bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social media information and analyst forecasts
Authors: Amin Abu , Hasan Rajib , Malik Mahfuja
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether corporate social media information helps improve analysts’ forecast accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses hand-collected information on S&P 500 firms’ official Facebook pages and uses posts and reactions to such posts to measure corporate Facebook information. Multivariate regression models are estimated to test the relationship between analysts’ forecast accuracy and corporate Facebook information.

Findings

The results indicate that analysts forecast accuracy is unresponsive to posts. However, analyst forecast errors are decreasing in reactions to posts. These findings are robust to the inclusion of control variables, firm and time fixed effects, and alternative specifications of forecast errors and different pre-forecast time windows.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some limitations. It focuses only on the S&P 500 firms, which are large and generally provide better information to the market. The sample period coincides with the early period of the corporate Facebook culture. However, more recent data sets are likely to provide stronger results.

Practical implications

The findings of this study provide support for “information generation” role of social media and show that reactions to corporate Facebook posts are the new and unique information generated from corporate social media activities, which help information intermediaries in improving their forecasting accuracy.

Originality/value

This study makes an important contribution to the literature by separating the information dissemination role of social media from information generation role and establishes the first evidence on how corporate social media information affects forecast accuracy of financial analysts.
Estimating the effect of Prenatal Care Coordination in Wisconsin: A sibling fixed effects analysis
Authors: Mallinson David C. , Larson Andrea , Berger Lawrence M. , Grodsky Eric , Ehrenthal Deborah B.
Published: November 2019

Objective

To estimate Prenatal Care Coordination’s (PNCC) effect on birth outcomes for Wisconsin Medicaid‐covered deliveries.

Data Source

A longitudinal cohort of linked Wisconsin birth records (2008‐2012), Medicaid claims, and state‐administered social services.

Study Design

We defined PNCC treatment dichotomously (none vs. any) and by service level (none vs. assessment/care plan only vs. service uptake). Outcomes were birthweight (grams), low birthweight (<2500 g), gestational age (completed weeks), and preterm birth (<37 weeks). We estimated PNCC′s effect on birth outcomes, adjusting for maternal characteristics, using inverse‐probability of treatment weighted and sibling fixed effects regressions.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

We identified 136 224 Medicaid‐paid deliveries, of which 33 073 (24.3 percent) linked to any PNCC claim and 22 563 (16.6 percent) linked to claims for PNCC service uptake.

Principal Findings

Sibling fixed effects models—which best adjust for unobserved confounding and treatment selection—produced the largest estimates for all outcomes. For example, in these models, PNCC service uptake was associated with a 1.3 percentage point (14 percent) reduction and a 1.8 percentage point (17 percent) reduction in the probabilities of low birthweight and preterm birth, respectively (all P < .05).

Conclusions

PNCC′s modest but significant improvement of birth outcomes should motivate stronger PNCC outreach and implementation of similar programs elsewhere.
Occurrence of tympanic bone spicules and bone crests in domestic cats
Authors: Beck Tobias , Brühschwein Andreas , Meyer‐Lindenberg Andrea
Published: November 2019

Small and hyperostotic tympanic bone spicules (STBS and HTBS) extending from the tympanic wall or from the septum bullae into the tympanic cavity have been described in large feline species such as Siberian tigers or African lions and in canids such as dogs, red foxes and wolves. Detailed descriptions of prevalence, location and orientation were performed for dogs and African lions by means of necropsy and conventional computed tomography (cCT). Aims of the current study were to describe same characteristics for domestic cats by means of microcomputed tomography (µCT) and cCT. A total of 15 cats or rather 30 ears were examined. Furthermore, new bone formations extending into the tympanic cavity shaped like small lamellae were found and named “tympanic bone crests” (TBCs). The registered phenomenon of a thickened tympanic wall in some cats was named “tympanic wall thickening” (TWT). STBS appeared in 43% of the ears being bilateral in 44% of the cases, whereas HTBS appeared in one ear. TBC was present in 33% of the ears with a bilateral prevalence of 67%, and TWT could be detected in 13% of the ears. The mentioned structures are just barely or not at all detectable with cCT; therefore, µCT is necessary for an identification and detailed description. The origin and the factors inducing the development of examined phenomena are unknown, and it is hypothesized that the occurrence can be assessed as anatomical norm variations.
Oesophageal eosinophilia accompanies food allergy to hen egg white protein in young pigs
Authors: Plundrich Nathalie J. , Smith Andrew R. , Borst Luke B. , Snider Douglas B. , Käser Tobias , Dellon Evan S. , Blikslager Anthony T. , Odle Jack , Lila Mary Ann , Laster Scott M.
Published: November 2019

Background

Esophagitis with eosinophilia, inflammation, and fibrosis represent a chronic condition in humans with food allergies.

Objective

In this investigation, we asked whether esophagitis with an eosinophilic component is observed in young pigs rendered allergic to hen egg white protein (HEWP).

