bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating nest‐level phenology and reproductive success of colonial seabirds using time‐lapse cameras
Authors: Hinke Jefferson T. , Barbosa Andres , Emmerson Louise M. , Hart Tom , Juáres Mariana A , Korczak‐Abshire Malgorzata , Milinevsky Gennadi , Santos Mercedes , Trathan Philip N. , Watters George M. , Southwell Colin
Published: May 2018

Collecting spatially extensive data on phenology and reproductive success is important for seabird conservation and management, but can be logistically challenging in remote regions. Autonomous time‐lapse camera systems offer an opportunity to provide such coverage.

We describe a method to estimate nest‐level breeding phenology and reproductive success of colonial pygoscelid penguins using photographs from time‐lapse cameras. The method derives from stereotypical patterns of nest attendance, where predominantly two adults are present before and during laying, but switch to one adult during incubation. The switch approximates the date of clutch completion and is estimated by fitting a smoothing spline to daily nest attendance data, identifying candidate dates that switch from two adults to one and selecting the date when the first derivative of the spline is minimized. Clutch initiation and hatch dates are then estimated from the mean, species‐specific interval between laying (pygoscelid penguins typically lay two eggs) and the duration of the incubation period. We estimated these intervals for each species from historical field data. The phenology is adjusted when photographs indicate egg or chick presence prior to their estimated lay or hatch dates. The number of chicks alive in each study nest on its crèche date determines reproductive success estimates. The method was validated with concurrent direct observations for each species and then applied to a camera network in the Antarctic Peninsula region to demonstrate its utility.

Mean egg laying and incubation intervals from direct observations were similar within species across sites. In the validation study, the mean clutch initiation, hatch and crèche dates were generally equivalent between photographs and direct observations. Estimates of reproductive success were identical. Applying the method to a time‐lapse network suggested relatively high reproductive success for all species across the region and corroborated general understanding of latitudinal trends and species‐level plasticity in phenology.

The method accurately estimated phenology and reproductive success relative to direct observations and appears well‐suited to operationalize regional time‐lapse camera networks. The estimation method should be applicable for other seabirds with stereotypical nest attendance patterns from which breeding phenology could be estimated.
Detection errors in wildlife abundance estimates from Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) surveys: Synthesis, solutions, and challenges
Authors: Brack Ismael V. , Kindel Andreas , Oliveira Luiz Flamarion B.
Published: May 2018

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are emerging as an accessible and versatile tool for ecologists, promising to revolutionize the way abundance and distribution data are obtained in wildlife studies. Establishment ofUASas an efficient and reliable tool demands understanding how detection errors influenceUAS‐derived counts and possible solutions to address them.

We describe two types of false‐negative errors (availability and perception errors) and two types of false‐positive errors (misidentification and double count) that may bias abundance estimates fromUASsurveys. Then, we discuss available methods to address detection errors inUASsurveys and point out challenges for future developments. We present hierarchical models as an integrative framework to account for multiple detection errors and datasets inUASabundance modelling.

Methods to address detection errors inUASsurveys depend on how data are collected (flight plan, images processing, and reviewing procedure). Conventional aerial surveys literature offers a set of solutions, especially to deal with false‐negative errors. Available auxiliary information (such as ground counts and telemetry data) facilitates estimating detection errors, although the versatility ofUASpermits exploring novel approaches. Solutions involve planning separated strip transects, temporally replicating flights, carrying out counts in orthomosaics, and multiple observer protocol. When automatic image review is used, subsample manual reviewing, trial experiments, and semiautomated procedures might deal with algorithm errors.

UASsurveys need to be consciously planned, thinking on what kind of errors can significantly affect counts and the use of raw counts and indices should be avoided. Approaches that formally account for false positives are needed, particularly for double counts. Hierarchical modelling (especiallyN‐mixture models) offers a fruitful framework to explore and combine solutions, integrating multiple datasets and accommodating different detection errors.
Validation of the Brief Confusion Assessment Method for Screening Delirium in Elderly Medical Patients in a German Emergency Department
Authors: Baten Verena , Busch Hans‐Jörg , Busche Caroline , Schmid Bonaventura , Heupel‐Reuter Miriam , Perlov Evgeniy , Brich Jochen , Klöppel Stefan
Published: May 2018

Background

Delirium is frequent in elderly patients presenting in the emergency department (ED). Despite the severe prognosis, the majority of delirium cases remain undetected by emergency physicians (EPs). At the time of our study there was no valid delirium screening tool available for EDs in German‐speaking regions. We aimed to evaluate the brief Confusion Assessment Method (bCAM) for a German ED during the daily work routine.

Methods

We implemented the bCAM into practice in a German interdisciplinary high‐volume ED and evaluated the bCAM's validity in a convenience sample of medical patients aged ≥ 70 years. The bCAM, which assesses four core features of delirium, was performed by EPs during their daily work routine and compared to a criterion standard based on the criteria for delirium as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.

