2) take care of the charge balance. The much higher density (Dx = 6.207 g·cm–3) of the tetragonal form (P42/ncm; a = 1077.03(8), c = 526.38(4) pm) indicates the new monoclinic modification of Sm2Se2O7 (Dx = 5.546 g·cm–3) as high‐temperature phase, which is confirmed by its synthesis under fast quenching conditions.
From Some to None? Fertility Expectation Dynamics of Permanently Childless Women
Authors: Gemmill Alison
Published: November 2018

Permanent childlessness is increasingly acknowledged as an outcome of a dynamic, context-dependent process, but few studies have integrated a life course framework to investigate the complex pathways leading to childlessness. This study focuses on an understudied yet revealing dimension of why individuals remain childless: stated fertility expectations over the life course. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 cohort, I use a combination of sequence analysis, data-driven clustering techniques, and multivariable regression models to identify and describe groups of permanently childless women who follow similar trajectories of stated fertility expectations. Results indicate that a little more than one-half (56 %) of eventually childless women fall into a cluster where childlessness is expected before age 30. Women in the remaining clusters (44 %) transition to expecting childlessness later in the life course but are differentiated by the types of trajectories that precede the emergence of a childless expectation. Results from multivariable regression show that several respondent characteristics, including race/ethnicity, education, and marital history, predict cluster membership. Taken together, these findings add to a growing body of literature that provides a more nuanced description of permanently childless women and motivates further research that integrates interdependencies between life course domains and fertility expectations and decision-making of those who remain childless.
Market-driven management of start-ups: The case of wearable technology
Authors: Dehghani Milad , Abubakar A. Mohammed , Pashna Mohsen
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this paper is to identify and describe the drivers of lean approaches and successful management of wearable technology start-ups. The paper is a descriptive study that employed a case study methodology based on semi-structured interviews with ten start-ups’ managers in Wearable Technology 2017 conference. Participants were selected based on convenience sampling and the pre-set criteria. The current study contributes to this field through the main findings, which suggest that four stages need to be considered by starts-up for a successful market readiness, including the time of entry and overcoming market entry barriers, product attributes, product development process, and commercialization. Finally, findings were categorized in the form of an iterative learning loop model and also, practical strategies and methods were recommended for successfully going through each stage.
Regularity of interfaces for a Pucci type segregation problem
Authors: Caffarelli L. , Patrizi S. , Quitalo V. , Torres M.
Published: November 2018

We show the existence of a Lipschitz viscosity solution

u

in

Ω

to a system of fully nonlinear equations involving Pucci-type operators. We study the regularity of the interface

\partial \{u > 0\} \cap \mathrm{\Omega }

and we show that the viscosity inequalities of the system imply, in the weak sense, the free boundary condition

u_{\nu _{ + }}^{ + } = u_{\nu _{−}}^{−}

, and hence

u

is a solution to a two-phase free boundary problem. We show that we can apply the classical method of sup-convolutions developed by the first author in [5,6], and generalized by Wang [20,21] and Feldman [11] to fully nonlinear operators, to conclude that the regular points in

\partial \{u > 0\} \cap \mathrm{\Omega }

form an open set of class

C^{1,\alpha }

. A novelty in our problem is that we have different operators,

\mathcal{F}^{ + }

and

\mathcal{F}^{−}

, on each side of the free boundary. In the particular case when these operators are the Pucci's extremal operators

\mathcal{M}^{ + }

and

\mathcal{M}^{−}

, our results provide an alternative approach to obtain the stationary limit of a segregation model of populations with nonlinear diffusion in [19].
Purulent Inflatable Penile Prostheses Can Be Safely Immediately Salvaged in Insulin-Dependent Diabetics
Authors: Peters Chloe E. , Carlos Evan C. , Lentz Aaron C.
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Historically, contra-indications for immediate salvage of an infected penile prosthesis have included purulence on the device, purulent infections in diabetic patients, and severe diabetes. These clinical principles are from the 1990s to early 2000s and based on limited retrospective series or expert opinion. Since the publication of these contra-indications there have been improvements in device design, surgical technique, corporal washout protocols, and perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis that allow us to re-evaluate whether we can broaden the criteria for immediate salvage of an infected penile prosthesis.

