bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The original boneheads: histologic analysis of the pachyostotic skull roof in Permian burnetiamorphs (Therapsida: Biarmosuchia)
Authors: Kulik Zoe T. , Sidor Christian A.
Published: May 2019

Thickened, pachyostotic skulls are best known in pachycephalosaur dinosaurs, but evolved convergently in Permian burnetiamorphs as well as in some other stem‐mammal groups and Triassic archosauromorphs. Until now, only pachycephalosaur domes have been histologically sampled to reveal patterns of bone tissue microstructure and growth. Using computed tomography and osteohistology, we serially thin‐sectioned one of the smallest burnetiamorph skull caps ever recovered (estimated skull length = 10 cm), as well as an individual nearly twice as large, and here report the first cranial histological data from this clade. We recognize four highly vascularized histological zones visible in coronal thin‐sections, only one of which shares morphological similarities with the tripartite zonation previously reported in pachycephalosaur domes. Zone A forms the endocranial region of the skull cap and records disorganized primary osteons in a fibrolamellar complex. Zone B preserves a border of compact, avascular layers of parallel‐fibered bone surrounding an interior of partially remodeled vascular canals. Interestingly, the outline of Zone B resembles the shape of an incipient skull roof. Zone C forms the thickest portion of the skull cap and is composed of fast‐growing woven bone with minimal osteonal development. The superficial Zone D has a matrix of predominantly woven bone with narrower primary vascular canals than in deeper regions of the skull caps. Unlike in pachycephalosaurs, where primary vascular porosity is thought to decrease through ontogeny, both burnetiamorph skull caps preserve a thick Zone C of highly vascularized tissue. Additionally, the remnants of sutures are visible as radial struts that taper superficially, leaving no trace on the surface of the skull. Even in the smallest individual, the sutures are closed ectocranially, which is unusual, given that some large, presumably adult pachycephalosaur domes preserve open sutural gaps. Although pachycephalosaur and burnetiamorph skull domes are superficially similar, histological analysis reveals differences in their vascularity and construction that imply multiple evolutionary pathways to form an elaborate pachyostotic dome.
Ontogeny of the human maxilla: a study of intra‐population variability combining surface bone histology and geometric morphometrics
Authors: Schuh Alexandra , Kupczik Kornelius , Gunz Philipp , Hublin Jean‐Jacques , Freidline Sarah E.
Published: May 2019

Bone modeling is the process by which bone grows in size and models its shape via the cellular activities of the osteoblasts and osteoclasts that respectively form and remove bone. The patterns of expression of these two activities, visible on bone surfaces, are poorly understood during facial ontogeny in Homo sapiens; this is due mainly to small sample sizes and a lack of quantitative data. Furthermore, how microscopic activities are related to the development of morphological features, like the uniquely human‐canine fossa, has been rarely explored. We developed novel techniques for quantifying and visualizing variability in bone modeling patterns and applied these methods to the human maxilla to better understand its development at the micro‐ and macroscopic levels. We used a cross‐sectional ontogenetic series of 47 skulls of known calendar age, ranging from birth to 12 years, from a population of European ancestry. Surface histology was employed to record and quantify formation and resorption on the maxilla, and digital maps representing each individual's bone modeling patterns were created. Semilandmark geometric morphometric (GM) methods and multivariate statistics were used to analyze facial growth. Our results demonstrate that surface histology and GM methods give complementary results, and can be used as an integrative approach in ontogenetic studies. The bone modeling patterns specific to our sample are expressed early in ontogeny, and fairly constant through time. Bone resorption varies in the size of its fields, but not in location. Consequently, absence of bone resorption in extinct species with small sample sizes should be interpreted with caution. At the macroscopic level, maxillary growth is predominant in the top half of the bone where bone formation is mostly present. Our results suggest that maxillary growth in humans is highly constrained from early stages in ontogeny, and morphological changes are likely driven by changes in osteoblastic and osteoclastic rates of expression rather than differences in the bone modeling patterns (i.e. changes in location of formation and resorption). Finally, the results of the micro‐ and macroscopic analyses suggest that the development of the canine fossa results from a combination of bone resorption and bone growth in the surrounding region.
Vascular coverage of the anterior knee region – an anatomical study
Authors: Hirtler Lena , Lübbers Anke , Rath Claus
Published: May 2019

Descriptions of vessel angiosomes or perforasomes throughout the human body are quite frequent, and led to the development of flaps nowadays commonly used to surgically cover skin and soft tissue defects. In these procedures, the surgeon requires a profound anatomical knowledge of the respective blood vessels and the extent of the perfused area to define the size of the graft. In the region of the knee joint, descriptions of flaps based on the superior lateral genicular artery and descending genicular artery are quite frequent. In contrast, information regarding other popliteal branches is scarce or non‐existent. The aim of this study was to provide a concise and complete overview on the extent and variability of the perforator angiosomes of the femoral and popliteal arteries in the anterior knee region. Twenty lower extremities were dissected, the respective perforators identified and perfused with dye. All resulting angiosomes were marked and documented. A total of 84 angiosomes were identified in all specimens, with an average of 4.2 (3–6) angiosomes per specimen. The average size of the angiosomes was 97.04 ± 72.30 cm2 (8.61–360.41 cm2), their source vessels had an average diameter of 1.42 ± 0.54 mm (0.60–3.25 mm). The complex and highly variable distribution of perforator angiosomes of the anterior knee region and especially of its less frequently investigated distal part was demonstrated. Based on these results, the planning of existing perforator flaps in this region and the development of flaps including the inferior medial or inferior lateral genicular arteries may be facilitated.
Bridging Group Divides: A Theoretical Overview of the “What” and “How” of Gateway Groups
Authors: Love Angelika , Levy Aharon
Published: May 2019

