bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A rare late complication of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia repair
Authors: Weir A. , Bartlett E. , Bowling K. , Andrews S. , Guest T.
Published: April 2019

We report a case of sudden cardiovascular collapse several weeks following surgical repair of a traumatic diaphragmatic hernia. The patient presented with features of circulatory shock without a clear diagnosis, therefore an urgent computed tomography scan of the chest and abdomen was undertaken, which revealed a pericardial effusion with evidence of cardiac tamponade. Ultrasound‐guided needle pericardiocentesis with aspiration of blood from the pericardial sac in the Emergency Department provided an immediate response and her cardiac output improved. On review of the imaging, it is likely a surgically‐placed permanent metallic fixation device, sitting near the pericardium, caused bleeding into the pericardial sac due to local trauma as a delayed postoperative complication.
Mapping Spanish settlement at Santa Elena, 1566–1587: An integrated archaeogeophysical approach
Authors: Lulewicz Jacob , Thompson Victor D. , DePratter Chester B.
Published: April 2019

Santa Elena, located on Parris Island along the coast of South Carolina, was the first capital, and northernmost permanent settlement, of Spanish La Florida. Over two decades of occupation (ad 1566–1587), five forts were successively built while by ad 1569 a burgeoning Spanish settlement of over 200 people, complete with artisans, farmers, and Jesuit missionaries, flourished. Here, we articulate the results of recent, full‐coverage ground‐penetrating radar and magnetic gradiometry surveys with over 40 years of extant archaeological data to elucidate organizational characteristics of the Spanish settlement at Santa Elena. In particular, we use geophysical data to identify the potential locations of buried Spanish wells across the site. We identify roughly 200 potential well locations and compare these locations to the distribution of Spanish artifacts across the site yielded through a full‐coverage shovel test survey, the arrangement of Spanish structures known from large‐scale block excavations, and the likely position of roadways and house lots. This new data is used to contextualize and refine extant understandings of Santa Elena's town plan while also contributing to a broader research program devoted to exploring Spanish colonial life and settlement in 16th‐century North America (The Santa Elena Landscape Project). As Santa Elena is a National Historic Landmark currently threatened by rising sea levels, this work contributes to an efficient, minimally invasive research program devoted to exploring the Spanish settlement at Santa Elena and to documenting the range of cultural resources present at the site for the purposes of protection and remediation in the context of significant, ongoing shoreline erosion.
In situ Synthesis of a Bismuth Layer on a Sodium Metal Anode for Fast Interfacial Transport in Sodium‐Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Ma Mingyue , Lu Yong , Yan Zhenhua , Chen Jun
Published: April 2019

Na metal has shown great promise as anode material for Na‐based batteries due to its high theoretical capacity, low potential, high abundance, and low cost. However, the uneven solid electrolyte interphase layer formed on the Na anode surface caused by side reactions with the electrolyte and serious corrosion will lead to dendrite formation and safety issues. Here we report a stable Na anode by coating a Bi layer, which is formed in situ through simple ion‐exchange. The compact Bi layer can effectively prevent Na reacting with the electrolyte and suppress the formation of dendrites. The Na/Bi anode exhibits high exchange current densities and fast charge‐transfer kinetics. As a result, the overpotential of the symmetric cells using this Na/Bi electrode does not increase obviously after cycling for 1000 h at a current density of 0.5 mA cm−2. Moreover, the Na−O2 batteries with Na/Bi anode can run for 50 cycles. The presented surface coating approach provides a new strategy to protect Na anodes in Na‐based batteries.
On the use of acridinium indicators for the chemiluminescent determination of the total antioxidant capacity of dietary supplements
Authors: Krzymiński Karol K. , Roshal Alexander D. , Rudnicki‐Velasquez Paweł B. , Żamojć Krzysztof
Published: April 2019

Acridinium salts, due to their chemiluminogenic properties, have found several applications in biomedical analysis as labels and indicators, where the assessment of emission intensity is used for the end‐point detection. This work presents the use of chemiluminescent indicators in the form of selected acridinium esters in order to determine the antioxidant properties of exemplary formulations, namely quercetin, vitamin C and the dietary supplement, Apiextract. The principle of measurements is based on a change in the kinetics of emission decay derived from the acridinium cations in alkaline solutions of hydrogen peroxide in the presence of an antioxidant (the analyte). The proposed system makes a beneficial alternative to related methods, which mostly rely on the assessment of emission efficiency and use the luminometric standard luminol – due to superior parameters of acridinium chemiluminescence, among others ‐ high temporary emission efficiency. The features of the proposed method are manifested by a shorter time period of analysis and lower background signals associated with the environmental influences, as compared to typical approaches. The chromatographic (RP‐HPLC) analyses of the substrates and products generated during chemiluminogenic oxidation of acridinium cations under assay conditions are also presented.
The future of surgical oncology
Authors: Ruers T J M
Published: April 2019

Fast moving specialty
Covalent Organic Frameworks: A New Class of Porous Organic Frameworks for Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Wang Mingyue , Guo Hao , Xue Rui , Li Qi , Liu Hui , Wu Ning , Yao Wenqin , Yang Wu
Published: April 2019