Results

Compared to the criterion standard, delirium was found to be present in 46 (16.0%) of the 288 nonsurgical patients enrolled. The bCAM showed 93.8% specificity (95% confidence interval [CI] = 90.0%–96.5%) and 65.2% sensitivity (95% CI = 49.8%–78.7%). Positive and negative likelihood ratios were 10.5 and 0.37, respectively, while the odds ratio was 28.4. Delirium was missed in 10 of 16 cases, since the bCAM did not indicate altered levels of consciousness and disorganized thinking. The level of agreement with the criterion standard increased for patients with low cognitive performance.

Conclusion

This was the first study evaluating the bCAM for a German ED and when performed by EPs during routine work. The bCAM showed good specificity, but only moderate sensitivity. Nevertheless, application of the bCAM most likely improves the delirium detection rate in German EDs. However, it should only be applied by trained physicians to maximize diagnostic accuracy and hence improve the bCAM's sensitivity. Future studies should refine the bCAM.
Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids differentially regulate in vitro and ex vivo placental antioxidant capacity
Authors: Manuel Clarence R. , Charron Maureen J. , Ashby Charles R. , Reznik Sandra E.
Published: May 2018

Problem

Complications from prematurity are the leading cause of death among children under 5 years of age. Although clinical studies have shown a positive correlation between maternal high‐fat diet (HFD) and preterm birth (PTB), the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Furthermore, it remains unclear how fatty acid type influences the effects of bacterial endotoxins.

Method of study

HTR‐8/SVneo trophoblasts were cultured in either 0.5 mmol L−1 palmitic acid (PA) or linoleic acid (LA) in the absence or presence of 100 μg mL−1 of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or lipoteichoic acid (LTA). Murine placental explants were cultured in either 2 mmol L−1 PA or LA, and cell viability, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid peroxidation, H2O2, heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), and nuclear erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf‐2) and nuclear factor‐kappa light‐chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) transcription factor activity assays were assessed.

Results

Palmitic acid significantly (i) increased cell death, (ii) decreased TAC, and (iii) increased lipid peroxidation; but did not significantly increase HO‐1. In contrast, LA maintained cell viability and significantly increased TAC and HO‐1. In addition, incubating placental explants with PA significantly increased NF‐κB activity. Co‐incubating cells with PA and LPS or LTA significantly potentiated H2O2 production and increased lipid peroxidation. Co‐incubating cells with PA and LTA synergistically impaired TAC, and LTA decreased TAC more so than LPS. Co‐incubation with PA/LA and LPS/LTA decreased HO‐1 levels compared to treatment with either fatty acid alone.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that saturated and unsaturated fats differentially regulate placental viability, antioxidant capacity, and inflammation and the actions of gram‐positive and gram‐negative endotoxins.
“A prison within a prison”? Examining the enfolding spatialities of care and control in the Barlinnie Special Unit
Authors: McGeachan Cheryl
Published: May 2018

This paper uses one of Scotland's most controversial experiments in penal reform – the Barlinnie Special Unit – to examine the enfolding nature of care and control in carceral space. Connecting with recent arguments relating to “caring architecture” and using the framework of historical carceral geographies, it showcases the spatial complexities of implementing caring practices alongside reforming tactics. Beginning with a discussion of the care and control nexus within institutional spaces and its historical legacy, it considers the use of small units within the Scottish Prison System. Using the Barlinnie Special Unit as a pivot, the paper opens up the complex spatial arrangements and spatial tactics of experimental prison reform. It first examines the spatial and architectural dimensions of the Special Unit. Second, the paper focuses on issues of routine and inhabitation and the emotional uncertainty this generated for prisoners. Overall, this paper seeks to argue the importance of examining experimental spatial practices in prison reform history to highlight the interwoven spatialities of care and control in every‐day institutional life.
Effects of Caffeine on Behavioural and Cognitive Deficits in Rats
Authors: Assis Melissa S. , Soares Aluízio C. , Sousa Dircilei N. , Eudes‐Filho João , Faro Lilian Rosana F. , Carneiro Fabiana P. , Silva Mônica V. , Motoyama Andrea B. , Souza Greice Maria R. , Marchiori Stéphanie , Lima Nadyelle T. , Boëchat‐Barros Raphael , Ferreira Vania M.
Published: May 2018

There are many studies that have sought to find drug therapies to prevent harm arising from sepsis. Such studies have represented a progress in the support to septic patients and also in the development of new pharmacological alternatives. Our interest was to investigate the caffeine effect on sepsis behavioural and memory impairments. Male rats were anaesthetized and the surgery was made to allow exposure of the caecum, which was then squeezed to extrude a small amount of faeces from the perforation site, which was later placed back into the peritoneal cavity. This procedure, which served to generate experimental sepsis, is herein referred to as ceccum ligation and perforation (CLP). The caffeine (10 mg/kg) was administered by gavage route, once daily, during 7 or 14 consecutive days to investigate the effects of acute or subchronic caffeine treatment on long‐term behavioural and cognitive deficits induced by CLP. On the last day, 1 hr after caffeine administration, the animals were submitted to open‐field, elevated plus maze (EPM), forced swimming and step‐down inhibitory avoidance tests. The results showed that caffeine increased the percentage of open arm entries and open arm time in the EPM test, and reduced the immobility time when compared to the sham‐operated group. The caffeine also increased the latency in the inhibitory avoidance test platform. Our results demonstrated that the caffeine improved behavioural changes and improved the neurocognitive deficits of sepsis‐surviving animals. It is possible that blockage of the adenosine receptors may be responsible for the results here observed.
A Powerful Approach to the Study of Moderate Effect Modification in Observational Studies
Authors: Lee Kwonsang , Small Dylan S. , Rosenbaum Paul R.
Published: May 2018

