bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A regression spline control chart for monitoring characteristics exhibiting nonlinear profile over time
Authors: John Boby , Agarwal Vaibhav
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the application of the control chart procedure to monitor the characteristics whose profile over time resembles a set of connected line segments.

Design/methodology/approach

Fit a regression spline model by taking the subgroup average of the characteristic as response variable and time as the explanatory variable. Then monitor the response variable using the regression spline control chart with the fitted model as center line and upper and lower control limits at three standard deviation units of the response variable above and below the center line.

Findings

The proposed chart is successfully deployed to monitor the daily response time profile of a client server of an application support process. The chart ensured the stability of the process as well as detected the assignable cause leading to the slowing down of the server performance.

Practical implications

The methodology can be used to monitor any characteristics whose performance profile over time resembles a set of connected line segments. Some of the examples are the consumption profile of utility providers like power distribution companies, usage profiles of telecom networks, loading profile of airline check-in process, e-commerce websites, etc.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, construction of control charts using regression spline is new. The usage of the control chart to monitor the performance characteristics which exhibits a nonlinear profile over time is also rare.
Exploring the interrelationship between quality, safety and HR within crisis management framework
Authors: Nizamidou Christina , Vouzas Fotis , Gotzamani Katerina
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is twofold: first, to examine the interaction of quality, safety and crisis management (CM), and second, to explore the role played by an HR department in terms of CM.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper consists of two parts: theoretical and empirical. The theoretical part follows the approach of an extended literature review. The empirical part illustrates the statistical analysis of the obtained data from Greek organizations that employ the largest number of employees, regardless of their business sector.

Findings

The statistical analysis allowed the authors to confirm their main research hypotheses. First, it showed the interrelationship that exists between safety, quality and CM. Second, it presented the impact of this relationship on human resources and the vital role of HR department, in case of a crisis.

Practical implications

Organizations and their top management can review and redesign their CM procedures according to the findings of this survey, aiming a fast recovery and a return to normalcy.

Originality/value

Based on the literature review, there has been a little research work on the interrelationship between safety, quality and the level of CM familiarity and the role of HR department at the times of crisis. The added value of attaining this goal may become a motivational element for any organization and its top management to continue investing more in safety, quality and CM issues.
Reproductive biology and genetic population structure of two alien Lolium species inhabiting the sandy coasts of Japan
Authors: Higuchi Yumiko , Shimono Yoshiko , Tominaga Tohru
Published: April 2019

Understanding the characteristics of alien species is a prerequisite for any biological study or anti‐invasion management strategy. Lolium rigidum (Poaceae) is an alien species that has become naturalized on the sandy coasts of Japan; however, it exhibits extensive morphological variation, leading to speculation that several taxa of Lolium have become naturalized. Here, we compared the morphology, reproductive biology and genetic structure of this Lolium species by growing individuals from different locations in the same environment to clarify whether the observed morphological variation is genetically based or is caused by intraspecific variation as a result of environmental differences. Principle component analyses of 11 morphological traits separated the study species into two types. Bagging experiments showed that one type exhibited an outcrossing life history, whereas the other type selfed exclusively. Nuclear DNA microsatellite analyses supported this distinction between these morphological types, with no intermediate individuals being found. The outcrossing type exhibited high genetic diversity, whereas the selfing type exhibited almost no polymorphism, reflecting the differences in their breeding systems. Moreover, both types differed from the economically important outcrossing species Lolium multiflorum and Lolium perenne. These two types of Lolium are expected to have different introduction histories and invasive potential on the coasts of Japan. In conclusion, it is important to distinguish between these types through additional biological studies to design effective control measures.
An empirical model of carbon flow through marine viruses and microzooplankton grazers
Authors: Talmy David , Beckett Stephen J. , Taniguchi Darcy A. A. , Brussaard Corina P. D. , Weitz Joshua S. , Follows Michael J.
Published: April 2019

Viruses and microzooplankton grazers represent major sources of mortality for marine phytoplankton and bacteria, redirecting the flow of organic material throughout the world's oceans. Here, we investigate the use of nonlinear population models of interactions between phytoplankton, viruses and grazers as a means to quantitatively constrain the flow of carbon through marine microbial ecosystems. We augment population models with a synthesis of laboratory‐based estimates of prey, predator and viral life history traits that constrain transfer efficiencies. We then apply the model framework to estimate loss rates in the California Current Ecosystem (CCE). With our empirically parameterized model, we estimate that, of the total losses mediated by viruses and microzooplankton grazing at the focal CCE site, 22 ± 3%, 46 ± 27%, 3 ± 2% and 29 ± 20% were directed to grazers, sloppy feeding (as well as excretion and respiration), viruses and viral lysate respectively. We identify opportunities to leverage ecosystem models and conventional mortality assays to further constrain the quantitative rates of critical ecosystem processes.
Clinical application of the dried milk spot method for measuring tocilizumab concentrations in the breast milk of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Saito Jumpei , Yakuwa Naho , Kaneko Kayoko , Nakajima Ken , Takai Chinatsu , Goto Mikako , Yamatani Akimasa , Murashima Atsuko
Published: April 2019

Aims

Tocilizumab (TCZ), a humanized anti‐interleukin‐6 receptor monoclonal antibody, is used to treat rheumatic diseases. There is limited information about the administration of TCZ during lactation. The dried spot method, a simple technique for processing biological samples which involves placement of a drop of specimen onto filter paper, has been used in clinical pharmacology to determine various drug concentrations. This study examined the feasibility of sample collection using the dried milk spot (DMS) method for obtaining data about the transfer of TCZ into breast milk.