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a new class of porous organic materials, which are constructed with periodic organic units comprised entirely of light elements (typically C, H, O, N and B) and linked by strong covalent bonds. COFs have been applied in extensive fields, owing to their extraordinary properties in areas such as gas storage and separation, heterogeneous catalysis, sensors, semiconductors, drug delivery, and photoconduction. In particular, the ordered micropore or mesopore structures, high surface areas, and designable structures have enabled COFs to become new candidates for supercapacitor electrode materials. This Minireview focuses on the major progress of COFs as electrode materials for supercapacitors.
Graphene Nanoscrolls with Confined Silicon Nanoparticles as a Durable Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wu Yongkang , Fu Rusheng , Fan Chongzhao , Long Zuxin , Shao Guangjie , Liu Zhaoping
Published: April 2019

Silicon anodes have been given great focus due to the unparalleled theoretical specific capacity. However, destructive volume expansion during lithiation/delithiation processes and intrinsic inferior electrical conductivity cause drastic capacity decay. Forming composites with conductive and stretchable material is an effective solution to address these problems. Here, a three‐dimensional continuous conductive network consisting of one‐dimensional flexible graphene nanoscroll wrapped silicon nanoparticles (Si@GNS) is realized by a simple cold quenching method followed by a facile annealing process. GNS acted as conductive framework and elastic buffer layer, improving electrochemical reaction kinetics and suppressing Si volume expansion, respectively. Hence, Si@GNS shows excellent rate capability of 760 mAh g−1 even at 2 A g−1 and long‐term cycling stability of 81.5% capacity retention after 1000 cycles.
Absolute Oral Bioavailability of Glasdegib (PF‐04449913), a Smoothened Inhibitor, in Randomized Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Shaik Naveed , Hee Brian , Liang Yali , LaBadie Robert Roland
Published: April 2019

Glasdegib (PF‐04449913) is an oral small‐molecule inhibitor of the Hedgehog signaling pathway under development for treating myeloid malignancies. This was an open‐label phase 1, randomized, 2‐sequence, 2‐treatment, 2‐period, crossover study evaluating the absolute bioavailability of glasdegib in healthy volunteers under fasting condition (NCT03270878). In period 1, 12 eligible subjects received either a single oral dose of glasdegib 100 mg (tablet) or a single intravenous (IV) dose of glasdegib 50 mg. Following ≥6‐day washout, subjects received the treatment that they did not receive in the first period. Blood samples were collected for up to 96 hours after dosing. Drug plasma concentrations were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Glasdegib pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using noncompartmental analysis. The mean terminal half‐life was 14.3 hours for oral tablet treatment vs 13.8 hours for glasdegib IV treatment. The absolute oral bioavailability measured as the ratios (oral/IV) of adjusted geometric mean (90% confidence interval) of dose normalized area under the plasma concentration–time curve was 77.12% (71.83%‐82.81%). Two adverse events (1 mild and 1 moderate in severity) were reported by 2 subjects following oral tablet administration; these were fully resolved by the end of the study.
Improving the management efficiency of GPU workloads in data centers through GPU virtualization
Authors: Iserte Sergio , Prades Javier , Reaño Carlos , Silla Federico
Published: April 2019

Graphics processing units (GPUs) are currently used in data centers to reduce the execution time of compute‐intensive applications. However, the use of GPUs presents several side effects, such as increased acquisition costs and larger space requirements. Furthermore, GPUs require a nonnegligible amount of energy even while idle. Additionally, GPU utilization is usually low for most applications. In a similar way to the use of virtual machines, using virtual GPUs may address the concerns associated with the use of these devices. In this regard, the remote GPU virtualization mechanism could be leveraged to share the GPUs present in the computing facility among the nodes of the cluster. This would increase overall GPU utilization, thus reducing the negative impact of the increased costs mentioned before. Reducing the amount of GPUs installed in the cluster could also be possible. However, in the same way as job schedulers map GPU resources to applications, virtual GPUs should also be scheduled before job execution. Nevertheless, current job schedulers are not able to deal with virtual GPUs. In this paper, we analyze the performance attained by a cluster using the remote Compute Unified Device Architecture middleware and a modified version of the Slurm scheduler, which is now able to assign remote GPUs to jobs. Results show that cluster throughput, measured as jobs completed per time unit, is doubled at the same time that the total energy consumption is reduced up to 40%. GPU utilization is also increased.
Fast dynamic routing based on weighted kernel density estimation
Authors: Zhang Suofei , Zhao Wei , Wu Xiaofu , Zhou Quan
Published: April 2019

