bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reference Intervals for Thyroid Hormones During the First Trimester
of Gestation: A Report from an Area with a Sufficient Iodine
Level
Authors: Kianpour Maryam , Aminorroaya Ashraf , Amini Massoud , Feizi Awat , Janghorbani Mohsen , Shokri Saeideh , Yamini Sima Aminorroaya , Farghadani Maryam , Hekmatnia Ali , Gharib Hossien
Published: March 2019

The physiological changes during pregnancy modulate the endocrine system.
Therefore, both the American and the European thyroid associations recommend
the use of local trimester-specific reference intervals. The purpose of this
study was to establish the first trimester reference intervals for thyroid
function tests in the central area of Iran. We examined 436 pregnant women
in their first trimester of pregnancy, and 444 non-pregnant women in a cross
sectional study. Serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free
thyroxin (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroid
peroxidase antibody, urinary iodine concentration (UIC), and thyroid volume
were measured for all subjects. The first trimester-specific reference
intervals (2.5th–97.5th percentile) were determined for 185 pregnant
women and 256 non-pregnant women with negative TPOAb, adequate iodine level
(UIC≥150 μg/l in pregnant and
UIC≥100 μg/l in non-pregnant women), and
normal thyroid examination. We calculated multiples of the median (MoM) for
TFTs to normalize the obtained data. The first trimester-specific reference
intervals of serum TSH, FT4, and FT3 for pregnant
women were 0.20–4.60 mIU/l,
9.0–18.02 pmol/l, and
3.40–5.64 pmol/l, respectively, while the
corresponding figures for non-pregnant women were
0.59–5.60 mIU/l,
9.52–19.30 pmol/l, and
3.70–5.55 pmol/l, respectively. The first and 99th
percentile MoM of TSH in pregnant women in their first-trimester was
0.026–4.61. The local normal reference ranges for the first
trimester of pregnancy in central region of Iran were different from the
ranges suggested by the ATA.
PREVAPIX-ALL: Apixaban Compared to Standard of Care for Prevention of Venous Thrombosis in Paediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)—Rationale and Design
Authors: O'Brien Sarah , Li Danshi , Mitchell Lesley , Hess Thomas , Zee Pamela , Yee Donald , Newburger Jane , Sung Lillian , Rodriguez Vilmarie
Published: March 2019

Venous thromboembolic (VTE) complications in children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and T or B cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T/B cell LL) can result not only in life-threatening acute complications but also contribute to significant long-term sequelae. The PREVAPIX-ALL study is an open-label randomized controlled study comparing outcomes of treatment with prophylactic dose apixaban versus no anticoagulation (standard of care) in children and adolescents with ALL and T/B cell LL receiving standard induction chemotherapy with asparaginase and the presence of a central venous access device. On day 29 of induction, all patients undergo screening imaging with duplex ultrasonography and echocardiography. The primary efficacy endpoint of the study is a composite of symptomatic and asymptomatic VTE that includes deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, cerebral sinovenous thrombosis or VTE-related death. The primary safety outcome is major bleeding. Secondary outcomes are central line-associated infections, patency and line replacement, superficial thrombosis, arterial events and death. A planned sample size of 500 randomized paediatric patients enrolled over a period of 5 years is based on the estimation of VTE rates of 20 and 10% in the standard of care and apixaban groups, respectively. An optional biomarker study in 150 patients will examine predictors of increased VTE risk and study in vivo anticoagulant effects of apixaban in children by measuring specific biomarkers in the haemostatic system and inflammatory pathway. This study will provide valuable information for the safety and efficacy of apixaban in VTE prevention during induction in paediatric ALL.
Consequences of aging on ferromagnetic amorphous Fe75Si10B15 microwires for advanced inductive applications
Authors: Zhang X. , del Real R. P. , Vázquez M. , Lewis L. H.
Published: March 2019

Amorphous ferromagnetic microwires fabricated by water-quenching have been assessed to show favorable properties for next-generation high-frequency electric machines as compared to those of conventional amorphous magnetic alloys in sheet or ribbon form. Here, water-quenched amorphous Fe75Si10B15 microwires were subjected to a range of aging times of up to 5 years in the air at room temperature. While both newer and aged microwires are X-ray amorphous, the aged microwires do exhibit a slight degree of crystallinity, a lower initial susceptibility and a reduced enthalpy change for full devitrification. These small differences (typically < 5%) are attributed to the formation of minor surface oxidation products such as iron oxides and SiO2 which modify the surface strain state. The resultant stress couples to magnetostriction to promote the formation of radial magnetic domains that impair the magnetic reversal process. These results demonstrate that while amorphous ferromagnetic microwires are essentially stable against aging in the air, consideration of their surface state will be significant for advanced applications.
The control of flow separation: Study of optimal open loop parameters
Authors: Shahrabi A. F.
Published: March 2019