Effect modification means the magnitude or stability of a treatment effect varies as a function of an observed covariate. Generally, larger and more stable treatment effects are insensitive to larger biases from unmeasured covariates, so a causal conclusion may be considerably firmer if this pattern is noted if it occurs. We propose a new strategy, called the submax-method, that combines exploratory, and confirmatory efforts to determine whether there is stronger evidence of causality—that is, greater insensitivity to unmeasured confounding—in some subgroups of individuals. It uses the joint distribution of test statistics that split the data in various ways based on certain observed covariates. For L binary covariates, the method splits the population L times into two subpopulations, perhaps first men and women, perhaps then smokers and nonsmokers, computing a test statistic from each subpopulation, and appends the test statistic for the whole population, making test statistics in total. Although L binary covariates define interaction groups, only tests are performed, and at least of these tests use at least half of the data. The submax-method achieves the highest design sensitivity and the highest Bahadur efficiency of its component tests. Moreover, the form of the test is sufficiently tractable that its large sample power may be studied analytically. The simulation suggests that the submax method exhibits superior performance, in comparison with an approach using CART, when there is effect modification of moderate size. Using data from the NHANES I epidemiologic follow-up survey, an observational study of the effects of physical activity on survival is used to illustrate the method. The method is implemented in the package which contains the NHANES example. An online Appendix provides simulation results and further analysis of the example.
Shared‐life communities for people with a learning disability: A review of the evidence
Authors: Cumella Stuart , Lyons Maria
Published: May 2018

Accessible Summary

This is about the best places to live for people with a learning disability.

It compares ordinary houses with communities where people with a learning disability share the homes of people who are not disabled.

These communities may be just as good a place to live as ordinary houses because there are interesting work and more friends.

People with a learning disability should have a choice where they want to live.

Background

A key aim of public policy has been to move people with a learning disability from segregated settings into ordinary housing, with the expectation that they would become integrated in and accepted by the rest of society. Despite this policy, people with a learning disability have high rates of unemployment, social isolation, mental disorders and premature death.

Aims

This raises questions about the dominant capitalist mode of care and makes it essential to consider alternative types of residence.

Materials and Methods

This study reviews research into shared‐care communities in which people with a learning disability share their lives with families and volunteers (“co‐workers”), either in dispersed housing or in village settlements.

Results

Reviews of research into types of accommodation for people with a learning disability have compared dispersed housing with “congregate” housing, finding that the former provide a better quality of life. However, they also found wide variations in outcome, which can be attributed to the heterogeneous range of accommodation categorised as “congregate.” When shared‐care communities are analysed separately, they were found to offer accommodation as homely as dispersed housing, with a similar lack of institutional practices. Residents in shared‐care communities were also more likely than those in other types of accommodation to be involved in planning their own lives and in accessing professional health and social care. Research into shared‐care communities has attributed these outcomes to the availability of meaningful and diverse employment, opportunities for friendship and long‐term relationships with co‐workers.

Discussion

These conclusions are supported by the results of official inspections and by recent research, which has emphasised how the quality of life of residents with a learning disability is improved when there are long‐term emotional bonds between staff and clients. It is concluded, therefore, that shared‐care communities offer a viable alternative to traditional dispersed housing for people with a learning disability. Choice of accommodation has often been denied to people with a learning disability, even though the rest of the population now live in a wide variety of living circumstances. It is therefore recommended that public policy accepts the need for shared‐life communities as one of a range of living options for people with a learning disability, rather than enforcing one type of accommodation deemed “normal.
The hidden half: ecology and evolution of cryptobenthic fishes on coral reefs
Authors: Brandl Simon J. , Goatley Christopher H. R. , Bellwood David R. , Tornabene Luke
Published: May 2018