Capsules as well as dynamic routing between them are most recently proposed structures for deep neural networks. A capsule groups data into vectors or matrices as poses rather than conventional scalars to represent specific properties of target instance.Based on pose,a capsule should be attached to a probability (often denoted as activation) for its presence. The dynamic routing helps capsule network achieve more generalization capacity with fewer model parameters. However, the bottleneck, which prevents widespread applications of capsule, is the expense of computation during routing. To address this problem, we generalize existing routing methods within the framework of weighted kernel density estimation, proposing two fast routing methods with different optimization strategies. Our methods prompt the time efficiency of routing by nearly 40% with negligible performance degradation. By stacking a hybrid of convolutional layers and capsule layers, we construct a network architecture to handle inputs at a resolution of 64 × 64 pixels. The proposed models achieve a parallel performance with other leading methods in multiple benchmarks.
An Original Monomer Sampling from a Ready‐Made Aβ42 NMR Fibril Suggests a Turn‐β‐Strand Synergetic Seeding Mechanism
Authors: Liu Chengqiang , Zhao Wei , Xing Xiaofeng , Shi Hu , Kang Baotao , Liu Haiying , Li Ping , Ai Hongqi
Published: April 2019

Aggregation of amyloid beta (Aβ) is a central step of Alzheimer's disease. Aβ42 monomers are building blocks in the formation of both “on pathway” intermediate structures and “off pathway” oligomers. How to sample an Aβ monomer becomes a problem however due to the instinct of Aβ high flexibility and diversity as well as aggregation propensity. Currently, (1) most samplings focus on either the ready‐made helix‐rich 1Z0Q/1IYT NMR structure, or the completely extended conformation, but (2) few on a ready‐made Aβ NMR fibril (i. e., 2BEG). Here we compare the simulation results from sampling in scheme (1) with that in scheme (2), and find that the coil and β‐sheet contents in the 1Z0Q‐sampled system are comparable to the counterparts in the 2BEG‐sampled system, but with a large difference in simulation time and dynamics character. 1Z0Q‐sampled system not only takes several times longer than the 2BEG‐sampled one, and only β1‐seeding dynamics characteristic is observed probably due to far insufficient conformation transition in the limited simulation time. Two dynamics characteristics of Aβ42 folding observed experimentally, that either β1 region or β2 region aggregates first, reproduce in the present simulations for 2BEG‐sampled system however, suggesting a preferential sampling in the future simulation. In addition, a turn‐β‐strand synergetic seeding mechanism of aggregation is first proposed based on the trajectory analyses on the four regions of Aβ42 chain.
Microporous Triptycene‐Based Affinity Materials on Quartz Crystal Microbalances for Tracing of Illicit Compounds
Authors: Prantl Ephraim , Kohl Bernd , Ryvlin Dimitrij , Biegger Philipp , Wadepohl Hubert , Rominger Frank , Bunz Uwe H. F. , Mastalerz Michael , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: April 2019

Triptycene‐based organic molecules of intrinsic microporosity (OMIMs) with extended functionalized π‐surfaces are excellent materials for gas sorption and separation. In this study, the affinities of triptycene‐based OMIM affinity materials on 195 MHz high‐fundamental‐frequency quartz crystal microbalances (HFF‐QCMs) for hazardous and illicit compounds such as piperonal and (–)‐norephedrine were determined. Both new and existing porous triptycene‐based affinity materials were investigated, resulting in very high sensitivities and selectivities that could be applied for sensing purposes. Remarkable results were found for safrole – a starting material for illicit compounds such as ecstasy. A systematic approach highlights the effects of different size of π‐surfaces of these affinity materials, allowing a classification of the properties that might be optimal for the design of future OMIM‐based affinity materials.
Calcium Oxalate Precipitation in Model Systems Mimicking the Conditions of Hyperoxaluria
Authors: Stanković Anamarija , Šafranko Silvija , Kontrec Jasminka , Njegić Džakula Branka , Lyons Daniel M. , Marković Berislav , Kralj Damir
Published: April 2019

This work focuses on systematic research of spontaneous precipitation of calcium oxalate in model systems mimicking the chemical conditions typical for hyperoxaluria. For this purpose, model systems of three different complexities (simple, NaCl, and artificial urine system) and two initial pH (pHi = 5.0 and pHi = 9.0) at 37 °C are studied. In all investigated systems, dominant precipitation of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) is observed, except in artificial urine system at pHi = 9.0, ci(C2O42−) ≥ 6.0 mmol dm−3 and ci(Ca2+) ≥ 7.5 mmol dm−3, where precipitation of a mixture of calcium oxalate monohydrate and calcium oxalate dihydrate occurs. The significant difference is mainly observed in COM crystal morphology. In a simple system, COM precipitates in a dendritic form; in NaCl system, dendritic form and irregular shapes are found, while in the artificial urine, prismatic hexagonal and aggregated COM crystals precipitate.
Avoiding violence: Eleven ways activists can confine violence in civil resistance campaigns
Authors: Bramsen Isabel
Published: April 2019

Nonviolent resistance is a powerful tool but can also turn into civil war when repressed. Based on interviews with activists from Bahrain, Tunisia, and Syria and experts on nonviolent resistance, this article investigates how activists can reduce violence in demonstrations. Five approaches to countering regime violence are proposed: (a) disrupting violent action, (b) constructing dilemma situations, (c) avoiding direct confrontation, (d) inviting civilian peacekeepers, and (d) respecting the opponent's traditions, as well as six ways of reducing activist violence: (a) delegitimizing violence, (b) managing material availability, (c) managing emotions, (d) providing alternatives, (e) changing practices of violence, and (f) enhancing cohesion.
Particle swarm optimization–based power allocation for Alamouti amplify and forward relaying protocol
Authors: K Shoukath Ali , Palaniswami Sampath
Published: April 2019