Effective parameters in active flow control (AFC) have been studied to clarify a perspective of AFC. In particular, NACA0015 airfoil has been chosen for this study. Fluidic devices such as a synthetic jet actuator (SJA) have been considered because these can enforce two main control parameters of AFC, frequency and momentum ratio, but fluidic excitation with complete blowing and suction cycle was applied with the harmonic excitation as the boundary condition. Flows around the NACA0015 airfoil were simulated for a range of operating conditions. Attention was paid to the active open loop control for the flow separation of the airfoil with SJA at different angles of attack and flap angles. A large number of simulations using unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes and large eddy simulation models were performed to study the effects of momentum ratio (Cμ) in the range of 0% to 11% and non-dimensional frequency, F+, in the range of 0–2 for the control of flow separation at the various angles of attack. The optimum value of Cμ as well as F+ was evaluated and discussed. The computational model predictions showed good agreement with several experimental data available such as NASA Langley, Texas A&M, and Clarkson University. It was observed that different angles of attack and flap angles have different requirements for the minimum value of the momentum coefficient, Cμ, for the SJA to be effective for control of separation. It was also found that the variation of F+ noticeably affects the lift and drag forces acting on the airfoil. An intuitive analogy was introduced to evaluate the optimum momentum ratio in AFC, and the results of the optimum momentum ratio have been presented in comparison with available literature data.
Terahertz generation in magnetized plasma by irradiation of two-color lasers
Authors: Ghaffari-Oskooei S. S. , Aghamir F. M.
Published: March 2019

Terahertz generation in magnetized plasma using two-color lasers is investigated. The interaction of two-color lasers and plasma is studied through the cold fluid equation where the equations are solved to the third order in the vector potentials. The radiation pattern of THz waves showing the angular distribution of radiation energy is obtained, and the effect of the laser intensity and wavelength, as well as plasma density and dc magnetic field, on the directionality of THz waves is examined. The study shows that the radiation pattern of THz waves is sensitively dependent upon laser and plasma parameters, where appropriate selection of these parameters leads to maximization or minimization in a specific direction.
Analysing the ecological niche of water quality of key species in the aquatic ecosystem in Jinan City
Authors: Yang S. , Pan X. , Sun C. , Shang S. , Zhang C. , Zhao C. S. , Dong B. , Zhang Z.
Published: March 2019

The construction of hydrogeological cities in China has attracted attention from researchers worldwide. This study surveyed the major urban hydroecological river channels and selected 59 stations for hydroecological field sampling. The Ecopath model was used to screen for key river species, and niche analysis was performed to study the niche breadth and overlap between the key species and water quality factors. Sixteen key fish species were screened out; Pseudorasbora parva had the highest niche breadth (2.952). Of the 16 screened key species, Carassius auratus had the largest niche overlap (11.977). Seven key zooplankton species were screened out. Phryganella nidulus had the highest niche breadth (2.070). Of the seven screened key species, P. hemisphaerica had the largest niche overlap (9.065). Of the nine screened key species, Bithynia fuchsiana had the largest niche overlap. These findings provide a reliable theoretical basis for ecological restoration, and serve as a methodological reference for sustainable water resources management.
Model-free and model-based learning processes in the updating of explicit and implicit evaluations
Authors: Kurdi Benedek , Gershman Samuel J. , Banaji Mahzarin R.
Published: March 2019

Evaluating stimuli along a good–bad dimension is a fundamental computation performed by the human mind. In recent decades, research has documented dissociations and associations between explicit (i.e., self-reported) and implicit (i.e., indirectly measured) forms of evaluations. However, it is unclear whether such dissociations arise from relatively more superficial differences in measurement techniques or from deeper differences in the processes by which explicit and implicit evaluations are acquired and represented. The present project (total
N
= 2,354) relies on the computationally well-specified distinction between model-based and model-free reinforcement learning to investigate the unique and shared aspects of explicit and implicit evaluations. Study 1 used a revaluation procedure to reveal that, whereas explicit evaluations of novel targets are updated via model-free and model-based processes, implicit evaluations depend on the former but are impervious to the latter. Studies 2 and 3 demonstrated the robustness of this effect to (
i
) the number of stimulus exposures in the revaluation phase and (
ii
) the deterministic vs. probabilistic nature of initial reinforcement. These findings provide a framework, going beyond traditional dual-process and single-process accounts, to highlight the context-sensitivity and long-term recalcitrance of implicit evaluations as well as variations in their relationship with their explicit counterparts. These results also suggest avenues for designing theoretically guided interventions to produce change in implicit evaluations.
The language of numbers
Authors: Whitehouse Marlies
Published: March 2019

Wider parts of society-at-large are not fluent in the language of numbers, and financial literacy in particular is
low in many countries (OECD, 2014). This paper shows how research on financial
communication with and for practitioners (Cameron, Frazer, Rampton, & Richardson,
1992, p. 22) can foster intra-lingual translation in the financial sector, which increases financial texts’
communicative potential and finally enables laypersons to better understand the language of numbers. Such an increased
understanding allows individuals to set up investment plans for their current and future wealth and, for example, make informed
decisions about their pension plans. By doing so, financial crises on the individual, organizational, and societal level can be
avoided, which benefits social welfare and society-at-large.

