bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of the Electrolarynx: The Past and Present
Authors: Cox Steven R.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the neck-type electrolarynx, describe acoustic and perceptual characteristics of electrolaryngeal speech, and highlight the potential impact of electrolaryngeal speech on voice-related quality of life postlaryngectomy, concluding by describing efforts to improve electrolaryngeal speech rehabilitation. Although several alaryngeal communication options exist, the electrolarynx is the most readily available means of producing voice and speech postlaryngectomy. This is due to the small and handheld nature of an electrolaryngeal device, which is commonly placed against the neck during use. Research suggests that approximately half of laryngectomees use an electrolarynx up to 2 years postlaryngectomy.

Conclusion

Given the importance of the electrolarynx postlaryngectomy, decisions should be made in conjunction with the laryngectomee. It is important to ask: Why not an electrolarynx?
Optimal linear mean square filter for the operation mode of continuous‐time Markovian jump linear systems
Authors: Vergés Fortià V. , Fragoso Marcelo D.
Published: January 2019

This paper makes a further foray on the study of the filtering problem for the class of Markov jump linear systems (MJLSs). The authors shall be particularly interested in the filtering problem for the Markov jump parameter (the operation mode). Previous result in the literature on this problem has been obtained by Wonham, which has derived an optimal non‐linear filter for this problem. The main hindrance with Wonham's result, in the context of the optimal control problem for MJLS with partial observation of the operation mode, is that it introduces a great deal of non‐linearity in the Hamilton–Jacobi–Belman equation, which makes it difficult to get an explicit closed solution for the control problem. Motivated, in part, by this, the main contribution of this paper is to devise an optimal linear filter for the mode operation, which they believe could be more favourable in the solution of the control problem with partial observations. In addition, relying on Murayama's stochastic numerical method and the results by Chenggui‐Yuan, they carry out simulation of Wonham's filter, and the one devised in this paper, in order to compare their performances.
Wideband circular patch antenna with I‐shaped structure for horizontal omnidirectional gain enhancement
Authors: Liu Ankang , Huang Ling , Lu Yilong
Published: January 2019

A wideband circular patch antenna with enhanced omnidirectional gains in the horizontal plane is presented. The gain enhancement over 1 GHz bandwidth is achieved by loading a low‐profile ‘I‐shaped’ structure (ISS) without increasing antenna's thickness. The effective refractive index of the ISS is larger, over a wide bandwidth than that of the conventional substrate with the same material. Therefore, the artificial structure behaves as a lens to refract the electromagnetic wave which is parallelly incident to the ISS and thus is able to concentrate the energy and enhance the antenna's horizontal radiation performance. In addition, the proposed antenna achieves a relative bandwidth of 19% through combining the resonant frequency for the TM01 mode and another resonant frequency excited by the coupling between the circular patch and the unit cells for verifying the wideband gain enhancement of the ISS. Both simulation and measurement results indicate that the proposed antenna achieves 0.5–2.0 dB gain increment within the operating bandwidth compared with the unloaded antenna on the same ground.
60 GHz square open‐loop resonator (SOLR) based on planar Goubau line (PGL) technology
Authors: Elrifai Emad , Grzeskowiak Marjorie , Lissorgues Gaëlle , Deshours Frédérique , Bourcier Christophe , Carrer Gérard , Richalot Elodie , Picon Odile
Published: January 2019

This study presents the design, fabrication, and measurement of a square open‐loop resonator (SOLR) on high resistivity silicon substrate feed with a planar Goubau line (PGL), which is a very low‐loss transmission line around 60 GHz fabricated through a very simple and low‐cost process. Electromagnetic simulations using ANSYS high frequency structure simulator are performed for the PGL structure, in order to determine the PGL characteristics (impedance, losses and quality factor) versus the line width. The geometrical parameters of the SOLR structure are studied to observe their impact on reflection and transmission properties. An equivalent lumped element circuit is extracted from the distributed planar design to study and optimise the resonating structure using Advanced Design System. This electrical circuit response is successfully compared to the planar electromagnetic structure one, and a parametric study permits to better understand the role of the different circuit elements. Field displays lead to a better understanding of the SOLR behaviour. For measurement purpose of the fabricated structure, a coplanar waveguide‐PGL transition is optimised with 0.9 dB losses. Simulation and measurement results show good performances for filter applications with 1 dB losses and small size at 60 GHz for 10% bandwidth.
New design of UWB‐MIMO antenna with enhanced isolation and dual‐band rejection for WiMAX and WLAN systems
Authors: Eltrass Ahmed S. , Elborae Nahla A.
Published: January 2019

