bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of automated electron microscopy imaging and machine learning to characterise and quantify nanoparticle dispersion in aqueous media
Authors: ILETT M. , WILLS J. , REES P. , SHARMA S. , MICKLETHWAITE S. , BROWN A. , BRYDSON R. , HONDOW N.
Published: December 2019

For many nanoparticle applications it is important to understand dispersion in liquids. For nanomedicinal and nanotoxicological research this is complicated by the often complex nature of the biological dispersant and ultimately this leads to severe limitations in the analysis of the nanoparticle dispersion by light scattering techniques. Here we present an alternative analysis and associated workflow which utilises electron microscopy. The need to collect large, statistically relevant datasets by imaging vacuum dried, plunge frozen aliquots of suspension was accomplished by developing an automated STEM imaging protocol implemented in an SEM fitted with a transmission detector. Automated analysis of images of agglomerates was achieved by machine learning using two free open‐source software tools: CellProfiler and ilastik. The specific results and overall workflow described enable accurate nanoparticle agglomerate analysis of particles suspended in aqueous media containing other potential confounding components such as salts, vitamins and proteins.

Lay Description

In order to further advance studies in both nanomedicine and nanotoxicology, we need to continue to understand the dispersion of nanoparticles in biological fluids. These biological environments often contain a number of components such as salts, vitamins and proteins which can lead to difficulties when using traditional techniques to monitor dispersion. Here we present an alternative analysis which utilises electron microscopy. In order to use this approach statistically relevant large image datasets were collected from appropriately prepared samples of nanoparticle suspensions by implementing an automated imaging protocol. Automated analysis of these images was achieved through machine learning using two readily accessible freeware; CellProfiler and ilastik. The workflow presented enables accurate nanoparticle dispersion analysis of particles suspended in more complex biological media.
State‐Level Determinants of Hate Crime Reporting: Examining the Impact of Structural and Social Movement Influences
Authors: Scheuerman Heather L. , Parris Christie L. , Faupel Alison H. , Werum Regina
Published: December 2019

In this article, we investigate factors affecting hate crime policies by examining anti‐LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) hate crime reports as a type of policy implementation. Analyzing state‐level data drawn primarily from the US Census between 1995 and 2008, we examine how structural and social movement mobilization factors explain hate crime reporting. We find that anti‐LGBT hate crimes are more likely to be reported in more urbanized states and in states with both split political elites and a greater number of LGBT social movement organizations. We discuss the implications of our findings for separating the drivers of policy passage from policy implementation and for complementary criminological and social movement explanations for hate crime reporting.
Aflatoxin exposure in utero and birth and growth outcomes in Tanzania
Authors: Passarelli Simone , Bromage Sabri , Darling Anne Marie , Wang Jia‐Sheng , Aboud Said , Mugusi Ferdinand , Griffiths Jeffrey K. , Fawzi Wafaie
Published: December 2019

Some evidence suggests that aflatoxin may contribute to the high prevalence of stunting observed in low‐income countries. Whereas several studies have been conducted in West Africa, fewer exist in East Africa and even fewer in nonagricultural contexts. We analyzed serum samples from 400 iron‐replete, nonanemic pregnant women from a cohort in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to determine the extent and magnitude of exposure to aflatoxin and to study the relationship between levels of aflatoxin exposure in utero and infant birth and growth outcomes. Ninety‐nine percent of women had detectable concentrations of aflatoxin B1‐lysine (AFB1‐lysine), with a median level of 1.4‐pg/mg albumin, indicating a much lower level compared to studies of rural populations in sub‐Saharan Africa. Our results do not show a statistically significant relationship between AFB1‐lysine levels and birth weight, small for gestational age, or prematurity. We observe a small statistically significant reduction in gestational age at delivery (0.47 weeks; 95% CI: −0.86, −0.07) as the natural log of AFB1‐lysine levels increases by 1 unit of pg/mg of albumin, after controlling for potential confounders. Among a nonrandom set of infants who had measurements for placental weight, haemoglobin at delivery, and follow‐up z‐score measurements, we find no association between aflatoxin plasma concentrations and these variables. These findings suggest a high prevalence of chronic low‐level exposure to aflatoxin, though its effect on birth outcomes in this population remains unclear. Our research adds to a growing body of literature finding mixed associations between aflatoxins on pregnancy outcomes and child growth.
Early development in children with moderate acute malnutrition: A cross‐sectional study in Burkina Faso
Authors: Olsen Mette F. , Iuel‐Brockdorff Ann‐Sophie , Yaméogo Charles W. , Cichon Bernardette , Fabiansen Christian , Filteau Suzanne , Phelan Kevin , Ouédraogo Albertine , Wells Jonathan C. , Briend André , Michaelsen Kim F. , Lauritzen Lotte , Ritz Christian , Ashorn Per , Christensen Vibeke B. , Gladstone Melissa , Friis Henrik
Published: December 2019

