bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatally Diagnosed Single Umbilical Artery (SUA) – Retrospective Analysis of 1169 Fetuses
Authors: Friebe-Hoffmann Ulrike , Hiltmann Andreas , Friedl Thomas , Lato Krisztian , Hammer Rüdiger , Janni Wolfgang , Kozlowski Peter
Published: March 2018

Purpose The incidence of a fetal single umbilical artery (SUA) is about 0.5 % and has been associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations, fetal aneuploidy and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).

Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of 1169 women with singleton pregnancies diagnosed with fetal SUA between 1997 and 2014 in a specialized practice for prenatal diagnostics has been performed. Data was obtained on maternal and fetal findings as well as pregnancy outcome.

Results 989 (84.6 %) fetuses showed an isolated SUA (iSUA) while 180 (15.4 %) presented with SUA and additional structural and/or chromosomal abnormalities. Structural malformations were distributed as follows: 9.0 % cardiovascular, 3.5 % urogenital, 2.9 % musculoskeletal, 3.0 % gastrointestinal and 2.1 % cerebral. 2.1 % of the fetuses had chromosomal aberrations. 50.8 % (49.2 %) of the fetuses were female (male) and right vs. left SUA was found in 64.2 % (35.8 %) of the cases. Fetuses with SUA and additional abnormalities showed lower rates of live births (85.0 % vs. 98.5 %, p < 0.001), a lower median birth weight (2825 g vs. 3220 g, p < 0.001), higher rates of preterm delivery before week 34 + 0 (13.7 % vs. 3.8 %, p < 0.001) and weighed less than the 5th growth percentile in 21.6 % vs. 9.3 % (p < 0.001) of the fetuses with iSUA. In 5.1 % (60) of the children, chromosomal or structural abnormalities were detected post-partum.

Conclusion Once fetal SUA is diagnosed, intense sonoanatomy of the fetus is required and, if associated malformations are found, genetic testing must be offered. In iSUA intermittent biometry is recommended for the early detection of IUGR but additional genetic testing is not necessarily recommended.
Skin Ulceration of Eyelids in Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Plattner Kim , Tschopp Markus , Todorova Margarita
Published: March 2018

Background Superinfection of atopic dermatitis due to a disturbed skin barrier is well known. Still, affected eyelids with ulceration are rarely described. We present a case series of three patients in different stages of upper eyelid superinfection.

History and Signs Three males aged 58, 37, and 52 years with clinical symptomatology of gradual expansion of eyelid ulcerations, crusts, and pus were evaluated. In all cases a standard ophthalmologic examination, including a detailed neuro-ophthalmological status, was performed. Consequently, a skin swab was obtained.

Therapy and Outcome The completed neuro-ophthalmological status and posterior segment findings were unremarkable in all patients. The skin swab results confirmed the presence of Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus aureus, thus necessitating antibiotic therapy.

Conclusions Superinfected atopic dermatitis can develop massive ulcerations, indicating a swap and empiric therapy. A complete neuro-ophthalmological status is mandatory to exclude the possibility of orbital involvement. Nevertheless, any paradoxical worsening of symptomatology indicates further referral to a dermatologist.
Comparative Study of the Usefulness of the Binocular Spot Vision Screener Autorefractor in the Detection of Childhood Visual Disorders
Authors: Voide Nathalie , Hoeckele Nicole , Kaeser Pierre-François
Published: March 2018

Background The Spot Vision Screener (SVS) is designed to detect significant ametropia, anisometropia, and strabismus in non-dilated eyes. This study evaluates the efficacy of the SVS in paediatric visual screening.

Patients and Methods All children screened during the paediatric visual screening day in Lausanne in 2016 were evaluated with the SVS, conventional monocular autorefractors, and clinical orthoptic examination. Recommendations for a further eye examination of the SVS were compared with those issued from traditional clinical screenings (monocular refraction and orthoptic examination).

Results One hundred and sixty-eight consecutive children were included. The median age was 3.9 years. The SVS median spherical equivalent (SE) was + 0.25 D OU and it detected seven cases of (4.2%) anisometropia (SE difference ≥ 1 D). The conventional monocular autorefractor median SE was − 0.13 D OU and 20 cases of anisometropia (11.9%) were detected. Refraction could not be measured in 1.2% of patients with SVS versus 17.2% with monocular refractors. The SVS screened two manifest strabismus cases against five manifest and > 100 latent strabismus with orthoptic examination. As expected, the SVS was unable to assess reactions to monocular occlusion, visual acuity, and stereovision as well as to detect ocular motility disorders without strabismus in the primary position, and missed two cases of abnormal Brückner reflexes. Overall, the SVS identified 66 suspect patients (39.3%) against 102 (60.7%) after complete clinical examination.

Conclusions The SVS can be a useful objective screening tool for non-ophthalmologists. However, because it fails to detect ocular motility troubles, organic visual acuity loss, or to assess the visual potential, it should only be used in association with a clinical examination, even in routine screening procedures.
Indikatoren der Ergebnisqualität kardiologischer Rehabilitation
Authors: Salzwedel Annett , Haubold Kathrin , Barnack Beate , Reibis Rona , Völler Heinz
Published: March 2018

Ziel der Studie Die vorliegende Untersuchung beinhaltete die explorative Erfassung potenzieller Indikatoren der Ergebnisqualität der kardiologischen Rehabilitation (CR) für Patienten unter 65 Jahren.

