bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Determination of Partial Migration in the European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
Authors: Biebach Herbert
Published: September 2019

Partially migratory behavior, the occurrence of resident and migratory individuals in a population, has been reported in free-living birds. I examined this behavior in the European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) under controlled experimental conditions. In an offspring group from a partially migratory field population, 36 (78%) individuals exhibited migratory restlessness (migrants), whereas 10 did not (residents). There were more migrants (89%) in an offspring group from exclusively migratory parents and fewer migrants (53%) from an offspring group from mostly resident parents than there were in the field population. A heritability value of 0.52 was found under the experimental conditions. A connection between the genetic determination of migratory behavior and unpredictable winter weather in the breeding area is discussed.
Sexual Selection and Interspecific Competition: A Field Experiment on Territorial Behavior of Nonparental Finches (Vidua spp.)
Authors: Payne Robert B. , Groschupf Kathleen D.
Published: September 2019

Singing male indigobirds (Vidua raricola and V. funerea) are interspecifically territorial in their local distributions and, as well, respond to experimental presentations of interspecific stimuli. When singing males were experimentally removed from their territories, however, they were replaced by other males of the same species. The distribution of replacements was consistent with an hypothesis of sexual selection but not with one of interspecific competition. Males matched the songs of the males they replaced, suggesting intraspecific song mimicry.
Facultative Extension of Fall Migration by Yellow-Rumped Warblers (Dendroica coronata)
Authors: Terrill Scott B. , Ohmart Robert D.
Published: September 2019

Many nocturnally migrating birds show at least some degree of winter site fidelity. Laboratory tests of nocturnal activity, or Zugunruhe patterns, and displacement experiments indicate that migratory distances may be under endogenous control. Yellow-rumped Warblers (Dendroica coronata auduboni) displayed a southerly nocturnal orientation well into winter months, past the conventional migratory period. Additionally, population shifts between highly isolated, limited, desert riparian habitats reflected a facultative migration from north to south. The magnitude of movement was correlated with food-resource abundance, which was dependent on climatic conditions. This suggests that the birds maintain a physiological state that enables them to winter as far north as possible but allows for a correctly oriented movement if conditions become unfavorable. Our results indicate considerable plasticity in what is generally considered a more rigidly fixed process.
Chick Growth, Sibling Rivalry, and Chick Production in American Black Oystercatchers
Authors: Groves Sarah
Published: September 2019

I studied chick growth, sibling rivalry, and chick production in a population of American Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani) on Cleland Island, British Columbia from 1975 to 1978. For these birds, survival from hatching until time of first flight is the critical life-history stage. Chick growth varied with brood size, and heavier chicks had higher survival to the time of first flight. Once chicks could fly, however, their survival to 1 and 2 yr of age was not related to brood size or weight at time of first flight. Dominance hierarchies based on weight existed in two-chick broods, and dominant sibs could control access to parental feedings through sibling rivalry. Sibling rivalry probably increases the likelihood of some chick production in years when food is difficult to obtain.
The Effect of Egg Temperature on Attentiveness in the Belding's Savannah Sparrow
Authors: Davis Stephen D. , Williams Joseph B. , Adams Wendy J. , Brown Stephanie L.
Published: September 2019

We manipulated egg temperatures in nests of the Belding's Savannah Sparrow, (Passerculus sandwichensis beldingi), an open-nesting passerine of which only the female incubates. Females increased their attentiveness by 22.0% when we cooled their eggs and decreased their attentiveness by 28.4% when we warmed their eggs. The range of adjustment approximated the upper and lower limits of attentiveness observed for our population during one breeding season; adjustments were primarily made by changing the length of both attentive and inattentive periods. Our results indicate that these birds adjust their attentive time in direct response to fluctuations in egg temperature, independently of diurnal fluctuations in air temperature. They also support the hypothesis that attentiveness is ultimately controlled by an internal rhythm and is only modified by, but not completely explained by, responses to egg temperature.
Counting Seabirds at Sea from Ships: A Review of Methods Employed and a Suggestion for a Standardized Approach
Authors: Tasker Mark L. , Jones Peter Hope , Dixon Tim , Blake Barry F.
Published: September 2019

We review the methods used to study seabirds at sea from ships, discuss the problems posed in making reliable observations in relation to the design of research programs, and describe a method currently in use around the seas of Great Britain. We suggest a framework for future studies, incorporating features likely to stabilize bias. The key items in this recommendation are (1) the use of a band transect in order to provide density estimates, and (2) a method to correct for movement of flying birds in the band transect in order to minimize bias caused by such movement.
Effects of Egg Oiling on Larid Productivity and Population Dynamics
Authors: Lewis Stephen J. , Malecki Richard A.
Published: September 2019