In this work, a new design of wide‐band multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna with improved isolation and dual‐band rejection is proposed for wireless systems operating over the entire ultra‐wide‐band (UWB), X‐band, and Ku‐band (3–18 GHz). The proposed four‐element UWB‐MIMO antenna is fabricated on Rogers RT/Duroid‐5880 substrate with dimension of 73 × 73 × 0.79 mm3. It achieves high isolation (>20 dB) between antenna elements without using any decoupling structures. In order to prevent interference problems from nearby WiMAX (3.3–3.8 GHz) and WLAN (5.1–5.8 GHz) systems, a C‐shaped stub is embedded in the radiating patch and a pair of U‐shaped parasitic strips is inserted beside the feed line in the single element design. The effectiveness of the proposed design is demonstrated by investigating measurement and simulation results, and comparing them with other existing designs. The results show that the proposed design has an input reflection coefficient <−10 dB, a mutual coupling <−20 dB, and an omnidirectional radiation pattern across the bandwidth of interest (3–18 GHz) excluding the two rejected bands. Also, the proposed design exhibits high diversity performance in terms of envelope correlation coefficient (ECC <0.0015) and channel capacity loss (CCL < 0.3 bits/s/Hz). This reveals the effectiveness of the proposed design in wide‐band wireless applications such as satellite communications and microwave medical imaging.
Young open cluster IC 4996 and its vicinity: multicolor photometry and Gaia DR2 astrometry
Authors: Straižys V. , Boyle R. P. , Milašius K. , Černis K. , Macijauskas M. , Munari U. , Janusz R. , Zdanavičius J. , Zdanavičius K. , Maskoliūnas M. , Raudeliūnas S. , Kazlauskas A.
Published: January 2019

The open cluster IC 4996 in Cygnus and its vicinity are investigated by applying a two-dimensional photometric classification of stars measured in the Vilnius seven-color photometric system. Cluster members are identified by applying distances based on the Gaia DR2 parallaxes and the point vector diagram of the Gaia DR2 proper motions. For some B-type stars, spectroscopic MK types are also obtained from the Asiago spectra and collected from the literature. New parameters of the cluster are derived. The interstellar extinction AV covers a wide range of values, from 1.3 to 2.4 mag; the mean value in the central part of the cluster is 1.8 mag. The cluster distance is 1915 ± 110 pc, and its age is within 8–10 Myr. The cluster exhibits a long sequence from early-B to G stars, where stars cooler than B8 are in the pre-main-sequence stage. The plot of extinction versus distance shows a steep rise of AV up to 1.6 mag at 700–800 pc, which is probably related to dust clouds at the edge of the Great Cygnus Rift. The next increase in extinction by an additional 0.8 mag at d ≥ 1.7 kpc is probably related to the associations Cyg OB1 and Cyg OB3. The cluster IC 4996 does not belong to the Cyg OB1 association, which is located closer to the Sun, at 1682 ± 116 pc. It seems likely that the cluster and the surrounding O-B stars have a common origin with the nearby association Cyg OB3 since Gaia data show that these stellar groups are located at a similar distance.
Regioselective Addition of Quinoline Derivatives to Carbonyl Compounds via Palladium-Catalyzed Umpolung with Diethylzinc
Authors: Matsumoto Yohei , Yamamoto Kosuke , Kuriyama Masami , Nishida Koyo , Onomura Osamu
Published: January 2019

An efficient method for the C-4-selective addition of quinoline derivatives to carbonyl compounds is described. The combination of 2-ethoxy-1-ethoxycarbonyl-1,2-dihydroquinolines (EEDQs) with a palladium catalyst and diethylzinc generates nucleophilic allyl species which undergo addition to various aldehydes and ketones. C-4-Substituted quinoline derivatives are obtained in high to excellent yields with moderate diastereoselectivities.
Organocatalytic Desymmetrisation of Fittig’s Lactones: Deuterium as a Reporter Tag for Hidden Racemisation
Authors: Spránitz Péter , Sőregi Petra , Botlik Bence , Berta Máté , Soós Tibor
Published: January 2019

Highly enantioselective desymmetrisation of Fittig’s lactones with alcohols is promoted by bifunctional cinchona squaramides. The reactions were carried out with monodeuterated methanol to detect possible hidden racemisation of the stereogenic centre. Current evidence suggests that racemisation was not a relevant process for most substrates; partial erosion of enantioselectivity was only detected with ortho-substituted aryl derivates. The resultant glutaric acid derivatives possess a scaffold that is common in natural products and the compounds are also useful chiral building blocks for further synthetic endeavours.
Translabyrinthine Excision of Vestibular Schwannoma with Concurrent Cochlear Implantation: Systematic Review
Authors: Thompson Nicholas , O'Connell Brendan , Brown Kevin
Published: January 2019

Objectives Hearing rehabilitation is an important management aspect of patients undergoing excision of vestibular schwannomas. Studies have shown cochlear implantation (CI) is possible at the time of tumor excision via a translabyrinthine approach. Primary objectives of this report are (1) to review prospective studies pertaining to outcomes of concurrent CI and translabyrinthine tumor removal in detail and (2) perform an aggregate analysis of outcomes for case reports and series.

Design Systematic review based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Setting Review of literature using PubMed and Cochrane databases.

Participants Eligibility included patients undergoing translabyrinthine excision of vestibular schwannoma with concurrent CI.

Main Outcome Measures Open-set speech discrimination scores, sound localization, patient-reported outcome measures.