Transdisciplinary Action Research (TDA) offers a framework and procedures to approach such goals through close
collaboration of scholars and practitioners throughout research projects. Following TDA core concepts, a cyclic process of
research and development has been established in the last two decades (e.g. Perrin, this volume; Whitehouse, 2014). Whereas applied linguists involved aimed at better understanding practices of writing
and intra-lingual translation at the interface of technical and everyday language, stakeholders from the financial industry wanted
to improve their communication. The representatives of society-at-large, finally, were interested in contributing to sustainably
increasing financial literacy.

In the first part of the present paper, I sketch the suitability of transdisciplinarity in general and TDA in
particular in financial communication (Section 1). Then I define the key concepts of
intra-lingual translation, communicative potential, and financial literacy (Section 2). Next,
I outline the data corpus and explain how TDA was applied in a series of research projects (Section 3). The presented results on a macro-level shed light on the financial analysts’ situation and practices in
their multilingual workplace: the findings on the micro-level suggest that financial analysts’ texts pose a risk of partial
communicative failure (Section 4). The article concludes by indicating empirically based
measures to develop financial literacy, intra-lingual translation across stakeholders and texts’ communicative potential in
finance (Section 5).
Instrumented platform for assessment of isometric hand muscles contractions
Authors: Malešević Nebojša , Andersson Gert , Björkman Anders , Controzzi Marco , Cipriani Christian , Antfolk Christian
Published: March 2019

Measurement of forces exerted by a human hand while performing common gestures is a highly valuable task for assessment of neurorehabilitation and neurological disorders, but also, for control of movement that could be directly transferred to assistive devices. Even though accurate and selective multi-joint measurement of hand forces is desirable in both clinical and research applications there is no commercially available device able to perform such measurements. Moreover, the custom-made systems used in research commonly impose limitations, such as availability of only single, predefined hand aperture. Furthermore, there is no consensus on design requirements for custom made measurement systems that would enable comparison of results obtained during research or clinical hand function studies. In an attempt to provide a possible solution for a device capable of multi-joint hand forces measurement and disseminate it to the research community, this paper presents the mechanical and electronic design of an instrumented platform for assessment of isometric hand muscles contractions. Some of the key features related to the developed system are: flexibility in placing the hand/fingers, fast and easy hand fitting, adjustability to different lengths, circumferences and postures of the digits, and the possibility to register individual bidirectional forces from the digits and the wrist. The accuracy of isometric force measurements was evaluated in a controlled test with the reference high accuracy force gauge device during which the developed system showed high linearity (R
2  =  0.9999). As the more realistic test, the device was evaluated when force was applied to individual sensors but also during the intramuscular electromyography (iEMG) study. The data gathered during the iEMG measurements was thoroughly assessed to obtain three appropriate metrics; the first estimating crosstalk between individual force sensors; the second evaluating agreement between measured forces and forces estimated through iEMG; and the third providing qualitative evaluation of hand force in respect to activations of individual muscle units. The results of these analyses performed on multiple joint forces show agreement with previously published results, but with the difference that in that case, the measurement was performed with a single degree of freedom device.
RETRACTED: Research on Transmission Functions of Foreign Language and Chinese Medicine Culture under the Background of “Big Data”
Authors: Ying Liu , Zhanyi He
Published: March 2019

In order to solve the problem of learning resource description in big data environment, this paper proposes a learning resource description system based on metamodel, that is, to establish a set of metadata model that is not only in line with the standards of learning resource description, but also has extensibility. By referring or mapping to the element set of the common metamodel, the elements of the metadata model of various resources are obtained to achieve the compatibility between different metadata models. This paper combines the learning resource model in the context of big data, and analyses the transmission functions of foreign language and Chinese medicine culture, including communication of language, communication of Chinese medicine culture, communication of Chinese medicine trade and communication of Chinese medicine financing.
RETRACTED: Research on Citizen Participation in the Implementation of Public Policy in Big Data Age※
Authors: Xiaodong Liao , Xiaoping Liu , Feng Feng
Published: March 2019

The advent of the big data age provides an effective tool for citizens who can better participate in the implementation of public policies. Citizens’ participation in the process of public policy implementation is conducive to the better realization of the objectives of the subjects of public policy implementation, to the implementation of the “bottom-up” public policy model, to the maximization of public interest and to the citizens’ needs to adapt to public policies. However, the enthusiasm and degree of citizen’s participation in the implementation of public policy are relatively low, because of some subjective and objective constraints in the process. We should cultivate citizens’ ability and consciousness to participate in public policies, establish a two-way interactive mechanism between the government and citizens, and strengthen the information disclosure in the process of public policy implementation.
Propensity Score Analysis of Artesunate Versus Quinine for Severe Imported Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in France
Authors: El Ket Nermine , Kendjo Eric , Thellier Marc , Assoumou Lambert , Potard Valérie , Taieb Aida , Tantaoui Ilhame , Caumes Eric , Piarroux Renaud , Roussel Camille , Buffet Pierre , Costagliola Dominique , Jauréguiberry Stéphane
Published: March 2019

Background

Little is known on the use of artesunate compared with quinine for the treatment of imported malaria cases in nonendemic countries with a high level of care. Therefore, we compared the 2 treatments in terms of mortality and hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) discharge rates.