Methods

Concentrations of TCZ determined using DMSs prepared by patients were compared with those using liquid breast milk.

Results

In an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay of TCZ in DMSs, the accuracy ranged from 93.0% to 113.8% and the precision ranged from 0.3% to 8.4%. All concentrations of TCZ were within 15% of the reference value when analyzed on separate days. TCZ in DMSs at room temperature, 4°C, and −20°C were stable for 28 days. Extracted TCZ concentrations from patient‐prepared DMSs were strongly correlated with those of liquid samples (r = 0.996). In a pharmacokinetic study, the median (range) maximum and minimum concentrations were 113 ng/mL (68‐205) and 8.5 ng/mL (4.8‐13.4), respectively. The milk‐to‐serum ratio at the trough TCZ concentration of 3 lactating mothers were 0.0015, 0.00082 and 0.0014.

Conclusions

The DMS method for measuring TCZ transfer into breast milk may be reliable and feasible, and should contribute to evaluating the safety of breast‐fed infants whose mothers receive TCZ during lactation.
Tolerance of wheat cultivars to root‐lesion nematode (Pratylenchus thornei) assessed by normalised difference vegetation index is predictive of grain yield
Authors: Robinson Neil A. , Sheedy Jason G. , MacDonald Bethany J. , Owen Kirsty J. , Thompson John P.
Published: April 2019

Tolerant wheat cultivars yield well when sown in fields infested with the root‐lesion nematode Pratylenchus thornei, which is present in 67% of fields in the subtropical grain region of eastern Australia. Wheat breeding programmes require accurate phenotyping to select germplasm with superior tolerance to P. thornei. This study investigated normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) as a phenotypic tool to predict the tolerance of wheat cultivars on low and high P. thornei population densities. Three, 2‐year field experiments used a resistant and a susceptible wheat cultivar in the first year to develop low and high P. thornei populations. In the second year, 36 wheat cultivars were sown on these plots. A NTech Greenseeker was used to determine the NDVI of each plot at regular times during the season and grain yield was measured at crop maturity. There was an inverse relationship between P. thornei population densities and the NDVI for intolerant wheat cultivars. Regression analysis showed a highly predictive response between the yield tolerance index and NDVI with R2 ranging from 0.85 (n = 36) to 0.93 (n = 36) for the three experiments. The area under the disease progress curve with respect to NDVI was highly predictive of yield tolerance (R2 = 0.92; n = 36) when there were high populations (9,091 P. thornei/kg), but not when populations were low (578 P. thornei/kg). Tolerant cultivars can be identified by NDVI when sown on soil containing high populations (>2,500 P. thornei/kg) by measurement at approximately 1,000 degree days after sowing. Greenseeker is a valuable tool for wheat breeders to select germplasm with tolerance of P. thornei.
Nicotine‐induced neuroplasticity in striatum is subregion‐specific and reversed by motor training on the rotarod
Authors: Licheri Valentina , Eckernäs Daniel , Bergquist Filip , Ericson Mia , Adermark Louise
Published: April 2019

Nicotine is recognized as one of the most addictive drugs, which in part could be attributed to progressive neuroadaptations and rewiring of dorsal striatal circuits. Since motor‐skill learning produces neuroplasticity in the same circuits, we postulate that rotarod training could be sufficient to block nicotine‐induced rewiring and thereby prevent long‐lasting impairments of neuronal functioning. To test this hypothesis, Wistar rats were subjected to 15 days of treatment with either nicotine (0.36 mg/kg) or vehicle. After treatment, a subset of animals was trained on the rotarod. Ex vivo electrophysiology was performed 1 week after the nicotine treatment period and after up to 3 months of withdrawal to define neurophysiological transformations in circuits of the striatum and amygdala. Our data demonstrate that nicotine alters striatal neurotransmission in a distinct temporal and spatial sequence, where acute transformations are initiated in dorsomedial striatum (DMS) and nucleus accumbens (nAc) core. Following 3 months of withdrawal, synaptic plasticity in the form of endocannabinoid‐mediated long‐term depression (eCB‐LTD) is impaired in the dorsolateral striatum (DLS), and neurotransmission is altered in DLS, nAc shell, and the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA). Training on the rotarod, performed after nicotine treatment, blocks neurophysiological transformations in striatal subregions, and prevents nicotine‐induced impairment of eCB‐LTD. These datasets suggest that nicotine‐induced rewiring of striatal circuits can be extinguished by other behaviors that induce neuroplasticity. It remains to be determined if motor‐skill training could be used to prevent escalating patterns of drug use in experienced users or facilitate the recovery from addiction.
Relationship between varicocele and platelet indices: changes of mean platelet volume before and after operation
Authors: Zhang Q.‐F. , Liang J.‐H. , He T.‐H. , Huang Z.‐X. , Liu Q.‐L. , Zhang X. , Shen S.‐L. , Li G.‐Y. , Song W.‐R.
Published: April 2019

Background

The correlation between the increased mean platelet volume and varicocele is controversial.