Methods

Food allergy was induced in young pigs using two protocols. In one protocol, sensitized pigs were challenged by gavage with a single dose of HEWP. Clinical signs were monitored for 24 hours, and then, gastrointestinal (GI) tissues were collected for histological examination. The phenotype of circulating, ovalbumin (OVA)‐specific T cells also was examined in HEWP challenged animals. In the second protocol, sensitized animals were fed HEWP for 28 days. Animals were then examined by endoscopy and gastrointestinal tissues collected for histological examination.

Results

In pigs challenged by gavage with HEWP, clinical signs were noted in 5/6 pigs including diarrhoea, emesis, and skin rash. Clinical signs were not seen in any control group. Histological analysis revealed significant levels of oesophageal eosinophilic infiltration (P < .05) in 4/6 of these animals, with two also displaying eosinophilic infiltration in the stomach. Eosinophils were not increased in ileum or colon samples. Increased numbers of circulating, OVA‐specific CD4+ T cells also were observed in pigs that received HEWP by gavage. In the group of animals fed HEWP, endoscopy revealed clinical signs of esophagitis including oedema, granularity, white spots, and furrowing, while histology revealed oedema, immune cell infiltration, and basal zone hyperplasia.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Food allergy in the pig can be associated with esophagitis based on histological and endoscopic findings, including eosinophilic infiltration. The young pig may, therefore, be a useful large animal model for the study of eosinophilic esophagitis in humans.
Self‐perceived preparedness of undergraduate dental students in dental public universities in Malaysia: A national study
Authors: Mat Yudin Zainab , Ali Kamran , Wan Ahmad Wan Muhamad Amir , Ahmad Anisa , Khamis Mohd. Fadhli , Brian Graville Monteiro Nur ‘Aliya , Che Ab. Aziz Zeti Adura , Saub Roslan , Rosli Tanti Irawati , Alias Aspalilah , Abdul Hamid Nor Faharina , Harun Nor Asilah
Published: November 2019

Aims

To evaluate the self‐perceived preparedness of final‐year dental undergraduate students in dental public universities in Malaysia.

Methods

Final‐year dental undergraduate students from six dental public universities in Malaysia were invited to participate in an online study using a validated Dental Undergraduates Preparedness Assessment Scale DU‐PAS.

Results

In total, about 245 students responded to the online questionnaire yielding a response rate of 83.05%. The age range of the respondents was 23‐29 years with a mean age of 24.36 (SD 0.797). The total score obtained by the respondents was ranged from 48 to 100 with a mean score of 79.56 (SD 13.495). Weaknesses were reported in several clinical skills, cognitive and behavioural attributes.

Conclusions

The preparedness of undergraduate students at six dental institutions in Malaysia was comparable to students from developed countries. The dental undergraduate preparedness assessment scale is a useful tool, and dental institutions may be used for self‐assessment as well as to obtain feedback from the supervisors.
Role of epigenetics in alveolar bone resorption and regeneration around periodontal and peri‐implant tissues
Authors: Asa'ad Farah , Monje Alberto , Larsson Lena
Published: November 2019

Periodontitis and peri‐implantitis are multifactorial diseases characterized by alveolar bone destruction mediated by the host response to a microbial challenge. Alveolar bone resorption mediated by epigenetics could be one of the mechanisms responsible for this destruction of alveolar bone. The relationship between epigenetic modifications and bone metabolism has been thoroughly investigated in bone remodeling, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis, but evidence is low regarding the relationship between epigenetic modifications and alveolar bone loss related to periodontal and peri‐implant diseases. Therefore, we conducted a review of the pertinent literature based on a priori‐formulated focused questions and a screening strategy, in an attempt to comprehend the role of different epigenetic mechanisms in alveolar bone loss and to determine the current state with respect to their possible therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine. The review showed that the roles of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non‐coding RNAs in bone loss have been investigated. The results indicate that epigenetic mechanisms can participate in periodontal and peri‐implant alveolar bone breakdown, suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets in alveolar bone regeneration. However, there is still only preliminary information regarding the possible therapeutic utility of these epigenetic mechanisms, suggesting a need for basic and translational research to assess the potential of such mechanisms in promoting alveolar bone regeneration.
A Eucharistic Understanding of “Fresh Expressions”
Authors: Moynagh Michael
Published: November 2019

Fresh expressions of church are a growing and important example of emerging missional churches. They can be viewed theologically through the lens of eucharistic ecclesiology. This is because they mirror the theological logic of the eucharist – its nature as a gift, the dispersal of this gift, the appropriate sharing of the gift (appropriate to the context and the tradition), the eucharistic action of handing over the gift, the incorporation of worshippers into the whole church by means of the gift, the dying‐and‐rising transformation the gift makes possible, and the return gift to God in thanksgiving. The birth of these new Christian communities gives discipleship a eucharistic shape. The implication is that just as the eucharist is central to the church's life, so should be these new communities.
Chinese Folk Christianity and Its Possibly Missional Nature
Authors: Chen Yongtao
Published: November 2019