Malnutrition impairs cognitive, communication, and motor development, but it is not known how nutrition and health are associated with development in children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). We aimed to describe motor and language development of children with MAM and explore its nutrition and health‐related correlates. This cross‐sectional study used baseline data from a nutritional trial in children with MAM aged 6–23 months in Burkina Faso. Motor and language skills were assessed using the Malawi Development Assessment Tool (MDAT). Linear mixed models were used to explore potential correlates of MDAT including socio‐economic status, anthropometry, body composition, whole‐blood polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), haemoglobin (Hb), iron status, and morbidity. We also assessed child and caregiver participation during MDAT procedures and their associations with correlates and development. MDAT data were available for 1.608 children. Mean (95% CI) MDAT z‐scores were −0.39 (−0.45, −0.34) for gross motor, 0.54 (0.48, 0.59) for fine motor, and −0.91 (−0.96, −0.86) for language skills. Children with higher mid‐upper arm circumference, weight‐for‐height, height‐for‐age, fat‐free mass, n‐3 PUFAs, Hb, and iron status had better MDAT z‐scores, whereas children with more fat mass index, anaemia, illness, and inflammation had poorer z‐scores. In addition, children living in larger households or with an unmarried mother had poorer MDAT z‐scores. Associations between morbidity and z‐scores were largely explained by children's poorer participation during MDAT assessment. The identified factors associated with child development may inform interventions needed to stimulate development during or after management of MAM.
Bayesian modeling of flood control networks for failure cascade characterization and vulnerability assessment
Authors: Dong Shangjia , Yu Tianbo , Farahmand Hamed , Mostafavi Ali
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a Bayesian network model to assess the vulnerability of the flood control infrastructure and to simulate failure cascade based on the topological structure of flood control networks along with hydrological information gathered from sensors. Two measures are proposed to characterize the flood control network vulnerability and failure cascade: (a) node failure probability (NFP), which determines the failure likelihood of each network component under each scenario of rainfall event, and (b) failure cascade susceptibility, which captures the susceptibility of a network component to failure due to failure of other links. The proposed model was tested in both single watershed and multiple watershed scenarios in Harris County, Texas using historical data from three different flooding events, including Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The proposed model was able to identify the most vulnerable flood control network segments prone to flooding in the face of extreme rainfall. The framework and results furnish a new tool and insights to help decision‐makers to prioritize infrastructure enhancement investments and actions. The proposed Bayesian network modeling framework also enables simulation of failure cascades in flood control infrastructures, and thus could be used for scenario planning as well as near‐real‐time inundation forecasting to inform emergency response planning and operation, and hence improve the flood resilience of urban areas.
Investigating the Impact of Racial Diversity in Decision‐making Groups: The Moderating Role of Relationship Conflict
Authors: Manata Brian
Published: December 2019

To date, numerous research endeavors have documented both the positive and negative effects of racial diversity on numerous group‐level performance outcomes. Indeed, a reading of the racial diversity literature would lead one to make one of two contradictory predictions regarding the effects of racial diversity in groups. In the interest of solving this theoretical issue, both perspectives were synthesized, such that racially diverse groups were expected to outperform homogeneous groups when performing a decision‐making task, but only when relationship conflict between members was minimized. In addition, the association between racial diversity and decision‐making quality was expected to be negative when relationship conflict between members was high. A study is reported which investigates the validity of and finds general support for this proposition (i.e., racial diversity in groups increased the group’s ability to make accurate decisions, but only under conditions in which relationship conflict between group members was kept to a minimum). A discussion is offered in which the implications of these results are entertained.
Epidemiological and clinical characteristics and outcome of monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance‐related lesions in Latin America
Authors: Peña Camila , Schutz Natalia P. , Riva Eloísa , Valjalo Ricardo , Majlis Alejandro , López‐Vidal Hernán , Lois Vivianne , Zamora Daniela , Ochoa Paola , Shanley Claudia , Gonzalez José Tomás , Fantl Dorotea , Correa Gonzalo , Ramirez Jhoanna , Mur Paola , Silva Guillermo , Verri Verónica , Rojas Christine , Escobar Karen , Glavic Gustavo , Méndez Gonzalo P. ,   the Grupo de estudio latinoamericano de mieloma múltiple (GELAMM)
Published: December 2019

Background

Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS)‐related lesions are infrequent entities. There are no publications on these disorders in Latin America (LA). The aim of this study was to describe epidemiological and clinical characteristics of these patients in LA.

Methods

We performed a multicentre retrospective study. Patients with diagnosis of MGRS between 2012 and 2018 were included. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected from clinical records.

Results

Twenty‐seven patients from Chile, Argentina, Ecuador and Uruguay were included. Half debuted with a nephrotic syndrome, and 32% required dialysis. Proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immunoglobulin deposits was found in 33%, amyloidosis in 26% and monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease also in 26%. The immunoglobulin most frequently found in renal biopsies was IgG kappa. In 67% a paraprotein was found. Twenty patients received an anti‐plasma cell regimen, and 3 a rituximab‐based regimen (IgM‐MGRS). Renal response (RR) was achieved in 56%. Early treatment (≤3 months) was associated with higher RR (75% vs 43%). Three patients relapsed within 21.5 months, and 3 progressed: 1 to multiple myeloma, 1 to systemic amyloidosis and another to systemic light‐chain deposition disease. Two patients died, both due to infection during induction treatment.

Conclusion

There was a higher than expected frequency of patients requiring dialysis. The most common MGRS‐related lesion was PGNMD. Early treatment was associated with better response. As a rare disease, increasing awareness and promoting early diagnosis are necessary in LA to improve outcomes.