Results Forty-one subjects were identified. Two prospective studies have been performed, which showed improvement in speech localization and patient-reported outcome measures. While the majority of patients achieved open set speech recognition, data pertaining to improvement in speech perception were variable. Approximately 85% of subjects had audibility with their CI. Of those that achieved open-set speech discrimination, 75% could be classified as either intermediate or high performers. The majority of low performers in open-set speech either endorsed subjective benefit or demonstrated improvement compared to preoperative measures. There was a high risk of selection and reporting bias.

Conclusions The majority of patients undergoing translabyrinthine excision of vestibular schwannoma with concurrent CI achieve open set speech perception, with 75% of these patients meeting criteria for being intermediate to high performers. Additional benefits include improved subjective hearing measures, decreased tinnitus, and improved sound localization.
Dynamics of the Kuramoto-Sakaguchi oscillator network with asymmetric order parameter
Authors: Chen Bolun , Engelbrecht Jan R. , Mirollo Renato
Published: January 2019

We study the dynamics of a generalized version of the famous Kuramoto-Sakaguchi coupled oscillator model. In the classic version of this system, all oscillators are governed by the same ordinary differential equation (ODE), which depends on the order parameter of the oscillator configuration. The order parameter is the arithmetic mean of the configuration of complex oscillator phases, multiplied by some constant complex coupling factor. In the generalized model, we consider that all oscillators are still governed by the same ODE, but the order parameter is allowed to be any complex linear combination of the complex oscillator phases, so the oscillators are no longer necessarily weighted identically in the order parameter. This asymmetric version of the K-S model exhibits a much richer variety of steady-state dynamical behavior than the classic symmetric version; in addition to stable synchronized states, the system may possess multiple stable (N−1,1) states, in which all but one of the oscillators are synchronized, as well as multiple families of neutrally stable states or closed orbits, in which no two oscillators are synchronized. We present an exhaustive description of the possible steady state dynamical behaviors; our classification depends on the complex coefficients that determine the order parameter. We use techniques from group theory and hyperbolic geometry to reduce the dynamic analysis to a 2D flow on the unit disc, which has geometric significance relative to the hyperbolic metric. The geometric-analytic techniques we develop can in turn be applied to study even more general versions of Kuramoto oscillator networks.
Hole-transport comparison between solution-processed and vacuum-deposited organic semiconductors
Authors: Mangalore Deepthi K. , Blom Paul W. M. , Wetzelaer Gert-Jan A. H.
Published: January 2019

Charge transport in the amorphous organic small molecules α-NPD (N,N′-di(1-naphthyl)-N,N′-diphenyl-(1,1′-biphenyl)-4,4′-diamine) and Spiro-TAD (2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis(N,N-diphenylamino)-9,9-spirobifluorene) is investigated in solution-processed films and compared to charge transport in vacuum-deposited films of the same molecule. By optimizing the solution-deposition conditions, such as solvent and concentration, equal charge-transport parameters for solution-processed and vacuum-deposited films are demonstrated. Modeling of the charge carrier transport characteristics was performed by drift-diffusion simulations. The dependence of the charge carrier mobility on temperature, carrier density, and electric field was found to be the same for vacuum deposition and solution processing. In both material processing cases, hole mobilities of 4 × 10−8 m2 V−1 s−1 for spiro-TAD and 0.9 × 10−8 m2 V−1 s−1 for α-NPD are obtained, demonstrating that solution processing can be a viable alternative to vacuum deposition in terms of charge transport.
Enhanced elastocaloric effect and cycle stability in B and Cu co-doping Ni-Mn-In polycrystals
Authors: Tang Xiaohu , Feng Yan , Wang Haibo , Wang Pan
Published: January 2019

A Ni-Mn-In Heusler alloy is a typical system with large elastocaloric and magnetocaloric effects due to the coupling of structural transformation and magnetic transition, which provides a way to improve the refrigerant performance by coupling the external mechanical stress and magnetic field. Here, we investigate the phase constitution, martensitic transformation behavior, mechanical properties, and elastocaloric effect in (Ni52Mn31In17-xCux)B0.2 (x = 0, 1, 2, 3)alloys. It is found that the (Ni52Mn31In16Cu1)B0.2 polycrystal exhibits a giant adiabatic cooling of −9.5 K at a low stress of 220 MPa which has a large value of |ΔTad unloading|/σ about 43.2 K/GPa. This is a remarkable |ΔTad unloading|/σ obtained among all the reported Ni-Mn-In Heusler alloys. It also maintains a good functional stability with the ΔTad unloading of −6.8 K after 100 cycles at a high strain of 3%, indicating that it is a promising candidate for an elastocaloric refrigeration material with excellent comprehensive properties.
Quasi-steady-state photoconductance bulk lifetime measurements on silicon ingots with deeper photogeneration
Authors: Goodarzi Mohsen , Sinton Ronald , Macdonald Daniel
Published: January 2019

