bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Judicializing economic violence as means of dismantling the structural causes of atrocity in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Sehmi Anushka
Published: August 2020

The International Criminal Court (ICC) convicted three militia commanders – Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, Germain Katanga and Bosco Ntaganda – for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Ituri, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, none of these convictions have resulted in a cessation of violence in the region, as recent events have illustrated. Although the ICC is one initiative aimed at securing peace in Ituri, the extent of the ICC’s engagement with this particular context presents a good opportunity to reflect on its limited contribution and to illustrate the structural violence problems that underlie most, if not all, ICC situations and cases in Africa. Furthermore, it will be argued that the ICC can redeem itself from its embeddedness within the liberal peacebuilding paradigm by judicialising the economic realities of violence, thereby combating some of the worst effects of structural violence.
Do Exports Affect Urbanisation in Sub-Saharan Africa? Evidence From the Baltic Dry Index and Panel Regressions With Cross-Sectional Dependence
Authors: Pham Ngoc Thien Anh , Sim Nicholas
Published: August 2020

Unlike other developing countries, urbanisation in sub-Saharan Africa appears to be unaccompanied by an improvement in economic fundamentals. This paper provides new evidence that exports may increase urbanisation in sub-Saharan Africa. To address the issue of reverse causality, we instrument exports with information linked to the Baltic Dry Index, which reflects the shipping cost of primary commodities that the sub-Saharan Africa countries mainly export. To handle a large class of confounding variables and cross-sectional dependence, we employ panel regressions with interactive fixed effects. We find that exports have a sizable positive effect on urbanisation. Interestingly, we also find that exports will lose their statistical significance if cross-sectional dependence is overlooked, suggesting that the true effect of an economic fundamental on urbanisation could be obscured by cross-sectional dependence.
Effects of a microencapsulated formula of organic acids and essential oils on nutrient absorption, immunity, gut barrier function, and abundance of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F4 in weaned piglets challenged with E. coli F4
Authors: Choi Janghan , Wang Lucy , Liu Shangxi , Lu Peng , Zhao Xiaoya , Liu Haoming , Lahaye Ludovic , Santin Elizabeth , Liu Song , Nyachoti Martin , Yang Chengbo
Published: August 2020

The objective was to study the effects of microencapsulated organic acids (OA) and essential oils (EO) on growth performance, immune system, gut barrier function, nutrient digestion and absorption, and abundance of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F4 (ETEC F4) in the weaned piglets challenged with ETEC F4. Twenty-four ETEC F4 susceptible weaned piglets were randomly distributed to 4 treatments including (1) sham-challenged control (SSC; piglets fed a control diet and challenged with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)); (2) challenged control (CC; piglets fed a control diet and challenged with ETEC F4); (3) antibiotic growth promoters (AGP; CC + 55 mg·kg–1 of Aureomycin); and (4) microencapsulated OA and EO [P(OA+EO); (CC + 2 g·kg−1 of microencapsulated OA and EO]. The ETEC F4 infection significantly induced diarrhea at 8, 28, 34, and 40 hr postinoculation (hpi) (P < 0.05) in the CC piglets. At 28 d postinoculation (dpi), piglets fed P(OA+EO) had a lower (P < 0.05) diarrhea score compared with those fed CC, but the P(OA+EO) piglets had a lower (P < 0.05) diarrhea score compared with those fed the AGP diets at 40 dpi. The ETEC F4 infection tended to increase in vivo gut permeability measured by the oral gavaging fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran 70 kDa (FITC-D70) assay in the CC piglets compared with the SCC piglets (P = 0.09). The AGP piglets had higher FITC-D70 flux than P(OA+EO) piglets (P < 0.05). The ETEC F4 infection decreased mid-jejunal VH in the CC piglets compared with the SCC piglets (P < 0.05). The P(OA+EO) piglets had higher (P < 0.05) VH in the mid-jejunum than the CC piglets. The relative mRNA abundance of Na+-glucose cotransporter and B0AT1 was reduced (P < 0.05) by ETEC F4 inoculation when compared with the SCC piglets. The AGP piglets had a greater relative mRNA abundance of B0AT1 than the CC piglets (P < 0.05). The ETEC F4 inoculation increased the protein abundance of OCLN (P < 0.05), and the AGP piglets had the lowest relative protein abundance of OCLN among the challenged groups (P < 0.05). The supplementation of microencapsulated OA and EO enhanced intestinal morphology and showed anti-diarrhea effects in weaned piglets challenged with ETEC F4. Even if more future studies can be required for further validation, this study brings evidence that microencapsulated OA and EO combination can be useful within the tools to be implemented in strategies for alternatives to antibiotics in swine production.
The effects of venting and capsulotomy on traction force and hip distraction in hip arthroscopy
Authors: O’Neill Dillon C , Hadley Matthew L , Adeyemi Temitope F , Aoki Stephen K , Maak Travis G
Published: August 2020

