bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alimentary Affairs: Historicizing food in modern India
Authors: Berger Rachel
Published: January 2018

This essay surveys a broad landscape of studies that take up the preparation, imbibing, and distribution of food in significant ways, focusing on the way in which the field of food studies in South Asia is cohering in recent scholarship. It begins with histories of the imperial period that frame food around imperial encounter and then move on to studies that address the crises of food through famine and their political aftermath. It then turns to the postcolonial, globalized context of making food Indian in a large‐scale market and concludes with thoughts on where food studies and food cultures are headed. Ultimately, food is determined to have symbolic and pragmatic meaning as an icon of national presence in the greater world, a tool for assessing social relations, a measure of taste and values, a challenge for the political and environmental systems of a geo‐economic space. As eating in India has taken on new political dimensions that have arisen from the synchronous rise of both neoliberal practices of political economy and the rise of Hindu fascism, the anxieties articulated through the cultures of food at work in the region are revealed.
Rates of sustained virological response 12 weeks after the scheduled end of direct‐acting antiviral (DAA)‐based hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy from the National German HCV registry: does HIV coinfection impair the response to DAA combination therapy?
Authors: Bischoff J , Mauss S , Cordes C , Lutz T , Scholten S , Moll A , Jäger H , Cornberg M , Manns MP , Baumgarten A , Rockstroh JK
Published: January 2018

Objectives

The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) treatment recommendations for hepatitis C no longer discriminate between HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐coinfected and HCV‐monoinfected patients. However, recent data from Spain are questioning these recommendations on the basis of the findings of higher relapse rates and lower cure rates in HIV/HCV‐infected subjects. The aim of our study was to compare HCV cure rates in monoinfected and coinfected patients from Germany.

Methods

Data acquired from the Deutsches Hepatitis C‐Registry were analysed. A total of 5657 HCV‐monoinfected subjects and 488 HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients were included in the study. Rates of sustained virological response 12 weeks after the scheduled end of therapy (SVR12) were collected in both subgroups and in cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients.

Results

HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients were more frequently male (84.6% vs. 56.4%, respectively; P < 0.001) and younger than HCV‐monoinfected subjects (46.5 ± 9 vs. 53.8 ± 12.5 years, respectively; P < 0.001). The CD4 blood cell count was > 350 cells/μL in 63.1% of HIV‐positive subjects and 88.7% were on antiretroviral therapy. SVR12 rates were 90.3% (5111 of 5657) in our HCV‐monoinfected cohort and 91.2% (445 of 488) in our coinfected patients. Liver cirrhosis was confirmed in 1667 of 5657 (29.5%) monoinfected patients and 84 of 488 (17.2%; P < 0.001) coinfected patients. SVR12 rates did not differ between HCV‐monoinfected and HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients with liver cirrhosis (87.8% vs. 89.3%, respectively; P = 0.864). A treatment duration of 8 weeks did not reduce the percentage of patients with SVR12 in either subgroup (93.7% in both groups).

Conclusions

We found high SVR12 rates in monoinfected as well as coinfected individuals. No differences were detected between the two subgroups regardless of whether there was accompanying liver cirrhosis or a shortened treatment duration.
UV‐visible absorption and photoluminescence characteristics of SnO2 nano‐tube/wire arrays fabricated by LPD method
Authors: Sadeghzadeh‐Attar Abbas , Akhavan‐Safaei Iman , Bafandeh Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2018

In this study, SnO2 nano‐tube/wire arrays with a diameter in the range of 90‐120 nm and several micrometers in length were synthesized by the liquid phase deposition (LPD) method. The study of structural properties was performed by XRD, Raman and TEM, while the optical properties were measured using UV‐visible absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The Raman spectra of the nano‐tubes/wires revealed the presence of 5 vibration peaks assigned to the tetragonal rutile SnO2 structure in agreement with the XRD results. The estimated optical direct band gap from UV‐visible absorption spectra was found to be 3.73‐3.88 eV. The observed blue shift of the optical band gap can be explained by the higher formation of mesoporous particles on the exposed surface to the photons. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the nano‐tubes/wires exhibited a rather broad and intense emission band centered at around 560‐569 nm.
Confocal microscopy in adult women with acne
Authors: Muguet Guenot Louise , Vourc'h Jourdain Morgane , Saint‐Jean Mélanie , Corvec Stéphane , Gaultier Aurélie , Khammari Amir , Le Moigne Marie , Boisrobert Aurélie , Paugam Charlotte , Dréno Brigitte
Published: January 2018

Background

Acne is an inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous follicle, affecting 41–54% of adult women, with a particular form that involves the mandible.

Methods

We characterized infundibulum morphology in two groups of adult women using reflectance confocal microscopy. First, we investigated acne visually “healthy zones” on the forehead in 15 adult women with diffuse acne and compared with acne‐free controls. We then compared healthy forehead and affected mandibular zone in 15 acne patients with mandibular involvement. Exposed results had a P < 0.05.