Small quantities of petroleum may adhere to the plumage, feet, or nest materials of breeding birds and be transferred to their eggs during incubation. In this study, oil was applied to naturally incubated Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) and Herring Gull (L. argentatus) eggs, and its effects on reproductive success were assessed. Embryo survival was inversely proportional to the quantity of petroleum applied to eggshell surfaces. Dose responses, however, were dependent on embryonic age at the time of treatment. Eggs of either species, treated with 10-20 μl of No. 2 fuel oil 4-8 days after laying, experienced significant reductions in hatching success. Embryos oiled past the midpoint of the 28-day incubation period were insensitive to as much as 100 μl of petroleum. Fuel oil weathered outdoors for several weeks was as toxic as fresh oil to larid embryos. Productivity estimates obtained following various oil treatments indicated that only under severe conditions (e.g. large doses of petroleum contaminating young embryos) could egg oiling have a significant impact upon populations of the Herring Gull and species with similar life-history characteristics. Species that are more sensitive to oil, however, those having lower reproductive potentials and higher postfledging mortality rates or those subject to other stresses, may be more adversely affected by oil pollution.
Elevational Correlates of Speciation and Intraspecific Geographic Variation in Plumage in Andean Forest Birds
Authors: Graves Gary R.
Published: September 2019

Intraspecific variation in plumage was used to test the null hypotheses that geographic variation in 280 species of elevationally restricted Andean forest birds is independent of elevation and is not a function of patchy geographic distribution. Both null hypotheses were rejected.

At most taxonomic levels, geographic variation in plumage was correlated positively with both the mean of its elevational distribution and the size of its geographic range. Vertical amplitude of elevational distribution was not a significant predictor of geographic variation in plumage in most taxa. Independent of these elevational correlates, patchily distributed species showed significantly more geographic variation than continuously distributed species.

These results show that geographic variation and presumably ongoing speciation phenomena are greater at higher elevations. The decreased species richness at high elevations may be attributable to a higher rate of extinction from catastrophic disturbance as well as to ecological factors that limit sympatry in newly formed species.
The Taxonomy and Biogeography of the Thick-billed Flowerpecker Complex in Borneo
Authors: Sheldon Frederick H.
Published: September 2019

The Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology expedition to Sabah, East Malaysia (North Borneo) collected specimens and field data on Brown-backed Flowerpeckers (Dicaeum everetti) and Thick-billed Flowerpeckers (D. agile) in 1982 and 1983. Dicaeum agile had not been known from Borneo previously, and its presence there changes the biogeographic assumptions Salomonsen (1960) used to classify the "thick-billed" flowerpeckers. Salomonsen's D. everetti was found to be a valid species, but his splitting of the Philippine Striped Flowerpecker (D. aeruginosum) from D. agile was not justified. Dicaeum agile of Borneo is here placed in the race remotum with the Malayan form of the species. The Bornean and Malayan races of D. everetti are grouped in the subspecies everetti.
Trophic Organization of Understory Birds in a Malaysian Dipterocarp Forest
Authors: Wong Marina
Published: September 2019

Single-sample studies suggested that understory flowers and fruits and their avian consumers are scarce in the Malaysian rain forest as compared with African and Central American rain forests. Results from my longer-term studies at Pasoh Forest Reserve (Negeri Sembilan, Peninsular Malaysia) established that flowers and fruits were consistently rare as food for birds. A comparison of two forest types at Pasoh revealed the effect of lower food availability on avian trophic organization. Food resources (e.g. flowers, fruits, arthropods) were less abundant in the regenerating than in the virgin forest, and bird species richness and individual abundance were also lower in the regenerating forest understory. However, the two forests did not differ significantly in the relative importance of the various foraging guilds, suggesting that similar types of resources were present in similar proportions. None of the birds sampled in the Malaysian rain-forest understory was a specialized consumer of understory flowers or fruit, whereas birds feeding mainly on foliage-dwelling arthropods were abundant and were represented by many species. This trophic organization is contrary to that reported for rain forests in other tropical regions but may simply reflect an allocation of harvestable productivity that is different rather than lower.
The Influence of Moonlight on the Behavior of Goatsuckers (Caprimulgidae)
Authors: Mills Alexander M.
Published: September 2019

Whip-poor-wills (Caprimulgus vociferus) showed significantly higher levels of locomotory, vocal, and nest activity during twilight and bright moonlight than under moonless conditions. Field observations and nest record card data indicated that Caprimulgus species usually synchronize their reproductive cycle with the lunar cycle. Hatching tends to occur during young waxing moons, presumably so that moonlight-enhanced foraging will be at a maximum while the dependent nestlings are an energy burden on the parents. Observations of foraging Whip-poor-wills suggest they are primarily visually oriented, unlike the bats (Chiroptera).
Proximate and Ultimate Causation of Egg Size and the “Third-chick Disadvantage” in the Western Gull
Authors: Pierotti Raymond , Bellrose Cheryl A.
Published: September 2019