Methoden In einer 4-stufigen webbasierten Delphi-Befragung (04-07/2016) von in der CR tätigen Ärzten2 , Psychologen und Sport-/Physiotherapeuten wurden Parameter der körperlichen Leistungsfähigkeit, der Sozialmedizin, der subjektiven Gesundheit und kardiovaskuläre Risikofaktoren hinsichtlich ihrer Eignung als Qualitätsindikator bewertet.

Ergebnisse Von 44 vorgegebenen wie auch von den Teilnehmern vorgeschlagenen Parametern wurden 21 Parameter (48%), die Hälfte davon psychosoziale Faktoren, als potenzielle Qualitätsindikatoren ausgewählt, wobei lediglich für das Rauchverhalten, den Blutdruck, das LDL-Cholesterin und die max. Belastbarkeit im Belastungs-EKG ein Konsens (Zustimmung>75% der Befragten) erzielt wurde.

Schlussfolgerung Die Wahl der Qualitätsindikatoren durch die Experten erfolgte mehrheitlich mit nur geringer Einigkeit. Eine klinische und wissenschaftliche Evaluierung der gewählten Parameter ist daher zwingend erforderlich.
Compact and tunable focusing device for plasma wakefield acceleration
Authors: Pompili R. , Anania M. P. , Chiadroni E. , Cianchi A. , Ferrario M. , Lollo V. , Notargiacomo A. , Picardi L. , Ronsivalle C. , Rosenzweig J. B. , Shpakov V. , Vannozzi A.
Published: March 2018

Plasma wakefield acceleration, either driven by ultra-short laser pulses or electron bunches, represents one of the most promising techniques able to overcome the limits of conventional RF technology and allows the development of compact accelerators. In the particle beam-driven scenario, ultra-short bunches with tiny spot sizes are required to enhance the accelerating gradient and preserve the emittance and energy spread of the accelerated bunch. To achieve such tight transverse beam sizes, a focusing system with short focal length is mandatory. Here we discuss the development of a compact and tunable system consisting of three small-bore permanent-magnet quadrupoles with 520 T/m field gradient. The device has been designed in view of the plasma acceleration experiments planned at the SPARC_LAB test-facility. Being the field gradient fixed, the focusing is adjusted by tuning the relative position of the three magnets with nanometer resolution. Details about its magnetic design, beam-dynamics simulations, and preliminary results are examined in the paper.
Modeling of molecular diffusion and thermal conduction with multi-particle interaction in compressible turbulence
Authors: Tai Y. , Watanabe T. , Nagata K.
Published: March 2018

A mixing volume model (MVM) originally proposed for molecular diffusion in incompressible flows is extended as a model for molecular diffusion and thermal conduction in compressible turbulence. The model, established for implementation in Lagrangian simulations, is based on the interactions among spatially distributed notional particles within a finite volume. The MVM is tested with the direct numerical simulation of compressible planar jets with the jet Mach number ranging from 0.6 to 2.6. The MVM well predicts molecular diffusion and thermal conduction for a wide range of the size of mixing volume and the number of mixing particles. In the transitional region of the jet, where the scalar field exhibits a sharp jump at the edge of the shear layer, a smaller mixing volume is required for an accurate prediction of mean effects of molecular diffusion. The mixing time scale in the model is defined as the time scale of diffusive effects at a length scale of the mixing volume. The mixing time scale is well correlated for passive scalar and temperature. Probability density functions of the mixing time scale are similar for molecular diffusion and thermal conduction when the mixing volume is larger than a dissipative scale because the mixing time scale at small scales is easily affected by different distributions of intermittent small-scale structures between passive scalar and temperature. The MVM with an assumption of equal mixing time scales for molecular diffusion and thermal conduction is useful in the modeling of the thermal conduction when the modeling of the dissipation rate of temperature fluctuations is difficult.
Short-range density functional correlation within the restricted active space CI method
Authors: Casanova David
Published: March 2018

In the present work, I introduce a hybrid wave function-density functional theory electronic structure method based on the range separation of the electron-electron Coulomb operator in order to recover dynamic electron correlations missed in the restricted active space configuration interaction (RASCI) methodology. The working equations and the computational algorithm for the implementation of the new approach, i.e., RAS-srDFT, are presented, and the method is tested in the calculation of excitation energies of organic molecules. The good performance of the RASCI wave function in combination with different short-range exchange-correlation functionals in the computation of relative energies represents a quantitative improvement with respect to the RASCI results and paves the path for the development of RAS-srDFT as a promising scheme in the computation of the ground and excited states where nondynamic and dynamic electron correlations are important.
Effect of channel-width and chirality on graphene field-effect transistor based real-time biomolecule sensing
Authors: Lyu Letian , Jaswal Perveshwer , Xu Guangyu
Published: March 2018