The performance of wireless communication systems is improved over flat fading channel by using Alamouti coding scheme, which provides the quality of diversity gain. In this paper, performance analysis of symbol error rate (SER) and particle swarm optimization (PSO)–based power allocation (PA) for Alamouti amplify and forward (AF) relaying protocol using maximum ratio combining (MRC) technique is presented. Analytical expression of SER upper bound and SER approximation is derived for Alamouti AF relaying protocol with quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) modulation over Rayleigh fading channel and Rician fading channel. In addition, PSO‐based optimum PA factor is calculated on the basis of the minimum SER of proposed method. PSO‐based optimum PA gives 0.5 dB of improved signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) compared with the equal power allocation (EPA). The theoretical approximate SER result is compared with the simulated SER. The proposed protocol provides full diversity gain and reduces SER compared with the existing AF and decode and forward (DF) relaying protocols over Rayleigh fading channel and Rician fading channel.
Wertschöpfungs‐ und Beschäftigungseffekte der Mauersteinindustrie
Authors: Günther Matthias
Published: April 2019

In Germany manufacturing and distribution of bricks care for direct employment of about 10,000 persons. Procurement of preliminary work and the utilisation of the payed salaries, social security contributions, taxes, and profits secure more than further 25,000 jobs. It can be assumed that a substitution of masonry by other building materials is not possible in the near term, since the masonry has increased its market share in the past few years even slightly. Thereby the masonry participates in the added value based on the shell construction of buildings in the amount of 32.4 billion Euro, and in the employment of 480,000 working people. The expansion of these buildings leads to further added value in the amount of 39 billion Euro and further employment of 691,000 employees.

In the year 2016 in total, the construction of buildings with masonry has led to an overall economic added value amounting to more than 70 billion Euro and to an employment of about 1.17 million persons. Masonry products form the basis of this added value and employment, without which the construction of the buildings would not be possible.
Graue Energie von Einfamilienhäusern in Niedrigstenergie‐Gebäudestandard
Authors: Holm Andreas H. , Kagerer Florian
Published: April 2019

Until now, the standards framework for the energy‐related balancing of buildings has concentrated on the operating/use phase of the building by using energy consumption or demand values as the essential parameters. Energy used for the production of the building materials, the building of the building and finally any disposal required are not included. The German government therefore formulated the target in their climate protection plan 2050 [1], published at the end of 2016, to further the use of sustainable building and insulation materials. Climate protection aspects before and after the period of use, i.e. emissions caused by the production, processing and disposal or recycling of the building materials, were to be taken into account on the basis of freely available eco‐balance data. In addition, instruments for the greater integration of the lifecycle (”Cradle to Grave“ or ”Cradle to Cradle“) of building materials were to be investigated and included more in building design practice.
Get involved in campuswide fundraising efforts to support goals of institution, unit
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: April 2019

During President Mark B. Rosenberg's inauguration proceedings at Florida International University in 2009, the new leader announced an ambitious fundraising campaign. That's an unusual way to launch a campaign, said Howard Lipman, senior vice president of university advancement and chief executive officer of the FIU Foundation, who now leads the Next Horizon campaign, with a fundraising goal of $750 million.
Exenatide modulates visual cortex responses
Authors: Binda Paola , Eldor Roy , Huerta Claudia , Adams John , Lancaster John , Fox Peter , Del Prato Stefano , DeFronzo Ralph , Abdul‐Ghani Muhammad , Daniele Giuseppe
Published: April 2019

Background

Increasing evidence suggests that metabolism affects brain physiology. Here, we examine the effect of GLP‐1 on simple visual‐evoked functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) responses in cortical areas.

Methods

Lean (n = 10) and nondiabetic obese (n = 10) subjects received exenatide (a GLP‐1 agonist) or saline infusion, and fMRI responses to visual stimuli (food and nonfood images) were recorded. We analysed the effect of exenatide on fMRI signals across the cortical surface with special reference to the visual areas. We evaluated the effects of exenatide on the raw fMRI signal and on the fMRI signal change during visual stimulation (vs rest).

Results

In line with previous studies, we find that exenatide eliminates the preference for food (over nonfood) images present under saline infusion in high‐level visual cortex (temporal pole). In addition, we find that exenatide (vs saline) also modulates the response of early visual areas, enhancing responses to both food and nonfood images in several extrastriate occipital areas, similarly in obese and lean participants. Unexpectedly, exenatide increased fMRI raw signals (signal intensity during rest periods without stimulation) in a large occipital region, which were negatively correlated to BMI.