This study evaluated the effects of venting and capsulotomy on the ratio of normalized distraction distance to traction force, correlating this trend with patient demographic factors. A ratio was chosen to capture the total effect of each intervention on the hip joint. During primary hip arthroscopy, continuous traction force was recorded, and fluoroscopic images were acquired to measure joint distraction before and after the application of traction, venting and interportal capsulotomy. Distraction–traction force ratios were compared using a one-sided paired t-test. A linear regression model was used to determine the relationship between age, sex and body mass index and pre- and post-intervention distraction–traction force ratios. Seventy-two adult patients and 73 hips were included. There was an increase in hip distraction with a decrease in traction force post-venting and capsulotomy (both P’s <0.001). Mean normalized distraction distance increased 1.5% of femoral head size after venting and an additional 2.2% of femoral head size after capsulotomy. Mean traction force decreased 2.2% (14.7 N) after venting and 2.3% (15.3 N) after capsulotomy. Female sex significantly correlated with larger differences in both pre- and post-venting capsulotomy ratios. Venting and capsulotomy both independently improve the ratio of normalized distraction distance to traction force when performed in vivo. However, the effect sizes of each intervention are small and of questionable clinical significance. Specifically, when adequate distraction for safe surgical hip access cannot be obtained despite application of significant traction force, venting and capsulotomy after the application of traction may not afford substantial improvement.
Degarelix as a neoadjuvant hormonal therapy for acute urinary tract toxicity associated with external beam radiotherapy for intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer: a propensity score matched analysis
Authors: Hata Shinro , Shin Toshitaka , Abe Satoki , Kawano Kaori , Sato Ryuta , Kai Tomoki , Shibuya Tadamasa , Ando Tadasuke , Mimata Hiromitsu
Published: August 2020

Background

In prostate cancer treatment, lower urinary tract symptoms significantly improve with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone antagonists use compared with agonists. However, it is unclear whether luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone antagonists can decrease acute urinary tract toxicity during external beam radiotherapy. This study aimed to assess whether luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone antagonists used as neoadjuvant therapy reduced acute urinary tract toxicity during external beam radiotherapy compared with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists.

Methods

The study included 78 patients who underwent intensity-modulated radiation therapy for intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer between April 2013 and January 2020. Irradiation was initiated after 3–6 months of neoadjuvant therapy. Androgen deprivation therapy was given to the intermediate-risk group for 6 months and the high-risk group for 2–3 years. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group toxicity grading scale was used to evaluate the urinary tract system toxicity. Relevant clinical factors were used in matching patients based on propensity scores to enable comparison between the groups.

Results

Each group had 27 matched patients. There was no reduction in urinary tract toxicity with the use of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormon antagonists (P = 0.624). For patients with an International Prostate Symptom Score of ≥11 at the start of treatment, 18 patients in each group were matched. Significantly lower scores were observed in the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormon antagonist group (P = 0.041).

Conclusions

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormon antagonists may reduce acute urinary tract toxicity during prostate cancer external beam radiotherapy compared with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormon agonists, in particular in patients with moderate to severe symptoms at the start of treatment.
Photography and the Perils of Automaticity: P. H. Emerson, Copyright, and the Agency of the Artist
Authors: Koo JiHae
Published: August 2020

The photographer Peter Henry Emerson (1856–1936) is known today for the splash he made on the Victorian photographic scene in the 1880s with his bold refusal to follow his fellow art photographers (collectively known as the Pictorialists) in latching the new medium on to the aesthetic conventions of painting. His conventional position within art history is thus as a precursor to the Modernist conception of photography’s medium-specificity. Yet even if Emerson’s work was ahead of its time in its proto-Modernist refusal of painterly conventions, it also has qualities that place it more squarely within late-Victorian discourses. In particular, I argue, Emerson’s ongoing efforts to secure his photographs via copyright law need to be understood as reflective of a distinctly nineteenth-century cultural imaginary. This essay addresses the relationship between Emerson’s aesthetic theory and copyright law by dividing Emerson’s career into two stages, before and after 1891, this being the year in which Emerson abruptly disavowed photography as an artistic medium in his short pamphlet ‘The Death of Naturalistic Photography’. Examining two photography books – Pictures of East Anglian Life (1888) and On English Lagoons (1893) – alongside late-Victorian debates about photographic copyright, I show that Emerson’s earlier belief in photographic copyright’s ability to retain the integrity of an artist’s vision breaks down after 1891. He loses faith in the ‘copyrightability’ of photography in 1891 when he recognizes the mechanical nature – or automaticity – of the camera. That is, Emerson realizes that the photograph is never purely the product of the artist. In sum, this case study shows that by the 1890s, photographic copyright was becoming detached from the notion of creativity and thus could no longer be the guarantee of a photographer’s claim to artistic individuality.
Evaluation of HCV RNA by PCR and Signal-to-Cutoff Ratios of HCV Antibody Assays for Diagnosis of HCV Infection
Authors: Kim Myeong Hee , Kang So Young , Lee Woo In , Lee Min Young
Published: August 2020

Objective

In this study, we assessed whether a hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA test could replace recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) and reduce unnecessary supplemental tests as the signal-to-cutoff (S/Co) ratio from anti-HCV antibody (Ab) tests.

Methods

Anti-HCV Ab tests were performed to screen for HCV infections, and RIBA and real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed for HCV RNA to confirm HCV infection. Receiver operating characteristic curves were evaluated to determine the optimal S/Co ratios for predicting HCV infection.

