bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regime shifts in the effects of Japan’s unconventional monetary policies
Authors: Miyao Ryuzo , Okimoto Tatsuyoshi
Published: June 2020

Japan is the country with the longest history of implementing unconventional monetary policies, which were first introduced more than fifteen years ago and have been expanded several times since then. This study attempts to assess the overall macroeconomic effects of Japan's unconventional monetary policies based on a stylized block‐recursive vector autoregression with a smooth transition. The results suggest that expansionary unconventional monetary policy shocks have clear macroeconomic effects, leading to a persistent rise in real output and inflation. In addition, we demonstrate that these macroeconomic effects have become more persistent for output as well as stronger and more persistent for inflation in recent years, including in the quantitative and qualitative monetary easing period.
Seeking excess returns under a posted price mechanism: Evidence from a peer‐to‐peer lending market
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhang Wei , Li Yuelei , Yin Shuxing
Published: June 2020

This study examines the performance of a new online peer‐to‐peer (P2P) lending platform in China that relies on non‐expert individuals to screen for loans. Using the bank deposit rate as a benchmark, positive excess returns exist under the posted price mechanism, which indicates that P2P markets provide lenders with adequate profit opportunities to compensate for investment risks. Moreover, we find that loans with higher excess returns are more likely to be funded and are bid on more quickly than other loans. Finally, voluntarily disclosed soft information in the listing's description plays a significant moderating role in the lenders’ decision‐making process. Borrowers who promise to repay on time are more likely to be funded and to be funded faster, but those who claim economic hardship have a lower probability of being funded. Our results provide evidence that lenders have the ability to seek excess returns in P2P lending markets and highlight that aggregating the views of peers can improve the market efficiency.
Genomic evidence for gene flow between monarchs with divergent migratory phenotypes and flight performance
Authors: Talla Venkat , Pierce Amanda A. , Adams Kandis L. , de Man Tom J. B. , Nallu Sumitha , Villablanca Francis X. , Kronforst Marcus R. , de Roode Jacobus C.
Published: June 2020

Monarch butterflies are known for their spectacular annual migration in eastern North America, with millions of monarchs flying up to 4,500 km to overwintering sites in central Mexico. Monarchs also live west of the Rocky Mountains, where they travel shorter distances to overwinter along the Pacific Coast. It is often assumed that eastern and western monarchs form distinct evolutionary units, but genomic studies to support this notion are lacking. We used a tethered flight mill to show that migratory eastern monarchs have greater flight performance than western monarchs, consistent with their greater migratory distances. However, analysing more than 20 million SNPs in 43 monarch genomes, we found no evidence for genomic differentiation between eastern and western monarchs. Genomic analysis also showed identical and low levels of genetic diversity, and demographic analyses indicated similar effective population sizes and ongoing gene flow between eastern and western monarchs. Gene expression analysis of a subset of candidate genes during active flight revealed differential gene expression related to nonmuscular motor activity. Our results demonstrate that eastern and western monarchs maintain migratory differences despite ongoing gene flow, and suggest that migratory differences between eastern and western monarchs are not driven by select major‐effects alleles. Instead, variation in migratory distance and destination may be driven by environmentally induced differential gene expression or by many alleles of small effect.
An unusual treatment of coronary injury following radiofrequency ablation in a 5‐year‐old child: Systemic steroid usage
Authors: Yildiz Mustafa , Kahraman Serkan , Kafali Hasan Candas , Surgit Ozgur , Ergul Yakup
Published: June 2020

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) procedure is performed for many tachyarrhythmias. We performed successful RFCA in a 5‐year‐old child for supraventricular tachyarrhythmia and Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome. Acute circumflex artery (CxA) occlusion occurred due to RFCA. After percutaneous balloon angioplasty was performed into the CxA, the patient was treated with systemic steroid to resolve myocardial edema. To the best of our knowledge, systemic steroid was used first time for acute coronary artery injury related myocardial ischemia.
Biomechanical properties of the jaws of two species of Clevosaurus and a reanalysis of rhynchocephalian dentary morphospace
Authors: Chambi‐Trowell Sofia A. V. , Whiteside David I. , Benton Michael J. , Rayfield Emily J.
Published: June 2020

Rhynchocephalians were a successful, globally distributed group of diapsid reptiles that thrived in the Mesozoic. Multiple species of Clevosaurus existed worldwide in the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic, characterized by shearing bladelike teeth perhaps functionally analogous to the carnassial teeth of mammals. Morphometric analysis shows that the dentary morphospace of clevosaurs differs significantly from that of other rhynchocephalians. Five Clevosaurus species occupied islands in the Bristol Channel archipelago of the UK, but generally not those occupied by mammaliaforms, suggesting dietary character displacement. Identifying the diet of such ancient, small tetrapods has been difficult. To identify the nature of their feeding mechanics and ecology, we apply finite element analysis to two near complete three‐dimensional skulls of the species Clevosaurus hudsoni and Clevosaurus cambrica to estimate bite force, resistance to bending and torsion and the distribution of stresses in the jaws during biting. Both species had bite forces and tooth pressures sufficient to break apart chitin indicating that, like early Mesozoic mammaliaforms, clevosaurs could feed on tough‐shelled beetles and possibly small vertebrates. In addition, the mechanical advantage of the jaws falls within the range of early mammaliaforms, so though we cannot demonstrate niche partitioning between members of the two clades, it raises the prospect that they may have been functionally similar.
Phytochrome interacting factors 4 and 5 regulate axillary branching via bud abscisic acid and stem auxin signalling
Authors: Holalu Srinidhi V. , Reddy Srirama K. , Blackman Benjamin K. , Finlayson Scott A.
Published: June 2020

