bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate change and voltinism of Mythimna sequax: the location and choice of phenological models matter
Authors: Jacques Jullia , Sampaio Fabio , dos Santos Hevellyn Talissa , Marchioro Cesar Augusto
Published: July 2019

Temperature is a key environmental factor affecting the growth, development, survival and reproduction of insects.

Although it is widely known that the relationship between temperature and insect development rate is nonlinear, model‐based studies have been conducted to investigate the global warming impacts on insect voltinism using the degree‐day approach based on a linear model.

In the present study, the wheat armyworm Mythimna sequax (Franclemont) was used as a model organism to test whether voltinism estimated under current and future climate conditions varied among phenological models, locations and climate change scenarios.

In general, voltinism increased in different years and climate change scenarios compared with current climatic conditions. The degree‐day overestimated the number of generations compared with the nonlinear models and also predicted an increase in voltinism in the entire study area as a result of global warming.

Location, phenological model and the interaction between these factors explained 94% of the variance in the estimated voltinism.

The results obtained in the present study reveal that the choice of phenological models affects voltinism predictions and that a nonlinear model can be used to understand the effects of climate change on insect voltinism, especially in regions where temperature will reach the upper threshold of a species more often.
Peacekeepers against Criminal Violence—Unintended Effects of Peacekeeping Operations?
Authors: Di Salvatore Jessica
Published: July 2019

Research shows that peacekeepers reduce conflict intensity; however, effects of deployment on nonpolitical violence are unknown. This article focuses on criminal violence and proposes a twofold mechanism to explain why peacekeeping missions, even when effectively reducing conflict, can inadvertently increase criminal violence. First, less conflict opens up economic opportunities (so‐called peacekeeping economies) and provides operational security for organized crime, thus increasing violent competition among criminal groups. Second, demobilized combatants are vulnerable to turn to crime because of limited legal livelihood opportunities and their training in warfare. While UN troops may exacerbate these dynamics, UN police's peculiar role is likely to successfully contain criminal violence. Cross‐national and subnational empirical analyses show that large UN military deployments result in higher homicide rates, whereas UN police, overall, moderate this collateral effect.
Loss of retinal tension and permanent decrease in retinal function: a new porcine model of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Sørensen Nina Buus , Christiansen Anders Tolstrup , Kjær Troels Wesenberg , Klemp Kristian , Cour Morten la , Heegaard Steffen , Warfvinge Karin , Kiilgaard Jens Folke
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Permanent loss of visual function after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment can occur despite successful surgical reattachment in humans. New treatment modalities could be explored in a detachment model with loss of retinal function. In previous porcine models, retinal function has returned after reattachment, regardless of height and duration of detachment. Difference in retinal tension between the models and the disease might explain these different outcomes. This study investigates, for the first time in an in vivo porcine model, another characteristic of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment – the loss of retinal tension.

Methods

Left eyes (n = 12) of 3‐month‐old domestic pigs were included. Baseline multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) and a fundus photograph were obtained following anaesthesia (isoflurane). The pigs were vitrectomized, saline was injected subretinally, and the RPE was removed. The eyes were evaluated at 2, 4 and 6 weeks after surgery. Four eyes were enucleated at each evaluation for histologic examinations.

Results

A retinal detachment structurally resembling rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was induced in 11 out of 12 pigs. MfERG amplitudes were significantly decreased despite partial reattachment four and 6 weeks after detachment. The retinal thickness decreased with 27%, the inner nuclear layer degenerated, Müller cells hypertrophied, and outer segments were lost. In the ganglion cell layer, cellularity increased and there was cytoplasmic staining with Cyclin D1. Vimentin and GFAP staining for glial cells increased. After 2 weeks of detachment, the ganglion cells had lost their nucleus and nucleolus.

Conclusions

Loss of retinal tension in the detached retina seems to induce permanent damage with loss of retinal function. Death of ganglion cells, observed as soon as 2 weeks after detachment, explains the permanent loss of retinal function. The new model enables investigations of time‐relationship between retinal detachment and lasting damage in addition to exploration of novel treatment modalities.
Retinal vessel phenotype in patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma
Authors: Chiquet Christophe , Gavard Olivier , Arnould Louis , Mautuit Thibaud , Macgillivray Tom J. , Bron Alain M. , Semecas Rachel , Trucco Emmanuele , Florent Aptel
Published: July 2019

Purpose

To characterize the phenotype of retinal vessels using central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE), central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE), tortuosity and fractal dimension (FD) in primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) subjects.

Methods

This prospective case–control multicentre study included 61 POAG subjects and 61 controls matched for age, systemic hypertension and body mass index. Fundus images of the right eye were acquired using a non‐mydriatic camera. Central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE), CRVE, arteriole‐to‐venule ratio, FD and tortuosity of the vascular network were measured using VAMPIRE software (Vessel Assessment and Measurement Platform for Images of the Retina). Primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) patients underwent 24.2 sita‐standard visual field and peri‐papillary optical coherence tomography (OCT) examinations. Data were expressed as median and interquartile range (75–25th percentiles).