Objectives

We designed this research to demonstrate the correlation relationship between varicocele and mean platelet volume by studying the changes of mean platelet volume in patients with varicocele before and after operation.

Materials and methods

A total of 317 patients with left unilateral varicocele underwent operation, and 293 healthy adult males were enrolled in the study. We collected diagnostic data for preoperative patients through physical examination, color Doppler ultrasonography, and blood routine, and recorded the follow‐up data at 6 months after operation for varicocele. Platelet indices and the degree of varicocele or the diameter of spermatic vein correlation analysis were performed. Mean platelet volume values of preoperative and 6‐month postoperative were statistically evaluated.

Results

We found that the degree of varicocele and the diameter of spermatic vein were positively correlated with mean platelet volume (p = 0.001 or p < 0.001). When the left unilateral varicocele patients and healthy subjects were compared, there was a significant increase in mean platelet volume (p = 0.003). Mean platelet volume values of 96 varicocele patients who were cured by operation for varicocele after 6 months were decreased significantly more than preoperative (p = 0.039), but 32 varicocele patients of 6‐month postoperative recurrence could not prove this change (p = 0.930).

Discussion and conclusion

Our research proves that mean platelet volume was positively correlated with the degree of varicocele and the diameter of spermatic vein and varicocele patients showed significantly higher mean platelet volume than healthy subjects. The mean platelet volume of varicocele patients cured by operation for varicocele after 6 months was lower than before, but there was no difference in mean platelet volume between 6‐month postoperative recurrent patients with preoperative.
Propensity score‐matched analysis of early outcomes after laparoscopic‐assisted versus open pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Tan Jarrod K. H. , Ng Jun Jie , Yeo Melissa , Koh Frederick H. X. , Bonney Glenn K. , Ganpathi Iyer S. , Madhavan Krishnakumar , Kow Alfred W. C.
Published: April 2019

Background

Minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a feasible option for periampullary tumours. However, it remains a complex procedure with no proven advantages over open PD (OPD). The aim of the study was to compare the outcomes between laparoscopic‐assisted PD (LAPD) and OPD using a propensity score‐matched analysis.

Methods

Retrospective review of 40 patients who underwent PD for periampullary tumours between January 2014 and December 2016 was conducted. The patients were matched 1:1 for age, gender, body mass index, Charlson comorbidty index, tumour size and haematological indices. Peri‐operative outcomes were evaluated.

Results

LAPD appeared to have a longer median operative time as compared to OPD (LAPD, 425 min (285–597) versus OPD, 369 min (260–500)) (P = 0.066). Intra‐operative blood loss was comparable between both groups. Respiratory complications were five times higher in the OPD group (LAPD, 5% versus OPD, 25%) (P = 0.077), while LAPD patients required less time to start ambulating post‐operatively (LAPD, 2 days versus OPD, 2 days) (P = 0.021). Pancreas‐specific complications and morbidity/mortality rates were similar.

Conclusion

LAPD is a safe alternative to OPD in a select group of patients for an institution starting out with minimally invasive PD, and can be used to bridge the learning curve required for total laparoscopic PD.
Safety of single‐anaesthetic versus staged bilateral primary total knee replacement: experience from the New Zealand National Joint Registry
Authors: Wyatt Michael C. , Hozack Joan , Frampton Chris , Hooper Gary J.
Published: April 2019

Background

Surgical management options for bilateral knee osteoarthritis comprise staged or single‐anaesthetic bilateral total knee replacements (SABTKRs). We examined the New Zealand Joint Registry hypothesizing there would be no difference between these practices compared to unilateral total knee replacement (TKR) examining 30‐day mortality, all‐cause revision rate and function.

Methods

For this study, 84 946 primary TKRs were identified. We compared three groups: unilateral TKRs, all SABTKRs and all staged bilateral TKRs with intervals of 1 to 90 days, 91 days to 1 year and >1 year. Cumulative revision rates were calculated (Kaplan–Meier method). Mortality risks were compared to unilateral TKR and hazard ratios (HRs) calculated. Six‐month Oxford scores were compared using analysis of variance.

Results

Thirty‐day mortality for SABTKR was 0.219%: unilateral TKR 0.236% (HR 0.43; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38–0.48; P < 001). Staged TKR had lower mortality than unilateral TKR at three time interval groups unless performed within 90 days (adjusting for age and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade) TKR (<90 days HR 0.92; 95% CI 0.703–1.371; P = 0.915; 91–365 days HR 0.783; 95% CI 0.687–0.891; P < 0.001; >365 days HR 0.394; 95% CI 0.344–0.451; P < 0.001). Revision risk with SABTKR was lower at 0.43/100 component years (95% CI 0.37–0.49/100 component years) compared to unilateral 0.56/100 component years (95% CI 0.53–0.59; P < 0.05). Six‐month Oxford scores were superior in SABTKR versus unilateral TKR (38.6 (95% CI 38.2–39) versus 36.9 (95% CI 36.8–37.1); P < 0.001).

