bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy estimation of a stretch-retractable single section continuum manipulator based on inverse kinematics
Authors: Wang Hao , Gao GuoHua , Xia Qixiao , Ren Han , Li LianShi , Zheng Yuhang
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel stretch-retractable single section (SRSS) continuum manipulator which owns three degrees of freedom and higher motion range in three-dimension workspace than regular single continuum manipulator. Moreover, the motion accuracy was analyzed based on the kinematic model. In addition, the experiments were carried out for validation of the theory.

Design/methodology/approach

A kinematics model of the SRSS continuum manipulator is presented for analysis on bending, rotating and retracting in its workspace. To discuss the motion accuracy of the SRSS continuum manipulator, the dexterity theory was introduced based on the decomposing of the Jacobian matrix. In addition, the accuracy of motion is estimated based on the inverse kinematics and dexterity theory. To verify the presented theory, the motion of free end was tracked by an electromagnetic positioning system. According to the comparison of experimental value and theoretical analysis, the free end error of SRSS continuum manipulator is less than 6.24 per cent in the region with favorable dexterity.

Findings

This paper presents a new stretch-retractable continuum manipulator that the structure was composed of several springs as the backbone. Thus, the SRSS continuum manipulator could own wide motion range depending on its retractable structure. Then, the motion accuracy character of the SRSS continuum manipulator in the different regions of its workspace was obtained both theoretically and experimentally. The results show that the high accuracy region distributes in the vicinity of the outer boundary of the workspace. The motion accuracy gradually decreases with the motion position approaching to the center of its workspace.

Research limitations/implications

The presented SRSS continuum manipulator owns three degrees of freedom. The future work would be focused on the two-section structure which will own six degrees of freedom.

Practical implications

In this study, the SRSS continuum manipulator could be extended to six degrees of freedom continuum robot with two sections that is less one section than regular six degrees of freedom with three single section continuum manipulator.

Originality/value

The value of this study is to propose a SRSS continuum manipulator which owns three degrees of freedom and could stretch and retract to expend workspace, for which the accuracy in different regions of the workspace was analyzed and validated based on the kinematics model and experiments. The results could be feasible to plan the motion space of the SRSS continuum manipulator for keeping in suitable accuracy region.
ExerStart: helping seniors be active and independent for less
Authors: van Esch Patrick , Duffy Sarah Maree , Teufel James , Northey Gavin , Elder Edward , Frethey-Bentham Catherine , Cook Thomas B. , Heller Jonas
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine a downstream social marketing program that slows the typical decline in functional fitness and independence of adults over 55 with particular attention to the ROI and the efficiency of the program.

Design/methodology/approach

Within subjects quasi-experimental design.

Findings

The ExerStart program is cost-efficient and effective delivering an ROI of 33 per cent. The participants of the ExerStart social marketing program significantly improved functional fitness. Further, this program demonstrates that this result may be achieved with just four exercises rather than six.

Practical implications

A successful, cost-effective, high-retention social marketing program is outlined for social marketers who aim to increase the functional fitness and independence of adults over 55 years.

Social implications

Two societal benefits, the first is that it provides direction about how to efficiently prolong the independence of adults over 55 years, and the second is that it decreases pressure and costs on the healthcare system. This may be useful for policy makers and social marketers alike.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the literature in two important ways. First, this paper details a cost-effective intervention that improves the physical fitness of a significant and growing portion of the community and suggests additional considerations for future ROI calculations. Second, this paper contributes methodologically by introducing the senior fitness test (a new criterion-referenced clinically relevant physical fitness standard specifically developed for seniors).
The power of purpose
Authors: Renshaw Ben
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to offer evidence-based advice for leaders on how to be purpose-led and how to use ones purpose to create more opportunity, to become a better leader and to establish a clear sense of direction and conviction at work and in life.

Design/methodology/approach

By asking the right questions, implementing seven key principles and creating a purpose statement, employees, employers and businesses can identity their purpose, achieve more satisfying results establish a clearer sense of purpose and become better leaders.

Findings

A statement of purpose will give a person more direction and promise a future of more fulfillment, more inspiration and more success.