The ratio of red light to far‐red light (R:FR) is perceived by phytochrome B (phyB) and informs plants of nearby competition. A low R:FR indicative of competition induces the shade avoidance syndrome and suppresses branching by incompletely understood mechanisms. Phytochrome interacting factors (PIFs) are transcription factors targeted by phytochromes to evoke photomorphogenic responses. PIF4 and PIF5 promote shade avoidance responses and become inactivated by direct interaction with active phyB in the nucleus. Here, genetic and physiological assays show that PIF4 and PIF5 contribute to the suppression of branching resulting from phyB loss of function and a low R:FR, although roles for other PIFs or pathways may exist. The suppression of branching is associated with PIF4/PIF5 promotion of the expression of the branching inhibitor BRANCHED 1 and abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation in axillary buds and is dependent on the function of the key ABA biosynthetic enzyme Nine‐cis‐epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase 3. However, PIF4/PIF5 function is not confined to a single hormonal pathway, as they also promote stem indole‐3‐acetic acid accumulation and stimulate systemic auxin signalling, which contribute to the suppression of bud growth when phyB is inactive.
Albinism in plants – far beyond the loss of chlorophyll: Structural and physiological aspects of wild‐type and albino royal poinciana (Delonix regia) seedlings
Authors: Silva L. A. S. , Sampaio V. F. , Barbosa L. C. S. , Machado M. , Flores‐Borges D. N. A. , Sales J. F. , de Oliveira D. C. , Mayer J. L. S. , Kuster V. C. , Rocha D. I.
Published: June 2020

The partial or complete loss of chlorophylls, or albinism, is a rare phenomenon in plants. In the present study, we provide the first report of the occurrence in albino Delonix regia seedlings and describe the morpho‐physiological changes associated with albinism.

Wild‐type (WT) and albino seedlings were characterized. Leaflets samples were processed following common procedures for analysis with light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters and the carbohydrate, lipid and soluble protein content were also determined in leaf and cotyledon samples of both albino and WT seedlings.

Albino seedlings showed reduced growth. They also had lower chlorophyll and protein content in foliar tissues than WT seedlings, in addition to lower concentrations of lipids and carbohydrates stored in cotyledons. The chloroplasts of albino seedlings were poorly developed, with an undefined internal membrane system and the presence of plastoglobules. Wild‐type seedlings had a uniseriate and hypoestomatic epidermis. The mesophyll was dorsiventral, consisting of a layer of palisade parenchyma and two to four layers of spongy parenchyma. In albino seedlings, the spongy parenchyma was compact, with few intercellular spaces, and the thickness of the mesophyll was larger, resulting in increased thickness of the leaf blade. Albino seedlings had higher stomatal density and number of pavement cells, although the stomata had smaller dimensions.

In addition to the partial loss of chlorophylls, albino D. regia showed changes at physiological and structural levels, demonstrating the crucial nature of photosynthetic pigments during the development and differentiation of plant leaf tissues/cells.
The big push to a knowledge‐based economy with intellectual property rights protection
Authors: Uchida Hideaki
Published: June 2020

This study examines the reasons some developing countries would not enforce intellectual property rights (IPR) protection. In a country with low IPR protection, firms have much incentives to imitate better technology. Therefore, the enforcement of IPR protection is necessary to prohibit imitation. However, given a state in which many agents are imitating technologies, it is difficult to enforce IPR protection because these agents have no incentives to protect IPR. Considering such a situation, we investigate the interaction between IPR institutions and technology choice. Furthermore, we discuss policy issues to achieve IPR protection.
Consequences of maternal psychological stress during pregnancy for the risk of asthma in the offspring
Authors: Al‐Hussainy Amin , Mohammed Raihan
Published: June 2020

Asthma is a common lung condition that makes breathing difficult through the inflammation and constriction of the lung airways. Epidemiological evidence supports the presence of a positive association between prenatal maternal psychological stress (PMPS) and asthma in the offspring, suggesting the disease may have developmental origins. T‐helper 2 (Th2) cells are a major subtype of T‐helper cells, producing Th2 cytokines, which may be the main drivers of asthma symptoms. A Th2 dominant blood cytokine profile may therefore indicate an increased risk of asthma, as studies have shown a link between PMPS and a T‐helper 2 (Th2) cytokine profile in offspring. The mechanism by which PMPS may cause Th2 cytokine dominance in the offspring is unclear. Epigenetic modifications in utero can lead to long‐lasting effects that persist postnatally and have therefore been implicated in this relationship. Increased maternal blood cortisol levels due to PMPS may increase transfer of cortisol to the foetus, where the temporarily increased levels may induce changes in the epigenome. Evidence from animal studies suggests that genes controlling cytokine production in T cells can be epigenetically modified in a way that increases Th2 cytokine production. Other evidence suggests that methylation of the NR3C1 gene decreases hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor expression, leading to decreased negative regulation of the hypothalamus‐pituitary‐adrenal axis. This can increase cortisol production which has been shown to increase Th2 cytokine production. Therefore, the link between PMPS and a Th2 offspring cytokine profile, mediated through epigenetic changes, may explain the positive relationship between PMPS and asthma in the offspring.
Reframing the whistleblower in research: Truth‐tellers as whistleblowers in changing cultural contexts
Authors: Bushnell Alexis Marin
Published: June 2020