Teleost fishes are the most diverse group of vertebrates on Earth. On tropical coral reefs, their species richness exceeds 6000 species; one tenth of total vertebrate biodiversity. A large proportion of this diversity is composed of cryptobenthic reef fishes (CRFs): bottom‐dwelling, morphologically or behaviourally cryptic species typically less than 50 mm in length. Yet, despite their diversity and abundance, these fishes are both poorly defined and understood. Herein we provide a new quantitative definition and synthesise current knowledge on the diversity, distribution and life history of CRFs. First, we use size distributions within families to define 17 core CRF families as characterised by the high prevalence (>10%) of small‐bodied species (<50 mm). This stands in strong contrast to 42 families of large reef fishes, in which virtually no small‐bodied species have evolved. We posit that small body size has allowed CRFs to diversify at extremely high rates, primarily by allowing for fine partitioning of microhabitats and facilitation of allopatric reproductive isolation; yet, we are far from understanding and documenting the biodiversity of CRFs. Using rates of description since 1758, we predict that approximately 30 new species of cryptobenthic species will be described per year until 2050 (approximately twice the annual rate compared to large fishes). Furthermore, we predict that by the year 2031, more than half of the described coral reef fish biodiversity will consist of CRFs. These fishes are the ‘hidden half’ of vertebrate biodiversity on coral reefs. Notably, global geographic coverage and spatial resolution of quantitative data on CRF communities is uniformly poor, which further emphasises the remarkable reservoir of biodiversity that is yet to be discovered. Although small body size may have enabled extensive diversification within CRF families, small size also comes with a suite of ecological challenges that affect fishes' capacities to feed, survive and reproduce; we identify a range of life‐history adaptations that have enabled CRFs to overcome these limitations. In turn, these adaptations bestow a unique socio‐ecological role on CRFs, which includes a key role in coral reef trophodynamics by cycling trophic energy provided by microscopic prey to larger consumers. Although small in body size, the ecology and evolutionary history of CRFs may make them a critical component of coral‐reef food webs; yet our review also shows that these fishes are highly susceptible to a variety of anthropogenic disturbances. Understanding the consequences of these changes for CRFs and coral reef ecosystems will require us to shed more light on this frequently overlooked but highly diverse and abundant guild of coral reef fishes.
Reconstructing meaning without redesigning products: The case of the Serie7 chair
Authors: Gasparin Marta , Green William
Published: May 2018

What constitutes product value has traditionally been attributed to aesthetics, elicitation of emotions, quality and style. The design‐driven innovation literature, instead, suggests that meanings are sought and designed as a way to deliver value to customers; however, it infers that product meanings evolve when a product is redesigned. What happens to product meanings when products have not been redesigned but have remained successful in the market over a number of decades? This study identifies how meanings attached to long‐lasting products have changed in spite of a consistent form and shape. Using actor‐network theory (ANT) as an analytical framework to understand the relationship between meaning and the materiality of the object, an ethnography of the Serie7 chair was conducted. Weekly site visits, formal and informal interviews were coupled with observations and supplemented with 60 years of historical information. We contribute to the innovation literature by demonstrating the importance of materiality in constructing product meaning over long periods. We analysed the Serie7 in four different periods of its life, looking at meaning of the chair at the time, and how management proposed new meanings through a translation process, connecting otherwise disconnected elements.
Metabolomics research on potential role for 9‐cis‐retinoic acid in breast cancer progression
Authors: Wu Jing , Yang Rui , Zhang Lei , Li YueGuo , Liu BingBing , Kang Hua , Fan ZhiJuan , Tian YaQiong , Liu ShuYe , Li Tong
Published: May 2018

Deciphering the molecular networks that discriminate organ‐confined breast cancer from metastatic breast cancer may lead to the identification of critical biomarkers for breast cancer invasion and aggressiveness. Here metabolomics, a global study of metabolites, has been applied to explore the metabolic alterations that characterize breast cancer progression. We profiled a total of 693 metabolites across 87 serum samples related to breast cancer (46 clinically localized and 41 metastatic breast cancer) and 49 normal samples. These unbiased metabolomic profiles were able to distinguish normal individuals, clinically localized and metastatic breast cancer patients. 9‐cis‐Retinoic acid, an isomer of all‐trans retinoic acid, was identified as a differential metabolite that significantly decreased during breast cancer progression to metastasis, and its levels were also reduced in urine samples from biopsy‐positive breast cancer patients relative to biopsy‐negative individuals and in invasive breast cancer cells relative to benign MCF‐10A cells. The addition of exogenous 9‐cis‐retinoic acid to MDA‐MB‐231 cells and knockdown of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A1, a regulatory enzyme for 9‐cis‐retinoic acid, remarkably impaired cell invasion and migration, presumably through preventing the key regulator cofilin from activation and inhibiting MMP2 and MMP9 expression. Taken together, our study showed the potential inhibitory role for 9‐cis‐retinoic acid in breast cancer progression by attenuating cell invasion and migration.
Stromal barriers to nanomedicine penetration in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment
Authors: Tanaka Hiroyoshi Y. , Kano Mitsunobu R.
Published: May 2018