During the last four decades, Christianity in China has grown quickly. There are about 50 million Protestant Christians in today's China. The majority of them, however, are in rural areas. This rural Christianity, or folk Christianity, is influenced by Chinese folk religion. This article explores the features and the missional nature of Chinese folk Christianity. It exposes several main features of folk Christianity, including its charismatic orientation, pragmatic concern, moral emphasis, and superstitious factors. Its main argument is that Chinese folk Christianity is missional in a situation where the absolute majority of the population is non‐Christian. Through describing and analyzing Chinese folk Christianity as biblical, historical, contextual, eschatological, and practicable, which are fundamental affirmations about the missional church, this article reaches the following conclusion: Although it is somewhat syncretic, Chinese folk Christianity, as God's people called in a particular context, has its missional nature. It is a contextualized form of Christianity. Given the particular Chinese context in participating in God's mission, it might be inevitable for Chinese folk Christianity to be syncretic to some degree. In the contexualization of Christianity, however, Chinese folk Christianity has raised some theological questions: How deeply and thoroughly contextualized can folk Christianity become? Are there limits to its contextualization? If yes, what are the limits?
Effect of seasonal influenza vaccination on influenza symptom severity among children in Hutterite communities: Follow‐up study of a randomized trial
Authors: Brent Shannon E. , Pullenayegum Eleanor , Russell Margaret L. , Loeb Mark
Published: November 2019

Background

We investigated whether influenza vaccination reduces symptom severity among children who develop laboratory‐confirmed influenza, and whether this association differed between influenza vaccine formulations.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study using data from two blinded cluster randomized control trials of influenza vaccines in Hutterite colonies. In trial 1, children received trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) or hepatitis A vaccine. In trial 2, children received trivalent live attenuated (TLAIV) or TIV. We assessed four outcomes (total number of symptoms, number of respiratory symptoms, number of systemic symptoms, and duration of symptoms) among children with PCR‐confirmed influenza. We utilized two‐sample t tests to quantify the relationship between vaccine group and outcome. We performed multivariable strain‐specific analyses, controlling for age and season.

Results

TIV vs. Hep A vaccine: Among vaccinated children, 200 confirmed influenza infections were observed across 3014 person‐seasons. Vaccine type (TIV vs. Hep A vaccine) did not significantly affect the number of respiratory or systemic symptoms, nor duration of symptoms (P > .05). TLAIV vs. TIV: Among 1186 children who received a study vaccine, 166 confirmed influenza infections were observed. TLAIV recipients experienced fewer total, respiratory, and systemic symptoms compared to TIV recipients (P < .05 for all). TLAIV‐associated attenuation of symptom severity was observed in influenza B or A/H1N1 infections, but not H3.

Conclusions

Seasonal influenza vaccine did not consistently attenuate symptom severity in the context of vaccine failure; however, TLAIV offered superior severity attenuation compared to TIV. Our results challenge the dictum that influenza vaccine reduces the severity of symptoms even when the vaccine fails to prevent influenza.
Thrombocytopenia and end stage renal disease are key predictors of survival in patients with cardiac implantable electronic device infections
Authors: Herrmann Florian Ernst Martin , Ehrenfeld Felix , Wellmann Petra , Hagl Christian , Sadoni Sebastian , Juchem Gerd
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infections are associated with a high mortality. Our aim was to identify key predictors of survival in patients with CIED infections as to be able to detect high‐risk patients and possibly affect modifiable factors.

Methods and Results

In this observational study, we collected data from 277 patients with CIED infections treated in our department between 2001 and 2017; predictors of survival were evaluated. The median time since the last CIED procedure was 0.83 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.25‐3.01), median time since initial CIED implant was 4.79 years (IQR: 0.90‐11.0 years). Survival at 30 days was 94.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 92.3‐97.5) and survival at 1 year was 80.9% (CI: 76.4‐85.7). Age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.05, CI: 1.01‐1.09; P = .009), end stage renal disease (ESRD) with dialysis (OR: 5.14, CI: 1.87‐14.11; P = .001), positive blood cultures (OR: 2.19, CI: 1.08‐4.45; P = .030), and thrombocytopenia (OR: 2.3, CI, 1.03‐5.15; P = .042) were identified as predictors of death within 1 year of treatment of CIED infection.

Conclusion

Patients with CIED infection with prior ESRD with dialysis or preoperative thrombocytopenia are at an increased risk of 1‐year mortality. We suggest that these patients be evaluated critically and resources be allocated to these patients more liberally. A greater understanding of the role of platelets in immunity may improve treatment of advanced infection in the future.
Dysfunctional posttraumatic cognitions, posttraumatic stress and depression in children and adolescents exposed to trauma: a network analysis
Authors: de Haan Anke , Landolt Markus A. , Fried Eiko I. , Kleinke Kristian , Alisic Eva , Bryant Richard , Salmon Karen , Chen Sue‐Huei , Liu Shu‐Tsen , Dalgleish Tim , McKinnon Anna , Alberici Alice , Claxton Jade , Diehle Julia , Lindauer Ramón , de Roos Carlijn , Halligan Sarah L. , Hiller Rachel , Kristensen Christian H. , Lobo Beatriz O.M. , Volkmann Nicole M. , Marsac Meghan , Barakat Lamia , Kassam‐Adams Nancy , Nixon Reginald D.V. , Hogan Susan , Punamäki Raija‐Leena , Palosaari Esa , Schilpzand Elizabeth , Conroy Rowena , Smith Patrick , Yule William , Meiser‐Stedman Richard
Published: November 2019

Background

The latest version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐11) proposes a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis reduced to its core symptoms within the symptom clusters re‐experiencing, avoidance and hyperarousal. Since children and adolescents often show a variety of internalizing and externalizing symptoms in the aftermath of traumatic events, the question arises whether such a conceptualization of the PTSD diagnosis is supported in children and adolescents. Furthermore, although dysfunctional posttraumatic cognitions (PTCs) appear to play an important role in the development and persistence of PTSD in children and adolescents, their function within diagnostic frameworks requires clarification.

