bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zwitterionic molecule layer for inhibiting microbial corrosion of copper alloy
Authors: Xu Fengling , Qiu Zhenghui , Qiu Ri , Yang Jiadong , Lin Cunguo
Published: February 2018

Purpose

For mitigating biocorrosion induced by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in seawater, the zwitterionic molecule layer (ZML) of poly (sulfobetaine methacrylate) is grafted onto B10 surface by chemical vapor deposition and surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization.

Design/methodology/approach

Energy-dispersive spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and static contact angle measurements are used to characterize the as-formed layer.

Findings

After surface modification, B10 can significantly reduce SRB adhesion, demonstrating the good antifouling property. Further, the biocorrosion inhibition is investigated by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, indicating that ZML exhibits high resistance to biocorrosion with inhibition efficiency of approximately 90 per cent.

Originality/value

ZML performs a dual feature, i.e. antifouling film and corrosion inhibitor, for the biocorrosion inhibition.
Eliciting cultural heritage values: landscape preferences vs representative images of the city
Authors: Ginzarly Manal , Teller Jacques
Published: February 2018

Purpose

In 2011, UNESCO recommended the application of a value-based landscape approach to cultural heritage conservation. In this framework, culture in its manifold expressions is considered as an embrace for the social, economic, and environmental pillars of sustainable development. There is a need to unveil the different cultural values generated from the interaction between people and their environment since these values will help cities maintain their unique identity and integrity. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to present the results of a survey method intended to assess the range of cultural values attributed by people to the historic urban landscape (HUL).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an experimental enquiry that combines a qualitative and a quantitative approach. It is designed to distinguish the different interpretations and outlooks of people to the HUL. It integrates landscape preference studies with investigation on representative images of the city and assesses these in relation to activities, feelings, and valued aspects of landscapes.

Findings

The main finding is that the most preferred scenes of the city are not the ones that best represent the city. Results exposed two sides of the HUL and related heritage values. The first is associated with the scenic beauty of the landscape and its aesthetic values, while the second is reflected in ordinary landscapes and everyday practices.

Originality/value

This paper provides an insight into the different interpretations and meanings of the HUL throughout the city. It provides an empirical evidence that ordinary landscapes are of great heritage value as they surpass all aspects of human environmental interaction to contribute to the image that societies make of themselves.
Self-efficacy, social support, and quality of life among primary family-member caregivers of patients with cancer in Thailand
Authors: Warapornmongkholkul Anchalee , Howteerakul Nopporn , Suwannapong Nawarat , Soparattanapaisarn Nopadol
Published: February 2018

Purpose

In Thailand, most patients with cancer primarily receive in-home care from their family members. However, information regarding the quality of life (QoL) of the primary family-member caregivers is scarce. The purpose of this paper is to assess primary family-member caregivers’ QoL and its association with self-efficacy and social support using a Thai version of the Caregiver Quality of Life Index-Cancer (CQOLC).

Design/methodology/approach

This hospital-based cross-sectional study was performed at a teaching hospital in Bangkok. Questionnaires were administered to 178 primary family-member caregivers of patients with cancer between June 2015 and July 2016, and their QoL was measured using a Thai translation of the CQOLC made by the research team. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 18).

Findings

Approximately 79.8 percent of primary family-member caregivers were female, 86.0 percent were 18-51 years old. In total, 52.8 percent reported having a good QoL, 60.1 percent reported a moderate level of perceived self-efficacy, and 56.7 percent reported a high level of perceived social support for providing care. Primary family-member caregivers, who provided care for male cancer patients and were co-responsible for covering the patient’s cost of care, had a lower level of perceived self-efficacy and perceived social support. They also reported having poorer QoL. The patients’ characteristics were more strongly associated with the family-member caregivers’ QoL, than the family-member caregivers’ characteristics, perceived self-efficacy, and perceived social support.

Originality/value

Approximately 50 percent of primary family-member caregivers reported having a good QoL. Healthcare providers should incorporate the self-efficacy concept to help improve primary family caregiver’s self-efficacy to provide care to patients with cancer, especially for individuals who are caring for male patients, and provide counseling for primary family-member caregivers regarding ways to obtain the necessary social and financial support to improve their QoL.
Evaluating the investment feasibility and industrial implementation of changeable and reconfigurable manufacturing concepts
Authors: Andersen Ann-Louise , Brunoe Thomas Ditlev , Nielsen Kjeld , Bejlegaard Mads
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a decisions support tool that can be applied in initial stages of design, for evaluating the investment feasibility of changeable and reconfigurable manufacturing design concepts, based on future demand predictions and their uncertainties. A quantitative model is proposed, which evaluates the discounted value of capital and operating costs of changeable manufacturing design concepts, based on essential characteristics regarding their type and extent of changeability.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative empirical modeling is applied, where model conceptualization, validation, and implementation are central elements, using two Danish manufacturing companies as cases.

Findings

The applicability of the model is demonstrated in the two case companies, highlighting differences in type, extent, and level of feasible changeability, as a result of differences in product and production characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies of changeability implementation should be conducted across industrial fields in order to generalize findings.

