bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time-lapse reconstruction of the fracture front from diffracted waves arrivals in laboratory hydraulic fracture experiments*
Authors: Liu Dong , Lecampion Brice , Blum Thomas
Published: June 2020

4D acoustic imaging via an array of 32 sources / 32 receivers is used to monitor hydraulic fracture propagating in a 250 mm cubic specimen under a true-triaxial state of stress. We present a method based on the arrivals of diffracted waves to reconstruct the fracture geometry (and fluid front when distinct from the fracture front). Using Bayesian model selection, we rank different possible fracture geometries (radial, elliptical, tilted or not) and estimate model error. The imaging is repeated every 4 seconds and provide a quantitative measurement of the growth of these low velocity fractures. We test the proposed method on two experiments performed in two different rocks (marble and gabbro) under experimental conditions characteristic respectively of the fluid lag-viscosity (marble) and toughness (gabbro) dominated hydraulic fracture propagation regimes. In both experiments, about 150 to 200 source-receiver combinations exhibit clear diffracted wave arrivals. The results of the inversion indicate a radial geometry evolving slightly into an ellipse towards the end of the experiment when the fractures feel the specimen boundaries. The estimated modelling error with all models is of the order of the wave arrival picking error. Posterior estimates indicate an uncertainty of the order of a millimeter on the fracture front location for a given acquisition sequence. The reconstructed fracture evolution from diffracted waves is shown to be consistent with the analysis of 90○ incidence transmitted waves across the growing fracture.
The Detention of Migrant Children: A Comparative Study of the United States and Mexico
Authors: Lee Jennifer J , Ortega Velázquez Elisa
Published: June 2020

Detention facilities are no place for children who are irregular migrants. Yet both the United States (US) and Mexico have struggled with how to respond to the arrival of Central American children who are primarily fleeing violence. In these neighbouring countries, the detention of children reflects both an ineffective and misguided strategy to deter people from moving across their southern borders. This focus on border control is further reinforced by the US outsourcing of enforcement controls to Mexico. In the US, a preoccupation with border control can quickly undermine the purported interest of protecting migrant children because they lack the fundamental right to be free from detention. In Mexico, its role as a buffer State causes it to overlook its human rights, constitutional, and federal law commitments to the fundamental rights of children, while allowing practical obstacles to stand in the way of these legal obligations. This article examines how the political imperative of border control in the US influences the various approaches taken by the US and Mexico towards the detention of migrant children. It analyses the shortcomings and best practices of each system and concludes with recommended reforms that actualize the right of migrant children to be free from detention.
Artificial Intelligence: A Primer for Breast Imaging Radiologists
Authors: Bahl Manisha
Published: June 2020

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science dedicated to developing computer algorithms that emulate intelligent human behavior. Subfields of AI include machine learning and deep learning. Advances in AI technologies have led to techniques that could increase breast cancer detection, improve clinical efficiency in breast imaging practices, and guide decision-making regarding screening and prevention strategies. This article reviews key terminology and concepts, discusses common AI models and methods to validate and evaluate these models, describes emerging AI applications in breast imaging, and outlines challenges and future directions. Familiarity with AI terminology, concepts, methods, and applications is essential for breast imaging radiologists to critically evaluate these emerging technologies, recognize their strengths and limitations, and ultimately ensure optimal patient care.
Freedom of thought in Europe: do advances in ‘brain-reading’ technology call for revision?
Authors: Ligthart Sjors
Published: June 2020

Since advances in brain-reading technology are changing traditional epistemic boundaries of the mind, yielding information from the brain that enables to draw inferences about particular mental states of individuals, the sustainability of the present framework of European human rights has been called into question. More specifically, it has been argued that in order to provide adequate human rights protection from non-consensual brain-reading, the right to freedom of thought should be revised, making it ‘fit for the future’ again. From the perspective of criminal justice, the present paper examines whether such a revision is necessary within the European legal context. It argues that under its current understanding, the right to freedom of thought would probably not cover the employment of most brain-reading applications in criminal justice. By contrast, the right to freedom of (non-)expression will provide legal protection in this regard and, at the same time, will also allow for certain exceptions. Hence, instead of revising the absolute right to freedom of thought, a legal approach tailored to non-consensual brain-reading could be developed under the already existing right not to convey information, ideas, and opinions as guaranteed under the freedom of (non-)expression. This might need to re-interpret the right to freedom of expression, rather than the right to freedom of thought.
Mating Competitiveness of Transgenic Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Males Against Wild-Type Males Reared Under Simulated Field Conditions
Authors: Kang David S , Cunningham Joanne M , Lovin Diane D , Chadee Dave D , Severson David W
Published: June 2020