Conclusions

SABTKR is at least as safe as unilateral TKR or staged bilateral TKR in appropriately selected cases. Surgeons should wait at least 90 days before the second procedure.
Reading deficits in diabetic patients treated with panretinal photocoagulation and good visual acuity
Authors: Omari Amro , Niziol Leslie M , Gardner Thomas W
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) treated with panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) can have abnormal visual functioning that may be missed by Snellen visual acuity alone. We investigated reading deficits in patients treated with PRP for PDR using the Minnesota reading (MNREAD) test.

Methods

Thirty patients treated with PRP and 15 controls underwent best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the MNREAD, frequency doubling perimetry (FDP), and fundus photography. Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP)‐treated subjects were compared to controls on MNREAD results by two‐sample t‐tests and Wilcoxon tests and Pearson correlations were used to assess the association between performance on MNREAD and other central visual function tests within PRP subjects.

Results

Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP)‐treated patients had reduced MNREAD acuity (p < 0.0001) and increased critical print size (p = 0.01) compared to controls but not a significantly reduced maximum reading speed (p = 0.06). Logmar MNREAD acuity was strongly positive correlated with logMAR BCVA (r = 0.58, p = 0.0098) and strongly negatively correlated with FDP foveal threshold (r = −0.63, p = 0.0030). Maximum reading speed was positively correlated with FDP foveal threshold (r = 0.57, p = 0.0143) and FDP mean deviation (r = 0.51, p = 0.0432). Visual acuity did not correlate with the sensitivities on the FDP.

Conclusion

The MNREAD test reveals that PRP reduces reading ability and other aspects of macular function, and thus provides new understanding of how vision‐related quality of life is impaired. These findings may lead to improved means to evaluate and enhance vision following treatment for PDR.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis in a randomized trial of late in‐the‐bag intraocular lens dislocation surgery: repositioning versus exchange
Authors: Kristianslund Olav , Dalby Marius , Moe Morten C. , Drolsum Liv
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To compare the cost‐effectiveness of two operation methods for late in‐the‐bag intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation.

Methods

In this randomized clinical trial, 104 patients were randomly assigned toIOLrepositioning by scleral suturing (n = 54) orIOLexchange with a retropupillary iris‐claw lens (n = 50). A cost‐effectiveness analysis (CEA) was performed in conjunction with previously published 6‐month efficacy and safety results. An incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was calculated as the cost difference between the operation groups relative to their difference in postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) (mean and 95% confidence interval: minimum and maximum), reported as the cost difference in United States Dollars ($) per logMARdifference.

Results

Exchange surgery was $281.20 ± 17.66 more expensive than repositioning, mainly explained by the newIOLand the frequent use of anterior vitrectomy. A previous trial publication revealed no significant difference in the 6‐month postoperativeCDVAbetween the groups. In theCEA, the mean group difference yielded an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of −$281.20 per −0.11 logMAR(‐$1108/QALY) in favour of repositioning, ranging from −$281.20 per −0.29 logMAR(‐$406/QALY) in favour of repositioning to +$281.20 per −0.08 logMAR(+$1522/QALY) in favour of exchange. TheCEAdid not include the mean 9.5 min shorter operation time for exchange.

Conclusion

Repositioning tended to be more cost‐effective than exchange; however, this is modified if also considering the operation time. Overall, it seems the cost‐effectiveness is not alone sufficiently different to recommend one of the operation methods over the other for late in‐the‐bagIOLdislocation.
Frenotomy for tongue‐tie (frenulum linguae breve) showed improved symptoms in the short‐ and long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Ramoser Gabriele , Guóth‐Gumberger Márta , Baumgartner‐Sigl Sara , Zoeggeler Thomas , Scholl‐Bürgi Sabine , Karall Daniela
Published: April 2019

Aim

To evaluate clinical manifestations of tongue‐tie as well as short‐term and long‐term outcomes following frenotomy.

Methods

In this retrospective study, for 329 patients (295 infants and 34 children) who underwent frenotomy between 2011 and 2017, symptoms, short‐term and long‐term outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Of the 295 infants (median age six weeks), 199 (=60%) showed inadequate breastfeeding. Symptoms were painful or sore maternal nipples, poor weight gain, dribbling milk from the corner of the mouth, reduced milk supply, inadequate latch during bottle‐feeding and maternal mastitis. In the 34 children, predominant symptoms were articulation disorders, misaligned teeth and problems with swallowing solid food. Of the 141 patients with short‐term feedback, 86% reported improvement, 13% an unchanged situation. In a former premature, the reported worsening of symptoms (‘breath spells’) are likely related to prematurity. Of the 164 patients where the questionnaire for long‐term outcome was provided, 82% reported improvement, 16% an unchanged situation. For two infants worsening was reported, referring to refusal to drink from breast or bottle for two hours after the procedure and fever for one day, respectively.