Methods

We analyzed the cohort of all severe imported malaria patients reported to the French National Reference Center from 2011 to 2017. After controlling for differences between quinine- and artesunate-treated individuals using the inverse probability of treatment weighting method, 28-day mortality rate was compared between the groups as well as hospital and ICU discharge rates using Kaplan–Meier estimation and weighted Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Overall, 1544 patients were enrolled. Fifty patients died, 18 in the quinine group (n = 460) and 32 in the artesunate group (n = 1084), corresponding to death rates of 3.9% and 2.9%, respectively. No difference was evident between quinine and artesunate either in mortality or in hospital discharge rate, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.03 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47–2.25) and 1.12 (95% CI, 0.94–1.34), respectively. Artesunate was associated with a faster ICU discharge rate (HR, 1.18. 95% CI, 1.02–1.36).

Conclusions

In a country with a high level of care, artesunate was associated with a shorter length of stay in the ICU, which supports the actual therapeutic transition; however, no difference was found in terms of mortality or in hospital discharge rates between artesunate- and quinine-treated patients.
The cardiac isovolumetric contraction time is an independent predictor of incident atrial fibrillation and adverse outcomes following first atrial fibrillation event in the general population
Authors: Alhakak Alia Saed , Brainin Philip , Møgelvang Rasmus , Jensen Gorm Boje , Jensen Jan Skov , Biering-Sørensen Tor
Published: March 2019

Aims

Colour tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) M-mode through the mitral leaflet is an easy and precise method to obtain cardiac time intervals including the isovolumic contraction time (IVCT), isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), and ejection time (ET). The myocardial performance index (MPI) was defined as [(IVCT + IVRT)/ET]. Our aim was to investigate if cardiac time intervals can be used to predict atrial fibrillation (AF) in the general population.

Methods and results

A total of 1915 participants from the general population underwent a health examination including TDI echocardiography. The primary endpoint was AF, and the secondary endpoint was complicated AF as assessed by the occurrence of either stroke or heart failure (HF) after the diagnosis of AF. Participants with known AF were excluded (n = 54). During a median follow-up of 11 years, 166 participants (9%) were diagnosed with AF and of these 44 participants (27%) developed HF or stroke. Assessing the association between IVCT and incident AF, the risk increased with 27% per 10 ms increase in IVCT [per 10 ms increase: hazard ratio (HR) 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.17–1.38); P < 0.001]. The association remained significant after multivariable adjustment [per 10 ms increase: HR 1.22, 95% CI (1.09–1.35); P < 0.001]. No associations between the IVRT, ET, MPI, and AF remained significant after multivariable adjustment. The IVCT also predicted complicated AF and the association remained significant even after multivariable adjustment [per 10 ms increase: HR 1.39, 95% CI (1.06–1.81); P = 0.015].

Conclusion

In the general population, the IVCT provides novel and independent prognostic information on the long-term risk of AF. Additionally, the IVCT can identify persons in risk of complicated AF.
Inadvertent transseptal puncture into the aortic root: the narrow edge between luck and catastrophe in interventional cardiology
Authors: Chen Hao , Fink Thomas , Zhan Xianzhang , Chen Minglong , Eckardt Lars , Long Deyong , Ma Jian , Rosso Raphael , Mathew Shibu , Xue Yumei , Ju Weizu , Wasmer Kristina , Ma Changsheng , Yang Jiandu , Maurer Tilman , Yang Bing , Heeger Christian-Hendrik , Ho Siew Yen , Kuck Karl-Heinz , Wu Shulin , Ouyang Feifan
Published: March 2019

Aims

Inadvertent puncture of the aortic root (AR) is a well-known complication of transseptal puncture (TSP). Strategies for handling of this potentially lethal complication have not been identified yet. In this study, we present typical anatomical locations and clinical management of aortic root puncture (ARP) due to TSP.

Methods and results

All patients with ARP were retrospectively collected from seven hospitals. Aortic root puncture was identified and classified regarding angiographical and intraoperative findings in cardiac surgery: (i) TSP from the right atrium (RA) to the non-coronary sinus (NCS), (ii) TSP from RA to the non-coronary sinutubular junction (STJ), and (iii) TSP from RA to the ascending aorta (AA). A total of 24 patients with inadvertent ARP were identified. In 19 patients, penetration of the aorta was accomplished by the inner dilator, in 5 patients by the complete sheath. Previous cardiac surgery had been performed in six patients. There were 13 RA-to-NCS punctures, 2 RA-to-STJ punctures, and 9 RA-to-AA punctures. No cardiac tamponade (CT) occurred in patients with RA-to-NCS and RA-to-STJ punctures. In 8 of 9 patients with RA-to-AA puncture, CT occurred immediately requiring urgent pericardiocentesis and surgical repair. Two patients died after surgical repair. In the 16 patients without surgical therapy, no shunt from the AR to the RA was observed 3 months after the procedure.