Results

Seven hundred and ninety‐one follicles were observed on apparently healthy skin of 15 adult women with acne, with a larger diameter, thicker (68%), and hyper keratinized (65%) follicle border, and more keratin plugs (44%) than in controls. In the second group of 15 adult women with mandibular acne, we compared 569 follicles in the mandibular zone and 475 on forehead. In the mandibular area, follicles were significantly larger, thicker (76%), more hyper keratinized (72%), with more keratin plugs (47%) and increased inflammation (23%) compared with the forehead area. In the mandibular area, 0.2% of follicles showed isolated inflammation without hyper keratinization, and 15.3% had both thickened borders with an onion‐like appearance and keratin plugs associated with inflammation.

Conclusions

Hyper keratinization was higher in healthy skin of adult women with acne compared with controls, confirming that microcomedo is crucial in the development of acne lesions. We also demonstrate that the repartition of comedones and microcomedones is inhomogeneous with a great number in the mandibular area where acne lesions are located.
Prevalence and predictors of depressive symptoms among attendees of a tertiary care dermatology clinic in Muscat, Oman
Authors: Al Alawi Mohammed , Al Sinawi Hamed , Al Qasabi Al Mutasim , Al Mamari Al Moatasem , Panchatcharam Sathiya Murthi , Al‐Adawi Samir
Published: January 2018

Background

Various studies have suggested that depression is more prevalent among patients with skin disorders than in the general population. Most of the studies addressing this subject involve Euro‐American populations.

Objectives

The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms among patients with dermatological disorders and, then, to decipher the clinical–demographic factors associated with depressive symptoms.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analytical study was conducted among a random sample of patients attending a dermatology clinic in Muscat. The Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) was used to screen for depressive symptoms. A logistic regression model was used to find the adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios (ORs).

Results

A total of 260 patients participated in this study, with a response rate of 81%. The prevalence of depression symptoms was 24%. According to regression analysis, family history of depression, comorbid medical disorders, and treatment with topicals or isotretinoin were significant predictors of depression (OR = 9.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.27–39.05, P = 0.002; OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.2–3.21, P = 0.05; OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.09–4.76, P = 0.028; and OR = 2.78; 95% CI: 1.08–7.19, P = 0.035, respectively).

Conclusion

This study indicates that depressive symptoms are common among patients with dermatological disorders in Oman, particularly in those with a family history of depression and medical comorbidities, and those who use a specific dermatological medication. Screening for depression in patients attending dermatology clinics is essential in order to detect and promptly treat patients suffering from depression.
Intergroup anxiety and political loss: The buffering effects of believing in the open marketplace of ideas and openness to diverse political discussions
Authors: Hackett Justin D. , Gaffney Amber M. , Data Lauren
Published: January 2018

The polarized divide in current U.S. politics continues to separate citizens and impede political decision‐making. Ameliorating this polarization may require addressing intergroup anxiety. The current work examines the buffering effect of endorsing the open marketplace of ideas and openness to engaging in political conversations with people who hold opposing political views on partisans' intergroup anxiety. In Study 1 (N = 319), openness to diverse political discussions negatively predicted postelection intergroup anxiety among Obama supporters in the 2012 U.S. election. Among Romney supporters, endorsement of the open marketplace and openness to diverse political discussions negatively predicted intergroup anxiety. Study 2 (N = 349 Democrats and Republicans), employed an experimental design and produced results consistent with Study 1. For Democrats and Republicans, openness to participating in political discussions characterized by multiple political perspectives was associated with reduced intergroup anxiety. Regardless of the threat of their candidate losing the 2016 election, Republicans (compared to Democrats) expressed reduced intergroup anxiety when endorsing the open marketplace of ideas and being open to engaging in diverse political discussions. Results are discussed in terms of contact theory within the context of the American political system.
Repeat ablation or medical management alone for recurrent arrhythmias after ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Barakat Amr F. , Wazni Oussama M. , Saliba Walid I. , Yzeiraj Edlira , Amuthan Ram , Abdur Rehman Karim , Tarakji Khaldoun G. , Bassiouny Mohamed , Baranowski Bryan , Tchou Patrick , Bhargava Mandeep , Dresing Thomas , Callahan Thomas , Cantillon Daniel , Kanj Mohamed , Chung Mina , Lindsay Bruce D. , Hussein Ayman A.
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Management of persistent atrial fibrillation (PersAF) remains challenging, and many patients are left on medical therapy after a failed first ablation. In patients with recurrent symptomatic arrhythmias after PersAF ablation, we aimed to compare outcomes of repeat ablation and medical therapy versus medical therapy alone.