SUMMARY AT A GLANCE

A collection of 27 cases of MGRS from Latin America with information on epidemiology, clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome of patients diagnosed of MGRS‐related renal lesions.
Efficacy and Safety Analysis of Ultrasonic Bone Curette in the Treatment of Thoracic Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Lu Xiang‐dong , Zhao Yi‐bo , Zhao Xiao‐feng , Qi De‐tai , Yang Xu , Wang Xiao‐nan , Zhou Run‐tian , Jin Yuan‐zhang , Zhao Bin
Published: December 2019

Objective

To investigate the efficacy and safety of ultrasonic bone curette in treating thoracic spinal stenosis.

Methods

A total of 30 patients of thoracic spinal stenosis who underwent posterior thoracic decompression in the hospital from December 2015 to 2017 were enrolled. Of these, 18 patients (group A) underwent posterior thoracic decompression using ultrasonic bone curette; and 12 patients underwent the treatment using a high‐speed drill (group B). The time of laminectomy, amount of intraoperative blood loss, presence or absence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and nerve root injury were recorded. All patients underwent X‐ray, computed tomography with three‐dimensional reconstruction, and magnetic resonance imaging before and after surgery. The Frankel classification and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores were used to assess the neurological function and neurological recovery in patients. The measured data were statistically processed and analyzed using SPSS21.0 software, and the measurement data were expressed as mean ± SD.

Results

In groups A and B, the average time for single‐segment laminectomy was 3.3 ± 1.2 min and 6.0 ± 1.8 min and the mean bleeding volume was 105.5 ± 43.3 mL and 177.4 ± 54.7 mL, respectively, with a statistically significant difference between the groups. The difference in JOA scores before and after surgery in groups A and B was statistically significant. No significant difference was found between the groups, in group A, the improvement rate of nerve function at the last follow‐up was 71% and in group B, the improvement rate at the last follow‐up was 70%. In group A, at last follow‐up, two patients had Frankel grade B injury, one had grade C injury, seven had grade D injury, and eight had grade E injury. In group B, at last follow‐up, one patient had Frankel grade B injury, one had grade C injury, five had grade D injury, and five had grade E injury. The Frankel classification of both groups A and B significantly improved. Four patients experienced cerebrospinal fluid leakage in group A and five in group B, with no significant difference between the groups. There was no nerve root injury in both groups, and no complications, such as pulmonary infection and urinary tract infection, occurred after operation.

Conclusions

With the use of ultrasonic bone curette in posterior thoracic decompression, the decompression surgery could be completed relatively safely and quickly. It effectively reduced the amount of intraoperative blood loss.
Randomized, double‐blind, 6‐week non‐inferiority study of lurasidone and risperidone for the treatment of schizophrenia
Authors: Feng Yuan , Shi Jianguo , Wang Lili , Zhang Xia , Tan Yunlong , Zhao Jingyuan , Ning Yuping , Xie Shiping , Liu Xuejun , Liu Qi , Li Keqing , Wang Xiaoliang , Li Lehua , Xu Xiufeng , Deng Wei , Luo Xiaoyan , Wang Gang
Published: December 2019

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of lurasidone for the treatment of Chinese schizophrenic patients.

Methods

Hospitalized schizophrenia patients aged 18–65 were randomized to 6 weeks of double‐blind, double‐dummy, flexible‐dose treatment with lurasidone (40 or 80 mg/day) or risperidone (2, 4 or 6 mg/day). Efficacy was evaluated using a non‐inferiority comparison of lurasidone relative to risperidone based on week 6 change in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score. Safety assessments included adverse events, clinical laboratory measures, and electrocardiograms.

Results

Four hundred and forty‐four patients were screened to obtain an intent‐to‐treat sample of 384 patients, of whom 54 patients discontinued treatment prior to 6 weeks. Lurasidone met the criteria for non‐inferiority versus risperidone on the PANSS total score. Adjusted mean (SE) change at week 6 on the PANSS total score was −31.2 (1.0) and −34.9 (1.0) in the lurasidone and risperidone group, respectively. The mean difference score was 3.7, and the upper boundary of the 95%‐confidence interval (1.0–6.3) was less than the prespecified margin of 7.0. No clinically meaningful between‐treatment group differences were evident on secondary efficacy measures, including PANSS positive, PANSS negative, Clinical Global Impression scale – Severity, and Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia scales. The incidence of adverse events was lower for lurasidone vs risperidone for extrapyramidal symptoms (17.0% vs 38.2%), akathisia (7.2% vs 13.6%), prolactin increase (3.1% vs 14.1%), and weight increase (0.5% vs 5.2%).