Graphene field-effect transistors (GFET) hold promise in biomolecule sensing due to the outstanding properties of graphene materials. Charges in biomolecules are transduced into a change in the GFET current, which allows real-time monitoring of the biomolecule concentrations. Here we theoretically evaluate the performance of GFET based real-time biomolecule sensing, aiming to better understand the width-scaling limit in GFET based biosensors. In particular, we study the effect of the channel-width and the chirality on FET sensitivity by taking the percentage change of the FET current per unit charge density as the sensing signal. Firstly, GFETs made of graphene nanoribbons (GNR) and graphene sheets (GS) show comparable sensing signals to each other when gated at 1011 – 1012 cm-2 carrier densities. Sensing signals in GNRs are enhanced when gated near the sub-band thresholds, and increase their values in wider GNRs due to the change in device conductance and quantum capacitance. Secondly, the GNR chirality is found to fine tune the sensing signals. Armchair GNRs with smaller energy bandgaps appear to have an enhanced sensing signal close to 1011 cm-2 carrier densities. These results may help understand the scaling limit in GFET based biosensors along the width direction, and shed light on forming all-electrical bio-arrays.
Improved electrical conductivity of poly(ethylene oxide) nanofibers using multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Lee J. Y. , Kang T.-H. , Choi J. H. , Choi I.-S. , Yu W.-R.
Published: March 2018

Highly conductive nanofibers with 1570 S/m were obtained from an electrospun solution of polymer containing multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Homogeneous dispersion of high concentrations of MWCNTs was achieved by attaching poly(styrenesulfonic acid graft aniline) (PSS-g-ANI), an amphiphilic surfactant, to the MWCNT surface. The hydrophilic sulfonic acid group facilitated the dissolution of PSS-g-ANI-grafted MWCNTs in a polyethylene oxide (PEO) solution up to 6.7 wt% MWCNT. To our knowledge, this is the highest level of MWCNT doping attained in a solution designed for electrospinning. With the incorporation of PSS-g-ANI, the concentration of MWCNTs embedded in the electrospun nanofibers increased. More importantly, the alignment of MWCNTs along the nanofiber axis increased significantly, as confirmed by observed birefringence under crossed polarizers. The combination of higher doping levels and better alignment afforded highly conductive nanofibers suitable for electronic nanodevices.
Using bioregional variation in fire history and fire response attributes as a basis for managing threatened flora in a fire-prone Mediterranean climate biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Shedley Erica , Burrows Neil , Yates Colin J. , Coates David J.
Published: March 2018

Inappropriate fire-regimes brought about by patterns of human settlement and land-use threaten plant diversity in Mediterranean-type climate (MTC) regions. In south-west Western Australia (SWWA), where there are many threatened plant species distributed across a range of human-modified landscapes, there is a need for approaches to identify where the threat is greatest. This requires knowledge of contemporary fire regimes, how they vary across landscapes, and the sensitivity of threatened species to these regimes. Currently, this information is lacking, and this limits strategic fire management. In this study we compiled fire response information for SWWA’s threatened plant species and undertook a bioregional assessment of variation in fire interval over the last 40 years. We determined the fire response traits of 242 (60%) of the region’s 401 extant threatened species. Over half of the 242 species were obligate seeders and will therefore have population dynamics particularly sensitive to fire interval. Our study highlights large differences in fire interval across nine bioregions in SWWA. The differences were greatest for the heavily cleared and fragmented bioregions compared with more continuously vegetated bioregions. We discuss how variations in the frequency of fire life-history traits and fire interval interact to determine the nature and relative level of threat posed by fire in these landscapes. Survival of many populations of threatened flora in this biodiversity hotspot will depend on developing appropriate fire regimes that match the regeneration requirements of each species.
Hylomorphism without forms? A critical notice of Simon Evnine’s Making Objects and Events
Authors: Raven Michael J.
Published: March 2018

Simon Evnine’s Making Objects and Events: A Hylomorphic Theory of Artifacts develops amorphic hylomorphism. I critically discuss three of its main themes. One theme is its attempt to do the work of form without forms. A second theme is the requirement that hylomorphs have ‘metabolisms at work’. A third theme is the use of artifacts as the paradigms for hylomorphs. I will raise some criticisms of each of these themes. Although the themes might at first appear disconnected, I believe the third underwrites the first two. So the criticisms of the third theme also bear on the rest.
Digital Rock Physics Aplications: Visualisation Complex Pore and Porosity-Permeability Estimations of the Porous Sandstone Reservoir
Authors: Handoyo  , Fatkhan  , Del Fourier
Published: March 2018

Reservoir rock containing oil and gas generally has high porosity and permeability. High porosity is expected to accommodate hydrocarbon fluid in large quantities and high permeability is associated with the rock’s ability to let hydrocarbon fluid flow optimally. Porosity and permeability measurement of a rock sample is usually performed in the laboratory. We estimate the porosity and permeability of sandstones digitally by using digital images from μCT-Scan. Advantages of the method are non-destructive and can be applied for small rock pieces also easily to construct the model. The porosity values are calculated by comparing the digital image of the pore volume to the total volume of the sandstones; while the permeability values are calculated using the Lattice Boltzmann calculations utilizing the nature of the law of conservation of mass and conservation of momentum of a particle. To determine variations of the porosity and permeability, the main sandstone samples with a dimension of 300 × 300 × 300 pixels are made into eight sub-cubes with a size of 150 × 150 × 150 pixels. Results of digital image modeling fluid flow velocity are visualized as normal velocity (streamline). Variations in value sandstone porosity vary between 0.30 to 0.38 and permeability variations in the range of 4000 mD to 6200 mD. The results of calculations show that the sandstone sample in this research is highly porous and permeable. The method combined with rock physics can be powerful tools for determining rock properties from small rock fragments.
PCSK9 regulates expression of scavenger receptors and ox-LDL uptake in macrophages
Authors: Ding Zufeng , Liu Shijie , Wang Xianwei , Theus Sue , Deng Xiaoyan , Fan Yubo , Zhou Sichang , Mehta Jawahar L
Published: March 2018

Aims

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has been shown to influence macrophage biology and modulate atherogenesis. We conducted this study to examine the regulation of scavenger receptors (SRs) (LOX-1, SRA, and CD36) and oxidized liporoptein cholesterol (ox-LDL) uptake in macrophages by PCSK9.