Conclusion

Aortic root puncture due to mislead TSP via NCS or STJ is usually not associated with a severe clinical course while ARP into the AA via the epicardial space generally leads to CT requiring surgical repair.
Mutations of Kluyveromyces lactis dolichol kinase enhances secretion of recombinant proteins
Authors: Ziogiene Danguole , Valaviciute Monika , Norkiene Milda , Timinskas Albertas , Gedvilaite Alma
Published: March 2019

Although there are similarities in the core steps of the secretion pathway from yeast to higher eukaryotes, significant functional differences exist even among diverse yeast species. Here, we used next-generation sequencing to identify two mutations in the Kluyveromyces lactis KlSEC59 gene, encoding dolichol kinase (DK), which are responsible for an enhanced secretion phenotype in a previously isolated mutant, MD2/1-9. Compared with the temperature-sensitive Saccharomyces cerevisiae sec59-1 mutant, which exhibits reduced N-glycosylation and decreased secretory efficacy, the identified K. lactis DK mutations had fewer effects on glycosylation, as well as on survival at high temperature and cell wall integrity. Moreover, despite some glycosylation defects, double DK mutations (G405S and I419S) in the K. lactis mutant strain demonstrated three times the level of recombinant α-amylase secretion as the wild-type strain. Overexpression of potential suppressors KlMNN10, KlSEL1, KlERG20, KlSRT1, KlRER2, KlCAX4, KlLPP1 and KlDPP1 in the DK-mutant strain restored carboxypeptidase Y glycosylation to different extents and, with the exception of KISRT1, reduced α-amylase secretion to levels observed in wild-type cells. Our results suggest that enhanced secretion related to reduced activity of mutant DK in K. lactis results from mild glycosylation changes that affect activity of other proteins in the secretory pathway.
Erectile Dysfunction Is Highly Prevalent in Men With Newly Diagnosed Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Shmidt E , Suárez-Fariñas M , Mallette M , Moniz H , Bright R , Shah S A , Merrick M , Shapiro J , Xu F , Saha S , Sands B E
Published: March 2019

Background and Aims

Cross-sectional studies on sexual function in men with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) yield mixed results. Using a prospective incidence cohort, we aimed to describe sexual function at baseline and over time and to identify factors associated with impaired sexual function in men with IBD.

Methods

Men 18 years and older enrolled between April 2008 and January 2013 in the Ocean State Crohn’s and Colitis Area Registry (OSCCAR) with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up were eligible for study. Male sexual function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), a self-administered questionnaire that assesses 5 dimensions of sexual function over the most recent 4 weeks. To assess changes in the IIEF per various demographic and clinical factors, linear mixed effects models were used.

Results

Sixty-nine of 82 eligible men (84%) completed the questionnaire (41 Crohn’s disease, 28 ulcerative colitis). The mean age (SD) of the cohort at diagnosis was 43.4 (19.2) years. At baseline, 39% of men had global sexual dysfunction, and 94% had erectile dysfunction. Independent factors associated with erectile dysfunction are older age and lower physical and mental component summary scores on the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).

Conclusion

In an incident cohort of IBD patients, most men had erectile dysfunction. Physicians should be aware of the high prevalence of erectile dysfunction and its associated risk factors among men with newly diagnosed IBD to direct multidisciplinary treatment planning.
Beyond consensus: perceptions of risk from petroleum developments in Lofoten, Vesterålen, and Senja, Norway
Authors: Bjørkan Maiken , Veland Siri
Published: March 2019

The proposed petroleum developments in the Lofoten, Vesterålen, and Senja are a controversial issue in Norway. We ask how insights into legitimacy and risk perception can help to illuminate the disputed policy process for petroleum developments in Lofoten, Vesterålen, and Senja. Our Q-methodology elicits three key narratives that steer the policy process: (i) best practice and knowledge does not permit coexistence, and fishing takes priority; (ii) coexistence is possible with good process where the nation-state manages risk; and (iii) the state and industry cannot facilitate coexistence, science and conservation come first. We argue these narratives reflect divergence in worldview in three key ways: (i) differential perspectives on the priority of local, national, and global scales; (ii) emphasis on the role of knowledge, skill, and rectitude in finding best policy; and (iii) differential concern for fish, the nation-state, and conservation. We argue for a more realistic approach to coexistence in deliberative democracy that does not aim for consensus and win-win outcomes, and assert that disagreement and partial victories and losses is a natural and healthy state of affairs in a democracy.
The Anatomy of Apology and Forgiveness: Towards Transformative Apology and Forgiveness
Authors: Tarusarira Joram
Published: March 2019