Whistleblowing is fraught with conceptual dilemmas, including those who may be considered whistleblowers and fundamental concepts associated with the term. Whistleblowing is a dynamic concept, set within and deeply related to culture, yet scholarship has focused primarily on whistleblowing and its ramifications within management and organizational settings, as opposed to engaging with the wrong‐doing disclosed and conceptualizing how we assign meaning to whistleblowers/ing in changing landscapes of societal values and cultural institutions. To grasp the cultural sociological understanding of what constitutes whistleblowing, these themes and how they are shaped need to be drawn out in scholarship. Thus, the purpose of this review is to determine through which disciplines, lenses and discourse whistleblowing has been developed in academia and to identify gaps in disciplines and methods, highlighting how these affect our broader understanding of whistleblowing. This review article offers preliminary insight into how people engage in meaning‐making connected with terms such as whistleblowing, abuse and corruption through the lens of the #MeToo movement. The article encourages further research in disciplines such as sociology, political theory, human rights, socio‐legal studies and particularly, within cultural sociology.
Comparing the log‐response curve and adsorption isotherm model for removing dissolved organic matter during La Nina event
Authors: Murshed Mohamad Fared , Mohammadpour Reza , Chow Christopher
Published: June 2020

Coagulation is the most commonly used chemical treatment process that is used to remove contaminants from drinking water. In this study, the Log‐Dose‐Response (LDR) model and theoretical isotherm models (Langmuir and Freundlich) were employed to predict the DOC removal in the coagulation process during La Nina events. The six months water samples were collected during an intense La Niña cycle at various locations along the River Murray and elsewhere in South Australia. The Jar testing was conducted with different Alum dose and pH levels, that is, at 5.5, 6.0 and 7.0. The result indicates that the optimum dose of Alum for DOC removal is 15.0 mg/L and the LDR model is the best one for predicting the DOC removal in the coagulation process. The mean of standard error for this model is less than 5% for all pHs compared to Langmuir and Freundlich predictions with a value of 11% and 8%, respectively. Moreover, the standard deviation for the LDR model was low at 2.49, 1.22 and 0.75 for pH 5.5, pH 6.0 and pH 7.0, respectively.
Pilot Pipe and Damping Orifice Arrangements Analysis of a Pilot-Control Globe Valve
Authors: Qian Jin-yuan , Wu Jia-yi , Gao Zhi-xin , Jin Zhi-jiang
Published: June 2020

Compared to conventional globe valves, the pilot-control globe valve (PCGV) possesses advantages of lower energy consumption and higher space utilization. In order to analyze the effects of pilot pipe and damping orifice arrangements, this work proposes four PCGVs and conducts simulations to compare their overall performances, overall flow characteristics, and local flow characteristics around the valve core. In general, the arrangement of the pilot pipe has larger effects on the hydroperformances of PCGVs than the arrangement of the damping orifice. The pipe-parallel-mounted type PCGV performs better in hydroperformance than the pipe-perpendicular-mounted type PCGV, and thus is recommended in practice. As the specified valve core travel increases, the flow resistance of PCGVs decreases and the flow capacity of PCGVs increases. However, overlarge specified valve core travel has little effects on the flow resistance and flow capacity of PCGVs. Besides, the increased specified valve core travel could effectively reduce the wear induced by the uneven pressure distribution on the external lateral face of valve core, but it has little effect on the wear induced by the uneven pressure distribution on the bottom face. For all pipe-perpendicular-mounted type PCGVs, the variation of axial force imposed on the valve core relative to the specific valve core travel presents similar tendencies under different incoming flow velocity within the scope of the investigation, which could be concluded into a fitting equation. This work could be referred for the optimization of PCGVs and other similar valves.
High-throughput dynamic BH3 profiling may quickly and accurately predict effective therapies in solid tumors
Authors: Bhola Patrick D. , Ahmed Eman , Guerriero Jennifer L. , Sicinska Ewa , Su Emily , Lavrova Elizaveta , Ni Jing , Chipashvili Otari , Hagan Timothy , Pioso Marissa S. , McQueeney Kelley , Ng Kimmie , Aguirre Andrew J. , Cleary James M. , Cocozziello David , Sotayo Alaba , Ryan Jeremy , Zhao Jean J. , Letai Anthony
Published: June 2020