Quasi-steady-state photoconductance measurements on silicon ingots and blocks with different photo-generation profiles are simulated in this work. The results show that deeper generation profiles, achieved by using a long-pass optical filter with a longer cut-off wavelength, can reduce the impact of the high surface recombination velocity of the ingot surface. This results in higher measured effective lifetimes and reduces the reliance on transfer functions to convert the measured lifetimes into bulk lifetimes. However, there exists a trade-off between generating carriers further from the surface to reduce surface recombination and ensuring that the generated carriers are within the sensitivity range of the photoconductance sensing coil. The simulations are compared with experimental results measured on a monocrystalline silicon block using both quasi-steady-state and transient photoconductance decay, as the transient method is relatively less prone to the impact of surface recombination, and provides a lower bound on the bulk lifetime. The results confirm an increased accuracy in bulk lifetimes extracted from quasi-steady-state measurements when measured using deeper photo-generation profiles.
Molecular fractionation of dissolved organic matter on ferrihydrite: effects of dissolved cations
Authors: Liu Minqin , Ding Yang , Peng Shimeng , Lu Yang , Dang Zhi , Shi Zhenqing
Published: January 2019

Environmental contextCarbon sequestration and dynamics are influenced by adsorptive fractionation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on minerals. We found that the molecular fractionation of DOM on ferrihydrite was highly dependent on the presence of Na, Ca and Cu ions in water. These results advance our mechanistic understanding of the dynamic behaviour of DOM, and contribute to predicting carbon cycling and contaminant behaviour in the natural environment.
AbstractThe adsorptive fractionation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) at the ferrihydrite and water interface is a key geochemical process controlling DOM compositions and reactivity, thus affecting carbon cycling and contaminant behaviour in the environment. However, the effects of cations on DOM fractionation and the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) combined with spectroscopic methods were employed to investigate molecular fractionation of DOM on ferrihydrite under different cations in the background electrolytes, including Na, Ca, and Cu ions. The results indicated that DOM fractionation was influenced by the combined effects of cation type, intrinsic molecular property, and extent of DOM adsorption. DOM adsorption on ferrihydrite exhibited the strongest and the weakest fractionation under Na and Ca background electrolytes, respectively. Both Ca and Cu background electrolytes reduced the adsorption of highly unsaturated and phenolic/polyphenolic molecules with high molecular weight and number of O atoms. In addition to the molecular acidity, the complexation of Ca and Cu ions to DOM binding sites and the coagulation effect of divalent cations may affect molecular fractionation. Additionally, DOM fractionation was enhanced with increasing DOM adsorption. Our results contribute to predicting carbon cycling and contaminant behaviour in the natural environment.
Cellular interactions constrain tumor growth
Authors: West Jeffrey , Newton Paul K.
Published: January 2019

Significance

A mathematical model relating tumor heterogeneity at the cellular level to tumor growth at the macroscopic level is described based on a statistical mechanics framework. The model takes into account the number of accessible states available to each cell as well as their long-range coupling (population cooperation) to other cells. We show that the degree to which cell populations cooperate determines the number of independent cell states, which in turn dictates the macroscopic (volumetric) growth law. It follows that targeting cell-to-cell interactions or functional coupling among cell populations could be a way of mitigating and controlling tumor growth.
Balancing trade-offs between biotic and abiotic stress responses through leaf age-dependent variation in stress hormone cross-talk
Authors: Berens Matthias L. , Wolinska Katarzyna W. , Spaepen Stijn , Ziegler Jörg , Nobori Tatsuya , Nair Aswin , Krüler Verena , Winkelmüller Thomas M. , Wang Yiming , Mine Akira , Becker Dieter , Garrido-Oter Ruben , Schulze-Lefert Paul , Tsuda Kenichi
Published: January 2019

In nature, plants must respond to multiple stresses simultaneously, which likely demands cross-talk between stress-response pathways to minimize fitness costs. Here we provide genetic evidence that biotic and abiotic stress responses are differentially prioritized in
Arabidopsis thaliana
leaves of different ages to maintain growth and reproduction under combined biotic and abiotic stresses. Abiotic stresses, such as high salinity and drought, blunted immune responses in older rosette leaves through the phytohormone abscisic acid signaling, whereas this antagonistic effect was blocked in younger rosette leaves by
PBS3
, a signaling component of the defense phytohormone salicylic acid. Plants lacking
PBS3
exhibited enhanced abiotic stress tolerance at the cost of decreased fitness under combined biotic and abiotic stresses. Together with this role,
PBS3
is also indispensable for the establishment of salt stress- and leaf age-dependent phyllosphere bacterial communities. Collectively, our work reveals a mechanism that balances trade-offs upon conflicting stresses at the organism level and identifies a genetic intersection among plant immunity, leaf microbiota, and abiotic stress tolerance.
Prp8 impacts cryptic but not alternative splicing frequency
Authors: Mayerle Megan , Yitiz Samira , Soulette Cameron , Rogel Lucero E. , Ramirez Andrea , Ragle J. Matthew , Katzman Sol , Guthrie Christine , Zahler Alan M.
Published: January 2019