The central thesis of this article is that while apology and forgiveness are vital for dealing with a violent past, there is a need to critically transform the sociopolitical epistemic subjectivities that underpin a wrongdoing. These include political discourses, narratives, ideas and ideologies that justified the wrongdoing in the first place and are thus its bedrock. This is against the understanding that brutality and violence are sustained by particular epistemologies, logics and reasonings. Failure to bring about their transformation results in not stopping the repetition of brutality and not realizing sustainable reconciliation, as well as stifling key aspects of dealing with the past, such as truth seeking, truth telling, justice and accountability. By drawing on the state-sponsored massacres in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces in Zimbabwe in the early 1980s – the Gukurahundi massacres – this article argues that current calls for, and implementations of, apologies and forgiveness are often undertaken without considering the need to transform the epistemic bedrock of conflict and violence which engenders apology and forgiveness. This lack of focus on transformation makes apology and forgiveness susceptible to abuse or underutilization, and thus impotent in facilitating sustainable reconciliation. The article emphasizes the need to transform the cognitive and epistemic subjectivities underpinning wrongdoing, thus making a case for transformative apology and forgiveness.
Impact of Pretransplant Donor BK Viruria in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Tan Susanna K , Huang Chunhong , Sahoo Malaya K , Weber Jenna , Kurzer Jason , Stedman Margaret R , Concepcion Waldo , Gallo Amy E , Alonso Diane , Srinivas Titte , Storch Gregory A , Subramanian Aruna K , Tan Jane C , Pinsky Benjamin A
Published: March 2019

Background

BK virus (BKV) is a significant cause of nephropathy in kidney transplantation. The goal of this study was to characterize the course and source of BKV in kidney transplant recipients.

Methods

We prospectively collected pretransplant plasma and urine samples from living and deceased kidney donors and performed BKV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) testing on pretransplant and serially collected posttransplant samples in kidney transplant recipients.

Results

Among deceased donors, 8.1% (17/208) had detectable BKV DNA in urine prior to organ procurement. BK viruria was observed in 15.4% (6/39) of living donors and 8.5% (4/47) of deceased donors of recipients at our institution (P = .50). BKV VP1 sequencing revealed identical virus between donor–recipient pairs to suggest donor transmission of virus. Recipients of BK viruric donors were more likely to develop BK viruria (66.6% vs 7.8%; P < .001) and viremia (66.6% vs 8.9%; P < .001) with a shorter time to onset (log-rank test, P < .001). Though donor BKV IgG titers were higher in recipients who developed BK viremia, pretransplant donor, recipient, and combined donor/recipient serology status was not associated with BK viremia (P = .31, P = .75, and P = .51, respectively).

Conclusions

Donor BK viruria is associated with early BK viruria and viremia in kidney transplant recipients. BKV PCR testing of donor urine may be useful in identifying recipients at risk for BKV complications.
The Immature Stages, Biology, and Phylogenetic Relationships of Rotunda rotundapex (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)
Authors: Lin Rung-Juen , Braby Michael F , Hsu Yu-Feng
Published: March 2019

The life history, morphology, and biology of the immature stages and phylogenetic relationships of Rotunda rotundapex (Miyata & Kishida, 1990) are described and illustrated for the first time. The species is univoltine: eggs hatch in spring (March or April) and the life cycle from egg to adult is completed in about 3 wk, with larvae developing rapidly on young leaves of the host plants, Morus australis and to a lesser extent Broussonetia monoica (Moraceae), and adults emerging in April–May. Eggs are laid in clusters on twigs of the host plant, are covered by scales during female oviposition, and remain in diapause for the remainder of the year (i.e., for 10–11 mo). Larvae (all instars) are unique among the Bombycidae in that they lack a horn on abdominal segment 8. A strongly supported molecular phylogeny based on six genes (5.0 Kbp: COI, EF-1α, RpS5, CAD, GAPDH, and wgl) representing seven genera of Bombycinae from the Old World revealed that Rotunda is a distinct monotypic lineage sister to Bombyx. This phylogenetic position, together with morphological data of the immature stages (egg and larval chaetotaxy), supports the current systematic classification in which the species rotundapex has been placed in a separate genus (Rotunda) from Bombyx in which it was previously classified.
Clinical Impact of Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Testing at a US Children’s Hospital
Authors: Enane Leslie A , Sullivan Kaede V , Spyridakis Evangelos , Feemster Kristen A
Published: March 2019

Background

Children who develop malaria after returning to a setting in which the disease is not endemic are at high risk for critical delays in diagnosis and initiation of antimalarial therapy. We assessed the clinical impact of the implementation of malaria rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) on the management of children with malaria at an urban US children’s hospital that serves a large immigrant population.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of all children diagnosed with laboratory-confirmed malaria at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) between 2000 and 2014. RDT using a US Food and Drug Administration–approved immunochromatographic assay was introduced at CHOP on August 1, 2007. We compared clinical management and outcomes of patients with malaria diagnosed before and after RDT introduction.

Results

We analyzed 82 pediatric malaria cases (32 before and 50 after RDT implementation). The majority of these patients had traveled to West Africa (91.5%) and were infected with Plasmodium falciparum (80.5%). The mean time to a positive result decreased from 10.4 to 0.9 hours (P < .001) after the introduction of RDT for patients with P falciparum. The mean time to antimalarial therapy decreased from 13.1 to 6.9 hours (P =; .023) in hospitalized patients. We found no significant reduction in the mean number of clinical signs of severe malaria between 0 and 48 hours of hospitalization and no difference in the need for exchange transfusion, time to resolution of parasitemia, or length of hospital stay.