Aim

To report whether patients with severe diabetes can safely have a purulent inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) immediately salvaged.

Methods

We considered a “severe diabetic” as a patient whose disease has progressed past diet control and oral medications and, therefore, has insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes mellitus (IDDM II). We retrospectively reviewed 6 consecutive patients with IDDM II and a purulent IPP who had been immediately salvaged from July 2011 to November 2017. In addition to immediate exchange, each received catheter-directed anti-microbial intracorporal irrigation and device culture. All patients were discharged home the next day with oral antibiotics.

Main Outcome Measure

Outcomes included repeat penile prosthesis infection or any other complication following immediate salvage.

Results

All 6 patients have healed well and remained infection free at their 6- to 8-week post-operative follow-up appointment. 15–39 months after salvage, no patients have had a repeat infection or any other complication. 5 patients received a malleable replacement device and 1 patient was electively converted to an IPP 7 months after his salvage procedure. 1 patient received an IPP during salvage per patient preference. All patients are currently pleased with either their malleable penile prosthesis or IPP.

Clinical Implications

Immediate salvage attenuates the morbidity associated with an infected penile prosthesis such as irreversible penile shortening and corporal fibrosis. Our findings suggest that more patients than originally thought may be a candidate for immediate salvage.

Strength & Limitations

To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating outcomes after immediate salvage of a purulent IPP in patients with advanced diabetes. Limitations of the study include the small sample size and retrospective nature.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that those with IDDM II who have a purulent penile prosthesis may be candidates for safe and effective immediate salvage.
Outcome of Medical and Psychosexual Interventions for Vaginismus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Maseroli Elisa , Scavello Irene , Rastrelli Giulia , Limoncin Erika , Cipriani Sarah , Corona Giovanni , Fambrini Massimiliano , Magini Angela , Jannini Emmanuele A. , Maggi Mario , Vignozzi Linda
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Although vaginismus is a condition with a great impact on psychosexual well-being, the evidence on the efficacy of interventions is lacking.

Aim

To review all information on vaginismus treatment, including data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and ClinicalTrials.gov. 2 Independent meta-analyses of RCTs and observational studies were performed. For RCTs, only those having no treatment as the comparator were considered eligible.

Main Outcome Measure

The primary outcome was the success rate (number of successes/total sample) in the completion of sexual intercourse.

Results

43 Observational studies (n = 1,660) and 3 RCTs (n = 264) were included in the final analyses, respectively. In the meta-analysis of RCTs, the use of psychological interventions showed a trend toward a significantly better result vs waiting list control (OR 10.27 [95% CI 0.79–133.5], P = .075). The combination of the results obtained from the observational studies showed that treating vaginismus is associated with the completion of sexual penetrative intercourse in 79% of cases, independently of the therapy used (success rate 0.79 [0.74–0.83]). When only moderate- or strong-quality studies were considered, the success rate was 0.82 (0.73–0.89). As for the different definitions of vaginismus, studies with unconsummated marriage as the inclusion criterion showed the worst success rate (0.68). The origin of vaginismus (primary, secondary, or both), its duration, the mean age of the participants, the involvement of the partner in the intervention, or the geographic setting did not exert a significant effect on the outcome. Studies enrolling women with unconsummated marriage showed a significantly worse success rate.

Clinical Implications

No approach is superior to the others in allowing the achievement of penetrative intercourse in women with vaginismus.

Strength & Limitations

Only studies specifically enrolling patients with vaginismus were selected, and analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat approach. The main limitations are the small number of trials in the meta-analysis of RCTs and the lack of a comparison group in the meta-analysis of observational studies, which cannot rule out a placebo effect. Due to the limited evidence available, great caution is required in the interpretation of results. Further well-designed trials, with more appropriate outcomes than penetrative sex, are required.