Results

The control group was comparable to the POAG group for sex ratio, refraction and intraocular pressure. The mean CRAE and the mean CRVE were significantly lower in the POAG group than in the control group [150.5 (137.9; 157.1) μm versus 161.3 (154.0; 168.4) μm and 204.8 (190.1; 218.1) μm versus 233.5 (222.3; 246.9) μm, respectively; p < 0.001] and for fractal parameters as well. No significant difference was found for tortuosity between the two groups. There was a significant correlation between CRAE and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness (r = 0.27; p = 0.03). VAMPIRE parameters were not correlated with visual field indices.

Conclusion

Primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) was associated with a narrowing of arterial and venous retinal vessels, a higher arteriole‐to‐venule ratio and lower values of FD. The relationship between CRAE and RNFL thickness needs further investigation.
Periocular necrotizing soft tissue infection in Greater Copenhagen
Authors: Würtz Natacha Storm , Mikkelsen Lauge Hjorth , Jørgensen Jesper Skovlund , Hansen Michael Stormly , Madsen Martin Bruun , Hyldegaard Ole , Heegaard Steffen
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Necrotizing soft tissue infection, also known as necrotizing fasciitis (NF), is a fast‐spreading life‐threatening infection that most commonly affects the lower limbs, groin, or abdomen. Periocular necrotizing fasciitis (PNF) is rare. Limited data exist on PNF immune cell subset; hence, this study aims to determine the representation of immune cell subsets in patients diagnosed with PNF using immunohistochemical stainings.

Methods

All patients diagnosed with PNF at Copenhagen University Hospital from 2008 to 2018 were included. Their electronic medical records and pathology reports were assessed, and available tissue specimens were reviewed and stained with monoclonal antibodies for CD1a+ Langerhans’ cells, CD3+ T lymphocytes, CD15+ granulocytes, CD44+ lymphohematopoietic cells, CD68+ histiocytes, CD79α+ B lymphocytes, and FXIIIa+ dendritic macrophages and Langerhans’ cells. The number of positive cells was counted, and an average score was calculated. The location of immune cells and bacteria was assessed.

Results

The specimens were characterized by acute inflammation and necrosis of the fascia, while striated muscle involvement was less frequent. Haemolytic group A streptococci and Staphylococcus aureus were identified and mainly located in the deep dermis and subcutis in close relation to the fascia. Only few areas harboured both bacteria and inflammatory cells. Granulocytes, histiocytes and CD44+ lymphohematopoietic cells were demonstrated to be abundant in all patients, while B and T lymphocytes, dendritic macrophages and Langerhans’ cells were less frequent.

Conclusion

The immune cell subsets found in this study of PNF were consistent with those identified in the literature on NF in other anatomical locations. This study concludes that immune cells are abundant and exhibit a typical pattern in PNF.
Editorial: when cirrhosis deserves haemodialysis—rethinking strategies
Authors: Reverter Enric
Published: July 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Artru et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15279 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15366.
Letter: tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is safe for prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of hepatitis B virus. Authors’ reply
Authors: Pan Calvin Q. , Zhang Hua
Published: July 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Wang et al and Fan et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15064 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15305.
Editorial: biomarkers to optimise and personalise corticosteroid use among patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis—the search continues
Authors: Abdallah Mohamed A. , Singal Ashwani K.
Published: July 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Forrest et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15335.
Building intersectoral partnerships as place‐based strategy for immigrant and refugee (re)settlement: The Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership
Authors: Veronis Luisa
Published: July 2019

This paper examines the role of the Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership in the Syrian refugee resettlement in Canada's national capital following the federal government's 2015–2016 resettlement plan. Based on the findings of qualitative data collection—including semi‐structured interviews with representatives from community organizations, settlement agencies, and the City of Ottawa—two main arguments are advanced. First, while the current literature tends to portray the Canadian settlement sector as a passive victim in the face of neoliberal restructuring and austerity measures, this paper offers a more nuanced perspective by reflecting on the sector's ability to exert agency by developing initiatives and devising strategies that are rooted in the local context. Second, the case of the Ottawa Local Immigration Partnership sheds light on the significance of intersectoral networks and partnerships that extend beyond the settlement sector to build a sound approach for welcoming refugees and newcomers more generally. These findings serve to demonstrate the potential of partnerships as a place‐based settlement model that is responsive to context‐specific needs and enhances local community strengths, thus providing important lessons that can inform future immigrant and refugee (re)settlement and integration in other Canadian cities and regions.
Preparation and antiplasmodial activity of 3',4'‐dihydro‐1'H‐spiro(indoline‐3,2'‐quinolin)‐2‐ones
Authors: Mathebula Bakolise , Butsi Kamogelo Rosinah , van Zyl Robyn Lynne , Jansen van Vuuren Natasha Colleen , Hoppe Heinrich Carl , Michael Joseph Philip , de Koning Charles Bernard , Rousseau Amanda Louise
Published: July 2019