Results

The cutoff value for the S/Co ratio was 3.63 for predicting RIBA results and 10.6 for predicting HCV RNA results. Our data suggested that an S/Co ratio ≥10.6 indicated a high risk of active HCV infection. An S/Co ratio of 3.63 to 10.6 needed further evaluation and repeat HCV RNA testing. No further testing was required for S/Co ratios <3.63 or ≥10.6.

Conclusion

We determined that the S/Co ratio of the anti-HCV Ab test provides useful information to confirm HCV infections, including the need for further laboratory testing or clinical follow-up.
Pregnancy and Abortion: Experiences and Attitudes of Deployed U.S. Servicewomen
Authors: Seymour Jane W , Fix Laura , Grossman Daniel , Grindlay Kate
Published: August 2020

Introduction

More U.S. servicewomen than civilian women experience unintended pregnancies, which can impact their health, well-being, and careers. Despite this, federal policy limits abortion access and coverage for military personnel to cases of rape, incest, and life endangerment. This study aimed to document servicewomen’s experiences with unintended pregnancy and abortion during deployment, and their knowledge and opinions of military policies related to sexual activity, pregnancy, and abortion.

Material and Methods

Between June 2016 and July 2017, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey among a convenience sample of current and former U.S. Military, National Guard, and Reserves members whose last deployment ended in 2010 or later. We asked open- and closed-ended questions about demographics, experiences with pregnancy and abortion during deployment, and knowledge and opinions of military policies related to sexual activity, pregnancy, and abortion. We ran descriptive statistics on closed-ended questions and inductively coded open-ended question responses. This study was approved by the Allendale Investigational Review Board.

Results

A total of 319 participants were included. The majority said that servicewomen are reprimanded for sexual activity and becoming pregnant during deployment in all or some circumstances. Among these respondents, one-third said that fear of reprimand for sexual activity affects deployed servicewomen’s use of contraception. Twenty respondents became pregnant or discovered that they were pregnant during deployment; twelve were unable to access the pregnancy- and/or abortion-related services they wanted or needed. Among those whose last deployment ended in 2013 or later (n = 141), when federal policy expanded abortion coverage for servicemembers to include cases of rape and incest, the minority knew the correct coverage or provision policies for abortion in cases of rape and incest or life endangerment. The majority believed that the military should cover and provide abortion in cases of rape, incest, or life endangerment and for unwanted pregnancies.

Conclusion

Among this convenience sample of current and former servicewomen with an overseas deployment that ended in 2010 or later, 6% became pregnant or discovered that they were pregnant during deployment, and most of these respondents reported being unable to access the pregnancy- and/or abortion-related services they wanted or needed. The majority reported lack of knowledge of military abortion policies and that servicewomen are reprimanded for pregnancy and/or sexual activity in some or all circumstances, with many noting this reprimand as a barrier to contraceptive use for some servicewomen. Predeployment health visits may be one intervention point for disseminating the military’s abortion policies; commanding officers should also be well versed in these policies so that they are able to provide effective leadership to junior military members.
Temporal evolution of the permanent shadowed regions at Mercury poles: applications for spectral detection of ices by SIMBIOSYS-VIHI on BepiColombo mission
Authors: Filacchione Gianrico , Frigeri Alessandro , Raponi Andrea , Ciarniello Mauro , Capaccioni Fabrizio , De Sanctis Maria Cristina , Carli Cristian , Galluzzi Valentina , Cremonese Gabriele , Lucchetti Alice , Re Cristina , Massironi Matteo
Published: August 2020

Radar observations from the Earth and multi-instrument measurements by MESSENGER mission have indicated the presence of large quantities of ices within the permanent shadowed regions (PSRs) located at Mercury poles. The detection and mapping of the distribution of volatile species on PSRs are among the primary scientific goals of the Spectrometer and IMagers for MPO Bepicolombo Integrated Observatory SYStem (SIMBIO-SYS) suite aboard ESA’s BepiColombo mission. We report about a three-steps preparatory study mainly focusing on SIMBIO-SYS/Visible and near Infrared Hyperspectral Imager (VIHI) 0.4–2.0 μm imaging spectrometer aiming (1) to render the solar illumination temporal evolution occurring on polar regions and in particular on Prokofiev and Kandinsky craters by studying the effects of shadows and penumbras caused by the finite apparent solar disc; (2) to simulate the spectral reflectance of various mixtures of average Mercury terrain and water ice in the spectral range of the VIHI imaging spectrometer channel in direct illumination, penumbra and shadowed illumination conditions; and (3) to verify the resulting VIHI signal-to-noise ratio during the different phases of the BepiColombo mission.
The stellar populations of high-redshift dwarf galaxies
Authors: Gelli V , Salvadori S , Pallottini A , Ferrara A
Published: August 2020