It is generally observed in gulls (Larus spp.) that produce a typical clutch of three that the third- or last-laid egg is smaller and lighter than its earlier-laid counterparts. This typically results in the third chick hatching later, growing at a slower rate, and having a higher rate of mortality. This suite of factors has been described as the "third-chick disadvantage," and various functional interpretations have been suggested to explain its adaptive basis. We report on egg size, chick growth, and survival in a population of Western Gulls (Larus occidentalis) where the third-chick disadvantage appeared to be nonexistent. We suggest that functional interpretations of this phenomenon may be premature and that variation in egg size in gulls may simply be due to variation in female energy reserves, and that in colonies where food is abundant and nest density low, the third-chick disadvantage may be reduced or absent.
The Social System of the Texas Green Jay
Authors: Gayou Douglas C.
Published: September 2019

Accessory birds were absent at the nests of Green Jays (Cyanocorax yncas). However, young stayed in the family flock for one year. After the young from the following year fledged, the 1-yr-old young were forced from their natal territory by the breeding male. These young either dispersed into adjacent habitat or became floaters within their former territories until, possibly, a breeding position opened up in a family flock. The yearlings provided a significant amount of territorial defense, which freed the breeders of much of the energetic costs inflicted on them by the stringent territoriality required in south Texas habitat.

I propose that south Texas Green Jays represent an early stage in the evolutionary sequence of development of cooperative breeding as a response to environmental factors. The retention of young on the natal territory without helping at the nest represents an evolutionary early step, heretofore only hypothesized, that may lead to a more complex cooperative system that includes helpers at the nest.
Morphological and Vocal Variation Across a Contact Zone between the Chickadees Parus Atricapillus and P. Carolinensis
Authors: Robbins Mark B. , Braun Michael J. , Tobey Emily A.
Published: September 2019

A contact zone between Black-capped and Carolina chickadees (Parus atricapillus and P. carolinensis) exists in southwestern Missouri. It was less than 15 km wide and paralleled the interface between the relatively treeless Great Plains and the forested Ozark Plateau. Many birds in this zone were intermediate in morphology or vocalizations or both. Moreover, both morphological and vocal discriminant analysis scores of contact zone birds were unimodally distributed and there was no correlation between morphological discriminant scores of mated males and females in the contact zone, indicating little or no assortative mating. Playback experiments demonstrated that birds to the north or south of the contact zone responded aggressively only to their own song type, while contact zone birds responded to either song type. We believe that southwestern Missouri contact zone populations are derived from extensive hybridization between atricapillus and carolinensis.
Plasma Levels of Prolactin and Gonadotropins during the Reproductive Cycle of White-Crowned Sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys)
Authors: Hiatt Eve S. , Goldsmith Arthur R. , Farner Donald S.
Published: September 2019

Plasma concentrations of prolactin, LH, and FSH were measured in free-living pairs of Zonotrichia leucophrys pugetensis throughout the natural breeding season, and during a photoperiodically induced cycle of gonadal development and regression in both sexes of captive Z. l. gambelii under controlled conditions. In free-living male Z. l. pugetensis plasma levels of FSH, which correlate well with changes in testicular weight reported previously, are higher than in females. Although only females of this species incubate, maximal levels of prolactin are observed in both sexes during late incubation. This is consistent with observations in other avian species and suggestive of a role for prolactin in incubation and associated parental behavior. The temporal association of elevated FSH with high levels of prolactin in females may represent a mechanism for maturation of ovarian follicles for the next clutch in this race, which typically raises as many as 3 broods per season. In the laboratory study on Z. l. gambelii, prolactin secretion in both sexes appears to have been induced photoperiodically in the absence of other environmental stimuli associated with incubation. The time course and magnitude of plasma prolactin levels were similar in both sexes, although levels were considerably lower than values obtained from incubating birds during the field study. Plasma levels of LH and FSH in females increased rapidly in response to photostimulation and began to decline after one week, whereas in males the pattern of increase and decrease of both gonadotropins was more gradual.
Effect of Experimentally Altered Brood Size on Frequency and Timing of Second Clutches in the Great Tit
Authors: Smith Henrik G. , Källander Hans , Nilsson Jan-Åke
Published: September 2019

Brood size in the Great Tit (Parus major) was manipulated (increased, decreased, or unchanged) when nestlings were 5 days old. Both the frequency of second clutches and the interbrood interval were affected. The number of nestlings and hatching date, but not nestling and female mass, differed between first broods followed and not followed by second clutches. Hatching date and the number of nestlings in the first brood explained most of the variation in interbrood interval, whereas female mass did not contribute.

Feeding first-brood nestlings and fledglings is an energy-demanding process, and the female may have to allocate resources to brood-feeding at the expense of reproductive development. Furthermore, a larger brood requires a longer period of feeding than a smaller brood. These circumstances probably explain why the size of the first brood affects the timing of the second clutch. Female condition and food depletion of the territory do not seem to be important.