Practical implications

There is currently limited support for the conceptual design phase of changeable and reconfigurable manufacturing, where critical decisions regarding type, extent, and level of changeability must be made, regardless of high degrees of uncertainty about future demand scenarios.

Originality/value

This paper expands previous research on design for changeability and reconfigurability, by explicitly considering changeability as a capability that can be enabled in various ways for various purposes in different industrial contexts. The proposed model and the case implementations provide important knowledge on the transition toward changeability in industry.
A research into the evidence reasoning theory of two-dimensional framework and its application
Authors: Zhu Weidong , Ku Quan , Wu Yong , Zhang HongTao , Sun Yibo , Zhang Chao
Published: February 2018

Purpose

With the advancement of social economy, science and technology, nowadays, people face increasingly complex decision-making problems and ever-growing decision-associated information contents. Owing to the unique advantages of the evidence theory, evidence decision flow fits in well with the cognitive process of human beings, which provides us with an effective decision method. However, traditional evidence theories are built upon the one-dimensional evidence recognition framework, which merely reflects the reliability of information determined by evidence source and as such may fail to present the characteristic information of evidence source itself or the information required for the process of determining reliability. This greatly influences processes in decision-making, such as evidence processing and combination. This essay aims to propose a two-dimensional evidence-reasoning theory to address specific decision problems.

Design/methodology/approach

This article uses a two-dimensional evidence framework to reflect the process and characteristic information of evidence source based on the traditional evidence framework. As a result, evidence is processed and combined by two-dimensional modified information.

Findings

This research is of theoretical and practical significance by extending theoretical connotation, fully utilizing precise evidence information and therefore meeting the requirements of efficient and accurate decision-making performances.

Originality/value

The theory adds a two-dimension to modify and capture evidence on the basis of the traditional evidence framework. This proposal has significant theoretical and practical value to expand evidence theory and provides more accurate use of evidence information, higher efficiency and quality requirements and more precise decision-making.
Linking diversity, synchrony and stability in soil microbial communities
Authors: Wagg Cameron , Dudenhöffer Jan‐Hendrik , Widmer Franco , van der Heijden Marcel G. A.
Published: February 2018

It is becoming well‐established that plant diversity is instrumental in stabilizing the temporal functioning of ecosystems through population dynamics and the so‐called insurance or portfolio effect. However, it remains unclear whether diversity–stability relationships and the role of population dynamics in soil microbial communities parallel those in plant communities.

Our study took place in a long‐term land management experiment with and without perturbation to the soil ecosystem by tilling. We assessed the impacts of the soil perturbation on the diversity, synchrony and stability relationships in soil fungal and bacterial communities.

We found that the perturbation to the soil ecosystem not only reduced the abundance and richness of the fungal community, but it also reduced the temporal stability in both bacterial and fungal abundance. The fungal community abundance was destabilized by soil tilling due to reduced richness and increased temporal variation in individual taxa. In contrast, soil tilling destabilized the bacterial community abundance by reducing the temporal variation in individual taxa. Both bacterial and fungal community abundances were more temporally variable when taxa fluctuated more synchronously through time.

Our results show that land management practices, such as tilling, can destabilize soil microbial abundance by reducing the richness and disrupting the temporal dynamics below‐ground. However, the differences in the mechanisms that underlie the temporal variations in fungal and bacterial net abundances suggest that the mechanisms that drive the stability can differ among guilds of organisms within the same system. The different temporal responses between the fungal and bacterial communities are likely linked to changes in edaphic properties resulting from the physical alteration of the soil structure.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Incidence and outcome of subarachnoid haemorrhage in the general and emergency department populations in Queensland from 2010 to 2014
Authors: Chu Kevin H , Mahmoud Ibrahim , Hou Xiang‐Yu , Winter Craig D , Jeffree Rosalind L , Brown Nathan J , Brown Anthony FT
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To determine: (i) incidence and outcome of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) in the general population; and (ii) proportions of SAH in both the general ED population and in ED patients presenting with headache.

Methods

A population‐based study in Queensland from January 2010 to December 2014 was conducted. Data were sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Queensland Hospital Admitted Patient Data Collection linked to the Queensland death registry and ED Information System. Admitted patients with SAH were identified from ICD‐10‐AM codes. Inter‐hospital transfers and repeat admissions for previously diagnosed SAH were excluded. Pre‐hospital deaths from SAH were included. ED patients with headache were identified from ICD‐10‐AM codes and finding ‘headache’ in the triage free‐text entry. The incidence of SAH, in‐hospital mortality, proportions of SAH in the general ED population and ED patients with headache were calculated.

Results

There were 1975 incident cases of SAH in admitted patients and 294 pre‐hospital deaths from SAH. The incidence of SAH was 9.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.5–10.4) per 100 000 person‐years. The incidence standardised to the ‘World Standard Population’ was 7.0 per 100 000 person‐years. The in‐hospital mortality was 23.8% (95% CI 22.0–25.8%). SAH was found in 1407 (1.9%, 95% CI 1.8–2.0) of ED patients with headache. Overall, there were 2.4 (95% CI 2.3–2.5) SAH per 10 000 of all ED attendances.

