bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Land Trafficking and the Fertile Spaces of Legality
Authors: Lambert Rita 
Published: November 2020

AbstractLand trafficking, responsible for the unprecedented rate of urbanization in many Latin American cities, is often conceptualized through corruption as ‘abuses of public office for private gain’. While those involved in the practice rely at times on violence and illegality, their repertoire is sophisticated, allowing them to move in and out of legality as part of their cost–benefit calculations. In this article I argue that land trafficking is based on legalized corruption. I use an ethnographic approach to observe the strategic conduits that are technically embedded in, and opportunistically related to, different municipal processes to legalize illegality. I demonstrate how land traffickers use morphing possibilities between land tenure types (communal, private and government) and mimic development typologies that have gained legitimacy over time. I also show how conflicting, competing and humanitarian rationalities that characterize the state play a crucial role in promoting land trafficking, by grafting illegality and violations onto ‘formal’ practices.
Fibrous bands associated with higher Masaoka stage and poor recurrence‐free survival in patients with thymoma
Authors: Minami Kazuhiro , Jimbo Naoe , Tanaka Yugo , Uchida Takahiro , Okamoto Takeshi , Shimizu Nahoko , Doi Takefumi , Hokka Daisuke , Itoh Tomoo , Maniwa Yoshimasa 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundFibrous bands (FBs) are one of the histological features in tumors which can be confirmed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained slides. FBs have been reported to correlate with malignancy in various tumors. This study aimed to investigate whether the presence of FBs is associated with malignancy in thymoma.MethodsA total of 123 consecutive patients with thymoma who underwent microscopically complete resections from January 2000 to December 2018 were enrolled into this study. H&E‐stained slides of all thymoma patients were re‐examined. Study patients were classified into two groups: with FBs (n = 36) and without FBs (n = 87). Clinicopathological characteristics, overall survival (OS), and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were compared between the two groups. Furthermore, multivariate analyses were performed to identify whether the presence of FBs was associated with higher Masaoka stage and poor prognosis in patients with thymoma.ResultsThe Masaoka stage was found to be higher and recurrence more likely in thymoma patients with FBs than in those without. RFS was significantly poorer in thymoma patients with FBs than in those without, although no significant difference was observed in OS between them. The presence of FBs was significantly associated with higher Masaoka stage in the multivariate analysis using logistic regression. Additionally, the presence of FBs was an independent prognostic factor for poor RFS in multivariate analysis using Cox's proportional hazards model.ConclusionsThe presence of FBs in patients with thymoma was associated with higher Masaoka stage, higher recurrence rate, and poorer RFS.Key pointsSignificant findings of the studyFibrous bands (FBs) are bands of fibrosis dividing tumors into different‐sized irregular islands. The presence of FBs is associated with higher Masaoka stage and poor recurrence‐free survival in patients with thymoma.What this study addsThe presence of fibrous bands might be associated with the malignant behavior of thymoma. Confirming the presence or absence of FBs may result in personalized medication for patients with thymoma.
graph4lg: A package for constructing and analysing graphs for landscape genetics in R
Authors: Savary Paul , Foltête Jean‐Christophe , Moal Hervé , Vuidel Gilles , Garnier Stéphane 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

In landscape genetics, habitat connectivity and population genetic structure have been analysed using graph‐theoretic approaches to understand how landscape features influence demography (i.e. dispersal and population size).

Despite substantial advances in enhancing both genetic and landscape graph use, a software tool bringing together a large range of construction and analysis parameters for these two types of graphs was lacking in the landscape genetic toolbox. Moreover, although these two types of graphs appear complementary for answering landscape genetic questions, methods for comparing them have not been forthcoming.

We have developed an R package to improve and encourage the use of these graphs. It includes functions for converting and importing genetic data and for genetic distance computing. It also implements time‐efficient geodesic and cost‐distance calculations from spatial data. A large range of parameters can be used to create genetic and landscape graphs from these data, including several graph pruning methods. We made available to R users the command‐line facilitaties of Graphab software to easily model landscape graphs in R. The package functions perform preliminary analysis to adapt methodological choices to research questions. Landscape and genetic graphs created can be analysed with node‐level metrics as well as link‐level and modularity analyses. Users can compare and visualise these graphs and export them to shapefiles to facilitate interpretation and subsequent analyses.

graph4lg contributes to expanding landscape and genetic graph potential for analysing ecological connectivity while encouraging further investigations on methodological implications related to these tools.
Analytical models for β‐diversity and the power‐law scaling of β‐deviation
Authors: Xing Dingliang , He Fangliang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

β‐diversity is a primary biodiversity pattern for inferring community assembly. A randomized null model that generates a standardized β‐deviation has been widely used for this purpose. However, the null model has been much debated and its application is limited to abundance data.