One of the most recent developments in the realm of intergroup relations is that of the gateway group notion. This conceptual framework addresses the potential of groups with multiple social backgrounds to play a role in the facilitation of positive intergroup relations between their distinct social counterparts (e.g., immigrants as a gateway between home and host countries). Given their shared identity with different social groups, people with multiple identities can potentially bridge the cleft between the two otherwise separate groups with which they are affiliated. In this article, we first provide a theoretical introduction to the gateway group notion and review preliminary experimental and social network‐based research on gateway groups' potential to improve intergroup relations. We then integrate this novel concept with the existing literature on intergroup contact and social categorization and discuss the potential social implications of gateway groups.
Dermatological manifestations of fungal infection in patients with febrile neutropaenia: A review of the literature
Authors: Maddy Austin J. , Sanchez Nelson , Shukla Bhavarth S. , Maderal Andrea D.
Published: May 2019

Febrile neutropaenia (FNP) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Although most infections are caused by bacterial pathogens, fungal infections are becoming increasingly more common. Due to its rarity, the diagnosis of fungal infections in febrile neutropenic patients is often delayed. To provide current clinical features, epidemiology, aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous involvement of fungal infection in patients with FNP. A retrospective literature review of PubMed was performed, with no language or publishing data restrictions, yielding 116 results. We queried each case for cutaneous lesions associated with fungal pathogens in FNP. We found 54 publications with 215 reported cases of cutaneous manifestations of fungal injury in patients with FNP. This study is limited in that it is a literature review of a disease that is likely underreported. Cutaneous lesions caused by yeasts such as Candida and Trichosporon manifest as diffuse erythematous papules and usually do not develop central necrosis or eschar, while moulds will present as tender nodules that subsequently develop eschar and necrosis. Recognising the cutaneous manifestations of fungal disease can assist in the diagnosis and management of these infections.
Hyperactivated peripheral invariant natural killer T cells correlate with the progression of HBV‐relative liver cirrhosis
Authors: Wei Xin , Qian Jingjing , Yao Weifeng , Chen Liling , Guan Huaqin , Chen Yingxiao , Xie Yaosheng , Lu Hong , Zhang Zhuo , Shi Liang , Lin Xiangyang
Published: May 2019

Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells express markers of both T and NK cells and may produce various cytokines to regulate liver immunity. However, the role of iNKT cells in the progression of HBV‐relative liver cirrhosis (HBV‐LC) is incompletely understood. Here, we investigated the impact of peripheral iNKT cells on a cohort of patients with HBV‐LC. The frequency, number, activation status, apoptosis and proliferation ability of peripheral iNKT cells were detected with flow cytometry. The impact of peripheral iNKT cells on the proliferation of hepatocyte cell line (MIHA) and activation of hepatic stellate cell line (LX‐2) was detected with flow cytometry and PCR. In HBV‐LC patients, the frequency and absolute number of peripheral iNKT cells significantly reduced, but the expression levels of CD25, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐13 and interferon (IFN)‐γ increased. No difference was observed in the proliferation and apoptosis of circulating iNKT cells between patients and healthy controls (HCs). CXCR6 (CD186), known to be closely associated with iNKT cells migration from the periphery to the liver, was highly expressed on peripheral iNKT cells in HBV‐LC patients. Furthermore, peripheral iNKT cells had a profound impact on MIHA cell proliferation and LX‐2 cell activation through IL‐4 or IL‐13. Our data suggest that in HBV‐LC patients, highly activated peripheral iNKT cells may migrate to the liver and affect hepatocyte cell line (MIHA) proliferation and hepatic stellate cell line (LX‐2) activation through the expression of type 2 cytokines, which may result in excessive healing and contributing to the progression of fibrosis toward cirrhosis in liver.
Laparoscopic entry techniques: What is the controversy?
Authors: Monnet Eric
Published: May 2019

Objective

To review reported complications related to the different laparoscopic entry techniques in the human and veterinary literature and describe the benefits and limitations of each technique.

Study design

Literature review of 57 peer‐reviewed articles.

Methods

An electronic database search identified human and veterinary literature describing complications related to entry technique during laparoscopy.