A series of 3',4'‐dihydro‐1'H‐spiro(indoline‐3,2'‐quinolin)‐2‐ones were prepared by the inverse‐electron‐demand aza‐Diels–Alder reaction (Povarov reaction) of imines derived from isatin and substituted anilines, and the electron‐rich alkenes trans‐isoeugenol and 3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran. These compounds were assessed for in vitro antiplasmodial activity against drug‐sensitive and drug‐resistant forms of the P. falciparum parasite. Three compounds derived from 3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐pyran and four compounds derived from trans‐isoeugenol showed antiplasmodial activity in the low micromolar range against the drug‐resistant FCR‐3 strain (1.52–4.20 µM). Only compounds derived from trans‐isoeugenol showed antiplasmodial activity against the drug‐sensitive 3D7 strain (1.31–1.80 µM).
Supporting unaccompanied asylum‐seeking young people: The experience of foster care
Authors: Wade Jim
Published: July 2019

Although research on the experiences of unaccompanied asylum‐seeking young people in the UK has grown steadily in recent years, their experience of fostering and of the role played by foster carers in helping their adjustment have been neglected. This paper reports findings from the first UK study into these experiences, describing issues arising from initial assessment and preparation for fostering and the ways in which young people and foster carers adjusted to their lives together. It assesses the progress made by young people during placement, the strategies that appeared helpful to relationship building, and the extent to which young people had become integrated within the wider network of family relationships. Given that most young people first arrive as teenagers, it also considers the ways in which foster carers and social workers helped young people prepare for adult life in the context of uncertainties arising from the asylum process.
Could I do something like that? Recruiting and training foster carers for teenagers “at risk” of or experiencing child sexual exploitation
Authors: Shuker Lucie , Pearce Jenny
Published: July 2019

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a category of child abuse that was historically created to recognize the victimhood of children and young people, illuminating the ways that their evolving capacity to consent to sex is manipulated and undermined. Using evidence from the evaluation of specialist foster care provision and a CSE training course for foster carers, this paper considers how training might be used to widen the pool of potential foster carers for children affected by CSE and identifies qualities displayed by effective carers. It argues that improving the recruitment of foster carers can create safer home environments for teenagers at risk of or experiencing sexual exploitation and reduce the risk of further harm and that informed and effective foster care provision is crucial to prevent both the sexual exploitation of looked‐after teenagers and placement breakdowns that can ultimately increase risk.
Microfacet Model Regularization for Robust Light Transport
Authors: Jendersie Johannes , Grosch Thorsten
Published: July 2019

Today, Monte Carlo light transport algorithms are used in many applications to render realistic images. Depending on the complexity of the used methods, several light effects can or cannot be found by the sampling process. Especially, specular and smooth glossy surfaces often lead to high noise and missing light effects.

Path space regularization provides a solution, improving any sampling algorithm, by modifying the material evaluation code. Previously, Kaplanyan and Dachsbacher [KD13] introduced the concept for pure specular interactions. We extend this idea to the commonly used microfacet models by manipulating the roughness parameter prior to the evaluation. We also show that this kind of regularization requires a change in the MIS weight computation and provide the solution. Finally, we propose two heuristics to adaptively reduce the introduced bias.

Using our method, many complex light effects are reproduced and the fidelity of smooth objects is increased. Additionally, if a path was sampleable before, the variance is partially reduced.
Ray Classification for Accelerated BVH Traversal
Authors: Hendrich J. , Pospíšil A. , Meister D. , Bittner J.
Published: July 2019

For ray tracing based methods, traversing a hierarchical acceleration data structure takes up a substantial portion of the total rendering time. We propose an additional data structure which cuts off large parts of the hierarchical traversal. We use the idea of ray classification combined with the hierarchical scene representation provided by a bounding volume hierarchy. We precompute short arrays of indices to subtrees inside the hierarchy and use them to initiate the traversal for a given ray class. This arrangement is compact enough to be cache‐friendly, preventing the method from negating its traversal gains by excessive memory traffic. The method is easy to use with existing renderers which we demonstrate by integrating it to the PBRT renderer. The proposed technique reduces the number of traversal steps by 42% on average, saving around 15% of time of finding ray‐scene intersection on average.
Real‐time Image‐based Lighting of Microfacet BRDFs with Varying Iridescence
Authors: Kneiphof Tom , Golla Tim , Klein Reinhard
Published: July 2019