Originality/value

Reaching goals and attaining success is complicated and personal, but these tools offer practical, proven tips and strategies for uncovering one's purpose and living out one's purpose on a daily, monthly and yearly manner.
Soil biota and chemical interactions promote co‐existence in co‐evolved grassland communities
Authors: Semchenko Marina , Nettan Siim , Sepp Anette , Zhang Qiaoying , Abakumova Maria , Davison John , Kalamees Rein , Lepik Anu , Püssa Kersti , Saar Sirgi , Saarma Merilin , Thetloff Marge , Zobel Kristjan
Published: June 2019

Plant populations can exhibit local adaptation to their abiotic environment, such as climate and soil properties, as well as biotic components such as the chemical signatures of dominant plant species and mutualistic and pathogenic microbial populations. While patterns of local adaptation in individual species are widely recorded, the importance of microevolutionary processes for plant community assembly and function is poorly understood.

Here, we examined how a history of long‐term co‐existence, and thus potential for local co‐adaptation, influenced the process of plant community assembly. Soil inocula and seeds of eight plant species were collected from three calcareous grasslands with a long history of grazing within a single geographical region. Mesocosm communities were established using local genotypes from a single site or an artificial mixture of genotypes from two different sites. To investigate the role of root exudates and local (‘home’) and non‐local (‘away’) soil biota as mediators of plant species co‐existence, the population origin treatment was combined with the addition of activated carbon, which is known to adsorb exudates from soil, and sterilization of soil inocula. Individual‐, species‐ and mesocosm‐level responses were measured over the course of three growing seasons.

We found that root exudates promoted seedling survival, species co‐existence and productivity in assemblages of genotypes originating from the same community but had a weak impact in mixed, novel communities. Soil biota promoted the growth of subordinate forbs and restrained the growth of dominant graminoids, particularly in communities composed of local genotypes. The effects of population origin were significant in the first 2 years of the experiment but were not detectable in the third year when interbreeding and new seedling establishment took place. Plant genotypes coupled with ‘home’ microbial inoculum experienced a stronger reduction in growth compared with genotypes exposed to ‘away’ inoculum, indicating that plants experienced home‐field disadvantage in interactions with soil biota.

Synthesis. Our study demonstrates that the mechanisms of initial grassland community assembly depend on community history, with below‐ground chemical interactions and plant interactions with soil biota becoming stronger drivers of dynamics in established and potentially co‐evolved communities.
Proximity to roads disrupts rodents’ contributions to seed dispersal services and subsequent recruitment dynamics
Authors: Chen Wenwen , Zhong Jie , Carson Walter P. , Tang Zhanhui , Xie Zongqiang , Sun Shucun , Zhou Youbing
Published: June 2019

Seed dispersal and subsequent recruitment dynamics play a crucially important role in regulating species coexistence and structuring tree diversity in diverse forests. Wildlife, which can dually shape the tree recruitment process by simultaneously functioning as natural enemies and seed dispersers, are undergoing widespread changes in population and behaviour due to the detrimental effects of expanding global road networks. However, the impact of these changes on recruitment dynamics through the alteration of seed dispersal processes remains understudied.

Here, we assessed how roads affect animal‐mediated recruitment dynamics from the seed to adult stages of trees using a ubiquitous vertebrate‐seed model: rodents and acorns. To quantify the degree to which proximity to a road alters seed dispersal and regulates subsequent recruitment dynamics, we conducted seed dispersal and predation experiments, and investigated the natural recruitment of a dominant tree species (Quercus aliena) from September 2009 to July 2012 in a subtropical forest of central China.

Roads caused a decreased seed dispersal distance and increasing larder hoarding, demonstrating a weakened contribution of rodents to seed dispersal services. These patterns were stronger in the masting year than in the non‐masting year. Correspondingly, seedlings, saplings and adult trees had higher densities near roads than far from roads. Near roads, recruit transition rates (i.e. seedling‐to‐sapling and sapling‐to‐juvenile) were low, and the influential strength of conspecific adult density was weakened over these recruit transitions, indicating that space limitation and lottery competition, not conspecific negative density‐dependent effects, approximately determined the near‐road recruitment process. Furthermore, most adults near roads were young, and their ages matched the road ages.

