bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient intestinal colonization by a live-attenuated oral cholera vaccine induces protective immune responses in streptomycin-treated mice
Authors: Fakoya Bolutife , Sit Brandon , Waldor Matthew K.
Published: May 2020

Current mouse models for evaluating the efficacy of live oral cholera vaccines (OCVs) have important limitations. Conventionally raised adult mice are resistant to intestinal colonization byVibrio cholerae,but germ-free mice can be colonized and have been used to study OCV immunogenicity. However, germ free animals have impaired immune systems and intestinal physiology; also, live OCVs colonize germ free mice for many months, which does not mimic the clearance kinetics of live OCVs in humans. Here, we leverage antibiotic-treated, conventionally raised adult mice to study the effects of transient intestinal colonization by a live OCVV. choleraestrain. In a single dose vaccination regimen, we found that HaitiV, a live-attenuated OCV candidate, was cleared by streptomycin treated adult mice within a week after oral inoculation. This transient colonization elicited far stronger adaptive immune correlates of protection against cholera than did inactivated whole-cell HaitiV. Infant mice from HaitiV vaccinated dams were also significantly protected from choleric disease than pups from inactivated-HaitiV dams. Our findings establish the benefits of antibiotic treated mice for live OCV studies as well as its limitations and underscore the immunogenicity of HaitiV.

Importance

Oral cholera vaccines (OCVs) are being deployed to combat cholera but current killed OCVs require multiple doses and show little efficacy in young children. Live OCVs have the potential to overcome these limitations but small animal models for testing OCVs have shortcomings. We used an antibiotic treatment protocol for conventional adult mice to study the effects of short-term colonization by a single dose of HaitiV, a live OCV candidate. Vaccinated mice developed vibriocidal antibodies againstV. choleraeand delivered pups that were resistant to cholera, whereas mice vaccinated with inactivated HaitiV did not. These findings demonstrate HaitiV’s immunogenicity and suggest that this antibiotic treatment protocol will be useful for evaluating the efficacy of live OCVs.
Exploring dimension-reduced embeddings with Sleepwalk
Authors: Ovchinnikova Svetlana , Anders Simon
Published: May 2020

Dimension-reduction methods, such as t-SNE or UMAP, are widely used when exploring high-dimensional data describing many entities, for example, RNA-seq data for many single cells. However, dimension reduction is commonly prone to introducing artifacts, and we hence need means to see where a dimension-reduced embedding is a faithful representation of the local neighborhood and where it is not. We present Sleepwalk, a simple but powerful tool that allows the user to interactively explore an embedding, using color to depict original or any other distances from all points to the cell under the mouse cursor. We show how this approach not only highlights distortions but also reveals otherwise hidden characteristics of the data, and how Sleepwalk's comparative modes help integrate multisample data and understand differences between embedding and preprocessing methods. Sleepwalk is a versatile and intuitive tool that unlocks the full power of dimension reduction and will be of value not only in single-cell RNA-seq but also in any other area with matrix-shaped big data.
Hard X-ray phase-contrast-enhanced micro-CT for quantifying interfaces within brittle dense root-filling-restored human teeth
Authors: Prates Soares Ana , Blunck Uwe , Bitter Kerstin , Paris Sebastian , Rack Alexander , Zaslansky Paul
Published: May 2020

Bonding of resin composite fillings, for example following root-canal treatment, is a challenge because remaining gaps grow and lead to failure. Here, phase-contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography (PCE-CT) is used to explore methods of non-destructive quantification of the problem, so that countermeasures can be devised. Five human central incisors with damaged crowns were root-filled followed by restoration with a dental post. Thereafter, the crowns were rebuilt with a resin composite that was bonded conventionally to the tooth with a dental adhesive system (Futurabond U). Each sample was imaged by PCE-CT in a synchrotron facility (ID19, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility) with a pixel size of 650 nm. The reconstructed datasets from each sample were segmented and analysed in a semi-automated manner usingImageJ. PCE-CT at sub-micrometre resolution provided images with an impressive increased contrast and detail when compared with laboratory micro-computed tomography. The interface between the dental adhesive and the tooth was often strongly disrupted by the presence of large debonded gaps (on average 34% ± 15% on all surfaces). The thickness of the gaps spanned 2 µm to 16 µm. There was a large variability in the distribution of gaps within the bonding area in each sample, with some regions around the canal exhibiting up to 100% discontinuity. Although only several micrometres thick, the extensive wide gaps may serve as gateways to biofilm leakage, leading to failure of the restorations. They can also act as stress-raising `cracks' that are likely to expand over time in response to cyclic mechanical loading as a consequence of mastication. The observations here show how PCE-CT can be used as a non-destructive quantitative tool for understanding and improving the performance of clinically used bonded dental restorations.
Electronic stabilization by occupational disorder in the ternary bismuthide Li3–x–y
In
x
Bi (x ≃ 0.14, y ≃ 0.29)
Authors: Ovchinnikov Alexander , Bobev Svilen
Published: May 2020

