bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large-strain consolidation analysis of PVD-installed soft soil considering the discharge capacity variation according to depth and time
Authors: Nguyen Ba-Phu , Pradhan Ananta Man Singh , Nguyen Tan Hung , Doan Nhat-Phi , Nguyen Van-Quang , Huynh Thanh-Canh
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The consolidation behavior of prefabricated vertical drain (PVD)-installed soft deposits mainly depends on the PVD performance. The purpose of this study is to propose a numerical solution for the consolidation of PVD-installed soft soil using the large-strain theory, in which the reduction of discharge capacity of PVD according to depth and time is simultaneously considered.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed solution also takes into account the general constitute relationship of soft soil. Subsequently, the proposed solution is applied to analyze and compare with the monitoring data of two cases, one is the experimental test and another is the test embankment in Saga airport.

Findings

The results show that the reduction of PVD discharge capacity according to depth and time increased the duration required to achieve a certain degree of consolidation. The consolidation rate is more sensitive to the reduction of PVD discharge capacity according to time than that according to the depth. The effects of the reduction of PVD discharge capacity according to depth are more evident when PVD discharge capacity decreases. The predicted results using the proposed numerical solution were validated well with the monitoring data for both cases in verification.

Research limitations/implications

In this study, the variation of PVD discharge capacity is only considered in one-dimensional consolidation. However, it is challenging to implement a general expression for discharge capacity variation according to time in the two-dimensional numerical solution (two-dimensional plane strain model). This is the motivation for further study.

Practical implications

A geotechnical engineer could use the proposed numerical solution to predict the consolidation behavior of the drainage-improved soft deposit considering the PVD discharge capacity variation.

Originality/value

The large-strain consolidation of PVD-installed soft deposits could be predicted well by using the proposed numerical solution considering the PVD discharge capacity variations according to depth and time.
The scale development of organizational culture on customer delight
Authors: Kao Chiu-Ying , Tsaur Sheng-Hshiung , Huang Chung-Ching
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a hospitality cultural scale for measuring the effect of organizational culture on customer delight (OCCD).

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review and focus group discussion were conducted to generate an initial item pool. Subsequently, three individual samples of hotel employees were identified to develop and validate the OCCD scale. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted for item purification and factor extraction, and confirmatory factor analysis verified the factor structure of the OCCD construct. Finally, several validity tests were examined to further support the OCCD construct.

Findings

The results of the analyses indicated that the OCCD construct contains eight factors: the customer delight service control system, expected competencies for customer delight, shared values for customer delight, employee empowerment for customer delight, expected norms for customer delight, superior service environment, customer delight competency development and customer delight service scripting. These factors reflect theories of cultural layers.

Practical implications

The developed OCCD scale can provide hospitality managers a self-evaluation and diagnostic instrument to enable their cultural improvement. In addition, OCCD scale can garner employee consensus and further facilitate the effectiveness of human resources management.

Originality/value

This study developed an organizational cultural scale to explore the importance of customer delight in the hospitality industry. It expanded academically the current knowledge of organizational culture and customer delight.
Circular economy, sustainability and teacher training in a higher education institution
Authors: Bugallo-Rodríguez Anxela , Vega-Marcote Pedro
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Higher education institutions have a valuable dual role in disseminating the circular economy (CE) as a new sustainability paradigm. First, the university teaches students about this subject. Second, it prepares future teachers to incorporate sustainability into other educational levels. This paper aims to present the results of implementing a set of activities designed to improve the attitudes and actions of students to reduce their daily impact on campus and to be active agents for change to the CE.

Design/methodology/approach

The participants were students enrolled for the Degree in Primary Education at the University of Corunna. Following a qualitative approach, students’ proposals were analyzed using the key indicators identified by the European Commission to measure progress toward the CE.

Findings

The results demonstrate that these activities make students reflect and act on their daily impact. They propose and develop diverse solutions on campus, such as increased paper-, water- and energy-saving activities and discover the benefits of teaching for action. However, the indicators show that they do not apply the three principles of the CE in a balanced way.

Research limitations/implications

An improvement should analyze the same students in the following year to verify progress.

Originality/value

This experience with preservice teachers may help to extend the values and knowledge associated with integral sustainability and provide CE solutions on campus and in schools throughout the country.
Public spending on adult social care and delayed transfers of care in England
Authors: Iparraguirre Jose
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to whether current public expenditure on adult social care services might be associated with the number of delayed days of care attributable to the social care system in England.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel econometric models on data from local authorities with adult social care responsibilities in England between 2013–2014 and 2018–2019.

Findings

After controlling for other organisational sources of inefficiency, the level of demand in the area and the income poverty amongst the resident older population, this paper finds that a 4.5% reduction in current spending per head on adult social care per older person in one year is associated with an increase by 0.01 delayed days per head the following year.

Social implications

Given the costs of adverse outcomes of delayed transfers of care reported in the literature, this paper suggests that budgetary constraints to adult social care services would represent a false economy of public funds.