Pre-mRNA splicing must occur with extremely high fidelity. Spliceosomes assemble onto pre-mRNA guided by specific sequences (5′ splice site, 3′ splice site, and branchpoint). When splice sites are mutated, as in many hereditary diseases, the spliceosome can aberrantly select nearby pseudo- or “cryptic” splice sites, often resulting in nonfunctional protein. How the spliceosome distinguishes authentic splice sites from cryptic splice sites is poorly understood. We performed a
Caenorhabditis elegans
genetic screen to find cellular factors that affect the frequency with which the spliceosome uses cryptic splice sites and identified two alleles in core spliceosome component Prp8 that alter cryptic splicing frequency. Subsequent complementary genetic and structural analyses in yeast implicate these alleles in the stability of the spliceosome’s catalytic core. However, despite a clear effect on cryptic splicing, high-throughput mRNA sequencing of these
prp-8
mutant
C. elegans
reveals that overall alternative splicing patterns are relatively unchanged. Our data suggest the spliceosome evolved intrinsic mechanisms to reduce the occurrence of cryptic splicing and that these mechanisms are distinct from those that impact alternative splicing.
Thermodynamic phase diagram of amyloid-β (16–22) peptide
Authors: Wang Yiming , Bunce Samuel J. , Radford Sheena E. , Wilson Andrew J. , Auer Stefan , Hall Carol K.
Published: January 2019

Significance

Phase diagrams of atomic systems are calculated routinely by computer simulations, but such calculations are absent for even the simplest peptides. Previous simulations are mainly nonequilibrium and focus on the assembly of peptides from the monomeric state to the aggregated state. To obtain accurate equilibrium solubilities, it is necessary to simulate many assembly and disassembly events of fibrillar aggregates, which is notoriously difficult as it requires breaking many hydrogen bonds. We overcome these challenges and calculate the equilibrium phase diagram of amyloid β protein (16–22) (Aβ
16–22
), the archetypal amyloid former, using a realistic protein model. Importantly, our prediction of Aβ
16–22
solubility over temperatures from 277 to 330 K agrees well with experimental measurements.
Slavic and Romancepro-dropin contrast
Authors: Pešková Andrea
Published: January 2019

The present paper investigates similarities and differences between Czech and Spanish regarding the (non-)expression of pronominal subjects (PS). The nature of this comparative study is qualitative, and its central question is whether Czech and Spanish use the same strategies for omission and expression of PS. Previous research describes both Czech and Spanish as consistent pro-drop languages, and at first glance their strategies for (non-) expression of PS are identical. However, in certain structures, Czech allows overt pragmatic as well as grammatical expletives, a feature which – in combination with several further structural properties – substantially distinguishes it from Spanish. The differences that may emerge when comparing two languages leads automatically to a discussion of the typology of pro-drop languages.
Predicting effect of filler metals on solidification cracking susceptibility of 2024 Al and 6061 Al
Authors: Soysal Tayfun , Kou Sindo
Published: January 2019

The susceptibility to solidification cracking was predicted for aluminium welds of 2024 Al made with filler metals 2319, 4043 and 4145 Al and of 6061 Al made with filler metals 4043 (traditional) and 4943 Al (new, higher strength). The maximum |d T/d( fS)1/2| ( T: temperature; fS: fraction of solid) was used as the crack susceptibility index. In each case, the index was calculated using the weld metal composition based on the measured dilution level. The predicted crack susceptibility decreased in the order of 2319 Al, 4043 Al and 4145 Al for 2024 Al, and was similar between 4043 Al and 4943 Al for 6061 Al. These predictions agreed well with the experimental results of recent crack susceptibility tests of these welds.
7. Risk management
Authors: Davis Mark H. A.
Published: January 2019

The risk management function of a financial company monitors a whole range of risks that the company faces: market risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, operational risk, reputational risk, and legal risk. Some of these are connected to regulatory requirements, while others are internal procedures designed to assist the management of the company’s assets and liabilities. ‘Risk management’ focuses on market risk, which is concerned with assessing how sensitive the value of the company’s trading book is to anticipated movements in the market prices of the assets it contains. Evaluations are carried out at various levels of aggregation from individual trading desk to the company as a whole.
2. History of reptiles
Authors: Kemp T. S.
Published: January 2019

‘History of reptiles’ describes the origin and early evolution of reptiles, from the early ancestor-like Hylonomus and Petrolacosaurus 320 million years ago (mya) in the Carboniferous period. The end-Permian mass extinction, 250 mya, removed over 90 per cent of the world’s species of animals and plants, but one group—the archosaurs—began to expand and diversify. The archosaurs included the dinosaurs, made up of the Theropoda, the Sauropodomorphs, the Ornithischia, the pterosaurs, and the crocodiles. In the Mesozoic Era, several new kinds of reptiles evolved adaptations for life in the sea—plesiosaurs, ichthyosaurs, and others. The end-Cretaceous mass extinction, 66 mya, ended the dinosaurs, but many lizards, snakes, chelonians, and crocodiles survived.
The weight of glory
Authors: Como James
Published: January 2019