Conclusion

The meta-analysis of RCTs documented a trend toward higher efficacy of active treatment vs controls, whereas the meta-analysis of observational studies indicated that women with vaginismus benefit from a range of treatments in almost 80% of cases.
Structure of Epithelial and Stromal Compartments of Vulvar and Vaginal Tissue From Women With Vulvo-Vaginal Atrophy Taking Ospemifene
Authors: Alvisi Stefania , Baldassarre Maurizio , Gava Giulia , Mancini Ilaria , Gagliardi Martina , Seracchioli Renato , Meriggiola Maria Cristina
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Vulvo-vaginal atrophy affects the daily lives of most post-menopausal women. We know that ospemifene intake can induce vaginal epithelial improvements within a few weeks; however, direct evidence of the effects of ospemifene on the human vulva and on connective tissue of both the vagina and vulva are lacking.

Aim

To evaluate the changes induced by ospemifene on epithelium thickness, glycogen content proliferation index, collagen content, and type I/III collagen ratio in vulvar and vaginal tissue of post-menopausal women.

Methods

20 women who attended our gynecologic clinic for planned surgery were recruited for the study. 11 subjects were taking ospemifene at the time of inclusion, and 9 subjects who were not taking ospemifene were selected as control group. Vaginal and vulvar biopsies were taken during surgery. Histological features and glycogen content were evaluated by standard hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid–Schiff staining, total collagen and collagen type I/III ratio were evaluated by hydroxyproline assay and Sirius red staining, while the expression of Ki67 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

Main Outcome Measure

We analyzed histological features of the epithelial and stromal layer of the vaginal and vulvar vestibule mucosa.

Results

Vaginal and vulvar biopsies from women taking ospemifene showed an increased epithelium thickness, glycogen content, and proliferation index compared with the control group. Collagen content was also higher in women taking ospemifene, while an increased ratio between type I and III collagen fibers was found only at vaginal level.

Clinical Implications

Our study shows that the effectiveness of ospemifene on vaginal tissue also extends to the vulvar vestibule.

Strength & Limitations

This study provides direct evidence of the impact of ospemifene on vaginal and vulvar tissue. A specifically designed longitudinal study may further support our findings.

Conclusion

Ospemifene intake is associated with a marked improvement of various morphological and physiological features of both vaginal and vulvar vestibule epithelium, including the collagen content of the tissues.
A prospective study of transmission of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs) between environmental sites and hospitalized patients—the TransFER study
Authors: Chen Luke F. , Knelson Lauren P. , Gergen Maria F. , Better Olga M. , Nicholson Bradly P. , Woods Christopher W. , Rutala William A. , Weber David J. , Sexton Daniel J. , Anderson Deverick J. ,   for the CDC Prevention Epicenters Program
Published: November 2018

Objective

Hospital environmental surfaces are frequently contaminated by microorganisms. However, the causal mechanism of bacterial contamination of the environment as a source of transmission is still debated. This prospective study was performed to characterize the nature of multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) transmission between the environment and patients using standard microbiological and molecular techniques.

Setting

Prospective cohort study at 2 academic medical centers.

Design

A prospective multicenter study to characterize the nature of bacterial transfer events between patients and environmental surfaces in rooms that previously housed patients with 1 of 4 ‘marker’ MDROs: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, Clostridium difficile, and MDR Acinetobacter baumannii. Environmental and patient microbiological samples were obtained on admission into a freshly disinfected inpatient room. Repeat samples from room surfaces and patients were taken on days 3 and 7 and each week the patient stayed in the same room. The bacterial identity, antibiotic susceptibility, and molecular sequences were compared between organisms found in the environment samples and patient sources.

Results

We enrolled 80 patient–room admissions; 9 of these patients (11.3%) were asymptomatically colonized with MDROs at study entry. Hospital room surfaces were contaminated with MDROs despite terminal disinfection in 44 cases (55%). Microbiological Bacterial Transfer events either to the patient, the environment, or both occurred in 12 patient encounters (18.5%) from the microbiologically evaluable cohort.