Originality/value

This is the first paper that models the association between public spending on adult social care and delayed transfers of care due to issues originating in the social care system in England.
Environmental drivers of Sphagnum growth in peatlands across the Holarctic region
Authors: Bengtsson Fia , Rydin Håkan , Baltzer Jennifer L. , Bragazza Luca , Bu Zhao‐Jun , Caporn Simon J. M. , Dorrepaal Ellen , Flatberg Kjell Ivar , Galanina Olga , Gałka Mariusz , Ganeva Anna , Goia Irina , Goncharova Nadezhda , Hájek Michal , Haraguchi Akira , Harris Lorna I. , Humphreys Elyn , Jiroušek Martin , Kajukało Katarzyna , Karofeld Edgar , Koronatova Natalia G. , Kosykh Natalia P. , Laine Anna M. , Lamentowicz Mariusz , Lapshina Elena , Limpens Juul , Linkosalmi Maiju , Ma Jin‐Ze , Mauritz Marguerite , Mitchell Edward A. D. , Munir Tariq M. , Natali Susan M. , Natcheva Rayna , Payne Richard J. , Philippov Dmitriy A. , Rice Steven K. , Robinson Sean , Robroek Bjorn J. M. , Rochefort Line , Singer David , Stenøien Hans K. , Tuittila Eeva‐Stiina , Vellak Kai , Waddington James Michael , Granath Gustaf
Published: August 2020

The relative importance of global versus local environmental factors for growth and thus carbon uptake of the bryophyte genus Sphagnum—the main peat‐former and ecosystem engineer in northern peatlands—remains unclear.

We measured length growth and net primary production (NPP) of two abundant Sphagnum species across 99 Holarctic peatlands. We tested the importance of previously proposed abiotic and biotic drivers for peatland carbon uptake (climate, N deposition, water table depth and vascular plant cover) on these two responses. Employing structural equation models (SEMs), we explored both indirect and direct effects of drivers on Sphagnum growth.

Variation in growth was large, but similar within and between peatlands. Length growth showed a stronger response to predictors than NPP. Moreover, the smaller and denser Sphagnum fuscum growing on hummocks had weaker responses to climatic variation than the larger and looser Sphagnum magellanicum growing in the wetter conditions. Growth decreased with increasing vascular plant cover within a site. Between sites, precipitation and temperature increased growth for S. magellanicum. The SEMs indicate that indirect effects are important. For example, vascular plant cover increased with a deeper water table, increased nitrogen deposition, precipitation and temperature. These factors also influenced Sphagnum growth indirectly by affecting moss shoot density.

Synthesis. Our results imply that in a warmer climate, S. magellanicum will increase length growth as long as precipitation is not reduced, while S. fuscum is more resistant to decreased precipitation, but also less able to take advantage of increased precipitation and temperature. Such species‐specific sensitivity to climate may affect competitive outcomes in a changing environment, and potentially the future carbon sink function of peatlands.
The Effect of Mandatory Extraction Payment Disclosures on Corporate Payment and Investment Policies Abroad
Authors: RAUTER THOMAS
Published: August 2020

I examine how mandatory extraction payment disclosures (EPD)—a policy solution intended to discourage corporate payment avoidance in the oil, gas, and mining industries—affect fiscal revenue contributions and investments by multinational firms in foreign host countries. Using the staggered adoption of EPD across firms headquartered in Europe and Canada, I find that disclosing companies increase their payments to host governments, decrease investments, and obtain fewer extraction licenses relative to non‐disclosing competitors. These effects are stronger for firms that face a high risk of public shaming, operate in corrupt host countries, and have a high exposure to bribery‐prone payments, suggesting that EPD increases the reputational cost of corporate behavior that could be perceived as exploitative. The resulting reallocation of investments from disclosing to non‐disclosing firms reduces drilling productivity and resource production in host countries, consistent with uneven disclosure regulation distorting capital allocation.
Comparing the effects of GM and non‐GM soybean varieties on non‐target arthropods
Authors: Amin Md Ruhul , Oh Sung‐Dug , Suh Sang Jae
Published: August 2020

In order to guarantee the safety of genetically modified (GM) soybean crops, it is important to assess the potential toxicity of their expressed insecticidal proteins to non‐target organisms. In the present study, the effects of the GM soybean Insulin‐like Growth Factor (IGF), which is tolerant to the herbicide glufosinate, on plant‐dwelling non‐target insects and arachnids were evaluated in soybean agroecosystems. For comparison, the non‐GM parental cultivar of soybean Gwangan‐kong was used as a control. Data were collected in 2016 and 2017 via surveying at Ochang and Jeonju, Korea. In total, 13,031 individual insects and arachnids, representing 64 families in 11 orders, were captured during the study. Firstly, the results indicate that the GM soybean IGF did not negatively affect plant‐dwelling non‐target insects and arachnids. However, the numbers of captured individuals on both IGF and Gwangan‐kong were higher at Ochang in 2017. The occurrence of insect pests, natural enemies, and other insects differed significantly according to region, region and survey year, and survey year, respectively. In addition, the dominance, diversity, evenness, and richness indices for the collected insects varied significantly among the regions and survey years regardless of soybean variety. The score from PROXSCAL multidimensional scaling using combined data showed that insects and arachnids in different natural environments were separated by their cultivation regions and years irrespective of soybean cultivars.
Phage cocktail strategies for the suppression of a pathogen in a cross‐feeding coculture
Authors: Fazzino Lisa , Anisman Jeremy , Chacón Jeremy M. , Harcombe William R.
Published: August 2020

