bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relative importance of local and regional processes to metapopulation dynamics
Authors: Dallas Tad A. , Saastamoinen Marjo , Schulz Torsti , Ovaskainen Otso
Published: November 2019

Metapopulation dynamics – patch occupancy, colonization and extinction – are the result of complex processes at both local (e.g. environmental conditions) and regional (e.g. spatial arrangement of habitat patches) scales. A large body of work has focused on habitat patch area and connectivity (area‐isolation paradigm). However, these approaches often do not incorporate local environmental conditions or fully address how the spatial arrangement of habitat patches (and resulting connectivity) can influence metapopulation dynamics.

Here, we utilize long‐term data on a classic metapopulation system – the Glanville fritillary butterfly occupying a set of dry meadows and pastures in the Åland islands – to investigate the relative roles of local environmental conditions, geographic space and connectivity in capturing patch occupancy, colonization and extinction. We defined connectivity using traditional measures as well as graph‐theoretic measures of centrality. Using boosted regression tree models, we find roughly comparable model performance among models trained on environmental conditions, geographic space or patch centrality.

In models containing all of the covariates, we find strong and consistent evidence for the roles of resource abundance, longitude and centrality (i.e. connectivity) in predicting habitat patch occupancy and colonization, while patch centrality (connectivity) was relatively unimportant for predicting extinction. Relative variable importance did not change when geographic coordinates were not considered and models underwent spatially stratified cross‐validation.

Together, this suggests that the combination of regional‐scale connectivity measures and local‐scale environmental conditions is important for predicting metapopulation dynamics and that a stronger integration of ideas from network theory may provide insight into metapopulation processes.
Plasma D‐Dimer Level and the Failure of Forearm Autologous Arteriovenous Fistula in Patients With End‐Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Du Jing , Kong Xianglei , Liang Liming , Chen Qinlan , Yin Lili , Xu Dongmei
Published: November 2019

Failed autologous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a major issue in the creation of functional hemodialysis vascular access. To date, the relationship between D‐dimer and AVF failure is still uncertain. Hence, we conducted a retrospective cohort study to explore the patency rate of forearm AVFs and to clarify whether plasma D‐dimer level can predict the failure of AVFs. In this study, 290 ESRD patients (the mean age 54.1 ± 14.6 years, 63.8% of them were males) receiving forearm AVFs surgery were consecutively enrolled with a median follow‐up time of 34 months. Primary patency rates and risk factors associated with AVFs failure were explored by the Kaplan–Meier method or Cox proportional hazards model. Patients were divided into two groups based on the median level of D‐dimer (group 1 <1.1 mg/L and group 2 ≥1.1 mg/L). The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis demonstrated that the patency of AVF in group 1 was similar in group 2, which were 92.4% versus 88.9%, 84.8% versus 84.0%, 80.0% versus 79.2%, 76.7% versus 78.5%, and 76.7% versus 78.5% at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months (Log‐rank test, P = 0.8), respectively. In the crude analysis, D‐dimer (per 1 mg/L increase) was independently associated with AVFs failure, with OR of 1.08 (95% CI, 1.02–1.15). However, after adjusting for potential confounders, the D‐dimer (per 1 mg/L increase) was not associated with the AVFs failure (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.99–1.13). This study did not find that the plasma D‐dimer level can predict the failure of forearm AVFs.
Long‐read metabarcoding of the eukaryotic rDNA operon to phylogenetically and taxonomically resolve environmental diversity
Authors: Jamy Mahwash , Foster Rachel , Barbera Pierre , Czech Lucas , Kozlov Alexey , Stamatakis Alexandros , Bending Gary , Hilton Sally , Bass David , Burki Fabien
Published: November 2019

High‐throughput DNA metabarcoding of amplicon sizes below 500 bp has revolutionized the analysis of environmental microbial diversity. However, these short regions contain limited phylogenetic signal, which makes it impractical to use environmental DNA in full phylogenetic inferences. This lesser phylogenetic resolution of short amplicons may be overcome by new long‐read sequencing technologies. To test this idea, we amplified soil DNA and used PacBio Circular Consensus Sequencing (CCS) to obtain an ~4500‐bp region spanning most of the eukaryotic small subunit (18S) and large subunit (28S) ribosomal DNA genes. We first treated the CCS reads with a novel curation workflow, generating 650 high‐quality operational taxonomic units (OTUs) containing the physically linked 18S and 28S regions. To assign taxonomy to these OTUs, we developed a phylogeny‐aware approach based on the 18S region that showed greater accuracy and sensitivity than similarity‐based methods. The taxonomically annotated OTUs were then combined with available 18S and 28S reference sequences to infer a well‐resolved phylogeny spanning all major groups of eukaryotes, allowing us to accurately derive the evolutionary origin of environmental diversity. A total of 1,019 sequences were included, of which a majority (58%) corresponded to the new long environmental OTUs. The long reads also allowed us to directly investigate the relationships among environmental sequences themselves, which represents a key advantage over the placement of short reads on a reference phylogeny. Together, our results show that long amplicons can be treated in a full phylogenetic framework to provide greater taxonomic resolution and a robust evolutionary perspective to environmental DNA.
Alcohol Binge Drinking and Anxiety‐Like Behavior in Socialized Versus Isolated C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Evans Ophelia , Rodríguez‐Borillo Olga , Font Laura , Currie Paul J. , Pastor Raúl
Published: November 2019

