bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct measurement of TEM lamella thickness in FIB‐SEM
Authors: CONLAN A.P. , TILLOTSON E. , RAKOWSKI A. , COOPER D. , HAIGH S.J.
Published: December 2019

Transmission electron microscope (TEM) specimen preparation by focused ion beam (FIB) milling requires delicate polishing of a thin window of material during the final stages of the procedure. Over or underpolishing is common and requires extra microscope resources to correct. Despite some methods for lamella thickness measurement being available, the majority of users judge the final polishing step subjectively from scanning electron microscope (SEM) images acquired between milling steps. Here we demonstrate successful thickness determination of thin silicon lamellae using calibrated secondary electron detectors in a FIB‐SEM dual‐beam chamber. Unlike previous thickness measurement methods it does not require long acquisition times, the use of in‐chamber scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) or energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy detectors. The calibration aligns a SEM image to an electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) map of lamella thickness acquired in a TEM. This calibration reveals the greyscale‐thickness dependence of two secondary electron SEM detectors: the through‐lens detector (TLD) and the in‐chamber electron detector (ICE). It was found that lamella thickness estimation for TLD images is accurate for areas thinner than 0.4 t/λ, whilst ICE images are most accurate for areas thicker than 0.5 t/λ up to 1.1 t/λ. The procedure presented here allows objective lamella thickness determination during the final stages of FIB specimen preparation using conventional imaging modes for common secondary electron detectors.

Lay Description

Successful analysis of a material in a transmission electron microscope requires very thin windows of the material to be fabricated. Despite the quality of this analysis relying heavily on the thickness of the window, measuring thickness during window fabrication is not common practice.

The authors show that it is possible to measure the thickness of the window directly in a focused‐ion‐beam chamber with a scanning electron microscope without altering the fabrication procedure, and using electron detectors common to most microscopes.
A personalized computational model predicts cancer risk level of oral potentially malignant disorders and its web application for promotion of non‐invasive screening
Authors: Wang Xiangjian , Yang Jin , Wei Changlei , Zhou Gang , Wu Lanyan , Gao Qinghong , He Xin , Shi Jiahong , Mei Yingying , Liu Ying , Shi Xueke , Wu Fanglong , Luo Jingjing , Guo Yiqing , Zhou Qizhi , Yin Jiaxin , Hu Tao , Lin Mei , Liang Zhi , Zhou Hongmei
Published: December 2019

Background

Despite their high accuracy to recognize oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) with cancer risk, non‐invasive oral assays are poor in discerning whether the risk is high or low. However, it is critical to identify the risk levels, since high‐risk patients need active intervention, while low‐risk ones simply need to be follow‐up. This study aimed at developing a personalized computational model to predict cancer risk level of OPMDs and explore its potential web application in OPMDs screening.

Methods

Each enrolled patient was subjected to the following procedure: personal information collection, non‐invasive oral examination, oral tissue biopsy and histopathological analysis, treatment, and follow‐up. Patients were randomly divided into a training set (N = 159) and a test set (N = 107). Random forest was used to establish classification models. A baseline model (model‐B) and a personalized model (model‐P) were created. The former used the non‐invasive scores only, while the latter was incremented with appropriate personal features.

Results

We compared the respective performance of cancer risk level prediction by model‐B, model‐P, and clinical experts. Our data suggested that all three have a similar level of specificity around 90%. In contrast, the sensitivity of model‐P is beyond 80% and superior to the other two. The improvement of sensitivity by model‐P reduced the misclassification of high‐risk patients as low‐risk ones. We deployed model‐P in web.opmd-risk.com, which can be freely and conveniently accessed.

Conclusion

We have proposed a novel machine‐learning model for precise and cost‐effective OPMDs screening, which integrates clinical examinations, machine learning, and information technology.
Survey of antibiotic use among hospitalised children in a hospital in Northeast China over a 4‐year period
Authors: Zhang Min , Ma Xin Yu , Feng Zhi Qiang , Gao Ling
Published: December 2019

Purpose

We investigated the usage of antibiotic utilisation rate (AUR) among Chinese hospitalised children over a 4‐year period to determine clinical characteristics.

Design and Methods

AUR, antibiotic type and antibiotic use in combination were analysed among hospitalised children of the affiliated hospital of Beihua University in Northeast China from January 2015 to December 2018. The linear prediction was used to investigate the trends of antibiotics use in combination and AUR, and autoregressive integrated moving average model was used to predict AUR in 2019.

Results

A total of 2,981 inpatients were admitted to the hospital during the study period. The AUR from 2015 to 2018 was 91.51%, 92.67%, 91.30%, and 93.00%, respectively. AUR was associated with season (p < .01), the peak period was found to be from November to January in 2019 (R2 = 0.802). The etiological delivery rate had increased (p < .01). Pneumonia was the main disease in children for which they received antibiotics. The combination of multidrug (≥3 agents used) had increased (p < .01) over the study period.

