bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Percentage of methylmercury in the muscle tissue of freshwater fish varies with body size and age and among species
Authors: Lescord Gretchen L. , Johnston Thomas A. , Branfireun Brian A. , Gunn John M.
Published: July 2018

It is commonly assumed that most (>95%) of the mercury (Hg) found in fish muscle is the toxic form, methylmercury (MeHg), due to its efficient assimilation and retention in biotic tissue. However, this assumption is largely based on studies examining the percentage of MeHg (%MeHg [the fraction of total Hg as MeHg]) in muscle from mostly large-bodied predatory fish; less is known about the %MeHg in smaller bodied individuals or those of different trophic guilds. The present study analyzed MeHg and total Hg concentrations in the muscle of 2 large-bodied piscivores (walleye and northern pike), one large-bodied benthivore (white sucker), and 2 small-bodied forage fish (sculpins and shiners) across a broad size range. We found substantially lower %MeHg than the commonly assumed 95% in several fish (e.g., 17 individuals had <70% MeHg). Muscle %MeHg significantly increased with size and age in all species except walleye, which had significantly higher %MeHg than pike or suckers, particularly in smaller and younger fish (e.g., 18–21% higher at 10 g; 5–11% higher at 500 g). Results of predictive modeling suggest that muscle %MeHg is higher in pelagic-feeding fish and those with lower lipid content, although model results varied significantly among species. According to our findings, total Hg measurement in muscle is not an appropriate proxy for MeHg in smaller fish from all species, an important consideration for future piscine Hg studies and monitoring. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2682–2691. © 2018 SETAC

Abstract

The percentage of mercury as methylmercury (%MeHg) in fish muscle increases with body size in northern pike (P) and white sucker (S) but not walleye (W).
Assessing the impact of human activities on surface pollen assemblages in Qinghai Lake Basin, China
Authors: Wei Haicheng , Yuan Qin , Xu Qinghai , Qin Zhanjie , Wang Lingqing , Fan Qishun , Shan Fashou
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study is to evaluate the local impact of human activities on surface pollen assemblages and identify pollen indicators associated with grazing and cultivation in the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau. We analyzed 80 surface and 10 dung pollen samples from five communities of vegetation in the Qinghai Lake Basin. Each vegetation zone was identifiable based on surface pollen assemblages. Principal component analysis of 33 pollen taxa and two supplementary variables of human influences was used to assess the impact of anthropogenic activities on surface pollen assemblages in the Qinghai Lake Basin. Surface pollen assemblages were moderately influenced by cultivation, as indicated by the content of the cultivation‐associated Hordeum‐type and Brassiaceae pollen. Severe grazing led to changes in pollen assemblages, including increases in Chenopodiaceae, Plantago, Potentilla‐type, Thymelaeaceae and Aster‐type pollen. Pollen assemblages are similar among dung samples and are dominated by Artemisia, Poaceae, Fabaceae and Asteraceae. Hordeum‐type pollen content is relatively higher in dung samples, indicating herbivores are important in the dispersion of Cerealia Poaceae pollen into pastures. Characterizing modern pollen assemblages will provide a more precise reference for reconstructing prehistoric human activities during the Holocene based on fossil pollen assemblages in the Qinghai Lake Basin.
Crowdsourcing Trauma: Psychopathology in a Trauma‐Exposed Sample Recruited via Mechanical Turk
Authors: van Stolk‐Cooke Katherine , Brown Andrew , Maheux Anne , Parent Justin , Forehand Rex , Price Matthew
Published: July 2018

Although crowdsourcing websites like Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk) allow researchers to conduct research efficiently, it is unclear if MTurk and traditionally recruited samples are comparable when assessing the sequela of traumatic events. We compared the responses to validated self‐report measures of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related constructs that were given by 822 participants recruited via MTurk and had experienced a DSM‐5 Criterion A traumatic event to responses obtained in recent samples of participants recruited via traditional methods. Results suggested that the rate of PTSD in the present sample (19.8%) was statistically higher than that found in a recent systematic review of studies that used only traditional recruitment methods. The severity of PTSD reported in the MTurk sample was significantly greater than that reported in a college sample, d = 0.24, and significantly less than that reported in a veteran sample, d = 0.90. The factor structure of PTSD found in the MTurk sample was consistent with prevailing models of PTSD. Findings indicate that crowdsourcing may improve access to this hard‐to‐reach population.
Mineral iron utilization by natural and cultured Trichodesmium and associated bacteria
Authors: Basu Subhajit , Shaked Yeala
Published: July 2018