Efforts directed at genetic modification of mosquitoes for population control or replacement are highly dependent on the initial mating success of transgenic male mosquitoes following their release into natural populations. Adult mosquito phenotypes are influenced by the environmental conditions experienced as larvae. Semifield studies conducted to date have not taken that under consideration when testing male mating fitness, and have compared mating success of males reared under identical environmental conditions. We performed pairwise mating challenges between males from a genetically modified laboratory strain (BF2) versus males from a recent Trinidad field isolate of Aedes aegypti (L.), a major vector of multiple arboviruses. We utilized larval density and nutrition to simulate environmental stress experienced by the Trinidad males and females. Our results indicated that environmental stress during larval development negatively influenced the competitiveness and reproductive success of males from the Trinidad population when paired with optimum reared BF2 males. Small (0.027 m3) and large (0.216 m3) trials were conducted wherein stressed or optimum Trinidad males competed with optimum BF2 males for mating with stressed Trinidad females. When competing with stress reared Trinidad males, optimum reared BF2 males were predominant in matings with stress reared Trinidad females, and large proportions of these females mated with males of both strains. When competing with optimum reared Trinidad males, no difference in mating success was observed between them and BF2 males, and frequencies of multiple matings were low. Our results indicate that future mating competition studies should incorporate appropriate environmental conditions when designing mating fitness trials of genetically modified males.
Refugees Who Mean Business: Economic Activities in and Around the Rohingya Settlements the Rohingya Settlements in Bangladesh
Authors: Filipski Mateusz J. , Rosenbach Gracie , Tiburcio Ernesto , Dorosh Paul , Hoddinott John
Published: June 2020

Refugee sites throughout the world are loci of economic activity, including small enterprises, but limited information exists on these. We advance knowledge by collecting and analysing data on 326 enterprises operating inside and outside Rohingya settlements in southeastern Bangladesh. We find the following: refugees have access to a diverse array of active businesses; Bangladeshis and Rohingya both operate businesses and the two communities interact through transactions in local goods, services, inputs, and labour markets; lending plays an important role in sustaining these economies, as approximately 50 per cent of transactions are on credit; Rohingya-run enterprises face greater challenges than their local counterparts: their businesses are smaller and less profitable, and refugee workers are paid lower wages than local workers; and about half of the difference in performance between Rohingya and Bangladeshis can be explained by levels of start-up capital, scale, location, and education.
The sensitivity of presupernova neutrinos to stellar evolution models
Authors: Kato Chinami , Hirai Ryosuke , Nagakura Hiroki
Published: June 2020

We examine the sensitivity of neutrino emission to stellar evolution models for a 15 M⊙ progenitor, paying particular attention to a phase prior to the collapse. We demonstrate that the number luminosities in both electron-type neutrinos (νe) and their antipartners ($\bar{\nu }_\mathrm{ e}$) differ by more than an order of magnitude by changing spatial resolutions and nuclear network sizes on stellar evolution models. We also develop a phenomenological model to capture the essential trend of the diversity, in which neutrino luminosities are expressed as a function of central density, temperature, and electron fraction. In the analysis, we show that the neutrino luminosity can be well characterized by these central quantities. This analysis also reveals that the most influential quantity to the time evolution of νe luminosity is matter density, while it is temperature for $\bar{\nu }_\mathrm{ e}$. These qualitative trends will be useful and applicable to constrain the physical states of progenitors at the final stages of stellar evolution from future neutrino observations, although more detailed systematic studies including various mass progenitors are required to assess the applicability.
Characterizing the radio continuum nature of sources in the massive star-forming region W75N (B)
Authors: Rodríguez-Kamenetzky A , Carrasco-González C , Torrelles J M , Vlemmings W H T , Rodríguez L F , Surcis G , Gómez J F , Cantó J , Goddi C , Kim J S , Kim S -W , Añez-López N , Curiel S , van Langevelde H J
Published: June 2020

The massive star-forming region W75N (B) is thought to host a cluster of massive protostars (VLA 1, VLA 2, and VLA 3) undergoing different evolutionary stages. In this work, we present radio continuum data with the highest sensitivity and angular resolution obtained to date in this region, using the VLA-A and covering a wide range of frequencies (4–48 GHz), which allowed us to study the morphology and the nature of the emission of the different radio continuum sources. We also performed complementary studies with multi-epoch Very Large Array (VLA) data and Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) archive data at 1.3 mm wavelength. We find that VLA 1 is driving a thermal radio jet at scales of ≈0.1 arcsec (≈130 au), but also shows signs of an incipient hypercompact H ii region at scales of ≲1 arcsec (≲1300 au). VLA 3 is also driving a thermal radio jet at scales of a few tenths of arcsec (few hundred of au). We conclude that this jet is shock exciting the radio continuum sources Bc and VLA 4 (obscured Herbig–Haro objects), which show proper motions moving outward from VLA 3 at velocities of ≈112–118 km s−1. We have also detected three new weak radio continuum sources, two of them associated with millimetre continuum cores observed with ALMA, suggesting that these two sources are also embedded young stellar objects in this massive star-forming region.
Chemical abundances of Seyfert 2 AGNs – III. Reducing the oxygen abundance discrepancy
Authors: Dors O L , Maiolino R , Cardaci M V , Hägele G F , Krabbe A C , Pérez-Montero E , Armah M
Published: June 2020