Iridescence is a natural phenomenon that is perceived as gradual color changes, depending on the view and illumination direction. Prominent examples are the colors seen in oil films and soap bubbles. Unfortunately, iridescent effects are particularly difficult to recreate in real‐time computer graphics. We present a high‐quality real‐time method for rendering iridescent effects under image‐based lighting. Previous methods model dielectric thin‐films of varying thickness on top of an arbitrary micro‐facet model with a conducting or dielectric base material, and evaluate the resulting reflectance term, responsible for the iridescent effects, only for a single direction when using real‐time image‐based lighting. This leads to bright halos at grazing angles and over‐saturated colors on rough surfaces, which causes an unnatural appearance that is not observed in ground truth data. We address this problem by taking the distribution of light directions, given by the environment map and surface roughness, into account when evaluating the reflectance term. In particular, our approach prefilters the first and second moments of the light direction, which are used to evaluate a filtered version of the reflectance term. We show that the visual quality of our approach is superior to the ones previously achieved, while having only a small negative impact on performance.
Wide Gamut Spectral Upsampling with Fluorescence
Authors: Jung A. , Wilkie A. , Hanika J. , Jakob W. , Dachsbacher C.
Published: July 2019

Physically based spectral rendering has become increasingly important in recent years. However, asset textures in such systems are usually still drawn or acquired as RGB tristimulus values. While a number of RGB to spectrum upsampling techniques are available, none of them support upsampling of all colours in the full spectral locus, as it is intrinsically bigger than the gamut of physically valid reflectance spectra. But with display technology moving to increasingly wider gamuts, the ability to achieve highly saturated colours becomes an increasingly important feature.

Real materials usually exhibit smooth reflectance spectra, while computationally generated spectra become more blocky as they represent increasingly bright and saturated colours. In print media, plastic or textile design, fluorescent dyes are added to extend the boundaries of the gamut of reflectance spectra.

We follow the same approach for rendering: we provide a method which, given an input RGB tristimulus value, automatically provides a mixture of a regular, smooth reflectance spectrum plus a fluorescent part. For highly saturated input colours, the combination yields an improved reconstruction compared to what would be possible relying on a reflectance spectrum alone. At the core of our technique is a simple parametric spectral model for reflectance, excitation, and emission that allows for compact storage and is compatible with texture mapping. The model can then be used as a fluorescent diffuse component in an existing more complex BRDF model. We also provide importance sampling routines for practical application in a path tracer.
Analytic Spectral Integration of Birefringence‐Induced Iridescence
Authors: Steinberg S.
Published: July 2019

Optical phenomena that are only observable in optically anisotropic materials are generally ignored in the computer graphics. However, such optical effects are not restricted to exotic materials and can also be observed with common translucent objects when optical anisotropy is induced, e.g. via mechanical stress. Furthermore accurate prediction and reproduction of those optical effects has important practical applications. We provide a short but complete analysis of the relevant electromagnetic theory of light propagation in optically anisotropic media and derive the full set of formulations required to render birefringent materials. We then present a novel method for spectral integration of refraction and reflection in an anisotropic slab. Our approach allows fast and robust rendering of birefringence‐induced iridescence in a physically faithful manner and is applicable to both real‐time and offline rendering.
Adaptive BRDF‐Oriented Multiple Importance Sampling of Many Lights
Authors: Liu Yifan , Xu Kun , Yan Ling‐Qi
Published: July 2019

Many‐light rendering is becoming more common and important as rendering goes into the next level of complexity. However, to calculate the illumination under many lights, state of the art algorithms are still far from efficient, due to the separate consideration of light sampling and BRDF sampling. To deal with the inefficiency of many‐light rendering, we present a novel light sampling method named BRDF‐oriented light sampling, which selects lights based on importance values estimated using the BRDF's contributions. Our BRDF‐oriented light sampling method works naturally with MIS, and allows us to dynamically determine the number of samples allocated for different sampling techniques. With our method, we can achieve a significantly faster convergence to the ground truth results, both perceptually and numerically, as compared to previous many‐light rendering algorithms.
Orthogonal Array Sampling for Monte Carlo Rendering
Authors: Jarosz Wojciech , Enayet Afnan , Kensler Andrew , Kilpatrick Charlie , Christensen Per
Published: July 2019

We generalize N‐rooks, jittered, and (correlated) multi‐jittered sampling to higher dimensions by importing and improving upon a class of techniques called orthogonal arrays from the statistics literature. Renderers typically combine or “pad” a collection of lower‐dimensional (e.g. 2D and 1D) stratified patterns to form higher‐dimensional samples for integration. This maintains stratification in the original dimension pairs, but looses it for all other dimension pairs. For truly multi‐dimensional integrands like those in rendering, this increases variance and deteriorates its rate of convergence to that of pure random sampling. Care must therefore be taken to assign the primary dimension pairs to the dimensions with most integrand variation, but this complicates implementations. We tackle this problem by developing a collection of practical, in‐place multi‐dimensional sample generation routines that stratify points on all t‐dimensional and 1‐dimensional projections simultaneously. For instance, when t=2, any 2D projection of our samples is a (correlated) multi‐jittered point set. This property not only reduces variance, but also simplifies implementations since sample dimensions can now be assigned to integrand dimensions arbitrarily while maintaining the same level of stratification. Our techniques reduce variance compared to traditional 2D padding approaches like PBRT's (0,2) and Stratified samplers, and provide quality nearly equal to state‐of‐the‐art QMC samplers like Sobol and Halton while avoiding their structured artifacts as commonly seen when using a single sample set to cover an entire image. While in this work we focus on constructing finite sampling point sets, we also discuss potential avenues for extending our work to progressive sequences (more suitable for incremental rendering) in the future.
Distributing Monte Carlo Errors as a Blue Noise in Screen Space by Permuting Pixel Seeds Between Frames
Authors: Heitz E. , Belcour L.
Published: July 2019