Cocktail combinations of bacteria‐infecting viruses (bacteriophages) can suppress pathogenic bacterial growth. However, predicting how phage cocktails influence microbial communities with complex ecological interactions, specifically cross‐feeding interactions in which bacteria exchange nutrients, remains challenging. Here, we used experiments and mathematical simulations to determine how to best suppress a model pathogen, E. coli, when obligately cross‐feeding with S. enterica. We tested whether the duration of pathogen suppression caused by a two‐lytic phage cocktail was maximized when both phages targeted E. coli, or when one phage targeted E. coli and the other its cross‐feeding partner, S. enterica. Experimentally, we observed that cocktails targeting both cross‐feeders suppressed E. coli growth longer than cocktails targeting only E. coli. Two non‐mutually exclusive mechanisms could explain these results: (i) we found that treatment with two E. coli phage led to the evolution of a mucoid phenotype that provided cross‐resistance against both phages, and (ii) S. enterica set the growth rate of the coculture, and therefore, targeting S. enterica had a stronger effect on pathogen suppression. Simulations suggested that cross‐resistance and the relative growth rates of cross‐feeders modulated the duration of E. coli suppression. More broadly, we describe a novel bacteriophage cocktail strategy for pathogens that cross‐feed.
Economic Consequences of IFRS Adoption: The Role of Changes in Disclosure Quality*
Authors: Li Bin , Siciliano Gianfranco , Venkatachalam Mohan , Naranjo Patricia , Verdi Rodrigo S.
Published: August 2020

This study adopts a two‐step approach to highlight the disclosure quality channel that drives economic consequences of IFRS adoption. This approach helps address the identification challenge noted by prior research and offers direct evidence on the role of disclosure quality. In the first step, we document the impact of the IFRS mandate on changes in disclosure quality proxied by the granularity of line item disclosure in financial statements. We find that IFRS‐adopting firms provide more disaggregated information upon IFRS adoption, such as more granular disclosure of intangible assets and long‐term investments on the balance sheet and greater disaggregation of depreciation, amortization, and nonoperating income items on the income statement. In the second step, we link the observed disclosure changes to the benefits and costs of IFRS adoption. We show that greater disaggregated information due to IFRS adoption enhances market liquidity and decreases information asymmetry, but does not affect audit fees differentially. Our evidence has implications for standard setters as they evaluate cost‐benefit trade‐offs when considering disclosure changes in the future.
Ectoparasitic thrips affect the behaviour of their aetalionid treehopper hosts
Authors: Cavalleri Adriano , Mendonça Milton de S
Published: August 2020

Aulacothrips dictyotusHood, 1952 (Thysanoptera: Heterothripidae) is a highly specific ectoparasite, which infests nymphs and adults ofAetalion reticulatum(Linnaeus, 1758) (Hemiptera: Aetalionidae) in South America. However, nothing is known about the consequences of this remarkable interaction to the hemipterans, which also exhibit mutualistic associations with ants. In this study, we test the hypothesis thatAu. dictyotusdirectly affectsAe. reticulatumbehaviour by comparing ethograms of thrips‐infected and uninfected aetalionids. An analysis of 15 behavioural acts showed significant differences in the behaviour ofAe. reticulatumbetween these two experimental groups. Hemipterans exhibited dramatic changes in behaviour underAu. dictyotuspresence, and the frequencies of some behaviours related to locomotion were statistically higher in individuals with thrips, as well as kicking movements using the hind legs. Moreover, infected aetalionids showed higher frequencies of grooming behaviour, which seems to have some efficacy in detachingAu. dictyotus. We demonstrated that thrips presence disturb host foraging behaviour and induces unusual behavioural acts that are likely to be very costly to hosts. Our results suggest that thrips parasitism constitutes an important selective force for hemipterans and that its effects can influence host individuals, the aggregation and potentially the mutualistic interaction with ants.
Long‐term outcome of intraventricular conduction delays in the general population
Authors: Rankinen Jani , Haataja Petri , Lyytikäinen Leo‐Pekka , Huhtala Heini , Lehtimäki Terho , Kähönen Mika , Eskola Markku , Pérez‐Riera Andrés Ricardo , Jula Antti , Rissanen Harri , Nikus Kjell , Hernesniemi Jussi
Published: August 2020

Background

Previous population studies have presented conflicting results regarding the prognostic impact of intraventricular conduction delays (IVCD).

Methods

We studied long‐term prognostic impact and the association with comorbidities of eight IVCDs in a random sample of 6,299 Finnish subjects (2,857 men and 3,442 women, mean age 52.8, SD 14.9 years) aged 30 or over who participated in the health examination including 12‐lead ECG. For left bundle branch block (LBBB) and non‐specific IVCD (NSIVCD), two different definitions were used.