Practice Implications

AUR was stable among hospitalised children in a hospital. Cephalosporin and macrolide antibiotics were the main antibiotic types, and the combination of multidrug had increased, more attention should be paid to the use of antibiotics in hospitalised children.
Health literacy in adolescents with sickle cell disease: The influence of caregiver health literacy
Authors: Caldwell Elizabeth P.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

After patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) transfer from pediatric care to adult care, significant morbidity and mortality occurs. There are many possible contributors to the success or failure of this transition. One hypothesis is that health literacy influences this transition from pediatric to adult health care. The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to examine the relationship between caregiver and adolescent health literacy levels in adolescents with SCD; and (b) to further describe individual traits contributing to health literacy levels in adolescents with SCD as described by pilot data.

Design and Methods

This cross‐sectional, descriptive correlational study included the administration of the newest vital sign (NVS) health literacy instrument to 59 dyads of adolescent patients with SCD and their caregivers in a large, tertiary care center in Dallas, Texas. Convenience sampling was utilized for recruitment. Caregiver health literacy levels, age, current grade level, annual household income, caregiver education level, number of annual healthcare encounters, and adolescent health literacy levels were correlated to determine relationships amongst variables.

Results

There was no significant relationship between caregiver and adolescent health literacy levels in this population. Adolescent health literacy NVS scores were positively correlated with adolescent age,r(58) = .468,p < .001, caregiver income,r(46) = .293,p = .023, and caregiver highest education level,r(56) = .318,p = .008. Only adolescent age was a significant predictor of adolescent health literacy NVS scores,β = .485 (standard error [SE] = .109),p = .001. None of the other predictors in the model were significant, including the relationship between caregiver and adolescent health literacy NVS scores,β = .065 (SE = .131),p = .633. In addition, although caregiver income and highest education level were positively correlated with adolescent health literacy NVS scores in the bivariate analysis, these relationships were nonsignificant while controlling for each other, adolescent age, and the other variables in the model.

Practice Implications

This study gives insight on potential practice and research initiatives to evaluate the health literacy of adolescents, with and without SCD, both now and in the future.
Association between family management and asthma control in children with asthma
Authors: Han Li , Shangguan Jing , Yu Guiling , Li Ting , Wu Yujie , Zhou Yunping , Liu Panpan , Wang Aimin
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between family management and asthma control in children with asthma.

Design and Methods

This cross‐sectional descriptive study recruited 142 children with asthma and their parents. We used the Family Management Measure (FaMM), the Childhood Asthma Control Test (C‐ACT), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) detectors to assess family management and asthma control. The McNemar's test was used to determine the proportional difference between C‐ACT and FeNO in evaluating asthma control. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to assess the relationship between family management and asthma control in children with asthma.

Results

There was no significant difference in the proportion of C‐ACT and FeNO in evaluating asthma control (McNemar's test p = .593). Child's Daily Life, Condition Management Ability, and Parental Mutuality were positively correlated with C‐ACT (r = 0.398 to 0.655; all p < .05) and negatively correlated with FeNO (r = −0.245 to −0.402; all p < .05); Condition Management Effort, Family Life Difficulty, and View of Condition Impact were negatively correlated with C‐ACT (r = −0.416 to −0.672; all p < .05) and positively with FeNO (r = 0.248 to 0.427; all p < 0.05). Child's Daily Life, Condition Management Effort, and View of Condition Impact dimensions significantly predicted the C‐ACT results, and the Condition Management Effort and View of Condition Impact dimensions significantly predicted the FeNO results (p < .05).

Practical Implications

Pediatric nurses could provide family management education for parents to improve asthma control in children. In addition, pediatric nurses might assess asthma control condition of asthmatic children in combination with C‐ACT and FeNO levels.
Seed production and dispersal limit treeline advance in the Pyrenees
Authors: Anadon‐Rosell Alba , Talavera Marc , Ninot Josep M. , Carrillo Empar , Batllori Enric
Published: December 2019

Aims

Pinus uncinata is the major treeline‐forming species in the Pyrenees. Yet, the role of its reproduction and dispersal as drivers of treeline dynamics remains unknown. Here we quantify seed production, dispersal and germination changes along the elevation gradient to assess whether they may constrain the foreseen treeline advance in the Pyrenees.

Location

Central Pyrenees, Catalonia, NE Spain.

Methods

We established four plots along an elevation gradient from the closed subalpine forest to the krummholz zone at five study sites. In each plot, we collected cones from five to six trees, measured their length, and triggered their opening in the laboratory to count the number of empty seeds and the number and weight of full seeds. We used the collected seeds in a germination experiment under controlled conditions in growth chambers. Additionally, we installed seed traps along the forest–alpine grassland transition to measure seed rain for three consecutive years in three of the study sites.