Recent work has shown that distributing Monte Carlo errors as a blue noise in screen space improves the perceptual quality of rendered images. However, obtaining such distributions remains an open problem with high sample counts and high‐dimensional rendering integrals. In this paper, we introduce a temporal algorithm that aims at overcoming these limitations. Our algorithm is applicable whenever multiple frames are rendered, typically for animated sequences or interactive applications. Our algorithm locally permutes the pixel sequences (represented by their seeds) to improve the error distribution across frames. Our approach works regardless of the sample count or the dimensionality and significantly improves the images in low‐varying screen‐space regions under coherent motion. Furthermore, it adds negligible overhead compared to the rendering times. Note: our supplemental material provides more results with interactive comparisons against previous work.
Combining Point and Line Samples for Direct Illumination
Authors: Salesin Katherine , Jarosz Wojciech
Published: July 2019

We develop a unified framework for combining point and line samples in direct lighting calculations. While line samples have proven beneficial in a variety of rendering contexts, their application in direct lighting has been limited due to a lack of formulas for evaluating advanced BRDFs along a line and performance tied to the orientation of occluders in the scene. We lift these limitations by elevating line samples to a shared higher‐dimensional space with point samples. Our key insight is to separate the probability distribution functions of line samples and points that lie along a line sample. This simple conceptual change allows us to apply multiple importance sampling (MIS) between points and lines, and lines with each other, in order to leverage their respective strengths. We also show how to improve the convergence rate of MIS between points and lines in an unbiased way using a novel discontinuity‐smoothing balance heuristic. We verify through a set of rendering experiments that our proposed MISing of points and lines, and lines with each other, reduces variance of the direct lighting estimate while supporting an increased range of BSDFs compared to analytic line integration.
Learned Fitting of Spatially Varying BRDFs
Authors: Merzbach S. , Hermann M. , Rump M. , Klein R.
Published: July 2019

The use of spatially varying reflectance models (SVBRDF) is the state of the art in physically based rendering and the ultimate goal is to acquire them from real world samples. Recently several promising deep learning approaches have emerged that create such models from a few uncalibrated photos, after being trained on synthetic SVBRDF datasets. While the achieved results are already very impressive, the reconstruction accuracy that is achieved by these approaches is still far from that of specialized devices. On the other hand, fitting SVBRDF parameter maps to the gibabytes of calibrated HDR images per material acquired by state of the art high quality material scanners takes on the order of several hours for realistic spatial resolutions. In this paper, we present a first deep learning approach that is capable of producing SVBRDF parameter maps more than two orders of magnitude faster than state of the art approaches, while still providing results of equal quality and generalizing to new materials unseen during the training. This is made possible by training our network on a large‐scale database of material scans that we have gathered with a commercially available SVBRDF scanner. In particular, we train a convolutional neural network to map calibrated input images to the 13 parameter maps of an anisotropic Ward BRDF, modified to account for Fresnel reflections, and evaluate the results by comparing the measured images against re‐renderings from our SVBRDF predictions. The novel approach is extensively validated on real world data taken from our material database, which we make publicly available under https://cg.cs.uni‐bonn.de/svbrdfs/.
Risk factors for hemorrhage of brain arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Shaligram Sonali S. , Winkler Ethan , Cooke Daniel , Su Hua
Published: July 2019

Patients with brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) are at risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Overall, bAVM accounts for 25% of hemorrhagic strokes in adults <50 years of age. The treatment of unruptured bAVMs has become controversial, because the natural history of these patients may be less morbid than invasive therapies. Available treatments include observation, surgical resection, endovascular embolization, stereotactic radiosurgery, or combination thereof. Knowing the risk factors for bAVM hemorrhage is crucial for selecting appropriate therapeutic strategies. In this review, we discussed several biological risk factors, which may contribute to bAVM hemorrhage.
The Aortic Calcification Index is a risk factor associated with anastomotic leakage after anterior resection of rectal cancer
Authors: Shen Z. , An Y. , Shi Y. , Yin M. , Xie Q. , Gao Z. , Jiang K. , Wang S. , Ye Y.
Published: July 2019

Aim

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most feared postoperative complications after anterior resection (AR) of rectal cancer. An adequate blood supply at the anastomotic site is regarded as a prerequisite for healing. We hypothesize that the Aortic Calcification Index (ACI) might reflect the severity of atherosclerosis in patients, and thereby be a risk factor for AL.