Here we derive analytical models for β‐diversity to address the debate, clarify the interpretation and extend the application to occurrence data.

The analytical analyses show unambiguously that the standardized β‐deviation is a quantification of the effect size of non‐random spatial distribution of species on β‐diversity for a given species abundance distribution. It robustly scales with sampling effort following a power law with exponent of 0.5. This scaling relationship offers a simple method for comparing β‐diversity of communities of different sizes.

Assuming log‐series distribution for the metacommunity species abundance distribution, our model allows for calculation of the standardized β‐deviation using occurrence data plus a datum on the total abundance.

Our theoretical model justifies and generalizes the use of the β null model for inferring community assembly rules.
Assessment of knowledge and attitudes regarding organ donation among doctors and students of a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Seetharaman Rajmohan V. , Rane Jitesh R. , Dingre Niraj S. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractOrgan donation is a lifesaving treatment option for patients with end‐organ damage. However, many patients are unable to avail this option due to the low availability of viable organs for transplantation. The availability of donor organs can be improved by increasing awareness and resolving organ donation misconceptions among the general population. It can be assumed that healthcare workers are most aware of the value of organ donation. They are also in a position to influence the willingness of the general population to donate organs after death or sign up for an organ donor card. The knowledge and attitudes of current and future healthcare professionals regarding this subject have neither been evaluated nor considered a topic of priority in the existing Indian medical education program.ObjectivesTo evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of licensed medical doctors and undergraduate Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students and analyze differences between the two groups with respect to the above.MethodologyA total of 650 doctors and MBBS students from a Tertiary care hospital were included in the study and subjected to a questionnaire with 11 questions. Responses to the questionnaire were analyzed to evaluate knowledge and attitudes regarding organ donation. Statistical analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 24.Results and conclusionsAbout 29.9% of doctors and 49.8% of students knew about the law governing organ donation. The concept of brain death was entirely understood by only 31.7% of doctors and 14.7% of students. Only 16% of doctors and 3.2% of students had filled an organ donor card. About 40.9% of doctors and 51% of students favored the opt‐out system, as followed by western nations. Fear of illegal selling or purchase of organs was predominant in 61.9% of doctors and 52.2% of students. The current study reveals that the medical fraternity's knowledge and personal responsibility need improvements. However, the system also needs to be improved to win their trust.
Ex vivo assessment of erythrocyte tolerance to the HeartWare ventricular assist device operated in three discrete configurations
Authors: Kuck Lennart , Simmonds Michael J. , Chan Chris Hoi Houng , Pauls Jo P. , Tansley Geoff D. , Feldmann Friederike , McNamee Antony P. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDespite technological advances in ventricular assist devices (VADs) to treat end‐stage heart failure, hemocompatibility remains a constant concern, with supraphysiological shear stresses an unavoidable reality with clinical use. Given that impeller rotational speed is related to the instantaneous shear within the pump housing, it is plausible that the modulation of pump speed may regulate peak mechanical shear stresses and thus ameliorate blood damage. The present study investigated the hemocompatibility of the HeartWare HVAD in three configurations typical of clinical applications: standard systemic support left VAD (LVAD), pediatric support LVAD, and pulmonary support right VAD (RVAD) conditions. Two ex vivo mock circulation blood loops were constructed using explanted HVADs, in which pump speed and external loop resistance were manipulated to reflect the flow rates and differential pressures reported in configurations for standard adult LVAD (at 3150 rev⸱min−1), pediatric LVAD (at 2400 rev⸱min−1), and adult RVAD (at 1900 rev⸱min−1). Using bovine blood, the mock circulation blood loops were tested at 37°C over a period of 6 hours (consistent with ASTM F1841‐97) and compared with static control. Hemocompatibility assessments were conducted for each test condition, examining hematology, hemolysis (absolute and normalized index), osmotic fragility, and blood viscosity. Regardless of configuration, continuous exposure of blood to the VAD over the 6‐hour period significantly altered hematological and rheological blood parameters, and induced increased hemolysis when compared with a static control sample. Comparison of the three operational VAD configurations identified that the adult LVAD condition—associated with the highest pump speed, flow rate, and differential pressure across the pump—resulted in increased normalized hemolysis index (NIH; 0.07) when compared with the lower pump speed “off‐label” counterparts (NIH of 0.04 in pediatric LVAD and 0.01 in adult RVAD configurations). After normalizing blood residence times between configurations, pump speed was identified as the primary determinant of accumulated blood damage; plausibly, blood damage could be limited by restricting pump speed to the minimum required to support matched cardiac output, but not beyond.
Secondary data analysis of British population cohort studies: A practical guide for education researchers
Authors: Cave Sophie Nicole , von Stumm Sophie 
Published: November 2020