Effective treatments might be identified by rapidly profiling drug sensitivities in patient biopsies from solid tumors.
Crystal structure of the hinge domain of Smchd1 reveals its dimerization mode and nucleic acid–binding residues
Authors: Chen Kelan , Birkinshaw Richard W. , Gurzau Alexandra D. , Wanigasuriya Iromi , Wang Ruoyun , Iminitoff Megan , Sandow Jarrod J. , Young Samuel N. , Hennessy Patrick J. , Willson Tracy A. , Heckmann Denise A. , Webb Andrew I. , Blewitt Marnie E. , Czabotar Peter E. , Murphy James M.
Published: June 2020

Solving the structure of the hinge domain of an epigenetic regulator highlights residues involved in dimerization and function.
Understanding implementation success: protocol for an in-depth, mixed-methods process evaluation of a cluster randomised controlled trial testing methods to improve detection of Lynch syndrome in Australian hospitals
Authors: Morrow April , Tucker Katherine M , Shaw Tim J , Parkinson Bonny , Abraham Charles , Wolfenden Luke , Taylor Natalie
Published: June 2020

Introduction

In multisite intervention trials, implementation success often varies widely across settings. Process evaluations are crucial to interpreting trial outcomes and understanding contextual factors and causal chains necessary for successful implementation. Lynch syndrome is a hereditary cancer predisposition conferring an increased risk of colorectal, endometrial and other cancer types. Despite systematic screening protocols to identify Lynch syndrome, the condition remains largely underdiagnosed. The Hide and Seek Project (‘HaSP’) is a cluster randomised controlled trial determining the effectiveness of two approaches to improving Lynch syndrome detection at eight Australian hospital networks. To enhance widespread implementation of optimal Lynch syndrome identification, there is a need to understand not only what works, but also why, in what contexts, and at what costs. Here we describe an in-depth investigation of factors influencing successful implementation of procedures evaluated in the HaSP trial.

Methods and analysis

A mixed-methods, theory-driven process evaluation will be undertaken in parallel to the HaSP trial. Data will include: interviews of Implementation Leads and Lynch syndrome stakeholders, pre–post implementation questionnaires, audio analysis of meetings and focus groups, observation of multidisciplinary team meetings, fidelity checklists and project log analysis. Results will be triangulated and coded, drawing on the Theoretical Domains Framework, Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and Proctor’s implementation outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

Use of a theory-based process evaluation will enhance interpretation and generalisability of HaSP trial findings, and contribute to the implementation research field by furthering understanding of the conditions necessary for implementation success. Ethical approval has been granted and results will be disseminated via publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations. At trial completion, key findings will be fed back to sites to enable refinement of intervention strategies, both in the context of Lynch syndrome and for the possible generalisability of intervention components in other genetic and broader clinical specialties.

HaSP trial registration number

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (Identifier: ACTRN12618001072202). Registered 27 June 2018. http://www.ANZCTR.org.au/ACTRN12618001072202.aspx.
Effectiveness of breathing exercises, foot reflexology and back massage (BRM) on labour pain, anxiety, duration, satisfaction, stress hormones and newborn outcomes among primigravidae during the first stage of labour in Saudi Arabia: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Baljon Kamilya Jamel , Romli Muhammad Hibatullah , Ismail Adibah Hanim , Khuan Lee , Chew Boon How
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Labour pain is among the severest pains primigravidae may experience during pregnancy. Failure to address labour pain and anxiety may lead to abnormal labour. Despite the many complementary non-pharmacological approaches to coping with labour pain, the quality of evidence is low and best approaches are not established. This study protocol describes a proposed investigation of the effects of a combination of breathing exercises, foot reflexology and back massage (BRM) on the labour experiences of primigravidae.

Methods and analysis

This randomised controlled trial will involve an intervention group receiving BRM and standard labour care, and a control group receiving only standard labour care. Primigravidae of 26–34 weeks of gestation without chronic diseases or pregnancy-related complications will be recruited from antenatal clinics. Eligible and consenting patients will be randomly allocated to the intervention or the control group stratified by intramuscular pethidine use. The BRM intervention will be delivered by a trained massage therapist. The primary outcomes of labour pain and anxiety will be measured during and after uterine contractions at baseline (cervical dilatation 6 cm) and post BRM hourly for 2 hours. The secondary outcomes include maternal stress hormone (adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol and oxytocin) levels, maternal vital signs (V/S), fetal heart rate, labour duration, Apgar scores and maternal satisfaction. The sample size is estimated based on the between-group difference of 0.6 in anxiety scores, 95% power and 5% α error, which yields a required sample size of 154 (77 in each group) accounting for a 20% attrition rate. The between-group and within-group outcome measures will be examined with mixed-effect regression models, time series analyses and paired t-test or equivalent non-parametric tests, respectively.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethical Committee for Research Involving Human Subjects of the Ministry of Health in the Saudi Arabia (H-02-K-076-0319-109) on 14 April 2019, and from the Ethics Committee for Research Involving Human Subjects (JKEUPM) Universiti Putra Malaysia on 23 October 2019, reference number: JKEUPM-2019–169. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Results from this trial will be presented at regional, national and international conferences and published in indexed journals.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN87414969, registered 3 May 2019.
Has the UK living kidney donor population changed over time? A cross-sectional descriptive analysis of the UK living donor registry between 2006 and 2017
Authors: Bailey Phillippa K , Wong Katie , Robb Matthew , Burnapp Lisa , Rogers Alistair , Courtney Aisling , Wroe Caroline
Published: June 2020

Background

A living-donor kidney transplant is the best treatment for most people with kidney failure. Population cohort studies have shown that lifetime living kidney donor risk is modified by sex, age, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), comorbidity and relationship to the recipient.