Results

Open‐ and closed‐entry techniques may result in trauma of abdominal organs or vasculature. During laparoscopy in man, injury to bowel and major vasculature is reported in 0.02% and 0.04% of procedures with open‐ or closed‐entry techniques, respectively. Designs of Veress needles and trocar cannula assemblies have been developed to improve ease and safety. Early complications, defined as those observed at the time of port entry into the abdominal cavity, result from the puncture of a blood vessel leading to substantial visible hemorrhage. Late complications are detected 24 or 48 hours after surgery and result from the puncture of a loop of intestine that was not detected at the time of initial surgery. The major reasons for iatrogenic trauma in man are related to anatomical factors and the presence of adhesions. No explanation for cause of complications was identified for animals.

Conclusion

There is no consensus in the human or veterinary literature about the best entry technique for laparoscopy. The rate of complications related to entry technique in small animals is not known because the data are underreported.

Clinical significance

Complications related to entry techniques are expected in both man and animals. Improvements in techniques and equipment design are being developed to minimize risk.
Stability Prediction of the Nuclear Turbine Blades During Wet Steam Nonequilibrium Condensation Process
Authors: Guo Bing , Tang Weixiao
Published: May 2019

Stability of the nuclear turbine blades is difficult to be accurately predicted because the wet steam load (WSL) as well as its induced equivalent damping and stiffness during nonequilibrium condensation process (NECP) is hard to be directly calculated. Generally, in design, NECP is assumed as equilibrium condensation process (ECP), of which the two-phase temperature difference (PTD) between gaseous and liquid is ignored. In this paper, a novel method to calculate the WSL-induced equivalent damping and equivalent stiffness during NECP based on the combined microperturbation method (MPM) and computational fluid dynamics method (CFDM) was proposed. Once the WSL-induced equivalent damping and equivalent stiffness are determined, the stability of the blade-WSL system, of which the blade was modeled by a pretwisted airfoil cantilever beam, can then be predicted based on the Lyapunov's first method. Besides, to estimate the effects of PTD, comparisons between the WSL-induced equivalent damping and equivalent stiffness as well as the unstable area during NECP and ECP were presented. Results show that the WSL-induced equivalent damping and equivalent stiffness during NECP are more sensitive to the inlet boundary due to the irreversible heat transfer caused by PTD during NECP. Accordingly, the unstable area during NECP is about three times larger than during ECP.
German researchers promised a decade of budget increases
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: May 2019

Government deal adds €17 billion through 2030.
Agents of change among people living with HIV and their social networks: stepped-wedge randomised controlled trial of theNAMWEZAintervention in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Smith Fawzi Mary C , Siril Hellen , Liu Yuanyuan , McAdam Keith , Ainebyona Donald , McAdam Elspeth , Somba Magreat , Oljemark Kicki , Mleli Neema , Lienert Jeffrey , Andrew Irene , Haberlen Sabina , Simwinga Alice , Todd Jim , Makongwa Samwel , Li Nan , Kaaya Sylvia
Published: May 2019

Introduction

NAMWEZAis a novel intervention that focuses on preventing HIV and promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights by addressing underlying factors related to vulnerability of acquiring HIV, such as depression, intimate partner violence (IPV) and stigma. The goal of the study was to evaluate the effect of theNAMWEZAintervention on risk behaviour as well as factors potentially contributing to this vulnerability for people living with HIV and their network members.

Methods

A stepped-wedge randomised controlled trial was conducted from November 2010 to January 2014 among people living with HIV and their network members in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 458 people living with HIV were randomised within age/sex-specific strata to participate in theNAMWEZAintervention at three points in time. In addition, 602 members of their social networks completed the baseline interview. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed, including primary outcomes of uptake of HIV services, self-efficacy, self-esteem, HIV risk behaviour and IPV.

Results

For people living with HIV, a number of outcomes improved with theNAMWEZAintervention, including higher self-efficacy and related factors, as well as lower levels of depression and stigma. IPV reduced by 40% among women. Although reductions in HIV risk behaviour were not observed, an increase in access to HIV treatment was reported for network members (72% vs 94%, p=0.002).

Conclusion

These results demonstrate the complexity of behavioural interventions in reducing the vulnerability of acquiring HIV, since it is possible to observe a broad range of different outcomes. This study indicates the importance of formally evaluating interventions so that policymakers can build on evidence-based approaches to advance the effectiveness of HIV prevention interventions.

Trial registration number

NCT01693458.
Cost and cost-effectiveness of a parenting programme to prevent violence against adolescents in South Africa
Authors: Redfern Alice , Cluver Lucie D , Casale Marisa , Steinert Janina I
Published: May 2019

Introduction

This paper presents the costs and cost-effectiveness of ‘Parenting for Lifelong Health: Sinovuyo Teen’, a non-commercialised parenting programme aimed at preventing violence against adolescents in low-income and middle-income countries.

Methods

The effectiveness of Sinovuyo Teen was evaluated with a cluster randomised controlled trial in 40 villages and peri-urban townships in the Eastern Cape of South Africa from 2015 to 2016. The costs of implementation were calculated retrospectively and models of costs at scale estimated, from the perspective of the programme provider. Cost-effectiveness analysis considers both the cost per incident of abuse averted, and cost per disability-adjusted life year averted. Potential economic benefits from the societal perspective were estimated by developing a framework of possible savings.