Conclusions

In both lean and obese individuals, exenatide affects neural processing in visual cortex, both in early visual areas and in higher order areas. This effect may contribute to the known effect of GLP1 analogues on food‐related behaviour.
Effects of sodium‐glucose cotransporter (SGLT) inhibitors in addition to insulin therapy on glucose control and safety outcomes in adults with type 1 diabetes: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Lu Jingli , Tang Lijuan , Meng Haiyang , Zhao Junjie , Liang Yan
Published: April 2019

Sodium‐glucose cotransporter (SGLT) inhibitors added to insulin therapy have been proposed as treatment strategy for type 1 diabetes (T1D). We thus conducted a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the efficacy and adverse effects of this combination in T1D. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases and ClinicalTrials.gov for RCTs. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA 15. Ten eligible placebo‐controlled trials involving 5961 patients were included. Compared with placebo, SGLT inhibitors were associated with a reduction in HbA1c of −0.39% (95% CI, −0.43 to −0.36), an improved mean amplitude of glucose excursion (MAGE) of −14.81 mg/dL (95% CI, −19.08 to −10.54), and a reduction in body weight of −3.47% (95% CI, −3.78 to −3.16), as well as no increased relative risk of hypoglycaemia (1.01; 95% CI, 0.99‐1.02) or severe hypoglycaemia (0.91; 95% CI, 0.77‐1.07). SGLT inhibitors decreased fasting plasma glucose and insulin requirement but increased the risk of genital infection (3.57; 95% CI, 2.97‐4.29) and diabetic ketoacidosis (3.11; 95% CI, 2.11‐4.58). However, the very low dose empagliflozin (2.5 mg) did not increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (risk ratio [RR] 0.67; 95% CI, 0.11‐3.95). SGLT inhibitors had no effect on overall adverse events, urinary tract infection, or bone fracture but slightly increased the risk of serious adverse events (1.35; 95% CI, 1.16‐1.58), severe adverse events (1.84; 95% CI, 1.20‐2.84), adverse events leading to discontinuation (1.50; 95% CI, 1.22‐1.84), drug‐related adverse events (1.78; 95% CI, 1.44‐2.19), and diarrhoea (1.54; 95% CI, 1.15‐2.05). Although adverse events exist, the available data provide evidence that the combination of SGLT inhibitors with basal insulin treatment is beneficial in patients with T1D.
Fine‐root decomposition characteristics of four typical shrubs in sandy areas of an arid and semiarid alpine region in western China
Authors: He Ling‐Xianzi , Jia Zhi‐Qing , Li Qing‐Xue , Feng Li‐Li , Yang Kai‐Yue
Published: April 2019

Background and aims

Research into the variability of fine‐root decomposition and nutrient cycling processes in arid and semiarid ecosystems is highly significant not only for investigations of regional and global carbon and nitrogen cycling but also for offering a theoretical basis for vegetation restoration and reconstruction. In particular, information is limited on fine‐root decomposition processes and nutrient releasing characteristics in the high‐altitude Qinghai Gonghe basin, which has different tree species and variable fine‐root diameters.

Materials and methods

Four types of Salicaceae and Caragana shrubs were selected at the Qinghai Gonghe desert ecosystem research station. The litterbag method was adopted to measure decomposition rates of fine‐roots with three diameter classes (1–2 mm, 0.5–1 mm, and 0–0.5 mm). Chemical analysis was performed to determine nutrient (C, N, P, and K) concentrations of fine‐root, and nutrient release rates were compared among fine‐roots with different diameters during different decomposition periods. The differences in mass residual ratio and nutrient release rate among different diameter classes were studied with one‐way ANOVA.

Results

Fine‐root decomposition rates were in the order Caragana intermedia > Caragana korshinskii > Salix psammophila > Salix cheilophila. Fine‐root decomposition showed a trend of “fast‐slow‐fast” variation, and decomposition rate increased as the diameter of fine‐roots increased, irrespective of tree species. During the decomposition process, the nutrients C, N, and P of fine‐root were in a release state for the four shrubs with different fine‐root diameters, and the corresponding release rates of Caragana shrubs were higher than those of Salicaceae shrubs. Release rates of nutrients C and N accelerated as fine‐root diameter increased, whereas release rates of nutrients P and K had no observed relation with fine‐root diameter. Fine‐root decomposition ratio was significantly correlated with initial values of N, P, C/N, C/P, and N/P of fine‐root. Fine‐root mass loss ratio was significantly correlated with initial concentration of soil nutrient K, and the correlation was positive for fine‐roots with diameters of 0–0.5 mm and 0.5–1 mm; however, no other significant correlation was observed between fine‐root mass loss ratio and initial soil environmental factors within this study.

Conclusions

Our study showed that tree species and fine‐root diameter strongly affected decomposition rates, whereas diameter class exerted little effect on nutrient release rates.
The life history with seasonal migration of the lacustrine shrimpPalaemon paucidensin an ancient lake in Japan
Authors: Wu Qianqian , Takami Yasuoki , Minamoto Toshifumi , Ishikawa Toshiyuki
Published: April 2019

