bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Error propagation control in Laplacian mesh compression
Authors: Váša L. , Dvořák J.
Published: July 2019

Laplacian mesh compression, also known as high‐pass mesh coding, is a popular technique for efficiently storing both static and dynamic triangle meshes that gained further recognition with the advent of perceptual mesh distortion evaluation metrics. Currently, the usual rule of thumb that drives the decision for a mesh compression algorithm is whether or not accuracy in absolute scale is required: Laplacian mesh encoding is chosen when perceptual quality is the main objective, while other techniques provide better results in terms of mechanistic error measures such as mean squared error.

In this work, we present a modification of the Laplacian mesh encoding algorithm that preserves its benefits while it substantially reduces the resulting absolute error. Our approach is based on analyzing the reconstruction stage and modifying the quantization of differential coordinates, so that the decoded result stays close to the input even in areas that are distant from anchor points. In our approach, we avoid solving an overdetermined system of linear equations and thus reduce data redundancy, improve conditioning and achieve faster processing. Our approach can be directly applied to both static and dynamic mesh compression and we provide quantitative results comparing our approach with the state of the art methods.
QuadriFlow: A Scalable and Robust Method for Quadrangulation
Authors: Huang Jingwei , Zhou Yichao , Niessner Matthias , Shewchuk Jonathan Richard , Guibas Leonidas J.
Published: July 2019

QuadriFlow is a scalable algorithm for generating quadrilateral surface meshes based on the Instant Field‐Aligned Meshes of Jakob et al. (ACM Trans. Graph. 34(6):189, 2015). We modify the original algorithm such that it efficiently produces meshes with many fewer singularities. Singularities in quadrilateral meshes cause problems for many applications, including parametrization and rendering with Catmull‐Clark subdivision surfaces. Singularities can rarely be entirely eliminated, but it is possible to keep their number small. Local optimization algorithms usually produce meshes with many singularities, whereas the best algorithms tend to require non‐local optimization, and therefore are slow. We propose an efficient method to minimize singularities by combining the Instant Meshes objective with a system of linear and quadratic constraints. These constraints are enforced by solving a global minimum‐cost network flow problem and local boolean satisfiability problems. We have verified the robustness and efficiency of our method on a subset of ShapeNet comprising 17,791 3D objects in the wild. Our evaluation shows that the quality of the quadrangulations generated by our method is as good as, if not better than, those from other methods, achieving about four times fewer singularities than Instant Meshes. Other algorithms that produce similarly few singularities are much slower; we take less than ten seconds to process each model. Our source code is publicly available.
Statistical Modeling of the 3D Geometry and Topology of Botanical Trees
Authors: Wang Guan , Laga Hamid , Jia Jinyuan , Xie Ning , Tabia Hedi
Published: July 2019

We propose a framework for statistical modeling of the 3D geometry and topology of botanical trees. We treat botanical trees as points in a tree‐shape space equipped with a proper metric that captures the geometric and the topological differences between trees. Geodesics in the tree‐shape space correspond to the optimal sequence of deformations, i.e. bending, stretching, and topological changes, which align one tree onto another. In this way, the 3D tree modeling and synthesis problem becomes a problem of exploring the tree‐shape space either in a controlled fashion, using statistical regression, or randomly by sampling from probability distributions fitted to populations in the tree‐shape space. We show how to use this framework for (1) computing statistical summaries, e.g. the mean and modes of variations, of a population of botanical trees, (2) synthesizing random instances of botanical trees from probability distributions fitted to a population of botanical trees, and (3) modeling, interactively, 3D botanical trees using a simple sketching interface. The approach is fast and only requires as input 3D botanical tree models with a known upright orientation.
Fragrant and sticky allergens from the pinewood: Cohabiting and coreacting
Authors: Paulsen Evy , Andersen Flemming
Published: July 2019

Background

Tree moss (Pseudevernia furfuracea [L.] Zopf.), a lichen growing on conifers, is a frequent fragrance sensitizer. Previous studies have shown two subgroups of tree moss‐allergic patients: a group sensitized to common allergens of tree and oak moss (Evernia prunastri), and another group sensitized to colophonium‐derived allergens, which may contaminate tree moss extract.

Objectives

To report the results of including tree moss extract in the baseline series and discuss the clinical implications.

Methods

Tree moss extract was included in the baseline series and sensitized patients were assessed for concomitant allergy to colophonium and oak moss, and the relevance of these reactions was analyzed.

Results

Altogether, 22 of 632 patients (3.5%) had positive reactions to tree moss. Eight patients were sensitized to tree moss only (among fragrance allergens) and 75% had relevant reactions to colophonium. Fourteen patients were sensitized to other fragrance allergens as well and 28.5% had relevant colophonium reactions.