Because late second clutches have a lower probability of fledgling survival than do earlier ones-and consequently are of lower value from the female's standpoint-a large first clutch may delay laying to the point that a second clutch is not worthwhile. We conclude that a female's decision whether to lay a second clutch is a strategic one based on the value of the second clutch; a female that "decides" to lay a second clutch starts as quickly as possible.
Response of Adult Leach's Storm-Petrels to Increased Food Demand at the Nest
Authors: Ricklefs Robert E.
Published: September 2019

In a colony of Leach's Storm-Petrels (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) on Kent Island, New Brunswick, i chicks were rotated on a daily basis through n nests to produce i/n chick-equivalents of food requirement, increasing by small increments from 1 (i = 6, n = 6) to 2 (i = 2, n = 1), between ages 10 and 50 days. Food delivered each night (SUM) was estimated by 24-h increments in chick mass. In nonexperimental nests SUM varied significantly among pairs, and chick mass varied in direct relation to SUM. Adults tending experimental nests did not respond to increased food demand, and chick mass decreased with increasing chick-equivalent per nest. After rotations were terminated, the mass of most chicks increased quickly to normal levels. These results suggest that the average amount of food delivered daily by each parent is determined independently of food demand and that chicks attain a mass that balances a fixed food intake against food requirement, which varies in direct relation to mass.
Variation in the Costs, Benefits, and Frequency of Nest Reuse by Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica)
Authors: Barclay Robert M. R.
Published: September 2019

The frequency of nest reuse and the costs and benefits of this behavior were investigated in a population of Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) at Delta Marsh, Manitoba, during 1984-1986. Slightly less than half the clutches were laid in old nests, and this proportion did not change seasonally except in one late year when old nests were preferred by late-nesting pairs. The delay between nest and clutch initiation was greater for new vs. old nests, but only significantly so in June and July. Parasites (hematophagous mites) were common in old nests that had been used the previous year and significantly reduced chick survival. Swallows appeared to be able to assess parasite load and selected unparasitized old nests for the first nesting attempt. Nest instability did not appear to be a cost of nest reuse. The mean reproductive success per pair was equal for swallows using old vs. new nests, suggesting that birds can assess the costs and benefits of particular nests and nest sites. Nest reuse was, however, considerably less frequent than in other studies, presumably because the costs and benefits of this behavior vary geographically. In particular, the breeding season at Delta Marsh is extended, and the time delay caused by building a new nest is therefore less important than elsewhere. More birds have the option of avoiding the parasite costs of nest reuse while still successfully rearing two broods. Thus, individuals apparently maximize their reproductive success by adjusting their nesting strategy to account for the local costs and benefits of the two nesting options.
Field Metabolism of Tree Swallows during the Breeding Season
Authors: Williams Joseph B.
Published: September 2019

I used doubly labeled water to study the field metabolic rate (FMR) of Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) on Kent Island, New Brunswick, Canada, during the breeding season. I tested the hypothesis that aerially foraging species have higher energy requirements than other species.

For incubating female swallows, carbon dioxide production averaged 201.4 ± 15.8 ml CO2/h. While feeding 5 young, male and female swallows expired CO2 at a rate of 211.6 ± 23.3 and 231.0 ± 26.4 ml CO2/h, respectively. During this period males worked at similar levels to females, but the power consumption of females that fed young was significantly higher than incubating females. For both parents together, the mean number of visits to the nest/h was correlated with CO2 production: ml CO2/h = 201.6 + 2.49 (visits/h).

On Kent Island, Tree Swallows had a higher FMR than Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis), suggesting that aerial-foraging birds have a higher FMR than ground-foraging species. For 7 species of hirundines, energy expenditure was associated positively with body mass; log(kJ/d) = 1.34 + 0.53 log(body mass, g). This relationship differed from one for species which use alternative foraging modes (ground foraging and flycatching, n = 11), log(kJ/d) = 0.89 + 0.75 log(body mass, g). Aerial foragers expend from 16-38% more energy/day than do other birds of similar size that spend less time flying.
Biomimetic polyetheretherketone microcarriers with specific surface topography and self-secreted extracellular matrix for large-scale cell expansion
Authors: Ji Qingming , Wang Zongliang , Jiao Zixue , Wang Yu , Wu Zhenxu , Wang Peng , Zhu Yuhang , Sun Shuo , Liu Yi , Zhang Peibiao
Published: September 2019

Reusable microcarriers with appropriate surface topography, mechanical properties, as well as biological modification through decellularization facilitating repeated cell culture are crucial for tissue engineering applications. Herein, we report the preparation of topological polyetheretherketone (PEEK) microcarriers via gas-driven and solvent exchange method followed by hydrothermal treatment at high temperature and pressure. After hydrothermal treated for 8 h, the resulting topological PEEK microcarriers exhibit walnut-like surface topography and good sphericity as well as uniform size distribution of 350.24 ± 19.44 µm. And the average width between ravine-patterned surface of PEEK microcarriers is 780 ± 290 nm. After repeated steam sterilization by autoclaving for three times, topological PEEK microcarriers show nearly identical results compared with previous ones indicating strong tolerance to high temperature and pressure. This is a unique advantage for large-scale cell expansion and clinical applications. Moreover, PEEK microcarriers with special topography possess higher protein adsorption efficiency. In addition, the reutilization and biofunctionalization with repeated decellularization of topological PEEK microcarriers show highly beneficial for cell adhesion and proliferation. Therefore, our study is of great importance for new generation microcarriers with micro-and nano-scale surface feature for a broad application prospect in tissue engineering.
Transparency and Talent Allocation in Money Management
Authors: Gervais Simon , Strobl Günter
Published: September 2019

We construct and analyze the equilibrium of a model of delegated portfolio management in which money managers signal their investment skills via fund transparency. To lower the costs of transparency, high-skill managers rely on their performance to separate from low-skill managers over time. In contrast, medium-skill managers rely on transparency to separate, especially when it is difficult for investors to tell them apart through performance alone. Low-skill managers mimic high-skill managers in opaque funds, hoping to replicate their performance and compensation. The model yields several novel empirical predictions that contrast transparent and opaque funds.

Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
P22 What impact does juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) have on quality of life over time?
Authors: Smith Andrew , Saqib Bishma , Lee Rebecca , Cordingley Lis , Thomson Wendy
Published: September 2019

Poster presentation Tuesday 8 October

Background

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a heterogeneous group of arthritic conditions presenting in children and young people, in which physical limitations and associated complications can have detrimental effects on physical and psychosocial wellbeing. This study aims to investigate the impact of living with JIA on different aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and to explore how this changes over time, using data from the Childhood Arthritis Prospective Study (CAPS).

Methods

Longitudinal data collected as part of CAPS were analysed. HRQoL was assessed at baseline, 1 year and 3 years post-diagnosis using the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ), a parent-completed form for children from 5 years of age. The CHQ measures physical, emotional and social components of child health status. Raw domain scores were transformed via algorithm into values ranging from 0-100, with higher scores indicating better health status. Mean (standard deviation) and median (interquartile range) for each domain were determined. Differences between median scores at baseline and 3 years were assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Mean scores of each domain were visually compared with a reference population sample of healthy children from the United States.

Results

184 participants completed the questionnaire at all 3 time points. At baseline, compared to the reference population, children with JIA scored lower in every domain although scores were closer between the 2 groups at 3 years.

Median scores improved over time, the exception being the “general health perceptions” domain which decreased after baseline. Domains with the greatest improvement were “physical functioning”, “bodily pain” and “social-physical”. The largest changes occurred from baseline to 1 year. Statistically significant differences between baseline and 3 year scores were found for all domains.

Conclusion

JIA has significant impact on HRQoL, which improves within 3 years of diagnosis. Physical health domains show greater improvement over time than psychosocial domains, although psychosocial scores were generally higher throughout the study. Further research should explore measurable patient or disease-related drivers of HRQoL.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
P52 Bilateral sacroiliitis in a patient with H syndrome
Authors: Haider Majeed , Ebrahim1 Redha , Alalwan Osama
Published: September 2019

Background

Introduction

H syndrome is a rare inherited form of histiocytosis. It is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a mutation in SLC29A3 gene resulting in histiocytic infiltration of numerous organs. It becomes clinically apparent mostly during childhood with characteristic hyperpigmented hypertrichotic indurated skin lesions that mainly involve the lower limbs. Other reported features include Sensorineural hearing loss, heart anomalies, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and flexion contractions of interphalangeal joints. We report sacroiliitis, a possible new feature, in a young girl diagnosed with H syndrome.

Methods

We report the case of a 16 year-old Syrian girl diagnosed to have H syndrome presented with inflammatory polyarthritis, bilateral sacroiliitis and bilateral anterior uveitis. She was managed with methotrexate and adalimumab with significant improvement.

Results

The findings in our patient raise the question whether she truly has a rheumatic illness beside H syndrome, or merely represent newly recognized manifestation of H syndrome.

Conclusion

H syndrome is a recently recognised autosomal recessive condition with characteristic dermatologic and systemic manifestation. Along with arthritis, sacroiliitis and uveitis could represent part of the phenotypic description of this rare entity.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
P59 Supporting student nurses/trainee nurse associates during insight visits to a paediatric rheumatology service: the development of a student workbook
Authors: Salvesani Catherine , Smith Liz , Camina Nikki
Published: September 2019

Background

As clinical nurse specialists (CNS), we must be able to support student nurses (SN) and trainee nursing associates (TNA) to help them to develop their professional competencies. We achieve this by offering insight visits to SN/TNA during their placement on our day care unit. SN/TNAs are invited to attend the rheumatology service MDT meeting and then observe the nurse-led clinic. We must ensure there is support and oversight of practice supervision to ensure safe and effective learning. We reviewed the insight visits and asked the SN/TNA to complete a questionnaire.

Methods

The feedback was analysed and a common theme emerged that they would have liked some pre-visit literature to read prior to attending so they could research rheumatological conditions. When explored; this was due to limited knowledge of conditions.