Methods and results

All 682 consecutive patients with recurrent symptomatic arrhythmia after a first ablation for PersAF at our institution (2005–2012) were included. Repeat ablation with continuation of medical therapy was performed in 364 patients (Group 1) and 318 were only medically managed (Group 2). The outcome of interest was freedom from arrhythmia recurrence beyond a 3‐month blanking period. Separate analyses were performed to assess this endpoint totally off antiarrhythmics (primary endpoint) or alternatively with/without use of antiarrhythmics (secondary endpoint). Over a median follow‐up of 26 months, 41.5% of Group 1 patients met the primary endpoint and remained free from arrhythmia recurrence off antiarrhythmics (vs. 14.5% in Group 2, P < 0.0001). At last follow‐up, antiarrhythmics continued to be required for rhythm control in 40.1% and 46.2% of patients in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0.0001). The secondary endpoint was met in 60.2% versus 32.1% of patients in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0.0001). In multivariable Cox analyses, repeat ablation was associated with significant reduction in arrhythmia recurrences compared to medical therapy alone (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.35–0.65, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

In patients with recurrent symptomatic arrhythmia after ablation of PersAF, repeat ablation was associated with significant reduction in arrhythmia recurrences compared to routine medical therapy alone.
Central blood pressure variability is increased in hypertensive patients with target organ damage
Authors: de la Sierra Alejandro , Pareja Julia , Yun Sergi , Acosta Eva , Aiello Francesco , Oliveras Anna , Vázquez Susana , Armario Pedro , Blanch Pedro , Sierra Cristina , Calero Francesca , Fernández‐Llama Patricia
Published: January 2018

We aimed to evaluate the association of aortic and brachial short‐term blood pressure variability (BPV) with the presence of target organ damage (TOD) in hypertensive patients. One‐hundred seventy‐eight patients, aged 57 ± 12 years, 33% women were studied. TOD was defined by the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy on echocardiogram, microalbuminuria, reduced glomerular filtration rate, or increased aortic pulse wave velocity. Aortic and brachial BPV was assessed by 24‐hour ambulatory BP monitoring (Mobil‐O‐Graph). TOD was present in 92 patients (51.7%). Compared to those without evidence of TOD, they had increased night‐to‐day ratios of systolic and diastolic BP (both aortic and brachial) and heart rate. They also had significant increased systolic BPV, as measured by both aortic and brachial daytime and 24‐hours standard deviations and coefficients of variation, as well as for average real variability. Circadian patterns and short‐term variability measures were very similar for aortic and brachial BP. We conclude that BPV is increased in hypertensive‐related TOD. Aortic BPV does not add relevant information in comparison to brachial BPV.
A patient‐specific approach to assessing blood pressure management in patients with hypertension and coronary artery disease
Authors: Yim Jeffrey , Rabkin Simon W.
Published: January 2018

The objective was to improve the management of patients with hypertension (HTN) and coronary artery disease (CAD), utilizing a model which integrates 3 determinants of coronary blood flow (CBF)—CAD severity, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and left ventricular (LV) mass. We validated non‐parametric equations for CBF estimation in a consecutive patient sample (N = 81) with HTN and CAD. There was a highly significant correlation (r = .565; P < .01) between clinical DBP and estimated CBF. Greater LV mass and more severe CAD shifted the relationship towards less CBF at the same DBP. LV mass was more critical when DBP >70 mm Hg. Estimated changes in CBF at different DBP considering the severity of CAD and LV mass can be calculated. In summary, the severity of CAD from coronary CT or coronary angiography combined with LV mass from echocardiography permits clinicians to guide the extent of, or target for, DBP to avoid seriously compromising CBF.
RNA sequencing reveals distinct gene expression patterns during the development of parasitic larval stages of the salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis)
Authors: Eichner C , Dondrup M , Nilsen F
Published: January 2018

The salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis), an ectoparasitic copepod on salmonids, has become a major threat for the aquaculture industry. In search for new drugs and vaccines, transcriptome analysis is increasingly used to find differently regulated genes and pathways in response to treatment. However, the underlying gene expression changes going along with developmental processes could confound such analyses. The life cycle of L. salmonis consists of eight stages divided by moults. The developmental rate of salmon lice on the host is not uniform. Individual‐ and sex‐related differences are found leading to individuals of unlike developmental status at same sampling time point after infection. In this study, we analyse L. salmonis from a time series by RNA sequencing applying a method of separating individuals of different instar age independent of sampling time point. Lice of four stages divided into up to four age groups within the stage were analysed in triplicate (total of 66 samples). Gene expression analysis shows that the method for sorting individuals was successful. Many genes show cyclic expression patterns over the moulting cycles. Overall gene expression differs more between lice of different age within the same stage than between lice of different stage but same instar age.
Experimental study on fluid energy reduction through a flood protection forest
Authors: Sanjou M. , Okamoto T. , Nezu I.
Published: January 2018

A flood protection forest is a conventional river‐management measure that can fit well into the natural environment. This study focused on single‐line tree models placed laterally across open‐channel flows. We conducted horizontal particle image velocimetry (PIV) and drag force measurements in a laboratory flume to examine the reduction efficiency of mean kinetic energy due to the tree members. The results showed that the flow structure is related closely to a wake phenomenon for sparsely arranged trees, whereas it is similar to a jet for a dense arrangement. It was found that the drag force is related to the separation zone downstream of the trees. In particular, two neighbouring high‐speed streaks can merge and become a uniform flow. The characteristic length of this process and incident velocity define the drag force. Furthermore, a semi‐theoretical formula was developed that was found reasonable in predicting energy reduction efficiency.
Albuminuria and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Georgakis Marios K. , Chatzopoulou Despoina , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Petridou Eleni Th.
Published: January 2018

Objectives

To determine whether albuminuria, a marker of systemic endothelial dysfunction, is associated with cerebral small vessel disease (SVD).