Conclusions

The prevalence of positive tree moss reactions is high enough to justify its inclusion in the baseline series. If tree moss is not included, patients with positive colophonium reactions should be informed of possible (false) cross‐reactivity to tree moss to avoid this labeled fragrance allergen.
Longer‐term liraglutide administration at the highest dose approved for obesity increases reward‐related orbitofrontal cortex activation in response to food cues: Implications for plateauing weight loss in response to anti‐obesity therapies
Authors: Farr Olivia M. , Upadhyay Jagriti , Rutagengwa Chelsea , DiPrisco Bridget , Ranta Zachary , Adra Amal , Bapatla Neha , Douglas Vivian P. , Douglas Konstantinos A. A. , Nolen‐Doerr Eric , Mathew Hannah , Mantzoros Christos S.
Published: July 2019

Aims

GLP‐1 analogs have recently risen to the forefront as effective medications for lowering weight through actions in the central nervous system (CNS). However, their actions in the CNS have not yet been studied in the human brain after longer‐term administration at the highest dose approved for obesity (liraglutide 3.0 mg).

Materials and Methods

A total of 20 participants with obesity were treated with placebo and liraglutide (3.0 mg) in the context of a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, cross‐over trial after 5 weeks of dose escalation. Neurocognitive and neuroimaging (fMRI) responses to food cues were examined at the clinical research center of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Results

While using liraglutide, patients lost more weight (placebo‐subtracted −2.7%; P < .001), had decreased fasting glucose (P < .001) and showed improved cholesterol levels. In an uncontrolled analysis, brain activation in response to food images was not altered by liraglutide vs placebo. When controlled for BMI/weight, liraglutide increased activation of the right orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in response to food cues (P < .016, corrected for multiple comparisons).

Conclusions

In contrast to prior studies, we demonstrate for the first time that liraglutide treatment, administered over a longer period at the highest doses approved for obesity, does not alter brain activation in response to food cues. A counter‐regulatory increase in reward‐related OFC activation in response to food cues can be observed when neuroimaging data are controlled for BMI changes, indicating changes in CNS that could lead to later plateaus of weight loss. These data point to a promising focus for additional interventions which, by contributing to the CNS reward system, could provide tangible benefits in reversing the plateauing phenomenon and promoting further weight loss.
Association between blood pressure variability, cardiovascular disease and mortality in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chiriacò Martina , Pateras Konstantinos , Virdis Agostino , Charakida Marietta , Kyriakopoulou Despoina , Nannipieri Monica , Emdin Michele , Tsioufis Konstantinos , Taddei Stefano , Masi Stefano , Georgiopoulos Georgios
Published: July 2019

Aim

To investigate the associations of blood pressure variability (BPV), expressed as long‐term (visit‐to‐visit) and short‐term (ambulatory blood pressure monitoring [ABPM] and home blood pressure monitoring [HBPM]) and all‐cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), extended MACEs, microvascular complications (MiCs) and hypertension‐mediated organ damage (HMOD) in adult patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and methods

PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov and grey literature databases were searched for studies including patients with type 2 diabetes, at least one variable of BPV (visit‐to‐visit, HBPM, ABPM) and evaluation of the incidence of at least one of the following outcomes: all‐cause mortality, MACEs, extended MACEs and/or MiCs and/or HMOD. The extracted information was analyzed using random effects meta‐analysis and meta‐regression.

Results

Data from a total of 377 305 patients were analyzed. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) variability was associated with a significantly increased risk of all‐cause mortality (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.04–1.21), MACEs (HR 1.01, 95% CI 1.04–1.17), extended MACEs (HR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03–1.11) and MiCs (HR 1. 12, 95% CI 1.01–1.24), while diastolic blood pressure was not. Associations were mainly driven from studies on long‐term SBP variability. Qualitative analysis showed that BPV was associated with the presence of HMOD expressed as carotid intima‐media thickness, pulse wave velocity and left ventricular hypertrophy. Results were independent of mean blood pressure, glycaemic control and serum creatinine levels.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that BPV might provide additional information rather than mean blood pressure on the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.
The impact of environmental regulation on Chinese spatial development
Authors: Naso Pedro , Huang Yi , Swanson Tim
Published: July 2019

We examine the relationship between environmental regulation and spatial development in China. Exploiting changes in national pollution standards for three industries, ammonia, paper and cement, we measure the impact of environmental regulation on industry productivity. Our results suggest that national pollution standards do not affect industry productivity, but they reallocate productivity spatially. We show that regulated industries located in developing cities increase their productivity compared to similar industries in other cities. This means that environmental regulation affects the spatial distribution of technology in China and might influence long‐term spatial development by reducing geographical disparities.
Evaluating long‐term ivermectin use and the role of dung beetles in reducing short‐term CH4and CO2emissions from livestock faeces: a mesocosm design under Mediterranean conditions
Authors: Verdú José R. , Sánchez‐Piñero Francisco , Lobo Jorge M. , Cortez Vieyle
Published: July 2019

1. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from livestock contribute significantly to global warming, and a reduction of this source of emissions is crucial in achieving the goal of mitigating global warming.

2. CO2and CH4emissions from dung pats were analysed by means of a mesocosm experiment in a Mediterranean ecosystem. The experiment consisted of a total of 30 mesocosms distributed across three treatments: a well‐preserved, undisturbed dung beetle assemblage associated with organic livestock; a dung beetle assemblage that was impoverished as a result of the long‐term use of veterinary medical products; and a control treatment without dung beetles.