Conclusions

The incidence of SAH was similar to that previously reported for Australia. One in 50 ED patients with headache had SAH. Ten in 50 000 ED attendances had a SAH. These estimates can assist in the risk assessment for SAH.
Dosimetric differences between local failure and local controlled non‐small cell lung cancer patients treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy: A matched‐pair study
Authors: Zhuang Tingliang , Woody Neil M , Liu Han , Cherian Sheen , Reddy Chandana A , Qi Peng , Magnelli Anthony , Djemil Toufik , Stephans Kevin L , Xia Ping , Videtic Gregory MM
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Concerns were raised about the accuracy of pencil beam (PB) calculation and potential underdosing of medically inoperable non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). From our institutional series, we designed a matched‐pair study where each local failure and controlled patient was matched based upon several clinical factors, to investigate the dose difference between the matched‐pair.

Methods

Eighteen pairs of NSCLC patients, treated with 50 Gy in five fractions, were selected. These patients were matched based on treatment intent, tumour size, histology and clinical follow‐up. All PB calculated clinical plans were retrospectively recalculated with a MC algorithm. The D99 and DMean of the gross tumour volume (GTV) and D95 and DMean of the planning tumour volume (PTV) from PB and Monte Carlo (MC) calculation were compared between local failures and controls using the Mann–Whitney test.

Results

The mean PB calculated D95 of PTV was 50.4 Gy for both failures and controls (P = 0.85), indicating no planning differences between the groups. From MC calculations, the mean (±SD) of GTV D99, GTV DMean, PTV D95, PTV DMean were 47.6 ± 2.6/46.3 ± 2.4, 50.4 ± 2.1/49.8 ± 1.6, 44.4 ± 2.7/43.6 ± 3.1, 48.7 ± 2.4/48.2 ± 2.4 Gy for failure/controlled groups, respectively, and there was no significant difference between two groups (all P > 0.1). The dose differences between MC and PB calculations were in agreement with other literatures and there was no significant difference between two groups.

Conclusions

While PB algorithms may overestimate tumour doses relative to MC algorithms, our matched‐pair study did not find dose differences between local failure and local controlled cases.
Epidural extension failure in obese women is comparable to that of non‐obese women
Authors: Eley V. A. , Chin A. , Tham I. , Poh J. , Aujla P. , Glasgow E. , Brown H. , Steele K. , Webb L. , van Zundert A.
Published: February 2018

Background

Management of labor epidurals in obese women is difficult and extension to surgical anesthesia is not always successful. Our previous retrospective pilot study found epidural extension was more likely to fail in obese women. This study used a prospective cohort to compare the failure rate of epidural extension in obese and non‐obese women and to identify risk factors for extension failure.

Methods

One hundred obese participants (Group O, body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m2) were prospectively identified and allocated two sequential controls (Group C, body mass index ≤ 30 kg/m2). All subjects utilized epidural labor analgesia and subsequently required anesthesia for cesarean section. The primary outcome measure was failure of the labor epidural to be used as the primary anesthetic technique. Risk factors for extension failure were identified using Chi‐squared and logistic regression.

Results

The odds ratio (OR) of extension failure was 1.69 in Group O (20% vs. 13%; 95% CI: 0.88–3.21, P = 0.11). Risk factors for failure in obese women included ineffective labor analgesia requiring anesthesiologist intervention, (OR 3.94, 95% CI: 1.16–13.45, P = 0.028) and BMI > 50 kg/m2 (OR 3.42, 95% CI: 1.07–10.96, P = 0.038).

Conclusion

The failure rate of epidural extension did not differ significantly between the groups. Further research is needed to determine the influence of body mass index > 50 kg/m2 on epidural extension for cesarean section.
Successful reproduction and pheromone production by the spruce bark beetle in evolutionary naïve spruce hosts with familiar terpenoid defences
Authors: Flø Daniel , Norli Hans Ragnar , Økland Bjørn , Krokene Paal
Published: February 2018

The European spruce bark beetle Ips typographus is a damaging pest on spruce in Europe. Beetle interactions with tree species originating outside the natural range of the beetle are largely unknown and may be unpredictable because trees without a co‐evolutionary history with the beetle may lack effective defences.

The terpenoid composition and breeding suitability for I. typographus of the historic host Norway spruce Picea abies were compared with two evolutionary naïve spruces of North American origin that are extensively planted in North‐West Europe: Sitka spruce Picea sitchensis and Lutz spruce Picea glauca x lutzii.

The bark of all three species had a similar chemical composition and similar levels of total constitutive terpenoids, although Norway spruce had higher total induced terpenoid levels.

Beetles tunnelling in the three spruce species produced similar amounts of aggregation pheromone. Controlled breeding experiments showed that I. typographus could produce offspring in all three species, with a similar offspring length and weight across species. However, total offspring production was much lower in Sitka and Lutz spruce.