A ternary derivative of Li3Bi with the composition Li3–x–y
In
x
Bi (x ≃ 0.14, y ≃ 0.29) was produced by a mixed In+Bi flux approach. The crystal structure adopts the space group Fd\overline{3}m (No. 227), with a = 13.337 (4) Å, and can be viewed as a 2 × 2 × 2 superstructure of the parent Li3Bi phase, resulting from a partial ordering of Li and In in the tetrahedral voids of the Bi fcc packing. In addition to the Li/In substitutional disorder, partial occupation of some Li sites is observed. The Li deficiency develops to reduce the total electron count in the system, counteracting thereby the electron doping introduced by the In substitution. First-principles calculations confirm the electronic rationale of the observed disorder.
Uncertainty representation and information measurement of grey numbers
Authors: Chen Nanlei , Xie Naiming
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an uncertainty representation and information measurement method for characterizing grey numbers, estimating their internal laws and solving how to generate them based on available information data in the real world.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper attempts to present a new mathematical methodology in the field of grey numbers. The generalized grey number is defined at first with the concept of information elements and information samples. Then, the probability function of a grey number is proposed to describe the internal law of the grey number. By finding the feasible information elements from information samples, the probability calculation method for the true value of a grey number is presented. Finally, some numerical examples and comparisons are carried out to assess the efficiency and performance.

Findings

The results show that the uncertainty representation and information measurement method is effective in characterizing and quantifying grey numbers based on available information data.

Practical implications

Uncertain information is widespread in practical applications. In this manuscript, the grey number is represented and its information is measured through some existing data in discrete or interval forms, which provides a grey information concept that utilizes information elements to represent uncertainty in the real world.

Originality/value

The proposal presents a novel data-driven method to generate a grey number representation from available data rather than the classical whitening weight function constructed from experience, and the dynamic evolution process of a grey number is measured by the increase of information samples.
Measuring corporate social responsibility in Islamic banking: what matters?
Authors: Zafar Muhammad Bilal , Sulaiman Ahmad Azam
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper begins with a challenge to explore the scope and dimensions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Islamic banking and design a CSR disclosure index, which may gauge the level of CSR disclosure in Islamic banking.

Design/methodology/approach

It adopts a two-fold approach to develop the CSR disclosure index for Islamic banking, such as “identification” and “prioritization.” In the ambit of identification, it relies on the existing literature related to CSR and Islamic banking. However, it undertakes analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method for prioritization through the sample of 104 experts related to Islamic banking of Pakistan.

Findings

It concludes the CSR index for Islamic banking contains five dimensions, including 79 items across 20 sub-dimensions. The results of AHP indicate that the CSR dimensions are important forShariahgovernance, employee, community, customer and environment. Moreover, within dimensions, the most important sub-dimensions areShariahcompliance, customer service and quality, green investing/banking, customer relationship, training and development and poverty alleviation.

Practical implications

The CSR disclosure index of this study has important implications for academicians, such as it paves the ways for further investigations and practical usage of index to gauge the level CSR disclosure of Islamic banking. Moreover, it delineates the spectrum of responsibilities for managers of Islamic banking under the domain of CSR.

Originality/value

The proposed CSR disclosure index is comprehensive and stresses on the social responsibility of Islamic banking toward stakeholders. In nutshell, this study offers what is expected from the practitioners of Islamic banking in the domain of social responsibility.
Be close or stay away: the interactive effect of loneliness and information frameworks on consumer's anthropomorphic product preference
Authors: Li Shihao , Zhang Hongxia , Wang Xuefang , Fu Guoqun
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This article investigated the relationship between loneliness and anthropomorphic products.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted three studies to examine their hypotheses.

Findings

The authors confirmed that highly lonely people would like to seek for social relationship. What's more, they may try to compensate by creating a sense of connection with nonhuman products so they will prefer anthropomorphic products. Further, the authors demonstrated that information framework can moderate this effect. Highly lonely consumers would increase their preference to anthropomorphic product under promotion-focus information, whereas they would decrease their preference to anthropomorphic product under prevention-focus information. These effects do not exist in lowly lonely consumers. At the same time, the authors demonstrate that the effect is mediated by perceived social connection.