Methods and results

Treatment of mouse peritoneal macrophages with tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) resulted in concentration-dependent modest, but significant, increase in PCSK9 expression. Importantly, treatment of TNF-α primed macrophages with recombinant murine PCSK9 increased the expression of LOX-1, SRA, and CD36 2-5 fold, and enhanced ox-LDL uptake by ≈five-fold. The increase in LOX-1 was much greater than in SRA or CD36. PCSK9 inhibition (by siRNA transfection or use of macrophages from PCSK9−/− mice) reduced the expression of SRs (LOX-1 ≫ SRA or CD36). Ox-LDL uptake in response to PCSK9 was also inhibited in macrophages from LOX-1−/− mice (P < 0.05 vs. macrophages from SRA−/− and CD36−/− mice). Upregulation of PCSK9 by cDNA transfection induced intense ox-LDL uptake which was inhibited by co-transfection of cells with siRNA LOX-1 (P < 0.05 vs. siRNA SRA or siRNA CD36). Further, TNF-α-mediated PCSK9 upregulation and subsequent expression of SRs and ox-LDL uptake were reduced in macrophages from gp91phox−/−, p47phox−/− and p22phox−/− mice (vs. macrophages from wild-type mice).

Conclusions

This study shows that in an inflammatory milieu, elevated levels of PCSK9 potently stimulate the expression of SRs (principally LOX-1) and ox-LDL uptake in macrophages, and thus contribute to the process of atherogenesis.
Nerve Surgeons’ Assessment of the Role of Eduard Pernkopf's Atlas of Topographic and Applied Human Anatomy in Surgical Practice
Authors: Yee Andrew , Coombs Demetrius M , Hildebrandt Sabine , Seidelman William E , Coert J Henk , Mackinnon Susan E
Published: March 2018

BACKGROUND

Pernkopf's atlas of Anatomy contains anatomical plates with detailed images of the peripheral nerves. Its use is controversial due to the author's association with the “Third Reich” and the potential depiction of victims of the Holocaust. The ethical implications of using this atlas for informing surgical planning have not been assessed.

OBJECTIVE

To (1) assess the role of Pernkopf's atlas in nerve surgeons’ current practice and (2) determine whether a proposal for its ethical handling may provide possible guidance for use in surgery and surgical education.

METHODS

Members of American Society for Peripheral Nerve and PASSIO Education (video-based learning platform) were surveyed and 182 responses collected. The survey introduced the historical origin of Pernkopf's atlas, and respondents were asked whether they would use the atlas under specific conditions to serve as a recommendation for its ethical handling. An anatomical plate comparison between Netter's and Pernkopf's atlases was performed to compare anatomical accuracy and surgical utility.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine percent of respondents were aware of Pernkopf's atlas, with 13% currently using it. Aware of the historical facts, 69% were comfortable using the atlas, 15% uncomfortable, and 17% undecided. Additional information on conditions for an ethical approach to the use of the atlas led 76% of those “uncomfortable” and “undecided” to becoming “comfortable” with use.

CONCLUSION

While the use of Pernkopf's atlas remains controversial, a proposal detailing conditions for an ethical approach in its use provides new guidance in surgical planning and education.
Prometheus
Authors: Ruffell Ian
Published: March 2018

Prometheus is a foundational figure in Greek myth and thought. He is a trickster, who has been compared with similarly devious characters in other cultures and mythologies. Traditionally the son of the Titan Iapetus, he is most well-known for his theft of fire from Zeus. He is particularly closely aligned with the fortunes of the human race, for good or for ill. As such he provided a pivot around which social ideas could turn, and he underwent a number of significant literary reimaginings and reinterpretations. By contrast, his role in cult is highly circumscribed. In Hesiod, his attempt to trick Zeus out of the decent portion of meat provides an aetiology of sacrifice. The subsequent theft of fire (which Zeus removes from the world as punishment) is an attempt to ameliorate the lot of humanity in the harsh world of Zeus’s regime. Fire is important here both in its own right and by standing for crafts and technology more generally. Prometheus is punished by being chained to a pillar for an eagle to peck at his liver on a daily basis. The human race is punished through the figure of Pandora, sent to Prometheus’s brother Epimetheus, and the jar of miseries that she allows to escape into the world. The narratives in which Prometheus is embedded in this period, and further narratives with which they are associated, are primarily stories of decline in both economic and moral terms. By the 5th century, these ideas are challenged, not least through more materialist thinking and through increased reflection on society and economics, and out of this a more progressive version of the Prometheus myth is articulated, where the fire stands less for the act of survival than for technological and social advancement. This version requires a revaluation of the roles of both Prometheus and Zeus. This tradition is best represented by the tragedy Prometheus Bound, which survives under the name of Aeschylus, but similar versions are found elsewhere, including Plato’s Protagoras (which may reflect the Sophist’s own teaching in some way) and Diodorus Siculus (again drawing on an earlier source). A third tradition features Prometheus not as the helper (or provider of bad advice) but as the creator of mankind out of clay. This is particularly associated with the fable tradition, and is found in Ovid and Lucan, but there may be traces of it already in Plato’s Protagoras. Reception of Prometheus in later centuries can draw on any of these three strands, or combinations thereof, although the most conspicuous and fertile sources for later interpretations have been the roles of Prometheus as creator or as supporter, teacher, and martyr for humanity.
Technology Adoption in Social Work Education
Authors: Parga Jennifer , Schwartz Sara
Published: March 2018