Overall, the results of the present study suggest that I. typographus will be able to colonize Sitka and Lutz spruce in European plantations and in native spruce forests in North America if introduced there.
Neoadjuvant radiotherapy provided survival benefit compared to adjuvant radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lin Huapeng , Li Xiaocheng , Liu Ye , Hu Yingchun
Published: February 2018

Background

This study compared the impact of neoadjuvant radiotherapy (RT) and adjuvant RT on survival for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Patients with HCC were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. The Kaplan–Meier method and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to compare the impact of neoadjuvant RT on survival with adjuvant RT. Subsequently, a propensity score‐matched analysis was performed to confirm the result.

Results

A total of 244 patients with HCC identified from the SEER database (2004–2014) received preoperative or post‐operative radiation. A total of 151 patients received post‐operative RT and 93 patients received preoperative RT. Preoperative RT had a clear superiority in terms of unadjusted overall survival and cancer‐specific survival (P < 0.001 for log‐rank test). After adjusting for confounding variables, hazard ratios (HRs) for all‐cause (HR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.19–0.53, P < 0.001) and cancer‐specific (HR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.19–0.53, P < 0.001) mortality risks in preoperative RT group were significantly lower than that of post‐operative RT group. Subsequently, a propensity score‐matched analysis was performed to confirm this result. Further univariate and multivariate survival analyses revealed that there was a persistent superiority of overall survival and cancer‐specific survival in patients who received preoperative radiation than patients without RT.

Conclusion

We found that neoadjuvant RT was associated with improved long‐term survival for patients with HCC versus adjuvant RT.
First Insights into the Technique Used for Heat Treatment of Chert at the Solutrean Site of Laugerie‐Haute, France
Authors: Schmidt P. , Morala A.
Published: February 2018

The earliest evidence of flint and chert heat treatment was found in the ~21.5–17 ka old European Solutrean culture. The appearance of pyrotechnology as part of the production of stone tools has important implications for our understanding of Upper Palaeolithic technological evolution and the specific adaptations during the last glacial maximum in Europe. However, the techniques and procedures used to heat‐treat rocks during the Solutrean remain poorly understood. No direct archaeological evidence has so far been found and the most promising approach is to understand these techniques by determining the parameters with which flint and chert were heated at that time. In this study, we investigate the heating temperature of 44 heat‐treated laurel‐leaf points from Laugerie‐Haute, using a non‐destructive technique based on infrared spectroscopy. Our results document that most of the artefacts were heated to a narrow interval of temperatures between 250 °C and 300 °C. This indicates a standardized technique that allowed to created similar conditions during successive heating cycles. The implications of these results for our understanding of the technical complexity during the Solutrean must be discussed in the light of different heating techniques used at different places and periods.
“Power to the people”: Contesting urban poverty and power inequities through open GIS
Authors: Ghose Rina , Welcenbach Tom
Published: February 2018

Geospatial technologies are central to spatial decision making and governance, but gaining equitable access to these is still difficult for traditionally marginalized communities. We contend that the dominance of proprietary GIS software has contributed to this digital divide, as these are inherently disempowering to marginalized social groups. Their high purchasing cost and licensing fees pose access barriers to resource‐poor citizens. Design of proprietary software may also not be appropriate for marginalized groups who are neither trained in GIS, nor represent the needs of dominant market base. Therefore, “free and open source software for geospatial” (FOSS4G) and open GIS provide new opportunities in democratizing GIS, as these are open code and free of purchasing and licensing costs. This paper aims to discuss the role of open GIS in advancing the goals of public participation GIS (PPGIS). We first discuss the origins of the FOSS movement, and explore the ways it has shaped the FOSS4G and open GIS movements. Next, we examine how a community information system built with open GIS software is being successfully utilized by an environmental organization in Milwaukee, to contest urban poverty. Our research demonstrates that open source GIS offers unique opportunities in advancing PPGIS research and practice.
Hybrid procedure combining endoscopic gallbladder lavage and internal drainage with elective cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: A prospective pilot study (The BLADE study)
Authors: Doi Shinpei , Yasuda Ichiro , Mabuchi Masatoshi , Iwata Keisuke , Ando Nobuhiro , Iwashita Takuji , Uemura Shinya , Okuno Mitsuru , Mukai Tsuyoshi , Adachi Seiji , Taniguchi Keizo
Published: February 2018

Background and Aim

Percutaneous transhepatic drainage is the most common method for non‐operative gallbladder drainage, but the technique does have several disadvantages because of its invasive nature and requirement for continuous drainage. To overcome these disadvantages, we developed a novel procedure, endoscopic gallbladder lavage followed by stent placement, carried out in a single endoscopic session. Our aim was to prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of this procedure in patients with acute cholecystitis.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with moderate cholecystitis at four tertiary care centers were enrolled in this study. We initially placed a 5‐Fr tube to carry out gallbladder lavage. The tube was then cut to the optimal length and placed as a stent. Main outcomes were procedural and clinical success rates.

Results

The procedure was attempted in 40 patients and was successful in 30 (75.0%). Minor adverse events occurred in two (5.0%) patients: perforation of the cystic duct by the guidewire in one patient and pancreatitis in the other. Among the 30 patients in whom the procedure was successfully done, clinical resolution was obtained in 29 (96.6%). Elective cholecystectomy was carried out in 37 patients (92.5%), with a median delay after drainage of 42 days (range, 12–138 days). There were no adverse events during the waiting period.