Method

AL was investigated retrospectively according to the definition of the International Study Group of Rectal Cancer in 423 rectal cancer patients who underwent anterior rectal resection. The ACI was measured by preoperative abdominal CT scan. The cross‐section of the aorta was evenly divided into 12 sectors, the number of calcified sectors was counted as the calcification score of each slice. Lasso logistic regression and multivariate regression analysis were used to identify risk factors for AL.

Results

The percentage of AL after AR was 7.8% (33/423); the mortality of patients who sustained a leak was 3.0% (1/33). Patients with a high ACI had a significantly higher percentage of AL than patients with low ACI (11.2% vs 5.6%, P = 0.04). Among patients with AL, a higher ACI was associated with greater severity of AL (the ACI of patients with grade A leakage, grade B leakage and grade C leakage was 0.5% ± 0.2%, 11.5% ± 9.2% and 24.2% ± 21.7%, respectively; P = 0.008). After risk adjustment, multivariate regression analysis showed that a higher ACI was an independent risk factor for AL (OR 2.391, P = 0.04).

Conclusion

A high ACI might be an important prognostic factor for AL after AR for rectal cancer. Confirmatory studies are required.
Cutaneous neoplasms composed of melanoma and carcinoma: A rare but important diagnostic pitfall and review of the literature
Authors: Mejbel Haider A. , Nelson Kelly C. , Pradhan Dinesh , Ivan Doina , Zaleski Michael , Nagarajan Priyadharsini , Tetzlaff Michael T. , Curry Jonathan L. , Torres‐Cabala Carlos A. , Prieto Victor G. , Aung Phyu P.
Published: July 2019

We report two cases of combined cutaneous tumors composed of melanoma and carcinoma. The first tumor presented as a 5‐mm pink‐blue macule over the right zygomatic arch in an 85‐year‐old man. Shave biopsy and immunohistochemical studies revealed that the tumor was composed of melanoma (highlighted by SOX10 and MART‐1, with high Ki‐67 proliferative index) intermixed with nodular basal cell carcinoma (highlighted by pan‐cytokeratin and Ber‐EP4). The neoplastic melanocytes were confined to the basal cell carcinoma nodules, and a diagnosis of combined melanoma in situ and basal cell carcinoma was rendered. After therapeutic excision, the patient was disease‐free at 9 months after the initial diagnosis. The second tumor presented as a 6‐mm pink‐brown crusted papule on the right forehead in an 89‐year‐old man. Shave biopsy and immunohistochemical studies revealed that the tumor was composed of malignant melanoma (MM) (highlighted by S100 and MART‐1) intermixed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (highlighted by cytokeratin and p63), and a diagnosis of combined MM‐SCC was rendered. These two cases highlight the importance of recognizing these rare types of melanocytic‐epithelial cutaneous neoplasms to arrive at an accurate diagnosis that may inform appropriate disease stage and therapy.
Intraosseous ganglion diagnosed on cytology: A familiar entity in an exotic location
Authors: Selvaraj Sivaranjani , Keloth Thara , Stephen Norton S. , Gochhait Debasis , Siddaraju Neelaiah
Published: July 2019

An intraosseous ganglion is a rare lesion which can be confused clinically and radiologically with bony neoplasms. This lesion can be accurately diagnosed on FNAC when biopsy may not be very useful.
Modeling development of frontal electroencephalogram (EEG) asymmetry: Sex differences and links with temperament
Authors: Gartstein Maria A. , Hancock Gregory R. , Potapova Natalia V. , Calkins Susan D. , Bell Martha Ann
Published: July 2019

Asymmetric patterns of frontal brain electrical activity reflect approach and avoidance tendencies, with stability of relative right activation associated with withdrawal emotions/motivation and left hemisphere activation linked with approach and positive affect. However, considerable shifts in approach/avoidance‐related lateralization have been reported for children not targeted because of extreme temperament. In this study, dynamic effects of frontal electroencephalogram (EEG) power within and across hemispheres were examined throughout early childhood. Specifically, EEG indicators at 5, 10, 24, 36, 48, and 72 months‐of‐age (n = 410) were analyzed via a hybrid of difference score and panel design models, with baseline measures and subsequent time‐to‐time differences modeled as potentially influencing all subsequent amounts of time‐to‐time change (i.e., predictively saturated). Infant sex was considered as a moderator of dynamic developmental effects, with temperament attributes measured at 5 months examined as predictors of EEG hemisphere development. Overall, change in left and right frontal EEG power predicted declining subsequent change in the same hemisphere, with effects on the opposing neurobehavioral system enhancing later growth. Infant sex moderated the pattern of within and across‐hemisphere effects, wherein for girls more prominent left hemisphere influences on the right hemisphere EEG changes were noted and right hemisphere effects were more salient for boys. Largely similar patterns of temperament prediction were observed for the left and the right EEG power changes, with limited sex differences in links between temperament and growth parameters. Results were interpreted in the context of comparable analyses using parietal power values, which provided evidence for unique frontal effects.
An ethical evaluation of the legal status of foetuses and embryos under Chinese law
Authors: Raposo Vera Lúcia , Ma Zhe
Published: July 2019