Conclusion

Frenulum breve is a potential cause of breastfeeding difficulties and can be treated safely and efficiently by frenotomy.
Citrullinated histone H3, a biomarker for neutrophil extracellular trap formation, predicts the risk of mortality in patients with cancer
Authors: Grilz Ella , Mauracher Lisa‐Marie , Posch Florian , Königsbrügge Oliver , Zöchbauer‐Müller Sabine , Marosi Christine , Lang Irene , Pabinger Ingrid , Ay Cihan
Published: April 2019

Prior studies indicate that neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are associated with arterial thromboembolism (ATE) and mortality. We investigated the association between NET formation biomarkers (citrullinated histone H3 [H3Cit], cell‐free DNA [cfDNA], and nucleosomes) and the risk of ATE and all‐cause mortality in patients with cancer. In this prospective cohort study, H3Cit, cfDNA and nucleosome levels were determined at study inclusion, and patients with newly diagnosed cancer or progressive disease after remission were followed for 2 years for ATE and death. Nine‐hundred and fifty‐seven patients were included. The subdistribution hazard ratios for ATE of H3Cit, cfDNA and nucleosomes were 1·0 per 100 ng/ml increase (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0·7–1·4, P = 0·949), 1·0 per 100 ng/ml (0·9–1·2, P = 0·494) increase and 1·1 per 1‐unit increase (1·0–1·2, P = 0·233), respectively. Three‐hundred and seventy‐eight (39·5%) patients died. The hazard ratio (HR) for mortality of H3Cit and cfDNA per 100 ng/ml increase was 1·1 (1·0–1·1, P < 0·001) and 1·1 (1·0–1·1, P < 0·001), respectively. The HR for mortality of nucleosome levels per 1‐unit increase was 1·0 (1·0–1·1, P = 0·233). H3Cit, cfDNA and nucleosome levels were not associated with the risk of ATE in patients with cancer. Elevated H3Cit and cfDNA levels were associated with higher mortality in patients with cancer.
What happens next? A 2‐year follow‐up study into the outcomes and experiences of an adapted Dialectical Behaviour Therapy skills training group for people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Hewitt Olivia , Atkinson‐Jones Katherine , Gregory Hannah , Hollyman Jonathan
Published: April 2019

Accessible summary

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a therapy to help people manage their feelings.

We ran a DBT group for people with an intellectual disability. The group seemed to help people feel better and manage their feelings, even after the group ended.

The group was 2 years ago. We talked to three people who went to the group to see what people still remembered from the group and if DBT was still helping them.

We think having a top‐up session might help people to remember and practise ideas from the group.

Background

This paper reports quantitative and qualitative follow‐up data from three participants who attended a Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) group for people with an intellectual disability.

Materials and Methods

Quantitative data regarding psychological well‐being, psychological distress (measured using the Psychological Therapies Outcome Scales; PTOS) and quality of life (measured using the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales—Learning Disability; HONOS‐LD) are reported for pre‐group, post‐group and at 6‐month and 2‐year follow‐up. Interviews were conducted with participants post‐group and at 2‐year follow‐up. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Improvements in scores on measures of psychological well‐being, psychological distress and quality of life appear to be maintained at 6‐month follow‐up, but scores at 2‐year follow‐up suggest a return to baseline. Qualitative self‐report data suggest a number of interesting ways participants adapted and individualised techniques from the group, as well as suggesting possible barriers to maintaining change in the longer term.

Conclusions

Clinical implications are considered to improve effectiveness of similar interventions, as well research implications in order to improve knowledge about the longer term impact of group DBT interventions.
Do phytogeographic patterns reveal biomes or biotic regions?
Authors: Murphy Daniel J. , Ebach Malte C. , Miller Joseph T. , Laffan Shawn W. , Cassis Gerasimos , Ung Visotheary , Thornhill Andrew H. , Kerr Nunzio , Tursky Melinda L.
Published: April 2019

We present the largest comparative biogeographical analysis that has complete coverage of Australia's geography (20 phytogeographical subregions), using the most complete published molecular phylogenies to date of large Australian plant clades (Acacia, Banksia and the eucalypts). Two distinct sets of areas within the Australian flora were recovered, using distributional data from the Australasian Virtual Herbarium (AVH) and the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA): younger Temperate, Eremaean and Monsoonal biomes, and older southwest + west, southeast and northern historical biogeographical regions. The analyses showed that by partitioning the data into two sets, using either a Majority or a Frequency method to select taxon distributions, two equally valid results were found. The dataset that used a Frequency method discovered general area cladograms that resolved patterns of the Australian biomes, whereas if widespread taxa (Majority method, with >50% of occurrences outside a single subregion) were removed the analysis then recovered historical biogeographical regions. The study highlights the need for caution when processing taxon distributions prior to analysis as, in the case of the history of Australian phytogeography, the validity of both biomes and historical areas have been called into question.
The Syrian refugee crisis: how local governments and NGOs manage their image via social media
Authors: del Mar Gálvez‐Rodríguez María , Haro‐de‐Rosario Arturo , del Carmen Caba‐Pérez María
Published: April 2019