Conclusion

Lurasidone was found to be non‐inferior to risperidone on the primary endpoint with minimal effects on weight, metabolic parameters, or prolactin levels.
Biochar and woodchip amendments alter restoration outcomes, microbial processes, and soil moisture in a simulated semi‐arid ecosystem
Authors: Fehmi Jeffrey S. , Rasmussen Craig , Gallery Rachel E.
Published: December 2019

Amendments, such as woodchips or biochar, may improve success of arid and semi‐arid wildland revegetation limited by unpredictable and insufficient rainfall as well as low soil water holding capacity. In an 116‐day greenhouse experiment simulating a nearby savannah, response to four amendment treatments (no treatment, incorporated biochar, incorporated woodchips, and surface woodchips) was tested across two field soils (Chiricahua and Hathaway) and four simulated precipitation treatments (100, 80, 60, and 40% of average) in a replicated design. Soil type, amendment treatments, and simulated precipitation all had significant (p < 0.01) effects on aboveground biomass. The surface woodchip treatment averaged the highest biomass production of the amendment treatments (489 kg/ha) and the incorporated woodchips had the lowest (298 kg/ha). Aboveground biomass decreased with decreasing precipitation (533, 468, 350, and 216 kg/ha, respectively). Biochar amended soils averaged 5–10% higher volumetric water content than the woodchip amendments and controls through a 28‐day dry down. Microbial nitrogen and phosphorus acquiring activities were higher in Hathaway soils while carbon activities were higher in Chiricahua soils. The surface woodchip treatment resulted in a different species composition than the other amendment and control treatments (p < 0.01). None of the amendment treatments ameliorated low precipitation conditions for plants. Contrary to expectations, carbon and phosphorus exoenzyme activities were highest in the lower precipitation treatments (60 and 40%) and nitrogen exoenzyme activities remained high in Hathaway soils regardless of precipitation. Surface application of woodchips increased vegetation as well as carbon and phosphorus exoenzyme activities while incorporating woodchips suppressed vegetation.
Breastfeeding and offspring’s compassion and empathy in adulthood: A study with an over 30‐year follow‐up
Authors: Saarinen Aino I. L. , Keltikangas‐Järvinen Liisa , Honda Yukiko , Oksman Elli , Raitakari Olli , Pulkki‐Råback Laura , Hintsanen Mirka
Published: December 2019

This study investigated whether breastfeeding predicts offspring’s dispositional compassion and empathy from early adulthood to middle age. The parents of the participants (N = 1,394) of the Young Finns study answered questions about breastfeeding in 1983, and the participants’ compassion and empathy were evaluated in 1997‒2012 (participants were aged 20‒50 years). Breastfeeding did not predict the course of compassion or empathy in adulthood at the age of 20‒50 years. The associations remained non‐significant, when adjusted for age, gender, socioeconomic factors, and a wide range of characteristics of the family environment (including mother’s gestational age; premature birth; birth weight; number of other children at home; parental mental disorder; parental relationship status; parental postnatal smoking; parental postnatal alcohol use; parenting behavior; and child’s externalizing behavior). In conclusion, breastfeeding seems not to predict offspring’s compassion or empathy in adulthood. The findings may present a hopeful perspective for children growing up with non‐breastfeeding caregivers.
Hyperuricaemia and its association with 10‐year risk of cardiovascular disease among migrant and non‐migrant African populations: the RODAM study
Authors: Chilunga Felix P. , Henneman Peter , Requena‐Méndez Ana , Meeks Karlijn , Beune Erik , Mannens Marcel M. A. M. , Agyemang Charles
Published: December 2019

Objective

In the advent of rapid urbanisation, migration and epidemiological transition, the extent to which serum uric acid (sUA) affects cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among Africans is not well understood. We assessed differences in sUA levels and associations with CVD risk among migrant Ghanaians in Europe and non‐migrant Ghanaians in rural and urban Ghana.

Methods

Baseline data from 633 rural, 916 urban and 2315 migrant participants (40–70 years) from the cross‐sectional RODAM study were analysed. Hyperuricaemia was defined as sUA >7 mg/dl in men and >6 mg/dl in women. The 10‐year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) was calculated using the American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) risk score which takes into account ethnic minority populations. High CVD risk was defined as ASCVD risk scores ≥7.5%. Logistic regressions were used to assess associations between hyperuricaemia and CVD risk.

Results

Prevalence for hyperuricaemia in rural, urban and migrant participants was 17.4%, 19.1% and 31.7% for men, and 15.9%, 18.2% and 33.2% for women, respectively. Hyperuricaemia was positively associated with elevated CVD risk among rural residents (adjusted OR for men 3.28, 95% CI: 1.21–8.96, 6.36, 95% CI: 2.98–13.56 for women), urban residents (1.12, 95% CI: 0.45–2.81 for men, 2.11, 95% CI: 1.26–3.52 for women) and migrants (1.73, 95% CI: 1.01–2.96 for men, 4.61, 95% CI: 3.05–6.97 for women).

Conclusion

Our study shows variations of sUA levels in different African contexts. Hyperuricaemia is associated with elevated 10‐year CVD risk in both migrants and non‐migrants. Further studies should identify factors driving associations between sUA and CVD risk in Africans.
A Rational Model of Word Skipping in Reading: Ideal Integration of Visual and Linguistic Information
Authors: Duan Yunyan , Bicknell Klinton
Published: December 2019

Readers intentionally do not fixate some words, thought to be those they have already identified. In a rational model of reading, these word skipping decisions should be complex functions of the particular word, linguistic context, and visual information available. In contrast, heuristic models of reading only predict additive effects of word and context features. Here we test these predictions by implementing a rational model with Bayesian inference and predicting human skipping with the entropy of this model's posterior distribution. Results showed a significant effect of the entropy in predicting skipping above a strong baseline model including word and context features. This pattern held for entropy measures from rational models with a frequency prior but not from models with a 5‐gram prior. These results suggest complex interactions between visual input and linguistic knowledge as predicted by the rational model of reading, and a dominant role of frequency in making skipping decisions.
Intra‐ and inter‐rater agreement for the detection of band neutrophils and toxic change in horses
Authors: Fernandez Nicole J. , Gilroy Cornelia V. , Wagg Catherine R. , Kwong Grace P. S. , Roy Marie‐France
Published: December 2019

Background

The detection of band neutrophils and toxic change via microscopic blood smear review is vitally important, as their presence indicates systemic inflammation. However, in‐clinic evaluation of WBC morphology is often limited.