We investigate the discrepancy between oxygen abundance estimations for narrow-line regions of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) type Seyfert 2 derived using direct estimations of the electron temperature (Te-method) and those derived using photoionization models. In view of this, observational emission-line ratios in the optical range ($3000 \: \lt \: \lambda (\mathring{\rm A}) \: \lt 7000$) of Seyfert 2 nuclei compiled from the literature were reproduced by detailed photoionization models built with the cloudy code. We find that the derived discrepancies are mainly due to the inappropriate use of the relations between temperatures of the low (t2) and high (t3) ionization gas zones derived for H ii regions in AGN chemical abundance studies. Using a photoionization model grid, we derived a new expression for t2 as a function of t3 valid for Seyfert 2 nuclei. The use of this new expression in the AGN estimation of the O/H abundances based on Te-method produces O/H abundances slightly lower (about 0.2 dex) than those derived from detailed photoionization models. We also find that the new formalism for the Te-method reduces by about 0.4 dex the O/H discrepancies between the abundances obtained from strong emission-line calibrations and those derived from direct estimations.
Tidal evolution of eccentric binaries driven by convective turbulent viscosity
Authors: Vick Michelle , Lai Dong
Published: June 2020

Tidal dissipation due to convective turbulent viscosity shapes the evolution of a variety of astrophysical binaries. For example, this type of dissipation determines the rate of orbital circularization in a binary with a post-main-sequence star that is evolving toward a common envelope phase. Viscous dissipation can also influence binaries with solar-type stars, or stars with a close-in giant planet. In general, the effective viscosity in a convective stellar envelope depends on the tidal forcing frequency ωtide; when ωtide is larger than the turnover frequency of convective eddies, the viscosity is reduced. Previous works have focused on binaries in nearly circular orbits. However, for eccentric orbits, the tidal potential has many forcing frequencies. In this paper, we develop a formalism for computing tidal dissipation that captures the effect of frequency-dependent turbulent viscosity and is valid for arbitrary binary eccentricities. We also present an alternative simpler formulation that is suitable for very high eccentricities. We apply our formalisms to a giant branch (GB) star model and a solar-type star model. We find that a range of pseudo-synchronous rotation rates are possible for both stellar models, and the pseudo-synchronous rate can differ from the prediction of the commonly used weak tidal friction theory by up to a factor of a few. We also find that tidal decay and circularization due to turbulent viscosity can be a few orders of magnitude faster than predicted by weak tidal friction in GB stars on eccentric, small pericentre orbits, but is suppressed by a few orders of magnitude in solar-type stars due to viscosity reduction.
Extreme close encounters between proto-Mercury and proto-Venus in terrestrial planet formation
Authors: Fang Tong , Deng Hongping
Published: June 2020

Modern models of terrestrial planet formation require solids depletion interior to 0.5–0.7 au in the planetesimal disc to explain the small mass of Mercury. The Earth and Venus analogues emerge after ∼100 Myr collisional growth, while Mercury forms in the diffusive tails of the planetesimal disc. We carried out 250 N-body simulations of planetesimal discs with mass confined to 0.7–1.0 au to study the statistics of close encounters that were recently proposed as an explanation for the high iron mass fraction in Mercury. We formed 39 Mercury analogues in total and all proto-Mercury analogues were scattered inwards by proto-Venus. Proto-Mercury typically experiences six extreme close encounters (closest approach smaller than six Venus radii) with Proto-Venus after Proto-Venus acquires 0.7 Venus Mass. At such close separation, the tidal interaction can already affect the orbital motion significantly such that the N-body treatment itself is invalid. More and closer encounters are expected should tidal dissipation of orbital angular momentum accounted. Hybrid N-body hydrodynamic simulations, treating orbital and encounter dynamics self-consistently, are desirable to evaluate the degree of tidal mantle stripping of proto-Mercury.
A measurement of the Hubble constant from Type II supernovae
Authors: de Jaeger T , Stahl B E , Zheng W , Filippenko A V , Riess A G , Galbany L
Published: June 2020

Progressive increases in the precision of the Hubble-constant measurement via Cepheid-calibrated Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) have shown a discrepancy of ∼4.4σ with the current value inferred from Planck satellite measurements of the cosmic microwave background radiation and the standard $\Lambda $cold dark matter (ΛCDM) cosmological model. This disagreement does not appear to be due to known systematic errors and may therefore be hinting at new fundamental physics. Although all of the current techniques have their own merits, further improvement in constraining the Hubble constant requires the development of as many independent methods as possible. In this work, we use SNe II as standardisable candles to obtain an independent measurement of the Hubble constant. Using seven SNe II with host-galaxy distances measured from Cepheid variables or the tip of the red giant branch, we derive H$_0= 75.8^{+5.2}_{-4.9}$ km s−1 Mpc−1 (statistical errors only). Our value favours that obtained from the conventional distance ladder (Cepheids + SNe Ia) and exhibits a difference of 8.4 km s−1 Mpc−1 from the Planck + ΛCDM value. Adding an estimate of the systematic errors (2.8 km s−1 Mpc−1) changes the ∼1.7σ discrepancy with Planck +ΛCDM to ∼1.4σ. Including the systematic errors and performing a bootstrap simulation, we confirm that the local H0 value exceeds the value from the early Universe with a confidence level of 95 per cent. As in this work, we only exchange SNe II for SNe Ia to measure extragalactic distances, we demonstrate that there is no evidence that SNe Ia are the source of the H0 tension.
Counts: an outstanding challenge for log-ratio analysis of compositional data in the molecular biosciences
Authors: Lovell David R , Chua Xin-Yi , McGrath Annette
Published: June 2020

