bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery of Lymantini weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae) outside the Americas: Devernodes, a new genus for five new species from Southeast Asia
Authors: GREBENNIKOV VASILY V.
Published: October 2018

This paper reports a new weevil genus Devernodes gen. n. established for five new species from Southeast Asia: D. alkippe sp. n. (China: Mt. Emei), D. asteria sp. n. (Vietnam: Tam Dao), D. chthonia sp. n. (Vietnam: Tam Dao; the type species), D. drimo sp. n. (Malaysia: Pasoh Forest Reserve) and D. methone sp. n. (Malaysia: Tanah Rata). All Devernodes are wingless and inhabit the forest leaf litter. Adult Devernodes share a combination of two head characters unique among weevils in Asia: antenna with apparently unsegmented club and 6-segmented antennal funicle, as well as strong constriction separating the eye-bearing rostrum from the head capsule. To test monophyly and investigate phylogenetic relationships of Devernodes, Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analysis was undertaken using parts of mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear ribosomal (28S) genes, as well as the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) from 14 Devernodes and 55 outgroup Curculionidae specimens. Results strongly corroborated monophyly of Devernodes and did not suggest its realistic sister-group. The new genus is assigned to the molytine tribe Lymantini (not represented in the DNA analysis) based on two potential synapomorphies: head markedly constricted behind eyes and presence of undivided female hemisternites IX (= “merged coxite and stylus”). Thus interpreted, Devernodes is the twelfth nominal genus of Lymantini and the first record of the tribe outside of the Americas. All original data (localities, DNA sequences, specimen images) are available online in public datasets dx.doi.org/10.5883/DS-DEVERNO1 and dx.doi.org/10.5883/DS-DEVERNO2.
Two new genera and species of flat bugs from the Philippines (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Aradidae)
Authors: HEISS ERNST
Published: October 2018

From the Philippines a new genus of Mezirinae: Cagayanacoris gen.nov. with the species C. menardi sp.nov. and a new genus of Carventinae: Vizcayaptera gen.nov. with the species V. minuta sp.nov. are described and illustrated.
Average Protein Content and Its Variability in Winter Wheat: A Forecast Model based on Weather Parameters
Authors: Vollmer Elisabeth , Mußhoff Oliver
Published: October 2018

In this article, the effect of different weather parameters on the mean height and the variability of the protein content in winter wheat is investigated. The analysis is based on the proteins of 148 800 wheat deliveries in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania during 2004–15. From April to July, the forecast model was estimated with the following weather parameters: temperature sum, daily temperature range, precipitation, and sunshine duration. A Just and Pope function was estimated as a random intercept model. In addition to the weather parameters, a dummy variable is integrated into the forecast model to record differences in quality between A and B wheat varieties. The results show that 76.5% of the annual variability of the mean protein content can be explained on the basis of these weather parameters. In contrast, weather variables can only explain a small part of the variance in protein content per se.
Quality and Value of Seasonal Precipitation Forecasts Issued by the West African Regional Climate Outlook Forum
Authors: Bliefernicht J. , Waongo M. , Salack S. , Seidel J. , Laux P. , Kunstmann H.
Published: October 2018

Seasonal climate forecasts for an early warning of climate anomalies are produced by regional climate outlook forums (RCOF) worldwide. This study presents a verification of one of the earliest RCOF products, the precipitation outlook for the West African monsoon peak period (July–September). The basis of this outlook is countrywide precipitation forecasts from various statistical (downscaling) models, which are subjectively reinterpreted by experts on the basis of information from observed SST pattern analysis and global forecasts. The forecast quality was analyzed from 1998 to 2013 using a novel database of rain gauge measurements established for several West African countries, among other references. The analysis indicated skill forabove normalandbelow normalon different spatial scales but also showed typical limitations of seasonal forecasting such as lack of sharpness and poor skill fornear normal. A specific feature of the RCOF product is a strong overforecasting ofnear normal, very likely a result of the risk aversion of experts. To better illustrate the usefulness of the outlooks, they were evaluated with respect to a binary warning system by determining the maximum economic valueVmax. This verification indicated moderate valuable precipitation warnings for dry (Vmax= 0.39) and wet (Vmax= 0.34) years for four climatological zones (Sahel, Sudan–Sahel, Sudan, and Guinean) and five river basins (Volta, Senegal, and three Niger subbasins) but with strong regional differences (0.14 <Vmax< 0.54). The bootstrap analysis illustrated large uncertainties, indicating the relevance of uncertainty margins when seasonal forecast products with small sample sizes like RCOF outlooks are evaluated.
Coupling of Precipitation and Cloud Structures in Oceanic Extratropical Cyclones to Large-Scale Moisture Flux Convergence
Authors: Wong Sun , Naud Catherine M. , Kahn Brian H. , Wu Longtao , Fetzer Eric J.
Published: October 2018