Originality/value

This article contributes to loneliness literature in the consumer behavior field and proves the moderation effect of the information framework, which can deepen our understanding of the relationship between loneliness and anthropomorphic products.
Labor demographics and productivity: all-star roster turnover and foreigners
Authors: Schmidt Martin B.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Talent compression is the labor market phenomenon where the average productivity differential between participants declines and has been used to explain the overall increase in competition within some professional sports markets. A finding that competitiveness is uniquely driven by talent compression is consistent with Rottenberg (1956), who argued that resource distribution is independent of factors that are invariant to labor productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

Rather than incorporate MLB team roster turnover as many of the past studies have done, we prefer to measure of all-star turnover in membership. Problematically, movement from an MLB team to an MLB team is limited by rule, finances and the fact that there are very few teams competing for player services. In contrast, All-Star membership is typically costlessly chosen by many millions of fans, league players and managers. In this way, All-Star voting should be invariant to many of the factors that affect movement from an MLB team to an MLB team.

Findings

In the end, we find that a close association between all-star turnover rates and the makeup of MLB’s labor pool.

Originality/value

The paper offers a new measure of player mobility.
De-escalation strategies for kleptocracy in Nigeria’s oil sector
Authors: Das Vasudev
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this qualitative case study is to explore strategies for the de-escalation of kleptocracy in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The author used a qualitative case study to facilitate the generation of data from eight research participants in semi-structured open-ended interviews.

Findings

The themes that emerged from analysis of interview transcriptions were high self-control, traditional African oath of office, whistleblowing, stiffer penalties for corrupt officials, education and training, self-regulation and sonic therapeutic intervention.

Research limitations/implications

Interviewees might withhold information regarding their insights on strategies for de-escalating kleptocracy. That was beyond my control.

Practical implications

The study results provided leaders with insightful comprehension of anti-kleptocracy policy in the oil and gas industry. Therefore, leaders would benefit and advance their decision-making process on the development and implementation of an anti-kleptocracy strategy to revamp the financial value of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.

Social implications

The results of the study have the potential to contribute to positive social change by enlightening government leaders and anti-corruption agencies on strategies to de-escalate kleptocracy in the oil and gas industry.

Originality/value

The study’s uniqueness enabled filling the gap in financial crime literature as well as an added value to the applied management and decision sciences domain.
How prepared are Myanmar's health care professionals in their response to gender-based violence?
Authors: Ei Aye Nyein , Chuemchit Montakarn
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Gender-based violence (GBV) has negative impact on the health and well-being of the survivors. The initial response can lessen the magnitude of the effect, and thus the health care sector's readiness to respond to GBV cases is important. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude and its association to practice regarding GBV response among health care personnel.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 48 public hospitals in Yangon, Myanmar, involving 398 participants including doctors and nurses, by a self-administered structured questionnaire.

Findings

Among 398 participants, most of the participants had moderate level of knowledge, attitude and supportive environmental factors. Only 12.8% had experienced GBV management. The respondents with a bachelor's degree were more likely to practice on health care management towards GBV cases than those who finished with a diploma degree. The medical officers and senior medical officers were more likely to practice than the junior nurses. The participants who had already attended the trainings had more practice than those who had not. Those who work in the regional hospitals were less likely to practice than those who work in the station-level hospital.

Originality/value

This paper explored the associated factors to health care personnel's practice of health care management towards GBV survivors in Myanmar which contains information about knowledge, attitude and supportive environmental factors. The study results can be used for a supportive data for health system strengthening the response of GBV cases in Myanmar.
Deep-level diversity and workgroup creativity: the role of creativity climate
Authors: Tripathi Nachiketa , Ghosh Vinit
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the effect of perceived “self-to-team” deep-level diversity on team’s creative output from a social identity lens’ view.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental study was designed (n= 30 in each experimental condition, namely, homogeneous, heterogeneous and mixed) and vignettes were used to manipulate the experimental conditions. Employees from four Indian organizations participated in the experimental study.

Findings

Results indicated that deep-level homogeneous group perceived higher team creative output as compared to the deep-level heterogeneous group. Perceived team creativity climate was found to mediate the effect of team diversity on team’s creative output. Further, it was observed that the quality of perceived creativity climate (positive and negative) moderated the relationship between diversity and team’s creative output.

Practical implications

The diversity–climate–creativity model presented in the paper may help managers to understand how “deep-level” group composition affects a group’s creative performance. The findings of this study may act as a platform for building effective diversity management policies.

Originality/value

The current research has contributed to the limited team diversity and creativity literature. Based on the experimental study, the paper has uniquely investigated team diversity and creativity link along with examining the role of a mediator (creativity climate) and moderator (quality climate) in the relationship. As the study was conducted in Indian settings, the findings were interpreted based on the typical Indian psycho-social characteristics.
The future of health tourism in the industrial revolution 4.0 era
Authors: Wong Brian Kee Mun , Sa’aid Hazley Sarah Alia
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The technological advances in the Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0 era escalate the advancement of the healthcare industry, including the health tourism phenomenon. Based on the current trend in connected health care (e.g. mobile healthcare technology; digital health, etc.), this paper aims to propose that the distance between healthcare providers around the globe and its potential patients can be vastly reduced to almost on a real time basis.