Thanks to sequencing technology, modern molecular bioscience datasets are often compositions of counts, e.g. counts of amplicons, mRNAs, etc. While there is growing appreciation that compositional data need special analysis and interpretation, less well understood is the discrete nature of these count compositions (or, as we call them, lattice compositions) and the impact this has on statistical analysis, particularly log-ratio analysis (LRA) of pairwise association. While LRA methods are scale-invariant, count compositional data are not; consequently, the conclusions we draw from LRA of lattice compositions depend on the scale of counts involved. We know that additive variation affects the relative abundance of small counts more than large counts; here we show that additive (quantization) variation comes from the discrete nature of count data itself, as well as (biological) variation in the system under study and (technical) variation from measurement and analysis processes. Variation due to quantization is inevitable, but its impact on conclusions depends on the underlying scale and distribution of counts. We illustrate the different distributions of real molecular bioscience data from different experimental settings to show why it is vital to understand the distributional characteristics of count data before applying and drawing conclusions from compositional data analysis methods.
Efficient, quick and easy-to-use DNA replication timing analysis with START-R suite
Authors: Hadjadj Djihad , Denecker Thomas , Guérin Eva , Kim Su-Jung , Fauchereau Fabien , Baldacci Giuseppe , Maric Chrystelle , Cadoret Jean-Charles
Published: June 2020

DNA replication must be faithful and follow a well-defined spatiotemporal program closely linked to transcriptional activity, epigenomic marks, intranuclear structures, mutation rate and cell fate determination. Among the readouts of the spatiotemporal program of DNA replication, replication timing analyses require not only complex and time-consuming experimental procedures, but also skills in bioinformatics. We developed a dedicated Shiny interactive web application, the START-R (Simple Tool for the Analysis of the Replication Timing based on R) suite, which analyzes DNA replication timing in a given organism with high-throughput data. It reduces the time required for generating and analyzing simultaneously data from several samples. It automatically detects different types of timing regions and identifies significant differences between two experimental conditions in ∼15 min. In conclusion, START-R suite allows quick, efficient and easier analyses of DNA replication timing for all organisms. This novel approach can be used by every biologist. It is now simpler to use this method in order to understand, for example, whether ‘a favorite gene or protein’ has an impact on replication process or, indirectly, on genomic organization (as Hi-C experiments), by comparing the replication timing profiles between wild-type and mutant cell lines.
Treating systemic lupus erythematosus in the 21st century: new drugs and new perspectives on old drugs
Authors: Ruiz-Irastorza Guillermo , Bertsias George
Published: June 2020

Besides treating acute flares, the management of SLE should aim at preventing organ damage accrual and drug-associated harms, improving health-related quality of life and prolonging survival. At present, therapy is based on combinations of antimalarials (mainly HCQ), considered the backbone of SLE treatment, glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive drugs. However, these regimens are not universally effective and a substantial degree of damage can be caused by exposure to glucocorticoids. In this review we provide a critical appraisal of the efficacy and safety of available treatments as well as a brief discussion of potentially novel compounds in patients with SLE. We emphasize the use of methylprednisolone pulses for moderate–severe flares, followed by low–moderate doses of oral prednisone with quick tapering to maintenance doses of ≤5 mg/day, as well as the prompt institution of immunosuppressive drugs in the setting of severe disease but also as steroid-sparing agents. Indications for the use of biologic agents, namely belimumab and rituximab, in refractory or organ-threatening disease are also presented. We conclude by proposing evidence- and experience-based treatment strategies tailored to the clinical scenario and prevailing organ involvement that can aid clinicians in managing this complex disease.
Intestinal and enthesis innate immunity in early axial spondyloarthropathy
Authors: Sharif Kassem , Bridgewood Charlie , Dubash Sayam , McGonagle Dennis
Published: June 2020

Axial SpA (axSpA), encompassing AS, is a multifactorial disease that localizes to sites of high spinal biomechanical stress. Much has been written on T cells and adaptive immunity in axSpA, which is understandable given the very strong HLA-B27 disease association. Extra-axial disease characteristically involves the anterior uveal tract, aortic root, lung apex and terminal ileum. Under recent classification, axSpA is classified as an intermediate between autoimmunity and autoinflammatory disease, with the latter term being synonymous with innate immune dysregulation. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the ‘danger signals’ from both the exogenous intestinal microbiotal adjuvants or pathogen-associated molecular patterns that access the circulation and endogenously derived damaged self-tissue or damage-associated molecular patterns derived from entheses and other sites of high biomechanical stress or damage that may serve as key drivers of axSpA onset, evolution, disease flares and eventual outcomes.
The role of anterior prefrontal cortex (area 10) in face-to-face deception measured with fNIRS
Authors: Pinti Paola , Devoto Andrea , Greenhalgh Isobel , Tachtsidis Ilias , Burgess Paul W , de C Hamilton Antonia F
Published: June 2020