Conclusions

Implementation of RDT for malaria was associated with shorter times to malaria diagnosis and initiation of antimalarial therapy. The results of this study support RDT in the optimal management of patients with malaria who present in settings in which the disease is not endemic.
Formation, vertex deviation, and age of the Milky Way’s bulge: input from a cosmological simulation with a late-forming bar
Authors: Debattista Victor P , Gonzalez Oscar A , Sanderson Robyn E , El-Badry Kareem , Garrison-Kimmel Shea , Wetzel Andrew , Faucher-Giguère Claude-André , Hopkins Philip F
Published: March 2019

We present the late-time evolution of m12m, a cosmological simulation of a Milky Way-like galaxy from the FIRE project. The simulation forms a bar after redshift z = 0.2. We show that the evolution of the model exhibits behaviours typical of kinematic fractionation, with a bar weaker in older populations, an X-shape traced by the younger, metal-rich populations, and a prominent X-shape in the edge-on mean metallicity map. Because of the late formation of the bar in m12m, stars forming after $10\mbox{$\:{\rm Gyr}$}$ (z = 0.34) significantly contaminate the bulge, at a level higher than is observed at high latitudes in the Milky Way, implying that its bar cannot have formed as late as in m12m. We also study the model’s vertex deviation of the velocity ellipsoid as a function of stellar metallicity and age in the equivalent of Baade’s Window. The formation of the bar leads to a non-zero vertex deviation. We find that metal-rich stars have a large vertex deviation (∼40°), which becomes negligible for metal-poor stars, a trend also found in the Milky Way, despite not matching in detail. We demonstrate that the vertex deviation also varies with stellar age and is large for stars as old as $9 \mbox{$\:{\rm Gyr}$}$, while $13\mbox{$\:{\rm Gyr}$}$ old stars have negligible vertex deviation. When we exclude stars that have been accreted, the vertex deviation is not significantly changed, demonstrating that the observed variation of vertex deviation with metallicity is not necessarily due to an accreted population.
Configuration entropy of the cosmic web: can voids mimic the dark energy?
Authors: Pandey Biswajit
Published: March 2019

We propose an alternative physical mechanism to explain the observed accelerated expansion of the Universe based on the configuration entropy of the cosmic web and its evolution. We show that the sheets, filaments, and clusters in the cosmic web act as sinks whereas the voids act as the sources of information. The differential entropy of the cosmic velocity field increases with time and also acts as a source of entropy. The growth of non-linear structures and the emergence of the cosmic web may lead to a situation where the overall dissipation rate of information at the sinks is about to dominate the generation rate of information from the sources. Consequently, the Universe either requires a dispersal of the overdense non-linear structures or an accelerated expansion of the underdense voids to prevent a violation of the second law of thermodynamics. The dispersal of the sheets, filaments, and clusters is not a viable option due to the attractive nature of gravity but the repulsive and outward peculiar gravitational acceleration at the voids makes it easier to stretch them at an accelerated rate. We argue that this accelerated expansion of the voids inside the cosmic web may mimic the behaviour of dark energy.
Automatic Segmentation of the Subthalamic Nucleus: A Viable Option to Support Planning and Visualization of Patient-Specific Targeting in Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Reinacher Peter C , Várkuti Bálint , Krüger Marie T , Piroth Tobias , Egger Karl , Roelz Roland , Coenen Volker A
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Automatic segmentation is gaining relevancy in image-based targeting of neural structures.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate its feasibility, we retrospectively analyzed the concordance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based automatic segmentation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and intraoperative microelectrode recordings (MERs).

METHODS

Electrodes (n = 60) for deep brain stimulation were implanted in the STN of patients (n = 30; median age 57 yr) with Parkinson disease (n = 29) or rapid-onset dystonia parkinsonism (n = 1). Elements (Brainlab, Munich, Germany) were used to segment the STN, using 2 volumetric T1 (±contrast) and volumetric T2 images as input. The stereotactic computed tomography was coregistered with the imaging, and the original stereotactic coordinates were imported. MERs (0.5-1 mm steps) along the anterior, central, and lateral trajectories were used to determine differences between the image-segmented STN boundary and MER-based STN entry and exit.

RESULTS

Of 175 trajectories, 105 penetrated or touched (≤0.7 mm) the STN. The overall median deviation between the segmented STN boundary and electrophysiological recordings was 1.1 mm for MER-based STN entry and 2.0 mm for STN exit. Regarding the entry point of the STN, there was no statistically significant difference between MRI-based automatic segmentation and the electrophysiological trajectories analyzed with intraoperative MER. The exit point was significantly different between both methods in the central and lateral trajectories.