Objectives

We investigated whether the UK population of living kidney donors has changed over time, investigating changes in donor demographics.

Design

We undertook a cross-sectional analysis of the UK living kidney donor registry between January 2006 to December 2017. Data were available on living donor sex, age, ethnicity, BMI, hypertension and relationship to recipient.

Setting

UK living donor registry.

Participants

11 651 consecutive living kidney donors from January 2006 to December 2017.

Outcome measures

Living kidney donor demographic characteristics (sex, age, ethnicity, BMI and relationship to the transplant recipient) were compared across years of donation activity. Donor characteristics were also compared across different ethnic groups.

Results

Over the study period, the mean age of donors increased (from 45.8 to 48.7 years, p<0.001), but this change appears to have been limited to the White population of donors. Black donors were younger than White donors, and a greater proportion were siblings of their intended recipient and male. The proportion of non-genetically related non-partner donations increased over the 12-year period of analysis (p value for linear trend=0.002).

Conclusions

The increasing age of white living kidney donors in the UK has implications for recipient and donor outcomes. Despite an increase in the number of black, Asian and minority ethnic individuals waitlisted for a kidney transplant, there has been no increase in the ethnic diversity of UK living kidney donors. Black donors in the UK may be at a much greater risk of developing kidney failure due to accumulated risks: whether these risks are being communicated needs to be investigated.
Anticipatory prescribing in community end-of-life care in the UK and Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic: online survey
Authors: Antunes Bárbara , Bowers Ben , Winterburn Isaac , Kelly Michael P , Brodrick Robert , Pollock Kristian , Majumder Megha , Spathis Anna , Lawrie Iain , George Rob , Ryan Richella , Barclay Stephen
Published: June 2020

Background

Anticipatory prescribing (AP) of injectable medications in advance of clinical need is established practice in community end-of-life care. Changes to prescribing guidelines and practice have been reported during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aims and objectives

To investigate UK and Ireland clinicians’ experiences concerning changes in AP during the COVID-19 pandemic and their recommendations for change.

Methods

Online survey of participants at previous AP national workshops, members of the Association for Palliative Medicine of Great Britain and Ireland and other professional organisations, with snowball sampling.

Results

Two hundred and sixty-one replies were received between 9 and 19 April 2020 from clinicians in community, hospice and hospital settings across all areas of the UK and Ireland. Changes to AP local guidance and practice were reported: route of administration (47%), drugs prescribed (38%), total quantities prescribed (35%), doses and ranges (29%). Concerns over shortages of nurses and doctors to administer subcutaneous injections led 37% to consider drug administration by family or social caregivers, often by buccal, sublingual and transdermal routes. Clinical contact and patient assessment were more often remote via telephone or video (63%). Recommendations for regulatory changes to permit drug repurposing and easier community access were made.

Conclusions

The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic for UK community palliative care has stimulated rapid innovation in AP. The extent to which these are implemented and their clinical efficacy need further examination.
Organisational changes and challenges for inflammatory bowel disease services in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kennedy Nicholas A , Hansen Richard , Younge Lisa , Mawdsley Joel , Beattie R Mark , Din Shahida , Lamb Christopher A , Smith Philip J , Selinger Christian , Limdi Jimmy , Iqbal Tariq H , Lobo Alan , Cooney Rachel , Brain Oliver , Gaya Daniel R , Murray Charles , Pollok Richard , Kent Alexandra , Raine Tim , Bhala Neeraj , Lindsay James O , Irving Peter M , Lees Charlie W , Sebastian Shaji
Published: June 2020

Objective

To determine the challenges in diagnosis, monitoring, support provision in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and explore the adaptations of IBD services.

Methods

Internet-based survey by invitation of IBD services across the UK from 8 to 14 April 2020.

Results

Respondents from 125 IBD services completed the survey. The number of whole-time equivalent gastroenterologists and IBD nurses providing elective outpatient care decreased significantly between baseline (median 4, IQR 4–7.5 and median 3, IQR 2–4) to the point of survey (median 2, IQR 1–4.8 and median 2, IQR 1–3) in the 6-week period following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (p<0.001 for both comparisons). Almost all (94%; 112/119) services reported an increase in IBD helpline activity. Face-to-face clinics were substituted for telephone consultation by 86% and video consultation by 11% of services. A variation in the provision of laboratory faecal calprotectin testing was noted with 27% of services reporting no access to faecal calprotectin, and a further 32% reduced access. There was also significant curtailment of IBD-specific endoscopy and elective surgery.