Anterior prefrontal cortex (PFC, Brodmann area 10) activations are often, but not always, found in neuroimaging studies investigating deception, and the precise role of this area remains unclear. To explore the role of the PFC in face-to-face deception, we invited pairs of participants to play a card game involving lying and lie detection while we used functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to record brain activity in the PFC. Participants could win points for successfully lying about the value of their cards or for detecting lies. We contrasted patterns of brain activation when the participants either told the truth or lied, when they were either forced into this or did so voluntarily and when they either succeeded or failed to detect a lie. Activation in the anterior PFC was found in both lie production and detection, unrelated to reward. Analysis of cross-brain activation patterns between participants identified areas of the PFC where the lead player’s brain activity synchronized their partner’s later brain activity. These results suggest that during situations that involve close interpersonal interaction, the anterior PFC supports processing widely involved in deception, possibly relating to the demands of monitoring one’s own and other people’s behaviour.
How practitioners between bench and bedside evaluate biomedical translation?
Authors: Simons Arno , Hendriks Barbara , Reinhart Martin , Ahmed Faten
Published: June 2020

While translational research (TR) aims at changing regulatory and organizational practices in the biomedical field, surprisingly little is known about how practitioners in the lab or the clinic think about translation. Addressing this gap, we present results from a Q-methodological study on the meanings and values associated with translation held by researchers, clinicians, and clinician scientists at two major German biomedical research institutions implementing TR strategies. We identify eight different collective understandings of translation, with respect to both where primary translational problems are located and what the most immediate and effective measures should be. Our findings suggest that there may not be a one-fits-all solution for improving translation and that general regulatory and organizational measures may be less effective than measures addressing specific audiences and their specific viewpoints. TR does, however, work well as an umbrella term in stimulating and orchestrating a productive interaction between various viewpoints, practices, and contexts.
Poverty and Social Rights Among the Working Age Population in Post-Industrial Democracies
Authors: Alper Kaitlin , Huber Evelyne , Stephens John D
Published: June 2020

This article explores the determinants of relative market income poverty and poverty reduction among the working age population in 22 advanced industrial democracies. The article revisits Moller et al. (2003) but goes beyond the earlier study in four major ways. First, we are able to measure welfare state effort with social rights rather than expenditure. This allows us to separate the effect of policy from need, which jointly shape expenditure. Second, we bring the analysis up to date, covering some 10–15 more years, which allows us to compare our findings to those of the earlier study and to compare the periods before and after 2000. Specifically, we discuss the declining effectiveness of the welfare state in reducing poverty and the declining importance of partisan incumbency. Third, we pool data from three sources, the Luxembourg Income Study (LIS), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and Eurostat Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (SILC), to almost triple the number of observations for analysis compared to past analyses. Fourth, we use newer estimation techniques that deal better with serial correlation. We show that the primary determinants of market income poverty are volume of work as a result of economic and demographic factors, as well as remuneration of work at the bottom of the income distribution driven by labor market institutions. We then show that the main determinants of poverty reduction are social rights; controlling for social rights, need variables are important for explaining poverty reduction as well.
The influence of graded levels of Cyathula prostrata (Linn.) Blume on semen quality characteristics of adult New Zealand white bucks
Authors: Ajuogu Peter Kelechi , Ere Richard , Nodu Medubari B , Nwachukwu Chinwe Uchechi , Mgbere Osaro O
Published: June 2020

Cyathula prostrata (Linn.) Blume is a tropical herbal plant known for its important phytochemical contents and medicinal properties. But its impact on animal reproduction and fertility is yet to be fully established. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that C. prostrata (Linn.) Blume will improve the semen quality characteristics of New Zealand White buck rabbit. Twenty-eight post-pubertal buck rabbits were used for the study. The animals were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (n = 7 per treatment) where they were fed either the control diet—0 g C. prostrata (Linn.) Blume or any of the three experimental diets containing the graded levels of C. prostrata (Linn.) Blume incorporated into rabbit pellets at 10, 20 or 30 g C. prostrata (Linn.) Blume per kg feed. The results showed that the semen volume and pH were not different between groups. Interestingly, sperm motility significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, the sperm morphology also decreased in a dose-related fashion with 20 g (77.75 ± 1.31%) and 30 g (79.00 ± 2.20%) C. prostrata (Linn.) Blume being significantly (P < 0.05) lower compared with groups 0 g (88.50 ± 1.44%) and 10 g (87.50 ± 4.33%) C. prostrata (Linn.) Blume, respectively. In conclusion, the addition of C. prostrata (Linn.) Blume into the normal rabbit feeds had a positive effect on sperm count, but reduced sperm motility and morphology, and may be associated with spermatogenesis-related problems.
Pathogenicity and Control of Phacidium lacerum, an Emerging Pome Fruit Pathogen in Washington State
Authors: Ozturk I. K. , Amiri A.
Published: June 2020