The high iron (Fe) demands of Trichodesmium, a keystone nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacterium, are often met by dust deposition at the ocean surface. Following up on our findings of unique dust capturing and processing by Trichodesmium, we explored the ability of natural Trichodesmium colonies from the Gulf of Aqaba and Fe‐limited laboratory culture (IMS101) to obtain Fe from the mineral ferrihydrite and compete with their epibiotic bacteria for this Fe source. To study this complex system, we carefully optimized a radiotracer method ensuring complete removal of external ferrihydrite and efficient separation of bacteria from the colonies. Trichodesmium‐only uptake rates of natural colonies were 5–50 times faster than those of laboratory culture, suggesting that natural colonies acquire ferrihydrite at a greater efficiency. In some days, total uptake rates of natural colonies exceeded dissolved Fe release from ferrihydrite, indicating that the colonies enhance the mineral dissolution rate. Furthermore, uptake rates of bacteria associated with natural colonies were faster than those of bacteria associated with the culture, implying that the bacteria benefit from the Trichodesmium‐enhanced mineral dissolution. At the cellular level, surface area normalized uptake rates of bacteria always exceeded those of cultured Trichodesmium, but in natural populations, the dominance shifted between Trichodesmium and bacteria on different days. At the community level, when accounting for the total bacteria and Trichodesmium cells, Trichodesmium dominated Fe uptake in both cultured and natural colonies. Overall, our findings suggest that natural Trichodesmium colonies are exceptionally adapted for accessing mineral Fe and maintaining a sustainable relationship with their associated bacteria.
Longterm Risk of Solid Organ De Novo Malignancies After Liver Transplantation: A French National Study on 11,226 Patients
Authors: Sérée Olivier , Altieri Mario , Guillaume Elodie , De Mil Rémy , Lobbedez Thierry , Robinson Philip , Segol Philippe , Salamé Ephrem , Abergel Armand , Boillot Olivier , Conti Filomena , Chazouillères Olivier , Debette‐Gratien Maryline , Debray Dominique , Hery Géraldine , Dharancy Sébastien , Durand François , Duvoux Christophe , Francoz Claire , Gugenheim Jean , Hardwigsen Jean , Houssel‐Debry Pauline , Jacquemin Emmanuel , Kamar Nassim , Latournerie Marianne , Lebray Pascal , Leroy Vincent , Mazzola Alessandra , Neau‐Cransac Martine , Pageaux Georges‐Philippe , Radenne Sylvie , Saliba Faouzi , Samuel Didier , Vanlemmens Claire , Woehl‐Jaegle Marie‐Lorraine , Launoy Guy , Dumortier Jérôme
Published: July 2018

De novo malignancies are one of the major late complications and causes of death after liver transplantation (LT). Using extensive data from the French national Agence de la Biomédecine database, the present study aimed to quantify the risk of solid organ de novo malignancies (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancers) after LT. The incidence of de novo malignancies among all LT patients between 1993 and 2012 was compared with that of the French population, standardized on age, sex, and calendar period (standardized incidence ratio; SIR). Among the 11,226 LT patients included in the study, 1200 de novo malignancies were diagnosed (10.7%). The risk of death was approximately 2 times higher in patients with de novo malignancy (48.8% versus 24.3%). The SIR for all de novo solid organ malignancies was 2.20 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.08‐2.33). The risk was higher in men (SIR = 2.23; 95% CI, 2.09‐2.38) and in patients transplanted for alcoholic liver disease (ALD; SIR = 2.89; 95% CI, 2.68‐3.11). The cancers with the highest excess risk were laryngeal (SIR = 7.57; 95% CI, 5.97‐9.48), esophageal (SIR = 4.76; 95% CI, 3.56‐6.24), lung (SIR = 2.56; 95% CI, 2.21‐2.95), and lip‐mouth‐pharynx (SIR = 2.20; 95% CI, 1.72‐2.77). In conclusion, LT recipients have an increased risk of de novo solid organ malignancies, and this is strongly related to ALD as a primary indication for LT.
How well will this brand work? The ironic impact of advertising disclosure of body‐image retouching on brand attitudes
Authors: Semaan Rania W. , Kocher Bruno , Gould Stephen
Published: July 2018

Prior research has demonstrated various effects of exposure to thin‐idealized models in advertisements on consumers’ product evaluations. Although this past research provides important insights, it does not take into account that many of these thin‐idealized images have been digitally manipulated. The present work studies the consequences of disclosure of this digital manipulation and the process consumers engage in when evaluating the brands responsible for these advertisements. We demonstrate that retouched advertisements may, contrary to conventional wisdom, have favorable consequences. Indeed, we show that individuals have more favorable brand attitudes for retouched (vs. unretouched) ads when retouching is disclosed (vs. undisclosed). We show that disclosed retouched ads utilize a two‐sided persuasive appeal, therefore leading consumers to evaluate the brand more favorably. We replicate this effect and explore attractiveness‐relevant products and type of disclosure as boundary conditions.
The Vouros Odyssey. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry from a chromatographic perspective and a Theseus Paradox
Authors: Covey Thomas
Published: July 2018

This article tracts Paul Vouro's contributions to the field of liquid chromatography ‐ mass spectrometry in the context of the history of the development of modern day LC/MS.
Following disease progression in motor neuron disorders with 3 motor unit number estimation methods
Authors: Jacobsen Anna Bystrup , Bostock Hugh , Tankisi Hatice
Published: July 2018

Introduction

The objective of this study was to evaluate a recently developed motor unit number estimation (MUNE) method, MScanFit MUNE (MScan), as a measure of disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) compared with compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude and 2 traditional MUNE methods.

Methods

ALS patients were evaluated clinically using the ALS Functional Rating Scale—Revised (ALSFRS‐R). MScan, multiple‐point stimulation MUNE (MPS), and motor unit number index (MUNIX) were performed in the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscle at baseline (27 patients), 4 months (23 patients), and 8 months (16 patients).

Results

Of the 5 measures, MScan registered the largest decline (8.7% per month), compared with MPS (3.4%), MUNIX (4.8%), CMAP amplitude (2.0%), and ALSFRS‐R (1.9%). Only MScan and ALSFRS‐R registered significant decrements over 4 and 8 months.