Results

The total implementation cost for Sinovuyo Teen over the duration of the trial was US$135 954, or US$504 per family enrolled. Among the 270 families in the treatment group, an estimated 73 incidents of physical and emotional abuse were averted (95% CI 29 to 118 incidents averted). During the trial, the total cost per incident of physical or emotional abuse averted was US$1837, which is likely to decrease to approximately US$972 if implemented at scale. By comparison, the economic benefits of averting abuse in South Africa are large with an estimated lifetime saving of US$2724 minimum per case.

Conclusion

Parenting programmes are a cost-effective intervention to prevent the abuse of adolescents by their caregivers in South Africa, when compared with existing violence prevention programmes and cost-effectiveness thresholds based on GDP per capita.
Evaluating the safety and technical effectiveness of a newly developed intravascular ’flow isolator' stent for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms: study protocol for a first-in-human single-arm multiple-site clinical trial in Japan
Authors: Yamamoto Haruko , Hamasaki Toshimitsu , Onda Kaori , Nakayama Yasuhide , Ishii Akira , Oishi Hidenori , Sakai Nobuyuki , Satow Tetsu
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Wide-neck or large intracranial aneurysms are difficult to cure by conventional surgical or endovascular procedures. A flow diverter (FD) is an implantable, stent-like, fine-mesh medical device for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Although endovascular treatment with FDs is becoming a routine first-line option, a systematic review noted the heterogeneity and publication biases of the clinical studies for FDs. We have developed a new honeycomb microporous covered stent (NCVC-CS1) as a ‘flow isolator’ for the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

Methods and analysis

We planned the NCVC-CS1_UAN as a first-in-human study to evaluate the safety and technical effectiveness of the NCVC-CS1, a newly developed honeycomb microporous covered stent, for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms that are difficult to cure by conventional surgical or endovascular procedures. The study is a multicentre, open-label, uncontrolled, exploratory, medical device, investigator-initiated clinical study. The primary safety endpoint of this study is any stroke or death related to the procedure within 180 days, while for efficacy, the endpoint is complete obliteration of the target aneurysm and patency of the target vessel (less than 50% stenosis) confirmed by angiography at 180 days after the procedure.

Ethics and dissemination

Full ethics approval of institutional review boards was obtained at all participating sites. A clinical trial notification as a new medical device was accepted by the Japanese regulatory agency before it started. The study should be followed by a pivotal study to obtain satisfactory data for an application for marketing approval. The main results of this study will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The planned subject number for this study is 12.

Trial registration number

NCT02907229.
Estimates of the 2016 global burden of kidney disease attributable to ambient fine particulate matter air pollution
Authors: Bowe Benjamin , Xie Yan , Li Tingting , Yan Yan , Xian Hong , Al-Aly Ziyad
Published: May 2019

Objective

To quantitate the 2016 global and national burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) attributable to ambient fine particulate matter air pollution ≤ 2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5).

Design

We used the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study data and methodologies to estimate the 2016 burden of CKD attributable to PM2.5in 194 countries and territories. Population-weighted PM2.5levels and incident rates of CKD for each country were curated from the GBD study publicly available data sources.

Setting

GBD global and national data on PM2.5and CKD.

Participants

194 countries and territories.

Main outcome measures

We estimated the attributable burden of disease (ABD), years living with disability (YLD), years of life lost (YLL) and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs).

Results

The 2016 global burden of incident CKD attributable to PM2.5was 6 950 514 (95% uncertainty interval: 5 061 533–8 914 745). Global YLD, YLL and DALYs of CKD attributable to PM2.5were 2 849 311 (1 875 219–3 983 941), 8 587 735 (6 355 784–10 772 239) and 11 445 397 (8 380 246–14 554 091), respectively. Age-standardised ABD, YLL, YLD and DALY rates varied substantially among geographies. Populations in Mesoamerica, Northern Africa, several countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and several countries in Southeast Asia were among those with highest age-standardised DALY rates. For example, age-standardised DALYs per 100 000 were 543.35 (391.16–707.96) in El Salvador, 455.29 (332.51–577.97) in Mexico, 408.41 (283.82–551.84) in Guatemala, 238.25 (173.90–303.98) in India and 178.26 (125.31–238.47) in Sri Lanka, compared with 5.52 (0.82–11.48) in Sweden, 6.46 (0.00–14.49) in Australia and 12.13 (4.95–21.82) in Canada. Frontier analyses showed that Mesoamerican countries had significantly higher CKD DALY rates relative to other countries with comparable sociodemographic development.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that the global toll of CKD attributable to ambient air pollution is significant and identify several endemic geographies where air pollution may be a significant driver of CKD burden. Air pollution may need to be considered in the discussion of the global epidemiology of CKD.
Impact of handgrip strength on cardiovascular, cancer and all-cause mortality in the Korean longitudinal study of ageing
Authors: Kim Gyu Ri , Sun Jiyu , Han Minkyung , Park Sohee , Nam Chung Mo
Published: May 2019

Objective

To examine whether reduced handgrip strength, as a marker of muscle weakness, is linked with the risk of cardiovascular, cancer and all-cause mortality among older adults.