Precipitation (from TMPA) and cloud structures (from MODIS) in extratropical cyclones (ETCs) are modulated by phases of large-scale moisture flux convergence (from MERRA-2) in the sectors of ETCs, which are studied in a new coordinate system with directions of both surface warm fronts (WFs) and surface cold fronts (CFs) fixed. The phase of moisture flux convergence is described by moisture dynamical convergence Qcnvg and moisture advection Qadvt. Precipitation and occurrence frequencies of deep convective clouds are sensitive to changes in Qcnvg, while moisture tendency is sensitive to changes in Qadvt. Increasing Qcnvg and Qadvt during the advance of the WF is associated with increasing occurrences of both deep convective and high-level stratiform clouds. A rapid decrease in Qadvt with a relatively steady Qcnvg during the advance of the CF is associated with high-level cloud distribution weighting toward deep convective clouds. Behind the CF (cold sector or area with polar air intrusion), the moisture flux is divergent with abundant low- and midlevel clouds. From deepening to decaying stages, the pre-WF and WF sectors experience high-level clouds shifting to more convective and less stratiform because of decreasing Qadvt with relatively steady Qcnvg, and the CF experiences shifting from high-level to midlevel clouds. Sectors of moisture flux divergence are less influenced by cyclone evolution. Surface evaporation is the largest in the cold sector and the CF during the deepening stage. Deepening cyclones are more efficient in poleward transport of water vapor.
Estimation Methods for Nonhomogeneous Regression Models: Minimum Continuous Ranked Probability Score versus Maximum Likelihood
Authors: Gebetsberger Manuel , Messner Jakob W. , Mayr Georg J. , Zeileis Achim
Published: October 2018

Nonhomogeneous regression models are widely used to statistically postprocess numerical ensemble weather prediction models. Such regression models are capable of forecasting full probability distributions and correcting for ensemble errors in the mean and variance. To estimate the corresponding regression coefficients, minimization of the continuous ranked probability score (CRPS) has widely been used in meteorological postprocessing studies and has often been found to yield more calibrated forecasts compared to maximum likelihood estimation. From a theoretical perspective, both estimators are consistent and should lead to similar results, provided the correct distribution assumption about empirical data. Differences between the estimated values indicate a wrong specification of the regression model. This study compares the two estimators for probabilistic temperature forecasting with nonhomogeneous regression, where results show discrepancies for the classical Gaussian assumption. The heavy-tailed logistic and Student’s t distributions can improve forecast performance in terms of sharpness and calibration, and lead to only minor differences between the estimators employed. Finally, a simulation study confirms the importance of appropriate distribution assumptions and shows that for a correctly specified model the maximum likelihood estimator is slightly more efficient than the CRPS estimator.
Changes in Timing of Swallow Events in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Schiffer Breanne L. , Kendall Katherine
Published: October 2018

Objectives:

The prevalence of Parkinson’s disease (PD) increases as the population ages. Dysphagia and subsequent aspiration pneumonia are common causes of morbidity and mortality in those with PD. To maximize the benefit of swallowing therapy, protocol design should be based on an understanding of the physiologic swallowing deficits present in the PD population. The aim of this study was to compare the timing of swallow events in a cohort of patients with PD with that in normal age-matched control subjects to characterize variations in the coordination of structural displacement and bolus movement that may contribute to dysphagia.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 68 adults with diagnoses of PD. Liquid bolus swallows during modified barium swallow studies were analyzed and compared with those from an age- and sex-matched cohort of 48 adults without PD.

Results:

Patients with PD were significantly slower in initiating and completing airway closure. Hyoid elevation was prolonged in this patient population.

Conclusions:

Patients with PD demonstrate slower initiation of airway closure and a delay in relaxation of hyoid elevation during swallow. Delays increased with larger boluses. These findings may be related to impaired pharyngeal sensation and increased muscular rigidity. The results of this study will be helpful in guiding swallow therapy for patients with PD.
Making things new: Invention privileges and the configuration of priority
Authors: Buning Marius
Published: October 2018

It was because of the early modern system of invention privileges that questions concerning inventorship became a recurrent subject matter of legal dispute. This essay focuses mainly on the details of one such dispute, namely the 1597 case litigated in the Dutch Republic between Jacob Floris van Langren (ca. 1525–1610) and Jodocus Hondius Sr. (1563–1612). The essay assesses how the law shaped, challenged, and constrained claims to innovation, pushing the argument that it was because of the privilege system that the borders between imitation and novelty became ever more clearly defined. The case study thus illustrates how the law functioned as a technology ordering a complex web of knowledge and status claims.
Power quality enrichment using enhanced adaptive control-detuned-LC proposal in voltage source control conquered distributed generation with hardware implementation
Authors: Patowary Moushumi , Panda Gayadhar , Deka Bimal C
Published: October 2018