Conclusions

Microbiological Bacterial Transfer events between patients and the environment were observed in 18.5% of patient encounters and occurred early in the admission. This study suggests that research on prevention methods beyond the standard practice of room disinfection at the end of a patient’s stay is needed to better prevent acquisition of MDROs through the environment.
MYTH, LETTERS AND THE POETICS OF ANCESTRY IN PLAUTUS'BACCHIDES
Authors: Barbiero Emilia A.
Published: November 2018

The Plautine corpus contains five letter-plays, comedies in which epistles are composed, delivered and/or read onstage and figure as a major element of the plot. These embedded missives, both stolen and forgedex nihilo, are variously employed by thepersonaeto enact deception and engender duplicitous maneuvering of epistolary conventions, as well as sophisticated jokes about literacy and the dynamics of the medium. TheBacchidesfeatures the most elaborate manifestation of this motif. Aservuscalled Chrysalus schemes to facilitate the love affair between hiserus minor,Mnesilochus, and the young man's beloved Bacchis. Bacchis resides at Athens with her sister, anotherhetaeralikewise called Bacchis, whose name and affair with theBacchides’ secondadulescens, Pistoclerus, precipitate a misapprehension that causes the play to reset. Under the mistaken impression that Pistoclerus is in love with his own Bacchis, Mnesilochus returns the money Chrysalus has successfully filched from his father, Nicobulus, informing on the tricky slave and undoing his progress. Once the mistake is clarified, Mnesilochus prevails upon Chrysalus to invent a new ruse for getting the girl. The schemer uses epistles to do it all over again. His second round of tricks consists of a two-pronged stratagem in which he forges and delivers a pair of letters to Nicobulus allegedly from Mnesilochus. The missives serve to pilfer not one but two sums of gold from the old man, permitting Chrysalus and his younger master to both purchase Bacchis’ freedom from her contract with themilesand have some fun.
CAESAR'S ‘VIRGILIAN’KATABASISAT TROY IN LUCANBELLVM CIVILE9.950–99
Authors: McRoberts Stephen S.
Published: November 2018

Caesar's visit to Troy has always been something of an enigma. Historically, the episode is unattested. Caesar wanders through a congeries of sites at Troy ranging from Ajax's grave on the Rhoetium promontory at its beginning to Priam's Herceian altar at the end. Numerous interpretations have been offered. Bruère has argued for Aeneas' tour through the future site of Rome inAeneid8 as a backdrop. Ahl has noted the connection between the ruins of Italy described inBellum Ciuile (B.C.)7 and the ruins of Troy inB.C.9. Rome/Italy and Troy merge in essence as vanishingfabulae, which the poet keeps alive. Zwierlein sees Caesar's visit as modeled on Alexander the Great's visit nearly three hundred years earlier. Caesar through this scene is established as a destroyer of empires, inferior only to Alexander. Ormand stresses Caesar as an authoritative reader of the ruins of Troy, where Caesar reads theAeneidinstead of theIliad. Rossi similarly focuses on Caesar as reading Troy's ruins to the advantage of the Julian dynasty. Gergo has opened up the passage with the correct observation that Lucan has in mind Aeneas’katabasisinAeneid6. But the relationship between the brief tour at Troy andAeneid6 is both more comprehensive and precise. Indeed this essay will present a systematic interpretation of Caesar's tour as a parallel toAeneid6 in its entirety, a parallel to which Lucan most likely does not give his character Caesar access.
Inclusion, music education, and what it might mean
Authors: FAUTLEY MARTIN , DAUBNEY ALISON
Published: November 2018

The issue of inclusion is currently a hot topic in music education both in the UK and elsewhere. There are many discussions about what it means, what it should involve, and how it can be enacted. This is to say nothing of the positive effects inclusion can have on the lives of young people in terms of personal fulfilment, as well as musical participation. For a journal concerned with educational research in music education, as is clearly the case with the BJME, there is, or there should be, more to it, however, than just these simple matters. After all, having children and young people in wheelchairs participating in a musical event is all very well – even if it does not happen often enough - but is this really all we mean by inclusion? And it is this aspect which needs problematisation for music education. After all, having young people who are disabled in some form, visible or invisible, taking part in music education should be something which just happens, we shouldn't need, pardon the phrase, to be making a big song and dance about it!
Does Maimonides'sMishneh TorahForbid Reading theGuide of the Perplexed? On Platonic Punishments for Freethinkers
Authors: Halper Yehuda
Published: November 2018