‘The weight of glory’ discusses the varying responses to C. S. Lewis. His critics have often railed against him. Even some of his Christian colleagues found his apologetic militancy unpalatable. Conversely, distinguished scholars have written highly of him and praised his work, literary artists and journalists have cited him for his authority and breadth, and ordinary readers have found still other sources of his appeal. Lewis takes the reader from the possible to the plausible to the intensely pleasurable to the promising and thence to the glories of hope. The last book Lewis saw through the press was Letters to Malcolm, Chiefly on Prayer, a meditation on prayer and praying.
5. The world
Authors: Inwood Michael
Published: January 2019

‘The world’ examines how Dasein understands the world. Dasein needs a world populated with entities for it to engage with; it sees these entities primarily as objects of use. Different entities relate to each other and form a significant whole. The world is seen in terms of a web of significance in which things have their rightful places. Much of it is normally inconspicuous. Certain features of this understanding, like spatiality and the self, are known a priori and Dasein’s world is a public world accessible to others. Understanding the world displays possibilities, but requires a ‘fore-structure’ to start from. Moods can affect this understanding and reveal the world differently.
6. Language, truth, and care
Authors: Inwood Michael
Published: January 2019

‘Language, truth, and care’ examines how interpretations of the world can be formed and communicated. Language emerges from interpretation and consists of a multiplicity of meanings. Words and their meanings are already world-laden. This results in an everyday condition of ‘fallenness’ where meaning is inauthentic and comes from an anonymous ‘they’, not from original thought. The difficulty of communicating truth means that the philosopher’s message sheds light and should be built on, not merely accepted. Dasein’s necessary existence in the world involves it in the world, through ‘care’. Phenomenology dictates that science is only a secondary perception and there is no plausible account of a Dasein-free world.
Should NICE guidelines be universally accepted for the evaluation of stable coronary disease? A debate
Authors: Hecht Harvey S , Shaw Leslee , Chandrashekhar Y S , Bax Jeroen J , Narula Jagat
Published: January 2019

The 2016 National Institute of Health and Care Excellence clinical guideline for the assessment and diagnosis of chest pain positions coronary computed tomography angiography as the first test for all stable chest pain patients without confirmed coronary artery disease and discards the previous emphasis on calculation of pre-test likelihood recommended in their 2012 edition of the guidelines. On the other hand, the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology guidelines continue to present the stress testing functional modalities as the tests of choice. The aim of this review is to present, in the form of a debate, the pros and cons of these paradigm changing recommendations, with an emphasis on literature review and projection of future needs, with conclusions to be drawn by the reader.
Impacts on forest management and forest state in southern Sweden 10 years after the storm Gudrun
Authors: Valinger Erik , Kempe Göran , Fridman Jonas
Published: January 2019

About 70 million m3 was damaged by the storm Gudrun that hit southern Sweden in January 2005, i.e. almost as much as the normal annual cut for the whole country. To establish any differences in forest state and forest management before and after the storm, measures such as growing stock, annual growth, age-class distribution, choice of species in regeneration and cleaning and thinning activities were studied for the area affected and the area unaffected by the storm. For all analyses, sample plots from the Swedish National Forest Inventory were used. Results based on mean values for the periods 2000–2004/2006–2010/2012–2016 showed that the total growing stock for the damaged area decreased significantly by ~30 million m3 directly after the storm but has now recovered to the same level as before the storm. Therefore, it seems clear that forest owners and forest managers made rational choices when aiming to restore the forest area. As expected , the annually cleaned area and the area in immediate need of cleaning increased significantly in the Gudrun area after the storm. No other significant changes in behaviour to reduce future storm damage risk could be detected.
Which literacy for health promotion: health, food, nutrition or media?
Authors: Truman Emily , Bischoff Madison , Elliott Charlene
Published: January 2019

Education and literacy are important aspects of health promotion. The potential for health literacy to promote healthier choices has been widely examined, with studies variously incorporating food literacy, nutrition literacy and/or media literacy as components of health literacy, rather than treating each as unique concepts for health promotion. This study examines similarities and differences across health literacy, food literacy, nutrition literacy and health-promoting media literacy to highlight how each literacy type theorizes the relationship between education and health. A meta-review of existing scoping and systematic reviews examining literacy conceptualizations was conducted to examine the four literacies. Representative concept definitions were extracted and key competencies (or skills) and desired consequences were identified and grouped into subcategories for analysis. This study located 378 articles, of which 17 scoping/systematic reviews were included (10 for health literacy, 3 for food, 1 for nutrition and 3 for media). Representative concept definitions of the four literacy types revealed three skill categories (information acquisition, information analysis, and the application of information) and three categories of desired consequences (knowledge, attitudes and behaviors), with each of the four literacy types emphasizing varied collections of skills and desired consequences. Despite perceived similarities in content, health, food, nutrition and media literacy conceptualize the relationship between education and health differently, emphasizing the distinct types of knowledge to promote health-related outcomes. A better understanding of the differences between these four literacies will lead to informed decision making for researchers, educators and health practitioners in intervention design and implementation.
Complementary work in the hospital: How infection preventionists perceive opportunities for cooperation with higher status physicians
Authors: Rojas Fabio , Thomas Clayton D , Mukherjee Shibashis , Meanwell Emily , Apgar Lauren
Published: January 2019