Social work educators have been providing distance education, now called online learning, to hard-to-reach communities for decades; however, the twenty-first century brought an unprecedented growth and expansion of online learning and virtual service delivery options. Most schools of social work around the country offer a combination of asynchronous (self-paced, online, web-based content) and synchronous (live sessions with video streaming capabilities) content, which transforms the way that social workers are trained and how they interact with their faculty and colleagues. Although historically reluctant, social work education has taken intentional steps to institutionally adopt technology and launch new innovations to deliver undergraduate and graduate level programs. The profession has also formally committed to technology integration by assigning one of the twelve Social Work Grand Challenges to Harnessing Technology for Social Good. This Grand Challenge calls for the establishment of innovations in the ways that the profession creates, adopts, utilizes technology to benefit society and emerging social work professionals; specifically listing the creation of technology-related curricula and pedagogy across schools of social work. Students and faculty in schools of social work most certainty experienced the largest implementation of technology use after the COVID-19 pandemic-associated school closures in spring of 2020. This annotated bibliography explores how social work education has adopted technology, considers the implications of these institutional changes, and includes sources that compare outcomes for different delivery formats. This bibliography does not explore specific technology (GIS, electronic health records [EHR], symptom tracking apps, etc.) being taught in social work programs or utilized out in the field. Although some authors do include content on that, it is not the main focus. It is also worth noting that authors have included items that for some may feel dated; however, they have been included as they document the evolution of technology adoption in social work education. It is anticipated that through understanding the historical context, including factors associated with implementation and impact on faculty and student learning, that faculty will be best prepare to education the next generation of tech savvy social workers.
Egalitarianism
Authors: Knight Carl , Albertsen Andreas
Published: March 2018

Equality as a bare concept refers to two or more distinct things or people being the same in some dimension. Different forms of equality are distinguished by the dimension that is held to be the same. Within political theory, three main forms of equality can be distinguished: moral equality, political equality, and substantive equality. “Moral equality” refers to each individual having the same inherent dignity as a human being, and therefore being worthy of respect. “Political equality,” by contrast, refers to each individual having the same basic rights of involvement in political processes, e.g., by voting or running for office. Modern political theories generally accept that each individual has moral and political equality. The distinguishing feature of egalitarianism is its interpretation of this equal status as requiring substantive equality, i.e., that each individual be placed in the same social or economic conditions. Egalitarianism is an inherently normative view, and more specifically, a view about distributive justice—that is, about the appropriate distribution of benefits and burdens. The account of these benefits and burdens varies from one egalitarian theory to another. For instance, some egalitarians believe that levels of benefit should be measured in terms of resources, others in terms of well-being, and still others in terms of basic capabilities. Egalitarians also disagree on whether benefits should be distributed equally or whether equality of substantive condition in some other sense (i.e., equal opportunity or equal social standing) might be sufficient. Accordingly, each egalitarian theory has its own account of equality. These theories as a whole contrast with non-egalitarian theories, such as right libertarianism or conservativism, which deny that people’s condition should be made equal in any substantive sense. In practical terms, egalitarianism is strongly associated with the political left, but different brands of egalitarianism are associated with different brands of left-wing politics, from traditional socialism or social democracy to a less distribution-focused politics of identity. This article provides an overview of egalitarianism, primarily focusing on its development in contemporary political theory. For left libertarianism, see the Oxford Bibliographies article “Libertarianism.”
Marxist Approaches to International Law
Authors: Knox Robert
Published: March 2018