This paper presents the collective operation and comparative assessment of artificial neural network (ANN)-based adaptive controller with detuned-inductor capacitor (LC) filter facility in grid-tied voltage source control (VSC) system. In order to facilitate proper shaping of VSC outputs and to avoid voltage surge or current surge issues that may occur during the synchronization, the controlling action should reflect importance of total impedance (Zt) effect for: (i) accurate online weight updating, (ii) generation of correct references for proper shaping of VSC outputs, (iii) accurate assessment and exclusion of current harmonics and (iv) robust in defending any system perturbation. This impedance is taken into consideration during the run-time weight updation process through extended control steps in order to pass over various losses that certainly occurs in transformers, filters, line parameters and so forth. Performance of the system is well improved with an inclusion of total impedance (Zt) measured between the VSC and point of common coupling (PCC). A detuned-LC filter is predominantly intended for reactive power compensation, power factor correction, prompt and accurate alleviation of the harmonics. A comparative assessment in between enhanced and conventional adaptive controllers that are designed in MATLAB/Simulink clarifies the robust performances of the proposed control design under sundry system turbulences. The verification of the proposed enhanced controller is approved with the hardware results obtained using dSPACE RTI 1202 kit.
Selling Smartness: Corporate Narratives and the Smart City as a Sociotechnical Imaginary
Authors: Sadowski Jathan , Bendor Roy
Published: October 2018

This article argues for engaging with the smart city as a sociotechnical imaginary. By conducting a close reading of primary source material produced by the companies IBM and Cisco over a decade of work on smart urbanism, we argue that the smart city imaginary is premised in a particular narrative about urban crises and technological salvation. This narrative serves three main purposes: (1) it fits different ideas and initiatives into a coherent view of smart urbanism, (2) it sells and disseminates this version of smartness, and (3) it crowds out alternative visions and corresponding arrangements of smart urbanism. Furthermore, we argue that IBM and Cisco construct smart urbanism as both a reactionary and visionary force, plotting a model of the near future, but one that largely reflects and reinforces existing sociopolitical systems. We conclude by suggesting that breaking IBM’s and Cisco’s discursive dominance over the smart city imaginary requires us to reimagine what smart urbanism means and create counter-narratives that open up space for alternative values, designs, and models.
Overcoming the Challenges of Experimental Research: Lessons From a Criminal Justice Case Study Involving TASER Exposure
Authors: Todak Natalie , White Michael D. , Dario Lisa M. , Borrego Andrea R.
Published: October 2018

Objective:

To provide guidance to criminologists for conducting experiments in light of two common discouraging factors: the belief that they are overly time-consuming and the belief that they can compromise the ethical principles of human subjects’ research.

Method:

A case study approach is used, based on a large-scale randomized controlled trial experiment in which we exposed participants to a 5-s TASER shock, to describe how the authors overcame ethical, methodological, and logistical difficulties.

Results:

We derive four pieces of advice from our experiences carrying out this experimental trial: (1) know your limitations, (2) employ pilot testing, (3) remain flexible and patient, and (4) “hold the line” to maintain the integrity of the research and the safety of human subjects.

Conclusions:

Criminologists have an obligation to provide the best possible evidence regarding the impact and consequences of criminal justice practices and programs. Experiments, considered by many to be the gold standard of empirical research methodologies, should be used whenever possible in order to fulfill this obligation.
Teaching general music to young adolescents: Findings from a survey of music teacher perspectives
Authors: Cronenberg Stephanie
Published: October 2018

Middle school general music is an often-overlooked aspect of music education in the United States. Yet at some point, many music educators face a teaching assignment including one or more sections of middle school general music. In this study, I investigated whether the principles that guide music educators in teaching middle school general music align with the middle level concept, articulated in This We Believe: Keys to Educating Young Adolescents. In addition, I sought to examine the impact of a teacher’s lived experience on these principles. This survey of middle school teachers revealed that while less than 10% of respondents were aware of This We Believe, over 60% regularly use principles aligned with the middle level concept to guide their teaching, with the major exception of diverse assessment techniques. Analysis also revealed that over 80% of respondents are greatly influenced by their teaching experience when making teaching decisions compared to less than a third by their preservice preparation. Implications for this study include the inclusion of the middle level concept in preservice education, the diversification of assessment approaches in middle school general music, and the potential influence of the school community on a teacher’s practice.
Providing Public Services Without Relying Heavily on Government Funding: How Do Nonprofits Respond to Government Budget Cuts?
Authors: Cheng Yuan (Daniel) , Yang Lang (Kate)
Published: October 2018

Existing studies of government–nonprofit relationships have largely treated government funding as a revenue stream of nonprofit organizations. However, there is limited empirical research on how nonprofits respond to government spending changes in a public service subsector where they provide public services without relying heavily on government funding. In such public service subsectors, government spending cuts, thus, represent a reduction in governmental service provision rather than a revenue shock to nonprofits in the sector. Utilizing a unique panel data set of park-supporting nonprofits in large U.S. cities, this study examines how these nonprofits adjust financial management strategies in response to incremental and dramatic changes in the overall government spending on parks and recreation services in a city. The findings suggest that nonprofits increase fund-raising efforts and diversify revenue portfolios in response to incremental changes in the government spending environment. Facing a dramatic government budget cut on parks and recreation, nonprofits are more likely to reduce administrative expenses and spend more on programs to fill in the gap of service needs. Borrowing and using reserves seem not to be strategies nonprofits pursue in such circumstances.
Health insurance status and risk factors of mortality in patients with septic acute kidney injury in Ningbo, China
Authors: Fan Heng , Zhao Yu , Chen Guo-dong , Sun Min , Zhu Jian-Hua
Published: October 2018

Objective

To investigate the relationship between health insurance status and outcomes of septic acute kidney injury (AKI) related hospitalizations in an intensive care unit (ICU) in Ningbo, China.