In one passage of theMishneh Torah, Maimonides explicitly forbids Jews from philosophical inquiry or even freethinking. This prohibition apparently includes a ban on reading or thinking about the topics of theGuide of the Perplexed. This paper argues that Maimonides'sMishneh Torahpresents a consistent rejection of open philosophical inquiry. However, what is prohibited in theMishneh Torahis not only permitted in theGuide, but the terms of the prohibition can be used as an outline of the structure of theGuide. That is to say, theGuidein a sense covers precisely the topics whose inquiry is forbidden to Jews in theMishneh Torah. In theMishneh TorahMaimonides does not suggest a punishment in this world for freethinkers, but in theGuidehe punishes freethinkers with more study, especially metaphysical inquiry. It is possible that theGuideitself is the punishment for freethinking as defined by theMishneh Torah. This kind of intellectual punishment has a parallel in Plato'sLaws, where freethinkers are sentenced to spend five years living in the center of the city, studying physics and metaphysics with city elders.
A Hybrid Intelligent Algorithm DGP-MLP for GNSS/INS Integration during GNSS Outages
Authors: Zhang Yuexin , Wang Lihui
Published: November 2018

The performance of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS)-based Inertial Navigation System (INS) integrated navigation is reduced during GNSS outages. To bridge the period during GNSS outages, a novel hybrid intelligent algorithm incorporating a Discrete Grey Predictor (DGP) and a Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) neural network (DGP-MLP) is proposed. The DGP-MLP is used to provide a pseudo-GNSS position to correct the INS errors during GNSS outages; the DGP uses the GNSS position information of the latest few moments to predict the position of future moments; in the process of DGP-MLP, the MLP is used to modify the prediction errors of DGP, and the MLP is improved by adding momentum terms and adaptively adjusting the learning rate and momentum factor. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, four GNSS outages in different cases over a real field test data were employed. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed methodology can significantly improve positioning accuracy during GNSS outages.
Investigating multilevel pathways of developmental consequences of maltreatment
Authors: DePasquale Carrie E. , Handley Elizabeth D. , Cicchetti Dante
Published: November 2018

The impact of maltreatment spreads across many developmental domains and extends across the entire life span. Identifying unidirectional or bidirectional drivers of developmental cascades of the effects of maltreatment experiences is critical to efficiently employing interventions to promote resilient development in maltreated children. This 1-year longitudinal study utilized a multiple-levels approach, investigating “bottom-up” and “top-down” cascades using structural equation modeling between cortisol regulation, externalizing behavior, and peer aggression. Neither a bottom-up model driven by cortisol regulation nor a top-down model driven by peer aggression fit the data well. Instead, lower rates of externalizing behavior at Year 1 most strongly predicted improvements at all levels of analysis (reduced cortisol, externalizing behavior, and peer aggression) at Year 2. These results provide initial indication of a mechanism through which interventions for maltreated children may be most effective and result in the most substantial positive changes across developmental domains.
Head Growth and Intelligence from Birth to Adulthood in Very Preterm and Term Born Individuals
Authors: Jaekel Julia , Sorg Christian , Baeuml Josef , Bartmann Peter , Wolke Dieter
Published: November 2018