Design

We used data from the 2006 to 2014 Korean longitudinal study of ageing study. Estimates of handgrip strength were collected using a handheld dynamometer. Cox proportional hazard models with time-varying covariates were used to estimate HRs and their 95% CIs for all-cause mortality. The cause-specific hazards regression analysis was also used to model cardiovascular and cancer mortality, by treating deaths from the cause of interest as events and other causes of death as censored.

Participants

5859 participants aged 50 years or older were followed up until death or until the date of censoring (31 December 2014).

Primary outcome measures

The study outcomes of interest were all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality.

Results

Of the participants included in analyses, 515 individuals (8.8%) died, reflecting an overall crude mortality rate of 11.0 deaths per 1000 person-years. Participants in the lowest handgrip strength tertile showed an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality evidenced by a multivariable adjusted HRs of 1.90 (95% CI 1.33 to 2.73) and 1.59 (95% Cl 1.08 to 2.34), respectively. However, there were no significant differences in the rates of cancer-related death, with HR of 1.29 (95% CI 0.92 to 1.81 [lowest vs highest tertile; p trend=0.21]).

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that lower handgrip strength is an independent predictor of mortality among a population-based sample of Korean elderly; highlighting the importance of interventions targeted at enhancing muscle strength for improvements in survival at older ages.
How to train practising gynaecologists in total laparoscopic hysterectomy: protocol for the stepped-wedge IMAGINE trial
Authors: Obermair Andreas , Armfield Nigel R , Graves Nicholas , Gebski Val , Hanna George B , Coleman Mark G , Hughes Anne , Janda Monika
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Hysterectomy is the most common major gynaecological procedure in women and minimally invasive approaches should be used wherever possible; total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) is one such surgical approach which allows removal of the uterus entirely laparoscopically. However, lack of surgical training opportunities is impeding its increased adoption. This study will formally test a surgical outreach training model to equip surgeons with the skills to provide TLH as an alternative to total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH).

Methods and analysis

Stepped wedge implementation trial of a surgical training programme for practising obstetrician gynaecologist specialists in four hospitals.

Primary outcomes

Change in the proportion of hysterectomies performed by TAH, measured between preintervention and postintervention; we aim to reduce TAH by at least 30% in 75% of the trainees.

Secondary outcomes

(1) Number of hospitals screened, eligible, agree to training and complete the training; (2) number of surgeons screened for eligibility, eligible, agree to training, who complete training and achieve proficiency; (3) proportion of trainees achieving proficiency in correct theatre setup, vascular exposure, mobilisation and surgery closure; change in proportion proficient over time; (4) adverse events (conversion from TLH to TAH, anaesthetic incident, intraoperative visceral injury, red cell transfusions, hospital stay >7 days, incidental finding of malignancy, unplanned readmission, admission to intensive care, return to theatre, postoperative pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis, development of a fistula, vault haematoma, vaginal vault dehiscence or pelvic infection); (5) hospital length-of-stay; (6) cost-effectiveness and (7) trainee surgeon proficiency with TLH.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee and has received site-specific approval from all participating hospitals. Results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

NCT03617354; Pre-results.
Impact of extreme prematurity or extreme low birth weight on young adult health and well-being: the Victorian Infant Collaborative Study (VICS) 1991–1992 Longitudinal Cohort study protocol
Authors: Cheong Jeanie L Y , Wark John D , Cheung Michael M , Irving Louis , Burnett Alice C , Lee Katherine J , Garland Suzanne M , Smallwood David , Patton George C , Haikerwal Anjali , Doyle Lex W
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Infants born extremely preterm (EP, <28 weeks’ gestation) or with extremely low birth weight (ELBW,<1000 g) in the era when surfactant has been available clinically are at high risk of health and developmental problems in childhood and adolescence. However, how their health and well-being may be affected in adulthood is not well known. This study aims to compare between EP/ELBW and normal birthweight (NBW) controls: (1) physical health, mental health and socioemotional functioning at 25 years of age and (2) trajectories of these outcomes from childhood to adulthood. In addition, this study aims to identify risk factors in pregnancy, infancy, childhood and adolescence for poor physical health and well-being in EP/ELBW young adults.

Methods and analysis

The Victorian Infant Collaborative Study (VICS) is a prospective geographical cohort of all EP/ELBW survivors to 18 years of age born in the State of Victoria, Australia, from 1 January 1991 to 31 December 1992 (n=297) and contemporaneous term-born/NBW controls (n=262). Participants were recruited at birth and followed up at 2, 5, 8 and 18 years. This 25-year follow-up includes assessments of physical health (cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal), mental health and socioemotional functioning. Outcomes will be compared between the birth groups using linear and logistic regression, fitted using generalised estimating equations (GEEs). Trajectories of health outcomes from early childhood will be compared between the birth groups using linear mixed-effects models. Risk factors for adult outcomes will be assessed using linear and logistic regression (fitted using GEEs).