Results

During 16.5 years’ follow‐up, 1,309 of the 6,299 subjects (20.8%) died and of these 655 (10.4%) were cardiovascular (CV) deaths. After controlling for known clinical risk factors, the hazard ratio for CV death, compared with individuals without IVCD, was 1.55 for the Minnesota definition of LBBB (95% confidence interval 1.04–2.31, p = .032) and 1.27 (95% confidence interval 0.80–2.02, p = .308) for the Strauss’ definition of LBBB. Subjects with NSIVCD were associated with twofold to threefold increase in CV mortality depending on the definition. While right bundle branch block, left anterior fascicular block and incomplete bundle branch blocks were associated with seemingly higher mortality, this was no longer the case after adjustment for age and sex. The presence of R‐R’ pattern was not associated with any adverse outcome.

Conclusions

In a population study with long‐term follow‐up, NSIVCD and Minnesota definition of LBBB were independently associated with CV mortality. Other IVCDs had no significant impact on prognosis. The prognostic impact of LBBB and NSIVCD was affected by the definition of the conduction disorder.
Inactivation of HIF‐prolyl 4‐hydroxylases 1, 2 and 3 in NG2‐expressing cells induces HIF2‐mediated neurovascular expansion independent of erythropoietin
Authors: Urrutia Andrés A. , Guan Nan , Mesa‐Ciller Claudia , Afzal Aqeela , Davidoff Olena , Haase Volker H.
Published: August 2020

Aim

NG2 cells in the brain are comprised of pericytes and NG2 glia and play an important role in the execution of cerebral hypoxia responses, including the induction of erythropoietin (EPO) in pericytes. Oxygen‐dependent angiogenic responses are regulated by hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF), the activity of which is controlled by prolyl 4‐hydroxylase domain (PHD) dioxygenases and the von Hippel‐Lindau (VHL) tumour suppressor. However, the role of NG2 cells in HIF‐regulated cerebral vascular homeostasis is incompletely understood.

Methods

To examine the HIF/PHD/VHL axis in neurovascular homeostasis, we used a Cre‐loxP‐based genetic approach in mice and targeted Vhl, Epo, Phd1, Phd2, Phd3 and Hif2a in NG2 cells. Cerebral vasculature was assessed by immunofluorescence, RNA in situ hybridization, gene and protein expression analysis, gel zymography and in situ zymography.

Results

Vhl inactivation led to a significant increase in angiogenic gene and Epo expression. This was associated with EPO‐independent expansion of capillary networks in cortex, striatum and hypothalamus, as well as pericyte proliferation. A comparable phenotype resulted from the combined inactivation of Phd2 and Phd3, but not from Phd2 inactivation alone. Concomitant PHD1 function loss led to further expansion of the neurovasculature. Genetic inactivation of Hif2a in Phd1/Phd2/Phd3 triple mutant mice resulted in normal cerebral vasculature.

Conclusion

Our studies establish (a) that HIF2 activation in NG2 cells promotes neurovascular expansion and remodelling independently of EPO, (b) that HIF2 activity in NG2 cells is co‐controlled by PHD2 and PHD3 and (c) that PHD1 modulates HIF2 transcriptional responses when PHD2 and PHD3 are inactive.
The role of semi‐open habitats as dispersal corridors for plant species of woodlands and open habitats
Authors: Travers Eliane , Pitz Witja Till , Fichtner Andreas , Matthies Diethart , Härdtle Werner
Published: August 2020

Questions

European pasture landscapes have been shaped by grazing and alternate husbandry. They are structurally characterised by mosaics of open habitat patches, individual trees and groups of trees or shrubs. We investigated whether these semi‐open habitats may act as stepping stones and thus as dispersal corridors for both plants from woodlands and open habitats to mitigate habitat fragmentation effects. We (a) contrasted the plant communities in semi‐open habitats with those of woodlands and open habitats, and (b) explored which life‐history traits or environmental requirements are associated with the presence or absence of species in semi‐open habitats.

Location

Swabian Jura, South Germany; Lueneburg Heath, North Germany.

Methods

We selected four study sites in two contrasting landscapes and conducted vegetation surveys and analysed canopy closure and soil chemical properties in four different habitat types: woodlands, semi‐open habitats with high and low canopy closure and open habitats. We tested whether habitat type affected species composition, identified habitat‐specific indicator species and compared Ellenberg indicator values for light and moisture and species’ dispersal and establishment traits across these habitat types.

Results

Plant communities of woodlands were significantly different from those of all other habitat types, whereas open habitats showed some similarities to semi‐open habitats. On average, 73% of open habitat and 39% of woodland species were present in semi‐open habitats. Habitat requirements as well as dispersal and establishment traits of woodland species were often more specialised and differed from those of species of the other habitat types, making them less capable to disperse into semi‐open habitats.

Conclusions

Semi‐open corridors have the potential to connect patches of open habitats and to a lesser extent also of woodlands without creating new barriers for either habitat type. Thus, semi‐open corridors may counteract habitat fragmentation effects and are a promising tool for biodiversity conservation, particularly in fragmented pasture landscapes.
Personality factors and vulnerability to post‐traumatic stress responses after childbirth
Authors: Price Lisa , Centifanti Luna , Slade Pauline
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To investigate whether levels of perfectionism, organization, and intolerance of uncertainty predispose women to more negative birth experiences and post‐partum post‐traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Birth experience was also examined as a potential moderator of the relationship between levels of the personality traits and post‐natal PTSS.