We use high-resolution (≈10 pc), zoom-in simulations of a typical (stellar mass $M_\star \simeq 10^{10}\, {\rm M}_{\odot }$) Lyman Break Galaxy (LBG) at z ≃ 6 to investigate the stellar populations of its six dwarf galaxy satellites, whose stellar [gas] masses are in the range log (M⋆/M⊙) ≃ 6−9 [log (Mgas/M⊙) ≃ 4.3−7.75]. The properties and evolution of satellites show no dependence on the distance from the central massive LBG (<11.5 kpc). Instead, their star formation and chemical enrichment histories are tightly connected to their stellar (and sub-halo) mass. High-mass dwarf galaxies ($M_\star \gtrsim 5\times 10^8 \, {\rm M}_{\odot }$) experience a long history of star formation, characterized by many merger events. Lower mass systems go through a series of short star formation episodes, with no signs of mergers; their star formation activity starts relatively late (z ≈ 7), and it is rapidly quenched by internal stellar feedback. In spite of the different evolutionary patterns, all satellites show a spherical morphology, with ancient and more metal-poor stars located towards the inner regions. All six dwarf satellites experienced high star formation rate ($\rm \gt 5\, {\rm M}_{\odot }\, {\rm yr}^{-1}$) bursts, which can be detected by James Webb Space Telescope while targeting high-z LBGs.
Novel organization of mitochondrial minicircles and guide RNAs in the zoonotic pathogen Trypanosoma lewisi
Authors: Li Su-Jin , Zhang Xuan , Lukeš Julius , Li Bi-Qi , Wang Ju-Feng , Qu Liang-Hu , Hide Geoff , Lai De-Hua , Lun Zhao-Rong
Published: August 2020

Kinetoplastid flagellates are known for several unusual features, one of which is their complex mitochondrial genome, known as kinetoplast (k) DNA, composed of mutually catenated maxi- and minicircles. Trypanosoma lewisi is a member of the Stercorarian group of trypanosomes which is, based on human infections and experimental data, now considered a zoonotic pathogen. By assembling a total of 58 minicircle classes, which fall into two distinct categories, we describe a novel type of kDNA organization in T. lewisi. RNA-seq approaches allowed us to map the details of uridine insertion and deletion editing events upon the kDNA transcriptome. Moreover, sequencing of small RNA molecules enabled the identification of 169 unique guide (g) RNA genes, with two differently organized minicircle categories both encoding essential gRNAs. The unprecedented organization of minicircles and gRNAs in T. lewisi broadens our knowledge of the structure and expression of the mitochondrial genomes of these human and animal pathogens. Finally, a scenario describing the evolution of minicircles is presented.
Clinical Outcome of “Asleep” Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson Disease Using Robot-Assisted Delivery and Anatomic Targeting of the Subthalamic Nucleus: A Series of 152 Patients
Authors: Moran Catherine H , Pietrzyk Mariusz , Sarangmat Nagaraja , Gerard Carter S , Barua Neil , Ashida Reiko , Whone Alan , Szewczyk-Krolikowski Konrad , Mooney Lucy , Gill Steven S
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in methods used for deep brain stimulation (DBS) include subthalamic nucleus electrode implantation in the “asleep” patient without the traditional use of microelectrode recordings or intraoperative test stimulation.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the clinical outcome of patients who have undergone “asleep” DBS for the treatment of Parkinson disease using robot-assisted electrode delivery.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of clinical outcomes of 152 consecutive patients. Their outcomes at 1 yr postimplantation are reported; these include Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) assessment, Tinetti Mobility Test, Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ)-39 quality of life assessment, Mattis Dementia Rating Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety. We also report on a new parietal trajectory for electrode implantation.

RESULTS

A total of 152 patients underwent assessment at 1 yr. UPDRS III improved from 39 to 20.5 (47%, P < .001). The total UPDRS score improved from 67.6 to 36.4 (46%, P < .001). UPDRS II scores improved from 18.9 to 10.5 (44%, P < .001) and UPDRS IV scores improved from 7.1 to 3.6 (49%, P < .001). There was a significant reduction in levodopa equivalent daily dose after surgery (mean: 35%, P < .001). PDQ-39 summary index improved by a mean of 7.1 points. There was no significant difference found in clinical outcomes between the frontal and parietal approaches.

CONCLUSION

“Asleep” robot-assisted DBS of the subthalamic nucleus demonstrates comparable outcomes with traditional techniques in the treatment of Parkinson disease.
Automatic ID Consultation for Inpatients With COVID-19: Point, Counterpoint, and a Single-Center Experience
Authors: Nguyen Cynthia T , Olson Gregory , Pho Mai T , Lew Alison K , Pitrak David , Saltzman Jina , Hazra Aniruddha , Pursell Kenneth , Pettit Natasha N
Published: August 2020

There are many unknowns with regard to COVID-19 clinical management, including the role of Infectious Diseases Consultation (IDC). As hospitalizations for COVID-19 continue, hospitals are assessing how to optimally and efficiently manage COVID-19 inpatients. Typically, primary teams must determine when IDC is appropriate, and ID clinicians provide consultation upon request of the primary team. IDC has been shown to be beneficial for many conditions; however, the impact of IDC for COVID-19 is unknown. Herein, we discuss the potential benefits and pitfalls of automatic IDC for COVID-19 inpatients. Important considerations include the quality of care provided, allocation and optimization of resources, and clinician satisfaction. Finally, we describe how automatic IDC changed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic at a single academic medical center.
Mortality Over Long-term Follow-up for People With HIV Receiving Longitudinal Care and Antiretroviral Therapy in Rural Haiti
Authors: Richterman Aaron , Leandre Fernet , Jerome J Gregory , Tsai Alexander C , Ivers Louise C
Published: August 2020

Background

Deaths from HIV have fallen dramatically with the increasing availability of fully suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART), and yet HIV remains the ninth leading cause of death in low-income countries. As more people with HIV enter care and receive ART, the focus will need to shift from expanding ART to including long-term program effectiveness and outcomes for people with HIV already engaged in care.