Discussion

MScan may be useful as a sensitive, objective tool for quantifying motor unit loss in ALS.Muscle Nerve59:82–87, 2019
Activin type IIB receptor blockade does not limit adenosine triphosphate supply in mouse skeletal muscle in Vivo
Authors: Béchir Nelly , Pecchi Émilie , Vilmen Christophe , Bernard Monique , Bendahan David , Giannesini Benoît
Published: July 2018

Introduction: Postnatal activin/myostatin type IIB receptor (ActRIIB) blockade increases skeletal muscle mass and strength but also increases muscle fatigability and impairs oxidative metabolism. The objective of this study was to determine in vivo whether this increased fatigability is due to energy supply limitation. Methods: The impact of 8‐week ActRIIB blockade with soluble receptor (sActRIIB‐Fc) on muscle function and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) fluxes was investigated noninvasively by using multimodal magnetic resonance and indirect calorimetry measurements in wild‐type mice. Results: Activin/myostatin type IIB receptor blockade reduced (−41%) the muscle apparent mitochondrial capacity and increased (+11%) the basal body energy expenditure. During a fatiguing exercise, ActRIIB blockade decreased both oxidative ATP production rate (−32%) and fatigue resistance (−36%), but these changes affected neither the total ATP production rate nor the contractile ATP cost. Discussion: These findings demonstrate that the increased fatigability after ActRIIB blockade is not due to limitation in energy supply and/or disturbance in contractile ATP cost. Muscle Nerve 58:834–842, 2018
Factors Influencing Internet Gamblers’ Use of Offshore Online Gambling Sites: Policy Implications
Authors: Gainsbury Sally M. , Abarbanel Brett , Blaszczynski Alex
Published: July 2018

Gambling is a heavily regulated activity, but policies are difficult to enforce in the online context. While governments may attempt to restrict access to licensed providers only, consumers can access offshore sites, creating a potential risk of harm and reducing taxation. This article examines how consumers select Internet gambling sites, and the characteristics of those who use offshore as opposed to domestic sites. Past‐month Australian Internet‐gamblers (N = 1,001, 57.2 percent male) completed an online survey. Participants responded to questions about their online gambling, including use of offshore sites, reasons for site selection, awareness of regulations, preferences for regulated sites, and gambling‐related problems. Offshore gamblers (52.7 percent) were a distinct demographic cohort, and were more highly involved in online gambling. Lack of awareness of gambling regulation did not sufficiently explain use of offshore gambling sites; rather, both groups had a relatively low concern for where a site was regulated, choosing sites instead based on ease of use, and cues that they were designed for gamblers in the advertised jurisdiction. Use of offshore gambling sites may be discouraged by focusing on the benefits of domestic sites and ensuring that these can provide a good consumer experience.
Dynamic Anisotropic Response of β‐HMX and α‐RDX Single Crystals Using Plate Impact Experiments at ∼1 GPa
Authors: Wang XinJie , Wu YanQing , Huang FengLei , Zhang LianSheng
Published: July 2018

Dynamic responses of several orientations of cyclotetramethylene tetranitramine (HMX) and cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) single crystals were investigated by using plate impact experiments. The orientations studied included (011), (010), (100), (−111), (01−1), and (11−1) planes of HMX single crystals and (210), (100), (11−1), (2−10), and (111) planes of RDX single crystals. Crystal/window interface particle velocity profiles, which were measured by using velocity interferometer system for any reflector, showed distinct elastic‐plastic double‐wave structures. Dynamic mechanical properties were obtained according to impedance matching method. Elastic‐plastic responses of HMX and RDX exhibited strong anisotropy, nonlinear elasticity, and pressure/strain‐rate dependency. Anisotropy was explained by analyzing the relationship between the impact plane and deformation systems. Results revealed insights into ignition mechanisms and impact sensitivity and provided multiple data for calibration of physical‐based constitutive models.
Singular value decomposition for the correlation of atomic fluctuations with arbitrary angle
Authors: Yu Miao , Ma Xiaomin , Cao Huaiqing , Chong Bin , Lai Luhua , Liu Zhirong
Published: July 2018

Many proteins exhibit a critical property called allostery, which enables intra‐molecular transmission of information between distal sites. Microscopically, allosteric response is closely related to correlated atomic fluctuations. Conventional correlation analysis correlates the atomic fluctuations at two sites by taking the dot product (DP) between the fluctuations, which accounts only for the parallel and antiparallel components. Here, we present a singular value decomposition (SVD) method that analyzes the correlation coefficient of fluctuation dynamics with an arbitrary angle between the correlated directions. In a model allosteric system, the second PDZ domain (PDZ2) in the human PTP1E protein, approximately one third of the strong correlations have near‐perpendicular directions, which are underestimated in the conventional method. The discrimination becomes more prominent for residue pairs with larger separation. The results of the proposed SVD method are more consistent with the experimentally determined PDZ2 dynamics than those of conventional method. In addition, the SVD method improved the prediction accuracy of the allosteric sites in a dataset of 23 known allosteric monomer proteins. The proposed method may inspire extended investigation not only into allostery, but also into protein dynamics and drug design.
What does the future hold for life sciences in the UK?
Authors: Ogden Joy
Published: July 2018