Background

Binge alcohol drinking has been characterized as a key feature of alcoholism. The drinking‐in‐the‐dark (DID) preclinical model, a procedure that promotes high levels of ethanol (EtOH) intake in short periods of time, has been extensively used to investigate neuropharmacological and genetic determinants of binge‐like EtOH consumption. Using DID methodology, alcohol‐preferring strains of mice such as C57BL/6J (B6) mice consume enough EtOH to achieve blood concentrations (≥1.0 mg/ml) associated with behavioral intoxication (i.e., motor incoordination). DID procedures typically involve the use of socially isolated animals (single‐housed prior to and during the experiment). Previous research indicates that stress associated with social isolation can induce anxiety‐like behavior and promote increases in EtOH intake. The present study investigates the role of housing conditions in anxiety‐like behavior and binge‐like EtOH intake using a DID procedure.

Methods

Male and female B6 mice were isolated or pair‐housed for a period of 6 weeks prior to evaluation of anxiety‐like (elevated plus maze, light and dark box, open field) and drinking (water, 10% sucrose, 10 to 30% EtOH) behavior. In order to measure intake, a variation of the standard DID procedure using a removable, transparent, and perforated plastic barrier strip (designed to temporarily divide the cage in 2) was introduced. This allowed for individual intake records (2‐hour test) of isolated and socially housed animals.

Results

Increased anxiety‐like behavior and reduced sucrose consumption were found in isolated mice. The effects of housing conditions on EtOH intake were sex‐ and concentration‐dependent. In male mice, isolation increased 20 and 30% EtOH intake. In females, however, an increased intake of EtOH (30%) was found in socialized animals. No effects of housing or sex were found at EtOH 10%.

Conclusions

Together with previous literature, the present study suggests that social isolation can promote anxiety‐associated behavior and produce sex‐dependent changes in binge‐like EtOH consumption.
Frequency of health‐care utilization by adults who use illicit drugs: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lewer Dan , Freer Joseph , King Emma , Larney Sarah , Degenhardt Louisa , Tweed Emily J. , Hope Vivian D. , Harris Magdalena , Millar Tim , Hayward Andrew , Ciccarone Dan , Morley Katherine I.
Published: November 2019

Aims

To summarize evidence on the frequency and predictors of health‐care utilization among people who use illicit drugs.

Design

Systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsychINFO for observational studies reporting health‐care utilization published between 1 January 2000 and 3 December 2018. We conducted narrative synthesis and meta‐analysis following a registered protocol (identifier: CRD42017076525).

Setting and participants

People who use heroin, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, ecstasy/3,4‐methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine (MDMA), cannabis, hallucinogens or novel psychoactive substances; have a diagnosis of ‘substance use disorder’; or use drug treatment services.

Measurements

Primary outcomes were the cumulative incidence (risk) and rate of care episodes in three settings: primary care, hospital admissions (in‐patient) and emergency department (ED).

Findings

Ninety‐two studies were included, 84% from North America and Australia. Most studies focused on people using heroin, methamphetamine or crack cocaine, or who had a diagnosis of drug dependence. We were able to conduct a meta‐analysis of rates across 25 studies reporting ED episodes and 25 reporting hospital admissions, finding pooled rates of 151 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 114–201] and 41 (95% CI = 30–57) per 100 person‐years, respectively; on average 4.8 and 7.1 times more often than the general population. Heterogeneity was very high and was not explained by drugs used, country of study, recruitment setting or demographic characteristics. Predictors of health‐care utilization were consistent across studies and included unstable housing, drug injection and mental health problems. Opioid substitution therapy was consistently associated with reduced ED presentation and hospital admission. There was minimal research on health‐care utilization by people using ecstasy/MDMA, powder cocaine, hallucinogens or novel psychoactive substances.

Conclusions

People who use illicit drugs are admitted to emergency department or hospital several times more often than the general population.
Cost analysis showed that feeding preterm infants with donor human milk was significantly more expensive than mother’s milk or formula
Authors: Fengler Josefine , Heckmann Matthias , Lange Anja , Kramer Axel , Flessa Steffen
Published: November 2019

Aim

This study analysed the comparative cost of feeding donor human milk to preterm infants compared to mother's own milk and formula.

Methods

A document and process analysis and a time measurement study were carried out at the milk bank of the Level 1 Perinatal Center of the University Hospital of Greifswald, Germany, from April to June 2017. The cost analysis data were provided by the University's financial department.

Results

The total cost per year was €92 085.02 for 300 litres of donor human milk: 27% of this was material costs, 51% was personnel costs, and 22% was other overheads. The average cost per litre was €306.95, and staff time was 492 minutes per litre. The total marginal cost for each additional litre of donor human milk, formula or unpasteurised mother´s milk was €82.88, €10.28 and €38.42, respectively. Pasteurising a litre of donor milk cost €3.51.