A workbook was developed to focus the SN/TNA on the most common conditions; juvenile idiopathica arthritis (JIA) and uveitis. The workbook was adapted from an education workbook for a new clinical nurse specialist to paediatric rheumatology. It offered a structured and methodical approach to the introduction of JIA and uveitis. It guided them to consider the medical definition of the condition, explore the epidemiology and aetiology of the disease, how a diagnosis is made by the use of investigations, disease classification and the subsequent various treatments available. In concludes by prompting the SN/TNA to consider the various roles within a multidisciplinary team (MDT). The workbook also directs to appropriate websites for information gathering. The workbook is then discussed with the SN/TNA at the end of the visit to ensure they developed better knowledge of rheumatological conditions and the role of the CNS within the service.

Results

The service continues to ask for feedback from all SN/TNA on insight visits and the feedback on the pre-visit workbook is very positive; “The workbook was definitely helpful because I was able to research about the conditions before coming to the insight visit”- Student Nurse A. The workbook begins the foundation of knowledge which the SN/TNA’s then build upon during the insight visit.

Conclusion

The paediatric rheumatology service has successfully developed an effective workbook which facilitates SN/TNA’s learning during insight visits to the service. The feedback forms are evidence that the CNS are appropriately supporting SN/TNA’s. The development of this tool has aided the structure of insights visits and essentially improved the quality and learning outcomes for the SN/TNA’s.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Minimal Clinically Important Difference and Substantial Clinical Benefit Using PROMIS CAT in Cervical Spine Surgery
Authors: Steinhaus Michael E. , Iyer Sravisht , Lovecchio Francis , Khechen Benjamin , Stein Daniel , Ross Thomas , Yang Jingyan , Singh Kern , Albert Todd J. , Lebl Darren , Huang Russel , Sandhu Harvinder , Rawlins Bernard , Schwab Frank , Lafage Virginie , Kim Han Jo
Published: September 2019

Study Design:

This was a prospective cohort study.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to establish minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) thresholds for Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) in cervical spine pathology.

Summary of Background Data:

PROMIS enables improved psychometric properties with reduced questionnaire burden through computer adaptive testing. Despite studies showing good correlation with “legacy” outcome measures, literature on the clinical significance of changes in PROMIS scores is scarce.

Materials and Methods:

Adult patients undergoing cervical spine surgery at a single institution between 2016 and 2018 were prospectively enrolled. Patients completed questionnaires [Short Form-36 (SF-36), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analogue Scale Arm/Neck, and PROMIS Pain Interference (PI) and Physical Function (PF)] preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. MCID was calculated using distribution-based and SCB using anchor-based methods. The SF-36 Health Transition Item was utilized as an anchor with the cutoff values chosen using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results:

There were 139 patients meeting inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 56.4 years and diagnoses of myelopathy (n=36), radiculopathy (n=48) and myeloradiculopathy (n=49). There were significant improvements in PROMIS PF, PROMIS PI, NDI, and SF-36 preoperatively to postoperatively (P<0.001). The test-retest reliability of all tests was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficients=0.87–0.94). PROMIS, SF-36, and NDI were all correlated with the anchor question (|r|=0.34–0.48, P<0.001). MCIDs were 8.5 (NDI), 11.1 (SF-36 Physical Component Score), 9.7 (SF-36 Mental Component Score), 4.9 (PROMIS PI), and 4.5 (PROMIS PF). SCB was 13.0 (NDI), 24.0 (SF-36 Physical Component Score), 11.8 (SF-36 Mental Component Score), 6.9 (PROMIS PI), and 6.8 (PROMIS PF). MCIDs were greater than standard error of measurement for all measures.

Conclusions:

We report MCID of 4.9 (PI) and 4.5 (PF) and SCB of 6.9 (PI) and 6.8 (PF). These data support the use of PROMIS computer adaptive tests in cervical spine patients and provide important reference as PROMIS reporting becomes more widespread in the literature.
Progression of Cervical Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament After Laminoplasty or Laminectomy With Posterior Fixation
Authors: Kang Moo Sung , Kim Kyung Hyun , Park Jeong Yoon , Kuh Sung Uk , Chin Dong Kyu , Kim Keun Su , Jin Byung Ho , Cho Yong Eun
Published: September 2019

Study Design:

Retrospective case analysis.

Objective:

This study was conducted to investigate the course of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) progression after laminoplasty (LP) or laminectomy with posterior fixation (PF).

Summary of Background Data:

LP is now recognized as a standard technique for the treatment of cervical multisegment OPLL; however, PF is beneficial for patients with severe stenosis. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in mechanical stress in OPLL, which is assumed to significantly impact progression.

Methods:

The progression of OPLL was assessed using midline sagittal computed tomography images of the cervical spine at various follow-up points. Radiographic parameters including the C2–C7 Cobb angle, C2–C7 range of motion (ROM), and adjacent cranial and caudal segmental ROMs were measured. Postoperative changes and differences between the LP and PF groups in the radiographic parameters were calculated to assess biomechanical stress. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors affecting the progression rate.