Design

Systematic review following the Meta‐analyses Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines; independent reviewers searched Pubmed/Medline and Scopus, data were extracted, studies were evaluated on quality, and random‐effects models were implemented for meta‐analysis.

Setting

Observational studies quantifying an association between albuminuria and cerebralSVD.

Participants

Adults.

Measurements

Magnetic resonance imaging–defined markers of cerebralSVD; white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), lacunar infarcts (LIs), cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), and enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVSs).

Results

Of 31 eligible studies comprising 23,056 participants identified, 27 were included in quantitative synthesis. Most of the studies were cross‐sectional and of varying quality. On meta‐analysis, albuminuria was associated with greater risk ofWMHs (odds ratio (OR) = 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.43–2.01; 13,548 subjects, 2,665 cases;I2 = 44%),LIs (OR = 1.86, 95%CI = 1.49–2.31; 12,857 subjects, 998 cases;I2 = 27%),CMBs (OR = 1.78, 95%CI = 1.30–2.43; 7,645 subjects; 748 cases;I2 = 39%), andEPVSs in the basal ganglia (OR = 1.78, 95%CI = 1.02–3.09; 1,388 subjects, 399 cases;I2 = 37%) and centrum semiovale (OR = 3.27, 95%CI = 1.49–7.20; 1,146 subjects, 460 cases;I2 = 66%). Sensitivity analyses for high‐quality and general population studies, but also studies controlling for cardiovascular disease risk factors and renal function, confirmed the findings and resolved the moderate heterogeneity and publication bias that were evident in the overall analyses.

Conclusion

Albuminuria is independently associated with cerebralSVD, indicating shared microvascular pathology in the kidney and the brain. The results suggest that peripheral systemic microvascular disease biomarkers could be useful in the evaluation of brain microvascular damage.
Spectroscopic identification of individual fluorophores using photoluminescence excitation spectra
Authors: CZERSKI J. , COLOMB W. , CANNATARO F. , SARKAR S.K.
Published: January 2018

The identity of a fluorophore can be ambiguous if other fluorophores or nonspecific fluorescent impurities have overlapping emission spectra. The presence of overlapping spectra makes it difficult to differentiate fluorescent species using discrete detection channels and unmixing of spectra. The unique absorption and emission signatures of fluorophores provide an opportunity for spectroscopic identification. However, absorption spectroscopy may be affected by scattering, whereas fluorescence emission spectroscopy suffers from signal loss by gratings or other dispersive optics. Photoluminescence excitation spectra, where excitation is varied and emission is detected at a fixed wavelength, allows hyperspectral imaging with a single emission filter for high signal‐to‐background ratio without any moving optics on the emission side. We report a high throughput method for measuring the photoluminescence excitation spectra of individual fluorophores using a tunable supercontinuum laser and prism‐type total internal reflection fluorescence microscope. We used the system to measure and sort the photoluminescence excitation spectra of individual Alexa dyes, fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs), and fluorescent polystyrene beads. We used a Gaussian mixture model with maximum likelihood estimation to objectively separate the spectra. Finally, we spectroscopically identified different species of fluorescent nanodiamonds with overlapping spectra and characterized the heterogeneity of fluorescent nanodiamonds of varying size.
Comprehensive drug utilization review in neonates: liposomal amphotericin B
Authors: Silver Chirlie , Rostas Sara
Published: January 2018

Objectives

This drug utilization evaluation aims to review current evidence on safety and efficacy of using liposomal amphotericin B (LAMB) in newborns with candidiasis, and compare it to the conventional preparation. Conventional amphotericin B deoxycholate (DAMB) is more commonly used in newborns, but dose-limiting adverse effects may compromise its efficacy. This review will examine the advantages and disadvantages of liposomal amphotericin B and define its place in current practice.

Key Findings

The terms ‘AmBisome’ or ‘liposomal amphotericin B’ and ‘neonatal candidiasis’ were entered in both PubMed and Ovid; studies included focused on safety and efficacy of liposomal amphotericin B in newborns with candidiasis, as well as studies comparing the conventional and the liposomal formulations in newborns as monotherapy. Pertinent references obtained from this search were also included. Additionally, pharmacokinetic studies were reviewed to include available data on dosing. Single case reports were not included in the review due to the limited conclusions that can be drawn from such sample sizes and quality of data.

Although liposomal amphotericin B may be better tolerated and as efficacious as the conventional formulation based on the published literature, the weakness of the studies available on the subject cannot be overlooked. Additional randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the true benefits of this medication.
Erectile dysfunction in cirrhosis is impacted by liver dysfunction, portal hypertension, diabetes and arterial hypertension
Authors: Paternostro Rafael , Heinisch Birgit B. , Reiberger Thomas , Mandorfer Mattias , Schwarzer Remy , Seeland Berit , Trauner Michael , Peck‐Radosavljevic Markus , Ferlitsch Arnulf
Published: January 2018

Background

Although several risk factors for erectile dysfunction may be present in patients with cirrhosis, data on the actual prevalence and cause of erectile dysfunction is limited. The International Index of Erectile Function‐5 (IIEF‐5) is a well‐validated survey to determine the presence and severity of erectile dysfunction in men. We assessed (i) the prevalence and severity of erectile dysfunction, and (ii) risk factors for erectile dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

In this prospective study, erectile dysfunction was defined as: absent (>21 IIEF‐5‐points), mild (12‐21) and severe (5‐11). Patients with overt hepatic encephalopathy, active alcohol abuse, extrahepatic malignancy, previous urologic surgery, previous liver transplantation and severe cardiac conditions were excluded.