Design/methodology/approach

A secondary literature review is conducted to identify the key development of IR 4.0 technologies in the healthcare industry and its possible trend leading the health tourism sector.

Findings

The adoption of IR 4.0 technologies is expected to make seeking treatments overseas more affordable, accessible and health records readily available on a real-time and secured basis. However, it is worth to note that the growth of health tourism raises the eyebrows of society from the security, social and economic perspectives.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to our understanding that the emergence of IR 4.0 technologies changes the landscape of the health care and health tourism industry. Continuous technology advancement is expected to further shape the future trend and escalate the commercialization aspect of the health tourism industry.
Prevalence of depression and associated factors among hemodialyzed patients in Jazan area, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Othayq Asim , Aqeeli Abdulwahab
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of depression and associated risk factors among patients on hemodialysis in Jazan area, Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted on 211 randomly selected hemodialysis patients in Jazan area, Saudi Arabia, using an observational cross-sectional design. Patients were screened for depressive symptoms using the depression, anxiety and stress scale 42 (DASS-42). Descriptive statistics were used to present sociodemographic data. Multiple logistic regression was implemented to identify the predictors of depression. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS 22.0 software.

Findings

The study found the overall prevalence of depression among patients on hemodialysis to be 43.6 per cent. Of them, 12.8 per cent were mildly depressed, 15.6 per cent were moderately depressed and 15.1 per cent fell in the severe or extremely severe category. Depression was significantly associated with marital status, education level and the presence of sleep disturbances. The study indicates a high prevalence of depressive symptoms among patients on hemodialysis in Jazan. A higher rate of depressive symptoms was observed in currently unmarried, lower-educated patients and those with sleep disturbance.

Originality/value

Periodic evaluation of patients on hemodialysis for depression is needed to allow for early intervention.
Effect of the multiple projectile on the low-velocity impact response of CNTs reinforced beam
Authors: Qanber Ali Sadik Gafer , Alhusseini Raed Salman Saeed , Al-Kasob Bashar Dheyaa Hussein , Jasim Manar Hamid , Ranjbar Mehdi
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The main objective of this article is to develop a theoretical formulation for predicting the response of CNTs reinforced beam under multiple impactors with general boundary conditions, using first-order shear deformation beam theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The rule of mixtures is implemented to derive the material properties of the beam. The nonlinear Hertz contact law is applied for simulation between impactors and the surface of the beam. A combination of approaches includes energy method, Ritz method and generalized Lagrange equations are used to extract the matrix form of equations of motion. The time-domain solution is obtained using implementing the well-known Runge Kutta 4th order method.

Findings

After examining the accuracy of the present method, the effects of the number of impactors include one impactor, and three impactors in various CNTs volume fraction are studied for CNTs reinforced beam with clamped-clamped, clamped-free and simply supported boundary conditions under the low-velocity impact. The most important finding of this article is that contact force and beam indentation at the middle of the beam in the case of one impactor are greater than those reported in the case of three impactors.

Originality/value

This article fulfills an identified need to study how CNTs reinforced beam behaviour with general boundary conditions under multiple low-velocity impacts can be enabled.
Measuring the influence of hospitality organizational climate on employee turnover tendency
Authors: Datta Amit
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to identify the underlying dimensions of hospitality organizational climate and then measure the influence of it on employee turnover tendency.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from 504 employees across 18 upscale hotels in India. Factor analysis was adopted to identify the organizational climate dimensions and its influence on turnover tendency was measured by SEM. One-way ANOVA tested the hypothesis related to the perceived differences among the employees regarding turnover intention.

Findings

Result supports the hypothesized relationship between the constructs that the identified organizational climate structure have strong inverse relationship with employee turnover tendency and its dimension “leaders facilitation and support” was found to influence turnover intention the most, followed by “cohesion, clarity and objectivity of system,” “esprit of profession, organization and workgroup” and “job challenge, variety and feedback.” Results also determined differences among the hotel employees of different job levels and gender regarding turnover tendency.

Practical implications

Study reveals that employee turnover tendency is predominantly influenced by the identified factors of organizational climate and more among the male frontline employees and attrition reduces with age and position. This knowledge will help the hotel's management in designing strategic HRM to control attrition.