Methods

For this retrospective study, information was extracted from patients notes and billing records for patients >18 years of age with a diagnosis of AKI admitted to the ICU department, Ningbo First Hospital from April 2013 to March 2018.

Results

Of the 368 patients with sepsis admitted to ICU, 167 (45%) developed AKI; 95 patients were insured and 72 were uninsured. Compared with insured patients, uninsured patients were younger, had higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, but had less catheter interventions and received less renal replacement therapy (RRT). Results from a multivariate analysis showed that independent predictors of ICU mortality were age, APACHE II scores, MODS scores, use of RRT and lack of insurance.

Conclusions

Uninsured patients with septic AKI were younger, stayed a shorter time in ICU, had higher illness severity scores and a higher ICU mortality than insured patients. Importantly a major risk factor for ICU mortality in this group was lack of insurance.
Corvée in the Kingdom of Israel: Israelites, ‘Canaanites’, and Cultural Memory
Authors: Houston Walter J.
Published: October 2018

Archaeological evidence of certain cultural traits supports the witness of some biblical passages that the (northern) kingdom of Israel was ethnically diverse, with non-Israelite populations in the northern lowlands. Texts in Judges 1 and 1 Kings 9 stating that ‘Canaanites’, etc., were subjected to forced labour, the corvée, either by Israelite tribes or by Solomon, should be regarded as texts of cultural memory, justifying the actual practice of the kingdom of Israel in the ninth and eighth centuries BCE in restricting the corvée to non-Israelites. This article proposes that these texts should be placed alongside the story of the rebellion against the house of David in 1 Kings 12, which, although in its present form is written from the point of view of Judah, carries clear traces of its origin as cultural memory in Israel. Taken together, the texts suggest that the kingdom avoided imposing the corvée on ethnic Israelites.
Delivery Process for an Office Building in the Seattle Central Business District
Authors: Kim Haena , Boyle Linda Ng , Goodchild Anne
Published: October 2018

Movement of goods within a central business district can be very constraining with high levels of congestion and insufficient curb spaces. Pick-up and delivery activities encompass a significant portion of urban goods movement, and inefficient operations can negatively impact the already highly congested areas and truck dwell times. Identifying and quantifying the delivery processes within the building is often difficult. This paper introduces a systematic approach to examine freight movement, using a process flow map with quantitative delivery times measured during the final segment of the delivery process. This paper focuses on vertical movements such as unloading/loading activities, taking freight elevators, and performing pick-up/delivery operations. This approach allows visualization of the components of the delivery process and identification of the processes that consume the most time and have greatest variability. Using this method, the delivery process for an office building in downtown Seattle was observed, grouped into three major activities (or steps): 1. Entering, 2. Delivering, 3. Exiting. This visualization tool provides researchers and planners with a better understanding of the current practices in the urban freight system, and helps identify the non-value-added activities and time that can unnecessarily increase the overall delivery time.
Ureterosigmoidostomy
Authors: Casagrande R. , Colabianchi C. , Di Tonno F. , Lavelli D.
Published: October 2018

After a brief review of the main ureterosigmoidostomy techniques, the Authors evaluate their own experience based on 116 patients operated between 1969 and 1987. The early and late complications of this procedure have been analyzed, in particular those regarding the state of the upper urinary tracts, hyperchloremic acidosis, colonic neoplasms, renal stones and proctitis. The Authors conclude that ureterosigmoidostomy still seems to have a well-defined role among urinary diversion possibilities that may be offered to patients (in particular women).
Male Pseudohermaphroditism with Persistence of Mullerian Structures: A Particular Case
Authors: Lanza P. , Scalfari A. , Spasari A. , Catuogno C. , Falvo F. , Talarico B. , Lanza T. , Gemelli R. , De Pasquale M. , Pirritano D.
Published: October 2018

A case of pseudohermaphroditism with persistence of Mullerian duct derivates in a 77-year-old patient is reported. The patient was phenotypically male and the caryotype was 46 XY. He had a normal penile size and normal sexual function until 3 years previously. The vagina and uterus communicated with the posterior urethra. Laparatomy showed an almost normal uterus with the testicles at the end of the fallopian tubes. Problems concerning embryogenesis and management are discussed.
Report on: “Treatment of urolithiasis with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)” - Introduction
Authors: Pisetta F.
Published: October 2018

