bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taking a fresh look at mood, hormones, and menopause
Authors: Soares Claudio N.
Published: February 2020

Depression, with or without concomitant anxiety, is one of the most burdensome medical conditions worldwide. Depression affects women more often than men and may cause significant impairment. Reproductive phase-related windows of vulnerability for depression (new or recurrent) have been recognized, including the menopause transition. Midlife depression is likely influenced by both menopause- and nonmenopause-related factors. Antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy remain first-line treatment options for moderate to severe major depressive disorder at any time, with proven efficacy and tolerability in midlife women. Transdermal estradiol can also be part of the treatment armamentarium, but its use as a prophylaxis against midlife depressive symptoms, although promising, warrants further investigation.
A phase 2b, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, dose-ranging study of the neurokinin 3 receptor antagonist fezolinetant for vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause
Authors: Fraser Graeme L. , Lederman Samuel , Waldbaum Arthur , Kroll Robin , Santoro Nanette , Lee Misun , Skillern Laurence , Ramael Steven
Published: February 2020

Objective:

Menopausal vasomotor symptoms (VMS) may result from altered thermoregulatory control in brain regions innervated by neurokinin 3 receptor-expressing neurons. This phase 2b study evaluated seven dosing regimens of fezolinetant, a selective neurokinin 3 receptor antagonist, as a nonhormone approach for the treatment of VMS.

Methods:

Menopausal women aged >40-65 years with moderate/severe VMS (≥50 episodes/wk) were randomized (double-blind) to fezolinetant 15, 30, 60, 90 mg BID or 30, 60, 120 mg QD, or placebo for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes were reduction in moderate/severe VMS frequency and severity ([number of moderate VMS × 2] + [number of severe VMS × 3]/total daily moderate/severe VMS) at weeks 4 and 12. Response (≥50% reduction in moderate/severe VMS frequency) was a key secondary outcome.

Results:

Of 352 treated participants, 287 completed the study. Fezolinetant reduced moderate/severe VMS frequency by −1.9 to −3.5/day at week 4 and −1.8 to −2.6/day at week 12 (all P < 0.05 vs placebo). Mean difference from placebo in VMS severity score was −0.4 to −1 at week 4 (all doses P < 0.05) and −0.2 to −0.6 at week 12 (P < 0.05 for 60 and 90 mg BID and 60 mg QD). Response (50% reduction) relative to placebo was achieved by 81.4% to 94.7% versus 58.5% of participants at end of treatment (all doses P < 0.05). Treatment-emergent adverse events were largely mild/moderate; no serious treatment-related treatment-emergent adverse events occurred.

Conclusions:

Fezolinetant is a well-tolerated, effective nonhormone therapy that rapidly reduces moderate/severe menopausal VMS.

Video Summary:
http://links.lww.com/MENO/A572; video script available at http://links.lww.com/MENO/A573.
Seasonal blood pressure variation assessed by different measurement methods: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kollias Anastasios , Kyriakoulis Konstantinos G. , Stambolliu Emelina , Ntineri Angeliki , Anagnostopoulos Ioannis , Stergiou George S.
Published: February 2020

Objective:

The current study reviewed the published evidence on the seasonal changes in blood pressure (BP) assessed using different measurement methods.

Methods:

A systematic PubMed/EMBASE search was performed for studies assessing seasonal BP changes. Prospective and cross-sectional studies were included fulfilling the following criteria: (i) report of ambulatory and/or home BP data; (ii) cross-sectional studies reporting only office BP measurements and including 1000 or more participants.

Results:

Forty-seven studies fulfilled the selection criteria and were included (856 539 participants, weighted age 49.7 ± 4.8 years, 38.8% treated hypertensive patients). The pooled summer minus winter SBP/DBP difference (95% confidence intervals) was office BP (29 studies) −5.6 (−7.1, −4.0)/−3.3 (−4.0, −2.7) mmHg; daytime ambulatory BP (15 studies) −3.4 (−4.4, −2.4)/−2.1 (−2.8, −1.4) mmHg; night-time ambulatory BP (13 studies) 1.3 (0.2, 2.3)/0.5 (−0.2, 1.2) mmHg; home BP (9 studies) −6.1 (−7.0, −5.1)/−3.1 (−3.5, −2.6) mmHg. Meta-analysis of 28 prospective studies (N = 5278) which examined the same individuals during different seasons showed pooled seasonal SBP/DBP difference: office BP −5.8/−4.0 mmHg; daytime ambulatory BP −3.9/−2.7 mmHg; night-time ambulatory BP 0.5/−0.5 mmHg; home BP −6.4 /−3.3 mmHg. In meta-regression analysis seasonal systolic daytime ambulatory BP difference was related to the percentage of treated hypertensive patients across studies (P = 0.02) and borderline to age (P = 0.07).

Conclusion:

Seasonal BP changes are evident using all daytime BP measurement methods, but not with night-time ambulatory BP. The average BP decline in hot season is at about 5/3 (SBP/DBP) mmHg and appears to be larger in treated hypertensive patients and in older individuals.
Preventing forgotten double J ureteral stents in a high-volume service medical center: An autoregistration monitoring system
Authors: Lin Kuan-Jung , Chen Ping-Chi , Fan Yu-Hua , Huang William J.S.
Published: February 2020

Background:

To evaluate the efficacy of an autoregistration monitoring system (ARMS) for tracking the placement and removal of ureteral stents.