Objective

We aimed to determine the agreement between expert raters in the detection of bands and toxic change.

Methods

Three board‐certified clinical pathologists each evaluated 109 blood smears from horses with acute disease, and 19 control smears from healthy horses. The pathologists determined if bands were present, and if so, the percentage of bands present. They also determined if toxic change was present, and if so, the grade of toxic change. Intra‐rater agreement was evaluated using 12 duplicate blood smears. Agreement on the presence of bands between pathologists and an in‐clinic hematology analyzer was evaluated.

Results

Intra‐rater agreement was substantial to almost perfect. Agreement between pathologists for the detection of bands was moderate, but when pathologists agreed bands were present, there was excellent agreement on the percentage of bands and mature neutrophils. Agreement between pathologists for the detection of high‐grade, clinically relevant toxic change was fair. When pathologists agreed high‐grade toxic change was present, there was fair agreement on Döhle bodies and cytoplasmic basophilia and poor agreement on cytoplasmic vacuolation. Agreement between individual pathologists and the in‐clinic hematology analyzer for the indication of bands was fair to moderate.

Conclusions

Consistent identification of bands and toxic change is challenging, even for highly trained personnel. It is, thus,not surprising that in‐clinic blood smear evaluation of WBC morphology by non‐experts could be inadequate.
Health economics of Patient Blood Management: a cost‐benefit analysis based on a meta‐analysis
Authors: Meybohm Patrick , Straub Niels , Füllenbach Christoph , Judd Leonie , Kleinerüschkamp Adina , Taeuber Isabel , Zacharowski Kai , Choorapoikayil Suma
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives

Patient Blood Management (PBM) is the timely application of evidence‐based medical and surgical concepts designed to improve haemoglobin concentration, optimize haemostasis and minimize blood loss in an effort to improve patient outcomes. The focus of this cost‐benefit analysis is to analyse the economic benefit of widespread implementation of a multimodal PBM programme.

Materials and Methods

Based on a recent meta‐analysis including 17 studies (>235 000 patients) comparing PBM with control care and data from the University Hospital Frankfurt, a cost‐benefit analysis was performed. Outcome data were red blood cell (RBC) transfusion rate, number of transfused RBC units, and length of hospital stay (LOS). Costs were considered for the following three PBM interventions as examples: anaemia management including therapy of iron deficiency, use of cell salvage and tranexamic acid. For sensitivity analysis, a Monte Carlo simulation was performed.

Results

Iron supplementation was applied in 3·1%, cell salvage in 65% and tranexamic acid in 89% of the PBM patients. In total, applying these three PBM interventions costs €129·04 per patient. However, PBM was associated with a reduction in transfusion rate, transfused RBC units per patient, and LOS which yielded to mean savings of €150·64 per patient. Thus, the overall benefit of PBM implementation was €21·60 per patient. In the Monte Carlo simulation, the cost savings on the outcome side exceeded the PBM costs in approximately 2/3 of all repetitions and the total benefit was €1 878 000 in 100·000 simulated patients.

Conclusion

Resources to implement a multimodal PBM concept optimizing patient care and safety can be cost‐effectively.
The hypoattenuating ocular lens on CT is not always due to cataract formation
Authors: Pemberton Sarah , Odom Thomas F. , Dittmer Keren E. , Kopke Matthew A. , Marshall Jonathan C. , Poirier Valerie J. , Owen Mark C.
Published: December 2019

Hypoattenuating ocular lenses on CT have been described with cataract formation in humans, however published studies are currently lacking regarding this finding in veterinary patients. The purpose of this retrospective and prospective study was to describe the varying CT appearances of the ocular lens in vivo, and investigate the causes for CT density variations in a population of cats and dogs. A total of 102 canine and feline patients with CT of the head acquired at the authors’ hospital between May 2011 and March 2019 were included. A bilateral hypoattenuating halo surrounding an isoattenuating to mildly hypoattenuating core was described in the ocular lens center of every cat in which a Philips brand proprietary image construction filter was used. A similar but more varied hypoattenuating region was noted in the lenses of 45.8% of dogs where the same filter was applied, as well as 43.8% of dogs with a second, similar filter. Ophthalmic examination of three live cats and one dog with hypoattenuating lenses demonstrated normal lens translucency, excluding the presence of cataract. The effect of different proprietary filters on lens appearance was also described in three fresh cadavers with normal lenses identified on ophthalmic, macroscopic, and microscopic examination. Etiology of the hypoattenuating areas within the ocular lens was not conclusively determined. Recognition that such a variant may be seen in the absence of cataract is important, in order to prevent misdiagnosis.
El logo, el branding y su influencia en la marca. Caso de estudio: el logosímbolo de Ecopetrol 2003
Authors: Gutiérrez Gutiérrez María Margarita
Published: December 2019