Methods

We compiled a large international data set of 2,313 children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years exposed to trauma and calculated a network model including dysfunctional PTCs, PTSD core symptoms and depression symptoms. Central items and relations between constructs were investigated.

Results

The PTSD re‐experiencing symptoms strong or overwhelming emotions and strong physical sensations and the depression symptom difficulty concentrating emerged as most central. Items from the same construct were more strongly connected with each other than with items from the other constructs. Dysfunctional PTCs were not more strongly connected to core PTSD symptoms than to depression symptoms.

Conclusions

Our findings provide support that a PTSD diagnosis reduced to its core symptoms could help to disentangle PTSD, depression and dysfunctional PTCs. Using longitudinal data and complementing between‐subject with within‐subject analyses might provide further insight into the relationship between dysfunctional PTCs, PTSD and depression.
Mediators of focused psychosocial support interventions for children in low‐resource humanitarian settings: analysis from an Individual Participant Dataset with 3,143 participants
Authors: Purgato Marianna , Tedeschi Federico , Betancourt Theresa S. , Bolton Paul , Bonetto Chiara , Gastaldon Chiara , Gordon James , O’Callaghan Paul , Papola Davide , Peltonen Kirsi , Punamaki Raija‐Leena , Richards Justin , Staples Julie K. , Unterhitzenberger Johanna , de Jong Joop , Jordans Mark J.D. , Gross Alden L. , Tol Wietse A. , Barbui Corrado
Published: November 2019

Background

Research on psychosocial interventions has been focused on the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions on mental health outcomes, without exploringhowinterventions achieve beneficial effects. Identifying the potential pathways through which interventions work would potentially allow further strengthening of interventions by emphasizing specific components connected with such pathways.

Methods

We conducted a preplanned mediation analysis using individual participant data from a dataset of 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compared focused psychosocial support interventions versus control conditions for children living in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) affected by humanitarian crises. Based on an ecological resilience framework, we hypothesized that (a) coping, (b) hope, (c) social support, and (d) functional impairment mediate the relationship between intervention and outcome PTSD symptoms. A systematic search on the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, PubMed, PyscARTICLES, Web of Science, and the main local LMICs databases was conducted up to August 2018. The hypotheses were tested by using individual participant data obtained from study authors of all the studies included in the systematic review.

Results

We included 3,143 children from 11 studies (100% of data from included studies), of which 1,877 from six studies contributed to the mediation analysis. Functional impairment was the strongest mediator for focused psychosocial interventions on PTSD (mediation coefficient −0.087, standard error 0.040). The estimated proportion of effect mediated by functional impairment, and adjusted for confounders, was 31%.

Conclusions

Findings did not support the proposed mediation hypotheses for coping, hope, and social support. The mediation through functional impairment may represent unmeasured proxy measures or point to a broader mechanism that impacts self‐efficacy and agency.
Paradoxical sleep deprivation induces differential biological response in rat masticatory muscles: Inflammation, autophagy and myogenesis
Authors: Yujra Veronica Quispe , Moreira Antunes Hanna Karen , Mônico‐Neto Marcos , Quintana Hananiah Tardivo , de Oliveira Flavia , Galvani Marina Gomes , Lee Kil Sun , Oshima Celina Tizuko Fujiyama , Ribeiro Daniel Araki
Published: November 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether sleep deprivation (SD) induces inflammation, autophagy and myogenesis in the following masticatory muscles: masseter and temporal.

Methods

In this study, 18 animals were randomly distributed into three groups: control group (CTL, n = 6), SD for 96 hours (SD96, n = 6), and SD for 96 hours and more 96 hours of sleep recovery (SD96 + R, n = 6).

Results

In the histopathological analysis, SD 96 was able to induce inflammation in masseter and temporal. Nevertheless, the lack of inflammatory process was evidenced to the masseter in the group SD96 + R. Upregulation of TNF‐alpha production was detected in the SD96 group, while SD96 + R decreased TNF immunoexpression for both skeletal muscles evaluated. MyoD and myogenin increased in rats submitted to SD96. By contrast, the levels of MyoD decreased in the group SD96 + R. Myogenin pointed out high immunoexpression in SD96 + R groups. In temporal, pAkt decreased in animals submitted to SD96, but it increased in the group SD96 + R. The levels of LC3 protein increased in both skeletal muscles studied, and masseter decreased LC3 protein expression in the SD96 + R.