Phacidium lacerum (anamorph Ceuthospora pinastri) is a recently reported quarantine fungal pathogen responsible for postharvest rot in apples and pears. Very little is known about its pathogenicity, epidemiology, and best management practices. We screened pathogenicity of P. lacerum on twigs from seven and fruit from nine major commercial apple cultivars. Among the nine cultivars tested, detached fruit of Honeycrisp and Gala cultivars were the most susceptible, whereas WA38 (Cosmic Crisp) was the least susceptible (P < 0.05). Effective concentrations to inhibit 50% growth (EC50) were determined in 41 baseline P. lacerum isolates. The mean EC50 values for four postharvest fungicides, i.e., fludioxonil (FDL), difenoconazole (DIF), thiabendazole (TBZ), and pyrimethanil (PYRI) were 0.16, 0.38, 0.54, and 0.72 µg/ml, respectively. The mean EC50 values for four preharvest fungicides, i.e., pyraclostrobin (PYRA), fluxapyroxad (FLUX), boscalid (BOSC), and fluopyram (FLUP) were 0.96, 12.64, 16.54, and 44.46 µg/ml, respectively. In situ efficacy trials were conducted on detached Gala apples treated preventively and curatively with the aforementioned fungicides. After 6 months of storage at 1°C, FDL and DIF provided full control followed by TBZ and PYRI, whereas the other preharvest fungicides provided fair or low efficacies. Findings of this study shed light on pathogenicity of this emerging pathogen and provide necessary knowledge for effective management of Phacidium rot.
How Would Socrates Enhance Online Learning in Nursing Education?
Authors: Dewald Robin Jill
Published: June 2020

Contemporary education demands that teachers learn to provide excellent education in online learning environments. A student-centered, rich, and active learning environment can and must occur in the online learning arena. Applying Socratic questioning to online teaching and learning leads to rich dialogue and enhances learning. This article focuses on how online instructors can apply Socratic questioning in their online discussions, geared to the readiness of students.
Asymptomatic GBS bacteriuria during antenatal visits
Authors: Rosenberger Kelly D. , Seibert Amy , Hormig Sara
Published: June 2020

Inconsistencies persist regarding the efficacy of treating asymptomatic group B Streptococcus bacteriuria in pregnant individuals with colony counts below 105 (100,000) CFU/mL. Despite these discrepancies, treatment still occurs. This article examines the role of screening and treatment, evidence-based guidelines, and practice patterns to provide clarification and resolve local practice disparities.
Dysphagia
Authors: Skarbinski Kristina F. , Glennon Elizabeth
Published: June 2020

Dysphagia is a common symptom with several differential diagnoses ranging from benign and functional to life threatening. Given the potential severity, it is essential to obtain an accurate and pointed history to dictate appropriate diagnostic testing. This article differentiates between oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia before outlining a systematic approach to subsequent testing, including when to refer to a specialist.
Primary care of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Kilmer Michele
Published: June 2020

Early intervention is vital for improved health outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Innovations that support primary care providers' management of ASD are needed. The conclusion of this series outlines a research pilot program testing the usability of an author-developed clinical practice guideline for the initial management of pediatric patients at risk for ASD.
Risk of premature physeal closure in fractures of distal tibia
Authors: Stenroos Antti , Puhakka Jani , Jalkanen Jenni , Laaksonen Topi , Kivisaari Reetta , Kosola Jussi , Nietosvaara Yrjänä
Published: June 2020

The reported incidence of premature physeal closure (PPC) in fractures of the distal tibia has varied between 5 and 36%, but there is no consensus on the cause. We wanted to determine incidence and predictors of PPC in distal tibia physeal fractures in a population-based patient cohort. Two hundred forty-one patients (195 Peterson type I–V fractures and 46 transitional fractures) treated for a physeal fracture of the distal tibia during a 5-year period in two tertiary-level teaching hospitals. Odds ratios (OR) for developing PPC for different parameters (Peterson fracture type, associated fibula fracture, primary and postreduction displacement, number of reductions and the method of treatment) were calculated by binary logistic regression analysis. In 195 children with Peterson type I–V fractures PPC was diagnosed in 21 children (11%), of which 11 (6%) had surgery at mean 14 months from the fracture to correct either angular deformity or leg length discrepancy. The incidence of distal tibia PPC is at least 0.05/1000 children. More than one reduction attempt was the most significant risk factor (OR 7.0) for PPC. Peterson fracture type, associated fibula fracture, initial or post-reduction displacement or type of treatment did not correlate with PPC. The incidence of distal tibia PPC is at least 0.05/1000 children. The number of reductions correlates positively with the risk of PPC.
Enrollment in the Zoster Eye Disease Study
Authors: Cohen Elisabeth J. , Jeng Bennie H. , Troxel Andrea B. , Lee Myeonggyun , Shakarov Gabriel , Hochman Judith , Gillespie Colleen
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

To present the results of a survey of the Zoster Eye Disease Study (ZEDS) investigators regarding barriers to the enrollment of study participants and approaches to overcome them.