This study, based on situational crisis communication theory and set in the context of the Syrian refugee crisis, seeks first to conduct a comparative analysis of the management of online citizen engagement by local governments and non‐governmental organisations (NGOs). Second, it aims to examine the relationship between certain factors pertaining to the types of responses submitted by citizens via the social media of the aforementioned actors. The sample is composed of several Spanish local governments and NGOs belonging to Red de Municipios de Acogida de Refugiados (Local Government Network for Refugee Allocation). The main findings are that NGOs' online engagement with citizens is more than that of local governments. Notably, NGOs are much more active on their Facebook pages than are local governments. The two actors converge, though, in terms of disseminating instructive information and paying less attention to ‘basic crisis response options’. Moreover, the factors ‘content type’, ‘reputation’, and ‘woman’ affect the type of response messages sent by citizens.
Diversity in the structure of action potential‐mediated neural connectivity within rat supra chiasmatic nucleus
Authors: Min Cheolhong , Kim Hyun , Choi Wonshik , Lee Kyoung J.
Published: April 2019

Action potential (AP)‐mediated cell‐to‐cell communication is essential for the frequency‐locking and phase‐synchronization of the clock cells within the biological master clock, suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Nevertheless, the morphology of its network connectivity is largely unexplored. Here, with an optimized optogenetic light‐stimulation and scanning protocol, we report some key characteristics of the inhibitory receptive field (IRF), the area which brings inhibitory synaptic currents to a given target cell, and basic statistics of the inhibitory network connections of rat SCN clock cells. ChR2 transfected, slice cultures of rat SCN were stimulated by a blue power LED light in a repetitive box‐scanning modes, while a target cell was whole‐cell patched. The registered inhibitory postsynaptic currents, which were brought by light‐induced APs of presynaptic neurons, were mostly GABAergic. The sizes and shapes of IRFs of SCN cells were very diverse, and the number of presynaptic cells making up the IRF of a given target cell followed an exponential distribution with an average value of 8.9 approximately, according to our clustering analysis which is based on a hybrid measure D, combining the physical distance r and the difference in the current amplitudes of two different sites. Although this estimate inevitably depends on the construct of the measure D, it is found not so sensitive on the parameter w, which weighs the relative significance of the current amplitude different with respect to the physical distance r: The average number of presynaptic neurons varies < 26% over a significant range of 0 < w < 30. On average, the presynaptic connection number density around a target cell falls off as an exponentially decreasing function of r. But, its space constant (~210.7 μm) is quite large that long‐range (>210.7 μm) neural connections are abundant (>66.9%) within the SCN.
Estimating dementia cases amongst migrants living in Europe
Authors: Canevelli M. , Lacorte E. , Cova I. , Zaccaria V. , Valletta M. , Raganato R. , Bruno G. , Bargagli A. M. , Pomati S. , Pantoni L. , Vanacore N.
Published: April 2019

Background and purpose

The phenomenon of dementia amongst migrants and ethnic minorities represents an emerging concern for European healthcare systems, posing additional challenges in terms of clinical approach, access to care and resource utilization. The aim of the present study was to estimate the cases of dementia amongst immigrant older subjects living in Europe and in each European country.

Methods

The estimated cases of dementia amongst older (i.e. 65+) migrants living in the European Union (EU‐28) and European Free Trade Association member states were calculated by multiplying the number of migrants (obtained through the data provided by Eurostat) with the age‐ and sex‐specific prevalence rates (derived by a recent meta‐analysis).

Results

Overall, 6 507 360 older migrants lived in Europe in 2017. In addition, 1 204 671 migrants were registered in Germany in 2010. Nearly 475 000 dementia cases (329 028 women, 147 410 men) were estimated in this population by applying age‐ and sex‐specific prevalence rates. When considering each European country, the number of estimated cases ranged from 108 (Iceland) to 119 161 (France). In parallel, the proportion of dementia cases occurring in migrants ranged from 0.9% (Czech Republic) to 51.2% (Liechtenstein).

Conclusions

The issue of dementia in migrants and ethnic minorities is emerging but already relevant for European healthcare systems. The magnitude of this phenomenon and its complexities reinforce the need for coordinated initiatives both at a national and continental level. These epidemiological data should ideally be integrated with those coming from ‘real world’ services in order to better calibrate these actions.
Transnasal endoscopic treatment of equine sinus disease in 14 clinical cases
Authors: Kološ F. , Bodeček Š. , Vyvial M. , Krisová Š. , Mráčková M.
Published: April 2019