The author reports some general considerations about urinary stone disease and about therapeutical approaches, and the results of 18 months experience in the Urology Department of Bolzano Hospital in the treatment of urinary stone disease, particularly through ESWL.
Conservative nephrolithiasis treatment in pediatrie age
Authors: Zattoni F. , Bianco M. Dal , Tasca A. , De Faveri D. , Passerini-Glazel G.
Published: October 2018

At the Urological Institute of Padua University, from January 1985 to February 1990, 38 children with nephrolithiasis were treated with PCNL, ESWL or URS, for a total of 40 renal units. Stone-free status was achieved in 13/14 renal units treated with PCNL, in 15/22 renal units treated with ESWL. A retreatment with ESWL was necessary in 4 cases. Our follow up ranges from 3 to 42 months with an average of 30 months.
Urological Surgery in Elderly Patients: Results and Considerations - Part I
Authors: Ferro G. , Pizzarella M. , Invidiato F. , Ligato P. , Fiorello M. , Olfeni R. , Pegoraro V.
Published: October 2018

The objective of our study is to evaluate if patients aged over 75 years show, once operated, a different state compared to younger patients. We have taken two groups of patients from our case histories: patients who underwent major surgery (with the exception of operations which are usually not performed on those over 75 years old) and patients who underwent minor surgery. This second group is made up of patients who underwent treatment for prostate hypertrophy either surgically or endoscopically. In these groups we have tried to see any differences concerning the percentage of operated patients, mortality, early and late complications and the average length of stay in hospital.
Urological Surgery in Elderly Patients: Results and Considerations - Part II
Authors: Pizzarella M. , Ferro G. , Invidiato F. , Ligato P. , Fiorello M. , Olfeni R. , Pegoraro V.
Published: October 2018

It is certainly true that increase of the average life span has caused a greater percentage of elderly people to visit urological departments. From April 1989 to December 1991, patients over 75 years under our observation were 10.8% of all operated patients. Only 5% of patients over 75 who needed to be operated, weren't actually operated. The numerical analysis of our experience has highlighted the fact that in patients who underwent an operation, the incidence and mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases weren't any higher than those found in other people of the same age. We are also convinced that prejudices about age limits should not prevent the elderly afflicted with a benign or malignant urological pathology from undergoing an operation.
Utility and limits of serum prostate specific antigen determinations in prostatic cancer staging in view of surgical treatment
Authors: Rossetti S. Rocca , Randone D.F. , Terrone C. , Pasquale M. , Pecchio F.
Published: October 2018

We investigated the clinical value of serum prostate specific antigen in 35 patients with apparently localized prostate cancer who underwent retropubic radical prostatectomy at our Department. In this series preoperative prostate specific antigen levels tended to increase with the increasing severity of pathological stage. The positive and negative predictive values were 68.1% and 63.6% respectively, accuracy was 66.6%. In the case of lymph node involvment, PSA values were lower than 10 nanog./ml in 20% of cases. Prostate specific antigen values not useful to predict preoperatively the final pathological stage of the prostate cancer because of the wide range of values among patients within each stage.
Appendiceal pathology simulating an advanced bladder cancer. Case report
Authors: Serretta V. , Vasile P. , Falletta V. , Gange E. , Piazza S. , Piazza B.
Published: October 2018

A case of unusual appendiceal pathology presenting as an advanced bladder cancer is reported. The difficulties in clinical and radiological diagnosis are emphasized. Correct diagnosis was possible only upon surgical exploration.
Vesico-vaginal fistulas
Authors: Pagano F. , Meneghini A. , Oliva G.
Published: October 2018

— Fifty-four patients were treated at the Department of Urology, University of Padova for vesico-vaginal fistulas from May 1978 to June 1992. Twenty-six were operated by suprapubic transvesical approach with no long-term relapse. Twenty-eight patients presented complex vesico-vaginal fistulas: 23 were treated by single-stage transvesical repair. In 5 cases a urinary diversion was performed, ileal in 2 cases, colonic in 3. Only 1 case of relapse was observed (3.5%) in this group, and the patient was successfully re-operated. Authors underline classificative and etiologic factors involved in vesico-vaginal fistulas. Diagnostic and technical details of suprapubic transvesical repair are discussed.
Pelvic lymphadenectomy: Anatomic considerations
Authors: Rossetti S. Rocca
Published: October 2018

The real significance of pelvic lymphadenectomy, cure or staging, is still unknown. The morbility of this procedure is surely proportional to the extension of lymph node ablation. Bleeding, intraoperative lesions of nervous structure (lumbo-sacral trunk) post-operative lymphocele, but also lesion of the inferior hypogastric plexus and pelvic branches are more frequent in the case of extended (all the hypogastric and pre-sacral lymph nodes) than limited procedures. Therefore pelvic lymphadenectomy in the case of urologic malignancy is obviously incomplete. Nevertheless the incidence of recurrences in the remaining lymphatic structure is neither high nor clinically significant an therefore the indication for limited procedures is reinforced.
Erectile dysfunction: Venous outflow evaluation by duplex sonography and pharmacoerection
Authors: Gallmetzer J. , Lochmann A.
Published: October 2018