Methods:

ZEDS is a multicenter randomized clinical trial supported by the National Eye Institute to determine whether prolonged suppressive valacyclovir reduces the complications of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO), relative to placebo. Enrollment of study participants is currently far below expectations. An institutional review board–approved anonymous internet survey was conducted of ZEDS investigators to study their experiences and opinions regarding barriers to enrollment and various approaches to overcome them.

Results:

The overall survey response rate was 54% (79/145). Only 29% (23/79) agreed that it is easy to enroll study participants. Regarding patient barriers, 69% (55/79) agreed that HZO patients want to be treated with antiviral medication and 69% (54/78) agreed that HZO patients on antivirals do not want to be randomized. Regarding personal barriers facing investigators, 91% (72/79) agreed that antivirals are effective and 100% that the research questions ZEDS is designed to answer are very important. Fewer than 30% of respondents believed that steps taken to increase enrollment have been very helpful. Over half (54%, 42/78) believed that advertising on social media would be moderately or very effective.

Conclusions:

Belief among ZEDS investigators that antivirals are effective, and the preference of patients to be treated with antivirals rather than be randomized in ZEDS, are major barriers to enrollment. New approaches to overcoming barriers are necessary to develop an evidence-based standard of care for treatment of HZO.
Donor DMEK Tissue Characteristics: Association With Rebubble Rate and 6-Month Endothelial Cell Loss
Authors: Straiko Michael D. , Bauer Alex J. , Straiko Megan M. W. , Potts Luke B. , Chen Shin-Yi , Tran Khoa D. , Terry Mark A.
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

To determine whether specific donor characteristics influence postoperative rebubble rate and 6-month endothelial cell loss (ECL) in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of 857 DMEK surgeries using eye bank-prepared donor tissue was performed between September 2013 and April 2018. DMEK graft characteristics including donor age, preoperative endothelial cell density (ECD), preservation time, death-to-preservation time, and donor diabetes status were analyzed for correlation with rebubble rate and 6-month postoperative ECL. Subgroup analyses of donor age, preoperative ECD, preservation time, death-to-preservation time, preparation-to-surgery time, and diabetes severity were also performed. Statistically significant relationships between donor characteristics and rebubble rate or 6-month postoperative ECL were determined using Pearson correlation, one-way analysis of variance, t test, and χ2 analysis.

Results:

The overall rate of rebubble after 857 surgeries performed by 7 surgeons during the study period was 12.6%. There was no significant relationship between postoperative rebubble rate and donor age, preoperative ECD, preservation time, death-to-preservation time, preparation-to-surgery time, or donor diabetes status. The subgroup analysis of these characteristics also yielded no significant relationship with rebubble rate. There was also no significant relationship between 6-month postoperative ECL and analyzed donor factors.

Conclusions:

Donor characteristics such as higher donor age, lower preoperative ECD (<2500), longer preservation time, and donor diabetes did not increase the rebubble rate or the 6-month ECL after DMEK. These results indicate that common surgeon preferences for donor tissues that are younger, fresher, with higher cell count, and without diabetes do not translate into superior postsurgical outcomes.
The “Yogurt” Technique for Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Graft Preparation: A Novel Quick and Safe Method for Both Inexperienced and Senior Surgeons
Authors: Tzamalis Argyrios , Vinciguerra Riccardo , Romano Vito , Arbabi Esmaeil , Borroni Davide , Wojcik Gabriela , Ferrari Stefano , Ziakas Nikolaos , Kaye Stephen
Published: June 2020

Purpose:

To describe and evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel technique to prepare Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) donor grafts using a newly designed partial-thickness hinge punch.

Methods:

The novel punch has a circular guarded blade missing 1 clock hour, creating an uncut hinge on the donor cornea. In addition, 2 straight cuts are made by the punch perpendicular to the edge of trephination toward the trabecular meshwork in the hinge area. After the donor corneoscleral rim is positioned endothelial side up, a partial-thickness trephination is performed avoiding any rotational movements. Descemet membrane is lifted from Schwalbe line in the hinge area, and DMEK graft is peeled after desired marking without further preparation.

Results:

Three surgeons of different experience levels on DMEK (senior/independent/fellow) initially applied the new technique in 18 research corneas, divided into equal groups. Two failures in graft preparation were noted, defined as radial tears extending ≥0.5 mm. The mean preparation time was 6.21 ± 1.45 minutes. No statistically significant differences were noted in success rate, duration, and endothelial cell loss (ECL) between surgeons (P > 0.05). ECL was evaluated as an average of 5 readings on randomly selected graft areas, not including graft periphery. Fifteen additional research corneas were stripped by 1 single user in an eye bank setting. No tissue loss was recorded, whereas ECL and mortality rate remained unaffected after preparation (P = 0.64 and P = 0.72, respectively).