Synthesis. Roads diminished animal‐mediated seed dispersal services and disrupted subsequent recruitment dynamics in Quercus aliena populations, thus weakening the key process promoting diversity in forest ecosystems. Given that these animal‐regulated roles in recruitment dynamics are widespread stabilizing forces for tree coexistence, our findings suggest that the ubiquity of roads and their continued expansion will contribute to the increase in forests dominated by a relatively low number of species. Consequently, the growing expansion of road networks will ultimately cause profound changes in community composition and structure across diverse forests worldwide.
Capturing the City
Authors: Peters Robbie
Published: June 2019

In this essay I use Surabaya as a case study to argue that today's data‐based urbanism excludes people from the city. Data‐based urbanism differs from the revolutionary and counterrevolutionary urbanisms of the past in Surabaya that included people: the revolutionary form enabled the low‐income majority of the kampung neighbourhoods to capture the ‘city as a whole’ through infrastructure, while the counterrevolutionary form enabled that majority to capture the city in parts through their kampungs. To make the aforementioned points I give the concept of heterotopia a Southern context that brings the low‐income majority to the foreground of urban studies.
Production of Bioactive Peptides from Lactic Acid Bacteria: A Sustainable Approach for Healthier Foods
Authors: Venegas‐Ortega María G. , Flores‐Gallegos Adriana C. , Martínez‐Hernández José L. , Aguilar Cristóbal N. , Nevárez‐Moorillón Guadalupe V.
Published: June 2019

Traditional fermented foods where lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are present have been associated with beneficial effects on human health, and some of those benefits are related to protein‐derived products. Peptides produced by LAB have attracted the interest of food industries because of their diverse applications. These peptides include ribosomally produced (bacteriocins) and protein hydrolysates by‐products (bioactive peptides), which can participate as natural preservatives and nutraceuticals, respectively. It is essential to understand the biochemical pathways and the effect of growth conditions for the production of bioactive peptides and bacteriocins by LAB, in order to suggest strategies for optimization. LAB is an important food‐grade expression system that can be used in the simultaneous production of peptide‐based products for the food, animal, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. This review describes the multifunctional proteinaceous compounds generated by LAB metabolism and discusses a strategy to use a single‐step production process, using an alternative protein‐based media. This strategy will provide economic advantages in fermentation processes and will also provide an environmental alternative to industrial waste valorization. New technologies that can be used to improve production and bioactivity of LAB‐derived peptides are also analyzed.
Review of non‐invasive body contouring devices for fat reduction, skin tightening and muscle definition
Authors: Mazzoni Daniel , Lin Matthew J , Dubin Danielle P , Khorasani Hooman
Published: June 2019

Non‐invasive body contouring is a rapidly growing field in cosmetic dermatology. Non‐invasive contouring devices improve the body's appearance through the removal of excess adipose tissue, particularly in areas in which fat persists despite optimal diet and exercise routine. The technology can also be used for skin tightening. This article reviews the five FDA‐approved non‐invasive body contouring modalities: cryolipolysis, laser, high‐intensity focused electromagnetic field, radiofrequency and high‐intensity focused ultrasound. These devices have emerged as a popular alternative to surgical body contouring due to their efficacy, favourable safety profile, minimal recovery time and reduced cost. Although they do not achieve the same results as liposuction, they are an attractive alternative for patients who do not want the risks or costs associated with surgery. When used appropriately and correctly, these devices have demonstrated excellent clinical efficacy and safety.
Diversity of xylophagous beetles and vulnerability of debarked‐medicinal plants in southern of Benin
Authors: Cakpo‐Tossou Yvonne Tété , Korb Judith , Sinsin Brice
Published: June 2019