3. Corrections related to insect respiration allow researchers to provide more precise measurements of CO2emissions from dung, especially in the initial and final phases of dung exposure, when the percentage of CO2emitted by dung beetles can become greater than the emissions from the dung pats themselves.

4. The effects of dung beetles on CO2and CH4emissions are much more accentuated in warm‐temperate conditions than in northern temperate areas previously studied. Mediterranean assemblages remove and spread dung faster and more effectively than do northern dung beetle assemblages characterised by a lower functional richness and beetle abundance and biomass.

5. From a livestock management viewpoint, mesocosms representing areas with impoverished dung beetle assemblages, due to the long‐term use of veterinary medical products, such as ivermectin, emitted 1.6‐ and 2.8‐fold higher total CO2and CH4, respectively, than mesocosms mimicking sites with untreated livestock.
Anthropogenic modifications to fire regimes in the wider Serengeti‐Mara ecosystem
Authors: Probert James R. , Parr Catherine L. , Holdo Ricardo M. , Anderson T. Michael , Archibald Sally , Courtney Mustaphi Colin J. , Dobson Andrew P. , Donaldson Jason E. , Hopcraft Grant C. , Hempson Gareth P. , Morrison Thomas A. , Beale Colin M.
Published: July 2019

Fire is a key driver in savannah systems and widely used as a land management tool. Intensifying human land uses are leading to rapid changes in the fire regimes, with consequences for ecosystem functioning and composition. We undertake a novel analysis describing spatial patterns in the fire regime of the Serengeti‐Mara ecosystem, document multidecadal temporal changes and investigate the factors underlying these patterns. We used MODIS active fire and burned area products from 2001 to 2014 to identify individual fires; summarizing four characteristics for each detected fire: size, ignition date, time since last fire and radiative power. Using satellite imagery, we estimated the rate of change in the density of livestock bomas as a proxy for livestock density. We used these metrics to model drivers of variation in the four fire characteristics, as well as total number of fires and total area burned. Fires in the Serengeti‐Mara show high spatial variability—with number of fires and ignition date mirroring mean annual precipitation. The short‐term effect of rainfall decreases fire size and intensity but cumulative rainfall over several years leads to increased standing grass biomass and fuel loads, and, therefore, in larger and hotter fires. Our study reveals dramatic changes over time, with a reduction in total number of fires and total area burned, to the point where some areas now experience virtually no fire. We suggest that increasing livestock numbers are driving this decline, presumably by inhibiting fire spread. These temporal patterns are part of a global decline in total area burned, especially in savannahs, and we caution that ecosystem functioning may have been compromised. Land managers and policy formulators need to factor in rapid fire regime modifications to achieve management objectives and maintain the ecological function of savannah ecosystems.
New insights into resistance of Helicobacter pylori against third‐ and fourth‐generation fluoroquinolones: A molecular docking study of prevalent GyrA mutations
Authors: Salehi Najmeh , Attaran Bahareh , Eskini Negin , Esmaeili Maryam , Sharifirad Atefeh , Sadeghi Mehdi , Mohammadi Marjan
Published: July 2019

Background

Fluoroquinolones hinder bacterial DNA replication by inhibiting DNA gyrase. However, mutations, in the QRDR segment of its A subunit (GyrA), cause antibiotic resistance. Here, the interactions of levofloxacin (LVX), gemifloxacin (GXN), and moxifloxacin (MXN) with Helicobacter pylori GyrA, in LVX‐resistant vs ‐sensitive strains, were studied.

Methods

Levoflixacin‐sensitive (n = 4) and ‐resistant (n = 9) H pylori strains, randomly selected from another antibiotic susceptibility study, underwent PCR amplification of gyrA gene, spanning the QRDR segment. The amplified gene fragments were sequenced and aligned. The homology model of H pylori GyrA was built based on that of Escherichia coli, and energy minimization was done. The interaction patterns of LVX, GXN, and MXN with GyrA were analyzed via molecular docking studies.

Results

Sequence alignment of the 13 studied strains, created 5 categories of strains: (A) wild type‐like (H pylori ATCC26695), (B) N87K‐only, (C) D91N‐only, (D) N87K + V94L, and (E) D91N + A97V mutations. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for LVX‐sensitive (category A) and ‐resistant (categories B‐E) strains were <1 mg/L and ≥32 mg/L, respectively. The binding mode of GyrA in category A with LVX identified G35/N87/Y90/D91/V94/G114/S115/I116/D117/G118/D119, as key residues, some residing outside the QRDR segment. Category B strains lost only one interaction (G35), which led to elevated binding free energy (∆G) and full LVX resistance. Categories C‐E lost more contacts, with higher ∆G and again full LVX resistance. GXN bound to GyrA of categories A and B via a different set of key residues, while MXN retained the lost contact (G35) in LVX‐resistant, category B strains.