Conclusion

Providing preterm infants with donor milk was much more expensive than using formula or mother's own milk, but the cost of pasteurisation was minimal.
Detecting changes in understorey and canopy vegetation cycles in West Central Alberta using a fusion of Landsat and MODIS
Authors: McClelland Cameron J. R. , Coops Nicholas C. , Berman Ethan E. , Kearney Sean P. , Nielsen Scott E. , Burton A. Cole , Stenhouse Gordon B.
Published: November 2019

Aims

To model regional vegetation cycles through data fusion methods for creating a 30‐m daily vegetation product from 2000 to 2018 and to analyze annual vegetation trends over this time period.

Location

The Yellowhead Bear Management Area, a 31,180‐km2 area in west central Alberta, Canada.

Methods

In this paper, we use Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) as a data fusion technique to combine Landsat 5, 7 and 8 satellite data and Moderate Resolution Image Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Aqua and Terra imagery, to quantify daily vegetation using Enhanced Vegetation Index at a 30‐m resolution, for the years 2000–2018. We validated this approach, entitled DRIVE (Daily Remote Inference of VEgetation), using imagery acquired from a network of ground cameras.

Results

When DRIVE was compared to start and end of season dates (SOS and EOS respectively) derived from ground cameras, correlations were r = 0.73 at SOS and r = 0.85 at EOS with a mean absolute error of 7.17 days at SOS and 10.76 days at EOS. Results showed that DRIVE accurately increased spatial and temporal resolution of remote‐sensing data. We demonstrated that SOS is advancing at a maximum rate of 0.78 days per year temporally over the 18‐year time period for varying elevation gradients and land cover classes over the region.

Conclusions

With DRIVE, we demonstrate the utility of DTW in quantifying vegetation cycles over a large heterogeneous region and determining how changing climate is affecting regional vegetation. DRIVE may prove to be an important method to determine how carbon sequestration is varying within fine‐scale individual plant communities in response to changing climate and likely will be beneficial to wildlife movement and habitat selection studies examining the varying response of wildlife species to changing vegetation cycles under shifting climatic conditions.
Crossing the borderline in strategic corporate philanthropy: Dangote and the construction of cement roads in Nigeria
Authors: Ezeoha Abel , Uche Chibuike , Ujunwa Augustine
Published: November 2019

Using the case of Nigeria's Dangote Group and an exploratory research technique, we critique CSR practices in a developing country context based on a three‐pillar model—traditional CSR, strategic CSR and strategic business engagements. Our paper makes a unique contribution by revealing how a company can transform its strategic CSR into strategic business engagements that permit it to circumvent public procurement laws and secure public contracts at non‐competitive terms. We show how, in weak institutional and regulatory contexts, strategic CSR could be turned to a tool for rent extraction and profit maximization. We advocate for regulatory measures that impose ex ante and ex post limits on the extent to which firms can go in integrating CSR into their normal business operations. Based on the outcomes from this important African case study, we illustrate and proposethe strategic business engagement modelas a new framework for analysing the social benefits of strategic CSR practices in developing countries.
Deterministic blockmodelling of signed and two‐mode networks: A tutorial with software and psychological examples
Authors: Brusco Michael , Doreian Patrick , Steinley Douglas
Published: November 2019

Deterministic blockmodelling is a well‐established clustering method for both exploratory and confirmatory social network analysis seeking partitions of a set of actors so that actors within each cluster are similar with respect to their patterns of ties to other actors (or, in some cases, other objects when considering two‐mode networks). Even though some of the historical foundations for certain types of blockmodelling stem from the psychological literature, applications of deterministic blockmodelling in psychological research are relatively rare. This scarcity is potentially attributable to three factors: a general unfamiliarity with relevant blockmodelling methods and applications; a lack of awareness of the value of partitioning network data for understanding group structures and processes; and the unavailability of such methods on software platforms familiar to most psychological researchers. To tackle the first two items, we provide a tutorial presenting a general framework for blockmodelling and describe two of the most important types of deterministic blockmodelling applications relevant to psychological research: structural balance partitioning and two‐mode partitioning based on structural equivalence. To address the third problem, we developed a suite of software programs that are available as both Fortran executable files and compiled Fortran dynamic‐link libraries that can be implemented in the R software system. We demonstrate these software programs using networks from the literature.
Comparison of corneal biomechanical properties following penetrating keratoplasty and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus
Authors: Ziaei Mohammed , Vellara Hans R. , Gokul Akilesh , Ali Noor Q. , McGhee Charles N. J. , Patel Dipika V.
Published: November 2019

Importance

Keratoplasty is a surgical procedure to create a more regular optical surface following biomechanical weakening of the cornea in keratoconus. The ideal keratoplasty procedure should also restore corneal biomechanics to that of the healthy cornea.

Background

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the biomechanical properties of corneas following penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and predescematic deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) to those of healthy eyes.

Design

Prospective cross‐sectional study.

Participants

Two cohorts of post‐keratoplasty eyes (42 eyes with PKP and 27 eyes with DALK) with each other, and with a cohort of 152 healthy eyes.