Conclusions

Gallbladder rinsing followed by internal drainage using a 5‐Fr nasobiliary tube is considered an effective and safe alternative to other techniques, providing an acceptable success rate in patients with acute cholecystitis prior to elective surgery. Clinical trial information: http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm (ID: UMIN‐000009680).
Comparison of late adverse events after endoscopic sphincterotomy versus endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation for common bile duct stones: A propensity score‐based cohort analysis
Authors: Maruta Akinori , Iwashita Takuji , Uemura Shinya , Yoshida Kensaku , Iwata Keisuke , Mukai Tsuyoshi , Doi Shinpei , Yasuda Ichiro , Imai Kenji , Shimizu Masahito
Published: February 2018

Background and Aim

Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) is a standard procedure for the treatment of common bile duct stones (CBDS). Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) is emerging as an effective method to treat difficult CBDS, providing several advantages over ES without increasing early adverse events (AE). However, the late AE of EPLBD have not yet been well studied. The aim of the present study was to compare late AE after EPLBD versus ES for the treatment of CBDS using a propensity score‐based cohort analysis.

Methods

Propensity score matching was introduced to reduce the possible bias in baseline characteristics between two treatment groups and formed the matched cohort including 240 patients. Primary endpoint was cumulative as well as estimated 1‐year and 3‐year late AE rates. Secondary outcome was the incidence of early AE.

Results

Cumulative late AE rates were 12.5% and 16.7% in the ELPBD and ES groups (P = 0.936) with a median follow‐up period of 915.5 and 1544.5 days, respectively. Estimated 1‐year and 3‐year late AE rates were 8.4% and 13.1% in the EPLBD group and 5.0% and 15.0% in the ES group, respectively. In multivariate analysis, ≥two procedures were identified as independent risk factors for late AE. Overall early AE rate did not differ between the groups.

Conclusion

In the present study, late AE rate after EPLBD showed no significant difference compared with that after ES, which had a relatively long follow‐up period. Therefore, EPLBD could be used for the treatment of CBDS, if CBDS are considered difficult to treat. Clinical Trial Registry: UMIN000027798
Transesophageal echocardiography for the assessment of left atrial appendage thrombus: Study of the additional value of systematic real time 3D imaging after regular 2D evaluation
Authors: Squara Fabien , Bres Mikael , Baudouy Delphine , Schouver Elie‐Dan , Moceri Pamela , Ferrari Emile
Published: February 2018

Background

Two‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2DTEE) is currently validated for left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus assessment but has some limitations.

Aims

To evaluate the performance and interest of systematic real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) for LAA thrombus assessment, when performed after 2DTEE.

Methods and results

Consecutive patients undergoing TEE were prospectively included. LAA was first evaluated using 2DTEE, and patients were classified as “2D‐NT” if no thrombus was found, “2D‐T” in case of clear thrombus, or “2D‐EQ” if equivocal. Then, 3DTEE of the LAA was performed and patients were similarly classified as “3D‐NT,” “3D‐T,” or “3D‐EQ.” Additional LAA CT scan was only performed if LAA thrombus was not clearly ruled out or confirmed by TEE. Additional value of 3DTEE after 2DTEE LAA evaluation was then assessed. We included 104 patients undergoing TEE. Agreement between 2DTEE and 3DTEE was very good for thrombus diagnosis (k = 0.936), but moderate for vacant LAA (k = 0.562) due to more frequent 2D‐EQ than 3D‐EQ (11.5% vs 2.9%; P = .016). 3DTEE allowed to refine the LAA status in 11 of 12 (91.7%) 2D‐EQ patients: 10 3D‐NT, 1 3D‐T, and 1 3D‐EQ. Coupling 3DTEE to 2DTEE permitted a definite LAA diagnosis in 103 of 104 (99%) vs 92 of 104 (88.5%) patients when 2DTEE was used alone (P = .002). Nine (8.7%) LAA thrombi were diagnosed, and 3 CT scan were performed.

Conclusion

3DTEE of the LAA is more effective for thrombus assessment than 2DTEE. 3DTEE should be particularly considered in case of equivocal 2DTEE, as it allows to reach a definite LAA diagnosis in almost all of the patients.
Incremental prognostic value of multichamber deformation imaging and renal function status to predict adverse outcome in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Saha Samir K. , Luo Xia‐Xia , Gopal Aasha S. , Govind Satish C. , Fang Fang , Liu Ming , Zhang Qing , Ma Chunyan , Dong Ming , Kiotsekoglou Anatoli , Yu Cheuk‐Man
Published: February 2018

Aims

Deformation imaging, particularly of left‐sided heart, is fast becoming an essential tool in clinical cardiology. However, data are scant regarding the value of biventricular and bi‐atrial deformation in association with comorbidities in heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFREF).