Pancreatic cancer is known for its dismal prognosis despite efforts to improve therapeutic outcome. Recently, cancer nanomedicine, application of nanotechnology to cancer diagnosis and treatment, has gained interest for treatment of pancreatic cancer. The enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect that promotes selective accumulation of nanometer‐sized molecules within tumors is the theoretical rationale of treatment. However, it is clear that EPR may be insufficient in pancreatic cancer as a result of stromal barriers within the tumor microenvironment (TME). These limit intratumoral accumulation of macromolecules. The TME and stromal barriers inside it consist of various stromal cell types which interact both with each other and with tumor cells. We are only beginning to understand the complexities of the stromal barriers within the TME and its functional consequences for nanomedicine. Understanding the complex crosstalk between barrier stromal cells is challenging because of the difficulty of modeling pancreatic cancer TME. Here we provide an overview of stromal barriers within the TME. We also describe the preclinical models, both in vivo and in vitro, developed to study them. We furthermore discuss the critical gaps in our understanding, and how we might formulate a better strategy for using nanomedicine against pancreatic cancer.
HSPC159 promotes proliferation and metastasis by inducing epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and activating the PI3K/Akt pathway in breast cancer
Authors: Zheng Jie , Zhang Mengxue , Zhang Liying , Ding Xiaodi , Li Wentong , Lu Shijun
Published: May 2018

HSPC159 is a novel human galectin‐related protein that has been shown to be involved in carcinogenesis. Little is known about HSPC159 expression and function in breast cancer. Herein we showed that HSPC159 was aberrantly expressed in both breast cancer cell lines and tumor tissues and that its expression was associated with poor prognosis of breast cancer patients. Using gain‐ and loss‐of‐function methods we found that HSPC159 enhanced breast cancer cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, HSPC159 was found to induce epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the F‐actin polymerization process of breast cancer cells. Moreover, HSPC159 promoted proliferation, migration and invasion through activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in breast cancer. In conclusion, our findings showed that HSPC159 contributed to breast cancer progression through the PI3K/Akt pathway and might serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of breast cancer.
Prevalence and characteristics of transverse myelitis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders in the United Arab Emirates: A multicenter, retrospective study
Authors: Holroyd Kathryn B. , Aziz Faisal , Szolics Miklos , Alsaadi Taoufik , Levy Michael , Schiess Nicoline
Published: May 2018

Objective

To determine the epidemiology and characteristics of transverse myelitis (TM) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Methods

Retrospective chart review at four large government‐run hospitals in Abu Dhabi between 2010 and 2016. Data collected included year of onset, presentation, laboratory results including aquaporin‐4 immunoglobulin G (IgG)/myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein IgG antibodies and the occurrence of any relapses.

Results

A total of 46 individuals were identified. Of these, 23 (50%) were Emirati citizens. Within the overall group including pediatrics, the crude prevalence rate for monophasic TM was 1.0 per 100 000, and for NMOSD was 0.34 per 100 000. Incidence rates within the overall group for TM and NMOSD were 0.18 per 100 000 and 0.05 per 100 000, respectively. For Emirati citizens aged ≥20 years, the prevalence rate for monophasic TM was 2.46 per 100 000 and 1.76 per 100 000 for NMOSD, and the incidence was 0.57 per 100 000 and 0.17 per 100 000, respectively. The incidence of monophasic TM and NMOSD within the Emirati pediatric population (aged ≤19 years) was 0.18 per 100 000 and 0.06 per 100 000, respectively. The mean age of onset for monophasic TM was 36 years, and for NMOSD was 43 years. Nine patients had a positive aquaporin‐4 IgG or anti‐myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein IgG antibody result. Of the 30 participants with available laboratory cerebrospinal fluid analysis, 36.6% had elevated white blood counts (>5.0 × 106/L), and 43% had elevated protein levels. A total of 19 participants had documentation of oligoclonal bands or IgG index, and just four (21%) had either oligoclonal bands or elevated IgG index.

Conclusion

The present study describes the epidemiology and characteristics of TM and NMOSD among populations in Abu Dhabi. The adult prevalence rate for Emirati citizens was 2.46 per 100 000 for monophasic TM, and 1.76 per 100 000 for NMOSD. The overall incidence was 0.18 per 100 000 and 0.05 per 100 000, respectively.
Nasopharyngeal versus hypopharyngeal packing during sino‐nasal surgeries: Randomised controlled trial
Authors: Alfiky M.G. , Margalani O.A. , Rajeh A.F. , Alghamdi F.E. , Abu Suliman O.A. , Muathen S.H. , Elmorsy S.A.
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Primary: To compare the severity of postoperative throat pain between patients who received a nasopharyngeal pack and those who received a hypopharyngeal pack during their sino‐nasal surgery. Secondary: To assess the efficacy of using a nasopharyngeal pack in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and to compare its result with patients who received a hypopharyngeal pack.

Design

Prospective, randomised, controlled trial.

Setting

Tertiary Hospital.

Participants

Forty‐seven patients were evaluated. Eligible patients were randomly allocated into one of the two following groups: Group (A): hypopharyngeal packing during the surgery, or Group (B): nasopharyngeal packing during the surgery.

Main outcome measures

The blinded Patients from both groups were evaluated at 2 hours, 24 hours and 1 week after the surgery by a blinded assessor. Throat pain was assessed using the standardised numeric rating scale for pain from zero to ten. The presence of PONV, oedema, congestion and ulceration of the pharyngeal mucosa was recorded.