Methods

All eyes were examined by slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, tomography, anterior segment‐OCT and non‐contact tonometry CorVis ST (CST).

Main Outcome Measures

CST biomechanical parameters, maximum corneal deformation (MCD) and corneal energy dissipation were compared between keratoplasty techniques, and with healthy eyes.

Results

The mean age of participants with PKP and DALK were 35 ± 13.7 and 36.1 ± 12.6 years, respectively. None of the CST parameters were significantly different between PKP and DALK eyes. However, when compared to healthy corneas, numerous parameters were significantly different for both keratoplasty techniques. Of note, MCD was significantly higher in PKP compared to DALK and healthy corneas, after controlling for co‐factors.

Conclusions and Relevance

Neither type of keratoplasty technique utilized in keratoconus completely restored corneal biomechanical properties to that of healthy corneas. However, PKP resulted in a greater number of parameters significantly different to healthy corneas, compared to DALK.
Clinical validation of the RTVue optical coherence tomography angiography image quality indicators
Authors: Ali Noha , Sampson Danuta M. , Au Yong Alex , Jeewa Rumaanah , Rajgopal Saumya , Dutt Deepaysh D. C. S. , Mohamed Sharaf , Mohamed Shehata , Menghini Moreno , Hansen Alex , Chen Fred K.
Published: November 2019

Importance

All automated image quality indicators for en face optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images require gold standard validation for determining optimum thresholds.

Background

A manual grading system (gold standard) for OCTA images was validated and compared to two automated image quality indicators: signal strength index (SSI) and scan quality index (SQI) generated by different software versions of the Optovue OCTA device.

Design

Retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Participants

A total of 52 eyes of 52 healthy individual and 77 eyes of 51 patients with retinal vascular diseases.

Methods

A total of 129 OCTA images of the superficial vascular plexus were graded manually by three independent examiners. Each image was assigned grades 1 to 4 (1‐2, unacceptable; 3‐4, acceptable) masked to the software‐generated quality indicators.

Main Outcome Measures

Inter‐grader agreement and comparison of the utility of SSI and SQI in discriminating between acceptable and unacceptable OCTA images.

Results

There was a substantial agreement between the three graders (κ = 0.63). Mean SSI and SQI was significantly different between acceptable and unacceptable images (P < .001). SQI outperformed SSI in separating acceptable from unacceptable images (areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.87 vs 0.80) and the optimum cut‐off was ≥7 for SQI and ≥70 for SSI for acceptable images. Up to 30% of images with quality indicators reaching the optimum SQI and SSI cut‐off thresholds still had unacceptable quality on manual grading. Unacceptable images were found in 33% and 66% of healthy and diseased eyes, respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance

SQI is closely related to manual grading but we caution reliance on the optimized threshold to determine image quality. SQI is superior to SSI in discriminating between acceptable and unacceptable images.
Hereditary spastic paraplegia is a novel phenotype for germline de novo ATP1A1 mutation
Authors: Stregapede Fabrizia , Travaglini Lorena , Rebelo Adriana P. , Cintra Vivian Pedigone , Bellacchio Emanuele , Bosco Luca , Alfieri Paolo , Pro Stefano , Zuchner Stephan , Bertini Enrico , Nicita Francesco
Published: November 2019

Dominant mutations in ATP1A1, encoding the alpha‐1 isoform of the Na+/K+‐ATPase, have been recently reported to cause an axonal to intermediate type of Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease (ie, CMT2DD) and a syndrome with hypomagnesemia, intractable seizures and severe intellectual disability. Here, we describe the first case of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) caused by a novel de novo (p.L337P) variant in ATP1A1. We provide evidence for the causative role of this variant with functional and homology modeling studies. This finding expands the phenotypic spectrum of the ATP1A1‐related disorders, adds a piece to the larger genetic puzzle of HSP, and increases knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying inherited axonopathies (ie, CMT and HSP).
The usage of a lactobacilli probiotic in the non‐surgical therapy of peri‐implantitis: A randomized pilot study
Authors: Laleman Isabelle , Pauwels Martine , Quirynen Marc , Teughels Wim
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Examine the clinical and microbiological benefits of a dual‐strain Lactobacillus reuteri probiotic on the non‐surgical therapy of initial peri‐implantitis.

Materials and methods

This randomized, double‐blind study targeted patients with initial peri‐implantitis, that is peri‐implantitis with a maximum mean probing pocket depth of 6 mm and maximum 3 mm bone loss compared with loading. A full‐mouth prophylaxis was performed and the peri‐implantitis sites were debrided. Subsequently, local application of the study drops was carried out at the peri‐implantitis sites and the study lozenges were handed out. The patients in the probiotic group received drops and lozenges containing L. reuteri (ATCC PTA 5289 & DSM 17938), those in the control group received placebo products. At the implant level the measurements of interest were bleeding, probing pocket depth and plaque. Full‐mouth bleeding and plaque scores were also recorded. Microbiological samples were taken from the tongue, saliva and subgingivally around the implants.