Methods and Results

Forty‐nine subjects (72 ± 13 years; 28 male) with HFREF and 14 age‐matched controls underwent deformation imaging including LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS%), right ventricular strain (RVS%), and left atrial reservoir strain (LARS%). Standard echo parameters included LVEF%, E/E′ ratio, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP). Mean ± SD of LVEF, LVGLS%, and RVS% were 31% ± 8%, 7% ± 3%, and 17% ± 7%, respectively, and were significantly lower compared with controls (all P < .0001). Over a follow‐up period of 4.2 years, 24% of patients died and 48% had a composite outcome of death and heart failure hospitalization. In the logistic regression model, taking the composite of death and heart failure hospitalization as a dichotomous variable, RVS%, E/E′ ratio, and PASP were the only significant univariate predictors of adverse outcome (R2 = .68, all P < .05). In the multivariate model, however, only PASP predicted adverse outcome. PASP also had the largest AUC (0.8) in the ROC analysis. A creatinine level of >88 μmol/L (SCREAT) and a cutoff value of LA reservoir strain (LARS %) at <16.7% provided the best sensitivity (86%) and specificity (40%) with an odds ratio of 3.8. In the Kaplan–Meier survival estimate, LARS%‐SCREAT predicted all‐cause mortality and HF hospitalization.

Conclusion

Multichamber deformation imaging along with renal function and PASP could best predict adverse outcome in HFREF.
Relation between Mitral Annular Plane Systolic Excursion and Global longitudinal strain in normal subjects: The HUNT study
Authors: Støylen Asbjørn , Mølmen Harald E. , Dalen Håvard
Published: February 2018

Background

Left ventricular (LV) systolic long‐axis shortening can be measured as Mitral Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (MAPSE). Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is relative LV shortening, equivalent to normalizing MAPSE for LV length (MAPSEn). The objective of this study was to test whether normalizing LV shortening reduced biological variability of MAPSE due to normalizing for heart size and, possibly BSA. Secondly to provide normal reference values for MAPSE.

Methods and results

A total of 1266 subjects from the Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), without evidence of heart disease were examined. MAPSE and wall lengths were measured in all three standard apical views, while GLS has been published previously. Mean MAPSE was 1.58 (0.25) cm, MAPSEn 16.3 (2.4)%, and GLS 16.7 (2.4)%. All measures declined with age, correlations between ‐0.50 and −0.41. MAPSE was gender independent, and less BSA dependent than MAPSEn and GLS, while relative standard deviations (SDs) were similar for all three measures.

Conclusions

MAPSE, MAPSEn, and GLS have similar biological variability, which is mainly due to age variation, indicating they are equivalent in normal, and normalizing for BSA will not reduce the variability. Normalizing MAPSE for LV length (MAPSEn and GLS) normalizes for one dimension only, inducing a systematic error, which increases BSA and gender dependence. Normal age‐related, gender‐independent values for MAPSE are provided.
Role of artificial intelligence in the care of patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Rabbani Mohamad , Kanevsky Jonathan , Kafi Kamran , Chandelier Florent , Giles Francis J.
Published: February 2018

Background

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. In up to 57% of patients, it is diagnosed at an advanced stage and the 5‐year survival rate ranges between 10%‐16%. There has been a significant amount of research using machine learning to generate tools using patient data to improve outcomes.

Methods

This narrative review is based on research material obtained from PubMed up to Nov 2017. The search terms include “artificial intelligence,” “machine learning,” “lung cancer,” “Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC),” “diagnosis” and “treatment.”

Results

Recent studies support the use of computer‐aided systems and the use of radiomic features to help diagnose lung cancer earlier. Other studies have looked at machine learning (ML) methods that offer prognostic tools to doctors and help them in choosing personalized treatment options for their patients based on molecular, genetics and histological features. Combining artificial intelligence approaches into health care may serve as a beneficial tool for patients with NSCLC, and this review outlines these benefits and current shortcomings throughout the continuum of care.

Conclusion

We present a review of the various applications of ML methods in NSCLC as it relates to improving diagnosis, treatment and outcomes.
Upregulated N‐cadherin expression is associated with poor prognosis in epithelial‐derived solid tumours: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Luo Yong , Yu Ting , Zhang Qiongwen , Fu Qingyu , Hu Yuzhu , Xiang Mengmeng , Peng Haoning , Zheng Tianying , Lu Li , Shi Huashan
Published: February 2018

Background

N‐cadherin is an important molecular in epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and has been reported to be associated with aggressive behaviours of tumours. However, prognostic value of N‐cadherin in solid malignancies remains controversially.

Materials and Methods

The Pubmed/MELINE and EMBASE databases were used for a comprehensive literature searching. Pooled risk ratio (RR) and hazard ratio (HR) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were employed to quantify the prognostic role.

Results

Involving 36 studies with 5705 patients were performed to investigate relationships between N‐cadherin upregulation and clinicopathological features, survival. Results suggested upregulated N‐cadherin was associated with lymph node metastasis (RR = 1.16, 95% CI [1.00, 1.35]), higher histological grade (RR = 1.36, 95%CI [1.14, 1.62]), angiolymphatic invasion (RR = 1.19, 95% CI [1.06, 1.34]) and advanced clinical stage (RR = 1.32, 95% CI [1.06, 1.64]), while upregulated N‐cadherin was apt to be associated with distant metastasis (RR = 1.43, 95% CI [0.99, 2.05]). Moreover, N‐cadherin was correlated with poor prognosis of 3‐year survival (HR = 1.78, 95% CI [1.51, 2.10]), 5‐year survival (HR = 1.57, 95% CI [1.17, 2.10]) and overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.32, 95% CI [1.20, 1.44]). Subgroup analyses according to cancer types were also conducted for applying these conclusions to some tumours more properly. No publication bias was found except subgroup analysis of distant metastasis (P = .652 for Begg's test and 0.023 for Egger's test).