Conclusion

Using molecular docking tools, we identified the key residues responsible for interaction of GyrA with LVX, GXN, and MXN. In the presence of N87K‐only mutation, the loss of one of these contacts (ie, G35) led to full LVX resistance. Yet, GXN and MXN overcame this mutation, by retaining all key contacts with GyrA.
Effects of the Joint Custody Law in Italy
Authors: de Blasio Guido , Vuri Daniela
Published: July 2019

We study the effect of a 2006 reform to Italian family law that made joint custody the default for separating couples. The reform boosted joint legal custody by about 75 percentage points. Our research design uses difference‐in‐differences to estimate reform effects on the likelihood of a contested settlement, length of trial, and transfers between separating parents. The analysis is based on Italian individual‐level administrative data, which cover the entire population. The joint custody default appears to have increased dispute rates and length of trial markedly, without affecting transfers. There is no evidence that mothers buy custody rights back through reduced support. Our findings are consistent with the excessive discretion given to judges on some aspects of law implementation, which resulted in a partial application of the reform.
A vacancy‐rich, partially inverted spinelloid silicate, (Mg,Fe,Si)2(Si,□)O4, as a major matrix phase in shock melt veins of the Tenham and Suizhou L6 chondrites
Authors: Ma Chi , Tschauner Oliver , Bindi Luca , Beckett John R. , Xie Xiande
Published: July 2019

A new high‐pressure silicate, (Mg,Fe,Si)2(Si,□)O4 with a tetragonal spinelloid structure, was discovered within shock melt veins in the Tenham and Suizhou meteorites, two highly shocked L6 ordinary chondrites. Relative to ringwoodite, this phase exhibits an inversion of Si coupled with intrinsic vacancies and a consequent reduction of symmetry. Most notably, the spinelloid makes up about 30–40 vol% of the matrix of shock veins with the remainder composed of a vitrified (Mg,Fe)SiO3 phase (in Tenham) or (Mg,Fe)SiO3‐rich clinopyroxene (in Suizhou); these phase assemblages constitute the bulk of the matrix in the shock veins. Previous assessments of the melt matrices concluded that majorite and akimotoite were the major phases. Our contrasting result requires revision of inferred conditions during shock melt cooling of the Tenham and Suizhou meteorites, revealing in particular a much higher quench rate (at least 5 × 103 K s−1) for veins of 100–500 μm diameter, thus overriding formation of the stable phase assemblage majoritic garnet plus periclase.
Dissecting the genetic architecture of a stepwise infection process
Authors: Hall Matthew D. , Routtu Jarkko , Ebert Dieter
Published: July 2019

How a host fights infection depends on an ordered sequence of steps, beginning with attempts to prevent a pathogen from establishing an infection, through to steps that mitigate a pathogen's control of host resources or minimize the damage caused during infection. Yet empirically characterizing the genetic basis of these steps remains challenging. Although each step is likely to have a unique genetic and environmental signature, and may therefore respond to selection in different ways, events that occur earlier in the infection process can mask or overwhelm the contributions of subsequent steps. In this study, we dissect the genetic architecture of a stepwise infection process using a quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping approach. We control for variation at the first line of defence against a bacterial pathogen and expose downstream genetic variability related to the host's ability to mitigate the damage pathogens cause. In our model, the water‐flea Daphnia magna, we found a single major effect QTL, explaining 64% of the variance, that is linked to the host's ability to completely block pathogen entry by preventing their attachment to the host oesophagus; this is consistent with the detection of this locus in previous studies. In susceptible hosts allowing attachment, however, a further 23 QTLs, explaining between 5% and 16% of the variance, were mapped to traits related to the expression of disease. The general lack of pleiotropy and epistasis for traits related to the different stages of the infection process, together with the wide distribution of QTLs across the genome, highlights the modular nature of a host's defence portfolio, and the potential for each different step to evolve independently. We discuss how isolating the genetic basis of individual steps can help to resolve discussion over the genetic architecture of host resistance.
Winter's bite: beech trees survive complete defoliation due to spring late‐frost damage by mobilizing old C reserves
Authors: D'Andrea Ettore , Rezaie Negar , Battistelli Alberto , Gavrichkova Olga , Kuhlmann Iris , Matteucci Giorgio , Moscatello Stefano , Proietti Simona , Scartazza Andrea , Trumbore Susan , Muhr Jan
Published: July 2019

Late frost can destroy the photosynthetic apparatus of trees. We hypothesized that this can alter the normal cyclic dynamics of C‐reserves in the wood.

We measured soluble sugar concentrations and radiocarbon signatures (Δ14C) of soluble nonstructural carbon (NSC) in woody tissues sampled from a Mediterranean beech forest that was completely defoliated by an exceptional late frost in 2016. We used the bomb radiocarbon approach to estimate the time elapsed since fixation of mobilized soluble sugars.

During the leafless period after the frost event, soluble sugar concentrations declined sharply while Δ14C of NSC increased. This can be explained by the lack of fresh assimilate supply and a mobilization of C from reserve pools. Soluble NSC became increasingly older during the leafless period, with a maximum average age of 5 yr from samples collected 27 d before canopy recovery. Following leaf re‐growth, soluble sugar concentrations increased and Δ14C of soluble NSC decreased, indicating the allocation of new assimilates to the stem soluble sugars pool.