Duplex sonography combined with pharmacoerection makes it possible to assess not only the arterial penile inflow but also the venous outflow and consequently the venous occlusive mechanism. The parameters for assessing venous outflow are the end-diastolic flow of endocavernous arteries and the resistence index. The evaluation of these parameters during penile duplex sonography may help to select patients who need to be further investigated by cavernosometry and -graphy.
An electrochemically deposited collagen wound matrix combined with adipose-derived stem cells improves cutaneous wound healing in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Edwards Nicole , Feliers Denis , Zhao Qingwei , Stone Randolph , Christy Robert , Cheng Xingguo
Published: October 2018

Chronic wounds complicated by diabetes are a significant clinical issue, and their occurrence is expected to continue to rise due to an increased prevalence of diabetes mellitus, especially type 2 diabetes. Diabetic wounds frequently lead to nonhealing ulcers, and often eventually result in limb amputation due to the high risk of infection of the chronic wound. Here, we present a tissue-engineered treatment that combines a novel electrochemically deposited collagen wound matrix and human adipose-derived stem cells. The matrix fabrication process is optimized for voltage and time, and the final collagen biomaterial is thoroughly characterized. This collagen material possesses high tensile strength, high porosity, and excellent biocompatibility and cellular proliferation capabilities. Human adipose-derived stem cells were seeded onto the collagen wound matrix and this construct is investigated in a full thickness excisional wound in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes. This novel treatment is shown to stimulate excellent healing and tissue regeneration, resulting in increased granulation tissue formation, epidermal thickness, and overall higher quality tissue reformation. Both the collagen wound matrix alone and collagen wound matrix in combination with adipose derived stem cells appeared to be excellent treatments for diabetic skin wounds, and in the future can also be optimized to treat other injuries such as burns, blast injuries, surgical incisions, and other traumatic injuries.
A Response to Critics
Authors: Smith James K. A.
Published: October 2018

The author responds to critics of Awaiting the King, addressing especially questions about Augustinian liberalism and the church’s complicity in, and responsibility for, disordered liturgies, raising fundamental questions about the relationship between church and world.
Defining Marijuana Tourism
Authors: Taylor Lorraine L.
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study was to develop a better understanding of the niche market of marijuana tourists that has emerged since states began legalizing recreational marijuana in 2014. Existing literature using qualitative methodology concluded that there are a variety of motivations for drug tourists. This study took an explorative approach to better understand the various dimensions of marijuana tourism motivations. Surveys were administered to tourists on-site at recreational marijuana stores in southwest Colorado. The results of the analysis indicate that marijuana tourist motivations are multidimensional. Future research should continue to refine the instrument and analyze data from other destinations that are experiencing marijuana tourism and could benefit from a deeper understanding of the motivations of their visitors.
Relationship between total thyroxine, thyroid palpation and a clinical index in hyperthyroid and healthy cats and cats with other diseases
Authors: Wehner Astrid , Koehler Ines , Ramspott Sabine , Hartmann Katrin
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Present-day diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is often established in the early stages where clinical signs and physical examination findings typically associated with the disease may not yet be present. The purpose of this study was to investigate thyroid palpation score (TPS), total thyroxine (T4), body weight, body condition score and a clinical scoring index, which assesses severity of illness and quality of life, in untreated hyperthyroid cats, healthy cats and cats with non-thyroidal illness.

Methods

Fifty-five cats with hyperthyroidism, 45 healthy cats and 327 euthyroid cats with non-thyroidal disease were prospectively enrolled. A Kruskal–Wallis test was used to determine any differences between metric data. A χ2 test was applied to compare nominal data between the three subgroups. Correlation between two variables was analysed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient.

Results

Almost 80% of the hyperthyroid cats and up to 20% of the healthy cats and cats with non-thyroidal illness had a palpable thyroid gland. Median TPS in hyperthyroid cats was 2, which was significantly higher compared with the other groups. Although there was a significant correlation between TPS and T4 when evaluating all cats, this could not be demonstrated in the three subgroups. Hyperthyroid cats with larger thyroid glands (TPS >3) did not have higher T4 levels. Hyperthyroid cats with lower clinical scores had significantly higher T4 levels compared with hyperthyroid cats with higher scores. Hyperthyroid cats were older and had lower body weights and body condition scores than other cats.