Conclusions:

This new DMEK graft preparation technique, simulating the opening of a yogurt cup, seems to be a safe and an efficient method, providing shorter preparation time and low failure rates independent of surgeon's experience level.
Determinants of the use of nonpharmacological analgesia for labor pain management: a national population-based study
Authors: Merrer Jade , Chantry Anne A. , Khoshnood Babak , Blondel Béatrice , Le Ray Camille , Bonnet Marie-Pierre
Published: June 2020

Besides neuraxial analgesia, nonpharmacological methods are also proposed to help women coping with pain during labor. We aimed to identify the individual and organizational factors associated with the use of nonpharmacological analgesia for labor pain management. Women who attempted vaginal delivery with labor analgesia were selected among participants included in the 2016 National Perinatal Survey, a population-based cross-sectional study. Labor analgesia was studied as neuraxial analgesia alone, nonpharmacological analgesia alone, and neuraxial and nonpharmacological analgesia combined. The associations were studied using multilevel multinomial logistic regression. Among the 9231 women included, 62.4% had neuraxial analgesia alone, 6.4% had nonpharmacological analgesia alone, and 31.2% had both. Nonpharmacological analgesia alone or combined with neuraxial analgesia were both associated with high educational level (adjusted odds ratio 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-2.23 and 1.39; 95% CI, 1.18-1.63), antenatal preference to deliver without neuraxial analgesia, and public maternity unit status. Nonpharmacological analgesia alone was more frequent among multiparous women, and in maternity units with an anesthesiologist not dedicated to delivery unit (1.57; 95% CI, 1.16-2.12) and with the lowest midwife workload (2.15; 95% CI, 1.43-3.22). Neuraxial and nonpharmacological analgesia combined was negatively associated with inadequate prenatal care (0.70; 95% CI, 0.53-0.94). In France, most women who had nonpharmacological analgesia during labor used it as a complementary method to neuraxial analgesia. The use of nonpharmacological analgesia combined with neuraxial analgesia mainly depends on the woman's preference, but also on socioeconomic factors, quality of prenatal care, and care organization.
Effects of using text message interventions for the management of musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review
Authors: Fritsch Carolina G. , Ferreira Paulo H. , Prior Joanna L. , McLachlan Andrew J. , Ferreira Manuela L.
Published: June 2020

Musculoskeletal pain is the greatest cause of disability worldwide. Owing to its increasing prevalence and burden, the importance of affordable treatments has been highlighted. Text message interventions are accessible, low cost, and effective in promoting healthy behaviour and managing chronic diseases. However, little is known about their role in musculoskeletal pain. This systematic review was conducted to appraise the literature on the effects of text messages (as an intervention or a component of an intervention) compared with any control on pain and function in people with musculoskeletal pain (PROSPERO: CRD42018117371). MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, and PEDro databases were searched from inception to April 2020. Keywords relating to musculoskeletal pain, text messages, and randomised controlled trials were combined. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro score. Of the 12,022 studies identified, 11 were included, with a mean PEDro score of 5.4/10 points (SD 1.3). Pooled analyses were not performed because of heterogeneity of interventions and clinical characteristics. When text messages were added to and compared with usual care, some positive effects were found only on treatment adherence. Although small and inconsistent, some positive effects were reported for pain intensity, function, care-seeking behaviour, adherence, and quality of life when text messages were added to multicomponent interventions. Moreover, text message and telephone counselling interventions had similar effects on function. Overall included studies were of limited methodological quality and heterogeneous. However, our results indicate potential benefits of text messages in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain, which need to be confirmed in future trials.
Patient Preferences in Sound Processor Loading Time After BAHI Surgery
Authors: Caspers Coosje Jacoba Isabella , Kruyt Ivo Joachim , Mylanus Emmanuel Antonius Maria , Nelissen Rik Chrétien , Hol Myrthe Karianne Sophie
Published: June 2020

Objective:

Sound processor loading times after bone-anchored hearing implant (BAHI) surgery have gradually decreased over time. This study assessed patient preferences in loading time.

Study Design:

Prospective patient questionnaire study.

Setting:

Tertiary referral center.

Patients:

Patients indicated for BAHI surgery received two questionnaires preoperatively: the validated Glasgow Health Status Inventory (GHSI) and a nonvalidated questionnaire that assessed patient preference for loading time and the rationale behind it. This preference questionnaire was also provided immediately, 7 days and 3 weeks (moment of sound processor loading at our center) postoperatively.

Main Outcome Measures:

The preoperative and postoperative preferred loading time and the postoperative changes in preference were determined. Correlations between preference and patient-specific variables were assessed.

Results:

Sixty patients were included. Preoperatively, 70% preferred loading within 1 week after surgery. Of all patients, 43% preferred loading on the day of surgery, mainly motivated by the fast hearing rehabilitation and practical considerations. These preferences were not correlated with the total GHSI score or duration of hearing loss. Directly postoperatively, no change in preference was observed. However, 7 days and 3 weeks after surgery, significantly more patients preferred loading at a later moment. At 7 days and at 3 weeks, 50 and 40% preferred loading within 1 week, and 12.5 and 7.5% preferred loading on the day of surgery, respectively.

Conclusion:

The preference for the timing of sound processor loading varied among patients and differed pre- and postoperatively. Despite the postoperative decline in patients preferring earlier loading, approximately half of all patients preferred sound processor loading within 1 week after BAHI surgery.