Originality/value

This study is the first to establish an organizational climate measure of hotel industry in India and opens scope for future research. It also draws attention to the relationship of organizational climate with turnover tendency.
Making Fiscal Adjustments Using Event Probability Forecasts in OECD Countries
Authors: Lee Kevin , Ong Kian , Shields Kalvinder K.
Published: May 2020

This paper describes an approach to making fiscal policy decisions based on probabilistic statements on the likely occurrence of events as specified in a rules‐based framework for making fiscal adjustments. The event probability forecasts are obtained from a simple time series econometric model of the key variables influencing debt dynamics (interest rates, output and debt itself). The approach is applied to data for ten developed countries for 1956–2016 and the analysis demonstrates the importance of accommodating international linkages in forecasting, noting that failure to do so would have led to excessive fiscal cutbacks and austerity in recent years.
Feeding of pea leafminer larvae simultaneously activates jasmonic and salicylic acid pathways in plants to release a terpenoid for indirect defense
Authors: Yang Jun‐Nan , Wei Jia‐Ning , Kang Le
Published: May 2020

The pea leafminer, Liriomyza huidobrensis, is an important pest species affecting ornamental crops worldwide. Plant damage consists of oviposition and feeding punctures created by female adult flies as well as larva‐bored mines in leaf mesophyll tissues. How plants indirectly defend themselves from these two types of leafminer damage has not been sufficiently investigated. In this study, we compared the indirect defense responses of bean plants infested by either female adults or larvae. Puncturing of leaves by adults released green leaf volatiles and terpenoids, while larval feeding caused plants to additionally emit methyl salicylate and (E,E)‐4,8,12‐trimethyl‐1,3,7,11‐tridecatetraene (TMTT). Puncturing of plants by female adults induced increases in jasmonic acid (JA) and JA‐related gene expressions but reduced the expressions of salicylic acid (SA)‐related genes. In contrast, JA and SA and their‐related gene expression levels were increased significantly by larval feeding. The exogenous application of JA+SA significantly triggered TMTT emission, thereby significantly inducing the orientation behavior of parasitoids. Our study has confirmed that larval feeding can trigger TMTT emission through the activation of both JA and SA pathways to attract parasitoids; however, TMTT alone is less attractive than the complete blend of volatiles released by infested plants.
COVID‐19 Clinical trials: Quality matters more than quantity
Authors: Bonini Sergio , Maltese Giuseppe
Published: May 2020

Despite the ferment aroused in the scientific community by the COVID‐19 outbreak and the over 11,000 papers listed in PubMed, published evidence on safe and effective drugs has not progressed yet at the same speed of the pandemic. However, clinical research is rapidly progressing, as shown by the hundreds of registered clinical trials on candidate drugs for COVID‐19. Unfortunately, information on protocols of individual studies differs from registry to registry. Furthermore, study designs, criteria for stratification of patients and choice of outcomes are quite heterogeneous. All this makes data sharing and secondary analysis difficult. At last, small single centre studies and the use of drugs on a compassionate basis should be replaced by highly powered, multi‐centre, multi‐arm clinical trials, in order to provide the required evidence of safety and efficacy of novel or repurposed candidate drugs. Hopefully, the efforts of clinical researchers in the fight against the SARS Cov‐2 will result into the identification of effective treatments. To make this possible, clinical research should be oriented by guidelines for more harmonized high‐quality studies and by a united commitment of the scientific community to share personal knowledge and data. Allergists and clinical immunologists should have a leading role in this unprecedent challenge.
Optimisation of the organ donor and effects on transplanted organs: a narrative review on current practice and future directions
Authors: Bera K. D. , Shah A. , English M. R. , Harvey D. , Ploeg R. J.
Published: May 2020

Mortality remains high for patients on the waiting list for organ transplantation. A marked imbalance between the number of available organs and recipients that need to be transplanted persists. Organs from deceased donors are often declined due to perceived and actual suboptimal quality. Adequate donor management offers an opportunity to reduce organ injury and maximise the number of organs than can be offered in order to respect the donor's altruistic gift. The cornerstones of management include: correction of hypovolaemia; maintenance of organ perfusion; prompt treatment of diabetes insipidus; corticosteroid therapy; and lung protective ventilation. The interventions used to deliver these goals are largely based on pathophysiological rationale or extrapolations from general critical care patients. There is currently insufficient high‐quality evidence that has assessed whether any interventions in the donor after brain death may actually improve immediate post‐transplant function and long‐term graft survival or recipient survival after transplantation. Improvements in our understanding of the underlying mechanisms following brain death, in particular the role of immunological and metabolic changes in donors, offer promising future therapeutic opportunities to increase organ utilisation. Establishing a UK donor management research programme involves consideration of ethical, logistical and legal issues that will benefit transplanted patients while respecting the wishes of donors and their families.
Turn Digitalization and Automation to a Job Resource
Authors: Demerouti Evangelia
Published: May 2020

My aim with this commentary is to discuss my vision on what will determine its impact, building on Parker and Grote (2020). To my view, digitalization and automation can contribute to stimulating and “healthy” jobs, if (a) they are designed to support people’s work, (b) people are in control and can craft their use, (c) job resources are maximized and job demands are affordable, (d) the economic growth is shared among stakeholders, including employees, and (e) authorities protect employees and employment (conditions).
Development and validation of a questionnaire for evaluating knowledge of risk factors for teen depression among health care trainees of a Nigerian university
Authors: Anosike Chibueze , Isah Abdulmuminu , Igboeli Nneka U.
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Increasing knowledge of factors predisposing individuals to depression appears to be an important preventive strategy. However, there is no validated instrument for evaluating knowledge of risk factors for depression among adolescents. Therefore, we aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess knowledge of risk factors for teen depression.