These data highlight that beech trees rapidly mobilize reserve C to survive strong source–sink imbalances, for example due to late frost, and show that NSC is a key trait for tree resilience under global change.
An unusual lingual lesion: actinomycosis of the tongue
Authors: Won J. , De Silva H.L. , De Silva R.K. , Colambage S.
Published: July 2019

Actinomycosis is characterised by the chronic, suppurative and cellulitic invasion of soft tissues primarily caused by the bacteria genus Actinomyces. Due to unique anatomical and histophysiologic features of the tongue, lingual actinomycosis is an extremely rare finding. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, it may cause extensive tissue damage. The authors report on an unusual case of lingual actinomycosis in the hopes of aiding the present and future dental practitioners in diagnosing the lesion correctly for appropriate specialist referral and management.
Does physical activity strengthen lungs and protect against asthma in childhood? A systematic review
Authors: Cassim Raisa , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Koplin Jennifer Julia , Milanzi Elasma , Paro Flavia Marini , Russell Melissa A.
Published: July 2019

Background

Physical activity may be a potentially modifiable risk factor for asthma and driver of lung function development. This systematic review aimed to summarize the available evidence concerning the longitudinal effect of physical activity on the development of asthma, the persistence of asthma symptoms and lung function outcomes in children and adolescents.

Methods

PubMed and Embase electronic databases were searched for all original articles that investigated the longitudinal association between physical activity and asthma outcomes or lung function outcomes in children and adolescents. The search and data extraction were conducted by two independent researchers. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using two critical assessment tools.

Results

The literature search retrieved 2298 publications from the electronic databases. All articles were screened, and 2289 were subsequently excluded, resulting in nine longitudinal studies eligible for inclusion in this review. Two studies found no association with incident wheeze, and two of four found no association with various asthma outcomes. Three studies investigated the effect on lung function: one observed an association in boys only, one observed an association in girls only, and one found no associations.

Conclusion

The evidence was highly inconsistent for the relationship between physical activity and asthma and lung function outcomes. Hence, we conclude that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that physical activity has a long‐term effect on the risk of asthma development in youth. Furthermore, there is insufficient evidence to determine the longitudinal effects of physical activity on lung function in children.
The impact of personalized reminders in addition to an automated patient reminder system on pediatric dermatology no‐show rates: A pilot study
Authors: Snodgrass Alexandra , Schoch Jennifer J.
Published: July 2019

We investigated the impact of a personalized telephone call reminder for patients that had not confirmed their clinic appointment, in addition to automated reminders, on monthly no‐show rates. Our data revealed a reduction in the monthly no‐show rate from 16.0% (SD = 3.91%) before the intervention to 13.1% (SD = 0.27%, P = 0.0997) after the intervention, which was not statistically significant. The standard deviation of the no‐show rate with the intervention was reduced, leading to a predictable monthly no‐show rate (range 12.93%‐13.51%). Thus, the number of patients attending clinic was more predictable. This study highlights the need for additional investigation of factors associated with appointment nonadherence in pediatric dermatology.
Thyroglossal duct cyst: Factors affecting cosmetic outcome and recurrence
Authors: Batazzi Andrea , Leng Stella , Ghionzoli Marco , Lo Piccolo Roberto , Martin Alessandra , Facchini Flavio , Messineo Antonio
Published: July 2019

Background

Thyroglossal duct cyst (TDC) is the most common congenital abnormality in the neck in children. The purpose of this study was to perform a comprehensive review of all cases of TDC surgically treated at a single institution and to evaluate the factors that influence the rate of recurrence, and the aesthetic outcome of the surgery on follow up.

Methods

All cases of TDC surgically treated at the Department of Pediatric Surgery at Meyer Hospital from January 2005 to December 2016 were selected. Charts from 248 patients were reviewed and risk factors for recurrence evaluated. A questionnaire was submitted to the patients’ parents to determine if postoperative complications were present  and standardized neck pictures were requested, to evaluate the cosmetic result . Microsoft Office Excel 2007 for Windows and Graphpad Prism 6 were used for data management and statistical analysis.

Results

Simple cyst excision and post‐inflammatory fibrosis (P < 0.05) were assessed as important risk factors for the recurrence of TDC. Recurrence rate on Sistrunk procedure was 5%. Variables such as post‐inflammatory fibrosis before surgery (P < 0.001), the positioning of a drain (P < 0.01) and the development of recurrence (P < 0.001), negatively influenced the cosmetic result. No thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma and no long‐term postoperative complications were observed.

Conclusions

Recurrence rates were higher in patients who underwent simple cyst excision instead of the Sistrunk procedure, as already reported in literature. Presence of post‐inflammatory fibrosis and positioning of the drain at surgery were associated with higher rates of recurrence, as well as worse cosmetic outcome.
Corticotrophin‐releasing hormone stimulation tests in late‐onset circulatory collapse
Authors: Ueda Hiroko , Kakita Hiroki , Ichimura Shintaro , Mori Mari , Takeshita Satoru , Goto Tatenobu , Kondo Tomoko , Yamada Yasumasa
Published: July 2019

Background

Late‐onset circulatory collapse (LCC) is the transient development of refractory hypotension and oliguria after the early neonatal period, which may cause periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the endogenous cortisol response to corticotrophin‐releasing hormone (CRH) and determine whether it is effective for elucidating the pathology and selecting treatment in LCC.