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committees of the Royal Women’s Hospital, Mercy Hospital for Women, Monash Medical Centre and the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne. Study outcomes will be disseminated through conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, the internet and social media.
Major reductions in unnecessary aspartate aminotransferase and blood urea nitrogen tests with a quality improvement initiative
Authors: Strauss Rachel , Cressman Alex , Cheung Mark , Weinerman Adina , Waldman Suzanne , Etchells Edward , Zahirieh Alireza , Tartaro Piero , Rezmovitz Jeremy , Callum Jeannie
Published: May 2019

Background/context

Unnecessary laboratory testing leads to considerable healthcare costs. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), commonly ordered with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), commonly ordered with creatinine (Cr), often add little value to patient management at significant cost. We undertook a choosing wisely based quality improvement initiative to reduce the frequency of testing.

Objectives

To reduce the ratio of AST/ALT and BUN/Cr to less than 5% for all inpatient and outpatient test orders.

Measures

Absolute number and ratio of AST/ALT and BUN/Cr; AST, ALT, BUN and Cr tests per 100 hospital days; projected annualised cost savings and monthly acute inpatient bed days.

Improvements

We created guidelines for appropriate indications of AST and BUN testing, provided education with audit and feedback and removed AST and BUN from institutional order sets.

Impact/results

The ratios of AST/ALT and BUN/Cr decreased significantly over the study period (0.37 to 0.14, 0.57 to 0.14, respectively), although the goal of 0.05 was not achieved due to a delay in adopting the choosing wisely strategies during the study time period by some inpatient units. The number of tests per 100 hospital days decreased from 20 to 7 AST (95% CI 19 to 20.5, 5.6 to 8.7, p<0.001) and from 72 to 17 BUN (95% CI 70 to 73.4, 16.6 to 22.9, p<0.001). The initiative resulted in a projected annualised cost savings of C$221 749.

Discussion

A significant decrease in the AST/ALT and BUN/Cr ratios can be achieved with a multimodal approach and will result in substantial healthcare savings.
Keith Martin Butt
Authors: Fogle Bruce
Published: May 2019

A kind, conscientious and compassionate vet with an innate charm and sense of humour. His clients benefited from his ability to make the darkest moments seem a bit brighter.
In vitro degradation and methane production of short-season corn hybrids harvested before or after a light frost
Authors: Aboagye I.A. , Baron V.S. , Oba M. , Guyader J. , Beauchemin K.A.
Published: May 2019

In western Canada, short-season corn silage production is increasing due to its potentially high nutritive value. The objective of this study was to determine variability and relationships among nutrient concentration, degradability, and methane (CH4) production of short-season whole-plant corn hybrids harvested before or after light frost (−1.5 °C). Four hybrids, based on their corn heat unit rating (≤2600, CHU rating), were grown in 2 yr in central and southern Alberta (AB) with two field replications. The batch culture and Daisy fermenter techniques were used to characterize degradability and gas production measurements. At both locations, dry matter (DM) concentration was affected by harvest and hybrid (P ≤ 0.02). However, starch and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentrations differed (P ≤ 0.01) or tended (P = 0.07) to differ among harvest and hybrid only in central AB. Over both locations and harvest times, CH4production was related negatively to propionate and positively to acetate proportions. In conclusion, harvesting southern AB hybrids after frost increased DM concentration and NDF degradability with no effect on CH4emissions, but the high DM concentration may negatively affect silage quality and animal performance. Harvesting central AB hybrids after frost increased DM and starch concentrations, while reducing CH4emissions but had limited effects on nutrient degradability.
Estimating volume growth from successive double sampling for stratification
Authors: Fischer Christoph , Saborowski Joachim
Published: May 2019

Volume growth is a key indicator in forest management and planning and, accordingly, an integral part of the estimation procedure of forest resources from sample based inventories. Growth estimation from successive double sampling for stratification (2SS) is somewhat challenging and has not been sufficiently addressed in the pertinent literature. Applying 2SS on successive occasions, with updated stratification on each occasion, may lead to fluctuation of sampling units among the strata and to a certain number of sample plots that have to be discarded or that have to be newly established on the second occasion, to obtain the required per-strata sampling proportions, which are stipulated in advance. After presenting a notation to implement growth estimation into 2SS standard formulas, the question of strata shifts and the occurrence of discarded and of new sample plots in the context of growth estimation is addressed. Although growth, unlike net change, can only be estimated from direct observations on remeasured sample plots, it was shown that ignoring discarded or new plots might lead to severely biased estimators. Modified estimators for mean growth and variances are provided and their application is illustrated using data from a repeated survey in a central German forest district.
Meta-analysis of mammary RNA seq datasets reveals the molecular understanding of bovine lactation biology
Authors: Vijayakumar Periyasamy , Bakyaraj Sanniyasi , Singaravadivelan Arunasalam , Vasanthakumar Thangavelu , Suresh Ramalingam
Published: May 2019