Social scientists and management scholars have tended to see workplace interaction through the lens of hierarchy. However, modern workplaces include many people who do not fit neatly into such hierarchies because their work is designed to assess, support, sanction, or monitor other workers who already have well-established positions. Motivated by this observation, we conducted interviews with 193 infection preventionists—healthcare workers whose job it is to work with higher status physicians to monitor and suppress healthcare-acquired infections—to assess how workers outside of existing hierarchies can integrate their work. Inductive analyses of these interviews suggest three strategies: deference; relying on bureaucracy’s routines and practices; and recruiting higher status confederates, which we call side-channeling. From these analyses, we introduce the concept of complementary work to describe labor that seeks to supplement existing workplace hierarchies.
“Robust-Squared” Imputation Models Using Bart
Authors: Tan Yaoyuan V , Flannagan Carol A C , Elliott Michael R
Published: January 2019

Examples of “doubly robust” estimators for missing data include augmented inverse probability weighting (AIPWT) and penalized splines of propensity prediction (PSPP). Doubly robust estimators have the property that, if either the response propensity or the mean is modeled correctly, a consistent estimator of the population mean is obtained. However, doubly robust estimators can perform poorly when modest misspecification is present in both models. Here we consider extensions of the AIPWT and PSPP that use Bayesian additive regression trees (BART) to provide highly robust propensity and mean model estimation. We term these “robust-squared” in the sense that the propensity score, the means, or both can be estimated with minimal model misspecification, and applied to the doubly robust estimator. We consider their behavior via simulations where propensities and/or mean models are misspecified. We apply our proposed method to impute missing instantaneous velocity (delta-v) values from the 2014 National Automotive Sampling System Crashworthiness Data System dataset and missing Blood Alcohol Concentration values from the 2015 Fatality Analysis Reporting System dataset. We found that BART, applied to PSPP and AIPWT, provides a more robust estimate compared with PSPP and AIPWT.
Comparing Alternatives for Estimation from Nonprobability Samples
Authors: Valliant Richard
Published: January 2019

Three approaches to estimation from nonprobability samples are quasi-randomization, superpopulation modeling, and doubly robust estimation. In the first, the sample is treated as if it were obtained via a probability mechanism, but unlike in probability sampling, that mechanism is unknown. Pseudo selection probabilities of being in the sample are estimated by using the sample in combination with some external data set that covers the desired population. In the superpopulation approach, observed values of analysis variables are treated as if they had been generated by some model. The model is estimated from the sample and, along with external population control data, is used to project the sample to the population. The specific techniques are the same or similar to ones commonly employed for estimation from probability samples and include binary regression, regression trees, and calibration. When quasi-randomization and superpopulation modeling are combined, this is referred to as doubly robust estimation. This article reviews some of the estimation options and compares them in a series of simulation studies.
Are prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitors potential alternative treatments for anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease?
Authors: Locatelli Francesco , Del Vecchio Lucia
Published: January 2019

Prolyl-hydroxylase (PHD) inhibitors (PHD-I) are the most appealing drugs undergoing clinical development for the treatment of anaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. PHD inhibition mimics the exposure of the body to hypoxia and activates the hypoxia-inducible factor system. Among many other pathways, this activation promotes the production of endogenous erythropoietin (EPO) and the absorption and mobilization of iron. PHD-I are given orally and, differing from erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), they correct and maintain haemoglobin levels by stimulating endogenous EPO production. Their efficacy and safety are supported by several Phases I and II studies with relatively short follow-up. This class of drugs has the potential to have a better safety profile than ESAs and there may be additional advantages for cardiovascular disease (CVD), osteoporosis and metabolism. However, possible adverse outcomes are feared. These span from the worsening or occurrence of new cancer, to eye complications or pulmonary hypertension. The data from the ongoing Phase III studies are awaited to better clarify the long-term safety and possible advantages of PHD-I.
Radial Artery Access for Treatment of Posterior Circulation Aneurysms Using the Pipeline Embolization Device: Case Series
Authors: Raz Eytan , Shapiro Maksim , Buciuc Razvan , Nelson Peter Kim , Nossek Erez
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

The treatment of selected wide-neck and fusiform posterior circulation aneurysms is challenging for clipping as well as for endovascular route.

OBJECTIVE

To describe an endovascular approach for vertebral artery aneurysm treatment using transradial access (TRA) instead of the conventional transfemoral access.

METHODS

We collected cases from two institutions in which TRA was used for posterior circulation Pipeline Embolization Device (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) deployment.

RESULTS

A total of four patients were treated. TRA was useful in the setting of extreme vessel tortuosity. We utilized 5F Terumo Glidesheath (Terumo Medical, Somerset, New Jersey), intermediate catheter, and a 027 microcatheter for Pipeline deployment. TRA was not associated with any access or deployment difficulties.