Results

Among n = 151 screened patients, n = 41 met exclusion criteria and n = 30 were sexually inactive. Thus, a final number of n = 80 male patients with cirrhosis were included. Patient characteristics: age: 53 ± 9 years; model for end‐stage liver disease score (MELD): 12.7 ± 3.9; Child‐Pugh score (CPS) A: 30 (37.5%), B: 35 (43.8%), C: 15 (18.7%); alcohol: 38 (47.5%), viral: 25 (31.3%), alcohol/viral: 7 (8.8%) and others: 10 (12.5%). The presence of erectile dysfunction was found in 51 (63.8%) patients with 44 (55%) and 7 (8.8%) suffering from mild‐to‐moderate and moderate‐to‐severe erectile dysfunction. Mean MELD and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) were significantly higher in patients with erectile dysfunction (P = .021; P = .028). Child‐Pugh score C, MELD, creatinine, age, arterial hypertension, diabetes, low libido, low testosterone and high HVPG were associated with the presence of erectile dysfunction. Interestingly, beta‐blocker therapy was not associated with an increased risk. In multivariate models, arterial hypertension (OR: 6.36 [1.16‐34.85]; P = .033), diabetes (OR: 7.40 [1.31‐41.75]; P = .023), MELD (OR: 1.19 [1.03‐1.36]; P = .015) and increasing HVPG (n = 48; OR: 1.11 [1.002‐1.23]; P = .045) were independent risk factors for the presence of erectile dysfunction.

Conclusion

About two‐thirds of male patients with cirrhosis show erectile dysfunction. Severity of liver dysfunction, portal hypertension, arterial hypertension and diabetes were identified as risk factors for erectile dysfunction.
The emergence of co‐existing debt cycle regimes in an economic growth model
Authors: Lojak Benjamin
Published: January 2018

This paper aims to provide a modeling framework that keeps track of the interdependency between firms’ external financing structure and the state of the economy. Accordingly, it is based on the well‐known Kaleckian model which is combined with a modeling strategy of a sentiment index that was proposed by Franke (2012, 2014). The sentiment influences firms’ subjective sales expectations and thus their planned level of investment. As it turns out, the non‐linear model set‐up appears to be flexible in the sense that it is able to generate different interesting dynamic scenarios. It is shown that it may produce (a) sentiment‐driven business cycle fluctuations, including endogenously determined Minsky‐Koo‐kind recessions, and, more interestingly, (b) two distinct economic environments that exist contemporaneously: a ‘low‐’ and ‘high‐indebted’ regime.
Automated Analysis of Mobile LiDAR Data for Component‐Level Damage Assessment of Building Structures during Large Coastal Storm Events
Authors: Zhou Zixiang , Gong Jie
Published: January 2018

Rapid assessment of building damages due to natural disasters is a critical element in disaster management. Although airborne‐based remote sensing techniques have been successfully applied in many postdisaster scenarios, automated building component‐level damage assessment with terrestrial/mobile LiDAR data is still challenging to achieve due to lack of reliable segmentation methods for damaged buildings. In this research, a novel building segmentation and damage detection approach is proposed to realize automated component‐level damage assessment for major building envelop elements including wall, roof, balcony, column, and handrail. The proposed approach first conducts semantic segmentation of building point cloud data using a rule‐based approach. The detected building components are then evaluated to determine if the components are damaged. The authors applied this method on a mobile LiDAR data set collected after Hurricane Sandy. The results demonstrate that the approach is capable of achieving 96% and 86% parsing accuracy for wall façades and roof facets, and obtain 82% and 78% of detection accuracy for damaged walls and roof facets.
Vulnerability of Interdependent Urban Infrastructure Networks: Equilibrium after Failure Propagation and Cascading Impacts
Authors: Lu Liqun , Wang Xin , Ouyang Yanfeng , Roningen Jeanne , Myers Natalie , Calfas George
Published: January 2018

The functionality of modern cities relies heavily on interdependent infrastructure systems such as those for water, power, and transportation. Disruptions often propagate within and across physical infrastructure networks and result in catastrophic consequences. The reaction of communities to disasters (e.g., seeking alternative resource sources) may further transfer and aggravate the burden on surviving infrastructures, which may facilitate cascading secondary disruptions. Hence, a holistic analysis framework that integrates infrastructure interdependencies and human community behaviors is needed to evaluate a city's vulnerability to disruptions and to assess the impact of a disaster. To this end, we develop a game‐theoretical equilibrium model in a multilayer infrastructure network to systematically investigate the mutual influence between the infrastructures and the communities. Two types of infrastructure failure patterns are formulated to capture general network interdependencies; network equilibrium is extended into infrastructure and community systems to address redistribution of demand for life‐supporting resources; the societal impact of disasters is estimated based on communities’ resource demand loss, cost increase, as well as total infrastructure failures. A real‐world case study based on Maiduguri, Nigeria, is implemented to demonstrate the proposed model and algorithm, and to reveal insights.
Review: Somatic mutations in neurodegeneration
Authors: Leija‐Salazar M. , Piette C. , Proukakis C.
Published: January 2018