Design

Prospective survey.

Method

First‐time expectant mothers (N = 10,000) were contacted via Emma’s Diary during the perinatal period. At 32–42 weeks’ gestation, participants completed measures examining the three personality traits and prenatal mood. At 6–12 weeks’ post‐partum, instruments assessing childbirth experience, birth trauma, PTSS, and post‐natal mood were completed. Data from 418 women were analysed.

Results

Higher perfectionism and intolerance of uncertainty were associated with more negative birth appraisals and PTSS. Organization was unrelated to birth experience or PTSS. In a regression, higher intolerance of uncertainty and perfectionism statistically predicted more negative birth appraisals. Only perfectionism predicted PTSS. Birth experience did not moderate the relationship between perfectionism or intolerance of uncertainty and PTSS.

Conclusions

Personality risk factors for negative birth experiences and post‐natal PTSS are identifiable prenatally. Maternity care providers could educate women about the unique roles of high perfectionism and intolerance of uncertainty during antenatal birth preparation.

Practitioner points

Women who expect themselves to be more perfect or who find it more difficult to cope with uncertainty had more negative experiences of childbirth.

Women with higher levels of perfectionism were more likely to experience more symptoms of post‐traumatic stress during the early post‐natal period.

Being more perfectionistic continued to have a more negative effect on women’s well‐being after birth, regardless of whether they had a positive or negative experience of birth.

Integrating these findings into antenatal discussion around birth preferences would increase women’s awareness of predisposing and obstetric risk factors that partially explain experiences of unsatisfactory births and post‐partum post‐traumatic stress.
PRICE‐PARITY ADJUSTMENTS SHOULDN'T BE A TRADE SECRET: STATE‐LEVEL PRICE PARITY AND ASSESSMENT OF COVENANTS NOT TO COMPETE ENFORCEABILITY
Authors: Fish Laurel J. , Halcoussis Dennis , Phillips G. Michael
Published: August 2020

This paper demonstrates the importance of making regional cost adjustments and questions the validity of papers using nationwide compensation to assess noncompete enforceability and other policies without regional price‐level adjustments. Numerous papers in recent years do not incorporate the cross‐sectional analog to inflation adjustments. Using the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parity (RPP) index, the results of a representative policy analysis study are analyzed with, and without, parity adjustment. We show that typical results demonstrating broad negative economic effects from noncompete covenants may be an artifact of using nominal, nonparity‐adjusted data.(JELC18, R1, J31)
Short‐term grazing exclusion does not effectively restore degraded rangeland in the Junggar desert of Xinjiang, China
Authors: Wu Ke , Xu Wenxuan , Yang Weikang
Published: August 2020

Exclosure is a simple and effective rangeland restoration approach, which is widely used in China, and is conducive to the recovery of degraded vegetation and soil. Plant and soil properties in a desert steppe on the southeastern edge of the Junggar basin after 6 and 16 years of grazing exclusion were measured and compared with open grazing lands. The results showed that vegetation cover increased with exclosure time, while the abundance decreased over time; the species richness, diversity, and evenness indexes of the annual plants decreased after 6 years of grazing exclusion and recovered after 16 years of grazing exclusion. The soil was significantly restored during the 16‐year exclosure period because soil fertility increased and soil pH decreased; however, the soil was not effectively restored after 6 years of exclosure because the soil pH had increased and soil organic matter and total nitrogen had decreased, even though available nutrients and total phosphorus had significantly increased. Therefore, these results were contrary to previous studies, which reported that rangeland can be restored by a short‐term exclusion system in this region, and that grazing exclosures should be established and widely used in degraded rangelands to restore the vegetation and soil. Long‐term exclosure to improve soil and vegetation conditions is crucial if the restoration and sustainable use of the rangeland in the Junggar desert are to be promoted.
Migraine as a Cortical Brain Disorder
Authors: Barbanti Piero , Brighina Filippo , Egeo Gabriella , Di Stefano Vincenzo , Silvestro Marcello , Russo Antonio
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Migraine is an exclusively human chronic disorder with ictal manifestations characterized by a multifaceted clinical complexity pointing to a cerebral cortical involvement. The present review is aimed to cover the clinical, neuroimaging, and neurophysiological literature on the role of the cerebral cortex in migraine pathophysiology.

Overview

Converging clinical scenarios, advanced neuroimaging data, and experimental neurophysiological findings, indicate that fluctuating excitability, plasticity, and metabolism of cortical neurons represent the pathophysiological substrate of the migraine cycle. Abnormal cortical responsivity and sensory processing coupled to a mismatch between the brain’s energy reserve and workload may ignite the trigeminovascular system, leading to the migraine attack through the activation of subcortical brain trigeminal and extra‐trigeminal structures, and driving its propagation and maintenance.