Transnasal endoscopic sinus treatment was used in four horses diagnosed with primary sinusitis and 10 horses with dental sinusitis. Pre‐existing (n = 5) or surgically created (n = 9) sinonasal fistulae were used as portals for transnasal endoscopic exploration, debridement and lavage of the inflamed sinus cavities. Endoscopic sinonasal fistulation was performed using either trans‐endoscopic diode laser fibre (four cases) or an electrocautery instrument under endoscopic control (five cases). All procedures were performed on standing sedated horses with the use of local anaesthesia. In six cases, the ventral concha was fenestrated in order to gain a portal into the ventral conchal and rostral maxillary sinus. In two cases the dorsal concha was fenestrated to access the caudal group of the paranasal sinuses. One case required fenestration of the ventral conchal bulla due to its empyema. Post‐operative bleeding was controlled with a nasal cavity tamponade for 24 h. Endoscopic lavage and debridement of the inflamed sinuses were performed every 2–3 days. Medical treatment consisted of antibiotic and anti‐inflammatory drugs. In the cases of dental sinusitis, the underlying dental pathology was addressed. Median hospitalisation time was 10 days (range 5–25 days) and the median number of endoscopic procedures (including the initial procedure) was 4 (range 3–7). Cases were followed‐up by telephone consultations with their owners. Intervals between discharge and last follow‐up ranged from 4 to 22 months (median 9.5 months). Complete recovery was reported in 10 cases, clinical improvement (occasional nonpurulent discharge) in two cases. Two cases were readmitted due to recurrence of the purulent nasal discharge; both subsequently underwent trephination of the affected sinuses and made a full recovery after removal of the remaining pathological sinus content.
Drug costs in long‐term care facilities under a per diem bundled payment scheme in Japan
Authors: Hamada Shota , Kojima Taro , Sakata Nobuo , Ishii Shinya , Tamiya Nanako , Okochi Jiro , Akishita Masahiro
Published: April 2019

Aim

The present study aimed to evaluate drug costs per resident at Japanese intermediate care facilities for older adults (called Roken) in relation to drug utilization after admission to these facilities. The payment, including coverage of drugs, is mainly determined by the resident's long‐term care needs.

Methods

A nationwide drug utilization survey was carried out. The participants were 1324 residents of 350 Roken (up to five individuals per facility) who were admitted in 2015 and agreed to participate in this study. Drug costs per resident per month at admission and 2 months later were calculated for drugs prescribed for regular use. Associations between characteristics of the residents and drug costs were examined.

Results

A wide variation in drug costs with a long right tail was observed. Median drug costs were $77 (interquartile range $34–147) at admission, and $46 (interquartile range $19–98) in month 2. There was no apparent association between the level of long‐term care needs and drug costs, adjusting for sex, age and main place of residence before admission. Anti‐dementia drugs accounted for the largest portion of total drug costs at admission (15.4%) and in month 2 (12.4%). The average drug cost per user was also the highest for anti‐dementia drugs ($90.2 per user per month), followed by drugs for Parkinson's disease ($70.3). The proportion of generic drugs across all drug classes examined increased after admission.

Conclusions

These findings might suggest that implementation of the bundled payment scheme would be effective for the reduction of medication costs in institutional long‐term care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 667–672.
Parental Linguistic Input and Its Relation to Toddlers’ Visual Attention in Joint Object Play: A Comparison Between Children with Normal Hearing and Children With Hearing Loss
Authors: Chen Chi‐hsin , Castellanos Irina , Yu Chen , Houston Derek M.
Published: April 2019

Parent–child interactions are multimodal, often involving coordinated exchanges of visual and auditory information between the two partners. The current work focuses on the effect of children's hearing loss on parent–child interactions when parents and their toddlers jointly played with a set of toy objects. We compared the linguistic input received by toddlers with hearing loss (HL) and their chronological age‐matched (CA) and hearing age‐matched (HA) normal‐hearing peers. Moreover, we used head‐mounted eye trackers to examine how different parental linguistic input affected children's visual attention on objects when parents either led or followed children's attention during joint object play. Overall, parents of children with HL provided comparable amount of linguistic input as parents of the two normal‐hearing groups. However, the types of linguistic input produced by parents of children with HL were similar to the CA group in some ways and similar to the HA group in other ways. Interestingly, the effects of different types of linguistic input on extending the attention of children with HL qualitatively resembled the patterns seen in the CA group, even though the effects were less pronounced in the HL group. We discuss the implications of these results for our understanding of the reciprocal, dynamic, and multi‐factored nature of parent–child interactions.
Heat transfer from glass melt to cold cap: Gas evolution and foaming
Authors: Hrma Pavel , Klouzek Jaroslav , Pokorny Richard , Lee Seung Min , Kruger Albert A.
Published: April 2019

In electric melters, the conversion heat is transferred through the foam layer at the cold‐cap bottom. Understanding cold‐cap foaming is thus important for enhancing the efficiency of both commercial and waste glass melters as well as for the development of advanced batch‐to‐glass conversion models. Observing foam behavior is still impossible “in situ,” that is, directly, in glass melters. To investigate the feed foaming behavior in laboratory conditions, we employed the feed volume expansion test, evolved gas analysis, and thermogravimetry. Combining these techniques helps assess the cold‐cap bottom temperature that directly influences the temperature gradient at the melt/cold‐cap interface, and thus the rate of melting. We also discuss the behavior of cavities formed by coalescing primary foam bubbles and ascending secondary bubbles.
Rasch analysis of the Patient Participation in Rehabilitation Questionnaire (PPRQ)
Authors: Melin Jeanette , Fornazar Robin , Spångfors Martin , Pendrill Leslie
Published: April 2019

Objective

To evaluate the Patient Participation in Rehabilitation Questionnaire (PPRQ) according to Rasch measurement theory.