Conclusion

In summary, our results demonstrate that SD is able to induce inflammation, atrophy and myogenesis in rat masticatory muscles, being more intense in temporal when compared to masseter.
Assessment of the Adaptation of Interim Crowns using Different Measurement Techniques
Authors: Peng Chin‐Chun , Chung Kwok‐Hung , Ramos Van
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To compare the internal fit and marginal discrepancy of acrylic resin interim crowns fabricated by different manufacturing methods, and to test the consistency of measuring marginal discrepancy and internal fit between different measuring techniques.

Materials and Methods

A dentoform mandibular left first molar was prepared for an all‐ceramic crown. Thirty‐six interim crowns were fabricated and divided into three groups (n = 12): group BAC (Bis‐acrylic composite, fabricated manually), group CAM (CAD/CAM polymethylmethacrylate resin, milled), and group 3DP (3D printed methacrylic oligomers, printed). The internal fit of the interim crowns was evaluated by the silicone replica technique and by X‐ray microcomputed tomography (µCT) technique. The marginal discrepancy of the interim crowns was evaluated by the vinyl polysiloxane (VPS) (Aquasil Ultra XLV) impression technique and by optical coherence tomography (OCT) technique. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Turkey tests at α = 0.05. Pearson correlation test was used to evaluate the correlation between the different measurement techniques and marginal discrepancy/internal fit.

Results

The manually fabricated interim crowns (group BAC) had significantly greater discrepancy of internal fit than did the digitally fabricated crowns (group CAM and group 3DP) measured by both silicone replica technique and µCT 2‐dimensional (2D) image measurement. There were no statistically significant differences in the cement space volume values obtained by the µCT image technique between group BAC and group 3DP (p = 0.285). The coefficient of determination between the two volumetric measurement techniques was low (R2 = 0.30). For marginal discrepancy, the manually fabricated interim crowns had a wider absolute marginal discrepancy than both digitally fabricated groups (p < 0.05). In both the VPS impression and OCT assessment, there was no statistically significant difference between group CAM and group 3DP (p = 0.798 and 0.994, respectively). The coefficient of determination between the VPS impression and OCT techniques for marginal discrepancy measurement was low (R2 = 0.23).

Conclusions

Digitally fabricated interim crowns (group CAM and group 3DP) had better internal fit and smaller marginal discrepancy than manually fabricated interim crowns (group BAC). For comparison of the different evaluation techniques, the silicone replica technique and µCT measurements had low correlation for internal fit assessment, as did the PVS impression and OCT techniques for marginal discrepancy test.
Displacement of a Dental Implant into the Pterygoid Fossa: A Clinical Report
Authors: Dryer Richard R. , Conrad Heather J.
Published: November 2019

The placement of dental implants in the pterygomaxillary region can be advantageous in maxillary complete arch fixed implant‐supported prosthetic rehabilitations to avoid bone grafting and sinus elevation surgeries. Pterygomaxillary implants improve implant biomechanics by eliminating distal cantilevers and increasing the anteroposterior spread with reported mean implant survival rates comparable to traditional implant sites. Although only minor surgical complications have been reported in the literature with the placement of dental implants in the pterygomaxillary region this clinical report describes a major surgical complication involving the displacement of a dental implant into the pterygoid fossa.
Review: Protein misfolding diseases – the rare case of Marinesco‐Sjögren syndrome
Authors: Chiesa R. , Sallese M.
Published: November 2019

Secretory and cell membrane proteins are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where a network of molecular chaperones and folding factors ensure correct protein folding and export to post‐ER compartments. Failure of this process leads to accumulation of unfolded/misfolded proteins, ER stress, and activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR), a complex signalling pathway aimed at restoring ER homeostasis, whose failure eventually leads to cell death. Suppressor of Ire1/Lhs1 double mutant (SIL1) is a nucleotide exchange factor for immunoglobulin binding protein, the main ER chaperone and primary sensor of ER stress. Loss of SIL1 function causes Marinesco‐Sjögren syndrome (MSS), a rare multisystem disease of early infancy for which there is no cure. This review, examines the current understanding of SIL1 activities in the ER, and reviews experimental data describing the consequences of SIL1 deficiency in cell and animal models. We discuss the evidence supporting a role of the UPR – particularly the protein kinase RNA‐like endoplasmic reticulum kinase branch – in the pathogenesis of MSS, and how this may be pharmacologically manipulated for treatment.
Evolution of new regional development interventions in New Zealand: An analysis of the first year of the Provincial Growth Fund
Authors: Connelly Sean , Nel Etienne , Bergen Samuel
Published: November 2019

Regional development has evolved in response to shifting local and global priorities. These shifts have transformed both the way we think about regions, their role and how that shapes the outcomes and benefits that might occur from engaging in regional development. Key debates centre around the ability (or desirability) of regional development interventions to unsettle path dependence and “lock‐in” created by past approaches and to create opportunities for alternative development futures and to provide choices between sectoral‐based investments to support economic activity in contrast to a more place‐based approach to regional development. This paper overviews the dynamic nature of regional development to offer reasons for its recent resurgence by highlighting the key debates about the purpose and function of regions and what regional development can or should do. We then discuss the New Zealand context specifically and use the first year of Provincial Growth Fund investments to reflect on how the processes, objectives and goals reflect particular interpretations of the meaning and purpose of regional development. We conclude that a strong adherence to a growth imperative has the potential to reinforce path dependencies at the expense of alternative development pathways.
Patient affect and caregiver burden in dementia
Authors: Kawano Yoshiko , Terada Seishi , Takenoshita Shintaro , Hayashi Satoshi , Oshima Yoshitaka , Miki Tomoko , Yokota Osamu , Yamada Norihito
Published: November 2019

Background

Numerous studies focusing on the burden of caregivers of dementia patients have been published. However, there have been few studies focusing on positive affect as an important factor affecting the caregiver burden, and only a few studies comparing the caregiver burden between different dementia diseases have been reported.