Conclusions and relevance

Hyperthyroid cats were commonly found to have palpable thyroid glands, but they were smaller than previously reported.
MicroRNAs as Biomarkers of B-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Solé Carla , Arnaiz Esther , Lawrie Charles H
Published: October 2018

B-cell lymphomas represent a diverse group of neoplasms classified primarily by histopatholgy and are often challenging to accurately diagnose. Despite having been recognized less than 20 years ago, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as one of the most promising class of cancer molecular biomarkers and are particularly attractive as they can be readily detected in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsy material and biological fluids such as blood. Many of the identified B-cell lymphoma miRNA biomarkers also play crucial regulatory roles in normal B-cell development. Below we consider the identity, function, and biomarker potential of miRNAs in B-cell lymphoma and most importantly the barriers that remain to be overcome if they are really to become part of routine clinical practice.
Gender diversity and non-binary presentations in young people attending the United Kingdom’s National Gender Identity Development Service
Authors: Twist Jos , de Graaf Nastasja M
Published: October 2018

There has been a recent rise in the number of people who hold a non-binary gender identity. However, the proportion of young people attending gender services who identify as non-binary has not yet been investigated. This article presents the findings from a pilot study of newly designed questionnaire, the Gender Diversity Questionnaire, which included questions about gender identity and gender expression. Responses from 251 adolescents attending the United Kingdom’s National Gender Identity Development Service between June 2016 and February 2017 are reported here. The majority, 56.9%, of young people identified as trans, 29.3% identified as a binary gender (male or female), 11% identified as non-binary and 1.2% as agender. There were no significant differences in self-defined identities based on assigned gender or age. However, once young people were separated into these groups, some of them were very small; thus, a larger sample is required. In terms of aspects of gender expression that were important to the young people, the data formed five themes – name and pronouns, external appearance, the body, intrinsic factors and ‘other’. Strengths and weaknesses of the research are discussed as well as future work that will be conducted.
Depressive symptoms and mental health-related quality of life in adolescence and young adulthood after early parental death
Authors: Appel Charlotte W. , Frederiksen Kirsten , Hjalgrim Henrik , Dyregrov Atle , Dalton Susanne O. , Dencker Annemarie , Høybye Mette Terp , Dige Jes , Bøge Per , Mikkelsen Ole Abildgaard , Johansen Christoffer , Envold Bidstrup Pernille
Published: October 2018

Aims: Little is known about long-term mental health in young adults who participate in ongoing grief counseling programs after early parental death in childhood, adolescence or young adulthood. The purpose of this study was to examine mental health in young adults according to early parental death and participation in grief counseling. Methods: In a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study, we included three samples of young adults age 18–41 years. One sample who had lost a parent between age 0 and 30 years and who had participated in grief counseling identified through four Danish grief-counseling organizations, and two registry-based samples of young adults included parentally bereaved and non-bereaved young adults. Multivariate-adjusted regression analyses were performed to characterize risk of depressive symptoms and mental health-related quality of life (HQoL) according to early parental death and participation in grief counseling. Results: A total of 2467 (45%) young adults participated. Bereaved young adults reported significantly more depressive symptoms (p<0.0001) and lower mental HQoL (p<0.0001) than non-bereaved young adults and than general population levels for both depressive symptoms (p<0.0001) and HQoL (p<0.0001). Bereaved young adults who had participated in grief counseling reported significantly more depressive symptoms (p<0.0001) and lower mental HQoL (p<0.0001) than bereaved persons who did not participate in grief counseling. Conclusions: Bereaved young adults report more mental health problems than non-bereaved young adults, and also after participation in grief counseling the death of a parent may be accompanied by subsequent mental health problems.
Pathways to legitimacy
Authors: Taylor Zack
Published: October 2018

Planners are centrally concerned with the legitimacy of planning institutions and practices. In a democratic society, governments depend on the voluntary compliance of external actors for the implementation of their policies. Planning theorists have largely focused on the inclusiveness and quality of deliberation in goal-setting. This article expands this focus using Scharpf’s and Schmidt’s distinction between three domains of legitimation—input, throughput, and output—each of which affords a distinct pathway to legitimacy. These legitimation processes are examined through a comparison of the postwar development of American regional planning institutions in Minneapolis–St Paul, Minnesota, and Portland, Oregon. The input-throughput-output distinction can be used to interpret the operation and impacts of historical planning activities, or prospectively to evaluate the potential impacts of institutional reforms.
Reliability and Validity of Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale in Turkish Population
Authors: Ayan Gizem , Afacan Ceyda , Poyraz Burc Cagrı , Bilgic Onur , Avci Suna , Yavuzer Hakan , Yuruyen Mehmet , Erdincler Deniz Suna , Ayan Burak , Doventas Alper
Published: October 2018

Background:

The aim is to validate Turkish version Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS).

Methods:

One hundred forty patients (>65 years) were included. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition -V was used in all patients. Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale was applied for 2 days. Results were compared with Mini-Mental State Examination; reliability, validity, and statistical values were determined.

Results:

Time validity was verified. Mini-mental state examination was correlated 45.3% in control and 73% in dementia group. Factor weights varied between 0.44 and 0.81; factor construct was verified as 6-item scoring. When 25 was cutoff point, sensitivity was 92.86% and specificity was 92.86%. Content validity index was found to be 100% by 7 specialists. Cronbach α (0.692) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation = 0.987) were determined.