We studied the impact of debarking of medicinal tree species on the diversity of xylophagous beetles in Lama Forest Reserve, in Lokoli swampy forest and in crop fields surrounded Lokoli forest. A total of 108 interception traps were set up on debarked and nondebarked trees covering nine medicinal plants that areAnogeissus leiocarpa, Dialium guineense, Khaya senegalensisin Lama Forest;Nauclea diderrichii, Ficus trichopoda, Syzygium owariensein swampy forest; andParkia biglobosa, Bridelia ferruginea, Pterocarpus erinaceusin crop fields. A total of 116 beetle species were collected belonging to 19 coleoptera families with higher xylophagous beetles than predators. Specific richness and individual abundance of xylophagous beetles were significantly higher in crop fields than in forests. Furthermore, in all habitats, debarked‐tree species were more attractive to xylophagous beetles than control trees and were significantly more attacked in crop fields than forests. The most vulnerable medicinal trees to debarking wereP. biglobosa,D. guineense, F. trichopoda and P. erinaceus. Three groups of indicator insects according to habitat type, debarking and tree species have been distinguished. Our results clearly imply that by exploiting natural resources humans can impact on the abundance and specific richness of xylophagous beetles by modulating their resources.
Logistic regression analysis of non‐randomized response data collected by the parallel model in sensitive surveys
Authors: Tian Guo‐Liang , Liu Yin , Tang Man‐Lai
Published: June 2019

To study the relationship between a sensitive binary response variable and a set of non‐sensitive covariates, this paper develops a hidden logistic regression to analyse non‐randomized response data collected via the parallel model originally proposed by Tian (2014). This is the first paper to employ the logistic regression analysis in the field of non‐randomized response techniques. Both the Newton–Raphson algorithm and a monotone quadratic lower bound algorithm are developed to derive the maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters of interest. In particular, the proposed logistic parallel model can be used to study the association between a sensitive binary variable and another non‐sensitive binary variable via the measure of odds ratio. Simulations are performed and a study on people's sexual practice data in the United States is used to illustrate the proposed methods.
Staff experiences working in community‐based services for people with learning disabilities who show behaviour described as challenging: The role of management support
Authors: Deveau Roy , McGill Peter
Published: June 2019

Accessible summary

We looked at staff working with people with a learning disability and challenging behaviour. We tried to find out if managers' help their staff to work better.

We looked at how often staff saw their manager and if their manager tried to help their staff to work better or spent more time doing office work.

We found out that when managers helped staff to work better, staff feel better about their work. Even when staff did not see their manager very often, other staff were helping them to do their work better.

Organisations need to decide who will help staff to work better, and this will also help staff to feel better about their work.

Introduction

Research has shown a positive relationship between practice leadership (frontline management focused upon supporting staff to work better) and better staff experiences of working with people with learning disabilities who may show challenging behaviours. However, little is known regarding the impact of frequency and accessibility of frontline managerial support upon staff experiences, or upon the provision of practice leadership. Current policy and practice in England may lead to frontline managers being responsible for more fragmented services, thus influencing the accessibility of managerial support and practice leadership for staff. The current study investigated the impact on staff experiences of frequency of contact with service manager and of practice leadership.

Methods

A single point in time survey of 144 staff measured: characteristics of service users, frequency of contact with manager, practice leadership and staff experiences, for example burnout, teamwork and job satisfaction.

Results

Practice leadership was positively associated with more frequent contact with the manager. Better staff experiences were associated with more frequent contact with the manager and practice leadership and negatively with challenging behaviours.

Conclusion

The associations between practice leadership, manager contact and better staff experiences suggest further research, and organisational action is needed to provide management support for staff.
Low modularity and specialization in a commensalistic epiphyte–phorophyte network in a tropical cloud forest
Authors: Francisco Talitha M. , Couto Dayvid R. , Garbin Mário L. , Muylaert Renata L. , Ruiz‐Miranda Carlos R.
Published: June 2019

Species interactions can shape the structure of natural communities. Such sets of interactions have been described as complex ecological networks, an example of which is the commensal network formed by epiphyte–phorophyte interactions. Vascular epiphytes germinate and grow on phorophytes (support trees), assuming a horizontal distribution (among the phorophyte species) and a vertical distribution (from the base of the tree trunk to the crown of phorophytes, i.e., through ecological zones). Here, we investigated the organization of these structural dimensions of the epiphyte–phorophyte network in a Brazilian tropical montane cloud forest. The analyzed network, comprising 66 epiphyte species and 22 phorophyte species, exhibited a nested structure with a low degree of specialization, a typical pattern for epiphyte–phorophyte networks in forests. The network was slightly modular, with 65% of the species common to three modules, and had vertical structure corresponding to the vertical organization of the phorophytes. The size (diameter at breast height) of phorophyte individuals influenced the network structure, possibly due to the increase in habitat area, the time available for colonization by epiphytes, and a greater number of microenvironments. We found that the distribution of the epiphyte species differed between the phorophyte ecological zones, with greater richness in the lower portions and greater abundance in the upper portions of the phorophytes. The results provide relevant guidance for future research on the characteristics and the vertical and horizontal organization of vascular epiphyte and phorophyte networks.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Where Infants Go: Real‐Time Dynamics of Locomotor Exploration in Crawling and Walking Infants
Authors: Hoch Justine E. , Rachwani Jaya , Adolph Karen E.
Published: June 2019