Methods

This retrospective study examined infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Included were preterm (gestational age <34 weeks) infants who underwent CRH stimulation test and were treated for LCC with no obvious cause. Hydrocortisone (HC; 3.3–10 mg/kg) was given by bolus injection to the LCC infants. At 2 h after treatment, infants without a 20% rise in blood pressure (systolic or mean) from before treatment were defined as non‐responsive to HC, and given catecholamine and/or vasopressin.

Results

Sixteen infants (median gestational age, 24 weeks 3 days; birthweight, 638 g) were eligible. Six of the infants had a good response to the CRH stimulation test. HC was effective in only three CRH good‐response cases, and catecholamine and/or vasopressin was needed in the three other cases. HC was effective, however, for all CRH non‐response cases.

Conclusions

Although HC is the first‐choice treatment for LCC, the CRH stimulation test facilitates prompt treatment of LCC, which may prevent PVL. The present findings help elucidate the pathology and aid in the selection of treatment for infants with LCC.
Heat and drought determine flower female allocation in a hermaphroditic Mediterranean plant family
Authors: Teixido A. L. , Valladares F.
Published: July 2019

In animal‐pollinated hermaphroditic species, larger and xenogamous flowers increase male‐biased resource allocation, whereas smaller and selfing flowers invest disproportionally more resources to female function. In Cistaceae, an entomophilous and hermaphroditic Mediterranean family, this pattern generally follows a phylogenetic signal. However, resource allocation to carpels is independent of phylogeny, which suggests trait divergences among closely related species during the diversification into different environmental conditions.

We tested this hypothesis across 37 species of Cistaceae along a temperature and precipitation gradient, including semiarid, dry, subhumid and humid sites. We quantified the proportions of dry mass and nutrient investment to carpels and tested the influence of the climatic gradient and site‐specific precipitation on the interspecific variation in carpel resource allocation.

Lowest and highest percentages of resource allocation to carpels ranged from 1.5–4.2% to 24.2–36.6%, respectively. The proportion of resources comprised in carpels significantly decreased with increasing precipitation/decreasing temperature. Thus, carpels comprised proportionally more resources under drier and hotter conditions, especially in semiarid sites.

Our results demonstrate how the extent of climatic constraints is more important than phylogenetic relationships in determining stress‐induced differences in carpel resource allocation across species of Cistaceae in a Mediterranean environment. We suggest that allocation of proportionally more resources to carpels in drier and hotter sites lies within a strategy to deal with the most stressful conditions by means of a high reproductive effort.
Navigating the purchasing power gap in new product development in multinational corporations
Authors: Liu Yang
Published: July 2019

Multinational corporations (MNCs) face a significant purchasing power gap of customers between developed and emerging economies. In R&D intensive industries making physical products, MNCs can benefit from economies of scale. Therefore, managers strive to achieve a product standardization–adaptation (S‐A) balance when navigating the purchasing power gap. Through focusing on five MNCs headquartered in developed countries, I examined how MNCs can achieve such a balance through new product development (NPD). I found that (1) an S‐A balance can be achieved through three NPD strategies (product simplification, product retaining, and reverse innovation); (2) managers need to take into account five key factors when choosing NPD strategies (product complexity, product modularity, brand strategy, position in local competition, and internal technical standards); and (3) the NPD strategies can be implemented through structural separation, temporal separation, and a shared value. This research reveals the complexity of achieving an S‐A balance when managers navigate the purchasing power gap in NPD. Different NPD strategies have certain advantages and shortcomings. High product complexity and product modularity can serve as favorable conditions for a product simplification strategy. A brand strategy of leading‐edge technologies can serve as an adverse condition for a product retaining strategy. Strong local competitors in emerging markets can be a motivation for a reverse innovation strategy, while stringent internal standards for safety can be an adverse condition. This research also reveals the nuances of implementation of NPD strategies in terms of managing innovation and refinement activities. MNCs may need temporal separation when adopting both downhill and uphill NPD strategies.
Analysing a Quality-of-Life Survey by Using a Coclustering Model for Ordinal Data and Some Dynamic Implications
Authors: Selosse Margot , Jacques Julien , Biernacki Christophe , Cousson-Gélie Florence
Published: July 2019