Este artículo tiene dos objetivos generales: primero, analizar la identidad visual a partir de los cinco logosímbolos que desde 1951 ha tenido la Empresa Colombiana de Petróleos (Ecopetrol), con base en el análisis del signo, el ícono, el logotipo y el isotipo; y segundo, establecer el impacto del último logosímbolo sobre la percepción del consumidor, su aceptación y reconocimiento de las actividades, productos y responsabilidad socio-empresarial y ambiental de Ecopetrol, haciendo énfasis en el branding y su influencia en la marca. Para la consecución de estos objetivos, se diseñó una investigación cualitativa y cuantitativa, apoyada en el marco conceptual del marketing corporativo, a partir de lo cual se realiza esta reflexión
La narración periodística como estrategia de formación ciudadana en Prensa Escuela
Authors: Campuzano Baena Carolina , Guerrero Cabrera Sonia Amparo
Published: December 2019

En este artículo, se exponen los principales hallazgos de la investigación “La mediación de Prensa Escuela en la formación ciudadana y la ética”, realizada por Prensa Escuela, Programa ejecutado en convenio con las universidades Pontificia Bolivariana, San Buenaventura y el periódico El Colombiano de Medellín. Bajo una metodología cualitativa y de revisión documental, se sistematizaron los escritos que componen la publicación anual de El Taller (2012-2016) y a través de un análisis hermenéutico se pudo establecer cómo la narración, desde los géneros periodísticos, ha sido una estrategia significativa para la formación de jóvenes en ciudadanía. Se encuentra que se fortaleció el pensamiento crítico, la imaginación narrativa y la empatía con el otro, así como la construcción de su identidad y la conciencia sobre la responsabilidad que tienen como actores de la historia al participar por medio de la palabra y no solamente como espectadores de acontecimientos.
Direct Validation of Model-Predicted Muscle Forces in the Cat Hindlimb During Locomotion
Authors: Karabulut Derya , Dogru Suzan Cansel , Lin Yi-Chung , Pandy Marcus G. , Herzog Walter , Arslan Yunus Ziya
Published: December 2019

Various methods are available for simulating the movement patterns of musculoskeletal systems and determining individual muscle forces, but the results obtained from these methods have not been rigorously validated against experiment. The aim of this study was to compare model predictions of muscle force derived for a cat hindlimb during locomotion against direct measurements of muscle force obtained in vivo. The cat hindlimb was represented as a 5-segment, 13-degrees-of-freedom (DOF), articulated linkage actuated by 25 Hill-type muscle-tendon units (MTUs). Individual muscle forces were determined by combining gait data with two widely used computational methods—static optimization and computed muscle control (CMC)—available in opensim, an open-source musculoskeletal modeling and simulation environment. The forces developed by the soleus, medial gastrocnemius (MG), and tibialis anterior muscles during free locomotion were measured using buckle transducers attached to the tendons. Muscle electromyographic activity and MTU length changes were also measured and compared against the corresponding data predicted by the model. Model-predicted muscle forces, activation levels, and MTU length changes were consistent with the corresponding quantities obtained from experiment. The calculated values of muscle force obtained from static optimization agreed more closely with experiment than those derived from CMC.
Estimate Uncertainty: Miscommunication About Definitions of Engineering Terminology
Authors: Meluso John , Austin-Breneman Jesse , Uribe Jose
Published: December 2019

Communication has been shown to affect the design of large-scale complex engineered systems. Drawing from engineering design, communication, and management literature, this work defines miscommunication as when communication results in a “deficiency” or “problem” that hinders parties from fulfilling their values. This article details a consequential example of miscommunication at a Fortune 500 engineering firm with the potential to affect system performance. In phase 1, interviews with engineering practitioners (n = 82) identified disagreement about what constitutes a parameter “estimate” in the design process. Phase 2 surveyed engineering practitioners (n = 128) about whether estimates communicated for system-level tracking approximate “current” design statuses or “future” design projections. The survey found that both definitions existed throughout the organization and did not correlate with subsystem, position, or design phase. Engineers inadvertently aggregated both current and future estimates into single system-level parameters that informed decision-making, thereby constituting widespread or systemic miscommunication. Thus, even technical concepts may be susceptible to miscommunication and could affect system performance.
Mitigation of End-Flux-Peaking in Fresh CANDU Fuel Bundles Using Neutron Absorbers
Authors: Pierce Dylan J. C. , Chan Paul K. , Shen Wei
Published: December 2019

End-flux-peaking (EFP) is a phenomenon where a region of elevated neutron flux occurs between two adjoining fuel bundles, leading to an increase in fission rate and therefore greater heat generation. It is known that the addition of neutron absorbers into fuel bundles can mitigate EFP, yet the implementation in Canada deuterium uranium (CANDU) type reactors using natural uranium fuel has not been pursued. The computer code Monte Carlo N-Particle code (MCNP) 6.1 was used to develop a three-dimensional CANDU bundle–bundle contact model and simulate the addition of neutron absorbers positioned strategically within various locations of the fuel bundle. The burnable absorbers of interest include Gd2O3 and Eu2O3. The locations investigated include within the end pellets of a fuel stack, within the CANDU lubricant (CANLUB) layer, within thin disks located at the ends of the fuel stack, and alloyed in the endplate. Concentrations of the absorbers were varied to gain better insight into their effect on the thermal neutron axial flux profile of the fuel bundle. The results of the study indicated that adding a combination of ∼4 mg/∼12 mg of Eu2O3 into the pellet adjacent to the end pellet and the end pellet, respectively, at each end of all six of the fuel elements in the inner fuel ring, as well as, ∼2 mg/∼6 mg of Eu2O3 into the same respective pellets, at each end of the 18 fuel elements in the outer fuel ring, provides the most effective mitigation of the EFP phenomena in fresh CANDU fuel bundles.
Does the Biaxial Loading Affect the Apparent Fracture Toughness (KC)?
Authors: Chen Chentong , Xiao Hanbin , Chao Yuh J. , Lam Poh-Sang
Published: December 2019

From linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM), it is well accepted that only the singular stress near the crack tip contributes to the fracture event through the crack tip stress intensity factor K. In the biaxial loading, the stress component that adds to the T-stress at the crack tip, affects only the second term in the Williams' series solution around the crack tip. Therefore, it is generally believed that biaxial load does not change the apparent fracture toughness or the critical stress intensity factor (Kc). This paper revisited several specimen geometries under biaxial loading with finite element method. The sources of discrepancy between the theory and the test data were identified. It was found that the ideal biaxial loading would not be achieved for typical fracture specimens with finite geometry. Comparison to available test data shows that, while the biaxial load could affect the apparent fracture toughness, the contribution is relatively small.
Age-Dependent Control of Shoulder Muscles During a Reach-and-Lift Task
Authors: Bailey Christopher A. , Weiss Maxana , Côté Julie N.
Published: December 2019

Aging affects fatigability and is a risk factor for incurring a fatigue-related injury in the neck/shoulder region. Age-related changes in the electromyographical features of motor control may be partly responsible. Young (N = 17) and older (N = 13) adults completed a reach-and-lift task at their self-selected speed, before and after a fatiguing task targeting the neck/shoulder. Electromyography amplitude (root mean square), amplitude variability (root mean square coefficient of variation [CV]), functional connectivity (normalized mutual information [NMI]), and functional connectivity variability (NMI CV) were extracted from several muscles and analyzed for effects and interactions of age using general estimating equation models. Root mean square CV and deltoid NMI CV increased from pre- to postfatigue (ps < .05). Upper trapezius–deltoid NMI decreased for young, but increased for older adults, while the opposite response was found for lower trapezius–deltoid NMI (ps < .05). Older adults seem to adapt to fatigue in reach-and-lift movement with a cranial shift in control of the scapula.
Athletes’ Perceptions of Pragmatic Leadership in Youth Football Coaches
Authors: Pankow Kurtis , Mosewich Amber D. , Holt Nicholas L.
Published: December 2019

The overall purpose of this study was to explore athletes’ perceptions of pragmatic leadership in award-winning Canadian youth football coaches. Using a qualitative description methodology, semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 men who had been coached by 5 award-winning youth football coaches. The coaches were classified as pragmatic leaders. Participants’ perceptions of the coaches’ leadership were grouped into 3 main themes: individualized consideration, accountability/responsibility, and solving problems by valuing unique contributions. Because leadership is a process of interpersonal influence, on a practical level these themes may account for key features of the coach–athlete relationship that arise from pragmatic leadership.
CmAim24 Is Essential for Mitochondrial Morphology, Conidiogenesis, and Mycoparasitism in
Coniothyrium minitans
Authors: Yang Xiaoxiang , Zhao Huizhang , Luo Chenwei , Du Lei , Cheng Jiasen , Xie Jiatao , Jiang Daohong , Fu Yanping
Published: December 2019

Aim24 proteins are involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and accumulate between the two membranes of a mitochondrion. Their function in prokaryotes and filamentous fungi is as yet unknown. In the present study, we characterized an Aim24 protein, CmAim24, in the mycoparasite
Coniothyrium minitans
and proved its critical role in mitochondrial morphology and function, conidiogenesis, conidial germination, and mycoparasitism to
S. sclerotiorum
.
Genome Sequences of Two Bacillus Phages Isolated from Indonesia
Authors: Handoko Yoga A. , Wardani Agustin K. , Sutrisno Aji , Widjanarko Simon B. , Thurgood Trever L. , Thompson Daniel W. , Sharma Ruchira , Grose Julianne H.
Published: December 2019

Here, the genome sequences of two soil bacteriophages isolated from a red chili plantation in Indonesia are presented. The genome of vB_BspS_SplendidRed (42,859 bp) is highly similar to
Bacillus
phage Ray17 from the United States, while vB_BspM_MarvelLand (156,945 bp) is highly similar to
Bacillus
phage BC01 from South Korea.
Nearly Complete Genome Sequence of a Newcastle Disease Virus Strain Isolated from a Wild Garganey (
Spatula querquedula
) in Russia
Authors: Glushchenko Alexandra V. , Alikina Tatyana Y. , Yurchenko Kseniya S. , Shekunov Egor V. , Gulyaeva Marina A. , Matsuno Keita , Okamatsu Masatoshi , Kabilov Marsel R. , Shestopalov Alexander M.
Published: December 2019