The lacustrine shrimpPalaemon paucidensundertakes seasonal migration between shallow waters in spring and summer to deep waters in autumn and winter in Lake Biwa in Japan. Previous studies hypothesized that the migration to deep waters was for hibernation. The findings of this study oppose this hypothesis. We showed thatP. paucidensis physiologically active in deep waters during winter; that the carbon stable isotope ratio indicated that the species forages in winter and that there was a difference in food sources between summer and winter; that lipid content was highest in January; and that gene expression activity (as measured by theRNA/DNAratio) remained constant throughout the year. Thus,P. paucidensindividuals that migrate to the bottom are likely to forage in winter, but do not hibernate. Nutrients gained in winter were not reflected in individual growth but may have been allocated to gonadal growth and the production of gametes, suggesting that winter foraging by this species in deep sites contributes to obtain resources for reproductive investment. In addition, we found that both small individuals with no reproductive experience and relatively large females with reproductive experience overwintered, indicating thatP. paucidenshas a life‐cycle that is longer than 1 yr in Lake Biwa.
Decline of an ecotone forest: 50 years of demography in the southern boreal forest
Authors: Birch Joseph D. , Lutz James A. , Hogg E. H. , Simard Suzanne W. , Pelletier Rick , LaRoi George H. , Karst Justine
Published: April 2019

Variation in tree recruitment, mortality, and growth can alter forest community composition and structure. Because tree recruitment and mortality events are generally infrequent, long‐time scales are needed to confirm trends in forests. We performed a 50‐yr demographic census of a forest plot located on the southern edge of the Canadian boreal forest, a region currently experiencing forest die‐back in response to direct and indirect effects of recent severe droughts. Here, we show that over the last 30 yr biomass, basal area, growth, and recruitment have decreased along with a precipitous rise in mortality across the dominant tree species. The stand experienced periods of drought in combination with multiple outbreaks of forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria) and bark beetles. These insect disturbances interacted to increase mortality rates within the stand and decrease stand density. The interaction of endogenous and exogenous factors may shift forests in this region onto novel successional trajectories with the possibility of changes in regional vegetation type.
Assessing the clinical utility of the diabetes eating problem survey‐revised (DEPS‐R) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ryman Brianna , MacIsaac Jenna , Robinson Tracy , Miller Michael R. , Herold Gallego Patricia
Published: April 2019

Objective

Eating disorders are prevalent among adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). We examined the clinical utility of the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey‐Revised (DEPS‐R), a brief self‐report questionnaire developed for patients with T1D, to identify at‐risk adolescents. We aimed to determine whether a positive DEPS‐R screen was predictive of a formal diagnosis of an eating disorder as per the DSM‐V. In addition, we assessed whether other variables including psychosocial characteristics and diabetes conflict were associated with an abnormal DEPS‐R screen.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study of 116 T1D adolescents aged 12‐17 years. All participants completed the DEPS‐R screening; both participants and parents completed a questionnaire addressing psychosocial characteristics/conflict around diabetes management. Clinical variables were obtained from participant charts. Differences were examined between positive and negative DEPS‐R groups. Adolescents who screened positive were offered a referral to a specialized eating disorder team for further assessment.

Results

From 116 participants (mean age ± SD = 14.6 years ± 1.56), 21% (24/116) scored positive for DEPS‐R More females than males had abnormal DEPS‐R (75% vs 25%, P = 0.001). Those with positive DEPS‐R score had higher HbA1c% (mean = 9.3 ± 1.3 vs 8.3 ± 1.2, P = 0.001). Positive DEPS‐R group had higher conflict score for diabetes management in both parents’ and children's assessments (both ps < 0.001). In regression analysis, being female (OR males = 0.07, 95%CI: 0.010‐0.46, P = 0.006), older (OR = 2.01, 95%CI: 1.16‐3.48, P = 0.040) and > child‐reported conflict (OR = 1.78, 95%CI: 1.02‐3.11, P = 0.044) were predictors of an abnormal DEPS‐R score.

Conclusion

The DEPS‐R score is a useful clinical tool for identifying T1D adolescents at risk for disordered eating behaviour, but has a low positive predictive value (PPV) for identifying adolescents who meet diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder. Female gender, suboptimal diabetes control and increased conflict in diabetes management are associated with an abnormal DEPS‐R score.
Optimal stopping of Brownian motion with broken drift
Authors: Mordecki Ernesto , Salminen Paavo
Published: April 2019

We solve an optimal stopping problem where the underlying diffusion is Brownian motion on with a positive piecewise constant drift changing at zero. It is assumed that the drift μ1 on the negative side is smaller than the drift μ2 on the positive side. The main observation is that if , then there exist values of the discounting parameter for which it is not optimal to stop in the vicinity of zero where the drift changes. However, when the discounting gets larger, the stopping region becomes connected and contains zero. This is in contrast with results concerning optimal stopping of skew Brownian motion where the skew point is for all values of the discounting parameter in the continuation region in case the skew parameter is bigger than 1/2. In all cases, a practical implementation of these optimal stopping strategies, based on hitting times of boundaries of continuation regions, would require access to the highest‐possible frequency data which is consistent with the continuous‐time modeling framework.
Do quality improvements in assisted reproduction technology increase patient numbers in a managed competition setting?
Authors: Stadhouders Niek W. , Kremer Jan A.M. , Jeurissen Patrick P.T. , Tanke Marit A.C.
Published: April 2019