The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) annual conference was held in London in April, in the 70th anniversary year it shares with the NHS. Joy Ogden reports on some of the highlights of the conference, which focused on the future of UK life sciences over the next 70 years.
Prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolic disease
Authors: McNeill Susan , Bagot Catherine
Published: July 2018

Awareness of the risk factors for venous thromboembolic (VTE) disease and timely administration of thromboprophylaxis can prevent many VTE events. This article examines these risk factors and the recommended strategies to prevent VTE, as well as discussing the diagnosis and treatment of an event that has already occurred.
Visible Gill‐Net Injuries Predict Migration and Spawning Failure in Adult Sockeye Salmon
Authors: Bass Arthur , Hinch Scott G. , Casselman Matthew T. , Bett Nolan N. , Burnett Nicholas J. , Middleton Collin T. , Patterson David A.
Published: July 2018

Fish that survive nontake fisheries interactions may subsequently die, a phenomenon that is generically termed “fisheries‐related incidental mortality” (FRIM). Gill nets, which typically asphyxiate fish and visibly damage their integument, inflict higher rates of FRIM than other commonly used gears. To better define FRIM associated with gill‐net encounters, an observational study coupled with biotelemetry measured migration survival and spawning success of a Sockeye Salmon Oncorhynchus nerka population during the final 45 km of their freshwater spawning migration (in 2014, 2015, and 2016). The daily prevalence of gill‐net injuries ranged from 0% to 80% of fish, resulting in an annual prevalence of 21–29% for females and 13–22% for males (over 3 years). Fish with visible gill‐net wounds had a 16% lower probability of completing their migration, and female fish with gill‐net wounds had an 18% lower probability of successfully spawning. As a result, the annual proportion of effective female spawners that died in the final 45 km of their migration due to gill‐net injuries was estimated to range from 3.8% to 9.9% (500 to 1,600 females). In addition, stray Sockeye Salmon from upriver populations commonly died at the tagging site, and visible gill‐net injuries were observed in half of those fish during a year with high mortality. If wild salmon populations continue to decline as climate change progresses, fisheries managers will be under greater pressure to minimize FRIM.
An optimization method of UFLS/UVLS considering the interaction of system state information
Authors: Tang Yi , Li Mengya , Wang Jianming , Li Feng , Ning Jia
Published: July 2018

Because of the differences of grid network architecture, generator parameters, and load characteristics, frequency and voltage at grid nodes show certain spatial distribution characteristics when faults happen. Therefore, the same stability control measures may result in different control effects if applied at different nodes. Meanwhile, in order to improve the control effect and reduce stable control cost, the impacts of the interactions between strongly coupled factors, such as frequency, voltage, active power, reactive power and other quantities, on the effects of stability control measures need to be considered. A new optimization control strategy of under‐frequency load shedding/under‐voltage load shedding is proposed in this paper based on the load control sensitivity index. The method takes into consideration the spatial distribution characteristics of frequency and voltage, as well as the real‐time interaction characteristics of the coupled electrical quantities. Compared with the traditional load‐shedding scheme, the proposed scheme can achieve better control results. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through a time‐domain simulation of two actual provincial power grids. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Diagnosis of rotor winding inter‐turn short‐circuit of hydro‐generator based on no‐load curve reverse calculation
Authors: Li Yong‐gang , Wang Luo , Ma Ming‐han
Published: July 2018

The rotor winding inter‐turn short‐circuit in hydro‐generators has been plaguing power producers in terms of production safety and economy. At present, the fault detection methods for hydro‐generator rotors are offline or complex. To solve this problem, this paper presents the no‐load curve reverse calculation method. The method only requires electrical parameters such as the active power, reactive power, voltage, and current. This method calculates the normal excitation current using the hydro‐generator's electromagnetic relationship and the no‐load curve in the case of saturated operation. It can identify the inter‐turn short‐circuit fault by comparing the difference between the normal calculated excitation current and the measured excitation current. The correctness of this method is verified with an experiment using an actual hydro‐generator of a hydropower plant and a faulty synchronous generator. Based on the no‐load curve method, the rotor inter‐turn short‐circuit fault diagnosis system is developed by the research team. The diagnostic system does not need to increase the new monitoring point of the hydro‐generator by reading the original electrical parameters of the generator to diagnose the hydro‐generator rotor inter‐turn short‐circuit fault online. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Holographic second laws of black hole thermodynamics
Authors: Bernamonti Alice , Galli Federico , Myers Robert C. , Oppenheim Jonathan
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Recently, it has been shown that for out-of-equilibrium systems, there are additional constraints on thermodynamical evolution besides the ordinary second law. These form a new family of second laws of thermodynamics, which are equivalent to the monotonicity of quantum Rényi divergences. In black hole thermodynamics, the usual second law is manifest as the area increase theorem. Hence one may ask if these additional laws imply new restrictions for gravitational dynamics, such as for out-of-equilibrium black holes? Inspired by this question, we study these constraints within the AdS/CFT correspondence. First, we show that the Rényi divergence can be computed via a Euclidean path integral for a certain class of excited CFT states. Applying this construction to the boundary CFT, the Rényi divergence is evaluated as the renormalized action for a particular bulk solution of a minimally coupled gravity-scalar system. Further, within this framework, we show that there exist transitions which are allowed by the traditional second law, but forbidden by the additional thermodynamical constraints. We speculate on the implications of our findings.
Kinetic mixing, dark photons and an extra dimension. Part I
Authors: Rizzo Thomas G.
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Extra dimensions (ED) can provide a useful tool for model-building. In this paper we introduce a single, flat ED extension of the kinetic-mixing/dark photon (DP) portal for dark matter (DM) interactions with the Standard Model (SM) assuming a compactification ‘radius’ of order R
−1 ∼ 10−1000 MeV and examine the resulting modifications to and augmentation of the usual DP phenomenology. In the present scenario, both the DP and DM experience the full 5-D while the SM fields are constrained to lie on a 4-D brane at the boundary of the ED. Such a setup can naturally yield the observed value of the DM relic density and explain the required rough degeneracy of the DM and DP masses needed to obtain it. Gauge symmetry breaking can occur via boundary conditions without the introduction of an additional singlet Higgs scalar thus avoiding all constraints associated with the coupling of such a field to the usual SM Higgs field in 5-D. The self-consistency in the removal of the kinetic mixing terms is found to lead to a brane localized kinetic term for the 5-D gauge field on the SM brane. Multiple variations of this scenario are found to be possible which are consistent with current experimental constraints but which predict very different phenomenologies. In this paper, we discuss the case of a complex scalar 5-D DM field, consistent with constraints arising from the CMB, which may or may not obtain a vacuum expectation value (vev). This approach can lead to interesting and distinctive signatures while being constrained by a wide array of existing measurements but with the details being dependent upon the model specifics.
Interplay between the holographic QCD phase diagram and entanglement entropy
Authors: Dudal David , Mahapatra Subhash
Published: July 2018