Methods:

The system was designed to tie in closely with the billing system. Once a stent was used and charged, a stent “episode” was created in the ARMS. When the stent was removed and the charge for the procedure was issued, the stent episode for that stent was removed automatically. The ARMS identified stents which exceeded their deadline, generating an alarm until the stent was removed and the ARMS updated.

Results:

A total of 10 105 patients with 12 440 stent episodes were registered in the ARMS between March 2010 and August 2018. Of the 10 105 patients, 8597 (85.07%) were automatically detected to have had their stents removed before their deadline. We contacted the 1508 (14.93%) patients whose stents were not registered as having been removed by their deadline, of whom 122 (1.21%) had undergone stent removal at other hospitals, 490 (4.85%) had died, and 875 (8.66%) knew that they had ureteral stents inserted and were urged to come back for stent removal. Twenty-one patients (0.21%) did not know that they had implanted stents. None of these 21 patients were urological patients, and they had stents placed during urological consultation in an operating room.

Conclusion:

Our study showed that the ARMS reduced the manpower in tracking stent removal by 85.07% and that it was useful for detecting and preventing forgotten stents.
A Randomized Controlled Trial on Optimal Sampling Sequence in Radial Guide Sheath Endobronchial Ultrasound Lung Biopsy
Authors: Samaranayake Chinthaka B. , Wright Craig , Erigadoo Shiv , Azzopardi Maree , Putt Michael , Bint Michael
Published: February 2020

Background:

An optimal sampling sequence in radial guide sheath endobronchial ultrasound lung biopsy (R-EBUS) is unclear. This prospective single-center pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to determine if the initial method and sequence of sampling affect the diagnostic accuracy of the procedure.

Methods:

Consecutive patients undergoing R-EBUS for lesions >15 mm with a bronchus sign were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to biopsy first (group A), brushings first (group B) or combination (group C). The primary outcome was a positive diagnosis from any sampling method.

Results:

Fifty-four patients were randomized. The overall diagnostic yield of the procedure was 77.8% (95% confidence interval: 66%-89%), with no difference between groups. A higher rate of positive cytology from brushings was seen if the biopsies were performed before brushings (77.8% in group A vs. 44.4% in group B, P=0.03). The rate of positive cytology from washings was higher if the washings were obtained just after the brushings (61.1% in group A vs. 11.1% in group B, P=0.02). There was no difference in the rate of positive biopsy histology in the groups (P=0.27). All 3 sampling modalities were more likely to be positive in group A (50.0% vs. 11.1% in group B and 22.2% in group C, P=0.04). Complications rate was low and not significantly different between groups.

Conclusion:

The overall rate of a positive R-EBUS procedure was not affected by the initial sampling method or sequence. However, all 3 sampling modalities were more likely to be positive if biopsies were performed first, followed by brushings and washings.
Transbrow Excision Blepharoplasty for Upper Eyelid Dermatochalasis: A Modified Approach
Authors: Lv Qianwen , Liu Zhenjun , Gu Yunpeng , Qi Yue , Ma Gui-e
Published: February 2020

Backgrounds:

Many aging women with upper lid dermatochalasis pluck their lower lateral eyebrows to combat lateral drooping. The authors present and evaluate outcomes of a modified excision blepharoplasty method performed using a transbrow excision approach instead of infra/suprabrow access to more efficiently correct upper eyelid dermatochalasis.

Methods:

The authors conducted a retrospective review of 192 patients who underwent transbrow excision blepharoplasty (TBEB) between 2014 and 2019 at the Plastic Surgery Hospital of Beijing in China. The clinical features, complications, and outcomes of patients were reviewed. The Strasser grading system was used to evaluate surgical results postoperatively. Aesthetic improvement was subjectively judged by the patients.

Results:

All 192 patients (aged 25–72 years old, mean 46 years old) were reviewed and followed up for 6 months to 2 years. Patients were evaluated after 1 week and after at least 6 months. All patients reported an improved aesthetic appearance of the lateral periorbital area, and 174 patients (90.6%) rated their results as satisfactory. No serious complications were related to the procedure.

Conclusions:

TBEB is used to correct problems that are not adequately managed by conventional excision blepharoplasty. Among 192 patients evaluated over 5 years, excision of the transbrow skin pad sufficiently reduced the redundancy of the upper eyelid and achieved an acceptable appearance of the periorbital area, where the postoperative location of a subtle scar defined a desired youthful brow position. In selected patients, this is an effective and safe method that uses patient-observed features to provide an alternate cosmetic approach.
Early cognitive impairment is common after intracranial hemorrhage with mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Delaplain Patrick T. , Albertson Spencer , Grigorian Areg , Williams Barbara , Smith Megan , Inaba Kenji , Lekawa Michael , Nahmias Jeffry
Published: February 2020

BACKDROP

The incidence of early cognitive impairment (ECI) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is unknown. We hypothesized ECI is common and can be predicted based on Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Brain Injury Guideline (BIG) category.