Ever since the 2008 financial crisis, Marxism has made something of a comeback in both the public and scholarly spheres. That crisis—and the austerity that followed in its wake—has highlighted capitalism’s volatile nature, its stark class division and, perhaps, pointed to its limits. Yet, arguably, the “resurgence” in Marxist approaches to international law began earlier, with the 2003 Iraq War. That war—occurring in the wake of the 1999 Kosovo intervention and the 2001 “war on terror”—triggered a wave of theorizing about “empire” and “imperialism.” Crucially, given the importance of international law in justifying and opposing the war, questions increasingly came to be asked about international law’s own relationship to imperialism. This was the “classic” Marxist question, and it invited a reexamination of the Marxist tradition. Although Marxism has never been especially well represented in international law, these scholars were nonetheless able to draw on a wider Marxist tradition—encompassing specifically Marxist works in international law, as well as more general Marxist reflections about the nature of capitalism and its relationship to other social forms. Thus, although the Marxist tradition is one filled with disagreement, there are several common aspects to it. Above all, Marxist approaches are committed to grounding the law in its wider material context: understanding the ways in which political-economic relationships—and their attendant conflicts—shape and are manifested within (international) law. Moreover, the Marxist tradition has a number of canonical works—beginning of course with those of Marx and Engels—that serve as theoretical and political lodestars. This bibliography aims to map out some of the most important Marxist scholarship in international law. It begins with a more general account of “classical Marxist” theory—in both its more general and specifically legal variants. It then details some of the different theoretical approaches that have been drawn from the Marxist tradition. Following on from this, it picks out some of the key themes that have animated Marxist thinking about the law. Finally, it looks at how Marxists have engaged with specific areas of international law.
Hearing Loss in Cryptococcal Meningitis Survivors
Authors: Lofgren Sarah , Montgomery Martha , Yueh Nathan , Namudde Alice , Rhein Joshua , Abassi Mahsa , Musubire Abdu , Meya David , Boulware David ,   ASTRO-CM Team
Published: March 2018

Background

Hearing loss is a known complication cryptococcal meningitis (CM); however, there is a paucity of data. We aimed to describe hearing loss in CM survivors.

Methods

We assessed hearing via audiometry 8 and 18 weeks after diagnosis of CM in Kampala, Uganda from 2015-2016. We measured at 0.5, 1, 2, 4 Hz. Normal hearing was defined as minimum hearing level at <25 decibels (dB), mild at 25-39, moderate hearing at 40–69, severe at 70–89, and profound hearing loss at 90+ dB. We compared clinical factors, fungal burden, and CSF parameters to evaluate for factors associated with improvement (change in hearing loss category).

Results

We evaluated hearing symptoms via audiogram at week 8 (n = 117) and week 18 (n = 98). At 8-weeks, 6 (5%) participants had normal hearing, 36 (31%) had mild hearing loss, 72 (62%) had moderate hearing loss, 3 (3%) had severe hearing loss and none had profound hearing loss. Of those with moderate/severe/profound loss at week 8, 63 (54%) had mixed conductive + sensorineural hearing loss, 15 (13%) had sensorineural hearing loss, and 14 (12%) had conductive hearing loss. An additional 19 (16%) had sensorineural loss but unknown air conduction, and 3 (3%) did not have sensorineural loss but unknown air conduction. We compared risk factors for hearing loss summarized in Table 1. We assessed 66 participants who had repeated audiograms at week 8 and week 18. Of those 31 (47%) had no change, 30 (45%) had improvement and 5 (8%) had worsening.

Conclusion

Moderate/severe hearing loss was common 8 weeks after diagnosis of CM. More than half had mixed hearing loss and 20% had conductive hearing loss which represents a higher incidence than noted in other types of meningitis. The data is complicated by advanced HIV. Further research is needed evaluating immunologic factors causes hearing impairment in those who survived CM.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.
Correlates and consequences of central sleep apnea in a national sample of US veterans
Authors: Ratz David , Wiitala Wyndy , Badr M Safwan , Burns Jennifer , Chowdhuri Susmita
Published: March 2018

The prevalence and consequences of central sleep apnea (CSA) in adults are not well described. By utilizing the large Veterans Health Administration (VHA) national administrative databases, we sought to determine the incidence, clinical correlates, and impact of CSA on healthcare utilization in Veterans. Analysis of a retrospective cohort of patients with sleep disorders was performed from outpatient visits and inpatient admissions from fiscal years 2006 through 2012. The CSA group, defined by International Classification of Diseases-9, was compared with a comparison group. The number of newly diagnosed CSA cases increased fivefold during this timeframe; however, the prevalence was highly variable depending on the VHA site. The important predictors of CSA were male gender (odds ratio [OR] = 2.31, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.94–2.76, p < 0.0001), heart failure (HF) (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.64–1.92, p < 0.0001), atrial fibrillation (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.69–2.00, p < 0.0001), pulmonary hypertension (OR = 1.38, 95% CI:1.19–1.59, p < 0.0001), stroke (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.50–1.82, p < 0.0001), and chronic prescription opioid use (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.87–2.13, p < 0.0001). Veterans with CSA were at an increased risk for hospital admissions related to cardiovascular disorders compared with the comparison group (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.16–1.95, p = 0.002). Additionally, the effect of prior HF on future admissions was greater in the CSA group (IRR: 4.78, 95% CI: 3.87–5.91, p < 0.0001) compared with the comparison group (IRR = 3.32, 95% CI: 3.18–3.47, p < 0.0001). Thus, CSA in veterans is associated with cardiovascular disorders, chronic prescription opioid use, and increased admissions related to the comorbid cardiovascular disorders. Furthermore, there is a need for standardization of diagnostics methods across the VHA to accurately diagnose CSA in high-risk populations.
Current Trends in Radiologic Malpractice Litigation: Part II
Authors: Berlin Leonard
Published: March 2018

The topic “Current Trends in Radiologic Malpractice Litigation” is presented in two articles: Part I (Volume 41, Number 8, 2018) and Part II (Volume 41, Number 9, 2018).
Patient knowledge of STI testing in an urban clinic
Authors: Goodman Kristy , Black Christopher M.
Published: March 2018

Objective:

To determine whether patients attending an urban STI clinic can accurately identify the STIs for which they were tested.