This work describes the nearly complete genome sequence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strain NDV/Novosibirsk/garganey/27/2014, which was isolated from a wild garganey in western Siberia, Russia. The NDV strain was classified as belonging to class II of genotype I and was identified as having recent common ancestry with isolates from wild and domestic birds in China and South Korea.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Staphylococcus aureus Isolate from a Nasopharyngeal Swab from a Mine Worker in South Africa
Authors: Singh-Moodley Ashika , Allam Mushal , Ismail Husna , Perovic Olga , Strasheim Wilhelmina , Mtshali Senzo , Ismail Arshad
Published: December 2019

Here, we present the complete genome sequence of
Staphylococcus aureus
NP66, isolated from a South African mine worker.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Multidrug-Resistant Strain, Escherichia coli ATCC BAA-196, as a Model for Studying Induced Antibiotic Resistance Reversion
Authors: Korotetskiy Ilya S. , Joubert Monique , Taukobong Setshaba , Jumagaziyeva Ardak B. , Shilov Sergey V. , Shvidko Sergey V. , Suldina Natalya A. , Kenesheva Sabina T. , Yssel Anna , Reva Oleg N. , Ilin Aleksandr I.
Published: December 2019

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the multidrug-resistant
Escherichia
coli
strain ATCC BAA-196, a model organism used for studying possible antibiotic resistance reversion induced by FS-1, an iodine-containing complex. Two genomes, representing FS-1-treated and negative-control variants and composed of a chromosome and several plasmids, were assembled.
Post-seismic response of the outer accretionary prism after the 2010 Maule earthquake, Chile
Authors: Tréhu Anne M. , de Moor Alexander , Madrid José Mieres , Sáez Miguel , Chadwell C. David , Ortega-Culaciati Francisco , Ruiz Javier , Ruiz Sergio , Tryon Michael D.
Published: December 2019

To investigate the dynamic response of the outer accretionary prism updip from the patch of greatest slip during the 2010 Mw 8.8 Maule earthquake (Chile), 10 ocean-bottom seismometers (OBSs) were deployed from May 2012 to March 2013 in a small network with an inter-instrument spacing of 7–10 km. Nine were recovered, with four recording data from intermediate-band three-component seismometers and differential pressure gauges, and five recording data from absolute pressure gauges (APGs). All instruments were also equipped with fluid flow meters designed to detect very low rates of flow into or out of the seafloor. We present hypocenters for local earthquakes that have S-P times <17 s (i.e., within ∼125 km of the network), with a focus on events located beneath or near the network. Most of the seismicity occurred either near the boundary between the active accretionary prism and continental basement or in the outer rise seaward of the trench. For many outer-rise earthquakes, the P and S arrivals are followed by a distinctive T-phase arrival. Very few earthquakes, and none located with hypocenters deemed “reliable,” were located within the active accretionary prism or on the underlying plate boundary. Nonvolcanic tremor-like pulses and seafloor pressure transients (but no very-low-frequency earthquakes or fluid flow) were also detected. Many of the tremor observations are likely T-phases or reverberations due to soft seafloor sediments, although at least one episode may have originated within the accretionary prism south of the network. The transient seafloor pressure changes were observed simultaneously on three APGs located over the transition from the active prism to the continental basement and show polarity changes over short distances, suggesting a shallow source. Their duration of several hours to days is shorter than most geodetic transients observed using onshore GPS networks. The results demonstrate the need for densely spaced and large-aperture OBS networks equipped with APGs for understanding subduction zone behavior.
Intrascrotal lipoblastoma in adulthood
Authors: Pereira-Lourenço Mário José , Vieira-Brito Duarte , Peralta João Pedro , Castelo-Branco Noémia
Published: December 2019

This case report describes the case of a 37-year-old man that noticed an intrascrotal right mass with 1 month of evolution. During physical exam presented with a large mass at the inferior portion of the right testicle, clearly separated from the testicle, with a tender consistency and mobile. An ultrasound was performed that showed a solid and subcutaneous nodular lesion, extra testicular, heterogeneous, measuring 7.2 cm. Pelvic magnetic resonance imageMRI showed a lesion compatible with a lipoma. The patient was subjected to surgical excision of the lesion by scrotal access, having histology revealed a lipoblastoma (LB) of the scrotum. Histological diagnosis was obtained by microscopic characteristics (well-circumscribed fatty neoplasm) and immunohistochemistry (stains for CD34, S100 protein and PLAG1 were positive; stains for MDM2 and CDK4 were negative). LB is extremely rare after adolescence in any location, being this first described case of intrascrotal LB described in adulthood.
Prosthetic joint infection: an extremely rare complication of intravesicular BCG therapy
Authors: Storandt Michael , Nagpal Avish
Published: December 2019

A 66-year-old man was seen in clinic due to concerns of tuberculosis of the right hip. He had a history of urothelial bladder carcinoma, which was treated via transurethral resection followed by intravesicular instillations ofMycobacterium bovis BCG(BCG). A few months later, he developed slowly worsening pain over his prosthetic right hip, and it was recommended he undergo surgical revision. During surgery, joint effusion was noted and synovial fluid was sent for bacterial and mycobacterial cultures, growing an acid-fast bacillus after 3 weeks, identified asMycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex via nucleic acid probe. Susceptibility testing revealed resistance to pyrazinamide, which is typically seen inM. bovis. PCR confirmed the diagnosis of BCG infection. The patient was treated with isoniazid, rifampin and ethambutol, which he tolerated well. This case highlights the challenges associated with diagnosis and management of this rare complication of a commonly used therapy.