Under Chinese law, the juridical status of the embryo and the foetus is unclear, mainly because the existing legislation can be subject to diverse interpretations due to its ambiguous language. Lack of clarity with the law has led to different understandings amongst Chinese legal scholars. However, although there has been no consensus, there has been a clear tendency to deprive embryos and foetuses of legal status or personhood, thereby excluding them from entitlement to fundamental rights, an understanding reinforced by the Confucian view of the beginning of life. It is expected that in the near future the Chinese courts will face issues involving embryos and foetuses more often, such as disputes over in vitro embryos. The lack of legal precedent could result in contradictory resolutions, therefore, the law should clarify the legal status of embryos and foetuses and accord to prenatal life special respect and treatment.
Eviction is not a disaster
Authors: Day Jennifer , Wewerinke‐Singh Margaretha , Price Susanna
Published: July 2019

Motivation

Should the process of forcibly evicting people from customary land be classified as a “disaster”? Some international organizations and governments are integrating processes on forced eviction of urban residents into policies that are primarily designed to manage displacements due to climate change and disasters—such as Vanuatu’s 2018 National Policy on Climate Change and Disaster‐Induced Displacement.

Purpose

This article contextualizes the classification of evictions as “disasters.” We argue that evictions are not disasters and should not be so classified. We make these arguments from an empirical position, based on community response to the declaration of eviction as disaster, and also from the perspective of international law.

Approach and Methods

Our data come from the following sources:

Communities: We use a storytelling method to interview around 100 women and men. The policy: We review the language of the Vanuatu policy in the context of international guidance on displacement generally and on forced eviction specifically. Public records: We use court records and newspaper reporting to understand claims of government, land claimants and survivors. Policy‐makers: A limited number of unofficial conversations with policy‐makers inform this work.

Findings

Urban forced evictions should not be treated as “disasters” in policy on forced displacement. Our interviewees identify the equation of eviction and “disaster” as one that removes the agency of the government to protect their human rights. The evidence presented here suggests that the Government of Vanuatu does not have sufficient powers to intervene in some forced evictions from customary land. This raises critical questions about whether the government will be able to fulfil the promises made in the policy and in its obligations under international law relating to displacement.

Policy Implications

Classifying forced evictions together with land conflicts, infrastructure and development as potential “crises,” and so “disastrous,” as the Vanuatu policy does, creates a new set of challenges that must now be managed as the policy is operationalized. This includes serious consideration of how countries that take this path will fulfil their obligations to protect against, avoid and minimize displacement, in the context of customary land, and meet other international policy standards, in order to ensure no one is left worse off nor denied the benefit of development opportunity. This is a timely issue for peer countries. Right now, other Pacific countries, like the Solomon Islands, are looking to Vanuatu’s example to develop internal displacement policies of their own.
Co‐occurrence patterns and morphological similarity of semiaquatic insects (Hemiptera: Gerromorpha) in streams of Eastern Amazonia
Authors: Guterres Alana P.M. , Cunha Erlane J. , Godoy Bruno S. , Silva Rogério R. , Juen Leandro
Published: July 2019

1. To understand how the semiaquatic bug communities are shaped, it was first verified whether there was a pattern of co‐occurrence between species. It was subsequently tested whether the pattern found was related to environmental variables. Lastly, it was verified whether morphological divergence between species was present in the morphological and functional traits selected.

2. A pattern of species co‐occurrence was found in the studied assemblage, related to both environmental variables and interspecific biological interactions. Pairs of species with negative, positive, and random co‐occurrence were found. Traits related to predation competition, sexual competition, and interaction with the environment showed significant morphological divergence.

3. Therefore, more than one process defines species co‐occurrence patterns in semiaquatic bug communities. It is suggested that environmental influence is related to species microhabitat preference. On the other hand, the morphological divergence found is related to competition and sharing of food resources.
A major symbiont shift supports a major niche shift in a clade of tree‐killing bark beetles
Authors: Six Diana L.
Published: July 2019

1. One small clade of bark beetles, out of thousands of species worldwide, has shifted from using phloem to using a combination of phloem and outer bark, or to completely using outer bark.

2. The shift to outer bark has been accompanied by a shift to non‐typical bark beetle mutualist fungi in Entomocorticium (Basidiomycota) and Ceratocystiopsis (Ascomycota).