Results

The number of full seeds per cone decreased along the elevation gradient and was correlated with cone length. However, the proportion of full seeds per cone and their weight did not differ between elevation positions. Seed rain decreased drastically with elevation and no seeds arrived into the alpine grassland traps consistently across study years. Although germination success did not significantly differ between elevation provenances (i.e., elevation position of origin), we found significant differences in germination dynamics between study sites and between elevation provenances within sites.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that whereas the viability of Pinus uncinata seeds is not limited by elevation, seed production and dispersal are constraining the ongoing rates of treeline advance in the Pyrenees.
Alcohol consumption is associated with the severity and outcome of acute liver injury/failure
Authors: Puri Puneet , Lee William M. , Fontana Robert J. , Kim Nak‐Kyeong , Durkalski Valerie , McGuire Brendan M. , Liou Iris , Pezzia Carla , Stravitz R. Todd ,   the Acute Liver Failure Study Group
Published: December 2019

Background & Aims

Non‐medical factors which contribute to the severity of acute liver failure (ALF) remain poorly defined. The association of alcohol consumption on the severity of presentation and outcome were determined in patients with ALF and acute liver injury (ALI) in a large, multicentre registry.

Methods

Alcohol consumption during the 6 months prior to study entry was analysed in 1170 patients enrolled in the ALF Study Group Registry. Consumption was categorized as none/minimal (<3 alcoholic beverages/week) or at least moderate (≥3/week). Clinical characteristics, the severity of liver injury at presentation (ALI or ALF) and outcome were compared.

Results

In patients with acetaminophen (APAP) overdose, at least moderate alcohol consumption was associated with higher peak aminotransferases, bilirubin, creatinine and INR on admission, compared to no/minimal consumption. In patients with non‐APAP ALI/ALF, at least moderate alcohol consumption was associated with higher peak aminotransferases and creatinine. In APAP, non‐APAP or all aetiologies, at least moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a 75%, 89% and 82% higher odds, respectively, of presenting as ALF rather than ALI (all P < .005). At least moderate alcohol consumption increased the odds of death by 45% (P = .01) across all aetiologies. In multivariate analysis, older age, non‐Caucasian race, peak INR, peak bilirubin and at least moderate alcohol consumption were significantly associated with death. Finally, in Kaplan‐Meier analysis of patients with all aetiologies, at least moderate alcohol consumption was associated with decreased time‐dependent survival (P = .002).

Conclusion

Alcohol consumption adversely affects the presentation and outcome of both APAP‐ and non‐APAP‐induced ALI/ALF.
A qualitative analysis of text message conversations in a breastfeeding peer counselling intervention
Authors: Martinez‐Brockman Josefa L. , Harari Nurit , Goeschel Lori , Bozzi Valerie , Pérez‐Escamilla Rafael
Published: December 2019

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) breastfeeding peer counselling (BFPC) program supports optimal early life nutrition by providing evidenced‐based breastfeeding protection, promotion, and support. The Lactation Advice Through Texting Can Help (LATCH) study was a randomized controlled trial that tested the effectiveness of a text messaging intervention designed to augment the BFPC program. The purpose of the present study was to understand the topics discussed during the text message exchanges between breastfeeding peer counsellors (PCs) and their clients in the intervention arm of the LATCH study, from the time of enrollment up to two‐weeks postpartum. Text messaging data were first coded and analysed for one‐ and two‐way text message exchanges. Text messages of participants with a high volume of two‐way exchanges were then analysed qualitatively. Four domains were identified in both the prenatal and postpartum periods: the mechanics of breastfeeding, social support, baby's nutrition, and PCs maintaining contact with participants. Additional themes and subthemes identified in the postpartum period included the discussion of breastfeeding problems such as latching trouble engorgement, plugged ducts, pumping, other breastfeeding complications, and resuming breastfeeding if stopped. Two‐way text messaging in the context of the WIC BFPC program provides an immediate and effective method of substantive communication between mothers and their PC.
A comparison of teaching opportunities for rural and urban family medicine residents
Authors: Jattan Aaron , Penner Charles G. , Giesbrecht Marsha , Malin Greg , Au Lillian L. , Archibald Douglas , François José , Dufour Karlyne , Kim George P.
Published: December 2019

Context

Medical schools of geographically large nations have expanded into rural areas to facilitate the development of a sustainable rural pipeline of physicians. Preceptor, or clinical teacher, recruitment at these sites has been an ongoing challenge. However, residents‐as‐teachers (RaT) curricula have not been modified to support the development of rural teachers. This study aimed to compare teaching opportunities between rural and urban family medicine residents and to identify mechanisms underlying potential differences.

Methods

Year‐1 and Year‐2 family medicine residents at seven Canadian institutions participated in a mixed‐methods study utilising a quantitative survey and a qualitative interview. Rural and urban residents rated the quantity and types of teaching opportunities available during their training, from which a chi‐squared analysis was completed. Volunteer respondents participated in a structured interview, from which a thematic analysis was performed.

Results

Rural family medicine residents had fewer opportunities to teach compared to their urban colleagues. This discrepancy was seen across multiple domains, including informal opportunities when on family medicine rotations, χ2 (4, n = 242) = 45.26, P < .000, Bonferroni's adjusted P < .000. Thematic analysis centred around determining factors influencing teaching opportunities and identified that the academic context, personal factors and programme factors were key dimensions. Within these dimensions, the number of medical students, a desire to be an educator and administrative support were cited as influences on teaching opportunities.