METHODS

A single-center, retrospective review of adult trauma patients (2014–2016) with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and mild TBI (GCS score, 13–15) was performed. The primary outcome was ECI, defined as a Rancho Los Amigos score less than 8. Routine cognitive evaluation is performed on all ICH patients at our institution. Comparisons between ECI and no-ECI groups regarding demographic, cognitive, and clinical outcomes were evaluated using bivariate statistics. The odds of ECI were evaluated using a multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

There were 465 patients with mild TBI, 70.3% were male, and the average age was 53 ± 23 years. The most common mechanism of injury was fall (41.1%) followed by motor vehicle collision (15.9%). The incidence of ECI was 51.4% (n = 239). The incidence in patients with a GCS score of 15 was 42.9%, and BIG 1 category was 42.7%. There were no differences in demographics (age, sex, comorbidities), mechanism of injury, or imaging when comparing ECI patients with no-ECI patients. The GCS score was lower in the ECI group (14.4 vs. 14.7, p < 0.001). Patients with ECI were also less likely to be discharged home (58.2% vs. 78.3%, p < 0.001). Lower GCS-verbal, BIG category 3, and presence of pelvic/extremity fractures were strong risk factors for ECI in a logistic regression model adjusted for age, loss of consciousness, anticoagulants, narcotic administration, and Rotterdam score.

CONCLUSION

Half of all patients with ICH and mild TBI had ECI. Both lower initial GCS score and BIG category 3 were associated with increased likelihood of ECI. Therefore, we recommend all patients with ICH and mild TBI undergo cognitive evaluation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Study, Level III.
Bacillus caeni sp. nov., isolated from mangrove sediment
Authors: Mo Kunlian , Huang Huiqin , Bao Shixiang , Hu Yonghua
Published: February 2020

A Gram-variable, aerobic, motile and irregular rod-shaped bacterium, designated HB172195T, was isolated from a mangrove sediment sample collected from Bamen Bay mangrove forest, China. Cells of the strain were oxidase-negative but positive for catalase and nitrate reduction. Strain HB172195T was found to grow at 15–50 °C (optimum, 25–40 °C), pH 5.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and in 1.0–11.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 3–6 %). Chemotaxonomic analysis indicated that the sole respiratory quinone was MK-7 and the cell-wall peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and C16 : 1ω7c alcohol. The major polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified phospholipid. The genomic DNA G+C content was 40.9 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strain was closely related to

Bacillus hwajinpoensis

SW-72T (96.3%),

Bacillus algicola

KMM 3737T (96.2 %) and Bacillus haemicentroti JSM 076093T (95.5 %). Based on polyphasic taxonomic characterization, strain HB172195T is considered to represent a novel species, for which the name Bacillus caeni sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HB172195T (=CGMCC 1.16730T=JCM 33411T).
2019 Novel Coronavirus can be detected in urine, blood, anal swabs and oropharyngeal swabs samples
Authors: Peng Liang , Liu Jing , Xu Wenxiong , Luo Qiumin , Deng Keji , Lin Bingliang , Gao Zhiliang
Published: February 2020

We tested samples collected from nine patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The virus was found in urine, blood, anal swabs and oropharyngeal swabs. It is the first time for SARS-CoV-2 found in urine, though no urinary irritation was found.
Compensatory word of mouth as symbolic self-completion
Authors: Saenger Christina , Thomas Veronica L. , Bock Dora E.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

When consumers experience a self-threat that calls their self-concept into question, the ensuing psychological discomfort motivates them to restore their self-perceptions on the threatened attribute. Although consumers can restore a threatened self-perception by consuming products and brands that possess the desired symbolic associations, this study aims to propose that word of mouth can serve to resolve self-threat and restore a threatened self-perception when the brand at the center of a word-of-mouth communication is symbolically congruent with the domain of the threat.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental online survey research was conducted, inducing self-threat, manipulating brand and word-of-mouth conditions and measuring self-perceptions. Data for three studies were analyzed using SPSS and Hayes’ (2013) PROCESS macro.

Findings

Three studies show that spreading word of mouth can restore consumers’ threatened self-perceptions when the brand is symbolically congruent with the threat domain. Word of mouth about a symbolically congruent brand alleviates psychological discomfort, resulting in higher self-perceptions on the threatened attribute. The restorative effect is amplified for lower self-esteem consumers.

Research limitations/implications

Participants in the focal conditions were required to spread word of mouth, which may not be an organic response for all consumers; although not spreading word of mouth is ineffective, other compensatory consumer behavior options exist. The brand option was provided to participants, which allowed for control but may have reduced some of the realism.

Practical implications

Positioning brands to meet consumers’ psychological needs encourages the development of consumer–brand attachments. Brands that resonate with consumers reap the benefits of consumers’ active loyalty behaviors and enjoy stronger brand equity. The present research implies a new way consumers can form brand attachments: by spreading word of mouth to resolve self-threat. As many consumers post detailed, personal information online, this research suggests firms can align their brand messages with relevant identity-related discrepancies.