Where do infants go? A longstanding assumption is that infants primarily crawl or walk to reach destinations viewed while stationary. However, many bouts of spontaneous locomotion do not end at new people, places, or things. Study 1 showed that half of 10‐ and 13‐month‐old crawlers’ (N = 29) bouts end at destinations—more than previously found with walkers. Study 2 confirmed that, although infants do not commonly go to destinations, 12‐month‐old crawlers go to proportionally more destinations than age‐matched walkers (N = 16). Head‐mounted eye tracking revealed that crawlers and walkers mostly take steps in place while fixating something within reach. When infants do go to a destination, they take straight, short paths to a target fixated while stationary.
Perceived social support, perception of competence, and hope among Chinese children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in a Chinese context: Children's perspective
Authors: Ma Joyce Lai‐Chong , Lai Kelly Y.C. , Xia Lily L.L.
Published: June 2019

This paper reports on the results of a study (n = 113 children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) that examined the effects of the children's perception of the social support (PSS) they receive from their mothers, fathers, teachers, and friends on their sense of competence and hope. PSS explained 13% of the children's overall sense of competence and 4% of their sense of hope. In the perspective of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the amount of maternal support, both in terms of importance and availability, was higher than that of their paternal support. However, the results of a multiple regression analysis have shown that paternal support accounted for 3% of the variance in the children's overall sense of competence and 5% in the variance of their physical competence. PSS from teachers had significantly explained 5%, 4%, and 4% of the variance in the children's overall, social, and physical competence, respectively. The PSS from friends significantly explained 7% of the variance in the children's cognitive competence and 4% of the variance in hope. Theoretical and clinical implications of the study are discussed.
How foster carers experience agency support for birth family contact
Authors: Collings Susan , Wright Amy Conley , Spencer Margaret , Luu Betty
Published: June 2019

Long‐term foster carers in New South Wales, Australia, are being encouraged to consider open adoption of the child in their care. This includes an agreement to facilitate direct or face‐to‐face birth family contact without agency support. There is little Australian research on the factors that influence decisions to adopt children from out‐of‐home care. A mixed methods study was conducted to address this gap. An online survey (n = 76) and four focus groups (n = 30) were conducted with foster carers across New South Wales. Descriptive and thematic analysis was undertaken. Results related to birth family contact are reported. Birth family contact was an area of widespread concern among foster carers. The theme of Relationships with birth family included four subordinate themes: (a) disputed purpose, (b) supervision versus independence, (c) ambivalence about agencies, and (d) establishing boundaries. Foster carers viewed birth family contact as extremely challenging due to its effects on children and interactions with agency staff. For open adoption or guardianship to become the preferred permanency option for children over long‐term foster care, carers will need ongoing and appropriate professional support with contact.
Supply Chain Disruptions and Business Continuity: An Empirical Assessment
Authors: Azadegan Arash , Mellat Parast Mahour , Lucianetti Lorenzo , Nishant Rohit , Blackhurst Jennifer
Published: June 2019