Discussion

The brain cortex emerges as the crucial player in migraine, a disorder lying at the intersection between neuroscience and daily life. Migraine disorder stems from an imbalance in inhibitory/excitatory cortical circuits, responsible for functional changes in the activity of different cortical brain regions encompassing the neurolimbic‐pain network, and secondarily allowing a demodulation of subcortical areas, such as hypothalamus, amygdala, and brainstem nuclei, in a continuous mutual crosstalk.
Mucinous adenocarcinoma arising in congenital pulmonary airway malformation: clinicopathological analysis of 37 cases
Authors: Chang Wei‐Chin , Zhang Yu Zhi , Wolf Janina L , Hermelijn Sergei M , Schnater J Marco , von der Thüsen Jan H , Rice Alexandra , Lantuejoul Sylvie , Mastroianni Bénédicte , Farver Carol , Black Fiona , Popat Sanjay , Nicholson Andrew G
Published: August 2020

Aims

Mucinous adenocarcinoma arising in congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) is a rare complication, with little being known about its natural course. The aims of this article are to describe a series of mucinous adenocarcinomas arising from CPAMs, and present their clinicopathological features, genetics, and clinical outcome.

Methods and results

Thirty‐seven cases were collected within a 34‐year period, and the subtype of adenocarcinoma and CPAM, tumour location, stage, growth patterns, molecular data and follow‐up were recorded. The cohort comprised CPAM type 1 (n = 33) and CPAM type 2 (n = 4). Morphologically, 34 cases were mucinous adenocarcinomas (21 in situ; 13 invasive), and three were mixed mucinous and non‐mucinous adenocarcinoma. Seventeen cases showed purely extracystic (intra‐alveolar) adenocarcinoma, 15 were mixed intracystic and extracystic, and five showed purely intracystic proliferation. Genetically, nine of 10 cases tested positive for KRAS mutations, four with exon 2 G12V mutation and five with exon 2 G12D mutation. Residual disease on completion lobectomy was observed in two cases, and three cases recurred 7, 15 and 32 years after the original diagnosis. Two patients died of metastatic invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma.

Conclusions

Most adenocarcinoma that arise in type 1 CPAMs, are purely mucinous, and are early‐stage disease. Intracystic proliferation is associated with lepidic growth, an absence of invasion, and indolent behaviour, whereas extracystic proliferation may be associated with more aggressive behaviour and advanced stage. Most cases are cured by lobectomy, and recurrence/residual disease seems to be associated with limited surgery. Long‐term follow‐up is needed, as recurrence can occur decades later.
Ovarian seromucinous cystadenomas and adenofibromas: first report of a case series
Authors: Ben‐Mussa Ali , McCluggage W Glenn
Published: August 2020

Aims

To report a series of benign ovarian seromucinous neoplasms, an uncommon and hitherto poorly described category of tumours included in the current 2014 World Health Organisation classification of tumours of the female reproductive organs.

Methods and results

We report the clinicopathological features of a series of 22 benign ovarian seromucinous neoplasms (cystadenomas and adenofibromas or admixtures). The neoplasms occurred in patients aged 32–83 years (mean = 62, median = 65.5) and involved the left ovary (n = 14), the right ovary (n = 6) or both ovaries (n = 2). There was a common association with endometrioid elements (endometrioid differentiation within the cystadenoma/adenofibroma and/or endometriosis) and other endometriosis‐associated neoplasms.

Conclusions

We speculate that some of these represent benign ovarian endometrioid neoplasms with foci of mucinous and/or serous differentiation, while others represent true mixed neoplasms.
MicroRNA‐7 negatively regulates Toll‐like receptor 4 signaling pathway through FAM177A
Authors: Chen Huizi , Guo Mengmeng , Yue Dongxu , Zhao Juanjuan , Zhou Ya , Chen Chao , Liang Guiyou , Xu Lin
Published: August 2020

Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 4 signalling is critical for innate immunoinflammatory response and widely triggers the development of various types of clinical diseases. MicroRNA‐7 (miR‐7) is well documented to play an important regulatory role in various biological events. However, the exact role of miR‐7 in TLR4 signalling pathway remains to be fully elucidated. In the present study, we found that miR‐7 expression in TLR4 signalling‐activated bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) stimulated by LPS was dramatically increased. Importantly, miR‐7 deficiency significantly enhanced the production of related inflammatory cytokines including IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐12, as well as TNF‐α, on LPS‐activated BMDMs, accompanied by elevated transduction of TLR4 signalling including Myd88‐dependent and Myd88‐independent pathways, whereas miR‐7 overexpression significantly decreased the transduction of TLR4 signalling and the production of related inflammatory cytokines. Mechanistically, we identified family with sequence similarity 177, member A (FAM177A) as a novel target molecule of miR‐7. Furthermore, down‐regulation of FAM177A using RNAi could impair the transduction of TLR4 signalling. Finally, down‐regulation of FAM177A also reversed the effect of miR‐7 deficiency on TLR4 signalling transduction and production of related inflammatory cytokines on BMDMs. Therefore, we provide the new evidence that miR‐7 acts as a novel negative fine‐tuner in regulating TLR4 signalling pathways by targeting FAM177A, which might throw light on the basal understanding on the regulatory mechanism of TLR4 signalling and benefit the development of therapeutic strategies against related clinical diseases.
Cepheid Xpert® Flu/RSV and Seegene Allplex™ RP1 show high diagnostic agreement for the detection of influenza A/B and respiratory syncytial viruses in clinical practice
Authors: Wabe Nasir , Lindeman Robert , Post Jeffrey J. , Rawlinson William , Miao Melissa , Westbrook Johanna I. , Georgiou Andrew
Published: August 2020