CONCLUSIONS

Early experience suggests that TRA for Pipeline Embolization Device placement for posterior circulation aneurysm is a safe and efficient alternative to standard transfemoral access. While this approach was initially applied to patients with vascular anatomy that may not allow for safe femoral access or navigation, experience so far argues for considering a radial approach towards some posterior circulation aneurysm treatment.
Single Vessel Double Anastomosis for Flow Augmentation – A Novel Technique for Direct Extracranial to Intracranial Bypass Surgery
Authors: Arnone Gregory D , Hage Ziad A , Charbel Fady T
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

A double anastomosis using a single superficial temporal artery (STA) donor branch for both a proximal side-to-side (S2S) and a distal end-to-side anastomosis is a novel direct bypass technique for use in selected patients necessitating flow augmentation.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the single-vessel double anastomosis (SVDA) technique, including its indications, advantages, and limitations, in addition to reporting our cases series of patients who underwent a SVDA bypass surgery.

METHODS

Patients undergoing a SVDA bypass at a single institution between January 2010 and February 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Intraoperative flow data was collected, including STA cut-flow, bypass flows, and cut flow index (CFI). Bypass patency was assessed by cerebral angiography and quantitative magnetic resonance angiography with noninvasive optimal vessel analysis. Adverse events occurring during the hospital stay and clinical status at last follow up was recorded.

RESULTS

Seven patients underwent SVDA bypass. Mean follow-up was 14.5 mo. Initial CFI for the S2S bypasses averaged 0.56 ± 0.25 and CFI after the SVDA averaged 1.15 ± 0.24. There was a statistically significant average difference in CFI before and after the SVDA bypass (p < .013). Thirteen bypasses (93%) were patent postoperatively, and remained patent at last follow up. Four patients experienced various postoperative complications. None of the patients had a new stroke since hospital discharge.

CONCLUSION

SVDA is a novel technique that can be advantageous for selected cases of extracranial-to-intracranial bypass. Expertise in bypass procedures is a necessary prerequisite. Graft patency rates and complications appear comparable to other bypass techniques.
Surgical Treatment With Thoracic Pedicle Screw Fixation of Vertebral Osteomyelitis With Long-Term Follow-up
Authors: Heary Robert F , Agarwal Nitin , Agarwal Prateek , Goldstein Ira M
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

While recent data has demonstrated the utility of lumbar pedicle screws for the treatment of vertebral osteomyelitis, the data are limited for thoracic pedicle screws.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effectiveness of thoracic pedicle screws for the surgical treatment of vertebral osteomyelitis.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all operations performed by 2 spinal neurosurgeons from 1999 to 2012 yielded 30 cases of vertebral osteomyelitis that were treated with thoracic pedicle screws. Sixteen (53%) of which underwent combined anterior and posterior fusion and 14 patients (47%) underwent standalone posterior fusion. Postoperative records were analyzed for pertinent clinical, laboratory, and radiographic data.

RESULTS

Of the 30 patients, 21 were males (70%), 8 were females (27%), and 1 was transsexual (3%). The mean age was 47 yr (range 18-69). The most common organism cultured was Staphylococcus aureus in 12 cases (50%). The mean patient stay in the hospital was 12.4 d after surgery (range 5-38 d). The mean antibiotic duration after discharge was 8 wk (range 1-24 wk). Of the 25 patients with long-term follow-up (mean, 49 mo), 92% had improved back pain (6/25 marked improvement, 17/25 complete resolution), 83% had improved muscle weakness (8/18 marked improvement, 7/18 complete resolution), and 100% had improved urinary incontinence (3/8 marked improvement, 5/8 complete resolution). Two patients (7%) required additional surgical revision due to instrumentation failure or wound infection.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the efficacy of utilizing thoracic pedicle screws as a primary intervention to treat vertebral osteomyelitis.
Revascularization for Cerebral Ischemia, Step-by-Step Demonstration of Bonnet Bypass: 3-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Cikla Ulas , Hamilton Kimberly , Ozaydin Burak , Baskaya Mustafa K
Published: January 2019

The superficial temporal artery (STA) to the middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass is the most common bypass type for revascularization to treat cerebral ischemia. If the ipsilateral STA is not available for anastomosis, various options for bypass conduits can be exercised. When the entire ipsilateral external carotid and its branches are not available, the contralateral STA may be used as a donor artery through an interposition graft. This technique is known as a “bonnet bypass.” In this video, we demonstrate the utilization of a bonnet bypass in a 48-yr-old man with protein S deficiency, and right carotid artery occlusion with recurrent strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIA). After exhausting nonsurgical options by treating with 2 antiplatelet drugs and supportive lifestyle changes, the patient continued to experience TIAs and watershed strokes in the right hemisphere. Angiography showed that the right anterior artery and the MCA were filled through the Circle of Willis, but the ipsilateral STA and entire external and common carotid arteries were not patent for potential use as a bypass donor. Since the ipsilateral bypass options were not available, we elected to perform a bypass from the contralateral STA trunk to the ipsilateral M2 with a saphenous vein interposition graft, for a so-called bonnet bypass. The patient did well after surgery and has remained symptom-free for 19 mo post bypass. The surgical technique and each step in performing this bonnet bypass are demonstrated in this 3-dimensional video.

The patient consented to the publication of his operative video.