The data set that motivated this work is a psychological survey on women affected by a breast tumour. Patients replied at different stages of their treatment to questionnaires with answers on an ordinal scale. The questions relate to aspects of their life referred to as ‘dimensions’. To assist psychologists in analysing the results, it is useful to highlight the structure of the data set. The clustering method achieves this by creating groups of individuals that are depicted by a representative of the group. From a psychological position, it is also useful to observe how questions may be clustered. The simultaneous clustering of both patients and questions is called ‘coclustering’. However, placing questions in the same group when they are not related to the same dimension does not make sense from a psychological perspective. Therefore, constrained coclustering was performed to prevent questions of different dimensions from being placed in the same column cluster. The evolution of coclusters over time was then investigated. The method uses a constrained latent block model embedding a probability distribution for ordinal data. Parameter estimation relies on a stochastic expectation–maximization algorithm associated with a Gibbs sampler, and the integrated completed likelihood–Bayesian information criterion is used to select the number of coclusters.
A More Complete Picture: Rural Residents’ Relative Support for Seven Forms of Natural Resource‐Related Economic Development
Authors: Mueller J. Tom , Tickamyer Ann R.
Published: July 2019

Understanding rural resident support for various forms of natural resource‐related economic development has been a common research topic in rural sociology. However, the vast majority of research has only evaluated support for one form of natural resource use at a time. The little research that has explored support for a wide variety of uses has found that residents are likely to support many of the suggested forms of development. We assessed rural resident support for seven forms of natural resource development: commercial logging, natural gas, mining, real estate, wind energy, tourism, and outdoor recreation. Using social exchange theory, this study examines the influence of perceived impacts of development, industry trust, and perceived industry power on general support for the seven forms of natural resource‐related economic development using a fixed effects generalized linear model among a sample of residents of rural Pennsylvania communities. Additionally, we use mixed logit discreet choice modeling to evaluate the drivers of relative support, meaning a stated preference for one form of development over other possible options. The drivers of general support and relative support were similar, with trust in industry and impacts to quality of life emerging as the primary drivers of both.
Ephemeral and Ludic Strategies of Remembering in the Streets: A Springboard for Public Memory in Chile
Authors: Badilla Rajevic Manuela
Published: July 2019

This article examines a profound turn in the commemoration and representations of the dictatorial past in Chile (1973–1990), where young people who did not experience firsthand the authoritarian order are publicly creating fleeting images, practices, and objects to remember the military dictatorship. These are urban ephemeral and ludic mnemonic assemblages (Freeman, Nienass, and Daniell 2015) that connect past and present events and demand new ways of talking, acting, and thinking about the past, thereby appropriating the public space. The participants in these actions stress the original, carnivalesque, and public dimensions of their practices, challenging the official politics of memory that has focused on the recognition of victims within the walls of museums or memorials. The following question guides this article: How do new public, ludic, and ephemeral strategies interact with and potentially change official ways of narrating the past? How do they create the space for political participation in postconflict societies? Drawing upon a qualitative and multimethod study that combines 60 in‐depth interviews, participant observations, and archival work, I maintain that, although this blossoming of the Chilean public memory has opened up new territories for activating memory, it has a transient temporality and, consequently, may have transitory political potential.
Long‐term data on entecavir treatment for treatment‐naive or lamivudine‐resistant chronic hepatitis B infection in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Yap Desmond Y. H. , Tang Colin , Fung James Y. Y. , Seto Wai‐Kay , Ma Maggie K. M. , Choy Bo Ying , Chan Tak Mao
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Entecavir (ETV) showed short‐term efficacy and safety in HBsAg‐positive kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), but long‐term data are lacking.

Methodology

We retrospectively reviewed 30 HBsAg‐positive KTRs who received ETV during 2007‐2017.

Results

Eighteen treatment‐naïve (Group I) and 12 lamivudine‐resistant (Group II) patients received ETV for 48.4 ± 35.2 and 66.0 ± 26.0 months, respectively. Both groups show significant HBV DNA decline, but Group I achieved earlier undetectability after 11.9 ± 9.6 months (compared with 28.8 ± 24.2 months in Group II, P = .033). Group I showed higher rates of undetectable HBV DNA (89%, 94%, 94%, 100%, and 100% at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months, respectively, compared with 25%, 50%, 50%, 91%, and 91% in Group II, P = .003). ALT normalized after 6.0 ± 1.9 and 6.8 ± 2.1 months in Group I and Group II, respectively. Four patients (33.3%) in Group II developed drug resistance (2 had persistent viraemia and 2 had virological breakthrough, at 40.3 ± 15.0 months). Group II showed higher liver stiffness after 5 years (7.7 ± 4.1 kPa, compared with 5.0 ± 1.6 kPa in Group I, P = .046) and incidence of cirrhosis (4 patients [33.3%], compared with 1 [5.6%] patient in Group I, P = .049). Two patients (one in each group) developed hepatocellular carcinoma. Renal allograft function remained stable during follow‐up of 63.2 ± 33.4 months for both groups. There was no difference in patient and graft survival between two groups at 5 years (P = .62 and .36, respectively).

Conclusion

ETV showed favorable long‐term efficacy and tolerability in treatment‐naïve KTRs. One‐third of lamivudine‐resistant subjects showed non‐response or viral breakthrough after ETV treatment.
The role of improved pre‐transfusion testing in the prevention of delayed serologic transfusion reactions among blood recipients in Uganda: a Randomized Controlled Trial (IPAT Study)
Authors: Natukunda Bernard , Ndeezi Grace , See Er Lay , Bajunirwe Francis , Teramura Gayle , Delaney Meghan
Published: July 2019

Background and objectives

The goal of pre‐transfusion testing (PTT) is to provide patients with beneficial and safe transfusions. In Uganda, PTT includes ABO/RhD typing plus room temperature (RT) saline cross‐matches without red‐blood‐cell (RBC) alloantibody screening. The aim of the IPAT study was to assess the role of improved PTT in the prevention of delayed serologic transfusion reactions (DSTRs).