Conclusions

The lack of teaching opportunities for rural trainees is attributable to a combination of practical and organisational factors revealed through thematic analysis. If rural graduates are not comfortable balancing the demands of service and teaching, this could compound the already prevalent issue of rural preceptor recruitment. It is essential to develop a rural‐focused RaT curriculum to close this gap and produce competent educators who are ready to inspire generations of rural physicians.
No such thing as a free lunch: interaction costs and the structure and stability of mutualistic networks
Authors: Peralta Guadalupe , Stouffer Daniel B. , Bringa Eduardo M. , Vázquez Diego P.
Published: December 2019

Different modelling approaches have been used to relate the structure of mutualistic interactions with the stability of communities. However, inconsistencies arise when we compare modelling outcomes with the patterns of interactions observed in empirical studies. To shed light on these inconsistencies, we explored the network structure–stability relationship by incorporating the cost of mutualistic interactions, a long ignored feature of mutualisms, into population dynamics models. We assessed the changes in the relationship between network structure (species richness, connectance, modularity) and community stability (species persistence, resilience), and between network structure and community structural attributes (average abundance), using models with increasing levels of cost for mutualistic communities. We found that adding the potential cost of mutualistic interactions affected the strength of the network structure–stability relationship. Our results revive the question of whether the structure of mutualistic networks determines community stability.
Patient Characteristics Following Surgery for Spinal Metastases: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Yang Li , Wang Feng , Zhang Hao , Yang Xiong‐gang , Zhang Hao‐ran , Li Ji‐kai , Qiao Rui‐qi , Zhang Guo‐chuan , Hu Yong‐cheng
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To summarize the epidemiological characteristics of patients following surgery for spinal metastases retrospectively and make a univariate analysis to identify independent variables that could affect the operation decision making.

Methods

This was a multicenter retrospective review of patients with spinal metastasis who were treated with surgery from 1 January 2007 to 31 July 2019. Basic clinical data were analyzed retrospectively by univariate analysis to identify independent variables that could affect the decision of operation modalities, including gender, age, spinal metastatic site, Frankel score, Karnofsky performance score (KPS), spinal instability neoplastic score (SINS), visual analogue scale (VAS), Tokuhashi score, urinary and fecal incontinence, spinal pathological fracture, primary tumor, extraspinal metastasis, visceral metastasis, and bone lesion (osteolytic, osteoblastic or mixed).

Results

A total of 580 patients including 332 males and 248 females were enrolled in the study with an average age of 58.26 years old (range, 13–86 years old). The most common spinal metastatic level was the thoracic vertebra (190 [32.76%]), followed by the lumbar vertebra (146 [25.17%]), cervical vertebra (47 [8.10%]), and sacral vertebra (35 [6.03%]). Metastases involving more than two sites of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae arose in 162 (27.93%) patients. For primary tumor, there were 198 (34.14%) cases of lung cancer, 41 (7.07%) cases of kidney cancer, 39 (6.72%) cases of breast cancer, 38 (6.55%) cases of gastrointestinal cancer, 35 (6.03%) cases of lymphoma and myeloma, 25 (4.31%) cases of prostate cancer, 24 (4.14%) cases of liver cancer, 23 (3.97%) cases of mesenchymal tissue sarcoma, 20 (3.45%) cases of thyroid cancer, and 84 (14.48%) cases were tumor with unknown origin. Sixty‐three (10.86%) patients received minimally invasive surgery, 460 (79.31%) patients received palliative surgery, and the remaining 57 (9.83%) received tumor resection. According to the univariate analysis, the KPS score, SINS score, VAS score, Tokuhashi score, urinary and fecal incontinence, spinal pathological fracture, and bone lesion (osteolytic, osteoblastic or mixed) were independent and favorable factors affecting the surgery modalities.

Conclusions

Surgical treatment for spinal metastases was mainly to relieve pain, rebuild spinal stability, improve nerve function, control local tumors, and improve the quality of life of patients. For middle‐aged and elderly patients with good general conditions, severe pain, spinal pathological fracture, spine instability and without urinary and fecal incontinence, early surgical treatment should be actively carried out.
Management of Low‐Energy Basicervical Proximal Femoral Fractures by Proximal Femoral Nail Anti‐Rotation
Authors: Wang Qi , Gu Xiao‐hua , Li Xi , Wu Jian‐hong , Ju Yu‐feng , Huang Wei‐jie , Wang Qiu‐gen
Published: December 2019

Objective

To evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes of proximal femoral nail anti‐rotation (PFNA‐II) devices and demonstrate the effectiveness of PFNA‐II for the treatment of basicervical fractures in elderly patients.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients treated with PFNA‐II for a proximal femoral fracture between January 2013 and February 2017 at three different institutions (Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Punan Hospital and Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital) was conducted. The X‐ray films were strictly reviewed by three trauma surgeons and a professional radiology doctor. Patients over 60 years of age who met the following criteria were included: (i) sustained low‐energy trauma; (ii) a two‐part fracture; (iii) fracture line located at the base of the femoral neck and that was medial to the intertrochanteric line and exited above the lesser trochanter but was more lateral than a classic transcervical fracture. Follow‐up time should be longer than 6 months. A total of 52 patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected. The average age at diagnosis was 75.1 years (range, 63–91 years); 13 patients were men and 39 were women. The same proximal femoral nail anti‐rotation devices and the same surgical procedures were applied to all patients. Postoperative radiographic union time and modified Harris hip scores were used as major indicators for evaluating the effectiveness of surgery.