Somatic mutations are postzygotic mutations which may lead to mosaicism, the presence of cells with genetic differences in an organism. Their role in cancer is well established, but detailed investigation in health and other diseases has only been recently possible. This has been empowered by the improvements of sequencing techniques, including single‐cell sequencing, which can still be error‐prone but is rapidly improving. Mosaicism appears relatively common in the human body, including the normal brain, probably arising in early development, but also potentially during ageing. In this review, we first discuss theoretical considerations and current evidence relevant to somatic mutations in the brain. We present a framework to explain how they may be integrated with current views on neurodegeneration, focusing mainly on sporadic late‐onset neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). We review the relevant studies so far, with the first evidence emerging in Alzheimer's in particular. We also discuss the role of mosaicism in inherited neurodegenerative disorders, particularly somatic instability of tandem repeats. We summarize existing views and data to present a model whereby the time of origin and spatial distribution of relevant somatic mutations, combined with any additional risk factors, may partly determine the development and onset age of sporadic neurodegenerative diseases.
Biomarkers for acute kidney injury in decompensated cirrhosis: A prospective study
Authors: Jaques David A. , Spahr Laurent , Berra Gregory , Poffet Vincent , Lescuyer Pierre , Gerstel Eric , Garin Nicolas , Martin Pierre‐Yves , Ponte Belen
Published: January 2018

Aim

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in cirrhotic patients. As serum creatinine is a poor marker of renal function in this population, we aimed to study the utility of several biomarkers in this context.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted in hospitalized patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Serum creatinine (SCr), Cystatin C (CystC), NGAL and urinary NGAL, KIM‐1, protein, albumin and sodium were measured on three separate occasions. Renal resistive index (RRI) was obtained. We analyzed the value of these biomarkers to determine the presence of AKI, its aetiology [prerenal, acute tubular necrosis (ATN), or hepatorenal (HRS)], its severity and a composite clinical outcome at 30 days (death, dialysis and intensive care admission).

Results

We included 105 patients, of which 55 had AKI. SCr, CystC, NGAL (plasma and urinary), urinary sodium and RRI at inclusion were independently associated with the presence of AKI. SCr, CystC and plasma NGAL were able to predict the subsequent development of AKI. Pre‐renal state showed lower levels of SCr, NGAL (plasma and urinary) and RRI. ATN patients had high levels of NGAL (plasma and urinary) as well as urinary protein and sodium. HRS patients presented an intermediate pattern. All biomarkers paralleled the severity of AKI. SCr, CystC and plasma NGAL predicted the development of the composite clinical outcome with the same performance as the MELD score.

Conclusions

In patients with decompensated cirrhosis, early measurement of renal biomarkers provides valuable information on AKI aetiology. It could also improve AKI diagnosis and prognosis.
The role of plant mycorrhizal type and status in modulating the relationship between plant and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities
Authors: Neuenkamp Lena , Moora Mari , Öpik Maarja , Davison John , Gerz Maret , Männistö Minna , Jairus Teele , Vasar Martti , Zobel Martin
Published: January 2018

Interactions between communities of plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi shape fundamental ecosystem properties. Experimental evidence suggests that compositional changes in plant and AM fungal communities should be correlated, but empirical data from natural ecosystems are scarce. We investigated the dynamics of covariation between plant and AM fungal communities during three stages of grassland succession, and the biotic and abiotic factors shaping these dynamics.

Plant communities were characterised using vegetation surveys. AM fungal communities were characterised by 454‐sequencing of the small subunit rRNA gene and identification against the AM fungal reference database MaarjAM. AM fungal abundance was estimated using neutral‐lipid fatty acids (NLFAs).

Multivariate correlation analysis (Procrustes) revealed a significant relationship between plant and AM fungal community composition. The strength of plant–AM fungal correlation weakened during succession following cessation of grassland management, reflecting changes in the proportion of plants exhibiting different AM status. Plant–AM fungal correlation was strong when the abundance of obligate AM plants was high, and declined as the proportion of facultative AM plants increased.