Results:

The authors included 14 PF and 36 LP patients, with a mean follow-up period of 28.9±20.8 and 37.6±16.8 months, respectively (P=0.069). After surgical treatment, both groups showed loss of cervical lordosis (9.2±6.9 vs. 5.3±8.2 degrees, P=0.220) and C2–C7 ROM (14.6± 13.5 vs. 13.1±12.2 degrees, P=0.861). The decrease of ROM in the cranial adjacent segment was larger in the LP group than in the PF group (0.7±4.1 vs. 1.4±5.5 degrees, P=0.453). The ROM in the caudal adjacent segment decreased in the LP group but increased in the PF group (−1.4±6.2 vs. 2.6±5.1 degrees, P=0.041). The progression rate was 2.15±1.31 mm2/mo in the PF group and 1.53±1.04 mm2/mo in the LP group (P=0.041). PF showed an odds ratio of 12.917 for a higher progression rate (95% confidence interval, 1.397–119.443; P=0.024).

Conclusion:

The rate of progression of cervical OPLL was significantly higher after PF than after LP.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—a retrospective analysis.
Are there really only 2 kinds of people in the world? Evaluating the distribution of change from baseline in pain clinical trials
Authors: Mbowe Omar B. , Gewandter Jennifer S. , Turk Dennis C. , Dworkin Robert H. , McDermott Michael P.
Published: September 2019

It is often assumed that there are 2 types of pain patients: those who respond well to efficacious pain therapies and those who do not respond at all, with few people in the middle. This assumption is based on research that claims that changes in pain intensity have a bimodal distribution. The claim of bimodality has led to calls for a change in how pain clinical trials are designed and analyzed, eg, performing “responder” analyses instead of comparing group mean values to evaluate the treatment effect. We analyzed data from 4 clinical trials, 2 each of duloxetine and pregabalin, for chronic musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain conditions to critically examine the claim of bimodality of the distribution of change in pain intensity. We found that the improper construction of histograms, using unequal bin widths, was the principal flaw leading to the bimodality claim, along with the use of the oft-criticized baseline observation carried forward method for imputing missing data also serving as a contributing factor. Properly constructed histograms of absolute change in pain intensity using equal bin widths, combined with more principled methods for handling missing data, resulted in distributions that had a more unimodal appearance. Although our findings neither support nor refute the hypothesis that distinct populations of “responders” and “nonresponders” to pain interventions exist, the analyses presented in earlier work do not provide support for this hypothesis, nor for the recommendation that pain clinical trials prioritize “responder” analyses, a less efficient analysis strategy.
The Experience of Complex Pain Dynamics in Oncology Outpatients
Authors: Schumacher Karen L. , Plano Clark Vicki L. , Rabow Michael W. , Paul Steven M. , Miaskowski Christine
Published: September 2019

Background

Few qualitative studies of cancer patients’ everyday experiences with pain exist within the large body of cancer pain research. Longitudinal qualitative studies are particularly sparse, and no studies have qualitatively described patients’ pain experience over time during participation in a self-management intervention.

Objective

To longitudinally describe patients’ pain experiences during a 10-week pain self-management intervention.

Methods

This qualitative study was embedded in a randomized controlled trial of a psychoeducational pain management intervention. The data consisted of transcribed audio recordings of each intervention session. An emergent, interpretive approach was used in this longitudinal qualitative analysis.

Results

Forty-two adult patients were included. The analysis revealed the strikingly dynamic nature of individual patient’s pain experiences. Multiple facets of pain contributed to its dynamic nature, including pain in changing locations, co-occurring sources of pain, and varying patterns of pain intensity over time. For individual patients, the cumulative effect of these multiple facets resulted in a phenomenon we termed “complex pain dynamics.”

Conclusion

The results contribute to knowledge about the dynamic nature of cancer patients’ pain experiences over a relatively short period. They suggest the need for a new paradigm for management of pain in cancer patients and raise questions about the interpretation of randomized controlled trial results in the absence of qualitative data.

Implications for Practice

Frequent assessments and reassessments of pain are needed in cancer patients with the ongoing development of highly individualized self-management strategies. A large repertoire of interventions is needed to effectively manage pain in cancer patients over time.
Cluster Randomized Trial Reducing Missed Elevated Blood Pressure in Pediatric Primary Care: Project RedDE
Authors: Rinke Michael L. , Singh Hardeep , Brady Tammy M. , Heo Moonseong , Kairys Steven W. , Orringer Kelly , Dadlez Nina M. , Bundy David G.
Published: September 2019

Background:

Recognition of childhood hypertension is essential, but pediatricians routinely fail to identify elevated blood pressure (BP). This study investigated if a quality improvement collaborative (QIC) reduces missed elevated BP in primary care.

Methods:

During a cluster-randomized clinical trial, a national cohort worked sequentially to reduce each of three different errors, including missed elevated BP. While working on their first error during an 8-month action period, practices collected control data for a different error. Practices worked to reduce two additional errors in subsequent action periods but continued to provide sustain and maintainenance data on BP. QIC intervention included video learning sessions, transparent data, failures analysis, coaching, and tools to reduce errors. Mixed-effects logistic regression models compared the mean percentage of patients with an elevated BP with appropriate actions taken and documented.