Methods

Three hundred and thirty‐seven consecutive caregivers of people with dementia participated in this study. The caregiver burden was evaluated by the short version of the Japanese version of the Zarit Burden Interview.

Results

Positive affect scores had a significant relationship with the scores of the short version of the Zarit Burden Interview. Caregivers for patients with dementia with Lewy bodies or frontotemporal dementia suffered from a greater burden than those for patients with Alzheimer's disease dementia.

Conclusions

The caregiver burden differed between people caring for patients with different dementia diseases. Positive affect of dementia patients has a significant relationship with caregiver burden, independently from neuropsychiatric symptoms of patients.
Medical students working as health care assistants: an evaluation
Authors: Davison Elizabeth , Lindqvist Susanne
Published: November 2019

Background

The General Medical Council requires that medical students are taught human values and how to work effectively with colleagues. Health care assistants (HCAs) provide fundamental patient care as part of the wider health care team. Reports suggest that medical students gain valuable insights when working as HCAs.

Methods

In 2015, a pilot was developed for medical students to work as and with HCAs. The experience involved 3 days training in preparation for three supervised shifts. The pilot was expanded to involve more students and clinical partners.

Results

A total of 131 students completed the HCA project between 2015 and 2018. Students were asked to complete a questionnaire where they scored a set of statements using a 5‐point Likert scale, and gave open comments that were analysed thematically. A total of 119 students completed the questionnaire, of which 91% of students rated the experience as good or excellent and 98% of students agreed or completely agreed that they had met the learning outcomes. Themes centred around: feeling empathy; building confidence; appreciating the HCA team role; and how this experience may influence their future practice as doctors. A total of 87% of students said the experience should be mandatory.

Conclusions

Students find the opportunity to work as HCAs meaningful and enjoyable. This brief initiative may help students develop a number of skills and attributes that assist in shaping future doctors. Further to helping medical students understand what values‐based practice actually means and why it matters to patients, it also clarifies HCAs’ and other professionals’ contribution to the wider health care team. A research study is underway to evidence its impact.
Attitudes towards female genital cutting among adolescents in rural Burkina Faso: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Greis Alina , Bärnighausen Till , Bountogo Mamadou , Ouermi Lucienne , Sié Ali , Harling Guy
Published: November 2019

Objective

Despite decades of abandonment efforts, female genital cutting (FGC) prevalence rates in Burkina Faso remain high. We present updated prevalence data from rural adolescents and examine factors associated with FGC receipt and attitudes, testing predictions of social convention and modernisation theory regarding the abandonment process.

Methods

We interviewed 1644 adolescents aged 12–20 years from 10 villages and one sector of Nouna town in the Nouna Health and Demographic Surveillance site in late 2017. Response‐weighted prevalence for self‐reported FGC receipt, beliefs about religious requirements, and attitudes about abandonment were calculated. We used bivariate regression and two‐level hierarchical models to test whether social convention or modernisation theory‐related factors predicted current FGC attitudes.

Results

43% of women in our sample reported having undergone FGC; 74% of women and 76% of men believed FGC should be abandoned. The strongest predictors of FGC receipt were religion, ethnicity, the village’s FGC rate and mother’s education. The strongest predictors of FGC abandonment attitudes were religion, ethnicity, belief that FGC is religiously required, and own FGC status.  Males’ attitudes were less determined by community factors than females’; females’ attitudes were more strongly influenced by factors linked to modernization, such as maternal education and household wealth.

Conclusions

FGC continues to be common in rural and small‐town Burkina Faso, and our analysis suggests that social conventions play an important role in its continuation. However, modernisation‐related factors were stronger predictors of abandonment attitudes than of FGC status, particularly in adolescent women. The changes these relationships suggest may benefit the next generation of girls.
Dynamics of Growth and Breakup of an Evaporating Pendant Drop
Authors: Pandey Vinod , Deka Hiranya , Biswas Gautam , Dalal Amaresh
Published: November 2019