Results

At 2 hours after the surgery, the median pain score for the nasopharyngeal group was less than the hypopharyngeal group (3.5 and 4.0, respectively), but this difference was not statistically significant (P = .195). Patients in both groups had the same median score (4.0) when throat pain was assessed 24 hours after surgery. The hypopharyngeal packing group has a lower incidence of PONV at 2 hours, 24 hours and 1 week, these differences were not statistically significant (P > .050). Pharyngeal ulceration was found in one patient from the hypopharyngeal group during the second assessment at 24 hours. No differences in the assessed pharyngeal physical signs were statistically significant at any of the assessment time points.

Conclusion

The location of the throat pack does not affect the early postoperative throat pain. The nasopharyngeal pack is a safe alternative for the hypopharyngeal pack if throat packing is indicated. There is a need for review of the available current evidence on throat packs and more adequately powered randomised controlled trials on a larger scale of participants.
A target image–oriented dictionary learning–based method for fully automated latent fingerprint forensic
Authors: Xu Jinwei , Hu Jiankun , Jia Xiuping
Published: May 2018

Several fully automated latent print forensic techniques have been reported. In this paper, we propose a fully automated latent print segmentation module for the partition of the fingerprint region in a query latent image, which can help find a corresponding match of the suspect reliably. Being different from the existing methods that build the prelearned dictionary from the high‐quality fingerprint image patches, the proposed dictionary learning procedure is conducted on the target images. The advantages of the proposed method are the following: (i) it does not require a large number of high‐quality “ridge‐valley” atoms and (ii) not only the structure similarity but also the pattern scale has been kept consistent between the target image patches and learned dictionary atoms. Because no commercial latent fingerprint matcher is publicly available and the latent matcher reported in the literature is not accessible to the public either, a latent fingerprint matching platform is implemented to evaluate the obtained segmentation results and automated latent fingerprint matching performance. On the basis of this platform, experimental comparisons are conducted to assess closeness to the system performance upper bound when different segmentation modules are deployed. Moreover, matcher‐independent criteria such as genuine minutiae preservation rate and the segmented region of interest's accuracy are used. All the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed segmentation approach outperforms state‐of‐the‐art techniques in terms of finding the correct fingerprint of the suspect subject.
Commentary: Harm reduction, managed alcohol programs and doing the right thing
Authors: Gaetz Stephen
Published: May 2018

In this commentary to the special issue on managed alcohol programs, the necessity of working from a harm reduction orientation when supporting people who experience homelessness is explored. While not all people who experience homelessness have substance use disorders, many respond to experiences of trauma and exclusion through the use of substances, and in many cases this leads to problematic use. In a context where people who are homeless regularly experience the control and regulation of their lives through emergency services, harm reduction approaches provide a welcomed alternative through humane, respectful, effective and client centred approaches to addressing substance use disorders. The articles in this volume demonstrate the value of managed alcohol programs to support people whose consumption of alcohol is problematic. The emerging evidence base for managed alcohol programs has important implications for policy and practice.
Children with cerebral palsy in Ghana: malnutrition, feeding challenges, and caregiver quality of life
Authors: Polack Sarah , Adams Mel , O'banion David , Baltussen Marjolein , Asante Sandra , Kerac Marko , Gladstone Melissa , Zuurmond Maria
Published: May 2018

Aim

To assess feeding difficulties and nutritional status among children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Ghana, and whether severity of feeding difficulties and malnutrition are independently associated with caregiver quality of life (QoL).

Method

This cross‐sectional survey included 76 children with CP (18mo–12y) from four regions of Ghana. Severity of CP was classified using the Gross Motor Function Classification System and anthropometric measures were taken. Caregivers rated their QoL (using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Family Impact Module) and difficulties with eight aspects of child feeding. Logistic regression analysis explored factors (socio‐economic characteristics, severity of CP, and feeding difficulties) associated with being underweight. Linear regression was undertaken to assess the relationship between caregiver QoL and child malnutrition and feeding difficulties.

Results

Poor nutritional status was common: 65% of children aged under 5 years were categorized as underweight, 54% as stunted, and 58% as wasted. Reported difficulties with child's feeding were common and were associated with the child being underweight (odds ratio 10.7, 95% confidence interval 2.3–49.6) and poorer caregiver QoL (p<0.001). No association between caregiver QoL and nutritional status was evident.

Interpretation

Among rural, low resource populations in Ghana, there is a need for appropriate, accessible caregiver training and support around feeding practices of children with CP, to improve child nutritional status and caregiver well‐being.

What this paper adds

Malnutrition is very common among children with cerebral palsy in this rural population in Ghana.

Feeding difficulties in this population were strongly associated with being underweight.

Feeding difficulties were associated with poorer caregiver quality of life (QoL).