Abstract

In earlier work, we introduced a dynamical Einstein-Maxwell-dilaton model which mimics essential features of QCD (thermodynamics) below and above deconfinement. Although there are some subtle differences in the confining regime of our model as compared to the standard results, we do have a temperature dependent dual metric below T

c
as well, allowing for a richer and more realistic holographic modeling of the QCD phase structure. We now discuss how these features leave their imprints on the associated entanglement entropy when a strip region is introduced in the various phases. We uncover an even so rich structure in the entanglement entropy, consistent with the thermodynamical transitions, while again uncloaking some subtleties. Thanks to the temperature dependent confining geometry, we can present an original quantitative prediction for the phase diagram in terms of temperature and strip length, reporting a critical end point at the deconfinement temperature. We also generalize to the case with chemical potential.
Outcome measures for children with mitochondrial disease: consensus recommendations for future studies from a Delphi‐based international workshop
Authors: Koene Saskia , van Bon Lara , Bertini Enrico , Jimenez‐Moreno Cecilia , van der Giessen Lianne , de Groot Imelda , McFarland Robert , Parikh Sumit , Rahman Shamima , Wood Michelle , Zeman Jiri , Janssen Anjo , Smeitink Jan
Published: July 2018

Although there are no effective disease‐modifying therapies for mitochondrial diseases, an increasing number of trials are being conducted in this rare disease group. The use of sensitive and valid endpoints is essential to test the effectiveness of potential treatments. There is no consensus on which outcome measures to use in children with mitochondrial disease. The aims of this two‐day Delphi‐based workshop were to (i) define the protocol for an international, multi‐centre natural history study in children with mitochondrial myopathy and (ii) to select appropriate outcome measures for a validation study in children with mitochondrial encephalopathy. We suggest two sets of outcome measures for a natural history study in children with mitochondrial myopathy and for a proposed validation study in children with mitochondrial encephalopathy.
More Things in Heaven and Earth: Spirit Possession, Mental Disorder, and Intentionality
Authors: Rashed Mohammed Abouelleil
Published: July 2018

Spirit possession is a common phenomenon around the world in which a non-corporeal agent is involved with a human host. This manifests in a range of maladies or in displacement of the host's agency and identity. Prompted by engagement with the phenomenon in Egypt, this paper draws connections between spirit possession and the concepts of personhood and intentionality. It employs these concepts to articulate spirit possession, while also developing the intentional stance as formulated by Daniel Dennett. It argues for an understanding of spirit possession as the spirit stance: an intentional strategy that aims at predicting and explaining behaviour by ascribing to an agent (the spirit) beliefs and desires but is only deployed once the mental states and activity of the subject (the person) fail specific normative distinctions. Applied to behaviours that are generally taken to signal mental disorder, the spirit stance preserves a peculiar form of intentionality where behaviour would otherwise be explained as a consequence of a malfunctioning physical mechanism. Centuries before the modern disciplines of psychoanalysis and phenomenological-psychopathology endeavoured to restore meaning to 'madness,' the social institution of spirit possession had been preserving the intentionality of socially deviant behaviour.
Landeignungsprüfung in prosperierenden Großstädten. Ein GIS-basiertes Entscheidungsunterstützungssystem für Unternehmensimmobilienentwicklungen in der Stadt Düsseldorf
Authors: Nadler Michael , Spieß Florian , Müller Georg
Published: July 2018