Methods

We evaluated risk factors for mortality among people with HIV on ART receiving longitudinal care in rural Haiti. We assessed baseline characteristics using a household survey and abstracted clinical characteristics from the electronic record. We used multivariable Cox regression models to identify risk factors for mortality.

Results

There were 464 people included in this study with a median follow-up (interquartile range [IQR]) of 69 (44–77) months, during which time 37 (8%) were lost to follow-up and 118 (25%) died (median time to death [IQR], 29 [12–53] months). After adjustment, poverty (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.12 per 10–percentage point increased probability; 95% CI, 1.01–1.24) and single marital status (AHR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.08–2.36) were associated with increased mortality. Age (AHR, 0.78 per 10-year increase; 95% CI, 0.64–0.94), role function quality of life (AHR, 0.75 per quintile increase; 95% CI, 0.62–0.90), and CD4 count (AHR, 0.66 per 100 cells/μL; 95% CI, 0.58–0.75) were associated with decreased mortality.

Conclusions

Poverty, marital status, and quality of life were associated with mortality. Social protection should be evaluated as a strategy to reduce mortality for people with HIV in concert with increasing access to ART.
The F2RaD Score: A Novel Prediction Score and Calculator Tool to Identify Patients at Risk of Postoperative C5 Palsy
Authors: Lubelski Daniel , Pennington Zach , Feghali James , Schilling Andrew , Ehresman Jeff , Theodore Nicholas , Bydon Ali , Belzberg Allan , Sciubba Daniel M
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Postoperative C5 palsy is a debilitating complication following posterior cervical decompression.

OBJECTIVE

To create a simple clinical risk score predicting the occurrence of C5 palsy

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent posterior cervical decompressions between 2007 and 2017. Data was randomly split into training and validation datasets. Multivariable analysis was performed to construct the model from the training dataset. A scoring system was developed based on the model coefficients and a web-based calculator was deployed.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 415 patients, of which 65 (16%) developed C5 palsy. The optimal model consisted of: mean C4/5 foraminal diameter (odds ratio [OR] = 9.1 for lowest quartile compared to highest quartile), preoperative C5 radiculopathy (OR = 3.5), and dexterity loss (OR = 2.9). The receiver operating characteristic yielded an area under the curve of 0.757 and 0.706 in the training and validation datasets, respectively. Every characteristic was worth 1 point except the lowest quartile of mean C4/5 foraminal diameter, which was worth 2 points, and the factors were summarized by the acronym F2RaD. The median predicted probability of C5 palsy increased from 2% in patients with a score of 0 to 70% in patients with a score of 4. The calculator can be accessed on https://jhuspine2.shinyapps.io/FRADscore/.

CONCLUSION

This study yielded a simplified scoring system and clinical calculator that predicts the occurrence of C5 palsy. Individualized risk prediction for patients may facilitate better understanding of the risks and benefits for an operation, and better prepare them for this possible adverse outcome. Furthermore, modifying the surgical plan in high-risk patients may possibly improve outcomes.
The current status of contribution activities in Japan for LISA
Authors: Izumi Kiwamu , Sago Norichika , Akutsu Tomotada , Ando Masaki , Fujita Ryuichi , Fukunabe Kenji , Kita Naoki , Kobayashi Masato , Komori Kentaro , Michimura Yuta , Musha Mitsuru , Nagano Koji , Nakano Hiroyuki , Okasaka Hiroki , Seto Naoki , Shoda Ayaka , Tagoshi Hideyuki , Takano Satoru , Takeda Hiroki , Tanaka Takahiro , Yamada Kei
Published: August 2020

LISA is a space gravitational-wave mission that will open the unexplored gravitational-wave frequency window at around millihertz, shedding light on the study of supermassive black holes and the nature of gravity. The LISA project has been propelled by international collaboration in order to maximize the scientific outcome. With the aim of making scientifically important contributions to LISA, instrument and science groups were newly formed in Japan. This article summarizes the current status of the contribution activities conducted by each group to date, highlighting a few selected topics including the development of photoreceivers and theoretical studies on compact binaries and extreme mass ratio inspirals.
Guidance and evaluation system for smooth operation of heavy-haul trains
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Wei Xiang , Zhang Tao , Wang Songxu
Published: August 2020

The operation rules and methods for heavy-haul trains were studied and summarized according to the characteristics of the Daqin Railway, such as a large traffic volume, a high density and high-speed and difficult-to-operate heavy-haul trains. Combined with traction calculation and operation experience, these can be quantificationally decomposed into an evaluation standard for the smooth modularized operation of heavy-haul trains that can be recognized by computers. A train operation guidance system was designed to collect locomotive drivers’ operation data, display the actual operation and standard curves in real time and give voice prompts and violation-operation alarms for safety-critical operation. In addition, software for operation analysis and evaluation was developed according to the quantified smooth operation standard. The smooth operation of heavy-haul trains was evaluated and statistically analysed through a comparative analysis of the actual operation records. Moreover, a train impact force detection device capable of monitoring the three-dimensional impact force of heavy-haul trains in real time was developed. Meanwhile, the evaluation standard for smooth operation was verified and optimized by real-time monitoring of the impact force of heavy-haul trains. Finally, on the basis of the above studies, a complete closed-loop management scheme for the smooth operation of heavy-haul trains was constructed, and the objectives of optimizing train operation strategy, standardizing drivers’ operations and ensuring the smooth operation of trains were realized through application.
Evolution of a major virion protein of the giant pandoraviruses from an inactivated bacterial glycoside hydrolase
Authors: Krupovic Mart , Yutin Natalya , Koonin Eugene
Published: August 2020