Child nutritional status was not associated with caregiver QoL.
Why did socialist economies fail? The role of factor inputs reconsidered
Authors: Vonyó Tamás , Klein Alexander
Published: May 2018

This article presents new estimates for investment and new growth accounts for three socialist economies between 1950 and 1989. Government statistics reported distorted measures for both the rate and the trajectory of productivity growth in Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Poland. Researchers have benefited from revised output data, but have continued to use official statistics on capital input, or estimated capital stock from official investment data. Investment levels and rates of capital accumulation were much lower than officially claimed and over‐reporting worsened over time. A setback in factor accumulation—both investment in equipment and labour input—contributed very significantly to the socialist growth failure of the 1980s.
Relations between bacterial communities and enzyme functions of two paddy soils
Authors: Luo X. , Yang Y. , Wang L. , Zhang Y. , Liao H. , Peng S. , Chen W. , Huang Q.
Published: May 2018

Until recently, the relation between the microbial community structure and paddy soil enzyme functions has not been clear. Two types of paddy soil, located only 2 km apart and involved in the same field experiment, were used. We found a clear spatial effect on the bacterial community structure that could be related to the types of soil. The bacterial community structure was linked statistically to four indices of soil enzyme activity involving Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacterial phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), suggesting that the bacterial community has a more important role than fungi and other eukaryotes in modulating enzyme function in paddy soil. Redundancy analysis also showed that the two soil bacterial communities regulated soil enzyme activity with different effects. The α‐diversity of the bacterial community was positively associated with invertase activity, and negatively associated with the biomass normalized urease and arylsulphatase activities. In addition, the differences in soil enzyme activities were closely linked to dominant optimal taxonomic units (OTUs), most of which were phylogenetically related to enzyme producers from Planctomycetes, Proteobacteria and Chloroflexi with different 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity levels. Our results suggested that the enzyme function of paddy soil was linked to both the diversity and composition of bacteria in this study.

Highlights

We quantified the relation between the soil enzyme functions and bacterial community.

Enzyme activities of paddy soil correlated with G+ and G− PLFAs.

Bacterial α‐diversity was correlated statistically with paddy soil enzyme function.

Species of Planctomycetes, Proteobacteria and Chloroflexi comprised the primary enzyme regulators.
Unraveling past impacts of climate change and land management on historic peatland development using proxy‐based reconstruction, monitoring data and process modeling
Authors: Heinemeyer Andreas , Swindles Graeme T.
Published: May 2018

Peatlands represent globally significant soil carbon stores that have been accumulating for millennia under water‐logged conditions. However, deepening water‐table depths (WTD) from climate change or human‐induced drainage could stimulate decomposition resulting in peatlands turning from carbon sinks to carbon sources. Contemporary WTD ranges of testate amoebae (TA) are commonly used to predict past WTD in peatlands using quantitative transfer function models. Here we present, for the first time, a study comparing TA‐based WTD reconstructions to instrumentally monitored WTD and hydrological model predictions using the MILLENNIA peatland model to examine past peatland responses to climate change and land management. Although there was very good agreement between monitored and modeled WTD, TA‐reconstructed water table was consistently deeper. Predictions from a larger European TA transfer function data set were wetter, but the overall directional fit to observed WTD was better for a TA transfer function based on data from northern England. We applied a regression‐based offset correction to the reconstructed WTD for the validation period (1931–2010). We then predicted WTD using available climate records as MILLENNIA model input and compared the offset‐corrected TA reconstruction to MILLENNIA WTD predictions over an extended period (1750–1931) with available climate reconstructions. Although the comparison revealed striking similarities in predicted overall WTD patterns, particularly for a recent drier period (1965–1995), there were clear periods when TA‐based WTD predictions underestimated (i.e. drier during 1830–1930) and overestimated (i.e. wetter during 1760–1830) past WTD compared to MILLENNIA model predictions. Importantly, simulated grouse moor management scenarios may explain the drier TA WTD predictions, resulting in considerable model predicted carbon losses and reduced methane emissions, mainly due to drainage. This study demonstrates the value of a site‐specific and combined data‐model validation step toward using TA‐derived moisture conditions to understand past climate‐driven peatland development and carbon budgets alongside modeling likely management impacts.
Influence of apical enlargement on the repair of apical periodontitis in rats
Authors: Jara C. M. , Hartmann R. C. , Böttcher D. E. , Souza T. S. , Gomes M. S. , Figueiredo J. A. P.
Published: May 2018

Aim

To evaluate the influence of different apical enlargement protocols on the radiographic and histological healing of apical periodontitis in rats.

Methodology

Apical periodontitis was induced bilaterally in the mandibular right and left first molars of 24 Wistar rats by pulp exposure to the oral cavity for 3 weeks. A standard serial root canal preparation technique was performed in the molar of one side, whilst the opposite side was the control group. Rats were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n = 8), according to the diameter of apical enlargement during root canal preparation: K‐files size 20 (EG1), size 25 (EG2) and size 30 (EG3). Each animal was its own positive control, because the opposite arch remained untreated. Root canals were filled with a standard technique. After 3 weeks, the animals were euthanized. The main outcome of apical periodontitis healing was evaluated radiographically (mm2) and histologically (ordinal scores of inflammation) using a HE staining technique. The measurement of effect was obtained between the three experimental groups by carrying out generalized estimating equations, with Poisson regression with robust variance, pairing each experimental group with its respective control group within animals, adjusted for the mean within animal differences, with α = 5%.