Originality/value

This research extends the symbolic self-completion compensatory consumption strategy to the word-of-mouth context, showing that consumers can achieve the same restorative effect as consumption by spreading word of mouth. This research also contributes to compensatory word-of-mouth literature by establishing the role of brand meaning.
Integrated reporting, financial reporting quality and cost of debt
Authors: Muttakin Mohammad Badrul , Mihret Dessalegn , Lemma Tesfaye Taddese , Khan Arifur
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Although proponents of integrated reporting (IR) advocate that this emerging practice has the potential to transform corporate reporting, the eventuation of this expectation would depend on the incentive IR provides to firms. This study aims to examine whether IR is associated with cost of debt and whether IR moderates the relationship between financial reporting quality and cost of debt.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on insights drawn from information asymmetry and agency theories, the authors develop models that link IR and financial reporting quality with a firm’s cost of debt. The authors analyze 847 firm-year observations drawn from non-financial firms traded on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, for the period between 2009 and 2015.

Findings

The authors find that firms that provide integrated reports tend to have a lower cost of debt than those do not provide IR. The authors also find an inverse association between financial reporting quality and cost of debt, and that integrated reports accentuate this association. The findings suggest that the debt market perceives value in the information presented in integrated reports beyond what is furnished in financial reports.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to document evidence suggesting that the debt market perceives value in the information presented in integrated reports, beyond what is furnished in financial reports.
Repeated presentation of children and adolescents to the emergency department following self‐harm: A retrospective audit of hospital data
Authors: Summers Peter , O'Loughlin Rachel , O'Donnell Sinead , Borschmann Rohan , Carlin John , Hiscock Harriet
Published: February 2020

Objective

To examine re‐presentation rates for self‐harm in patients aged 0–18 years to the ED of a tertiary paediatric hospital in Melbourne, Australia, and associated patient, family and hospital presentation factors.

Methods

Data for presentations from 1 July 2016 to 31 December 2018 were extracted from the hospital's electronic medical record system. Self‐harm presentations were identified through automated, rule‐based coding and manual review of medical notes. Re‐presentation rates for intervals up to 12 months were estimated using survival methods with risk factor associations examined using Cox regression.

Results

Of the 952 presentations for self‐harm after 1 January 2017, 529 were considered first presentations. An estimated 15% (95% confidence interval [CI] 12–19), 20% (95% CI 17–24) and 23% (95% CI 19–27) re‐presented for self‐harm within 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively. A total of 82% of all presentations were for girls. Patients were more likely to re‐present if they had previously presented more than once, were flagged as vulnerable (hazard ratio [HR] 1.35, 95% CI 1.08–1.68), had a history of substance abuse (HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.03–1.64), were female (HR 1.43, 95% CI 0.92–2.21), had self‐cut (HR 1.38, 95% CI 0.96–1.97), had an aggressive behaviour response team called during the visit (HR 1.44, 95% CI 0.85–2.45) or had a history of depression (HR 1.27, 95% CI 0.99–1.63).

Conclusions

In this paediatric ED, almost one in four patients re‐presented with self‐harm within 12 months. Previous presentations and other factors were associated with risk of re‐presenting, although no factor was strongly predictive. Future research might examine the generalisability of these findings across settings and explore strategies for prevention.
C9orf72 associates with inactive Rag GTPases and regulates mTORC1‐mediated autophagosomal and lysosomal biogenesis
Authors: Wang Mingmei , Wang Hongfeng , Tao Zhouteng , Xia Qin , Hao Zongbing , Prehn Jochen H. M. , Zhen Xuechu , Wang Guanghui , Ying Zheng
Published: February 2020

GGGGCC repeat expansion in C9orf72 is the most common genetic cause in both frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), two neurodegenerative disorders in association with aging. Bidirectional repeat expansions in the noncoding region of C9orf72 have been shown to produce dipeptide repeat (DPR) proteins through repeat‐associated non‐ATG (RAN) translation and to reduce the expression level of the C9orf72 gene product, C9orf72 protein. Mechanisms underlying C9orf72‐linked neurodegeneration include expanded RNA repeat gain of function, DPR toxicity, and C9orf72 protein loss of function. In the current study, we focus on the cellular function of C9orf72 protein. We report that C9orf72 can regulate lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy at the transcriptional level. We show that loss of C9orf72 leads to striking accumulation of lysosomes, autophagosomes, and autolysosomes in cells, which is associated with suppressed mTORC1 activity and enhanced nuclear translocation of MiT/TFE family members MITF, TFE3, and TFEB, three master regulators of lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy. We demonstrate that the DENN domain of C9orf72 specifically binds to inactive Rag GTPases, but not active Rag GTPases, thereby affecting the function of Rag/raptor/mTOR complex and mTORC1 activity. Furthermore, active Rag GTPases, but not inactive Rag GTPases or raptor rescued the impaired activity and lysosomal localization of mTORC1 in C9orf72‐deficient cells. Taken together, the present study highlights a key role of C9orf72 in lysosomal and autophagosomal regulation, and demonstrates that Rag GTPases and mTORC1 are involved in C9orf72‐mediated autophagy.
Letter: infliximab induction regimens in steroid‐refractory acute severe colitis—a propensity score analysis
Authors: Li Wai Suen Christopher F. D. , Choy Matthew C. , De Cruz Peter
Published: February 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Sebastian et al and Sebastian and Myers papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15456 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15647.
Letter: a stepwise approach towards the screening of hepatic fibrosis in the general population—authors’ reply
Authors: Kang Kyung A. , Jun Dae Won , Nguyen Mindie H.
Published: February 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Kang et al and Yilmaz papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15626 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15653.
The Oto‐rhino‐laryngological Research Society (ORS)
Authors: Bradley Patrick J.
Published: February 2020

Aim

To report the activity of the Otorhinolaryngology Research Society (ORS) from its’ founding in 1978 until dissolution in 2017.