Not only in Germany the attractiveness of large cities leads to a crowding out of corporate real estate in prosperous areas. This affects local communities since the settlement of corporate real estate often entails considerable external (utility) effects. Avoiding this crowding out serves as the origin for developing an innovative methodology for systematic land suitability assessment. Using the current German geodata-initiatives, we can merge for the first time existing geospatial data sets and geographic information systems on the basis of compromise programming into a multidimensional decision-support system for real estate and urban development in Germany. Applied to the city of Düsseldorf, we empirically verify the added value of this new methodology. Not only identifies the multidimensional and GIS-based land suitability assessment new and additional parcels for private investors and developers of corporate real estate. Moreover, the GIS-model visualizes spatial clusters of available industrial land, which might as proactive landscape protection areas prevent the future crowding out of corporate real estate. Thus, the methodology makes an important contribution to an empirically-based commercial planning system by supporting the interdisciplinary exchange between private and public actors in real estate and urban development.
Active screening and interfacility communication of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in a tertiary-care hospital
Authors: Shimasaki Teppei , Segreti John , Tomich Alexander , Kim Julie , Hayden Mary K. , Lin Michael Y. ,   for the CDC Prevention Epicenters Program
Published: July 2018

Background

Hospitals may implement admission screening cultures and may review transfer documentation to identify patients colonized with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) to implement isolation precautions; however, outcomes and logistical considerations have not been well described.

Methods

At an academic hospital in Chicago, we retrospectively studied the implementation and outcomes of CRE admission screening from 2013 to 2016 during 2 periods. During period 1, we implemented active CRE rectal culture screening for all adults patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) and for those transferred from outside facilities to general wards. During period 2, screening was restricted only to adults transferred from outside facilities. For a subset of transferred patients who were previously reported to the health department as CRE positive, we reviewed transfer paperwork for appropriate documentation of CRE.

Results

Overall, 11,757 patients qualified for screening; rectal cultures were performed for 8,569 patients (73%). Rates of CRE screen positivity differed by period, previous facility type (if transferred), and current inpatient location. A higher combined CRE positivity rate was detected in the medical and surgical ICUs among period 2 patients (3.3%) versus all other ward-period comparisons (P<.001). Among 13 transferred patients previously known to be CRE colonized, appropriate CRE transfer documentation was available for only 4 patients (31%).

Conclusions

Active screening for CRE is feasible, and screening patients transferred from outside facilities to the medical or surgical ICU resulted in the highest screen positivity rate. Furthermore, CRE carriage was inconsistently documented in transfer paperwork, suggesting that admission screening or enhanced inter-facility communication are needed to improve the identification of CRE-colonized patients.
Katakam and co-workers have not shown SSRIs to be harmful and ineffective and should stop claiming that they have
Authors: Hieronymus Fredrik , Lisinski Alexander , Näslund Jakob , Eriksson Elias
Published: July 2018

Funded by the Danish state to provide guidance in health-related matters, the Copenhagen Trial Unit (CTU) at Rigshospitalet may cause considerable societal harm if allowing their analyses to be influenced by bias and prejudice rather than rigor and impartiality. This is why we found it worthwhile to comment on a report from the CTU in which the authors invoked analyses marred by numerous errors and methodological mistakes to claim that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are harmful and ineffective. The CTU group has now produced a response to our comment which is on par with their original contribution in terms of bias, misconceptions and mistakes. Our conclusion is that the reputation of the CTU would be best served by the authors asking for retraction of their SSRI paper.
Hearing healthcare in remote or resource-constrained environments
Authors: Swanepoel D , Clark J L
Published: July 2018

Background

Hearing loss is a leading contributor to the global burden of disease, with more than 80 per cent of affected persons residing in low- and middle-income countries, typically where hearing health services are unavailable.

Objectives

This article discusses the challenges to hearing care in remote and resource-limited settings, and describes recommended service delivery models, taking personnel and equipment requirements into consideration. The paper also considers the novel roles of telemedicine approaches in these contexts for improving access to preventative care. Finally, two case studies illustrate the challenges and strategies for service provision in remote and underserved settings.
IMPACT OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT REPORTS ON HOSPITAL DECISION MAKERS – 10-YEAR INSIGHT FROM A HOSPITAL UNIT IN SHERBROOKE, CANADA: IMPACT OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT ON HOSPITAL DECISIONS
Authors: Poder Thomas G. , Bellemare Christian A. , Bédard Suzanne K. , Fisette Jean-François , Dagenais Pierre
Published: July 2018

Objectives:

The overarching goal of this research was to (i) evaluate the impact of reports with recommendations provided by a hospital-based health technology assessment (HB-HTA) unit on the local hospital decision-making processes and implementation activities and (ii) identify the underlying factors of the nonimplementation of recommendations.

Methods:

All reports produced by the HB-HTA unit between December 2003 and March 2013 were retrieved, and hospital decision makers who requested these reports were solicited for enrolment. Participants were interviewed using a mixed design survey.

Results:

Twenty reports, associated with fifteen decision makers, fulfilled the study criteria. Nine decision makers accepted to participate, corresponding to thirteen reports and twenty-three recommendations. Of the twenty-three recommendations issued, 65 percent were implemented, 9 percent were accepted for implementation but not implemented, and 26 percent were declined. In terms of the utility of each report to guide decision makers, 92 percent of the reports were considered in the decision-making process; 85 percent had one or more recommendations adopted; and 77 percent had recommendations implemented. The most frequently mentioned reasons for nonimplementation were related to contextual factors (64 percent), production/diffusion process factors (14 percent), content/format factors (14 percent), or other factors (9 percent). Among the contextual factors, the complexity of the changes (i.e., administrative reasons), budget and resources constraints, failure to identify administrative responsibility to carry out the recommendation, and nonpriority status of the HTA recommendation, were provided.