Methods

Extensive literature search and expert consultations were carefully conducted. The content, face, and convergent validity of the prefinal Knowledge of Risk Factors for Teen Depression Questionnaire (KRFD‐Q) were performed. The Cronbach's alpha and test‐retest reliability of KRFD‐Q were conducted. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to delineate the final items into distinct clusters. Participants’ demographic characteristics were presented using descriptive statistics. All analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.

Results

A total of 17 items were generated after an extensive literature search and expert consultations. Two items were considered as repetitions and thus deleted. The overall Cronbach's alpha of KRFD‐Q was 0.72. Test‐retest reliability (r = 0.83, P < .0001) and convergent validity (r = 0.61, P = .034) were satisfactory. The corrected item‐total correlation of KRFD‐Q ranged from 0.13 to 0.45. The EFA identified three factors, (1) family abuse, stress, and self‐criticism (7 items), (2) social/relationship factors (5 items), and (3) genetic and economic factors (3 items).

Discussion

The findings of this study demonstrate that 15‐item KRFD‐Q developed is satisfactorily valid and reliable to measure the knowledge of risk factors for teen depression among university undergraduate students.
Insect diversity over 36 years at a protected Sierra Nevada (California) site: towards an evaluation of the insect apocalypse hypothesis
Authors: Rosenheim Jay A. , Ward Philip S.
Published: May 2020

Recent authors have suggested that declines of insect abundance or diversity, documented first for particular insect taxa of high interest (e.g., butterflies, bees), may apply to insect diversity more generally. This has led to an urgent call for analysis of additional longitudinal datasets to examine trends in general insect diversity.

Here we present a dataset gathered from 1982 to 2018 by advanced undergraduate students and graduate students enrolled in a taxonomy course that involved collecting as many insect families as possible over a 5‐week period at a high‐elevation protected forested site in the Sierra Nevada, California, USA.

The data do not support any consistent gain or loss of family‐level richness between 1982 and 2018 (no linear trend); a non‐linear model suggested a possible small decrease in family‐level richness collected between 1986 and 1990, followed by a gradual increase from 1990 to 2018. Neither weather variables nor collector experience or skill appeared to explain among‐year variation in collected insect diversity.

We urge caution in attempting to draw conclusions from single‐site, longitudinal datasets like this one; a definitive answer to the hypothesis of a broad, global decline of insect diversity will require the joint analysis of many datasets like the one we share here.
Continental‐scale tree‐ring‐based projection of Douglas‐fir growth: Testing the limits of space‐for‐time substitution
Authors: Klesse Stefan , DeRose Robert Justin , Babst Flurin , Black Bryan A. , Anderegg Leander D. L. , Axelson Jodi , Ettinger Ailene , Griesbauer Hardy , Guiterman Christopher H. , Harley Grant , Harvey Jill E. , Lo Yueh‐Hsin , Lynch Ann M. , O'Connor Christopher , Restaino Christina , Sauchyn Dave , Shaw John D. , Smith Dan J. , Wood Lisa , Villanueva‐Díaz Jose , Evans Margaret E. K.
Published: May 2020

A central challenge in global change research is the projection of the future behavior of a system based upon past observations. Tree‐ring data have been used increasingly over the last decade to project tree growth and forest ecosystem vulnerability under future climate conditions. But how can the response of tree growth to past climate variation predict the future, when the future does not look like the past? Space‐for‐time substitution (SFTS) is one way to overcome the problem of extrapolation: the response at a given location in a warmer future is assumed to follow the response at a warmer location today. Here we evaluated an SFTS approach to projecting future growth of Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), a species that occupies an exceptionally large environmental space in North America. We fit a hierarchical mixed‐effects model to capture ring‐width variability in response to spatial and temporal variation in climate. We found opposing gradients for productivity and climate sensitivity with highest growth rates and weakest response to interannual climate variation in the mesic coastal part of Douglas‐fir's range; narrower rings and stronger climate sensitivity occurred across the semi‐arid interior. Ring‐width response to spatial versus temporal temperature variation was opposite in sign, suggesting that spatial variation in productivity, caused by local adaptation and other slow processes, cannot be used to anticipate changes in productivity caused by rapid climate change. We thus substituted only climate sensitivities when projecting future tree growth. Growth declines were projected across much of Douglas‐fir's distribution, with largest relative decreases in the semiarid U.S. Interior West and smallest in the mesic Pacific Northwest. We further highlight the strengths of mixed‐effects modeling for reviving a conceptual cornerstone of dendroecology, Cook's 1987 aggregate growth model, and the great potential to use tree‐ring networks and results as a calibration target for next‐generation vegetation models.
Real‐world analysis of haemophilia patients in China: A single centre's experience
Authors: Song Xuewen , Liu Wei , Xue Feng , Zhong Jia , Yang Yifan , Liu Yi , Xie Jipan , Wu Eric , Zhang Lei , Shi Jun , Yang Renchi
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The management of haemophilia is critical to minimize the risk of disability and reduce the burden on China's healthcare system.