Objectives:The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of infant and toddler head growth on intelligence scores from early childhood to adulthood in very preterm (<32 weeks gestational age; VP) and/or very low birth weight (<1500 g; VLBW) and term born individuals.Methods:203 VP/VLBW and 198 term comparisons were studied from birth to adulthood as part of the prospective geographically defined Bavarian Longitudinal Study (BLS). Head circumference was assessed at birth; 5, 20 months; and 4 years of age. Intelligence was assessed with standardized tests in childhood (6 and 8 years: K-ABC) and at 26 years (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, WAIS). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to model the effect of head growth on IQ.Results:On average, VP/VLBW had lower head circumference at birth (27.61 cmvs. 35.11 cm, mean difference 7.49, 95% confidence interval [7.09–7.90]) and lower adult intelligence scores (88.98vs. 102.54, mean difference 13.56 [10.59–16.53]) than term born comparison individuals. Head circumference at birth (e.g., total effect β=.48;p<.001 for adult IQ) and head growth in childhood predicted intelligence development from age 6 to 26 years in both VP/VLBW and term born individuals (70% of variance in adult IQ explained by full model). Effects of gestation and birth weight on intelligence were fully mediated by head circumference and growth.Conclusions:This longitudinal investigation from birth to adulthood indicates head growth as a proxy of brain development and intelligence. Repeated early head circumference assessment adds valuable information when screening for long-term neurocognitive risk. (JINS, 2019, 25, 48#x2013;56)
The architecture of the periphery: two views of Madrid's periphery seen through Aldo Rossi's work
Authors: Pérez Alona Martínez , Walker Stephen
Published: November 2018

This article brings together two distinct aspects of Aldo Rossi's urban theory and reads them against recent urban peripheral development in Madrid. By exploring the scientific method used in Rossi's work The Architecture of the City against the contemporary conditions of this metropolis, the authors examine whether and to what extent either ‘memory’ or ‘permanence’ are reflected in this new city. Additionally, the analogous city of fragments that Rossi explored in the second phase of his career is also brought into play, and considered in relation to Rossi's scientific method. Developing from Rossi's later approach, we carried out a photographic survey of these areas to understand the contemporary urban landscape. We utilise these two theoretical positions in his work as a form of critique on today's periphery, focusing on two of the Urban Action Plans (PAUs) — Las Tablas and San Chinarro — in the city of Madrid, and bridging the ideas of theory and project that were so important for La Tendenza, the group of architects to which Rossi belonged in the 1960s. These specific study areas allow a broader understanding of the patterns of urban development around Madrid, and the consequences of these projects as experienced by citizens of the city. More broadly, this analysis aims to further our understanding of the European urban peripheral condition, and points to the continuing relevance offered by the theoretical approaches of Rossi's work in today's context, a critical discourse that is felt to be necessary by the authors.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND PRODUCT MARKET COMPETITION REGULATIONS IN A MODEL WITH TWO R&D PERFORMING SECTORS
Authors: Jerbashian Vahagn
Published: November 2018

I analyze the impact of intellectual property and product market competition regulations on innovation and long-run growth in an endogenous growth model with two R&D performing sectors. I show that strengthening intellectual property rights and competition in a sector increases its R&D investments. However, these policies adversely affect R&D investments in the other sector because of increased factor competition between the sectors. As a result, the overall impact of such policies on economic growth is ambiguous. I perform a numerical exercise in an attempt to resolve this ambiguity. This exercise suggests that strengthening intellectual property rights increases economic growth, but higher competition has a very limited effect on growth.
Selection of patient for gated treatment based on the information from 4DCT imaging in stereotactic body radiotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Sresty N. V. N. Madhusudhana , Raju A. Krishnam , Sharma S. D. , Kumar T. Anil , Ahamed Shabbir , Bajwa Harjot Kaur
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is widely used for the treatment of stage-I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patient-specific motion correlated with 4DCT could be essential for hypofractionated SBRT. All patients undergoing SBRT do not require motion management during the dose delivery. The objective of this study was to evaluate which patient may benefit from Gated SBRT.

Materials and methods

Treatment planning of 20 patients of stage-I NSCLC was analysed. Conventional and 4DCT scans were taken. Internal target volume as well as planning target volume (ITV and PTV) were determined in the CT data sets. PTVall phases created using 4DCT data sets and PTV15mm created using conventional CT data were compared. Also, ITVall phases were compared with ITV created from maximum intensity projections (ITVMIP). Suitability of patients for motion management-based treatment delivery was also evaluated.