Conclusions:

This study highlights that although HB-HTA reports are useful to hospital managers in their decision-making processes, certain barriers such as contextual factors need to be better addressed to improve HB-HTA efficiency and usefulness.
Long wave approximation for water waves under a Coriolis forcing and the Ostrovsky equation
Authors: Melinand Benjamin
Published: July 2018

This paper is devoted to the study of the long wave approximation for water waves under the influence of the gravity and a Coriolis forcing. We start by deriving a generalization of the Boussinesq equations in one (spatial) dimension and we rigorously justify them as an asymptotic model of water wave equations. These new Boussinesq equations are not the classical Boussinesq equations: a new term due to the vorticity and the Coriolis forcing appears that cannot be neglected. We study the Boussinesq regime and derive and fully justify different asymptotic models when the bottom is flat: a linear equation linked to the Klein–Gordon equation admitting the so-called Poincaré waves; the Ostrovsky equation, which is a generalization of the Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation in the presence of a Coriolis forcing, when the rotation is weak; and the KdV equation when the rotation is very weak. Therefore, this work provides the first mathematical justification of the Ostrovsky equation. Finally, we derive a generalization of the Green–Naghdi equations in one spatial dimension for small topography variations and we show that this model is consistent with the water wave equations.
Extraction of templates from phrases using Sequence Binary Decision Diagrams
Authors: HIRANO D. , TANAKA-ISHII K. , FINCH A.
Published: July 2018

The extraction of templates such as ‘regard X as Y’ from a set of related phrases requires the identification of their internal structures. This paper presents an unsupervised approach for extracting templates on-the-fly from only tagged text by using a novel relaxed variant of the Sequence Binary Decision Diagram (SeqBDD). A SeqBDD can compress a set of sequences into a graphical structure equivalent to a minimal deterministic finite state automata, but more compact and better suited to the task of template extraction. The main contribution of this paper is a relaxed form of the SeqBDD construction algorithm that enables it to form general representations from a small amount of data. The process of compression of shared structures in the text during Relaxed SeqBDD construction, naturally induces the templates we wish to extract. Experiments show that the method is capable of high-quality extraction on tasks based on verb+preposition templates from corpora and phrasal templates from short messages from social media.
Palliative Sedierung: Anmerkungen zu einem strittigen Thema
Authors: Anneser Johanna
Published: July 2018

Zusammenfassung. Die palliative Sedierung ist eine Behandlungsoption für Patienten mit einer lebensverkürzenden, unheilbaren Erkrankung. Durch eine Bewusstseinsminderung wird eine Linderung von Leiden, das als unerträglich empfunden wird, angestrebt. In Abgrenzung zum ärztlich assistierten Suizid und zur Tötung auf Verlangen zielt die palliative Sedierung auf eine Symptomlinderung, ohne jedoch den Eintritt des Todes beschleunigen zu wollen. Neben der intermittierenden palliativen Sedierung kommt die kontinuierliche (tiefe) Sedierung bis zum Tod zum Einsatz. Die Mehrzahl der Kontroversen betreffen die kontinuierliche tiefe Sedierung: 1: Kann (neben physischen Symptomen) auch existenzielles oder psychosoziales Leid als Indikation für eine kontinuierliche, tiefe palliative Sedierung betrachtet werden? 2: Wann darf eine kontinuierliche, tiefe palliative Sedierung bis zum Tod frühestens begonnen werden? 3: Wie verhält es sich mit der Gabe von Flüssigkeit und Ernährung während einer kontinuierlichen, tiefen palliativen Sedierung? Eine kritische Reflexion der genannten ethisch kontroversen Themen innerhalb des Behandlungsteams ist wünschenswert. Das Wohl des Patienten und der Respekt vor den Entscheidungen, die er in dieser allein von ihm durchlebten Phase seines Lebens trifft, müssen jedoch bestimmend für das ärztliche und pflegerische Handeln bleiben.
Palliative Care: Nicht erst am Lebensende – eine praxisorientierte Diskussion der aktuellen Evidenz
Authors: Gärtner Jan , Alt-Epping Bernd , Daun Marion
Published: July 2018