Conclusions

IBD services in the UK have implemented several adaptive strategies in order to continue to provide safe and high-quality care for patients. National Health Service organisations will need to consider the impact of these changes in current service delivery models and staffing levels when planning exit strategies for post-pandemic IBD care. Careful planning to manage the increased workload and to maintain IBD services is essential to ensure patient safety.
Very early-life exposure to microbiota-induced TNF drives the maturation of
neonatal pre-cDC1
Authors: Köhler Arnaud , Delbauve Sandrine , Smout Justine , Torres David , Flamand Véronique
Published: June 2020

Objective

Induction of immune protection against pathogens is particularly crucial during
the neonatal period dominated by anti-inflammatory and tolerance immunity. The
preclinical study was carried out to determine whether environmental factors such as
microbiota may influence early life immunity by impacting the development and the
functional maturation of precursors of type 1 conventional dendritic cells (pre-cDC1),
endowed with regulatory properties.

Design

Pre-cDC1 phenotype and cytokine expression in the spleen of neonates from
antibiotic-treated mothers were established. The role of myeloid-derived tumour
necrosis factor (TNF) was tested in vitro and in vivo. RNA sequencing analysis on
neonatal sorted pre-cDC1 was performed. The early life protective
CD8+ T-cell response against Listeria
monocytogenes was monitored.

Results

We observed that first exposure to microbiota promotes TNF secretion by
monocytes and macrophages shortly after birth. We demonstrated that this
myeloid-derived inflammatory cytokine is crucial to induce the maturation of these
neonatal regulatory pre-cDC1. Myeloid TNF signalling acts on C1q and β-catenin pathway
and modifies the fatty acid metabolism in neonatal pre-cDC1. Furthermore, we showed
that during neonatal L. monocytogenes infection,
microbiota-associated myeloid TNF promotes the capacity of these pre-cDC1 to induce
protective CD8+ T-cell responses, by modulating their ability to
secrete interleukin-10 (IL-10) and IL-12p40.

Conclusion

Our findings emphasise the role of microbiota-derived TNF to kick-start the
differentiation and the functional maturation of the neonatal splenic pre-cDC1
compartment. They bring a better understanding of potential mechanisms underlying some
microbiota-linked immune dysfunction in early life.
Shame-to-cynicism conversion inThe CitadelandThe House of God
Authors: Rose Arthur
Published: June 2020

This article considers the dynamics of shame and cynicism in A J Cronin’sThe Citadel(1937) and Samuel Shem’sThe House of God(1978). The protagonists of both novels are forced into shameful situations. Their response to these situations is increased cynicism. This results in a feedback loop: cynicism begets shame, which, in turn, causes more cynicism. Drawing on Bonnie Mann’s work on shame-to-power conversion, the article suggests that the novels stage a shame-to-cynicism conversion, which anticipates possible links between cynicism and shame in medical education. The overwhelming success of both novels in shaping the popular imaginary of healthcare professionals means that this dynamic, far from being isolated to the novels, might speak to shared concerns in the education scholarship.
Aneurysms of the communicating segment of the internal carotid artery with posterior communicating artery agenesis are associated with perforator infarction after embolization
Authors: Simonato Davide , Gargalas Sergios , Cox Pete J , Young Victoria , Corkill Rufus , Kuker Wilhelm , Fuschi Maurizio , Houdart Emmanuel , Labeyrie Marc-Antoine
Published: June 2020

Background

While anatomic features associated with the risk of posterior communicating artery (PcoA) occlusion after embolization of aneurysms of the PcoA segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) are well known, the link between perforator origin and perforator infarction has only been reported following neurosurgical clipping. The aim of this study was to determine the origin of anterior thalamic perforators and correlate it with risk of perforator infarction after embolization of PcoA segment aneurysms.

Methods

One-hundred-and-ninety consecutive patients treated for PcoA segment aneurysms between 2017 and 2019 were included. PcoA and anterior thalamic perforator origin anatomy was assessed with computed tomography (CT) angiography, digital subtracted angiography, and high-resolution three-dimensional rotational cone-beam CT angiography (CBCT-A) by two independent interventional neuroradiologists. The presence of perforator infarction after embolization was ascertained from the patient’s notes and follow-up imaging.

Results

CBCT-A was superior in demonstrating the origin of perforators (P<0.001). The prevalence of perforator origin was estimated at 86% (95% CI 81%–92%) for PcoA, 8% (95% CI 4%–13%) for aneurysm wall, and 5% (95% CI 2%–9%) for ICA. The aneurysm wall origin was exclusively associated with PcoA agenesis, as well as higher risk of perforator infarction after aneurysm coiling compared with other variants (OR=14, 95% CI 2–88, P=0.006).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that anterior thalamic perforators may arise from aneurysm wall when there is no PcoA. Anatomic association between PcoA agenesis and perforator arising from ICA could underlie such findings, and careful consideration is essential before aneurysm repair to anticipate the risk of thalamic infarction in such cases.
First clinical multicenter experience with the new Scepter Mini microballoon catheter
Authors: Vollherbst Dominik F , Chapot René , Wallocha Marta , Saatci Isil , Cekirge Saruhan , Rouchaud Aymeric , Mounayer Charbel , Kocer Naci , Kizilkilic Osman , Sourour Nader A , Shotar Eimad , Psychogios Marios N , Brehm Alex , Bendszus Martin , Möhlenbruch Markus A
Published: June 2020

Background

Balloon-assisted techniques can improve the endovascular treatment of cerebrospinal vascular malformations. The aim of this study was to report the first clinical multicenter experience with the new Scepter Mini dual-lumen microballoon catheter.