Results

The average follow‐up period was 22.5 months (18.5, 23.9, and 21.2 months, respectively) and radiographic unions were observed at an average of 19.6 weeks (range, 12–28 weeks). The patients were evaluated immediately after surgery, as well as 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. Of the 49 patients, 38 had good reduction qualities (75.5%), 9 acceptable (18.3%), and 3 poor (6.1%). Radiographic union was confirmed in all fractures at an average of 19.6 weeks (range, 12–28 weeks). The mean Harris hip score was 84.9 (range, 65–99): excellent in 9 patients (18.36%), good in 30 (61.22%), medium in 8 (16.32%), and poor in 2 (4.08%). Slight persistent pain occurred in 3 patients, but these patients could still walk with the help of a cane. Two patients had symptoms of excessive telescoping. Eight patients experienced postoperative medical complications, mainly pneumonia and urinary tract infection.

Conclusion

Based on the clinical and radiological outcomes, the PFNA‐II devices provide strong rotational stability and excellent clinical prognosis, and are an appropriate treatment option for basicervical proximal femoral fracture in elderly patients.
Proof of concept to unmask the breeding value of genetic resources of barley (Hordeum vulgare) with a hybrid strategy
Authors: Sommer Leonhard , Spiller Monika , Stiewe Gunther , Pillen Klaus , Reif Jochen C. , Schulthess Albert W.
Published: December 2019

Broadening the genetic base of elite breeding programmes is crucial for further breeding success. The absence of major adaption genes, however, often masks the grain yield breeding value of genetic resources. We assessed the ability of a hybrid strategy to provide unbiased performance estimates of 21 barley genetic resources. By crossing them to elite tester lines, 25 three‐way hybrids were produced and evaluated together with a part of their parents and eight elite hybrids for important agronomic traits in replicated field trials in four environments. The phenotypic data analyses revealed that the hybrid strategy facilitated to identify promising resources by substantially improving lodging resistance. Combining genotypic data for 5,562 SNPs with the phenotypic data highlighted the potential to boost the diversity of the elite breeding pool via targeted introgression of genetic resources into the male and female heterotic pools. We propose an application of the hybrid strategy for genetic resources of entire genebank collections and to use genome‐wide predictions to support a targeted choice of accessions with high value for barley breeding.
Early changes in cell‐free DNA levels in newly transplanted heart transplant patients
Authors: Zangwill Steven D. , Kindel Steven J. , Ragalie William S. , North Paula E. , Pollow Alyssa , Hidestrand Mats , Tomita‐Mitchell Aoy , Stamm Karl D. , Mitchell Michael E.
Published: December 2019

Heart transplantation is a well‐established therapy for end‐stage heart failure in children and young adults. The highest risk of graft loss occurs in the first 60 days post‐transplant. Donor fraction of cell‐free DNA is a highly sensitive marker of graft injury. Changes in cell‐free DNA levels have not previously been studied in depth in patients early after heart transplant. A prospective study was conducted among heart transplant recipients at a single pediatric heart center. Blood samples were collected from children and young adult transplant patients at three time points within 10 days of transplantation. DF and total cell‐free DNA levels were measured using a targeted method (myTAIHEART). In 17 patients with serial post‐transplant samples, DF peaks in the first 2 days after transplant (3.5%, [1.9‐10]%) and then declines toward baseline (0.27%, [0.19‐0.52]%) by 6‐9 days. There were 4 deaths in the first year among the 10 patients with complete sample sets, and 3 out of 4 who died had a late rise or blunted decline in donor fraction. Patients who died trended toward an elevated total cell‐free DNA at 1 week (41.5, [34‐65] vs 13.6, [6.2‐22] P = .07). Donor fraction peaks early after heart transplant and then declines toward baseline. Patients without sustained decline in donor fraction and/or elevated total cell‐free DNA at 1 week may have worse outcomes.
Mathematics and the Mystical in the Thought of Simone Weil
Authors: Kinsey John
Published: December 2019

On Simone Weil’s “Pythagorean” view, mathematics has a mystical significance. In this paper, the nature of this significance and the coherence of Weil’s view are explored. To sharpen the discussion, consideration is given to both Rush Rhees’ criticism of Weil and Vance Morgan’s rebuttal of Rhees. It is argued here that while Morgan underestimates the force of Rhees’ criticism, Rhees’ take on Weil is, nevertheless, flawed for two reasons. First, Rhees fails to engage adequately with either the assumptions underlying Weil’s religious conception of philosophy or its dialectical method. Second, Rhees’ reading of Weil reflects an anti‐Platonist conception of mathematics his justification of which is unsound and whose influence impedes recognition of the coherence of Weil’s position.
On The Hypothetical Given
Authors: Marushak Adam
Published: December 2019