Results

The average ITVMIP to ITVall phases ratio is 1·06 indicating good agreement between them. Based on the ratio of intensity projections, 9 out of 17 patients were found suitable for our existing gated treatment.

Conclusion

4D CT is the main requirement in SBRT to identify the patients who can benefit from motion management during the dose delivery.
Introducing Computer Science to High School Students Through Logic Programming
Authors: YUEN TIMOTHY T. , REYES MARITZA , ZHANG YUANLIN
Published: November 2018

This paper investigates how high school students in an introductory computer science (CS) course approach computing in the logic programming (LP) paradigm. This qualitative study shows how novice students operate within the LP paradigm while engaging in foundational computing concepts and skills: students are engaged in a cyclical process of abstraction, reasoning, and creating representations of their ideas in code while also being informed by the (procedural) requirements and the revision/debugging process. As these computing concepts and skills are also expected in traditional approaches to introductory K-12 CS courses, this paper asserts that LP is a viable paradigm choice for high school novices.
Web-STAR: A Visual Web-based IDE for a Story Comprehension System
Authors: RODOSTHENOUS CHRISTOS T. , MICHAEL LOIZOS
Published: November 2018

We present Web-STAR, an online platform for story understanding built on top of the STAR reasoning engine for STory comprehension through ARgumentation. The platform includes a web-based integrated development environment, integration with the STAR system, and a web service infrastructure to support integration with other systems that rely on story understanding functionality to complete their tasks. The platform also delivers a number of “social” features, including a community repository for public story sharing with a built-in commenting system, and tools for collaborative story editing that can be used for team development projects and for educational purposes.
SYMMETRIC POWER CONGRUENCE IDEALS AND SELMER GROUPS
Authors: Hida Haruzo , Tilouine Jacques
Published: November 2018

We prove, under some assumptions, a Greenberg type equality relating the characteristic power series of the Selmer groups over $\mathbb{Q}$ of higher symmetric powers of the Galois representation associated to a Hida family and congruence ideals associated to (different) higher symmetric powers of that Hida family. We use $R=T$ theorems and a sort of induction based on branching laws for adjoint representations. This method also applies to other Langlands transfers, like the transfer from $\text{GSp}(4)$ to $U(4)$. In that case we obtain a corollary for abelian surfaces.
The Internationalistsas grand narrative: Key elements and dilemmata
Authors: DIGGELMANN OLIVER
Published: November 2018

In this contribution, the key elements of the book’s progress narrative will be discussed. The focus will be set on the ‘backbone’ of the book, which consists of three ideas or elements: the periodisation decision (II), the claim of a specific conception of social change (III), and a specific understanding of international law (IV). In regard to each of those elements it will be asked how they are justified, what insights they provide and whether there are blind spots.
From law to history: The politics of war and empire
Authors: BARKAWI TARAK
Published: November 2018

The Internationalistsargues that the outlawry of war in 1928 created the modern international order. This review essay critiques this single-cause account of world history. It shows howThe Internationalistsrelies on statistics that obfuscate the character of war and on a juridical model of international politics that makes liberal empire invisible. I argue that war making by Asian and African peasants played more of a role in bringing about decolonisation than peacemaking by Western lawyers.
Vermittlung technischer Grundlagen bei der studentischen Ultraschallausbildung – das Wiener «Teach US Sound»-Konzept im Überblick
Authors: Kollmann Christian
Published: November 2018

Zusammenfassung. Die Vermittlung technischer Grundlagen der Ultraschallbildgebung in regulären Medizin-Curricula ist nur in sehr geringem Ausmass möglich und nicht adäquat. Dieser Beitrag gibt einen Überblick zu den Lehrveranstaltungen mit Schwerpunkt «Ultraschall» an der Medizinischen Universität Wien und präsentiert ein Konzept, wie technische Grundkompetenzen in praktischen Übungen vermittelt werden können. Auf den Aufbau dieses Konzepts und einige Detailthematiken wird näher eingegangen und der Benefit für die Studierenden diskutiert.