We conclude that the extent to which plants rely on AM symbiosis can determine how tightly communities of plants and AM fungi are interlinked, regulating community assembly of both symbiotic partners.
Psychological and neurological predictors of abusive supervision
Authors: Waldman David A. , Wang Danni , Hannah Sean T. , Owens Bradley P. , Balthazard Pierre A.
Published: January 2018

Although the negative effects of abusive supervision are well documented, less is known about the individual differences that drive supervisors to be abusive. We use a self‐control perspective to understand the unique roles of both psychological and neurological characteristics of supervisors in the prediction of abusive behavior. Specifically, we find a positive relationship between narcissism and abusive supervision, whereas political skill and intrinsic neurological connectivity in executive control regions of the brain negatively relate to abusive supervision. Our results further show that the relationship between narcissism and abusive supervision diminishes for those who are strong in terms of political skill. In addition, neurological executive control moderates the relationship between political skill and abusive behavior. When connectivity in executive control regions of the brain is lower, political skill becomes a more important factor in reducing the display of abusive behavior. Overall, we demonstrate how combinations of characteristics (both psychological and neurological) can provide a more in‐depth understanding of the emergence of abusive supervision.
Transient elastography for non‐invasive evaluation of post‐transplant liver graft fibrosis in children
Authors: Vinciguerra Tiziana , Brunati Andrea , David Ezio , Longo Filomena , Pinon Michele , Ricceri Fulvio , Castellino Luisa , Piga Antonio , Giraudo Maria Teresa , Tandoi Francesco , Cisarò Fabio , Dell Olio Dominic , Isolato Giuseppe , Romagnoli Renato , Salizzoni Mauro , Calvo Pier Luigi
Published: January 2018

As graft survival in pediatric LT is often affected by progressive fibrosis, numerous centers carry out protocol liver biopsies. Follow‐up biopsy protocols differ from center to center, but all biopsies are progressively spaced out, as time from transplant increases. Therefore, there is a need for non‐invasive techniques to evaluate graft fibrosis progression in those children who have no clinical or serological signs of liver damage. Indirect markers, such as the APRI, should be relied on with caution because their sensitivity in predicting fibrosis can be strongly influenced by the etiology of liver disease, severity of fibrosis, and patient age. A valid alternative could be TE, a non‐invasive technique already validated in adults, which estimates the stiffness of the cylindrical volume of liver tissue, 100‐fold the size of a standard needle biopsy sample. The aims of this study were to evaluate the reliability of TE in children after LT and to compare both the TE and the APRI index results with the histological scores of fibrosis on liver biopsies. A total of 36 pediatric LT recipients were studied. All patients underwent both TE and biopsy within a year (median interval ‐0.012 months) at an interval from LT of 0.36 to 19.47 years (median 3.02 years). Fibrosis was assessed on the biopsy specimens at histology and staged according to METAVIR. There was a statistically significant correlation between TE stiffness values and METAVIR scores (P = .005). The diagnostic accuracy of TE for the diagnosis of significant fibrosis (F ≥ 2) was measured as the area under the curve (AUROC = 0.865), and it demonstrated that the method had a good diagnostic performance. APRI was not so accurate in assessing graft fibrosis when compared to METAVIR (AUROC = 0.592). A liver stiffness cutoff value of 5.6 kPa at TE was identified as the best predictor for a significant graft fibrosis (METAVIR F ≥ 2) on liver biopsy, with a 75% sensitivity, a 95.8% specificity, a 90% positive predictive value, and an 88.5% negative predictive value. These data suggest that TE may represent a non‐invasive, reliable tool for the assessment of graft fibrosis in the follow‐up of LT children, alerting the clinicians to the indication for a liver biopsy, with the aim of reducing the number of protocol liver biopsies.
Intergenerational Justice Today
Authors: Campos Andre Santos
Published: January 2018

A theory of intergenerational justice consists in the study of the moral and political status of the relations between present and past or future people, more specifically, of the obligations and entitlements they can potentially generate. The challenges that justify talking about responsibilities between generations are myriad (e.g., the amount of public debt that is fair to incur; the funding of future pensions; reparations for past wrongs; climate change). And the disputes they prompt can focus on the past just as much as on the present, even though the fact that the human species has reached a state of technological progress that enables it to have an irredeemable impact on the planet and perhaps even endanger future human existence tends to make concerns about the future more pressing. Debates on intergenerational justice are twofold. The first revolves around the issue of whether claims of justice across generations whose members' lifetimes do not necessarily overlap could be justified. And the second revolves around the specific conception of justice in play, that is, around the nature of the standard that must be applied as well as around the identification of the contents of the duties that present generations supposedly have vis‐à‐vis past or future generations. This survey article depicts the conceptual and argumentative framework in which these debates are set. It aims to outline certain of the main features shared by the most influential contemporary theories of intergenerational justice, and the problems inherent in them. It concludes by suggesting that, even though the idea of succeeding generations is merely an abstraction, there are specific empirical states of affairs that require different theoretical responses to intergenerational justice.
The evaluation of public health nursing students’ skill achievement levels by educational improvement
Authors: Suzuki Yoshimi , Saito Emiko , Kishi Emiko , Sawai Minako , Kakemoto Satori , Igarashi Chiyo , Nakada Harumi , Asahara Kiyomi
Published: January 2018

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the educational improvement outcomes after introducing undergraduate public health nursing electives from the perspective of students, teachers, and public health nurses.

Design and Sample

Post‐test design with control group was used. We surveyed three groups of participants on the relevance of achieved skill items. These groups were as follows: fourth‐year students, teaching staff from seven universities, and public health nurses from special districts of Tokyo who had pioneered the introduction of public health nursing electives.