Method

Data were obtained, (Minutes of Council Meetings, and Correspondence) from the Societies website (now closed and archived), and relevant documents and e‐mails that pervious secretaries and treasurers of ORS and The British Society of Academics in Otolaryngology (BSAO) had available. The secretarial documents of the ORS, the first 20 years, had been reported “lost,” and the data retained on website were incomplete.

Ethical consideration

No patient data have been used in this publication.

Results

The first constitution of ORS was based on that of the Surgical Research Society and was brief and simple, with two meetings per year, awarding prizes and bursaries for the best presentations. The Society initially limited to 250 members. The constitution of ORS was revised in 1988 and modified again in 2006, which expanded the council and disbanded the need for membership.

Conclusion

The changing priorities of trainees and commercialisation of the National Health Service had resulted in running any society costly. The amalgamation of the ORL Research Societies as a Specialty Group within ENT UK to organise and run the national research agenda is likely to result in a more cohesive group with financial stability and a secure and stable environment.
Lymphomatoid papulosis
Authors: Wagner Gunnar , Rose Christian , Klapper Wolfram , Sachse Michael Max
Published: February 2020

Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is characterized by a varied clinical presentation that includes erythema, papules, pustules, vesicles, plaques, nodules and ulcerations. While its biological course is typically marked by spontaneous regression, the histopathological findings of LyP are consistent with cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. Provided patients do no develop a secondary lymphoma, they exhibit unusually high 10‐year survival rates (> 90 %), which is a typical feature of LyP. To date, the etiology and pathogenesis of LyP have not been elucidated. One particular subtype of LyP is known to be associated with chromosome 6p25.3 rearrangement (DUSP22‐IRF4 translocation).

Treatment is guided by the clinical presentation. In addition to a wait‐and‐see approach, recommended options include topical corticosteroids and PUVA therapy.
Neural activation within the sensorimotor cortices during bimanual tasks in children with unilateral cerebral palsy
Authors: Surkar Swati M
Published: February 2020

This commentary is on the original article by de Campos et al. on pages 625–632 of this issue.
It's Not Just Angoff: Misperceptions of Hard and Easy Items in Bookmark‐Type Ratings
Authors: Wyse Adam E. , Babcock Ben
Published: February 2020

A common belief is that the Bookmark method is a cognitively simpler standard‐setting method than the modified Angoff method. However, a limited amount of research has investigated panelist's ability to perform well the Bookmark method, and whether some of the challenges panelists face with the Angoff method may also be present in the Bookmark method. This article presents results from three experiments where panelists were asked to give Bookmark‐type ratings to separate items into groups based on item difficulty data. Results of the experiments showed, consistent with results often observed with the Angoff method, that panelists typically and paradoxically perceived hard items to be too easy and easy items to be too hard. These perceptions were reflected in panelists often placing their Bookmarks too early for hard items and often placing their Bookmarks too late for easy items. The article concludes with a discussion of what these results imply for educators and policymakers using the Bookmark standard‐setting method.
Data libraries – the missing element for modeling biological systems
Authors: Baryshnikova Anastasia
Published: February 2020

The primary bottleneck in understanding and modeling biological systems is shifting from data collection to data analysis and integration. This process critically depends on data being available in an organized form, so that they can be accessed, understood, and reused by a broad community of scientists. A proven solution for organizing data is literature curation, which extracts, aggregates, and distributes findings from publications. Here, I describe the benefits of extending curation practices to datasets, especially those that are not deposited in centralized databases. I argue that dataset curation (or ‘data librarianship’ as I suggest we call it) will overcome many barriers in data visibility and reusability and make a unique contribution to integration and modeling.
Amino acids in freshwater food webs: Assessing their variability among taxa, trophic levels, and systems
Authors: Thera Jennifer C. , Kidd Karen A. , Bertolo Robert F.
Published: February 2020

Although the amino acid composition of fishes and some marine invertebrates varies among taxa and systems, similar information is lacking for freshwater invertebrates. The objectives were to characterise and compare the amino acid composition among different aquatic species, dietary habits, and environmental conditions.

Benthic macroinvertebrates from different functional feeding groups (FFG), bulk zooplankton, biofilm, and fishes representing 12 families (21 genera or species) were collected from temperate lakes in eastern Canada during the summers of 2013 and 2014. Fifteen protein‐bound amino acids, including thiols, were measured in whole invertebrates, biofilm, or fish muscle. We hypothesised that the amino acid composition will differ among species and systems.

Multiple discriminant analyses revealed significant differences in the amino acid composition among species—based on varying percentages of cysteine (as cysteic acid) and histidine—and among FFG/trophic designations—based on histidine and lysine—where the primary consumers were more variable than the predators.

Overall, the results suggest that patterns were based on phylogenetics, biological characteristics, and the FFG/trophic designations of biota.