Are business continuity programs (BCPs) useful in improving company performance? Risk management research suggests that BCPs are important in response and recovery from disruptions. However, critics suggest that BCPs rely too much on known risks and are overly complicated. This creates a decision dilemma regarding whether to invest in BCPs or not. Using two empirical studies, this manuscript offers theoretical and empirical evidence as to whether BCPs help limit the damage caused by supply chain disruptions and improve company financial performance. Using structural contingency and organizational information processing theories, the study develops hypotheses on how BCPs channel resources to recover from supply chain disruptions, contingent on a company's flexible or procedural response orientation. In Study‐1, the hypotheses are tested based on a combination of subjective (Likert‐based responses) and objective (historical financial performance) data gathered and matched from a cross‐section of Italian companies. Results suggest that BCPs are beneficial to companies with a procedural or flexible orientation in limiting the damage caused by supply chain disruptions. Companies with strong BCPs show better financial performance in comparison to their competition. In Study‐2, a vignette‐based factorial experiment is used to offer insight on how managers perceive the effect of flexible or procedural response orientation on limiting the operational damage of disruptions. Finally, post‐hoc analyses using fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) offers further evidence of a strong link between BCPs and financial performance (return on assets).
Do GLP‐1RAs and SGLT‐2is reduce cardiovascular events in black patients with type 2 diabetes? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mishriky Basem M. , Powell James R. , Wittwer Jennifer A. , Chu Jennifer X. , Sewell Kerry A. , Wu Qiang , Cummings Doyle M.
Published: June 2019

Aims

While recent cardiovascular safety trials (CVST) concerning newer diabetes medications included mostly white participants, results are being generalized to all races in recent guidelines. This raises a controversial question regarding the appropriateness of applying CVST data to black patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and methods

We searched for randomized trials comparing diabetes medications to placebo in type 2 diabetes and investigated three‐ or four‐point major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Data concerning black patients were then extracted. As the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) updated their recommendations for patients with established cardiovascular risk based on the CVST showing cardiovascular benefit, we performed a sensitivity analysis by including those trials only.

Results

A total of 11 trials were included, investigating a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1RA) in five, a sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor (SGLT‐2i) in two and dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4i) in four. Of the 102 416 participants enrolled in the included trials, only 4601 were black (4.5%). Pooled results showed no significant difference in the incidence of MACE among diabetes medications (GLP‐1RA, SGLT‐2i or DPP‐4i) and placebo in black patients with type 2 diabetes (relative risk [RR] [95% CI], 0.94 [0.77,1.16]). Restricting the analysis to different classes of diabetes medication, the results remained non‐significant. Restricting the analysis to CVST with significant outcomes, the results remained non‐significant (RR [95% CI], 0.97 [0.68,1.39]).

Conclusions

Given that black patients with type 2 diabetes were not well represented in CVSTs and such trials were underpowered to evaluate racial differences, it remains unclear whether GLP‐1RAs or SGLT‐2is would reduce cardiovascular risk in such patients, and additional studies targeting black patients are urgently needed.
Same, Similar, or Something Completely Different? Calibrating Student Surveys and Classroom Observations of Teaching Quality Onto a Common Metric
Authors: van der Lans Rikkert M. , van de Grift Wim J.C.M. , van Veen Klaas
Published: June 2019

Using item response theory, this study explores whether student survey and classroom observation items can be calibrated onto a common metric of teaching quality. The data comprises 269 lessons of 141 teachers that were scored on the International Comparative Analysis of Learning and Teaching (ICALT) observation instrument and the My Teacher student survey. Using Rasch model concurrent calibration, items from both instruments were calibrated onto a common one‐dimensional metric of teaching quality. Most items were found to fit the model. Challenges pertain mainly to items measuring teaching students learning strategies and differentiation. Explanations for these difficulties are discussed.
High health care costs in minority groups of older US Medicare beneficiaries with epilepsy
Authors: Pisu Maria , Richman Joshua , Szaflarski Jerzy P. , Funkhouser Ellen , Dai Chen , Juarez Lucia , Faught Edward , Martin Roy C.
Published: June 2019

Objective

To examine health care costs in diverse older Medicare beneficiaries with epilepsy.

Methods

Using 2008‐2010 claims data, we conducted a longitudinal cohort study of a random sample of Medicare beneficiaries augmented for minority representation. Epilepsy cases (n = 36 912) had ≥1 International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition (ICD‐9) 345.x or ≥2 ICD‐9 780.3x claims, and ≥1 antiepileptic drug (AED) in 2009; new cases (n = 3706) had no seizure/epilepsy claims nor AEDs in the previous 365 days. Costs were measured by reimbursements for all care received. High cost was defined as follow‐up 1‐year cost ≥ 75th percentile. Logistic regressions examined association of high cost with race/ethnicity, adjusting for demographic, clinical, economic, and treatment quality factors. In cases with continuous 2‐year data, we obtained costs in two 6‐month periods before and two after the index event.