Conclusions

Taken together, upregulation of N‐cadherin is associated with more aggressive behaviours of epithelial‐derived solid malignancies and can be regarded as a predictor of poor survival.
Coexistence between two fruit fly species is supported by the different strength of intra‐ and interspecific competition
Authors: LIENDO MARIA C. , PARREÑO MARIA A. , CLADERA JORGE L. , VERA MARIA T. , SEGURA DIEGO F.
Published: February 2018

1. Unravelling the strength and modes of interspecific interactions between resident and introduced species is necessary in order to understand the basis of their coexistence or the displacement of the former by the latter. In Argentina, the indigenous Tephritidae fly Anastrepha fraterculus overlaps its distribution and host fruit with the introduced species Ceratitis capitata.

2. This study focused on the relative strength of intra‐ and interspecific competition during the larval stage as a potential factor supporting coexistence. Classical competition experiments (addition and substitution) were conducted between larvae of the two species reared in artificial larval diet. The study evaluated whether a temporal separation between oviposition events affects the outcome of the competition.

3. When both species started to consume the resource at the same time, A. fraterculus experienced a negative effect in larval survival, pupal weight and duration of larval stage, while for C. capitata, pupal weight decreased. When A. fraterculus started feeding 1 day earlier than C. capitata, the negative effects became milder, and when the temporal separation increased, these effects were reversed. Substitution experiments showed an increase in pupal weight when larvae had to share the resource with heterospecific larvae, and showed negative effects suffered for both species when they shared the resource with conspecific individuals.

4. These results suggest that intraspecific competition is stronger than interspecific competition, and a differential oviposition preference could generate an asynchrony of these species in nature. Such mechanisms could favour coexistence between A. fraterculus and C. capitata in an environment previously occupied only by the former.
Vitamin D supplementation for bone health in adults with epilepsy: A systematic review
Authors: Fernandez Haya , Mohammed Heba Tallah , Patel Tejal
Published: February 2018

Objective

Several antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been associated with a detrimental effect on bone health through a reduction in serum vitamin D. Subsequently, several studies have investigated the effect of vitamin D supplementation in persons with epilepsy being treated with AEDs. The present systematic review of published literature was conducted to determine the effect of vitamin D intervention on bone health in adults with epilepsy.

Methods

The following databases were searched using keywords including but not limited to epilepsy, bone, and vitamin D: PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Clinical Trials, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Health Canada Clinical Trials Database, ClinicalTrials.gov, EU Clinical Trials, and Google. Studies were eligible if there was an epilepsy diagnosis, participants were adults (18+ years old), and vitamin D treatment and bone outcome were provided. Articles were screened independently by 2 reviewers. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool and a modified Newcastle Ottawa Scale for nonrandomized studies.

Results

Nine studies were found to be eligible for this review. After vitamin D treatment, there appeared to be positive changes in bone turnover markers; 3 of 8 studies found the increase in serum calcium to be significant, 6 of 8 studies found the decrease in alkaline phosphatase to be significant, and 2 of 4 studies found the decrease in parathyroid hormone to be significant. All 6 studies that investigated bone mineralization had significant findings; however, due to varying methodologies, the impact of vitamin D on bone mineralization was inconclusive.

Significance

Vitamin D does appear to have some benefit to bone health in adults with epilepsy, and therefore supplementation could potentially be a requisite to using some AEDs. To clarify the role of vitamin D supplementation to manage the adverse effect of AEDs on bone health in adults with epilepsy, long‐term trials that use higher doses (>1800 IU) and measure bone mineral density are necessary.
Proposed consensus definitions for new‐onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE), febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES), and related conditions
Authors: Hirsch Lawrence J. , Gaspard Nicolas , van Baalen Andreas , Nabbout Rima , Demeret Sophie , Loddenkemper Tobias , Navarro Vincent , Specchio Nicola , Lagae Lieven , Rossetti Andrea O. , Hocker Sara , Gofton Teneille E. , Abend Nicholas S. , Gilmore Emily J. , Hahn Cecil , Khosravani Houman , Rosenow Felix , Trinka Eugen
Published: February 2018