In a system of managed competition, selective contracting and patient choice reward providers for quality improvements through increases in patient numbers and revenue. We research whether these mechanisms function as envisioned by investigating the relationship between quality improvements and patient numbers in assisted reproduction technology in the Netherlands. Success rate improvements primarily reduce volume as fewer secondary treatments are necessary, but this can be compensated by attracting new patients. Using nationwide registry data from 1996 to 2016, we find limited evidence that high‐quality clinics attract new patients, and insufficiently as to compensate for the reduction in secondary treatments. The net effect of quality increases appears to be a small decline in revenue. Therefore, we conclude that patient choice and active purchasing reward quality improvements insufficiently. Nevertheless, clinics have improved quality drastically over the last years, showing that financial incentives are perhaps less important factors for quality improvements than factors such as intrinsic motivation and professional autonomy.
Prevalence of fibromyalgia among women with deep infiltrating endometriosis
Authors: Coloma Jose Luis , Martínez‐Zamora Maria‐Angeles , Collado Antonio , Gràcia Meritxell , Rius Mariona , Quintas Lara , Carmona Francisco
Published: April 2019

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of fibromyalgia among women with endometriosis and analyze the effect of fibromyalgia on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods

An observational case–control study conducted at a tertiary hospital in Barcelona between April 2015 and March 2017 among women with deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE; n=80), women with superficial endometriosis or ovarian endometrioma (non‐DIE; n=76), and control women without endometriosis (n=73). Fibromyalgia was assessed via the London Fibromyalgia Epidemiological Study Screening Questionnaire (LFESSQ). HRQoL was evaluated with the 36‐Item Short Form (SF‐36) questionnaire. The impact of fibromyalgia and other clinical characteristics was assessed by multivariate regression analysis.

Results

More women fulfilled the criteria for fibromyalgia in the DIE group than in the non‐DIE and control groups by LFESSQ‐4 (31 [39%], 12 [16%], and 6 [8%], respectively; P=0.009) and LFESSQ‐6 (22 [28%], 8 [11%], and 4 [5%], respectively; P=0.008). The DIE group reported significantly poorer HRQoL for all SF‐36 dimensions. Women with DIE who fulfilled the criteria for fibromyalgia had lower physical component scores (−31.6; 95% confidence interval, −50.8 to −12.3; P=0.003).

Conclusion

The estimated prevalence of fibromyalgia was higher among women with DIE. Women with DIE and positive fibromyalgia screening had lower HRQoL.
Contrast enhancement of medical images using fuzzy set theory and nonsubsampled shearlet transform
Authors: Qingrong Guo , Zhenhong Jia , Jie Yang , Kasabov Nikola
Published: April 2019

Noises and artifacts are introduced in medical images during the process of imaging and transmission, resulting in reduced definition and lack of detail. Therefore, a contrast enhancement method, based on fuzzy set theory and nonsubsampled shearlet transform (NSST), is proposed. First, the original image is decomposed into several high‐frequency components and a low‐frequency component by NSST. Then, the threshold method is used to remove noises in the high‐frequency components. In addition, a linear stretch is used to improve the overall contrast in the low‐frequency component. Then, the reconstruct image is reconstructed by applying the inverse NSST to the processed high‐frequency and low‐frequency components. Finally, the fuzzy contrast is used to improve the detail information and global contrast in the reconstruct image. Experimental results indicate that, relative to contrast algorithms, the peak signal‐to‐noise ratio of the proposed method is improved by approximately 18%, and the root mean square error (RMSE) is optimized to approximately 48%. The proposed method also improves the image definition and texture information. Moreover, when compared with the Improved Fuzzy Contrast Combined Adaptive Threshold in NSCT for Medical Image Enhancement, the processing time (time) of this proposed method optimizes about 86%, which can obviously improve the computational efficiency of this method.
Examining the effects of group‐based instruction on emergent second‐language skills in young children
Authors: May Richard , Chick Joanna , Manuel Samantha , Jones Rachel
Published: April 2019

The present study evaluated the emergence of second‐language intraverbals in typically developing young children following a small‐group teaching intervention. Choral responding was employed with a group of 6 primary school children (5‐6 years old) to teach first‐language tacts (e.g., “What is this in English?” [“Hospital”]) and related second‐language tacts (e.g., “What is this in Welsh?” [“Ysbyty”]). A multiple‐probe design across stimulus sets was used to evaluate subsequent emergence of untrained first‐to‐second‐language derived intraverbals (e.g., “What is hospital in Welsh?” [“Ysbyty”]) and untrained second‐to‐first‐language intraverbals (e.g.,”What is ysbyty in English?” [“Hospital”]). Data indicated that the choral responding intervention produced robust increases in derived intraverbal relations for 3 of the 6 participants.
Particle analysis of shape factors according to American Society for Testing and Materials
Authors: Schroeder Stefan , Braun Steffen , Mueller Ulrike , Sonntag Robert , Jaeger Sebastian , Kretzer Jan Philippe
Published: April 2019