Zusammenfassung. Patienten mit nicht heilbaren und fortschreitenden neurologischen, internistischen, onkologischen und anderen Erkrankungen leiden schon bei Diagnosestellung unter teils massiven Einschränkungen der Lebensqualität durch körperliche Symptome (z. B. Schmerz und Luftnot) sowie durch psychische, soziale und spirituelle Belastungen. Palliative Care dient als umfassendes Unterstützungskonzept dem bestmöglichen Erhalt individueller Lebensqualität und umfasst mehr als nur die Betreuung in der letzten Lebensphase, im Sinne einer «End of Life Care». Ärzte und andere Berufsgruppen aller Fachrichtungen sollten daher grundlegende Massnahmen und Basiswissen der Palliative Care beherrschen und schon früh im Erkrankungsverlauf anwenden. Dazu gehören u. a. Grundfertigkeiten palliativer Schmerztherapie und Symptomkontrolle, aber auch pflegerische, psychosoziale, ethische und kommunikative Kompetenzen. Die Kooperation mit anderen medizinischen Berufsgruppen und therapeutisch Tätigen sollte sich an den spezifischen Bedürfnissen der Palliativpatienten orientieren. Nicht zuletzt braucht es die Bereitschaft, spezialisierte palliativmedizinische Dienste bei besonders belasteten Patienten in komplexen Situationen aktiv einzubeziehen. Der frühzeitige Einbezug palliativmedizinischen Denkens und Handelns ist eine Aufgabe aller Fachdisziplinen und Berufsgruppen des Gesundheitswesens im Rahmen der allgemeinen Palliative Care. Zusätzlich zu dieser allgemeinen Palliative Care ist auch eine Mitbetreuung durch multiprofessionelle Teams der spezialisierten Palliative Care möglich. Dieses ist zum Beispiel für den Bereich der häuslichen Versorgung (in Deutschland: Spezialisierte Ambulante Palliativversorgung (SAPV)) etabliert und gemäss einer aktuellen Meta-Analyse in Bezug auf Lebensqualität und Symptomlast der Patienten sowie der Ermöglichung eines Versterbens im häuslichen Umfeld sehr hilfreich. Allerdings erfolgt eine häusliche Mitbetreuung durch die spezialisierte Palliative Care selten in frühen Erkrankungsstadien. Eine andere Meta-Analyse konnte zeigen, dass Patienten in Krankenhäusern (Ambulanzen und Stationen) besonders dann von der Mitbetreuung durch spezialisierte multiprofessionelle Palliative Care-Teams (in Deutschland: Palliativdienste) in Bezug auf ihre Lebensqualität profitieren, wenn deren Integration frühzeitig im Erkrankungsverlauf stattfindet. Eine konkrete Mitbehandlung aller Patienten mit inkurablen Grunderkrankungen durch die spezialisierte Palliative Care ist im Alltag allerdings weder praktikabel noch zielführend. Vielmehr ist es angezeigt, die besonders belasteten oder unter komplexen Symptomen und Problemen leidenden Patienten frühzeitig zu identifizieren und diese Patienten entsprechend zu unterstützen. Dazu werden Indikatoren für den Einbezug spezialisierter Palliative Care verwendet. Ebenso bedarf es der Kenntnis von Schnittstellen zu den jeweiligen vorhandenen regionalen Versorgungsstrukturen.
Staged ultrasound-guided liposuction for hidden arteriovenous fistulas in obese patients
Authors: Cs.Nagy Gabor , Verwiebe Reiner , Wunsch Matthias
Published: July 2018

Abstract. Background: In obese patients with end stage renal disease, puncturing matured arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) that run deep under the skin surface may prove difficult. To achieve reliable puncturability, there are several surgical solutions. Superficialization with mobilization is common. With some newer options (lipectomy and liposuction) subcutaneous adipose tissue is surgically reduced. There are only a few authors who have published their experience with liposuction and we want to add our own results. Patients and methods: We report our experience with ultrasound-guided liposuction (USGL). We introduce liposuction cannulas via small incisions to reduce the subcutaneous adipose tissue overlying the planned cannulation zones under ultrasound control using tumescent anaesthesia till the prospective needle access segments become easily palpable. So far, we have used this technique for cephalic forearm and upper arm fistulas only. Furthermore, we review the relevant literature. Results: From February 2014 through November 2016, six patients were treated using USGL. Their body mass indices ranged from 30.8 to 53.8 kg/m2 (mean 37.6). The mean depths of the AVFs beneath the skin surface were 13.3 (8–20) mm before and 5.1 (3.5–6) mm after surgery. The mean time of the procedure was 15 minutes. There were no postoperative complications. In five patients, the AVFs could reliably be punctured after three weeks. One patient is not yet on dialysis. During the follow-up period of 24 (11–43) months, all six AVFs remained primarily patent. In the literature, we found nine reports on altogether 81 patients undergoing USGL. Almost all noteworthy complications occurred only after ultrasound-powered liquefaction of adipose tissue, which was only used by a single investigator. Conclusions: USGL is a method that can be learned easily, is minimally invasive, seems to be safe, and requires only short operation times.
Self‐Adaptive Calibration of Real‐Time Demand and Roughness of Water Distribution Systems
Authors: Zhou Xiao , Xu Weirong , Xin Kunlun , Yan Hexiang , Tao Tao
Published: July 2018

Real‐time simulation of water distribution systems (WDSs) has been applied to water resource problems ranging from engineering optimization design and operation planning and management. However, accurate implementation of real‐time simulation of WDS is still a challenging task due to the limited knowledge of the large amount of varying nodal demands and pipe characteristics over the entire network system. This paper presents a self‐adaptive calibration method based on Kalman filter (KF) that takes advantage of the long‐term monitoring data for dual calibration of nodal demands and pipe roughness. Inferential measurements are introduced to avoid linear assumptions of the WDS system and link the hydraulics of WDS with KF. Hence, it is able to employ KF to solve the nonlinear problems in looped water distribution network. By assimilating the long‐term monitoring data and adapting the calibrated parameters to various operating conditions, the framework can reduce the uncertainties caused by measurement errors and quantify the uncertainties by covariance matrixes. In addition, the presented method can help to identify abnormal WDS conditions. Three case studies have been conducted to illustrate the validity of the proposed method and its applications. The results have shown that the proposed framework is reliable and effective in practical applications.