A better understanding of the biology of lactation, both in terms of gene expression and the identification of candidate genes for the production of milk and its components, is made possible by recent advances in RNA seq technology. The purpose of this study was to understand the synthesis of milk components and the molecular pathways involved, as well as to identify candidate genes for milk production traits within whole mammary transcriptomic datasets. We performed a meta-analysis of publically available RNA seq transcriptome datasets of mammary tissue/milk somatic cells. In total, 11 562 genes were commonly identified from all RNA seq based mammary gland transcriptomes. Functional annotation of commonly expressed genes revealed the molecular processes that contribute to the synthesis of fats, proteins, and lactose in mammary secretory cells and the molecular pathways responsible for milk synthesis. In addition, we identified several candidate genes responsible for milk production traits and constructed a gene regulatory network for RNA seq data. In conclusion, this study provides a basic understanding of the lactation biology of cows at the gene expression level.
Using phosphor to enhance the efficiency of commercial solar cells
Authors: Yuan Zhan-Sheng , Chen Chih-Cheng , Lie Yu-Ying , Yang Cheng-Fu
Published: May 2019

The non-rare-earth phosphor Ca2ZnMoO6 has a luminescence of 375–655 nm and emits near-white light. This study investigated it as a down-shifting layer to improve the efficiency of commercial flexible solar cells. The first structure was a solar cell/thick-film Ca2ZnMoO6 phosphor layer (TLDU device); a controlled light source was shone on the top, and UV light was shone on the bottom. The second structure was a solar cell/thick-film Ca2ZnMoO6 phosphor layer with an Al reflective layer (TLDR device), and only a controlled light source was used. We compared the power output efficiencies of the two structures with the efficiency of a control device. When the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] properties of the three different devices were measured, the [Formula: see text] value underwent no apparent change, but the [Formula: see text] increased in the TLDU and TLDR devices. These results suggest that if placed on the bottom surface of commercial solar cells, Ca2ZnMoO6 phosphor could improve their efficiency.
An Exact Enumeration Method to Find d-MPs in Multistate Networks
Authors: Lin Yi-Kuei , Chen Shin-Guang
Published: May 2019

The enumeration approaches are important topics in network reliability calculation. For general purposes, the explicit enumeration (EE) is the popular method to apply. However, the low-cost feature of EE sacrifices its efficiency. A great improvement of EE is the invention of fast enumeration (FE), which creates a low-cost way of general purpose enumeration method with very good efficiency for applications. But for the enumeration in network reliability calculation, the optimal number of enumerations can be shown to be [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the number of minimal paths and [Formula: see text] is the demand of flow. FE still has the complexity far greater than the optimal one. This paper proposes an exact enumeration method for network reliability calculation, which has the complexity no greater than [Formula: see text]. This method greatly improves the enumeration efficiency than FE. So, it is believed to be very valuable to the large real-life applications. Benchmarks are made to show the efficiency of the proposed method.
Statistical Inference of Stress–Strength Reliability of a Parallel System with Mixed Standby Components
Authors: Kumar M. , Siju K. C.
Published: May 2019

This paper presents the Bayesian analysis of the stress–strength reliability of a parallel system with active and mixed standby components. The Bayesian estimators of the parameters of exponential and Weibull stress–strength distributions are obtained by assuming informative and noninformative prior for the parameters of the respective distributions. The Gibbs sampling procedure is used to compute the Bayesian stress–strength reliability. The asymptotic distributions, of the maximum likelihood estimators of the parameters of the corresponding distributions, and of the respective system reliabilities are presented. The bootstrap estimate and confidence interval are also obtained. The procedures are illustrated based on certain datasets.
A SIMPLE METHOD FOR DETERMINING A THICKNESS OF METAL BASED ON LOCK-IN THERMOGRAPHY
Authors: ZRHAIBA A. , BALOUKI A. , ELHASSNAOUI A. , YADIR S. , HALLOUA H. , SAHNOUN S.
Published: May 2019

The use of coatings is an important tool in the industry. It allows protecting against oxidation, corrosion and various types of fatigue. The coating thickness is an important characteristic that influences the quality and the performance of materials. In this paper, we develop a simple method of infrared lock-in thermography (LIT) to determine galvanizing coating thickness measurement, by using a sample multiple zinc layer with thickness ranging from 0.25[Formula: see text]mm to 1.5[Formula: see text]mm. The method has the particularity of taking a sinusoidal excitation heat flux which contributes with a heat exchange coefficient fixed at 10[Formula: see text]w/m2k and a surface emissivity of about 0.1. The finite element method (FEM) is used to model and analyze the thermal response of studied structure. The metal substrate used in this study is a structural steel, covered with six zinc layers. The finite elements analysis allows us to determine the temperature evolution at different points on the specimen. The Fourier transform method is used on the Matlab software to determine the phase angle of the data found. A correlation between the coating thickness and the equivalent phase angle is defined, and the results deduced show that the estimated values are close to the actual coating thicknesses with a precision ranging from 0.029[Formula: see text]mm to 0.011[Formula: see text]mm.
FLAME SYNTHESIS OF MoO3 FILMS AND THEIR FLAME REDUCTION TO MoO3−x FILMS FOR NIR-SHIELDING APPLICATIONS
Authors: HOSSEINI M. A. , RANJBAR M. , SHAFIEYAN A. R.
Published: May 2019