Aim

This study was based on a single centre in China and was conducted to understand the evolution of real‐world haemophilia care over the past 15 years.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and medical expenditures of 428 patients with haemophilia from January 2004 to December 2018 from the Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital in Tianjin, China.

Results

The delayed diagnosis time significantly decreased from 13.3 ± 5.1 years before 2004 to 0.4 ± 0.4 year in 2014‐2018 (P < .05). Among children and adults receiving prophylactic treatment, the annual factor consumption increased from 2004‐2008 (168.8 IU/kg in children and 120.7 IU/kg in adults) to 2009‐2013 (389.2 IU/kg in children and 316.2 IU/kg in adults) and 2014‐2018 (1328.0 IU/kg in children and 878.8 IU/kg in adults, P < .001). The annual medical insurance expenditure for haemophilia had increased steadily over the past 10 years. The number of patients tested regularly for inhibitors increased from 2004 (1.9% [2/105]) to 2018 (21.5% [59/275]). The seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) was 33.8% during the years examined, while the incidence rates of HCV among patients significantly decreased (7.3% in 2008 to 0.4% in 2018).

Conclusion

Significant improvements in the management of haemophilia were observed from 2004 to 2018. These results highlight the joint effort of the reimbursement policy and drug regulatory management paving the way for a better future for patients with haemophilia in China.
Mainstreaming public involvement in a complex research collaboration: A theory‐informed evaluation
Authors: Ward Fiona , Popay Jennie , Porroche‐Escudero Ana , Akeju Dorcas , Ahmed Saiqa , Cloke Jane , Khan Koser , Hassan Shaima , Khedmati‐Morasae Esmaeil
Published: May 2020

Introduction

There is an extensive literature on public involvement (PI) in research, but this has focused primarily on experiences for researchers and public contributors and factors enabling or restricting successful involvement in specific projects. There has been less consideration of a ‘whole system’ approach to embedding PI across an organization from governance structures through to research projects.

Objective

To investigate how a combination of two theoretical frameworks, one focused on mainstreaming and the other conceptualizing quality, can illuminate the embedding of positive and influential PI throughout a research organization.

Methods

The study used data from the evaluation of a large UK research collaboration. Primary data were collected from 131 respondents (including Public Advisers, university, NHS and local government staff) via individual and group interviews/workshops. Secondary sources included monitoring data and internal documents.

Findings

CLAHRC‐NWC made real progress in mainstreaming PI. An organizational vision and infrastructure to embed PI at all levels were created, and the number and range of opportunities increased; PI roles became more clearly defined and increasingly public contributors felt able to influence decisions. However, the aspiration to mainstream PI throughout the collaboration was not fully achieved: a lack of staff ‘buy‐in’ meant that in some areas, it was not experienced as positively or was absent.

Conclusion

The two theoretical frameworks brought a novel perspective, facilitating the investigation of the quality of PI in structures and processes across the whole organization. We propose that combining these frameworks can assist the evaluation of PI research.
Narrowband imaging with near‐focus magnification for discriminating the gastric tumor margin before endoscopic resection: A prospective randomized multicenter trial
Authors: Kim Jung‐Wook , Jung Yunho , Jang Jae‐Young , Kim Gwang Ha , Bang Byoung Wook , Park Jun Chul , Choi Hyuk Soon , Cho Jun‐Hyung ,   Research Group for Endoscopic Instruments and Stents of Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Published: May 2020

Background and Aim

This study investigated the usefulness of near‐focus narrowband imaging (NF‐NBI) for determining gastric tumor margins compared with indigo carmine chromoendoscopy (ICC) before endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).

Methods

This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted at seven teaching hospitals in Korea. Patients with gastric adenoma or differentiated adenocarcinoma undergoing ESD were enrolled and randomly assigned to the NF‐NBI or ICC group. A marking dot was placed on the most proximal margin of the tumor before ESD. The primary endpoint was delineation accuracy, which was defined as presence of marking dots within 1 mm of the tumor margin under microscopic observation.