CONCLUSION

MRI-based automatic segmentation of the STN is a viable, patient-specific targeting approach that can be used alongside traditional targeting methods in deep brain stimulation to support preoperative planning and visualization of target structures and aid postoperative optimization of programming.
From egg to maturity: a closed system for complete life cycle studies of the holopelagic jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca
Authors: Ramondenc Simon , Ferrieux Mathilde , Collet Sophie , Benedetti Fabio , Guidi Lionel , Lombard Fabien
Published: March 2019

Despite its wide spatial distribution and its high abundance in the Mediterranean Sea, the biology and the ecology of the scyphozoan species Pelagia noctiluca remain poorly understood. This is mainly due to difficulties related to sampling and its maintenance in laboratory conditions. Thus, only a few studies exist on the ecophysiology of this jellyfish species under laboratory conditions. As an example, the maximum sizes of individuals obtained in previous culturing systems were not comparable to the ones found in the environment and the authors could not obtain a second generation. Here we present an improved rearing system for P. noctiluca employing a new enclosed system running with artificial seawater. The monitoring of the jellyfish in this new system highlights the importance of the quality of the food sources provided to the cultures, as well as the volume available for jellyfish growth. We obtain adults similar in size to the ones found in the open ocean (>11 cm), and we were able to obtain a second generation, 140 days after the first one. Our system is both less time-consuming and less stressful for the jellyfish.
What Police Say about Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Training in Two Jurisdictions (England/Wales and New South Wales, Australia)
Authors: Monchuk Leanne , Clancey Garner
Published: March 2019

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) aims to reduce crime and disorder through the design and manipulation of the built environment. Various professions and agencies practice CPTED. The police typically play an important role in the delivery of CPTED by assessing planning applications, identifying criminogenic design features, and offering remedial advice. As with other areas of policing, the training and professional development opportunities have received limited academic attention. This article reports on data collected from studies conducted in England and Wales and in New South Wales (Australia). A stratified sample of 30 Designing out Crime Officers from England and Wales and a convenience sample of 36 Crime Prevention Officers from New South Wales Police Force were interviewed and their views on CPTED training and development sought. It will be seen that this comparative analysis highlights similar concerns amongst those responsible for delivering CPTED, regardless of jurisdiction and professional background. Concerns related to the limited training and continued professional development opportunities that assist officers in undertaking the role and the level of confidence with which they feel able to advocate CPTED recommendations. This article briefly questions the utility of operational policing to do this role, but if they do, they need to be adequately resourced, which includes the provision of a dedicated training and continued professional development programme.
OCCUPATIONAL RADIATION DOSE TO NUCLEAR MEDICINE STAFF DUE TO TC99M, F18-FDG PET AND THERAPEUTIC I-131 BASED EXAMINATIONS
Authors: Fathy Mohamed , Khalil Magdy M , Elshemey Wael M , Mohamed Haitham S
Published: March 2019

The aim was to track the exposure to radiation workers in six nuclear medicine examinations. A number of 180 patients were recruited and external exposure was measured. Patients had undergone cardiac stress and rest, bone scan, I-131 therapy, Gallium-67 and FDG PET/CT imaging. The average dose received due to cardiac stress and rest were 20.4 ± 5.0 and 16.0 ± 3.8 μSv per patient, respectively, whereas for bone scan, Ga-67, FDG and I-131 therapy, the average dose was 6.1 ± 2.5, 6.0 ± 1.4, 11.1 ± 2.2 and 4.1 ± 2.6 μSv per patient. The patient-to-staff dose coefficients were on average 0.051 ± 0.009, 0.042 ± 0.010, 0.034 ± 0.016, 0.039 ± 0.021, 0.052 ± 0.012, 0.094 ± 0.021 μSv m2/MBq h for stress, rest, bone, I-131, Ga-67 and FDG reported post-administration, respectively. Patient injection and setup for imaging represent a high percentage of the total dose received by staff. The information revealed is able to revise local measures, safety standards, and could help further in dose optimization and minimal exposure to occupationally exposed worker in nuclear medicine laboratories.
Meta-Analytic and Economic Approaches for Evaluation of Pesticide Impact on Sclerotinia Stem Rot Control and Soybean Yield in the North Central United States
Authors: Willbur Jaime F. , Mitchell Paul D. , Fall Mamadou L. , Byrne Adam M. , Chapman Scott A. , Floyd Crystal M. , Bradley Carl A. , Ames K. A. , Chilvers Martin I. , Kleczewski Nathan M. , Malvick Dean K. , Mueller Brian D. , Mueller Daren S. , Kabbage Mehdi , Conley Shawn P. , Smith Damon L.
Published: March 2019

As complete host resistance in soybean has not been achieved, Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum continues to be of major economic concern for farmers. Thus, chemical control remains a prevalent disease management strategy. Pesticide evaluations were conducted in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Wisconsin from 2009 to 2016, for a total of 25 site-years (n = 2,057 plot-level data points). These studies were used in network meta-analyses to evaluate the impact of 10 popular pesticide active ingredients, and seven common application timings on SSR control and yield benefit, compared with not treating with a pesticide. Boscalid and picoxystrobin frequently offered the best reductions in disease severity and best yield benefit (P < 0.0001). Pesticide applications (one- or two-spray programs) made during the bloom period provided significant reductions in disease severity index (DIX) (P < 0.0001) and led to significant yield benefits (P = 0.0009). Data from these studies were also used in nonlinear regression analyses to determine the effect of DIX on soybean yield. A three-parameter logistic model was found to best describe soybean yield loss (pseudo-R2 = 0.309). In modern soybean cultivars, yield loss due to SSR does not occur until 20 to 25% DIX, and considerable yield loss (−697 kg ha−1 or −10 bu acre−1) is observed at 68% DIX. Further analyses identified several pesticides and programs that resulted in greater than 60% probability for return on investment under high disease levels.