Materials and methods

In this randomized controlled trial, patients at Mbarara Hospital in Uganda, with a history of RBC exposure, were randomized 1:1 to have either RBC alloantibody screening (SCREEN group) or room temperature saline cross‐matches (CONTROL group) during PTT. ‘Home‐made’ reagent RBCs from group O RhD‐positive volunteers were used for antibody screening in the indirect antiglobulin test. Participants were evaluated for RBC alloantibody production 7–14 days after transfusion. Post‐transfusion haemoglobin estimation and direct antiglobulin tests (DATs) were also performed.

Results

We randomized 220 patients to either the SCREEN or CONTROL group. Both study arms had similar demographic and transfusion characteristics at baseline. There were 19 (17·3%) individuals in the CONTROL group with DSTRs compared to 8 (7·3%) in the SCREEN group at the time of follow‐up (P = 0·02). Overall, post‐transfusion DATs were positive in 7 (3·5%) patients but there was no associated decrease in haemoglobin levels.

Conclusion

Red‐blood‐cell alloantibody screening is associated with occurrence of significantly fewer DSTRs. The use of ‘home‐made’ reagent cells during PTT in Uganda is feasible. We recommend a change in the local PTT policy to consider the introduction of RBC alloantibody screening.
Single‐stage reconstruction of third‐degree perineal lacerations in horses under general anesthesia: Utrecht repair method
Authors: Frietman Sjoerd K. , Compagnie Ellen , Stout Tom A. E. , Jonker F. Herman , ter Braake Frerik
Published: July 2019

Objective

To describe perioperative management, surgical procedure, and outcome in mares with third‐degree perineal lacerations (TDPL) treated with a single‐stage repair, the Utrecht repair method (URM).

Study design

Retrospective study.

Animals

Twenty mares with TDPL.

Methods

Medical records of mares with TDPL reconstructed with a URM were reviewed for perioperative management; surgical outcome; and postoperative fertility, athletic performance, and complications.

Results

Mares ranged in age from 3.5 to 11 years. Long‐term follow‐up was available for 13 mares. Mean duration of follow‐up was 9 years (median, 9.5; range, 2–215 months (17.9 years)). Standardized perioperative fasting and postoperative refeeding protocols were used. Only five mares received supportive gastric medication. Reconstruction of the rectovestibular shelf was successful in 18 of 20 mares. Two of 20 mares developed a small rectovestibular fistula after the initial repair, which was successfully repaired with a second surgery. Other postoperative complications were observed in 13 mares and consisted of mild postanesthetic myositis, facial nerve paralysis, esophageal obstruction, rectal obstipation, partial perineal dehiscence, and rectal or vestibular wind‐sucking. Six of seven mares that were subsequently bred became pregnant. One mare was successfully used for embryo recovery, and five of six mares foaled without recurrence of a TDPL. Nine of 13 mares were used for riding at various levels.

Conclusion

The alternative single‐stage reconstruction for TDPL was successful in 18 of 20 mares after a single surgery. No major complications related directly to the technique were noted.

Clinical significance

The URM is a valid alternative surgical technique for repairing TDPL in mares.
Aluminum tri-isopropoxide as an alternative precursor for atomic layer deposition of aluminum oxide thin films
Authors: Hashemi Fatemeh S. M. , Cao LiAo , Mattelaer Felix , Sajavaara Timo , van Ommen J. Ruud , Detavernier Christophe
Published: July 2019

Due to the safety challenges associated with the use of trimethylaluminum as a metal precursor for the deposition of alumina, different chemicals have been investigated over the years to replace it. The authors have investigated the use of aluminum tri-isopropoxide (TIPA) as an alternative alkoxide precursor for the safe and cost-effective deposition of alumina. In this work, TIPA is used as a stable Al source for atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Al2O3 when different oxidizing agents including water, oxygen plasma, water plasma, and ozone are employed. The authors have explored the deposition of Al2O3 using TIPA in ALD systems operating in vacuum and atmospheric pressure conditions. For thermal and plasma processes in vacuum ALD, a growth rate of 1.1–2 Å/cycle achieved over a range of 140–300 °C is shown. Film density, roughness, and composition have been tested using various characterization techniques confirming comparable film properties to the thermal ALD of trimethylaluminum and water. The thermal water process at atmospheric pressure ALD (AP-ALD) resulted in a growth rate of up to 1.1 Å/cycle with residual carbon below the XPS detection limit. AP-ALD on nanoparticles shows different growth modes on TiO2 versus SiO2 nanoparticle surfaces confirmed by transmission electron microscopy analysis. Using TIPA as an ALD precursor would open up the possibility for a safer and cost-effective process for deposition of Al2O3 in various applications.