The growth and pinch-off dynamics of an evaporating pendant drop have been studied through direct numerical simulations. A coupled level-set and volume-of-fluid method is utilized to perform the simulations in an axisymmetric coordinate system. The dynamics of an evaporating pendant drop depends on the combined effects of buoyancy, capillary force, and the evaporation rate at the interface. The volumetric growth-rate of the drop decreases with the increase in degree of superheat of the surrounding medium, thereby enhances the pinch-off time. However, the departure diameter decreases with an increase in superheat. Limiting length and neck radius are not significantly affected due to the variation in degree of superheat. The heat transfer characteristics at different stages during the growth of a pendant drop have been analyzed for various values of superheat.
An All-Round Design-to-Simulation Approach of a New Z-Drive Escort Tug Class
Authors: Figari Massimo , Martinelli Luca , Piaggio Benedetto , Enoizi Lucia , Viviani Michele , Villa Diego
Published: November 2019

An industrial-academic collaboration between Rosetti Marino shipyard and University of Genoa presided over a deep theoretical and experimental insight into the maneuvering performances of a new escort tug family. The presented z-drive azimuthal stern drive class is characterized by high intact/damage stability margins, good maneuvering capability, and stable behavior during escort indirect assistance. The project addresses three main research areas: hydrodynamic design of the hull with escort capability, simulation of the escort capabilities in different operational scenario, and development of control logics that will allow autonomous or unmanned operations. The tug design concept is supported by a customized simulation tool that enables the evaluation of the free-sailing and towing maneuvering characteristics for Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) tugs at high–speed (Escort) and low speed (Harbor Assistance) in a real-time environment. The paper describes the methodological approach adopted for the design and maneuvering characterization of such a class, across some preliminary results. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations and towing tank tests have been performed onto a prototype tug hull in order to assess the hull design and to infer simulation models able to describe the behavior of a family of vessels. In particular, the propulsion and maneuverability aspects in escort operations are deeply investigated.
Calcium fluoride and gold reference by high sensitivity-low energy ion scattering
Authors: Avval Tahereh G. , Cushman Cody V. , Brüner Philipp , Grehl Thomas , Brongersma Hidde H. , Linford Matthew R.
Published: November 2019

Information about the outermost atomic layer of a material is critically important for many processes and materials, including in catalysis, tribology, wetting, corrosion, and thin film growth. Low energy ion scattering (LEIS) is an extremely surface sensitive technique that can quantitatively analyze the outermost atomic layer of a material. Recent developments in LEIS have resulted in a particularly high sensitivity version of the technique known as high sensitivity LEIS (HS-LEIS). In LEIS and HS-LEIS, reference and/or standard materials allow straightforward quantitation of the spectra. In this submission, the authors show the HS-LEIS spectrum of a high purity calcium fluoride powder. CaF2 is a useful reference material for calcium in LEIS because it is relatively inexpensive, not hygroscopic, and available in high purity. Due to the applications/uses of calcium in different areas of science, including in catalysis, polymer light emitting diodes, organic photovoltaics, solid oxide fuel cells, and solar cells, these data may enable future work in these areas. A reference spectrum for gold is included with this submission.
Effect of changes in medial surface shape on voice production in excised human larynges
Authors: Zhang Zhaoyan , Chhetri Dinesh K.
Published: November 2019

Clinical intervention of glottal insufficiency often focuses on correcting glottal gap as visualized from above. In contrast, changes in medial surface shape due to intervention have received less attention. This study investigated how changes in medial surface shape affect voice production in excised human larynges, by locally medializing the medial surface at different longitudinal and vertical locations. The results showed that localized medialization at a more inferior location yielded better improvement in glottal closure and higher-order harmonic excitation in the produced voice. This study shows that surgical intervention of glottal insufficiency should also aim at restoring desirable medial surface shape.
Gravitational lensing reveals ionizing ultraviolet photons escaping from a distant galaxy
Authors: Rivera-Thorsen T. Emil , Dahle Håkon , Chisholm John , Florian Michael K. , Gronke Max , Rigby Jane R. , Gladders Michael D. , Mahler Guillaume , Sharon Keren , Bayliss Matthew
Published: November 2019

Ionizing photons escape a lensed galaxy

Young, hot stars emit ultraviolet radiation, which can ionize a neutral gas. The first generation of stars converted most of the intergalactic gas in the Universe from neutral to ionized form during the epoch of reionization less than a billion years after the Big Bang. Rivera-Thorsen
et al.
took advantage of a gravitational lensing system to observe 12 images of the same star-forming region in a distant galaxy and determined the fraction of ultraviolet photons that escape into the intergalactic medium. Although this galaxy is younger than the epoch of reionization, the results provide clues about how ultraviolet photons escape their host galaxies and contribute to the reionization process.

Science
, this issue p.
738
A figure of merit for flexibility
Authors: Peng Jun , Snyder G. Jeffrey
Published: November 2019

A thickness-dependent metric allows for comparison of materials for device applications
Handlebar sign: a bruise with underlying visceral injury
Authors: Dhakre Vijay Waman , Kadam Sarvesh B , Gowda Akhilesh , Iyer Sandhya
Published: November 2019

A 14-year-old boy presented with a painful swelling topped by a bruise overlying the skin of the right inguinal region without peritonitis. This was the area of impact of bicycle handlebar while riding 6 days ago. On contrast-enhanced CT scan, we found a traumatic abdominal wall hernia (handlebar hernia) near the right deep ring without any solid organ, bowel or urinary bladder injury. Inguinal exploration revealed a defect in transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscle which was repaired and meshplasty was done.