The within‐taxon variability in composition was also related to differences among lakes. Characteristics of their environment, including lake pH and the food web structure (abundance and composition of taxa), probably influenced their dietary habits and amino acid composition of diet.

These results expand the currently limited knowledge of the biochemical composition of freshwater biota and provide impetus for further studies on nutritional values in predator‐prey relationships, trophic guilds, and the biomagnification of protein‐bound contaminants through food webs.
Terrestrial fluxes of carbon in GCP carbon budgets
Authors: Houghton Richard A.
Published: February 2020

The Global Carbon Project (GCP) has published global carbon budgets annually since 2007 (Canadell et al. [2007], Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 104, 18866–18870; Raupach et al. [2007], Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 104, 10288–10293). There are many scientists involved, but the terrestrial fluxes that appear in the budgets are not well understood by ecologists and biogeochemists outside of that community. The purpose of this paper is to make the terrestrial fluxes of carbon in those budgets more accessible to a broader community. The GCP budget is composed of annual perturbations from pre‐industrial conditions, driven by addition of carbon to the system from combustion of fossil fuels and by transfers of carbon from land to the atmosphere as a result of land use. The budget includes a term for each of the major fluxes of carbon (fossil fuels, oceans, land) as well as the rate of carbon accumulation in the atmosphere. Land is represented by two terms: one resulting from direct anthropogenic effects (Land Use, Land‐Use Change, and Forestry or land management) and one resulting from indirect anthropogenic (e.g., CO2, climate change) and natural effects. Each of these two net terrestrial fluxes of carbon, in turn, is composed of opposing gross emissions and removals (e.g., deforestation and forest regrowth). Although the GCP budgets have focused on the two net terrestrial fluxes, they have paid little attention to the gross components, which are important for a number of reasons, including understanding the potential for land management to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and understanding the processes responsible for the sink for carbon on land. In contrast to the net fluxes of carbon, which are constrained by the global carbon budget, the gross fluxes are largely unconstrained, suggesting that there is more uncertainty than commonly believed about how terrestrial carbon emissions will respond to future fossil fuel emissions and a changing climate.
Supporting primary students' learning of fraction conceptual knowledge through digital games
Authors: Zhang Lu , Shang Junjie , Pelton Tim , Pelton Leslee Francis
Published: February 2020

With the advent of mobile technologies, well‐designed fraction apps can be used to help children gain fraction knowledge, a challenging topic for both teachers and students. The present pilot study adopted a quasi‐experimental design to investigate whether children can learn fraction concepts equally well if half of the lesson time (20 min) is replaced with game‐based learning. Keeping the total lesson time (40 min) identical, the control group (N = 33) received traditional instruction, and the experimental group (N = 32) was presented with a blended learning approach spending half of the class time (20 min) playing tablet‐based fraction games, where each of the learners had their own tablet. The results suggested that in the posttest, the experimental group achieved similar learning gains to the control group and appear to have achieved better performance in the transfer test than the control group. This paper also discusses the efficiency of game‐based learning, the mechanism of how fraction games might enhance learning, and the potential of integrating game‐based learning in educational settings.
Fathering and Flexible Working Arrangements: A Systematic Interdisciplinary Review
Authors: Ewald Alina , Gilbert Emilee , Huppatz Kate
Published: February 2020

Much of the existing literature and research in the area of fathers' flexible work has been disciplinary specific, resulting in a fragmented understanding of the topic. The objective of this systematic review is to overcome some of the limitations of the existing body of literature by adopting an interdisciplinary approach and exploring the dominant themes in the literature across disciplines surrounding flexible working arrangements, including parental leave, for fathers. The content of 121 articles from the years 2008–2019 was analyzed using thematic synthesis to identify recurring themes, which resulted in the development of four top‐level themes—gender norms and ideals, a failure of policy, incompatible workplace norms and expectations, and social class and flexibility—and a primary theme, the invisible and stigmatized father in the workplace. The findings suggest that men's caring responsibilities need to become more visible in the workplace via changes to practice and policy.
Effect of training provided to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on drug management
Authors: Efil Sevda , Enç Nuray , Ece Turhan
Published: February 2020

Aim

Wrong use of an inhaler arising from a lack of knowledge can negatively affect treatment management. Therefore, this study was performed with the aim of determining the effects on treatment management of inhaler training carried out under the leadership of a nurse in individuals with medium and advanced stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

This was an experimentally designed pre‐test post‐test study with a control group. Participants were interviewed four times in 1 year. The experimental group performed inhaler training. A Patient Description and Follow‐Up Form, an Inhaler Drug Use Skill Chart, the Morisky eight‐item Medication Adherence Scale, the COPD Assessment Test, and the St. George Respiration Questionnaire were used to collect data. Data analysis was performed by SPSS, using nonparametric tests.

Results

Although there was no significant difference between the groups, a reduction in hospital visits and admissions because of attacks was seen in the experimental group (p = .239, p = .492). It was found there was a greater increase in the correct use of the inhaler in the experimental group than in the control group, and that correct use of the handihaler increased significantly (p = .008). Also, the increases in adherence to treatment (p = .006) and quality of life (p = .010) in the experimental group were significantly different from the control group. In the control group, the annual decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s increased significantly (p = .016).