Results

All clinical parameters were significantly decreased after 12 and 24 weeks. At the implant level the only statistically significant difference was a greater decrease in plaque levels in the probiotic versus the control group (p = .002 at 24 weeks). At the full‐mouth level, the only intergroup difference was the greater decrease in full‐mouth bleeding on probing sites in the probiotic group compared with the control group (p < .001 at 24 weeks). Concerning the microbiological outcomes, no significant differences could be found at any time point, neither intra‐ nor intergroup.

Conclusions

No adjunctive effects of the use of L. reuteri probiotics in the treatment of peri‐implantitis were found.
Fractal dimension and chromatin textural analysis to differentiate follicular carcinoma and adenoma on fine needle aspiration cytology
Authors: Gupta Shruti , Savala Rajiv , Gupta Nalini , Dey Pranab
Published: November 2019

A new form of technology is applied to cytology specimens in an attempt to solve the problem of distinguishing follicular adenoma from follicular carcinoma of the thyroid.
A preclinical assessment to repurpose drugs to target type 1 diabetes‐associated type B coxsackieviruses
Authors: Sioofy‐Khojine A. B. , Honkimaa A. , Hyöty H.
Published: November 2019

Aim

To screen several antiviral drugs systematically for their efficacy against type B coxsackieviruses.

Methods

Ten drugs with different antiviral mechanisms were analysed for their efficacy against prototype strains of type B coxsackieviruses in A549 cells. Cell viability was quantified in fixed cells using a colorimetric assay. Median effective dose was interpolated from the triplicated experiments and the dose–response curves were generated for each drug–virus combination. Drug cytotoxicity was similarly quantified and selectivity indices calculated.

Results

Hizentra, pleconaril, fluoxetine, norfluoxetine, ribavirin, favipiravir, and guanidine hydrochloride were able to abrogate infection by all tested viruses, with the exception of complete inefficacy of pleconaril against coxsackievirus B3 and favipiravir against coxsackievirus B2. The effective doses for Hizentra, enviroxime, ribavirin, favipiravir, and pleconaril were clearly below their therapeutic serum concentrations, while the effective concentrations of fluoxetin, norfluoxetine and itraconazole exceeded their therapeutic serum concentrations. Lovastatin and azithromycin did not efficiently block type B coxsackieviruses.

Conclusion

Hizentra, enviroxime, pleconaril, ribavirin, and favipiravir are effective against type B coxsackieviruses in vitro in their therapeutic serum concentrations. These antiviral drugs are therefore attractive candidates for type 1 diabetes prevention/treatment trials. They can also be used in other clinical conditions caused by type B coxsackieviruses.
Forced technology transfer and China
Authors: Carbaugh Bob , Wassell Chad
Published: November 2019

Innovation is the most important competitive advantage of the United States. However, the infringement of intellectual property and the forcing of US firms to transfer technology to foreign firms have become increasingly important issues in recent years. This article discusses the implications of China's forced technology transfer regime.
The case for freedom revisited
Authors: Vaubel Roland
Published: November 2019

I argue that the case for freedom is about either knowledge or incentives. Freedom optimises the production and use of knowledge, and gives people the right incentives. I trace the history of these arguments. Knowledge‐based justifications can be found in the writings of Adam Smith, Jeremy Bentham, Wilhelm von Humboldt, J. S. Mill, Friedrich von Hayek, and Karl Popper. Incentive‐based arguments are due to Thomas Aquinas, Adam Smith, and James Mill. I then go on to query the extent to which classical freedom is compatible with other aims such as efficiency, enforcement of contracts, freedom of choice, political participation, and the socialist concept of freedom. Finally, I reject natural selection as a justification of freedom or of the right of property.
Is energy security really too important to leave to markets?
Authors: Haar Lawrence
Published: November 2019

Involvement by government in the energy sector has historically been extensive. Generally, however, regulation and direct ownership have involved secondary sectors such as electricity generation and transport on the grounds that these are natural monopolies exhibiting increasing returns to scale. With some exceptions, primary energy production has been left in private hands. But security of energy supply, particularly of petroleum, has been held to justify investment by governments in maintaining strategic reserves and other initiatives. This article argues, however, that petroleum markets are resilient and that the probability of disruptions is slight. Markets can be trusted to satisfy demand without shortages, at affordable prices. In light of structural changes and innovations in petroleum markets, unless the large strategic reserves held by almost all developed countries are actively used to reduce market volatility as a form of public good, maintaining them is difficult to justify.
The forced registration of hedge funds in the United States
Authors: Lee Steven James , Kramer Edward W
Published: November 2019

This article recounts the history of hedge fund regulation in the United States over the last century, including Congressional legislation as well as legal cases mounted both by and against the Securities and Exchange Commission. Traditional arguments for and against hedge fund regulation are discussed. The article argues that neither hedge funds nor their managers should be regulated—whether directly or indirectly. Rather, financial or trusted advisors who recommend these products to investors should bear the regulatory burden.
Prenatal diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot associated with pulmonary artery sling: Two case reports
Authors: Li Tianjing , Han Jiancheng , Gao Shuang , Hao Xiuxiu , He Yihua
Published: November 2019