3. This study compared the growth and metabolic capabilities of fungi associated with a nearly phloem‐independent species, Dendroctonus brevicomis, with those of mutualist fungi of Dendroctonus ponderosae, a completely phloem‐colonising beetle in a sister clade associated with more typical Ascomycota in Grosmannia and Ophiostoma.

4. Only the basidiomycete associated with D. brevicomis could degrade cellulose and lignin, whereas both the ascomycete and basidiomycete could grow in outer bark. Ascomycetes associated with D. ponderosae could not degrade cellulose or lignin or grow in outer bark.

5. Beetles and fungi in these mutualisms may best be considered as co‐niche constructors. For niche construction, one organism must modify a resource in a way that enhances its fitness while also influencing fitness of other organisms using the resource. Here, the beetles kill the tree, transport the fungi into the tree, and modify the woody substrate for use by the fungi. They have also evolved mycangia to ensure vertical dissemination of the fungi. In turn, the fungi modify tree tissues and provision nutrients to the host and have evolved traits that support their acquisition and transport by the beetle host in mycangia.
For a fistful of pesetas? The political economy of the army in a nonconsolidated democracy: the Second Spanish Republic and Civil War (1931–9)
Authors: La Parra‐Pérez Álvaro
Published: July 2019

This article focuses on the importance of military factionalism in a nonconsolidated democracy: the Spanish Republic (1931–9). It builds a new micro‐dataset for over 11,000 officers during the Spanish Civil War (1936–9) to study how professional and economic interests created divisions within the military and influenced officers’ allegiances during the war. Results confirm that distributional conflicts influenced officers’ decisions in Republican‐controlled territories: officers who gained from military reforms in the years before the civil war and those with more rapid promotions in the months predating the war were more likely to remain loyal to the government. This article also explores the behavioural determinants of officers’ propensity to rebel and finds that hierarchy mattered, as senior officers influenced subordinates’ choices of side.
An Orthodox Perspective on the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification
Authors: Vidovic Julija
Published: July 2019

In 1999, the Roman Catholic Church and the Lutheran World Federation signed the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification, one of the main points at issue at the time of the 16th‐century Reformation. This article seeks to offer an Orthodox perspective on the Joint Declaration, through presenting an “Orthodox” approach to the doctrine of justification as the doctrine is set out in the text of the Joint Declaration. The article then discusses how this approach is reflected in the three international and regional dialogues between the Orthodox Church and the churches of the Reformation that took place almost simultaneously with the dialogue leading to the Lutheran–Catholic Joint Declaration.
Between Hospitality and Hostility
Authors: Anaya Jiménez Lani
Published: July 2019

Migration has been a global phenomenon since the beginning of humankind. But despite its ordinariness, migration is a complex issue. The arrival of refugees in another country might have significant social, economic, political, cultural, and religious repercussions for both the migrants and the host societies. In 2015, many refugees, mainly from the Middle East and the North African region, fled to Europe. Migration has become a subject of research in social sciences and, recently, in social ethics and theology. An ethical dilemma arises around the refugee crisis and the relationships between the host countries and guest communities: What is the relevance of the ethics of hospitality in a climate of political radicalization and hostility toward the “other”? This paper studies social ethical perspectives of hospitality and hostility toward refugees in the context of Sweden.
Board diversity reforms: Do they matter for EU bank performance?
Authors: Arnaboldi Francesca , Casu Barbara , Kalotychou Elena , Sarkisyan Anna
Published: July 2019

We examine the impact of governance reforms related to board diversity on the performance of European Union banks. Using a difference‐in‐difference approach, we document that reforms increase bank stock returns and their volatility within the first 3 years after their enactment. The type of reform matters, with quotas increasing return volatility. The effectiveness of reforms depends on a country's institutional environment. The impact of reforms on return volatility is found to be beneficial in countries more open to diversity, with common law system and with greater economic freedom. Finally, reforms play a bigger role in banks that have ex ante less heterogeneous boards.
Father Reflections on Doing Family in Stepfamilies
Authors: Pylyser Charlotte , De Mol Jan , Loeys Tom , Buysse Ann
Published: July 2019

Objective

To explore fathers' experiences as biological parents in father–stepmother families.

Background

Biological parents play an important role in the formation and development of stepfamily relationships, but little is known about fathers in stepfamilies.

Method

In‐person interviews were conducted with 10 Belgian fathers. Interviews were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results

Three themes emerged from the data: (a) reflecting on children's experiences and transitions, (b) pursuing a shared family understanding, and (c) innovating new ways of doing fatherhood and family. The first theme centers on fathers' concerns about the impact family transitions may have on their children. The second theme centers on fathers' pursuit of a shared understanding that clarifies family roles and expectations within the stepfamily. The last theme addresses the creativity of these fathers as they co‐construct new stepfamily and fatherhood identities in the absence of culturally ascribed norms.

Conclusion

Given their connecting role as parent and partner, biological fathers in stepfamilies are key to the formation and development of a new family narrative.

Findings contribute to family practitioners' understanding of how fathers experience stepfamily life.