Methods

Patients with cerebral or spinal vascular malformations treated with the Scepter Mini at seven European neurovascular centers were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data, angiographic features of the vascular malformations, procedural parameters including the type of application, navigability, technical failures, complications and embolization success were assessed.

Results

The usage of 34 Scepter Mini microballoon catheters in 20 patients was analyzed. Most treated malformations (80.0%) were cerebral arteriovenous malformations. Four different applications were reported: embolization via Scepter Mini (n=23, 67.6%), balloon-occlusion with simultaneous embolization via a second microcatheter (n=3, 8.8%), diagnostic angiography with simultaneous balloon-inflation for flow arrest (n=4, 11.8%), and navigation support (n=4, 11.8%). The mean diameter of the blood vessels in which the Scepter Mini was inflated was 1.9±0.5 mm. The navigability of the Scepter Mini was rated as ‘easy’ or ‘very easy’ in 88.2% of cases. Complete occlusion of the malformation was achieved in 60.9% of cases. Technical failures occurred in 4/23 embolization procedures, and all were related to insufficient stability of the balloon within the vessel. No complications related to the Scepter Mini were observed, while unrelated complications occurred in three patients (15.0%).

Conclusions

The Scepter Mini is a promising new device for balloon-assisted embolization of cerebrospinal vascular malformations via small feeders. Beyond embolization, the Scepter Mini can also be used for other applications, such as superselective flow arrest and navigation support.
Endovascular sacrifice of the proximal posterior inferior cerebellar artery for treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Malcolm James G , Grossberg Jonathan A , Laxpati Nealen G , Alawieh Ali , Tong Frank C , Cawley C Michael , Howard Brian M
Published: June 2020

Background

Ruptured aneurysms of the intracranial vertebral artery (VA) or posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) are challenging to treat as they are often dissecting aneurysms necessitating direct sacrifice of the diseased segment, which is thought to carry high morbidity due to brainstem and cerebellar stroke. However, relatively few studies evaluating outcomes following VA or proximal PICA sacrifice exist. We sought to determine the efficacy and outcomes of endovascular VA/PICA sacrifice.

Methods

A retrospective series of ruptured VA/PICA aneurysms treated by endovascular sacrifice of the VA (including the PICA origin) or proximal PICA is reviewed. Collected data included demographic, radiologic, clinical, and disability information.

Results

Twenty-one patients were identified. Median age was 57 years (IQR 11); 15 were female. The Hunt and Hess grade was mostly 3 and 4 (18/21). Seven cases (33%) involved VA-V4 at the PICA take-off, and 14 cases (67%) involved the PICA exclusively. For VA pathology, V4 was sacrificed in all cases, while for PICA pathology, sacrificed segments included anterior medullary (4/14), lateral medullary (7/14), and tonsillomedullary (3/14) segments. Four patients went to hospice (19%). Twelve patients (57%) had evidence of stroke on follow-up imaging: cerebellar (8), medullary (1), and both (3). One patient required suboccipital decompression for brainstem compression. No aneurysm re-rupture occurred. Median discharge modified Rankin Scale score was 2.0 (IQR 2), which decreased to 1.0 (IQR 1) at median follow-up of 6.5 months (IQR 23).

Conclusions

Endovascular sacrifice of V4 or PICA aneurysms may carry less morbidity than previously thought, and is a viable alternative for poor surgical candidates or those with good collateral perfusion.
AC magnetoresistance and its frequency-dependence of Fe-doped Bi2Se3 topological insulator
Authors: Liu Qiya , Zhao Ke , Yang Xinsheng , Zhao Yong
Published: June 2020

Bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) is one of the most important base materials in the study of topological insulators. Doping with iron is a direct method to manipulate the magnetic order in Bi2Se3. In this paper, we first report the measurements of magnetoresistance of Fe-doped Bi2Se3 with alternating current. Unlike the DC magnetoresistance, skin effect plays an important role in AC magnetoresistance. Another interesting finding is that resonance occurs at a certain frequency, which implies an internal relaxation mechanism. The relations between resistance, magnetic field and current frequency are discussed.
A phase-field-based graded-material topology optimization with stress constraint
Authors: Auricchio Ferdinando , Bonetti Elena , Carraturo Massimo , Hömberg Dietmar , Reali Alessandro , Rocca Elisabetta
Published: June 2020

In this paper, a phase-field approach for structural topology optimization for a 3D-printing process which includes stress constraints and potentially multiple materials or multiscales is analyzed. First-order necessary optimality conditions are rigorously derived and a numerical algorithm which implements the method is presented. A sensitivity study with respect to some parameters is conducted for a two-dimensional cantilever beam problem. Finally, a possible workflow to obtain a 3D-printed object from the numerical solutions is described and the final structure is printed using a fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer.
Charged accelerating AdS black hole of f(R) gravity and the Joule–Thomson expansion
Authors: Rostami M. , Sadeghi J. , Miraboutalebi S. , Masoudi A. A. , Pourhassan B.
Published: June 2020