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a common condition accounting for 10%–20% of all fetal cyanotic congenital heart disease cases. Pulmonary artery sling (PAS), or aberrant left pulmonary artery, is a rare congenital cardiovascular malformation. Approximately 58%–83% of PAS is associated with other cardiovascular malformations, TOF being rarest. The diagnosis of PAS is generally incidental or made at autopsy. Cases of prenatal diagnoses of TOF associated with PAS have not yet been reported. Here, we report two cases of TOF associated with PAS diagnosed prenatally in our hospital.
Global longitudinal strain before cardiac surgery: Improving feasibility, reproducibility, and variability
Authors: Myhr Katrine A. , Pedersen Frederik H. G. , Kristensen Charlotte B. , Køber Lars , Hassager Christian , Møgelvang Rasmus
Published: November 2019

Background

Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a predictor of outcome after cardiac surgery. If integrated into clinical decision‐making and timing of surgery, it is important to evaluate the feasibility, reproducibility, and variation of GLS in this selection of patients, where poor image quality and nontraceable segments are frequent.

Methods and results

Two‐dimensional strain analysis was performed on 250 patients planned to undergo open‐heart surgery. Intra‐ and inter‐examiner retest variability was assessed in 50 consecutive patients. All myocardial segments were traceable in 119 patients, and GLS of those served as a reference in comparison with alternative strain models with nontraceable segments. Global longitudinal strain estimation by the recommended method of a maximum of one nontraceable segment per view was only feasible in 64% of cases (mean GLS −16%). Reproducibility was moderate (intra‐observer coefficient of variation [CV] 8%; inter‐observer CV 10%) and variation of GLS showed bias ± 95% limits of agreement (LOA) of 0.6 ± 1.1 (P < .05). Accepting three nontraceable segments in total increased feasibility to 77% with similar reproducibility (intra‐observer CV 8%; inter‐observer CV 11%) and variation (bias ± LOA: 0.6 ± 1.3, P < .05). A model with a maximum of one apical, one mid, and one basal nontraceable segment increased feasibility to 72% with similar reproducibility (intra‐observer CV 8%; inter‐observer CV 10%) and variation (bias ± LOA: 0.4 ± 1.2, P < .05).

Conclusion

Global longitudinal strain estimation in patients prior to cardiac surgery is challenged by moderate feasibility, retest variation as well as variation in cases of nontraceable segments. We suggest alternative strain models with improved feasibility without compromising reproducibility and variation.
Longitudinal atrophy characterization of cortical and subcortical gray matter in Huntington’s disease patients
Authors: Ramirez‐Garcia Gabriel , Galvez Víctor , Diaz Rosalinda , Bayliss Leo , Fernandez‐Ruiz Juan , Campos‐Romo Aurelio
Published: November 2019

Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease with clinical manifestations that involve motor, cognitive and psychiatric deficits. Cross‐sectional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have described the main cortical and subcortical macrostructural atrophy of HD. However, longitudinal studies characterizing progressive atrophy are lacking. This study aimed to describe the cortical and subcortical gray matter atrophy using complementary volumetric and surface‐based MRI analyses in a cohort of seventeen early HD patients in a cross‐sectional and longitudinal analysis and to correlate the longitudinal volumetric atrophy with the functional decline using several clinical measures. A group of seventeen healthy individuals was included as controls. After obtaining structural MRIs, volumetric analyses were performed in 36 cortical and 7 subcortical regions of interest per hemisphere and surface‐based analyses were performed in the whole cortex, caudate, putamen and thalamus. Cross‐sectional cortical surface‐based and volumetric analyses showed significant decreases in frontoparietal and temporo‐occipital cortices, while subcortical volumetric analysis showed significant decreases in all subcortical structures except the hippocampus. The longitudinal surface‐based analysis showed widespread cortical thinning with volumetric decreases in the superior frontal lobe, while a subcortical volumetric decrease occurred in the caudate, putamen and thalamus with shape deformation on the anterior, medial and dorsal side. Functional capacity and motor status decline correlated with caudate progressive atrophy, while cognitive decline correlated with left superior frontal and right paracentral progressive atrophy. These results provide new insights into progressive volumetric and surface‐based morphometric atrophy of gray matter in HD.
RMJG Rutile: A New Natural Reference Material for Microbeam U‐Pb Dating and Hf Isotopic Analysis
Authors: Zhang Le , Wu Jia‐Lin , Tu Jia‐Run , Wu Dan , Li Nan , Xia Xiao‐Ping , Ren Zhong‐Yuan
Published: November 2019