The diverse viruses in the phylum Nucleocytoviricota (also known as NLCDVs, Nucleo-cytoplasmic Large DNA Viruses) typically possess large icosahedral virions. However, in several families of Nucleocytoviricota, the icosahedral capsid was replaced by irregular particle shapes, most notably, the amphora-like virions of pandoraviruses and pithoviruses, the largest known virus particles in the entire virosphere. Pandoraviruses appear to be the most highly derived viruses in this phylum because their evolution involved not only the change in the virion shape, but also, the actual loss of the gene encoding double-jelly roll major capsid protein (DJR MCP), the main building block of icosahedral capsids in this virus assemblage. Instead, pandoravirus virions are built of unrelated abundant proteins. Here we show that the second most abundant virion protein of pandoraviruses, major virion protein 2 (MVP2), evolved from an inactivated derivative of a bacterial glycoside hydrolase of the GH16 family. The ancestral form of MVP2 was apparently acquired early in the evolution of the Nucleocytoviricota, to become a minor virion protein. After a duplication in the common ancestor of pandoraviruses and molliviruses, one of the paralogs displaces DJR MCP in pandoraviruses, conceivably, opening the way for a major increase in the size of the virion and the genome. Exaptation of a carbohydrate-binding protein for the function of the MVP is a general trend in virus evolution and might underlie the transformation of the virion shape in other groups of the Nucleocytoviricota as well.
21Affect Theory
Authors: Simecek Karen
Published: August 2020

This chapter reviews important works in affect theory published in 2019. The chapter is divided into the following sections: 1. Introduction; 2. Textual Affect, which focuses on Playing with Feeling, by Aubrey Anable, and Affect Theory and Literary Critical Practice, edited by Stephen Ahern; 3. Loss and Longing, which focuses on Bleak Joys, by Matthew Fuller and Olga Goriunova, and Homesickness, by Ryan Hediger; 4. Renewing Theory, which focuses on The Affect Theory of Silvan Tomkins for Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, by E. Virginia Demos, and Reading Sedgwick, edited by Lauren Berlant; and 5. Reflections. In publications this year, affect theory mirrors and tracks the world in the Anthropocene. Consequently, affect theory continues to interpret the human experience in terms of the felt relationship of man to the environment and focuses on the way human life is affected by and affects environmental change. There is a strong cross-over not only between affect studies and ecocriticism but also between affect studies and feminist theory, queer theory, and psychoanalysis, demonstrating how work in affect theory is influenced by and influences other areas of cultural and critical theory. Works in affect theory in 2019 continue to show the importance of a focus on affect as foundational to these other theoretical and critical approaches; not subservient to them but an equal partner.
Phylogenetic position and taxonomic rearrangement ofDavidina(Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), an enigmatic butterfly genus new for Europe and America
Authors: Lukhtanov Vladimir A , Dubatolov Vladimir V
Published: August 2020

Davidina, an enigmatic butterfly genus described from China in the 19th century, has for a long time been considered a member of the family Pieridae due to its pierid-like wing pattern. In the 20th century, it was transferred to Satyridae (now subfamily Satyrinae of Nymphalidae) based on analysis of the structure of genitalia and placed next to the species-rich genus Oeneis (subtribe Satyrina), being separated from the latter by supposed differences in wing venation. We have conducted a phylogenetic and taxonomic study of the subtribe Satyrina using analysis of molecular and morphological characters. We show that the genus Oeneis is not monophyletic, and consists of two genetically diverged and morphologically differentiated groups that are not sister-groups (Oeneis s.s. and Protoeneis). We also demonstrate that Davidina is closely related to Protoeneis, but not to Oeneis s.s. To resolve this newly discovered non-monophyly and morphological heterogeneity, several species should be removed from Oeneis and transferred to the genus Davidina. As a consequence, we synonymize the name ProtoeneisGorbunov, 2001 with DavidinaOberthür, 1879. We conclude that Davidina is not a monotypic Chinese endemic genus, as has been previously supposed, but is composed of nine species that have a broad distribution area across the Holarctic region, extending to Europe and America.
Impact of nulliparity, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and gestational diabetes on vasomotor symptoms in midlife women
Authors: Cortés Yamnia I. , Conant Rhoda , Catov Janet M. , Matthews Karen A. , Crawford Sybil L. , Hedderson Monique M. , Thurston Rebecca C.
Published: August 2020

Objective:

To determine whether women with a history of nulliparity, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have a higher odds of reporting vasomotor symptoms (VMS) at midlife.

Methods:

A longitudinal analysis was performed with 2,249 women with pregnancy history data in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Women were classified as nulliparous, no HDP/GDM, or a history of HDP/GDM. VMS (hot flashes, night sweats) were assessed separately at baseline and at each follow-up visit. VMS was recorded as any versus none; 0 , 1-5 , 6+ days in past 2 weeks. Pregnancy history was examined in relation to each VMS (hot flashes, night sweats) using generalized estimating equations adjusting for age (time-varying), site, race/ethnicity, education, financial strain, smoking, and body mass index. Models excluded women with hysterectomy/bilateral oophorectomy and observations with hormone therapy use.