We convened an international group of experts to standardize definitions of New‐Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus (NORSE), Febrile Infection‐Related Epilepsy Syndrome (FIRES), and related conditions. This was done to enable improved communication for investigators, physicians, families, patients, and other caregivers. Consensus definitions were achieved via email messages, phone calls, an in‐person consensus conference, and collaborative manuscript preparation. Panel members were from 8 countries and included adult and pediatric experts in epilepsy, electroencephalography (EEG), and neurocritical care. The proposed consensus definitions are as follows: NORSE is a clinical presentation, not a specific diagnosis, in a patient without active epilepsy or other preexisting relevant neurological disorder, with new onset of refractory status epilepticus without a clear acute or active structural, toxic or metabolic cause. FIRES is a subcategory of NORSE, applicable for all ages, that requires a prior febrile infection starting between 2 weeks and 24 hours prior to onset of refractory status epilepticus, with or without fever at onset of status epilepticus. Proposed consensus definitions are also provided for Infantile Hemiconvulsion‐Hemiplegia and Epilepsy syndrome (IHHE) and for prolonged, refractory and super‐refractory status epilepticus. This document has been endorsed by the Critical Care EEG Monitoring Research Consortium. We hope these consensus definitions will promote improved communication, permit multicenter research, and ultimately improve understanding and treatment of these conditions.
Greenhouse gas fluxes over managed grasslands in Central Europe
Authors: Hörtnagl Lukas , Barthel Matti , Buchmann Nina , Eugster Werner , Butterbach‐Bahl Klaus , Díaz‐Pinés Eugenio , Zeeman Matthias , Klumpp Katja , Kiese Ralf , Bahn Michael , Hammerle Albin , Lu Haiyan , Ladreiter‐Knauss Thomas , Burri Susanne , Merbold Lutz
Published: February 2018

Central European grasslands are characterized by a wide range of different management practices in close geographical proximity. Site‐specific management strategies strongly affect the biosphere–atmosphere exchange of the three greenhouse gases (GHG) carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), and methane (CH4). The evaluation of environmental impacts at site level is challenging, because most in situ measurements focus on the quantification of CO2 exchange, while long‐term N2O and CH4 flux measurements at ecosystem scale remain scarce. Here, we synthesized ecosystem CO2, N2O, and CH4 fluxes from 14 managed grassland sites, quantified by eddy covariance or chamber techniques. We found that grasslands were on average a CO2 sink (−1,783 to −91 g CO2 m−2 year−1), but a N2O source (18–638 g CO2‐eq. m−2 year−1), and either a CH4 sink or source (−9 to 488 g CO2‐eq. m−2 year−1). The net GHG balance (NGB) of nine sites where measurements of all three GHGs were available was found between −2,761 and −58 g CO2‐eq. m−2 year−1, with N2O and CH4 emissions offsetting concurrent CO2 uptake by on average 21 ± 6% across sites. The only positive NGB was found for one site during a restoration year with ploughing. The predictive power of soil parameters for N2O and CH4 fluxes was generally low and varied considerably within years. However, after site‐specific data normalization, we identified environmental conditions that indicated enhanced GHG source/sink activity (“sweet spots”) and gave a good prediction of normalized overall fluxes across sites. The application of animal slurry to grasslands increased N2O and CH4 emissions. The N2O‐N emission factor across sites was 1.8 ± 0.5%, but varied considerably at site level among the years (0.1%–8.6%). Although grassland management led to increased N2O and CH4 emissions, the CO2 sink strength was generally the most dominant component of the annual GHG budget.
A global spatially explicit database of changes in island palaeo‐area and archipelago configuration during the late Quaternary
Authors: Norder Sietze J. , Baumgartner John B. , Borges Paulo A. V. , Hengl Tomislav , Kissling W. Daniel , van Loon E. Emiel , Rijsdijk Kenneth F.
Published: February 2018

Motivation

Past sea level fluctuations have shaped island area and archipelago configuration. The availability of global high‐resolution data on bathymetry and past sea levels allows reconstruction of island palaeo‐geography. Studies on the role of palaeo‐area often consider only the Last Glacial Maximum, which neglects the dynamics of island fusion and fission resulting from cyclic sea level fluctuations throughout the Quaternary. Currently, no global database is available to test the role of changing island geographies driven by Quaternary sea level change on evolutionary, ecological and archaeological patterns. However, data on island palaeo‐environments is crucial for understanding insular biodiversity distributions and human settlement patterns. Here, we present the Palaeo‐Islands and Archipelago Configuration (PIAC) database, containing sea level‐driven palaeo‐geography changes over the late Quaternary of 178 islands in 27 archipelagos, and discuss its relevance, limitations and uncertainties. The R functions developed to create the PIAC database are provided to allow calculations for other islands, time steps, sea‐level curves and higher spatio‐temporal resolutions.

Main types of variables contained

Polygon shapefiles with archipelago configuration and tables with palaeo‐area per island.

Spatial location and grain

The database has a global representation, with 27 archipelagos being covered: Aldabra, Azores, Balearic Islands, California Channel Islands, Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Comoros, Cook Islands, Crozet Islands, Dutch Caribbean, Galápagos, Gulf of Guinea, Hawaii, Inner Seychelles, Juan Fernández, Kuril Islands, Madeira, Marianas, Marquesas, Mascarenes, Phoenix Islands, Pitcairn Islands, Prince Edward Islands, Revillagigedo, Samoan Islands, Society Islands and Tristan da Cunha. All data are at 1 km2 spatial resolution.

Time period and grain

The focus of this paper is on the last 35 kyr; data for the last 140 kyr are also provided. The grain is 1 kyr temporal resolution.

Level of measurement

Data are per island, grouped per archipelago.

Software format

The data were produced in the R programming language.