My aim in this paper is to assess the viability of a perceptual epistemology based on what Anil Gupta calls the “hypothetical given”. On this account, experience alone yields no unconditional entitlement to perceptual beliefs. Experience functions instead to establish relations of rational support between what Gupta calls “views” and perceptual beliefs. I argue that the hypothetical given is a genuine alternative to the prevailing theories of perceptual justification but that the account faces a dilemma: on a natural assumption about the epistemic significance of support relations, any perceptual epistemology based on the hypothetical given results in either rationalism or skepticism. I conclude by examining the prospects for avoiding the dilemma. One option is to combine the hypothetical given with a form of holism. Another is to combine the view with a form of hinge epistemology. But neither offers a simple fix.
‘Feminizing’ Saint Augustine’s City of God: Sister Veronica, the library and scriptorium at Santo Spirito, Verona
Authors: Arthur Kathleen Giles
Published: December 2019

Augustine's City of God has been studied in a humanist context and the impact of its vernacular translation on women readers has not been considered. This essay presents an Italian codex copied by nun scribe Veronica in 1472 in the Benedictine convent Santo Spirito, Verona. It examines the convent's social history, literary and devotional culture known through a library inventory dating c.1475, extant manuscripts and early printed books. The content and appeal of the library for elementary and advanced readers is analyzed. The active scribal culture is seen through nun scribe Scholastica Maffei who had strong humanist connections and Domicilla Bernabuzi da Faenza who translated a religious treatise for presentation to a mentor, a reflection of humanist practices. Veronica's City of God, follows no known iconographic model and has unique pen and ink miniatures that express tension, emotional conflict, an understanding of Augustine's philosophy, and her role in mediating the text with allegorical imagery for her community. This is the first study of a vernacular copy produced by a nun and shows how women religious read and reacted to Augustine's popular text.
Settling velocity and drag coefficient of platy shell fragments
Authors: Li Yanan , Yu Qian , Gao Shu , Flemming Burghard W.
Published: December 2019

Settling velocity of bioclastic particles in coastal and shallow marine environments is essential for interpreting depositional facies and processes. There is, however, a paucity of accurate formulae for predicting the settling velocities and drag coefficients of platy biogenic particles in particular. This study provides experimental settling data based on 320 platy shell fragments from a sediment core recovered in Li'an Lagoon, south‐eastern Hainan Island, China. The results indicate that the settling velocities of platy shell fragments are strongly correlated with nominal diameters and Corey shape factors (ranging from 0.02 to 0.20 in this study). On this basis, a practical equation of acceptable accuracy was established for platy particles, relating dimensionless settling velocities to dimensionless diameters and Corey shape factors. Similarly, another empirical formula for quickly calculating the equivalent diameter of platy shell fragments in practice was proposed as well. Regarding the strong dependence of the drag coefficients using equivalent spherical diameters to Corey shape factors, the drag coefficient based on the diameter of the equivalent maximum projected area remains almost constant and is hence physically well‐suited for the definition of grain drag coefficients. The settling data of this study has extended the lower Corey shape factors limit of bioclastic particles, and the equations presented here can be used for quantitative interpretations of sedimentary records, modelling of depositional processes and investigations of other platy particles.
Science, Critique, Authority, and Accountability
Authors: Pitts‐Taylor Victoria
Published: December 2019

This essay is written in response to Fujimura and Holmes’s piece “Staying the Course,” published in the December 2019 special issue of Sociological Forum—Resistance in the Twenty‐First Century
Typical and atypical self‐regulation in adolescence: the importance of studying change over time
Authors: Atherton Olivia E.
Published: December 2019

Researchers, parents, and teachers alike are concerned with the healthy development of self‐regulation, particularly because of its influence on a wide range of academic, economic, social, and health outcomes. However, little is known about how to characterize typical and atypical self‐regulation development, especially among adolescents, a population that is uniquely challenged with competing demands and expectations. The arguments of the present review are twofold: (1) it is critical to use fine‐grained longitudinal data to study change over time in self‐regulatory traits among youth, in order to fully understand typical and atypical self‐regulation; and (2) one compelling way to study the typical and atypical development of self‐regulation is through its intersection with externalizing problems. A thorough examination of the literature reveals that, on average, youth struggle with self‐regulation in adolescence, as evidenced by a decline in self‐regulatory capacities from age 10 to 14 and an improvement in self‐regulatory skills from age 14 to 19. Concomitantly, youth show mean‐level increases in externalizing problems (e.g., delinquency, aggression, alcohol/drug use, school behavioral problems) during adolescence. Further, co‐developmental associations indicate that poor self‐regulation leads adolescents to show greater increases in externalizing problems over time (vulnerability model); the act of engaging in these problematic behaviors leads youth to experience greater decreases in self‐regulation over time (scar model); self‐regulation and externalizing problems are distinct developmental constructs (spectrum model). The implications of studying trait and behavior change over time are highlighted, and future directions in this area of research are discussed.
Advanced evaluation of hidradenitis suppurativa with ultra‐high frequency ultrasound: A promising tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression
Authors: Oranges Teresa , Vitali Saverio , Benincasa Bianca , Izzetti Rossana , Lencioni Riccardo , Caramella Davide , Romanelli Marco , Dini Valentina
Published: December 2019