Conclusions

It was seen that long‐term inhaler training given by nurses at regular intervals made a significant contribution to treatment management.
Use of a multilayered acellular dermal substitute with simultaneous full‐thickness skin graft for the one‐stage coverage of nasal skin defects
Authors: You Hi‐Jin , Choi Young‐Soo , Kim Deok‐Woo
Published: February 2020

Background

Nasal skin defect closures are challenging because the nose is a complex anatomic structure with several subunits, and the nasal tip and ala represent particularly difficult subunits to reconstruct. The traditional full‐thickness skin graft (FTSG) is an easy and well‐established method, but often results in undesirable outcomes in terms of the nasal contour caused by a lack of dermal tissue.

Aims

The purpose of the study is to report the outcomes of the simultaneous application of the acellular dermal substitute (Matriderm®) with FTSG in the treatment of nasal skin defects.

Patients/Methods

Five patients with various nasal skin defects were treated with multilayered Matriderm grafts followed by FTSGs harvested from the pre‐ or postauricular region. Graft survival, scar quality, and patient satisfaction were evaluated and compared with 10 patients treated with conventional FTSGs.

Results

One‐stage Matriderm‐aided FTSGs were well‐taken in all cases. Scar quality in the Matriderm group (8.0 ± 1.9) was statistically superior to that in the FTSG only group (10.8 ± 1.7). The Matriderm‐aided graft was also superior in patient satisfaction.

Conclusions

The multilayered application of Matriderm in combination with FTSG is a reliable method for covering nasal skin defects, especially in the thick skin zone of the tip and ala.
Current status of American mink Neovison vison in Great Britain: a review of the evidence for a population decline
Authors: Harrington Lauren A. , Birks Johnny , Chanin Paul , Tansley Darren
Published: February 2020

The American mink Neovison vison in Great Britain is an invasive alien species, with significant impacts on native prey species. There have been suggestions that populations of mink in Britain have declined since the 1990s.

Three nationwide data sets include data on mink distribution and abundance. Scat surveys and the National Game Bag Census suggest population declines, but the latter does not take account of survey effort (which may also have declined) and the former is misleading because there is evidence that mink change their marking behaviour in the presence of otters Lutra lutra. National Biodiversity Network data suggest an increase in mink numbers, but this can be explained by a concomitant increase in mammal recording.

Although intra‐guild competition between invasive mink and native otters is likely, there is no evidence that otters have caused a decline in mink numbers. There is little information on the impact of disease, or exposure to rodenticides, on wild mink – both warrant further attention. Eradication efforts can have an impact on mink populations, but currently neither implementation nor monitoring is sufficient to generate effects throughout Great Britain or to assess the impact of cumulative local and regional efforts.

We conclude that it is not possible, on the basis of currently available data for Great Britain, to ascertain the status of mink or assess the underlying trend in their population. We stress the importance of collaboration, coordination, and record keeping (and sharing) in future, proper interpretation of existing data, and the use of alternative data sources. We call for greater, and better, effort in both mink management and monitoring of management in Great Britain.
Positive and negative interactions jointly determine the structure of Müllerian mimetic communities
Authors: Aubier Thomas G. , Elias Marianne
Published: February 2020

Negative and positive ecological interactions have opposite effects on the structure of ecological communities, in particular in terms of ecological similarity among interacting species. In nature, species belonging to the same guild often interact in both negative and positive ways, yet the interplay between interactions of different kinds in intraguild community dynamics remains poorly understood. Müllerian mimetic communities are particularly suited for investigating this interplay because positive (mutualistic mimicry) and negative (competition for trophic resource and micro‐habitat) interactions are relatively easy to identify. Empirical research has shown that the combination of mutualistic mimicry and competition does not necessarily drive convergence along all dimensions of the ecological niche, but the determinants of such mixed result are unknown. Here, we analyze the structure of Müllerian mimetic communities simulated with an agent‐based model. We show that mutualistic mimicry favours ecological similarity on dimensions along which similarity favours fine‐scale co‐occurrence. Co‐mimetic species use similar micro‐habitats, but do not necessarily use similar resources. Heterogeneity of resources among micro‐habitats is necessary for ecological similarity on resource use among co‐mimetic species to occur. We therefore highlight the importance of fine‐scale co‐occurrence if we are to understand how positive and negative interactions structure ecological communities.
Management of corneal epithelial defects in a population of mature chuck‐will’s‐widows (Antrostomus carolinensis) in South Florida
Authors: Overton Taryn L. , Swinger Robert L. , Climans Megan E. , Gardner Antonia L. , Grant Amanda L. , Schneider Renata M. , Dubielzig Richard R. , Teixeira Leandro B. C.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To describe ocular clinical findings, gross/histopathologic findings, and treatment regimens in a series of migratory chuck‐will's‐widows (Antrostomus carolinensis) (CWW) with corneal epithelial defects.

Methods

Seven CWW were presented to the South Florida Wildlife Center (SFWC). Four presented with bilateral (OU) corneal ulceration; two developed corneal ulceration OU; one had no ocular lesions. Treatment protocols for patients with corneal ulcers included the following: medical therapy only or medical therapy combined with an additional procedure. Four patients including the bird with no ocular lesions were euthanized, and one patient died. Their globes were submitted for histopathology. Two patients were released.