Measures

The three participant groups were surveyed in 2013 and 2014 to compare the students’ levels of achievement in the 98 skill items presented by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. Practical training introduced educational reform in 2014. Anonymous self‐administrated questionnaires were used.

Results

The mean achievement rates of the 98 items in 2013 and 2014 were 67.9% and 72.6%, respectively, for students; 40.9% and 59.7% for teachers; and 44.4% and 59.4% for PHNs. A significant difference was observed between ratios of 2013 and 2014 in all three groups.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that the introduction of educational reform increased the achievement rates of students through the electives.
Elytra Absorb Ultraviolet Radiation but Transmit Infrared Radiation in Neotropical Canthon Species (Coleoptera, Scarabaeinae)
Authors: Alves Victor M. , Hernández Malva I. M. , Lobo Jorge M.
Published: January 2018

Strategies to deal with global radiation may be related to important aspects of species biology and ecology by reflecting, transmitting or absorbing the radiation of varying wavelengths differently. The elytra capacity to manage infrared, visible and ultraviolet radiations (from 185 to 1400 nm) was assessed with a spectrophotometric analysis in five Canthon species of dung beetles; we calculated the reflectance, transmittance and absorbance capacity of the elytra of these species. These species have different ecologies: two species preferentially inhabit forest areas (Canthon angularis and Canthon lividus lividus), two species preferentially inhabit open areas (Canthon chalybaeus and Canthon tetraodon) including agricultural crops, and one species does not present a clear habitat preference and can be found in both habitats (Canthon quinquemaculatus). All the species show a similar pattern in which the light from shorter wavelengths and higher frequencies is almost entirely absorbed by the elytra, while radiation from longer wavelengths and lower frequencies can mostly pass through the elytra. However, C. quinquemaculatus seems to have significantly higher rates of reflectance and transmittance in the visible‐ and near‐infrared spectrum. This different pattern found in C. quinquemaculatus may be associated with its capacity to establish populations both in agricultural and forest areas.
Visualization of viscoelastic behavior in skin equivalent using optical coherence tomography‐based straingraphy
Authors: Hara Y. , Ogura Y. , Yamashita T. , Furukawa D. , Saeki S.
Published: January 2018

Background/Purpose

The relationships between the skin components and these mechanical roles are still unclear. To clarify these relationships, we investigated spatial mapping of the mechanical behavior of cultured skin equivalents (SEs) using optical coherence tomography (OCT)‐based straingraphy.

Methods

We built a strain relaxation test system combined with OCT and developed an algorithm that could visualize a time‐dependent strain distribution, named dynamic‐optical coherence straingraphy (D‐OCSA). Using this system, we analyzed how the spatial mechanical changes in the SEs depended on the culture duration. For quantitative analysis of viscoelastic behavior, we defined a relaxation attenuation coefficient of strain rate, which indicates the ratio of viscosity and elasticity in the Klevin‐Voight model.

Results

By culturing for 4 days in comparison to culturing for 1 day, the strain relaxation attenuation coefficient of the whole skin, especially at the region of the dermal‐epidermal junction (DEJ), significantly increased in the negative direction. In tissue slices taken for microscopy, several cracks were observed in the SEs cultured for 4 days.

Conclusion

This study is the first to provide quantified evidence that the DEJ is a dynamically specialized region. An OCT‐based straingraphy system (D‐OCSA) would be beneficial for evaluating the quality of SEs, as well as functional analysis of their mechanics.
Retrospective analysis of HDFN due to ABO incompatibility in a single institution over 6 years
Authors: Matteocci A. , De Rosa A. , Buffone E. , Pierelli L.
Published: January 2018

Objectives

To study the rate of ABO haemolytic anaemia of fetus and newborn (HDFN) in one institution over 6 years.

Background

ABO major incompatibility between mothers and their newborns occurs in about 10% of births. So, mothers with an O blood group may form IgG‐class antibodies against A and B antigens, which could pass across the placenta and lead to a variable degree of HDFN in the newborn.

Methods

At our institution, we have reviewed data regarding ABO‐based HDFN in the last 6 years.

Results

We found that, in 28 089 deliveries, an ABO major incompatibility between mothers and newborns occurs in 11% of cases, with 72% of O/A and 28% of O/B incompatibility. In turn, 23% of these newborns had an eluate‐confirmed positive direct antiglobulin test [DAT; 74% (511) were due to anti‐A and 26% (179) to anti‐B], with 1·0% requiring invasive treatments (exchange transfusion or intravenous immunoglobulin). Overall, 2·5% of the total newborns had a positive DAT for an anti‐A or anti‐B antibody, and 0·11% required invasive treatment in addition to phototherapy for their HDFN.

Conclusions

Serological ABO HDFN is a relatively frequent event when an O‐A/O‐B incompatibility between mothers and their newborn occurs and, in most cases, translates into a self‐limiting disease, with a small number of newborns requiring invasive treatments. The DAT test, although not predictive of disease severity, appears to be a useful tool to monitor babies born from O‐A/O‐B‐incompatible pregnancies and to identify those who may require treatment.