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. An ultrasound staging (SOS‐HS) using frequencies from 7 to 18 MHz has been proposed to evaluate the severity of the disease.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively evaluated the most significant lesions in 50 patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (32 females and 18 males, aged from 12 to 68 years old), who had undergone high‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS) (18‐22 MHz) and ultra‐high frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) (48 and 70 MHz). A MyLab™ Touch system (Esaote) equipped with a 18‐22 MHz linear probe was used for the HFUS, and a Vevo®MD (VisualSonics) was used for the UHFUS, equipped with two linear probes (70 and 48 MHz).

Results

A total of 116 lesions were observed, of which 66 were fluid collections, 32 were tunnels, 6 pseudocysts, 5 bridge scars, 5 tombstone comedones, and 2 granulation tissues. Structures that had already been described with HFUS were then observed with UHFUS but with a better definition. In addition, structures that had not been detected by HFUS were also observed with UHFUS such as drop‐shaped hair follicles, micro‐tunnels, and microcysts.

Conclusion

Ultra‐high frequency ultrasound provides a better understanding of hidradenitis suppurativa. Patients can be monitored more effectively thereby preventing the most severe changes.
High‐field (3 Tesla) MRI of the navicular apparatus of sound horses shows good agreement to histopathology
Authors: Kottmeier Lena K. , Seehusen Frauke , Helweg Martin , Rohn Karl , Stadler Peter , Hellige Maren
Published: December 2019

Magnetic resonance imaging and the correlation to histopathological findings of the equine palmar foot of lame horses have been described previously, using 0.27 and 1.5 T systems. Compared to these, 3 T systems provide superior spatial resolution and imaging contrast. The aim of our prospective anatomic study was to characterize the imaging anatomy of the navicular region on 3 T MRI in comparison to histopathological findings. We hypothesized that 3 T MRI allows a good visualization of the entire navicular apparatus and reliable measurements of navicular cartilage and cortical bone thickness. Twenty front feet of sound horses were examined using a 3 T MRI system. For histopathological examination, sagittal tissue sections of the navicular bones and adjacent ligaments were prepared. Alterations in magnetic resonance signal were graded for each region and compared to corresponding histological slices. Overall, there was good visualization of the anatomical detail and a very good agreement between MRI and histology for compact bone and spongiosa, good agreement for the fibrocartilage and the distal sesamoidean impar ligament, but only moderate agreement for the hyaline cartilage and the collateral sesamoidean ligament. A comparative measurement of cartilage and cortical bone thickness on magnetic resonance images and histological sections was performed. In MRI, the hyaline cartilage of the articular surface appeared significantly thinner and the fibrocartilage of the flexor surface appeared significantly thicker compared to histology. Findings indicated that MRI at a field strength of 3 T allows reliable depiction of anatomic details of the navicular apparatus.
Impact of Financial Risk Management Practices on Financial Performance: Evidence from Commercial Banks in Botswana
Authors: C. R. Sathyamoorthi , Mapharing Mogotsinyana , Mphoeng Mphoeng , Dzimiri Mashoko
Published: December 2019

The study examined the impact of financial risk management practices on the financial performance of commercial banks in Botswana. The study used Return on Asset and Return on Equity to measure financial performance. Inflation, Interest rates, total debt to total assets, total debt to total equity, total equity to total assets and loan deposit ratios were used as proxies for financial risk management. The research population was all the 10 commercial banks in Botswana and the study covered a period of 8 years from 2011 to 2018. This descriptive study sourced monthly secondary data from Bank of Botswana Financial Statistics database. Descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analyses were applied to analyze the data. The results from regression analysis showed that interest rates had a negative and significant impact on return on assets and on return on equity. On the other hand, total debt to total assets showed a negative and insignificant effect on return on assets. However, total debt to total assets, revealed a positive and insignificant effect on return on equity. The loan deposit ratio indicated a negative and significant impact on return on assets and on return on equity. Findings suggest that banks should strike a proper balance between financial risk management practices and financial performance by engaging in appropriate market, credit, and liquidity risk management practices that will ensure safety for their banks and yield positive profits.
Participación en prácticas de lectura y escritura de maestrías académicas o de investigación
Authors: Villabona Osorio Lady Yohanna
Published: December 2019