Methods:

Participants completed a self-administered survey assessing demographics, reason for visit, perceived STI testing performed, and patient satisfaction. Chart review was conducted for verification of STI testing.

Results:

40.7% of participants were able to correctly identify the STIs for which they had been tested. Education level greater than a high school diploma was significantly associated with a patient's ability to correctly identify tests performed.

Conclusions:

Patients presenting to STI clinics are generally unaware of which STI tests were done. Providers performing STI testing should inform patients of all tests performed, as well as common STIs for which they have not been tested.
Realism and Relativism in the Development of Nursing as a Discipline
Authors: Hirani Shela Akbar Ali , Richter Solina , Salami Bukola Oladunni
Published: March 2018

In today's era of nursing, the role of a unique disciplinary knowledge that is grounded in philosophy is essential to inform nursing practice, fill knowledge gaps, improve the quality of nursing education, and guide the theoretical development of nursing. Realism and relativism have contributed to the development of the nursing discipline by providing the basis of evidence-based nursing practice, nursing research, nursing education, and theoretical construction. This article explores the role of realism and relativism in the development of the discipline of nursing and presents their contributions to the work of nurse clinicians, nurse researchers, nurse educators, and nurse theorists.
Changes in Lumbar Endplate Area and Concavity Associated With Disc Degeneration
Authors: Louie Philip K. , Espinoza Orías Alejandro A. , Fogg Louis F. , LaBelle Mark , An Howard S. , Andersson Gunnar B.J. , Nozomu Inoue
Published: March 2018

Study Design.

Retrospective image-based analysis.

Objective.

To measure endplate three-dimensional (3D) geometry, endplate changes in vivo and to investigate correlations between disc degeneration and endplate 3D geometry dependent on symptoms of low back pain (LBP).

Summary of Background Data.

It has been hypothesized that alteration of load transmission from the nucleus pulposus to the annulus fibrosus affects vertebral endplate geometry.

Methods.

3D surface models of inferior/superior lumbar endplates were created from computed tomography scans of n = 92 volunteers with and without LBP. Disc degeneration was evaluated using Pfirrmann scale. Concavity in both coronal and sagittal planes was assessed with the Concavity Index (unitless; larger than 1: concave; flat: 1; and less than 1: convex, respectively). Endplate area and disc height distribution were computed and the effects from demographics and spinal degeneration were sought with an analysis of variance model.

Results.

Both sagittal and coronal planes revealed significantly decreased concavity in those with terminal grade 5 disc degeneration (mean 0.833 ± 0.235) compared to the other grades in the cohort. Older subjects presented with larger endplate areas than the younger subjects (P = 0.0148) at L4-S1. Overall, symptomatic subjects had significantly larger endplate areas (P = 0.022), especially at the lower lumbar levels (P < 0.001). Analysis of variance showed that sex, disc level, disc degeneration grade, and disc height reached significance (P < 0.0001) as influential parameters in both Concavity Index cases.

Conclusion.

With advancing intervertebral disc degeneration, endplates become more convex over time in both sagittal and coronal planes. Our findings implicate the endplate changes with advancing disc degeneration in the shift in load transmission from the nucleus pulposus to the annulus fibrosus, resulting in changes within the curvature of the endplates. This is also the first study to describe the direct impact of age, sex, and LBP on vertebral endplate anatomy.

Level of Evidence: 5
SPECTRAL DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY FINDINGS AND VISUAL OUTCOME AFTER TREATMENT FOR VITREOMACULAR TRACTION
Authors: Sun Peng , Tandias Rachel M. , Yu Gina , Arroyo Jorge G.
Published: March 2018

Purpose:

To evaluate the capacity of spectral domain optical coherence tomography macular findings to predict best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) outcomes after treatment for symptomatic vitreomacular traction.

Methods:

This consecutive, retrospective study included 24 patients (29 eyes) who experienced vitreomacular traction release with pneumatic vitreolysis (n = 9), intravitreal ocriplasmin (n = 6), or pars plana vitrectomy (n = 14). Preoperative and postoperative spectral domain optical coherence tomography images were used to determine the cone outer segment tips (COST) line, inner segment/outer segment line, and other frequently used features. Correlations between optical coherence tomography findings and BCVA were determined using regression analyses.

Results:

Postoperative BCVA was correlated with length of the COST line and inner segment/outer segment line defects at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively (P < 0.05) by simple linear regression analysis. However, multivariable regression analysis showed that only length of the COST line defect was significantly correlated with BCVA preoperatively and postoperatively (P < 0.05). Postoperative BCVA improvement at 12 months was significantly correlated with preoperative length of the COST line defect (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

Recovery of the COST line and inner segment/outer segment line defects as observed by spectral domain optical coherence tomography is positively correlated with visual acuity improvement after successful vitreomacular traction treatment. Best-corrected visual acuity improvement may be predicted using the length of the preoperative COST line defect.
The Use of Vibrotactile Feedback During Dual-Task Standing Balance Conditions in People With Unilateral Vestibular Hypofunction
Authors: Lin Chia-Cheng , Whitney Susan L. , Loughlin Patrick J. , Furman Joseph M. , Redfern Mark S. , Sienko Kathleen H. , Sparto Patrick J.
Published: March 2018

Hypothesis:

People with unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH) would have increased postural sway and slower reaction times while using vibrotactile feedback (VTF) during dual-task conditions compared with age-matched controls.