Method

Five hundred twenty‐two post‐discharge patients from a neurological rehabilitation unit were included. The PPRQ questionnaire comprises 20 items rated by a cohort of 522 patients about their experiences of participating in rehabilitation. The measurement properties of the PPRQ were evaluated by Rasch analysis of the responses.

Results

The Rasch analysis of 20 items showed some major misfits, particularly three items addressing the involvement of family members. After removing those items, the model fit improved and no significant DIF remained. Despite improvements, person values (−2.96 to 4.86 logits) were not fully matched by the item values (−0.61 to 0.77 logits). Neither did the t test for unidimensionality meet the criterion of 5%, and local dependency was present. The unidimensionality and local dependency could, however, be accommodated for by four testlets.

Conclusion

The PPRQ‐17 showed that a ruler with a reasonable and clinical hierarchy can be constructed, although the expectations of dimensionality and local dependency need to be evaluated further. Despite room for further development, PPRQ‐17 nevertheless shows improved measurement precision in terms of patient leniency compared with previous evaluations with classical test theory. In turn, this can play a crucial role when comparing different rehabilitation programs and planning tailored care development activities.
Seasonal and spatial variation in the reproductive biology of the dwarf seahorse Hippocampus zosterae
Authors: Rose Emily , Simmonds Mackenzie , Hayashida‐Boyles Alana L. , Masonjones Heather D.
Published: April 2019

Factors associated with the reproductive ecology of the dwarf seahorse Hippocampus zosterae were investigated. Fish from a Tampa Bay (FL, USA) seagrass ecosystem were collected, photographed and returned to the wild, with photos analysed to determine patterns of body size, density, sex ratio and reproductive state across site and season to understand the population dynamics of H. zosterae over time. Animal density did not vary significantly with site and season, indicating there is little evidence of seasonal migration in this species. Densities reported in this study were higher than the mean density for all seahorse species Hippocampus spp. There was no sexual dimorphism in body length and both sexes reached sexual maturity at the same size. The ratio of gravid to non‐gravid males was found to shift by season but not by site, with breeding detected year‐round in this population compared with populations further north in their range. Peak breeding (70% gravid males) was observed in the late summer–autumn (August–October) in the site furthest from shore. The largest fish for both sexes were recorded during the summer and autumn months in the mid‐shore, deepest site. Sex ratio shifted by site with even sex ratios near the shore but significantly female‐biased sex ratios detected at sites near open water. Lastly, an increase in marking dates with decreased time intervals between collections did not yield a higher recapture rate, compared with sampling in 2010. However, the Tampa Bay population of dwarf seahorses demonstrated stable densities across 3 years with year‐round breeding, indicating that it is a robust population worthy of long‐term monitoring for conservation efforts.
Deconstructing an octogenarian misconception reveals the true Corydoras arcuatus Elwin 1938 (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) and a new Corydoras species from the Amazon basin
Authors: Tencatt Luiz F.C. , Lima Flávio C.T. , Britto Marcelo R.
Published: April 2019

After 80 years of misidentifications, the analysis of the holotype of Corydoras arcuatus plus several non‐type specimens attributed to this species allowed its recognition and also revealed a new species, both sharing the following diagnostic features: a long, arched, continuous black stripe that runs parallel to the dorsal profile of the body and extends at least from the anterior margin of the first dorsolateral body plate to the posterior portion of caudal peduncle; absence of transverse black bars on caudal fin; infraorbital 2 in contact with sphenotic and compound pterotic. In addition to these features, C. arcuatus can be distinguished from congeners by having the posterior margin of both dorsal and pectoral spines with laminar serrations directed towards their origins. The new species can be additionally distinguished from its congeners by presenting the following combination of features: ventral surface of trunk entirely or partially covered by relatively large and coalescent platelets; absence of spots or blotches on dorsal fin; and posterior margin of both dorsal and pectoral spines with serrations directed towards their tips. Finally, an identification key to all arc‐striped species of Corydoras is provided.
Effects of size and sex on the courting success and foraging behaviour ofEmbiotoca jacksoni
Authors: Satterfield Darien R. , Steele Mark A.
Published: April 2019

To test life‐history theory that body size and sex should influence how animals allocate time to foragingversusreproductive activities, we measured the effects of size and sex on courting success and foraging behaviour of black surfperchEmbiotoca jacksonioff Santa Catalina Island, southern California. Observations of focal fish were made while snorkelling, during which the length of each fish (estimated to the nearest cm), total duration of courting encounters and foraging rates were recorded. We made observations during and outside the mating season. Courtship occurred only between pairs and its duration increased with the size of both the male and female. Although males would court females that were smaller or larger than themselves, pairs that were closely matched in size had long courting sessions, whereas those that differed considerably in size courted only briefly. Small fish foraged more than larger fish, both during and outside the mating season. Males and females foraged at similar rates outside of the mating season, but during the mating season males reduced their foraging rates to less than half that seen outside of the mating season, whereas females continued to forage at the same rate. This decrease in foraging rate of males during the mating season was seen in all sizes of males but was proportionally greatest in the largest males. These observations indicate that males trade off time spent on foraging for time spent courting during the mating season, whereas females do not.