Results

A total of 200 patients in the NF‐NBI group and 195 patients in the ICC group were included. The delineation accuracy rate was 84.5% in the NF‐NBI group and 81.0% in the ICC group (P = 0.44). However, the distance from the marking dot to the margin of the tumor was significantly shorter in the NF‐NBI group than in the ICC group (0.8 ± 0.8 vs 1.2 ± 1.3 mm, P < 0.01). Even after adjustment of other clinicopathological factors that are associated with difficulty of tumor delineation, NF‐NBI did not show significant association with accurate delineation (odds ratio of 0.86, P = 0.60).

Conclusions

This prospective multicenter study showed that NF‐NBI is not superior to ICC in terms of accurately delineating gastric tumors (NCT02661945).
Probe‐based confocal laser endomicroscopy for the diagnosis of pancreatic ductal structures
Authors: Nakaoka Kazunori , Hashimoto Senju , Kawabe Naoto , Nakano Takuji , Takamura Tomoki , Miyachi Sayuri , Mii Arisa , Fukui Aiko , Yoshioka Kentaro , Hirooka Yoshiki
Published: May 2020

Background and Aim

The image‐based diagnosis of pancreatic diseases can be difficult and requires pathological evaluation. Probe‐based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) enables real‐time observation of the microscopic tissue pattern of lesion and may be a useful assistance for the diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and utility of pCLE for the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases.

Methods

Thirty patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with pCLE for the evaluation of indeterminate pancreatic diseases from June 2015 to October 2018 were included in this study. The pCLE findings were interpreted according to the Miami Classification.

Results

Among a total of 30 patients, 12, 10, 4, and 4 patients received the definitive diagnoses of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), main duct intrapapillary mucinous neoplasm, autoimmune pancreatitis, and chronic pancreatitis, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of pCLE for PDAC and pancreatitis (96.7% and 93.3%, respectively) was higher than that of cytology (76.7% and 63.3%, respectively) (P = 0.0227 and 0.0048, respectively). The sensitivity of pCLE for PDAC was significantly higher (91.7%) than that of cytology (41.7%) (P = 0.0094). Moreover, the specificity of pCLE for pancreatitis was significantly higher than that of cytology (90.9% vs 50%; P = 0.0029). However, the diagnostic accuracies of pCLE and cytology for main duct intrapapillary mucinous neoplasm did not differ significantly (96.7% and 86.7%, respectively).

Conclusions

Probe‐based confocal laser endomicroscopy may be effective for the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases as adjunct modality. It requires technical learning and further evaluation of its usefulness.
Successful treatment of doughnut warts with intralesional Candida antigen immunotherapy
Authors: Nofal Ahmad , Fouda Ibrahim , Aboelwafa Hany , Fawzy Mohamed M.
Published: May 2020

Background

Doughnut warts, also called ring or annular warts, are a distinctive type of warts with central clearing and annular recurrence. There are very few studies illustrating this uncommon phenomenon and its treatment.

Aims

To present 15 cases of doughnut warts and evaluate the efficacy and safety of Candida antigen intralesional immunotherapy in their treatment.

Methods

The study included 15 patients presenting with doughnut warts who were previously treated with destructive modalities for their original warts. All patients were injected intralesionally by Candida antigen at a dose of 0.2 mL into the base of doughnut wart until complete clearance or for a maximum of 5 sessions.

Results

Complete clearance was achieved in 12 patients (80%), partial response in 2 patients (13.3%), and no response in 1 patient (6.7%). Complete response was observed after two sessions in 5 patients, after three sessions in 4 patients, and after four sessions in 3 patients. Adverse effects were minimal and insignificant.

Conclusions

Doughnut warts represent a unique and rare type of wart recurrence. Intralesional Candida antigen immunotherapy seems to be a promising and effective therapeutic modality for the treatment of such a rare entity.
A Macrofinance View of U.S. Sovereign CDS Premiums
Authors: CHERNOV MIKHAIL , SCHMID LUKAS , SCHNEIDER ANDRES
Published: May 2020

Premiums on U.S. sovereign credit default swaps (CDS) have risen to persistently elevated levels since the financial crisis. We examine whether these premiums reflect the probability of a fiscal default—a state in which a balanced budget can no longer be restored by raising taxes or eroding the real value of debt by increasing inflation. We develop an equilibrium macrofinance model in which the fiscal and monetary policy stances jointly endogenously determine nominal debt, taxes, inflation, and growth. We show that the CDS premiums reflect the endogenous risk‐adjusted probabilities of fiscal default. The calibrated model is consistent with elevated levels of CDS premiums but leaves dynamic implications quantitatively unresolved.