Recently, defective metal oxides have attracted vast attention for their potential applications arising from their increased free carrier concentration. In this study, monoclinic MoO3 films have been grown on quartz glass substrates by hydrogen flame synthesis, as a fast and mass-productive method. The MoO3 films then were reduced to defective MoO[Formula: see text] by a flame-reduction treatment using a butane torch. After reduction, the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) absorption band appeared in the NIR region that was employed for NIR-shielding applications. Films were reduced at a nozzle-to-sample distance ranging from 1 to 4[Formula: see text]cm, and the optical properties of these films were investigated at an optimum distance (2[Formula: see text]cm) as a function of reducing duration time ranging from 1 to 20[Formula: see text]s. The increase in the inner and outer temperatures were measured in the heat-shielding experiment and the optimum reducing condition was determined. Overall, we have developed a fast, mass-productive and cost-effective method for fabrication of heat-shielding devices based on LSPR effect.
A BEHAVIOURAL APPROACH TO THE LEAN STARTUP/MINIMUM VIABLE PRODUCT PROCESS: THE CASE OF ALGORITHMIC FINANCIAL SYSTEMS
Authors: VLIET BEN VAN
Published: May 2019

This paper theorises about the behaviour of firms engaged in complex product systems innovation and engineering under the lean startup/minimum viable product process. In doing so, it fills a gap in the literature at the intersection of innovation management and behavioural economics. By deconstructing the concept of commercial value, we assemble, define and structure the relationships among seven values that innovation teams encounter along the path of innovation. Then, we demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed framework by applying it to the case of algorithmic financial systems. The model of capability developed for this domain may have broader applicability. For innovations where performance is probabilistic and achieves a steady state, capability can define what counts as “good enough” commercial value.
CASE REPORT: LIPOSARCOMA WITH MICROVASCULAR PROLIFERATION IN A COCKATIEL (Nymphicus hollandicus)
Authors: Chang Jung-Chin , Tsai Fang-Yi , Lee Yu-Shing , Wang Ruo-Chan , Kao Ju-Pai , Chiou Hue-Ying , Liao Jiunn-Wang
Published: May 2019

A five-year-old female cockatiel weighing 117 g was presented with a fast-growing mass beside the uropygial gland. Excisional biopsy was performed and the mass measured [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm in size and weighed 30.6 g. On the surface of cut sections, the mass was yellow-brown with white or yellow colloidal substances and red exudate. Histopathology showed that the tumor mass was covered by the skin and located in the deep dermis and hypodermis. The tumor consisted of abundant vascular adipose tissue and lipoblasts with intracytoplasmic lipid droplets, which varied in size. Also, small, well-differentiated blood vessels, with varied degrees of congestion and dilation, were observed within the tumor. Histochemically, staining with Oil red O produced a positive reaction in which the lipid droplets presented a reddish color. Immunohistochemistry produced positive staining for Desmin and successfully marked the muscular layers of blood vessels. On the basis of these results, a rare case of liposarcoma with microvascular proliferation adjacent to the uropygial gland was diagnosed in a cockatiel.
Conversion of a Telecommunications Antenna into a Radio Telescope: Laser Scanner Measurements of Optics and Dish Surface Quality of a Cassegrain Antenna
Authors: Rasha Asif , Natusch Tim , Granet Christophe , Gulyaev Sergei
Published: May 2019

A number of countries have identified redundant large telecommunications antennas (TA) and indicated their intention to convert them into radio telescopes (RT). As the efficiency of a parabolic dish radio telescope depends on its surface quality and optical alignment, a careful assessment of these properties should be undertaken before conversion. Here, as a case study, we describe a laser scanning (LS) procedure we developed and used for the Warkworth 30[Formula: see text]m Cassegrain antenna. To investigate gravity-induced mechanical deformation of the antenna surfaces and structure, we conducted measurements at elevation angles ranging from 6 to 90 degrees. The ability of a laser scanner to survey its nominal [Formula: see text] steradian surroundings allows for simultaneous study of the main and subreflectors, readily permitting a dynamic investigation of variation of the telescope optics as elevation changes occur. In particular, the method we present here allows determination of the surface quality of both main and subreflectors, the displacement between centers of the reflectors, their relative rotations and focal length variation as a function of elevation angle. We discuss details of settings, measurements, data processing and analysis focusing on possible difficulties and pitfalls. In our case study, no significant elevation-dependent surface deformation of the reflectors was observed, with the overall standard deviation of the postfit residuals varying between 1.0 and 1.7[Formula: see text]mm as elevation angle changes from 90∘ to 6∘, respectively. We, therefore, conclude that in our case both the main reflector and the subreflector, as well as the telescope optics, remain unaffected by gravitational deformation within the accuracy of the measurements, a conclusion that can possibly be extended to the similar class of TA currently considered for conversion.