Polyethylene wear is one of the major factors influencing the survivorship of joint replacements. Depending on the number, size and morphology of the polyethylene particles, biological responses of the periprosthetic soft tissue in terms of inflammatory processes can occur, leading to loosening of the implant. Various parameters are used to analyze wear particles, which are usually determined by examining scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images with a particle analysis program. In this study, three different software solutions for particle analysis (self‐developed Particleanalyzer_HD, Leica QWin and ImageJ) were compared regarding particle number, size and morphology. These solutions were also compared to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F1877‐16 specifications regarding particle morphology. SEM image analysis revealed no differences for the equivalent circle diameter (p = 0.969). However, a significant difference was found for the aspect ratio between the Particleanalyzer_HD and the other two software solutions (p < 0.001) and between Leica QWin and the other two software solutions regarding the roundness (p < 0.001). Only the Particleanalyzer_HD showed an excellent agreement with the ASTM standard for both morphology parameters (intraclass correlation = 1.000). Only the Particleanalyzer_HD calculated the two morphology parameters according to the ASTM standard. A comparison of the particle morphology between different studies is barely possible, as different algorithms for particle analysis are used. It is strongly recommended that the calculation according to the ASTM standard is used to improve future comparability of findings from wear analysis studies. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 108B:225–233, 2020.
Clinical background factors affecting outcomes of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy in primary care
Authors: Yokota Nozomi , Ae Ryusuke , Amenomori Masaki , Kitagawa Koji , Nakamura Takuya , Yokota Tetsuro , Masato Kato , Sasahara Teppei , Matsubara Yuri , Kosami Koki , Nakamura Yoshikazu
Published: April 2019

Objective

Few studies have reported the influence of clinical background factors on the outcome of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy in primary care practice. We aimed to determine which clinical background factors influence the outcome of eradication therapy in a primary care setting.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of patients who received H pylori eradication therapy at Higashiohmi City Gamo Medical Center, Shiga, Japan, from January 2012 to December 2015. We investigated clinical background factors associated with success, failure, and self‐interruption of H pylori eradication therapy: patients’ age, gender, first‐ or second‐line treatment, reasons for receiving gastroenterological endoscopic examination, method of drug administration, and attending physicians’ age and their specialties.

Results

There were 369 patients (208 females, 161 male), with a mean age of 59 years (range 30‐88 years). The middle‐aged group (50‐69 years) was associated with successful eradication therapy compared with the young group (30‐49 years). The elderly group (>70 years) was associated with eradication therapy failure compared with the middle‐aged group. The young group was associated with self‐interruption of eradication therapy. There was a marginally significant association between male patients and self‐interruption. Older attending physicians (>50 years) were also associated with failure compared with younger physicians. There was no difference in outcome of eradication therapy between generalists and gastroenterology specialists.

Conclusion

We have identified clinical factors associated with success, failure, and self‐interruption of H pylori eradication therapy in a primary care setting.
Surveillance for colorectal cancer and chemoprevention in ulcerative and Crohn's colitis: The need for clinical strategies to increase effectiveness
Authors: Farrukh Affifa , Mayberry John F
Published: April 2019

This review considers why current strategies for surveillance and the prevention of colorectal cancer as a long‐term complication are ineffective. The role of endoscopists, pathologists, and patients are investigated. Colorectal cancer is linked to poor compliance with therapy, and attention may be better directed at improving adherence to treatment than strengthening current surveillance programs. Clearly, 5‐ASA compounds, particularly mesalazine, are the most appropriate agents to choose, but there may also be a place for the daily intake of folic acid. Currently, the evidence in support of ursodeoxycholic acid is mixed, and it cannot be recommended, in general, to patients for the prophylaxis of colorectal cancer risk. An alternative approach through better concordance with medications is considered. The situation in Crohn's colitis is less clear. Although the risk of colorectal cancer mirrors that in ulcerative colitis, there are no published community‐based studies that exclusively assess the effects of surveillance on the early detection of cancer, and the benefits of 5‐ASA compounds in treatment seem less certain than in ulcerative colitis. In addition, there have been no assessments of the effects of any medications on cancer risk in Crohn's disease.
Validation of In Vivo Linear and Volumetric Wear Measurement for Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Using Model‐Based Radiostereometric Analysis
Authors: Van de Kleut Madeleine L , Yuan Xunhua , Athwal George S. , Teeter Matthew G.
Published: April 2019

Presently, polyethylene wear measurement of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is restricted to in vitro, in silico, and retrieval analysis, with no method for the quantification of in vivo wear of well‐functioning implants. The purpose of this study was to validate the use of model‐based radiostereometric analysis (MBRSA) as a measurement tool for in vivo rTSA wear using a phantom setup. Six additively manufactured polyethylene inserts were fabricated, one unworn control and five to represent known wear patterns, and individually fit within the rTSA components. Each insert was imaged using standard radiostereometric techniques and analyzed using MBRSA. From the position and orientation estimation provided by MBRSA, a micro‐computed tomography model of the control insert was virtually placed within the metaphyseal tray. The apparent intersection of the glenosphere into the insert was recorded as wear. This method enables wear measurements with a linear precision of 0.21 mm and a bias of 0.36 ± 0.13 mm, and a volumetric precision of 49.3 mm3, with a bias of 48.9 ± 24.3 mm3. This technique allows for the in vivo measurement of polyethylene wear without the requirement of marker beads or baseline radiographs, expanding the potential for in vivo wear measurements to larger populations and retrospective analysis. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1620–1627, 2019.