Conclusion:

Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (Turkish) is validated and verified as reliable. Test could be applied for 5 minutes approximately; results are not affected by educational status, immigrant status, and language used; however, age and gender have significant effect on results.
Implication of microglia activation and CSF1/CSF1R pathway in lumbar disc degeneration-related back pain
Authors: Yang Ge , Chen Lunhao , Gao Zhihua , Wang Yue
Published: October 2018

Back pain is common and costly. Although lumbar disc degeneration has long been regarded as a major contributor to back pain, how disc degeneration leads to back pain remains unclear. Recent studies observed microglia activation in the spinal cord after disc degeneration, suggesting activated microglia may be involved in discogenic back pain. To determine whether microglia activation participates in disc degeneration-induced back pain, we used a modified disc puncture-induced degeneration-related back pain mouse model to examine the changes in spinal microglia and investigate the potential link between microglia activation and discogenic back pain. In this study, 46 CX3CR1GFP/+ male mice were used in experimental and sham groups. A modified posterolateral retroperitoneal approach was used to expose the L3/L4 disc to induce the needle puncture in the experimental group. Behavioral tests, including grip force and physical function, were used to measure back pain at pre- and postsurgery. The L3 dorsal root ganglions and lumbar spinal cord were obtained at postoperative weeks 1 to 4 followed by immunofluorescence with different antibodies. Micrographs were obtained by confocal microscopy, and morphometric measurements of microglia were analyzed using Imaris. The punctured disc underwent progressive degeneration and mice with disc degeneration showed impaired grip force and physical function. Compared to the control mice, the number of microglia in the lumbar spinal cord was significantly increased in the disc-punctured animals. Moreover, accumulated microglia exhibited larger soma size and lesser ramification in the disc-injured mice. Immunofluorescence demonstrated colony-stimulating factor 1, a cytokine that promotes microglia repopulation, was significantly increased in L3 dorsal root ganglions, whereas its receptor colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor was upregulated on microglia in the disc-injured mice. In summary, lumbar disc puncture caused progressive disc degeneration which induced microglia activation and back pain in mice. Increased colony-stimulating factor 1/colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor signaling is involved in the disc degeneration-induced microglia activation and back pain.
Attitude estimation using horizon detection in thermal images
Authors: Carrio Adrian , Bavle Hriday , Campoy Pascual
Published: October 2018

The lack of redundant attitude sensors represents a considerable yet common vulnerability in many low-cost unmanned aerial vehicles. In addition to the use of attitude sensors, exploiting the horizon as a visual reference for attitude control is part of human pilots’ training. For this reason, and given the desirable properties of image sensors, quite a lot of research has been conducted proposing the use of vision sensors for horizon detection in order to obtain redundant attitude estimation onboard unmanned aerial vehicles. However, atmospheric and illumination conditions may hinder the operability of visible light image sensors, or even make their use impractical, such as during the night. Thermal infrared image sensors have a much wider range of operation conditions and their price has greatly decreased during the last years, becoming an alternative to visible spectrum sensors in certain operation scenarios. In this paper, two attitude estimation methods are proposed. The first method consists of a novel approach to estimate the line that best fits the horizon in a thermal image. The resulting line is then used to estimate the pitch and roll angles using an infinite horizon line model. The second method uses deep learning to predict attitude angles using raw pixel intensities from a thermal image. For this, a novel Convolutional Neural Network architecture has been trained using measurements from an inertial navigation system. Both methods presented are proven to be valid for redundant attitude estimation, providing RMS errors below 1.7° and running at up to 48 Hz, depending on the chosen method, the input image resolution and the available computational capabilities.
Outcomes of early and reversible renal impairment in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Khoury Shafik , Margolis Gilad , Ravid Dor , Rozenbaum Zach , Keren Gad , Shacham Yacov
Published: October 2018

Objective:

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). While AKI occurring post-PCI has been well studied, the incidence and clinical significance of early renal impairment evident on hospital admission prior to PCI and which resolves towards discharge has not been investigated.

Methods:

We retrospectively studied 2339 STEMI patients treated with primary PCI. The incidence of renal impairment and in-hospital complications as well as short and long-term mortality were compared between patients who did not develop renal impairment, patients who developed post-PCI AKI and those who presented with renal impairment on admission but improved their renal function during hospitalization (improved renal function). Improved renal function was defined as continuous and gradual decrease of ⩾ 0.3 mg/dL in serum creatinine levels obtained at hospital admission.

Results:

One hundred and nineteen patients (5%) had improved renal function and 230 patients (10%) developed post-PCI AKI. When compared with patients with no renal impairment, improved renal function and post-PCI AKI were associated with more complications and adverse events during hospitalization as well as higher 30-day mortality. Long-term mortality was significantly higher among those with post-PCI AKI (63/230, 27%) following STEMI than those without renal impairment (104/1990, 5%; p<0.001), but there was no significant difference in long term mortality between patients with no renal impairment and those with improved renal function (5% vs. 7.5%, p=0.17).

Conclusion:

In STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI, the presence of renal impairment prior to PCI which resolves towards discharge is not uncommon and is associated with adverse short-term outcomes but better long-term outcomes compared with post-PCI AKI.