Background:

VTF has been shown to improve real-time balance performance in persons with vestibular disorders. Future use of this technology outside of the laboratory environment as a real-time balance aid requires that using VTF during dual-tasking scenarios be studied.

Method:

Nine people with UVH and nine age-matched controls participated in a study focused on assessing the effects of a secondary cognitive task and sensory integration conditions on the root-mean-square of center of pressure (RMS COP) while using VTF. Reaction times from the secondary cognitive task were used to assess the effects of VTF, and sensory integration conditions on the attention required to perform the task.

Results:

The results showed that there was no group difference between individuals with UVH and age-matched controls on balance performance while using VTF during dual-task conditions. Using VTF significantly degraded the reaction time performance in both groups, and the participants with UVH had slower reaction times compared with controls.

Conclusion:

People with UVH showed the ability to use VTF to control balance during dual-task conditions, but more attentional resources were needed to perform the secondary cognitive tasks while using VTF.
Neural, Hormonal, and Cognitive Correlates of Metabolic Dysfunction and Emotional Reactivity
Authors: Wolf Tovah , Tsenkova Vera , Ryff Carol D. , Davidson Richard J. , Willette Auriel A.
Published: March 2018

Objective

Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (i.e., hyperglycemia) are characterized by insulin resistance. These problems with energy metabolism may exacerbate emotional reactivity to negatively valenced stimuli and related phenomena such as predisposition toward negative affect, as well as cognitive deficits. Higher emotional reactivity is seen with hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. However, it is largely unknown how metabolic dysfunction correlates with related neural, hormonal, and cognitive outcomes.

Methods

Among 331 adults from the Midlife in the United States study, eye-blink response (EBR) we cross sectionally examined to gauge reactivity to negative, positive, or neutrally valenced pictures from international affect picture system stimuli proximal to an acoustic startle probe. Increased EBR to negative stimuli was considered an index of stress reactivity. Frontal alpha asymmetry, a biomarker of negative affect predisposition, was determined using resting electroencephalography. Baseline urinary cortisol output was collected. Cognitive performance was gauged using the Brief Test of Adult Cognition by telephone. Fasting glucose and insulin characterized hyperglycemia or the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance.

Results

Higher homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance corresponded to an increased startle response, measured by EBR magnitude, for negative versus positive stimuli (R2= 0.218,F(1,457) = 5.48,p= .020, euglycemia: M(SD) = .092(.776), hyperglycemia: M(SD) = .120(.881)). Participants with hyperglycemia versus euglycemia showed greater right frontal alpha asymmetry (F(1,307) = 6.62,p= .011, euglycemia: M(SD) = .018(.167), hyperglycemia: M(SD) = −.029(.160)), and worse Brief Test of Adult Cognition by telephone arithmetic performance (F(1,284) = 4.25,p= .040, euglycemia: M(SD) = 2.390(1.526), hyperglycemia: M(SD) = 1.920(1.462)). Baseline urinary cortisol (log10 μg/12 hours) was also dysregulated in individuals with hyperglycemia (F(1,324) = 5.09,p= .025, euglycemia: M(SD) = 1.052 ± .332, hyperglycemia: M(SD) = .961 (.362)).

Conclusions

These results suggest that dysmetabolism is associated with increased emotional reactivity, predisposition toward negative affect, and specific cognitive deficits.
Cardiovascular Risk Factors as Differential Predictors of Incident Atypical and Typical Major Depressive Disorder in US Adults
Authors: Patel Jay S. , Berntson Jessica , Polanka Brittanny M. , Stewart Jesse C.
Published: March 2018

Objective

Although the association between major depressive disorder (MDD) and future cardiovascular disease (CVD) is established, less is known about the relationship between CVD risk factors and future depression, and no studies have examined MDD subtypes. Our objective was to determine whether hypertension, tobacco use, and body mass index (BMI) differentially predict atypical and typical MDD in a national sample of US adults.

Methods

We examined prospective data from 22,915 adults with no depressive disorder history at baseline who participated in Wave 1 (2001–2002) and Wave 2 (2004–2005) of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. CVD risk factors (Wave 1) and incident MDD subtypes (Wave 2) were determined by structured interviews.

Results

There were 252 patients with atypical MDD and 991 patients with typical MDD. In fully adjusted models, baseline hypertension (odds ratio [OR] = 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.43–0.76), former tobacco use (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.20–1.78), and BMI (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.25–1.40; all p < .001) predicted incident atypical MDD versus no MDD, whereas no CVD risk factor predicted incident typical MDD. Baseline hypertension (OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.39–0.70), former tobacco use (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.22–1.93), and BMI (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.18–1.36; all p < .001) also predicted incident atypical MDD versus typical MDD.

Conclusions

Our study is the first to report that CVD risk factors differentially predict MDD subtypes, with hypertension (protective factor), former tobacco use (risk factor), and BMI (risk factor) being stronger predictors of incident atypical versus typical MDD. Such evidence could provide insights into the etiologies of MDD subtypes and inform interventions tailored to MDD subtype.