Results:

We randomized 43 practices and included 30 in the final analysis. Control and intervention phases included 1,728 and 1,834 patients with an elevated BP, respectively. Comparing control versus intervention phases, the mean percentage of patients who received appropriate actions increased from 58% to 74% [risk difference (RD) 16%; 95% CI;12%, 20%]. Practices continued to improve during the sustain phase as compared to the intervention phase (RD 5%; 95% CI; 2%, 9%) and did not worsen during the maintenance phase (RD 0.9%; 95% CI -5%, 7%).

Conclusions:

Missed pediatric elevated BP can be sustainably reduced via a QIC intervention, demonstrating a possible model for other error reduction efforts.
Project RedDE: Cluster Randomized Trial to Reduce Missed or Delayed Abnormal Laboratory Value Actions
Authors: Rinke Michael L. , Bundy David G. , Lehmann Christoph U. , Heo Moonseong , Adelman Jason S. , Norton Amanda , Singh Hardeep
Published: September 2019

Introduction:

Failure of timely abnormal laboratory result follow-up is relatively common and may lead to harm. This study hypothesized that a quality improvement collaborative (QIC) could reduce the frequency of missed or delayed action on abnormal laboratory values.

Methods:

A national cohort of pediatric practices was cluster-randomized to sequentially receive a QIC intervention: video conferences, transparent data sharing, a “focus on failures,” QI coaching, and tools to help reduce missed or delayed action on abnormal laboratory values. Practices recorded the percentage of patients with 5 specific abnormal laboratory values who received an appropriate provider action (control), and then, during an 8-month intervention phase, implemented QI strategies to reduce errors (intervention). Subsequently, practices collected data on laboratory errors while working to reduce unrelated second (sustain phase), and third (maintenance phase) errors. Generalized mixed-effects regression models compared the mean percentage of patients with appropriate actions.

Results:

We randomized 43 practices, of which 31 were included in analyses. Control and intervention phases included 1,357 and 1,426 patients with abnormal laboratory values, respectively. The mean percentage of patients who received appropriate actions did not change comparing control and intervention phases [risk difference (RD) 1%; 95% CI −1%, 3%]. In post-hoc analyses, practices significantly improved comparing control to sustain (RD 3%; 95% CI 0.3%, 6%) and maintenance phases (RD 6%; 95% CI 3%, 9%).

Conclusion:

Implementation of a QIC did not reduce the frequency of abnormal laboratory errors in the initial 8-month intervention phase. A significant reduction was appreciated comparing sustain and maintenance phases (months 9–24) to the control phase.
Dufourmentel Flap as an Aesthetic and Anatomic Refinement Tool in Upper Lip Repair
Authors: Yordanov Yordan P.
Published: September 2019

Reconstruction of the upper lip represents a unique challenge because of its anatomical, functional and aesthetic requirements. In all the scientific sources and practical manuals the algorithms for central and lateral upper lip defects revolve around using advancement flaps, lip-switch techniques, and skin grafts only. The author offers a new approach for upper lip repair by using the Dufourmentel flap which is a pivotal local flap. The advantages and some tips are discussed.
Vortex crystals on the surface of a torus
Authors: Sakajo Takashi
Published: September 2019

Vortex crystals are equilibrium states of point vortices whose relative configuration is unchanged throughout the evolution. They are examples of stationary point configurations subject to a logarithmic particle interaction energy, which give rise to phenomenological models of pattern formations in incompressible fluids, superconductors, superfluids and Bose–Einstein condensates. In this paper, we consider vortex crystals rotating at a constant speed in the latitudinal direction on the surface of a torus. The problem of finding vortex crystals is formulated as a linear null equation
A

Γ

 = 0 for a non-normal matrix
A
whose entities are derived from the locations of point vortices, and a vector

Γ

consisting of the strengths of point vortices and the latitudinal speed of rotation. Point configurations of vortex crystals are obtained numerically through the singular value decomposition by prescribing their locations and/or by moving them randomly so that the matrix
A
becomes rank deficient. Their strengths are taken from the null space corresponding to the zero singular values. The toroidal surface has a non-constant curvature and a handle structure, which are geometrically different from the plane and the spherical surface where vortex crystals have been constructed in the preceding studies. We find new vortex crystals that are associated with these toroidal geometry: (i) a polygonal arrangement of point vortices around the line of longitude; (ii) multiple latitudinal polygonal ring configurations of point vortices that are evenly arranged around the handle; and (iii) point configurations along helical curves corresponding to the fundamental group of the toroidal surface. We observe the strengths of point vortices and the behaviour of their distribution as the number of point vortices gets larger. Their linear stability is also examined.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Topological and geometrical aspects of mass and vortex dynamics’.
Lambert's theorem and projective dynamics
Authors: Albouy Alain , Zhao Lei
Published: September 2019

We prove that the classical Lambert theorem about the elapsed time on an arc of Keplerian orbit extends without change to the Kepler problem on a space of constant curvature. We prove that the Hooke problem has a property similar to Lambert's theorem, which also extends to the spaces of constant curvature.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Topological and geometrical aspects of mass and vortex dynamics’.