Background

Molecular assays based on reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) provide reliable results for the detection of respiratory pathogens, although diagnostic agreement varies. This study determined the agreement between the RT‐PCR assays (Xpert® Flu/RSV vs Allplex™ RP1) in detecting influenza A, influenza B, and respiratory syncytial viruses (RSVs) in clinical practice.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 914 patient encounters where testing with both Xpert® Flu/RSV and Allplex™ RP1 was undertaken between October 2015 and September 2019 in seven hospitals across New South Wales, Australia. The diagnostic agreement of the two assays was evaluated using positive percent agreement, negative percent agreement, and prevalence and bias‐adjusted kappa.

Results

The positive percent agreement was 95.1% for influenza A, 87.5% for influenza B, and 77.8% for RSV. The negative percent agreement was 99.4% for influenza A, 99.9% for influenza B, and 100% for RSV. The prevalence and bias‐adjusted kappa was 0.98 for influenza A, 0.99 for influenza B, and 0.97 for RSV. In a sensitivity analysis, the positive percent agreement values were significantly higher during the non‐influenza season than the influenza season for influenza B and RSV.

Conclusions

The Xpert® Flu/RSV and Allplex™ RP1 demonstrated a high diagnostic agreement for all three viruses assessed. The seasonal variation in the positive percent agreement of the two assays for influenza B and RSV may have been due to lower numbers assessed, variability in the virology of infections outside the peak season, or changes in the physiology of the infected host in different seasons.
BLADDER SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA WITH HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS TYPE 6 [HPV 6]
Authors: Tatsura Hiroyuki , Ishiguro Yoshihiko , Okamura Takehiko , Kohri Kenjiro
Published: August 2020

A 91‐year‐old male was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Molecular biological examination using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method demonstrated the presence of HPV type 6. HPV type 6 is considered very rare in urinary bladder malignancies.
Mechanism of genital transmission of SIV: A hypothesis based on transmission studies and the location of SIV in the genital tract of chronically infected female rhesus macaques
Authors: Miller Christopher J. , Alexander Nancy J. , Vogel Peter , Anderson John , Marx Preston A.
Published: August 2020

To understand the biologic processes involved in transmission of HIV, we examined the genital tracts of chronically infected female macaques and localized SIV‐infected cells. SIV was found in the genital tract of 12 of 16 animals and SIV‐infected cells were located in the cervix and vagina. Inoculation of cell‐free SIV into the blind vaginal pouch of hysterectomized macaques resulted in systemic infection. We propose a hypothesis to explain the early events in the genital transmission of SIV.
Gestational diabetes mellitus in a cynomolgus monkey with group A streptococcal metritis and hemolytic uremic syndrome
Authors: Wagner Janice D. , Jayo Manuel J. , Bullock Bill C. , Washburn Scott A.
Published: August 2020

Gestational diabetes mellitus was diagnosed retrospectively in a ten‐year‐old female cynomolgus monkey. The mother developed severe purulent group A streptococcal metritis resulting in fetal sepsis. After parturition, the mother died from signs consistent with hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Spontaneous cardiomyopathy resembling acute rheumatic heart disease in an owl monkey
Authors: Gozalo Alfonso , Dagle Gerald E. , Montoya Enrique , Weller Richard E.
Published: August 2020

A wild‐caught male Aotus vociferous died spontaneously during quarantine. Histologic examination of the heart showed several small myocardial arteries replaced with fibrinoid necrosis and adjacent inflammation that included lymphocytes and large histiocytic cells. Less often, similar inflammatory foci were observed in the myocardium interstitium. The lesions observed in the heart of the owl monkey resembled Aschoff bodies.
Hepatocellular carcinoma associated with chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection in a chimpanzee
Authors: Abe Kenji , Kagei Noboru , Teramura Yoshiyuki , Ejima Hiroyasu
Published: August 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma associated with chronic Schistosoma mansoni infection in a chimpanzee, estimated to be a 12‐year‐old and born in West Africa, is reported. The hepatic tumor appeared as a solitary firm nodule, and histological examination revealed well‐differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma with a trabecular pattern. Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections were excluded by serological testing in that animal. This is the first report of hepatocellular carcinoma in the chimpanzee with schistosomiasis.
A spontaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity in a squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus)
Authors: Sasseville Vito G. , Pauley Douglas R. , Spaulding Glen L. , Chalifoux Laura V. , Lee‐Parritz David , Simon Meredith A.
Published: August 2020