Results:

Women in the HDP/GDM group (n = 208, 9%) were more likely to be Black, financially strained, and overweight. Compared to women with no HDP/GDM, women with HDP/GDM had greater odds of reporting any hot flashes (OR:1.27; 95% CI:1.05-1.53). Nulliparous women had lower odds of any hot flashes (OR:0.64; 95% CI:0.51-0.80) and night sweats (OR:0.73; 95% CI:0.58-0.93) in age-adjusted models. Similar patterns were observed for frequency of hot flashes and night sweats; associations were attenuated to nonsignificance after adjusting for covariates.

Conclusions:

History of HDP/GDM may be associated with more VMS and nulliparity with fewer VMS, but not independently of sociodemographic factors. Our findings underscore the importance of social and economic disparities in both reproductive outcomes and VMS.

Video Summary:

http://links.lww.com/MENO/A631.
Factors associated with use of hormone therapy after preventive oophorectomy in BRCA mutation carriers
Authors: Mejia-Gomez Javier , Gronwald Jacek , Senter Leigha , Karlan Beth Y. , Tung Nadine , Wolfman Wendy , Demsky Rochelle , Sun Ping , Narod Steven A. , Kotsopoulos Joanne
Published: August 2020

Objective:

Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (oophorectomy) is recommended to women with a germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation before natural menopause to prevent ovarian and fallopian tube cancer. The adverse effects of early surgical menopause are well established. Although many of the side effects can be ameliorated by the use of hormone therapy (HT); use of HT in this group of predominantly young patients remains suboptimal. The goal of this study was to identify the frequency of HT use, as well as predictors of HT uptake in BRCA mutation carriers who underwent preventive oophorectomy before natural menopause.

Methods:

Eligible participants were identified from a longitudinal study of BRCA mutation carriers. We included premenopausal women with no personal history of cancer who underwent oophorectomy before age 50 and who had a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Detailed information on HT use and other important variables was collected by a research questionnaire every 2 years. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the use of HT in various subgroups.

Results:

A total of 793 women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation were included in this analysis. The mean age at oophorectomy was 42 years (range 28-49). Sixty-one percent of the women reported using HT after oophorectomy. Factors associated with HT use included young age at surgery, a high level of education and preventive mastectomy.

Conclusions:

The uptake of HT after oophorectomy in women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation varies by age, education, and surgical history. Clinician and patient awareness may lead to better utilization of HT in women who undergo oophorectomy at an early age to help mitigate the adverse effects associated with surgical menopause.
SARS CoV-2: a review of current treatment regimens
Authors: Combs Joshua C.
Published: August 2020

SARS CoV-2, otherwise known as Corona virus 2019 (COVID-19) has left >300,000 dead without a definitive cure in sight. Significant research has been conducted regarding the use of currently available pharmacotherapies and multiple clinical trials are underway to bring new treatments to market. While supportive treatment remains the standard of care, additional therapeutic regimens including antivirals, monoclonal antibodies, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, immunoenhancers, vitamins, systemic steroids, inhalants, anticoagulants, and convalescent plasma are showing promise.
The Perception of Shared Decision‐Making in Hematology by Patients and Physicians Seems Satisfactory, but Important Steps are Still Ahead of Us
Authors: Geerts Paulus A.F. , van der Weijden Trudy , Moser Albine , Bos Gerard M.J.
Published: August 2020

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text
Toric intraocular lens combined with a supplementary pinhole implant to treat irregular corneal astigmatism
Authors: Trindade Bruno L.C. , Trindade Fernando C. , Trindade Claudio L.C.
Published: August 2020

A case of refractive lens exchange with the implantation of a supplementary intraocular pinhole (IOPH) to treat a challenging case of keratoconus is presented. Four months after the initial procedure, an intraocular lens (IOL) exchange (under the IOPH) was performed to a toric implant to correct the residual manifest astigmatism. This significantly improved both distance and near acuities and demonstrates how a toric IOL and astigmatism correction in combination with a pinhole device could be used to treat selected cases of keratoconus.
Differentiating highly asymmetric keratoconus eyes using a combined Scheimpflug/Placido device
Authors: Golan Oren , Levinger Samuel , Barequet Irit S. , Levinger Eliya , Varssano David , Randleman J. Bradley
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

To determine the ability to differentiate between normal eyes and clinically unaffected eyes of patients with highly asymmetric keratoconus (AKC) using a Scheimpflug/Placido device.

Setting:

Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Enaim Medical Center, Israel.

Design:

Retrospective case-control.

Methods:

Imaging from a combined Scheimpflug/Placido device (Sirius, C.S.O.) was obtained from 26 clinically unaffected eyes of patients with frank keratoconus in the fellow eye, and 166 eyes from 166 patients with bilaterally normal corneal examinations that underwent uneventful corneal refractive surgery with at least 1 year of follow-up. Receiver operating characteristic curves were produced to calculate the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity of 60 metrics, and finally a logistic regression modeling was used to determine optimal variables to differentiate populations.