Delayed presentation and ignorance towards ‘handlebar sign’ is associated with visceral injury (haematoma/perforation) will incur the risk of rising morbidity and mortality. With CT scan we can assess the abdominal cavity to rule out associated visceral or vascular injury. Surgical repair for restoring disrupted anatomy with or without meshplasty is the preferred approach.
Review of non-invasive intracranial pressure measurement techniques for ophthalmology applications
Authors: Price David Andrew , Grzybowski Andrzej , Eikenberry Jennifer , Januleviciene Ingrida , Verticchio Vercellin Alice Chandra , Mathew Sunu , Siesky Brent , Harris Alon
Published: November 2019

Assessment and monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP) are important in the management of traumatic brain injury and other cerebral pathologies. In the eye, ICP elevation and depression both correlate with optic neuropathies, the former because of papilledema and the latter related to glaucoma. While the relationship between ICP elevation and papilledema is well established, the relationship between low ICP and glaucoma is still poorly understood. So far, ICP monitoring is performed invasively, but this entails risks including infection, spurring the study of non-invasive alternatives. We review 11 methods of non-invasive estimation of ICP including correlation to optic nerve sheath diameter, intraocular pressure, ophthalmodynamometry and two-depth transcranial Doppler of the ophthalmic artery. While none of these methods can fully replace invasive techniques, certain measures show great potential for specific applications. Although only used in small studies to date, a MRI based method known as MR-ICP, appears to be the best non-invasive technique for estimating ICP, with two-depth transcranial ultrasound and ophthalmodynamometry showing potential as well.
Paediatric xenotransplantation clinical trials and the right to withdraw
Authors: Hurst Daniel J , Padilla Luz A , Walters Wendy , Hunter James M , Cooper David K C , Eckhoff Devin M , Cleveland David , Paris Wayne
Published: November 2019

Clinical trials of xenotransplantation (XTx) may begin early in the next decade, with kidneys from genetically modified pigs transplanted into adult humans. If successful, transplanting pig hearts into children with advanced heart failure may be the next step. Typically, clinical trials have a specified end date, and participants are aware of the amount of time they will be in the study. This is not so with XTx. The current ethical consensus is that XTx recipients must consent to lifelong monitoring. While this presents challenges to the right to withdraw in the adult population, additional and unanswered questions also linger in the paediatric population. In paediatric XTx, parents or guardians consent not only to the initial treatment of the child but also to lifelong monitoring, thus making a decision whose consequences will remain present as the child develops the capacity for assent, and finally the capacity for informed consent or refusal. This article presents and evaluates unanswered paediatric ethical questions in regard to the right to withdraw from XTx follow-up in the paediatric population.
Steady flow of MHD Williamson fluid due to a continuously moving surface with viscous dissipation and slip velocity
Authors: Megahed Ahmed M.
Published: November 2019

This research attempts to draw a fuller understanding of the magnetohydrodynamic flow of Williamson fluid owing to a continuously moving permeable surface. A detailed illustration of the importance of the effects of viscous dissipation and the variable fluid properties phenomena are also given. Meanwhile, this work has also revived the interest of the slip velocity phenomenon. The success is met after formulating the thorough equations which describe this model, thus it is no longer difficult to get into the numerical solution for this model via the shooting method. By analogy, this interesting subject also stimulates us to pursue further details which can be obtained from both the drag force or the skin-friction coefficient and the rate of heat transfer. Based on our apparent results, the presence of magnetic field, suction phenomena and slip velocity was the reason to reduce the surface velocity. Also, the same parameters can serve as a helpful guide for governing the rate of heat transfer.
Field discriminants of cyclotomic period equations
Authors: Gallas Jason A. C.
Published: November 2019

We show that several orbital equations and orbital clusters of the quadratic (logistic) map coincide surprisingly with cyclotomic period equations, polynomials whose roots are Gaussian periods. An analytical expression for the field discriminant of period equations is obtained and applied to discover and to fill gaps in number field databases constructed by numerical search processes. Such expression allows easy assess to inessential divisors of conventional discriminants and sheds light into why numerical construction of databases is a hard problem. It also provides significant information about the organization of periodic orbits of the quadratic map.
A deep fully residual convolutional neural network for segmentation in EM images
Authors: He Juanjuan , Xiang Song , Zhu Ziqi
Published: November 2019

In standard U-net, researchers only use long skip connections to skip features from the encoding path to the decoding path in order to recover spatial information loss during downsampling. However, it would result in gradient vanishing and limit the depth of the network. To address this issue, we propose a novel deep fully residual convolutional neural network that combines the U-net with the ResNet for medical image segmentation. By applying short skip connections, this new extension of U-net decreases the amount of parameters compared to the standard U-net, although the depth of the layer is increased. We evaluate the performance of the proposed model and other state-of-the-art models on the Electron Microscopy (EM) images dataset and the Computed Tomography (CT) images dataset. The result shows that our model achieves competitive accuracy on the EM benchmark without any further post-process. Moreover, the performance of image segmentation on CT images of the lungs is improved in contrast to the standard U-net.