Results

The mean and standard deviations of radiographic apical periodontitis size (mm2) and intensity of histological inflammatory scores were, respectively: EG1 (0.44 ± 0.27; 2.25 ± 0.46), EG2 (0.33 ± 0.10; 2.50 ± 0.53) and EG3 (0.22 ± 0.08; 2.63 ± 0.74). After 3 weeks, a significantly more favourable radiographic repair was observed when larger apical enlargement was performed (EG3), compared to EG1 and EG2 (P = 0.001). All experimental groups were associated with a significant difference on the radiographic and histological healing of apical periodontitis compared with its respective control group.

Conclusion

Under the experimental conditions of this study, a larger apical enlargement protocol favoured a more rapid radiographic repair of apical periodontitis in rats after a 3‐week follow‐up.
Photocatalytic activity of TiO2 coated porous silica beads on degradation of cumene hydroperoxide
Authors: Pinato Kamonwan , Suttiponparnit Komkrit , Panpa Withaya , Jinawath Supatra , Kashima Dujreutai
Published: May 2018

Recently, due to an increasing global concern on environmental safety, titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst has been extensively researched for use as air and water pollution treatments. This study was initiative for producing an economically viable TiO2 photocatalyst material with recyclability for degradation of CHP contaminated wastewater. TiO2 P‐25, a well‐known photocatalyst, with a proper amount (15% w/w of CAC) was coated on porous silica beads (ECOLITE®) by granulation technique, using high calcium aluminate cement (CAC) as a binder (EC+CAC+15% w/w TiO2 P‐25). The experiments revealed that high concentration CHP solutions were completely degraded by EC+CAC+15% w/w TiO2 P‐25 within 5 and 7 hours. The recyclability of EC+CAC+15% w/w TiO2 P‐25 was evaluated by investigation the degradation activity of freshly prepared CHP solution under UV light irradiation using the repetitive photocatalyst beads for 6 runs. HPLC analyses indicated that the CHP degradation was completed in the 1st run and down to over 90% in the 6th run. Hence, EC+CAC+15% w/w TiO2 P‐25 showed a long durability and good recyclability for CHP degradation, resulted from the good adherence of hydration product layer of CAC for TiO2 particles as well as its large surface area that offered good adsorption for CHP.
High temperature anti‐oxidation behavior of in situ and ex situ nanostructured C/SiC/ZrB2‐SiC gradient coatings: Thermodynamical evolution, microstructural characterization, and residual stress analysis
Authors: Abdollahi Alireza , Valefi Zia , Ehsani Naser , Torabi Shahla
Published: May 2018

Nanostructured C/SiC/ZrB2–SiC oxidation protective gradient coating was prepared by a two‐step reactive melt infiltration method. In order to reduce production cost, ZrB2 phase was synthesized by the in situ reactive that included low‐cost ZrO2 and B2O3 powders as raw materials. High‐temperature oxidation behavior of coatings was evaluated by isothermal oxidation test at 1773 K in air for 10 hours. Thermodynamical behavior of the coatings at various temperatures during oxidation test and coating process was predicted by HSC Chemistry 6.0 software. Compressive residual stresses of 36.9 MPa and 41 MPa were calculated for in situ and ex situ coatings by Williamson‐Hall method. After 10 hours of isothermal oxidation at 1773K, in situ and ex situ coatings showed 12.84% and 15.69% of weight losses with oxidation rates of 1.87 × 10−2 g cm−3 h−1 and 0.91 × 10−2 g cm−3 h−1, respectively. These results indicated that the oxidation protection ability of the coating produced by the in situ method was very close to ex situ coating.
Socioeconomic status and survival for patients with melanoma in the United States: an NCDB analysis
Authors: Sitenga Jenna L. , Aird Gregory , Ahmed Aabra , Walters Ryan , Silberstein Peter T.
Published: May 2018

Background

The importance of socioeconomic factors and healthcare treatment and outcomes for lower income patients is tremendous, affecting not only those afflicted by poverty and decreased quality of care but also physicians, healthcare professionals, and society at large.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was used to identify 80,907 patients with stage 0–4 melanoma and analyze variables to track patterns in survival and outcome.

Results

This study demonstrates that disparities in income, insurance status, and education affects treatment and survival rates across all stages of melanoma and seeks to establish further understanding surrounding socioeconomic factors and quality of healthcare in America.

Conclusion

Through investigation and analysis, the goal of this study is to highlight how the existing socioeconomic gap in America impacts the quality of treatment and survival in patients diagnosed with melanoma.
Skill development, bargaining power, and a theory of job design
Authors: Moon Seongwuk
Published: May 2018

We examine the job design decision in the context of skill development and bargaining power. The choice between specialization and multitasking requires employees to develop either specialized or varied task‐specific skills. Employees' (i.e., the owners of the acquired skills) bargaining power depends on their skill sets, which differentiate their ability to hold up production and threaten to leave a firm. When a firm cannot meaningfully elicit skill investments through job design, it will pursue inefficient multitasking to reduce production holdups or inefficient specialization to prevent skilled employees from leaving. We obtain inefficient job design results only for mediocre ability workers.