Results:

The most predictive individual metric able to differentiate between 26 eyes in the case group to 166 eye in the control group was the posterior wall inferior-superior (I-S) ratio, with an receiver operating characteristics (ROC) of 0.862. A combination model of 4 metrics (posterior wall I-S ratio in the central 3 mm, thinnest pachymetry coordinate on the x horizontal axis, posterior asymmetry and asphericity index, corneal volume) yielded an ROC of 0.936, with a sensitivity/specificity pair of 92.3%/87%. Variables related to elevation were not found significant.

Conclusions:

Using a combination of metrics from a combined Scheimpflug/Placido device, a practical model for discrimination between clinically normal eyes of patients with highly AKC and normal eyes was constructed. Variables related to pachymetry and posterior cornea asymmetry were the most impactful.
Topography/wavefront-guided photorefractive keratectomy combined with crosslinking for the treatment of keratoconus: preliminary results
Authors: Russo Andrea , Faria-Correia Fernando , Rechichi Miguel , Festa Giulia , Morescalchi Francesco , Semeraro Francesco
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of topography/wavefront-guided (TWFG) photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) using a new high-definition aberrometer combined with epithelium-off crosslinking (CXL-Plus).

Setting:

Centro Oculistico Bresciano, Brescia, Italy.

Design:

Prospective case series study.

Methods:

Patients with grade I or II keratoconus, according to the Amsler-Krumeich classification, were included in this prospective case series. All cases underwent TWFG PRK using the VISX STAR S4 IR excimer laser and the new iDesign 2.0 system, followed by accelerated epithelium-off CXL. Visual, refractive, ocular aberrometric, and safety outcomes were evaluated during a 6-month follow-up.

Results:

Thirty-five eyes of 19 patients were included. A significant improvement was observed in the uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities (P < .001). Manifest sphere and cylinder were reduced significantly (P ≤ .001), with a total of 20 eyes (57%) and 30 eyes (86%) having a postoperative spherical equivalent within ±0.50 and ±1.00 diopter, respectively. Most corneal irregularity indexes and the level of ocular higher-order aberrations, primary coma, and trefoil (P < .05) were significantly reduced postoperatively. No significant corneal haze or safety issues were observed.

Conclusions:

TWFG PRK, using the iD2 system with simultaneous CXL, regularized the cornea by correcting the spherocylindrical error and minimizing the amount of higher-order aberrations in mild-to-moderate keratoconus.
Oscillopsia associated with pseudoaccommodation in pseudophakia
Authors: Kim Dong Hyun , Yang Hee Kyung , Lee Jae Bum , Hwang Jeong-Min
Published: August 2020

Oscillopsia associated with near fixation after multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation has not been fully recognized. A 46-year-old woman presented with shaking of vision in both eyes during near fixation after uneventful implantation of a single-piece multifocal posterior chamber IOL in both eyes. There was no sign of zonular weakness in either eye before or during cataract surgery, and the postoperative course was uneventful. Visual acuity was 20/25 in both eyes without correction. There was no IOL oscillation with distant fixation; however, when she changed her focus from a distant to a near object, the IOLs started to oscillate in both eyes, which was assumed to be the cause of her oscillopsia. On cycloplegia, there was no IOL oscillation either with distant or near fixation. A rare cause of oscillopsia associated with pseudoaccommodation after IOL implantation should be recognized.
Macular and choroidal thickness after intracameral moxifloxacin for prevention of postcataract endophthalmitis
Authors: Ferreira Bruna Gil , Cardoso da Silva Iuri , Mélega Mathias Violante , Nascimento Mauricio Abujamra , Cavalcanti Lira Rodrigo Pessoa , Leite Arieta Carlos Eduardo , Alves Monica
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

To determine any changes in macular or choroidal thickness associated with the use of intracameral moxifloxacin as postcataract endophthalmitis prophylaxis.

Setting:

University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.

Design:

Prospective, randomized, partially masked, single-site clinical trial.

Methods:

Phacoemulsification surgery patients in the experimental group (Group A) received a 0.03 mL intracameral injection of undiluted moxifloxacin from a sealed bottle immediately after phacoemulsification surgery (150 μg in 0.03 mL—Vigamox solution), whereas the control group (Group B) did not. Investigators evaluated in masked fashion macular and choroidal thickness using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography preoperatively and postoperatively.

Results:

A total of 93 patients were included (48 in Group A and 45 in Group B). Baseline parameters were similar between the groups. Either of the 2 parameters assessed differed statistically between the groups or preoperatively vs postoperatively. On postoperative day 30, central macular thickness was 8.85 ± 14.78 μm in Group A and 10.26 ± 22.44 μm in Group B (P = .7232); choroidal thickness as measured by enhanced depth imaging (EDI) was 1.45 ± 16.13 μm in Group A and 3.74 ± 16.15 in Group B (P = .5017). On postoperative day 60, central macular thickness was 19.53 ± 39.28 μm in Group A and 17.14 ± 53.68 μm in Group B (P = .8363); EDI was 5.08 ± 21.96 μm in Group A and 5.24 ± 15.8 in Group B (P = .9752).

Conclusions:

The application of intracameral injection of 0.03 mL of undiluted 0.5% moxifloxacin during phacoemulsification surgery as endophthalmitis prophylaxis induced no changes in macular or choroidal thickness.