El objetivo central del presente estudio es analizar, desde una perspectiva metodológica dialéctica, distintas formas de participación en prácticas de lectura y escritura promovidas por dos maestrías, atendiendo a diferentes unidades de análisis, normativas de posgrado, planes de estudio, programas de algunos cursos y consideraciones de estudiantes y egresados frente a la experiencia de escribir una tesis. Literatura reciente afirma que la baja tasa de culminación de maestrías obedece a dificultades en la escritura de la tesis. Según enfoques socioculturales, este fenómeno se entiende no como concerniente al estudiante, sino a las situaciones educativas en las que participa. Así lo corroboran datos indicativos de que predomina más leer y escribir para evaluaciones sobre los contenidos de los cursos que corregir la tesis, con base en revisiones previas de pares o asesores.
Cartilage Biomechanical Response Differs Under Physiological Biaxial Loads and Uniaxial Cyclic Compression
Authors: Shegaf Ali , Speirs Andrew
Published: December 2019

The main function of articular cartilage is to distribute loads and provide low friction for the opposing surfaces in synovial joints. Biphasic lubrication provided by high fluid load support due to relative motion of the contact surfaces has been widely accepted as the main lubrication mode in diarthrodial joints. However, assessment of chondrocyte response to mechanical loads typically employed nonphysiological uniaxial loads with static contact area. This study aimed to introduce a more physiologically relevant loading protocol for in vitro mechanobiological testing of cartilage explants. Finite element analysis was conducted to examine the biomechanical response of cartilage to two different loading regimes, biaxial loading, that permits migrating contact area, and unconfined uniaxial cyclic compression, traditionally used in mechanobiological experiments. Results predicted in this study showed that continuous tissue rehydration provided by relative surface motion maintained constant fluid pressure and tissue strains through the simulation. On the contrary, due to rapid tissue consolidation predicted in cyclic compression simulation, fluid pressure and transverse strain were reduced by 19% and 26%, respectively. Furthermore, relative surface motion simulation resulted in depth-dependent distribution of fluid pressure and tissue strains while unconfined uniaxial cyclic compression produced nearly uniform fluid pressure through the depth but higher at the center of the sample. Based on the results obtained from this study and since sliding contact occurs in vivo, this physiological loading mode should be considered in assessing biomechanical and mechanobiological cartilage behavior.
An Integrative Machine Learning Method to Improve Fault Detection and Productivity Performance in a Cyber-Physical System
Authors: Chiu Ming-Chuan , Tsai Chien-De , Li Tung-Lung
Published: December 2019

A cyber-physical system (CPS) is one of the key technologies of industry 4.0. It is an integrated system that merges computing, sensors, and actuators, controlled by computer-based algorithms that integrate people and cyberspace. However, CPS performance is limited by its computational complexity. Finding a way to implement CPS with reduced complexity while incorporating more efficient diagnostics, forecasting, and equipment health management in a real-time performance remains a challenge. Therefore, the study proposes an integrative machine-learning method to reduce the computational complexity and to improve the applicability as a virtual subsystem in the CPS environment. This study utilizes random forest (RF) and a time-series deep-learning model based on the long short-term memory (LSTM) networking to achieve real-time monitoring and to enable the faster corrective adjustment of machines. We propose a method in which a fault detection alarm is triggered well before a machine fails, enabling shop-floor engineers to adjust its parameters or perform maintenance to mitigate the impact of its shutdown. As demonstrated in two empirical studies, the proposed method outperforms other times-series techniques. Accuracy reaches 80% or higher 3 h prior to real-time shutdown in the first case, and a significant improvement in the life of the product (281%) during a particular process appears in the second case. The proposed method can be applied to other complex systems to boost the efficiency of machine utilization and productivity.
An Adaptive Vent System for Localized and Customized Thermal Management in Buildings
Authors: Keskin Cem , Mengüç M. Pinar
Published: December 2019

This paper introduces an innovative ventilation system that is capable of providing localized and customized thermal conditions in buildings. The system has diffusers with individually operable flaps that facilitate asymmetric air inlet to control air flow inside a room in an effective way. Moreover, the system involves distributed temperature sensors, a user interface, and a control unit that allows creation and management of “thermal subzones” within a room in accordance with the different preferences of occupants. As a specific case, the thermal management of a typical office in an academic building is considered. Both experimental and numerical studies were conducted to show that it is possible to achieve several degrees of temperature differences at different room locations in a transient and controllable fashion. The dynamic management of the temperature distribution in a room can prevent the waste of conditioning energy. It is shown that the system provides a practical and impactful solution by adapting to different user preferences (UPs) and by minimizing the resource use. In order to deal with the complexity of design, development, and operation of the system, it is considered as a cyber-physical-social system (CPSS). The core of the CPSS approach used here is an enhanced hybrid system modeling methodology that couples human dimension with formal hybrid dynamical modeling. Based on a coherent conceptual framing, the approach can combine the three core aspects, like cyber infrastructure, physical dynamics, and social/human interactions of modern building energy systems to accommodate the environmental challenges. Besides physics-based achievements (managing temperature distribution inside a room), the new AVS can also leverage user engagement and behavior change for energy efficiency in buildings by facilitating a new practice for occupants' interaction with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.