Results

Clinical findings prior to enucleation included superficial corneal ulceration with redundant epithelium persisting weeks to >1 month. On histopathology, epithelium in nonulcerated globes was remarkably thin; this was considered normal. Common histopathologic findings of ulcerated globes revealed epithelial and conjunctival attenuation with an acellular superficial stromal layer and hypercellular mid‐stromal layer. One globe healed with medical therapy and cotton tip applicator debridement. Four globes healed by combination of medical therapy, equine amnion, nictitating membrane (NM) flap, and temporary tarsorrhaphy. No globes healed with diamond burr debridement or grid keratotomy.

Conclusions

Factors that may be contributing to these corneal epithelial defects include, but are not limited to, normally thin epithelium, exposure keratopathy, neurotrophic disease, epithelial turnover and inadequate stem cell recruitment, inherited/genetic causes, and unidentified infectious agents (eg, viral etiologies). Of the 12 eyes treated, one healed with medical therapy/cotton tip applicator debridement, and four healed with medical therapy/equine amnion/nictitating membrane flap/temporary tarsorrhaphy.
Priming of Antiviral CD8 T Cells without Effector Function by a Persistently Replicating Hepatitis C-Like Virus
Authors: Hartlage Alex S. , Walker Christopher M. , Kapoor Amit
Published: February 2020

Development of vaccines against hepatitis C virus (HCV), a major cause of cirrhosis and cancer, has been stymied by a lack of animal models. The recent discovery of an HCV-like rodent hepacivirus (RHV) enabled the development of such a model in rats. This platform recapitulates HCV hepatotropism and viral chronicity necessary for vaccine testing. Currently, there are few descriptions of RHV-specific responses and why they fail to prevent persistent infection in this model. Here, we show that RHV-specific CD8 T cells, while induced early at high magnitude, do not develop into functional effectors capable of controlling virus. This defect was partially alleviated by short-term treatment with an HCV antiviral. Thus, like HCV, RHV triggers dysfunction of virus-specific CD8 T cells that are vital for infection resolution. Additional study of this evasion strategy and how to mitigate it could enhance our understanding of hepatotropic viral infections and lead to improved vaccines and therapeutics.
Genome Sequence of a Weissella confusa Strain Isolated from the First Reported Case of Neonatal Sepsis in an Equid
Authors: Little Sara V. , Hillhouse Andrew E. , Lawhon Sara D.
Published: February 2020

The genome of a
Weissella confusa
strain isolated from a foal with sepsis is reported.
Weissella confusa
inhabits feces and causes disease in immunocompromised humans and animals. It is important for veterinarians to be aware of the pathogenic ability of these bacteria due to the unknown potential for zoonotic transmission.
Problems on Graphs with Fixed Smallest Eigenvalue
Authors: Koolen Jack , Yang Qianqian
Published: February 2020

In this note we give several problems and conjectures on graphs with fixed smallest eigenvalue.
GECCO2019@Prague
Authors: López-Ibáñez Manuel
Published: February 2020

The Genetic and Evolutionary Computation Conference (GECCO) took place on July 13th-17th 2019 in Prague, Czech Republic. This report provides statistics about submissions and authorship, and some comments about the evolution and growth of GECCO.
Search-based software engineering events in 2019
Authors: Guizzo Giovani
Published: February 2020

The ACM Joint European Software Engineering Conference and Symposium on the Foundations of Software Engineering (ESEC/FSE) was held in Tallinn2 -- Estonia, from the 28th to the 30th of August 2019. Additionally, the 11th Symposium on Search-Based Software Engineering (SSBSE) 3was co-located with ESEC/FSE on the 31st of August and 1st of September.

Search-based software engineering (SBSE) [1] investigates the usage of search based algorithms to solve hard software engineering problems. Among the applied techniques, evolutionary algorithms are the most commonly used. SBSE has matured along the years, and this can be seen in the visibility it has reached in top-tier software engineering venues such as ESEC/FSE, and of course, in top-tier evolutionary computation venues such as GECCO (which has a special SBSE track!). This year ESEC/FSE held an entire session for SBSE papers, while also being rich in artificial intelligence papers across all other sessions.
Electrochemical Reduction of Nitrate on Cu-electrodeposited Graphite Electrodes
Authors: Ghodbane Ouassim , Roue Lionel , Belanger Daniel
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
The Effect of Metal Cations Including Pb++ on Dissolution and Passivation of Nickel Base Alloys
Authors: Radhakrishnan Harshan , Carcea Anatolie , Newman Roger
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
Yttrium Iron Garnet Nanoparticles Synthesized from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Kim Taegyun , Shima Mutsuhiro
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
On the Electrochemical Behavior of Amorphous Mg-Ni-Ti-Al Alloy Prepared by High-energy Ball Milling: Application in Ni-MH Batteries
Authors: Katif Najoua , Rongeat Carine , Mohamedi Mohamed , Roue Lionel
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.
In-situ Surface X-ray Diffraction Studies of Homoepitaxial Gold Electrodeposition
Authors: Magnussen Olaf , Ayyad Ahmed , Krug Klaus , Stettner Jochim
Published: February 2020

Abstract not Available.