A spontaneous squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed in the oral cavity of an adult female squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus). Immunohistochemical analysis of the neoplasm demonstrated cytokeratin and vimentin, but not S100 or desmin in the neoplastic epithelial cells.
Adrenal artery ablation for primary aldosteronism without apparent aldosteronoma: An efficacy and safety, proof‐of‐principle trial
Authors: Zhang Hexuan , Li Qiang , Liu Xiaoli , Zhao Zhigang , He Hongbo , Sun Fang , Hong Yangning , Zhou Xunmei , Li Yingsha , Shen Rufei , Bu Xiaona , Yan Zhencheng , Zheng Hongting , Yang Gangyi , Zhu Zhiming ,   Chongqing Endocrine Hypertension Collaborative Team
Published: August 2020

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is associated with resistant hypertension and cardiovascular events. There are some limitations of current medical and surgical therapies for PA. To determine the efficacy and safety of catheter‐based adrenal artery ablation for treatment of PA patients who refused both surgery and medical therapy, we performed this prospective cohort study. Thirty‐six PA patients without apparent aldosteronoma were treated by adrenal artery ablation. Primary outcome was postoperative blood pressure and defined daily dose (DDD) of antihypertensive medications after adrenal ablation. Secondary outcome was biochemical success. We assessed outcomes based on Primary Aldosteronism Surgical Outcome (PASO) criteria. Adrenal CT scan, biochemical evaluation, adrenal artery ablation and adrenal venous sampling (AVS) were underwent. After adrenal ablation, complete clinical success (normotension without antihypertensive medication) was achieved in 9/36 (25.0%) patients and partial clinical success (reduction in blood pressure or less antihypertensive medication) in 13/36 (36.1%) patients. Complete biochemical success (correction of hypokalemia and normalization of aldosterone‐to‐renin ratio) was achieved in 16/36 (44.4%) patients. Office‐based and ambulatory blood pressures were reduced by 17/7 and 11/2 mmHg at 6 months after ablation, respectively. The plasma cortisol level in the ablation group decreased slightly, but no patient developed hypoadrenocorticism. Catheter‐based adrenal ablation appears to produce substantial and sustained blood pressure reduction and biochemical improvement, with only minor adverse events in PA patients without apparent aldosteronoma. This therapy could be an important supplement for current PA treatments.
Statistical Theory and Assessment Practice
Authors: Haberman Shelby J.
Published: August 2020

Examples of the impact of statistical theory on assessment practice are provided from the perspective of a statistician trained in theoretical statistics who began to work on assessments. Goodness of fit of item‐response models is examined in terms of restricted likelihood‐ratio tests and generalized residuals. Minimum discriminant information adjustment is used for linking with no anchors or problematic anchors and for repeater analysis. Assessment issues are examined in cases in which the number of parameters is large relative to the number of observations.
A stereolithographic template for computer‐assisted teeth preparation in dental esthetic ceramic veneer treatment
Authors: Gao Jing , Li Junying , Liu Chunxu , Fan Lin , Yu Jiayi , Yu Haiyang
Published: August 2020

Objective

This article describes a digital dental esthetic ceramic veneer treatment workflow using a stereolithographic template for teeth preparation.

Clinical Considerations

We have presented the case of a 33‐year‐old woman with dental fluorosis who wanted an esthetic ceramic veneer treatment. A digital smile design was created on a virtual patient, and a virtual diagnostic wax‐up was made. Based on the suggested ceramic material thickness, virtual teeth preparation was performed on the diagnostic wax‐up. A special‐teeth preparation template was then created digitally and fabricated using a stereolithographic technique. This template guided the teeth preparation using a special bur with a stopper. The veneers were fabricated by CAD/CAM and delivered good esthetics and function.

Conclusions

The stereolithographic tooth reduction template helps realize digital restorative planning. It provides better control of the reduction depth of the labial and incisal preparation, making the operation simpler.

Clinical significance

The digital dental esthetic ceramic veneer treatment workflow described here using a stereolithographic template for teeth preparation helped with the accurate control of reduction depth for minimally invasive teeth preparation, making the operation simpler, which is a significant improvement over the previous methods.
Using ensemble reforecasts to generate flood thresholds for improved global flood forecasting
Authors: Zsoter Ervin , Prudhomme Christel , Stephens Elisabeth , Pappenberger Florian , Cloke Hannah
Published: August 2020

Global flood forecasting systems rely on predefining flood thresholds to highlight potential upcoming flood events. Existing methods for flood threshold definition are often based on reanalysis datasets using a single threshold across all forecast lead times, such as in the Global Flood Awareness System. This leads to inconsistencies between how the extreme flood events are represented in the flood thresholds and the ensemble forecasts. This paper explores the potential benefits of using river flow ensemble reforecasts to generate flood thresholds that can deliver improved reliability and skill, increasing the confidence in the forecasts for humanitarian and civil protection partners. The choice of dataset and methods used to sample annual maxima in the threshold computation, both for reanalysis and reforecast, is analysed in terms of threshold magnitude, forecast reliability, and skill for different flood severity levels and lead times. The variability of threshold magnitudes, when estimated from the different annual maxima samples, can be extremely large, as can the subsequent impact on forecast skill. Reanalysis‐based thresholds should only be used for the first few days, after which ensemble‐reforecast‐based thresholds, that vary with forecast lead time and can account for the forecast bias trends, provide more reliable and skilful flood forecasts.