In this paper, the thermodynamical properties and the phase transitions of the charged accelerating anti-de Sitter (AdS) black holes are investigated in the framework of the [Formula: see text] gravity. By studying the conditions for the phase transitions, it has been shown that the [Formula: see text] criticality and the van der Waals like phase transitions can be achieved for [Formula: see text]. The Joule–Thomson expansion effects are also examined for the charged accelerating AdS black holes of the [Formula: see text] gravity. Here, we derive the inversion temperatures as well as the inversion curves. Then, we determine the position of the reverse point for different values of mass [Formula: see text] and parameter [Formula: see text] for the corresponding black hole. At this point, the Joule–Thompson coefficient is zero. So, in such case, we can say that such point is very important for the finding of cooling–heating regions. Finally, we calculate the ratio of minimum inversion temperature and critical temperature for such black hole.
Polynomial analogues of restricted multicolor b-ary partition functions
Authors: Dilcher Karl , Ericksen Larry
Published: June 2020

Given an integer base [Formula: see text], a number [Formula: see text] of colors, and a finite sequence [Formula: see text] of positive integers, we introduce the concept of a [Formula: see text]-restricted [Formula: see text]-colored [Formula: see text]-ary partition of an integer [Formula: see text]. We also define a sequence of polynomials in [Formula: see text] variables, and prove that the [Formula: see text]th polynomial characterizes all [Formula: see text]-restricted [Formula: see text]-colored [Formula: see text]-ary partitions of [Formula: see text]. In the process, we define a recurrence relation for the polynomials in question, obtain explicit formulas, and identify a factorization theorem.
Chapter 8 Palaeobiogeography of New Caledonia
Authors: Maurizot P. , Campbell H. J.
Published: June 2020

New Caledonia is known as a global biodiversity hotspot. Like most Pacific islands, its modern biota is characterized by high levels of endemism and is notably lacking in some functional groups of biota. This is the result of its distinctive palaeobiogeographical history, which can be described in terms of three major episodes relating to Gondwana, Zealandia and New Caledonia. The geological record, the fossil record and the modern biota of the archipelago are all reviewed here. The geological record shows that the main island, Grande Terre, was submerged between 75 and 60 Ma. There is a 9 myr interval without any geological record between 34 and 25 Ma, immediately after the obduction of the Peridotite Nappe. Grande Terre may or may not have been submerged during this 9 myr interval. The ages given by molecular biology, independent of any geological calibration points, form a continuous spectrum from 60 Ma up to the present day. The derived lineage ages from molecular phylogenies all post-date 60 Ma, supporting the idea of the continuous availability of terrestrial environments since 60 Ma. Of the three common scenarios for the origin of the New Caledonia biota, long-distance dispersal is the most plausible, rather than vicariance or dispersal over short distances.
Ambient Information Visualisation and Visitors’ Technology Acceptance of Mixed Reality in Museums
Authors: Hammady Ramy , Ma Minhua , Strathearn Carl
Published: June 2020

The visualisation of historical information and storytelling in museums is a crucial process for transferring knowledge by directly and simplistically engaging the museum audience. Until recently, technological limitations meant museums were limited to 2D and 3D screen-based information displays. However, advancements in Mixed Reality (MR) devices permit the propagation of a virtual overlay that amalgamates both real-world and virtual environments into a single spectrum. These holographical devices project a 3D space around the user which can be augmented with virtual artefacts, thus potentially changing the traditional museum visitor experience. Few research studies focus on utilising this virtual space to generate objects that do not visually inhibit or distract the operator. Therefore, this article aims to introduce the
Ambient Information Visualisation Concept
(AIVC) as a new form of storytelling, which can enhance the communication and interactivity between museum visitors and exhibits by measuring and sustaining an optimum spatial environment around the user.

Furthermore, this article investigates the perceptual influences of AIVC on the users’ level of engagement in the museum. This article utilises the Microsoft HoloLens, which is one of the most cutting-edge imagining technologies available to date, in order to deploy the AIVC in a historical storytelling scene “The Battle” in the Egyptian department at The Manchester Museum. This research further seeks to measure the user acceptance of the MR prototype by adopting the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The operational approaches investigated in this study include personal innovativeness (PI), enjoyment (ENJ), usefulness (USF), ease of use (EOU), and willingness of future use (WFU). The population sampling methodology utilised 47 participants from the museum's daily visitors. Results of this research indicate that the WFU construct is the primary outcome of this study, followed by the usefulness factor. Further findings conclude that the majority of users found this technology highly engaging and easy to use. The combination of the proposed system and AIVC in museum storytelling has extensive applications in museums, galleries, and cultural heritage places to enhance the visitor experience.
Review of Essential Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science By Harry Lewis and Rachel Zax
Authors: Gasarch William
Published: June 2020

In this column we state a class of open problems that are well known in Ramsey Theory but probably not to my non-Ramsey readers. Nothing I present is original.