BackgroundBritain is rich in longitudinal population cohort studies that posit valuable data resources for social science. However, education researchers currently underutilize these resources.AimsThe current paper (1) outlines the power and benefits of secondary data analyses for educational science and (2) provides a practical guide for education researchers on the characteristics, data, and accessibility of British population cohort studies.MethodsWe identified eight British population cohort studies from the past 40 years that collected scholastic performance data during primary and secondary schooling, including (1) Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents And Children (ALSPAC), (2) Twins Early Development Study (TEDS), (3) Effective Pre‐School, Primary and Secondary Education Project (EPPSE), (4) Millennium Cohort Study (MCS), (5) Born in Bradford (BiB), (6) Next Steps (LYSPE1), (7) Understanding Society (US), and (8) Our Future (LYSPE2). Participants across these studies were born between 1989 and 2010, and followed up at least once and up to 68 times, over periods of 7 to 29 years. For each study, we summarize here the context and aims, review the assessed variables, and describe the process for accessing the data.ConclusionsWe hope this article will encourage and support education researchers to widely utilize existing population cohort studies to further advance education science in Britain and elsewhere.
Long‐term complications in uniformly treated paediatric Langerhans histiocytosis patients disclosed by 12 years of follow‐up of the JLSG‐96/02 studies
Authors: Sakamoto Kenichi , Morimoto Akira , Shioda Yoko , Imamura Toshihiko , Imashuku Shinsaku ,   the Japan LCH Study Group (JLSG)
Published: November 2020

SummaryLangerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare inflammatory myeloid neoplasia derived from immature myeloid dendritic cells with the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway gene mutation. LCH is rarely fatal, but patients develop various permanent consequences (PCs). We report the frequencies of LCH‐related PCs in paediatric patients (n = 317) treated by the JLSG‐96/02 AraC‐containing regimens. One‐third of LCH patients had at least one PC at a median follow‐up of 12 years. Central nervous system (CNS)‐related PCs (neurological and endocrinological) accounted for 21·5%, non‐CNS‐related 16·7%. We require novel therapeutic measures to further reduce the frequency of LCH‐related PCs.
Health information helps mitigate adolescent depression: A multivariate analysis of the links between health information use and depression management
Authors: Zhong Bu , Chen Juan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundDepression has brought a range of detrimental effects on adolescents. Despite the identified adverse outcomes, it is unclear what mechanisms contribute to the onset of adolescent depression. The limitation calls for innovative ways of managing the mental disorder, including embedding the methods and concepts from the humanities and social sciences into caring depressed teens. This study analyses how adolescents' health information use helps mitigate depressive symptoms.MethodsGuided by the information processing theories, this study proposes the health information processing model and uses it to analyse the impact of health information use on self‐management of depressive symptoms among Chinese urban adolescents aged 10–18. A total of 310 urban teens were recruited from elementary, middle and high schools in Changchun in North China. The data collection was part of a project conducted jointly by China's National Health Commission and the United Nations Children's Fund.ResultsChinese teens' health knowledge and health literacy helped alleviate depressive symptoms. More health knowledge and self‐efficacy predicted positive health behaviour changes, leading to better depression management. Older teens were more depressive and had more health knowledge than younger ones. Depressive symptoms were also associated with gender, school performance, family income and parents' education. Both parents' education levels significantly affected their children's depression, but in different ways. The more urban adolescents trusted health information from parents or teachers, the less they felt depressive, while the health information from peers did not have the same effect.ConclusionThe study indicates that health information use may represent a unique form of intervention that could help mitigate the mental health issues Chinese youth experience. The findings add new insights to the knowledge of adolescents' depression management and health decision‐making.
Fully Convolutional Graph Neural Networks for Parametric Virtual Try‐On
Authors: Vidaurre Raquel , Santesteban Igor , Garces Elena , Casas Dan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe present a learning‐based approach for virtual try‐on applications based on a fully convolutional graph neural network. In contrast to existing data‐driven models, which are trained for a specific garment or mesh topology, our fully convolutional model can cope with a large family of garments, represented as parametric predefined 2D panels with arbitrary mesh topology, including long dresses, shirts, and tight tops. Under the hood, our novel geometric deep learning approach learns to drape 3D garments by decoupling the three different sources of deformations that condition the fit of clothing: garment type, target body shape, and material. Specifically, we first learn a regressor that predicts the 3D drape of the input parametric garment when worn by a mean body shape. Then, after a mesh topology optimization step where we generate a sufficient level of detail for the input garment type, we further deform the mesh to reproduce deformations caused by the target body shape. Finally, we predict fine‐scale details such as wrinkles that depend mostly on the garment material. We qualitatively and quantitatively demonstrate that our fully convolutional approach outperforms existing methods in terms of generalization capabilities and memory requirements, and therefore it opens the door to more general learning‐based models for virtual try‐on applications.
Facial and hearing outcomes in transmastoid nerve decompression for Bell's palsy, with preservation of the ossicular chain
Authors: Inagaki Akira , Takahashi Mariko , Murakami Shingo 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesFacial nerve decompression is a salvage treatment for Bell's palsy patients for whom a poor prognosis is anticipated with standard medical treatment. The transmastoid approach is a frequently performed approach, but it remains unknown if this surgery is effective when the ossicular chain is preserved. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of facial nerve decompression using the transmastoid approach in Bell's palsy.Design, setting and participantsThis retrospective study included patients who had undergone transmastoid facial nerve decompression with ossicular chain preservation and patients who met the criteria for surgery, but received only medical treatment between January 2007 and May 2019, at a single centre.Main outcome measuresAttainment of House‐Brackmann grade I at 12 months after onset of facial palsy.ResultsThe recovery rate to House‐Brackmann grade I in the decompression group in the early phase (≤18 days after onset) was higher than that of the medical treatment group, although the difference was not significant (70% vs 47%, P = .160). However, within this early surgery group, a subgroup of cases with ≥95% facial nerve degeneration demonstrated a significant improvement in recovery rate (73% vs 30%, P = .018). Among surgeries performed in the late phase (≥19 days), only a subgroup with ≥95% facial nerve degeneration was available for analysis, and the difference in recovery rate was not significant compared with medical treatment alone (26% vs 30%, P = 1.00). Post‐surgical hearing evaluation demonstrated that average hearing deterioration was 1.3 dB which was non‐significant, suggesting this procedure does not cause hearing loss.ConclusionsTransmastoid facial nerve decompression with ossicular chain preservation in the early phase after symptom‐onset is an effective salvage treatment for severe Bell's palsy with ≥95% facial nerve degeneration.
Singing voice range profile: New objective evaluation methods for voice change after thyroidectomy
Authors: Seok Jungirl , Ryu Youn Mi , Jo Seong Ae , Lee Chang Yoon , Jung Yuh‐Seog , Ryu Junsun , Ryu Chang Hwan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundAfter surgery in the thyroid region, patients may present with phonation or singing difficulty, even within their vocal range. We designed a novel voice evaluation method that reflects subjective and objective voice complications of the surgery.MethodsThis tool recorded patients' voice ranges while singing, which was named the singing voice range profile (singing VRP). Patients were asked to sing “Happy Birthday,” which has a one‐octave scale, at a comfortable tone and intensity. The singing VRP, standard VRP and voice handicap index‐10 (VHI‐10) results were recorded before thyroidectomy and 1 and 3 months after thyroidectomy for 128 patients. For subgroup analysis, a group where the maximum F0 of standard VRP in 1 month postoperatively was lower than the highest singing F0 of the preoperative singing VRP was defined as “Collapsed group” and the other group was “Preserved group.”ResultsThe changes in the highest, lowest and range of singing fundamental frequency (F0) had decreased at 1 month postoperatively. Subsequently, they had improved significantly at 3 months postoperatively but were lower than those preoperatively (all P < .05, except for the change in the lowest singing F0 between 1 and 3 months postoperatively, P = .274). In the subgroup analysis, the singing range of the collapsed group (n = 65) showed significantly lower VHI‐10 scores, range of vocal F0 and singing F0 than those of the preserved group (n = 63) at 1 and 3 months postoperatively (all P < .001). At 3 months postoperatively, the singing F0 range in the preserved group had recovered to the range before surgery (13.0 ± 1.3 vs. 13.1 ± 1.4, P = .746 for the preserved group, and 13.0 ± 1.3 vs 11.5 ± 2.4, P < .001 for the collapsed group).ConclusionsParameters measured by singing VRP showed a trend similar to the change in VHI‐10 and the maximum F0 of standard VRP. In addition, singing VRP allowed a qualitative classification of the postoperative voice function when combined with standard VRP. Therefore, it can be used as a supplementary voice evaluation tool to reflect the physiologic and functional aspects of voice.