Matrix‐matched reference materials are necessary for accurate microbeam U‐Pb dating and Hf isotopic determination. This study introduces the RMJG rutile as a new potential reference material, which was separated from Palaeoproterozoic pelitic granulites collected in Hebei Province, China. LA‐ICP‐MS measurements indicate the RMJG rutile has extremely low Th (< 0.003 ± 0.01 µg g−1) and common Pb contents, but high Hf (102 ± 34 µg g−1), U (61 ± 11 µg g−1), and radiogenic Pb (~ 20 µg g−1) contents. Moreover, the rutile yields relatively constant U‐Pb ages and Hf isotopic data. The LA‐ICP‐MS analyses suggest that this rutile has a concordant U‐Pb age with a statistical mean 206Pb/238U and 207Pb/235U ages of 1749.9 ± 32.1 Ma and 1750.0 ± 26.4 Ma, respectively (2s), which are statistically indistinguishable from its ID‐TIMS ages (1750.6 ± 8.4 and 1750.1 ± 4.7 Ma). Precise determination of the 176Hf/177Hf ratio by MC‐ICP‐MS in solution mode (0.281652 ± 0.000006) is in good agreement with the statistical mean of the LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS measurements (0.28166 ± 0.00018). Therefore, the limited variations of RMJG U‐Pb age and Hf isotopic composition together with its extremely low common Pb and high Hf, U and Pb contents make it an ideal calibration and monitor reference material for LA‐ICP‐MS measurements.
‘I felt like a human being’—An exploratory, multi‐method study of refugee involvement in the development of mental health intervention research
Authors: Warner Georgina , Baghdasaryan Zaruhi , Osman Fatumo , Lampa Elin , Sarkadi Anna
Published: November 2019

Background

Great advancements have been made in patient and public involvement (PPI), including the development of guidance on how to conduct, report and evaluate PPI. Despite these efforts, the evidence base remains relatively weak. A substantive methodological development is required. This is particularly important for vulnerable groups within society, for whom PPI can be challenging but has the potential to play a transformative role in shaping research.

Objectives

To describe the group dynamic characteristics and immediate impact of PPI from the user representatives’ perspective in a case study of refugee involvement in the development of mental health intervention research. To pilot and methodologically appraise the Active Involvement of Users in Research Observation Schedule and Questionnaire.

Design

The Active Involvement of Users in Research Observation Schedule and Questionnaire were administered together with a focus group discussion.

Setting

‘Refugee Advisors’ were involved in the development of a randomized controlled trial protocol evaluating a brief group intervention for refugee children experiencing symptoms of post‐traumatic stress in Sweden.

Results

The multi‐method approach demonstrated good feasibility. There were clear examples of how the advisors influenced research development. The advisors described a perceived impact on the research, equality and acceptance, and knowledge gain. A sense of appreciation and empowerment was also interpreted. However, potential issues relating to the relevance of contributions and use of an interpreter were identified.

Discussion and conclusion

The methodological approach piloted in this study offers a promising, rigorous way to evaluate PPI. The research tools require further refinement and validation.
Evaluation of dentine thickness of middle mesial canals of mandibular molars prepared with rotary instruments: a micro‐CT study
Authors: Keles A. , Keskin C. , Alqawasmi R. , Versiani M. A.
Published: November 2019

Aim

To evaluate, using micro‐CT, the remaining dentine thickness after preparation of the mesiobuccal (MB), mesiolingual (ML) and middle mesial (MM) canals of mandibular first molars with the ProTaper Next rotary system.

Methodology

Eleven mesial roots of mandibular first molars having three independent canals from the furcation level up to at least 5 mm towards the apical direction were selected. Preparation of MM canals was performed in two steps using ProTaper Next X2 (step 1) and X3 (step 2) instruments, whilst MB and ML canals were prepared in a single step up to X3 instruments. The roots were scanned (pixel size of 10 µm) before and after each step, and the dentine volume was calculated. Postoperative models of the roots were coregistered with their preoperative dataset and colour‐coded cross‐sections of the roots were used to measure the smallest dentine thickness surrounding each canal at 1.0‐mm intervals from the furcation level up to 5 mm in the apical direction, in both mesial and distal aspects of the roots. Changes in the remaining wall thickness between mesial canals were analysed with repeated‐measures anova and post hoc Tukey test. Significance level was set at 5%.

Results

Mean percentage reduction of dentine volume after steps 1 and 2 was 4.66% and 5.16%, respectively. Overall, pre‐ and postoperative dentine thickness of the MM canal walls, in both mesial and distal aspects of the root, were significantly thinner than those of MB and ML canals (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed when comparing dentine thickness in the mesial and distal directions of MM canal after preparation step 1 (0.88 ± 0.18 mm and 0.73 ± 0.26 mm, respectively) or 2 (0.83 ± 0.17 mm and 0.67 ± 0.26 mm, respectively) (P > 0.05). Dentine thickness values less than 0.5 mm were observed mostly towards the distal aspect of the MM canal. Mesial roots were not associated with strip perforations after canal preparation procedures.

Conclusions

A significant decrease in the thickness of canal walls at all levels evaluated in the mesial roots of mandibular molars suggests that files with small tapers should be used in preference to instruments with large tapers to prepare mesial canals in mandibular molars.
Review of corrosion of refractory in gaseous environment
Authors: Mahapatra Manoj K.
Published: November 2019

Advancing high temperature technologies pushes the envelope of the service conditions to new extremes. However, corrosion of refractories substantially decreases the service life and causes unscheduled shutdown of manufacturing and processing plants. In this paper, corrosion of refractories in gaseous environments is reviewed. The corrosion mechanisms of alumina refractories, including alumino‐silicates and zirconia as oxide, and silicon carbide as non‐oxide refractory are emphasized due to their broad array of applications. It is shown that carbonaceous atmosphere and water vapor are detrimental for the oxide refractories. Interaction with water vapor leads to formation of the volatile species and subsequent recession of the refractories. Carbonaceous atmosphere leads to the decomposition of even mullite, which is categorized as neutral refractory due to its excellent thermochemical stability. Oxidizing atmosphere with water vapor dominates the corrosion of non‐oxide refractories. Presence of impurities, even parts per million level, in the gas stream such as alkali vapor and halogens can alter the corrosion mechanisms and favor “hot corrosion.”
Stress, anxiety and depression perceived by couples with recurrent miscarriage
Authors: Chen Shu‐Lan , Chang Shao‐Min , Kuo Pao‐Lin , Chen Chung‐Hey
Published: November 2019

Aim

Recurrent miscarriage is considered a major life event. The main purposes of this study were to compare the differences in stress, anxiety, social support, sleep quality and depressive symptoms in couples experiencing recurrent miscarriage compared to peers who experience full‐term normal childbirth in southern Taiwan.

Methods

Convenience sampling and snowball sampling were used respectively to recruit 78 couples with and 80 couples without recurrent miscarriage from October 2014 to July 2015. Five structured questionnaires including Perceived Stress Scale, State‐ Anxiety Inventory, Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Edinburgh Depression Scale were administered.

Results

Women who experienced recurrent miscarriage perceived significantly higher levels of stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms than their husbands. Women in the recurrent miscarriage group reported significantly greater depressive symptoms than women of the other group. A stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated key predictors of depressive symptoms among women of childbearing age, accounting for 62.9% of the variance, were anxiety, stress, social support and history of recurrent miscarriage.

Conclusion

Women with recurrent miscarriage suffer mild to moderate depressive symptoms and a greater incidence of depression than their peers who experienced normal childbirth. Health professionals can use the knowledge gained from these findings to evaluate women with recurrent miscarriage for stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms and develop supportive interventions.
Association between ribociclib and changes in creatinine in patients with hormone receptor positive metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Wilson Brooke E. , Mok Kelly , Kiely Belinda E. , Nguyen Rebecca , Moylan Eugene
Published: November 2019

Combination ribociclib and aromatase inhibitors are currently the preferred treatment in Australia for newly diagnosed hormone receptor positive metastatic breast cancer in the absence of visceral crisis. In our case series of 32 patients, 28% experienced grade 1 elevations in creatinine, a toxicity that was under‐recognised in large phase III studies. Creatinine rise appears to be due to a reversible inhibition of renal efflux transporters rather than an acute kidney injury in the majority of cases.
Efficacy of home‐based exercise programme on physical function after hip fracture: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Chen Bo , Hu Nie , Tan Jin‐Hai
Published: November 2019

We performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the effect of home exercise programmes on body function after hip fractures. A computerised literature search was performed for published trials in PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Randomised trials were selected investigating home‐based exercise programmes vs usual care without home‐based exercise in hip fracture patients. Physical health (measured by Short Form 36), normal gait speed, fast gait speed, balance, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), activities of daily living (ADL), lower extremity strength, leg strength in fractured leg, leg strength in non‐fractured leg, and Six‐Minute Walk Test (6MWT) per randomised patient were measured as outcomes. Eleven randomised controlled trials of 1068 subjects were included, 533 in the home‐based exercise group and 535 in the control group. The results of this meta‐analysis showed that the home‐based exercise programmes were not significantly associated with physical health, normal gait speed, fast gait speed, balance, IADL, ADL, and lower extremity strength but were significantly associated with leg strength in the fractured leg, leg strength in the non‐fractured leg, and 6MWT. The home‐based exercise programme had a positive, although not significant, effect on physical function after hip fracture. Low‐intensity training and poor patient compliance are unavoidable problems in home‐based exercise rehabilitation. A more task‐oriented rehabilitation programme might possibly yield more benefits for disability outcomes.
A Decline in Drawing Ability?
Authors: Fava Michelle
Published: November 2019

This research surveys changing attitudes to drawing pedagogy, in the context of digitisation, moves toward student‐centred learning in art & design higher education, and anecdotal reports of declining competence. Based on student, teacher and examiner’s experiences, it has been possible to gain insights into how drawing instruction has changed over the past generation. This article examines the attitudes, values and concerns of students and educators regarding drawing instruction. The study reveals that, in the UK, drawing skills are considered to be gradually declining, while traditional notions of skill are called into question. Drawing as a means of visual recording, representation and communication remains valued, although no longer essential as it once was; drawing to augment thought process is increasingly recognised as an integral skill which enables innovation. The latter is rarely ‘taught’ but relies on core competencies that many lecturers fear are being eroded. Increasing value is placed on drawing ‘as process’, as provision is moving towards individualised instruction requiring students to work independently. While new technologies are a factor, this article re‐frames the issue as an imbalance between creative outcomes and creative process, with a disparity between school and university levels. This article calls for a renewed emphasis on ‘drawing as process’ as preparation for university, and for further consideration of the core competencies underpinning the use of drawing as a tool of thought, and how these might be standardised.