Results

Cohort was ~62% African Americans (AAs), 11% Hispanics, 5% Asians, and 2% American Indian/Alaska Natives. Mean costs in the follow‐up were ~$30 000 (median = $11 547; new cases, mean = $44 642; median = $25 008). About 19% white compared to 27% AA cases had high cost. AA had higher odds of high cost in adjusted analyses (odds ratio [OR] = 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11‐1.29), although this was only marginally significant when adjusting for AED adherence (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.01‐1.18, P = 0.03). Factors associated with high cost included ≥1 comorbidity, neurological care, and low AED adherence. Costs were highest at ~$17 000 in the 6 months immediately before and after the index event (>$29 000 for new cases).

Significance

The financial sequelae of epilepsy among older Americans disproportionally affect minorities. Studies should examine contributors to high costs.
Predation risk and habitat complexity modify intermediate predator feeding rates and energetic efficiencies in a tri‐trophic system
Authors: Kolar Vojtech , Boukal David S. , Sentis Arnaud
Published: June 2019

To understand the effects of environmental changes on ecosystems, it is important to determine the factors and mechanisms influencing the strength of species interactions in food webs. However, joint effects of predation risk and additional environmental factors on species interaction strengths in multitrophic systems remain largely unexplored, leaving a substantial gap in our understanding of the links between local environmental characteristics and food web properties.

To fill this gap, we investigated the effects of habitat complexity and predation risk by top predatory dragonfly larvae (Aeshna cyanea) on feeding rates and energetic efficiency (i.e. the ratio of acquired and expended energy) of the larvae of three intermediate predatory odonate species (Libellula quadrimaculata, Sympetrum sanguineum, and Ischnura elegans) preying on cladocerans.

We hypothesised that predation risk would decrease the feeding rate, especially in the structurally simple habitat, and increase the metabolic rate of all intermediate predators. We also expected higher feeding rates of intermediate predators using aquatic vegetation as a perching site (i.e. Sympetrum and Ischnura) in the structurally complex habitat. Finally, we expected to observe habitat‐ and predation risk‐dependent energetic efficiencies of the intermediate predators driven by changes in feeding and metabolic rates.

The effect of predation risk on feeding rates was species specific and differed between the structurally simple and complex habitat. Habitat complexity increased feeding rates but only in the absence of predation risk. Moreover, predation risk signalled by chemical cues significantly increased Sympetrum vulgatum feeding rates but did not influence the feeding rates of the two other intermediate predators.

Metabolic rates varied among the three intermediate predators but were not affected by predation risk. Estimated energetic efficiency decreased with intermediate predator body mass and depended, to a lesser extent, on the interactive effect of habitat complexity and predation risk.

Our results imply that the effects of habitat complexity and predation risk on trophic interactions are likely to be determined by traits related to foraging and defence of the intermediate predators and their habitat domains, and that energetic efficiency is mainly determined by predator mass. Given that habitat complexity and predation risk can vary substantially across habitats, we conclude that it is important to consider habitat complexity and predation risk to better understand and predict the effects of environmentally driven variations on trophic interaction strength and metabolic rates that underlie the energetic efficiency of individual consumers. This has important implications for population and community dynamics as well as ecosystem functioning.
Postmarketing safety and effectiveness of recombinant factor IX (nonacog alfa) in Japanese patients with haemophilia B
Authors: Fukutake Katsuyuki , Taki Masashi , Matsushita Tadashi , Sakai Michio , Takata Ami , Yamaguchi Hiromi , Karumori Toshiyuki
Published: June 2019

Introduction

In 2010, nonacog alfa became the first recombinant factor IX (rFIX) available in Japan for patients with haemophilia B.

Aim

To determine real‐world safety (adverse events, incidence of inhibitors) and effectiveness of nonacog alfa in Japan.

Methods

This multicentre, prospective, observational, postmarketing surveillance study enrolled previously treated and untreated patients (PTPs and PUPs, respectively) who were observed for 1 and 2 years, respectively, after initiating nonacog alfa therapy. Safety and effectiveness were assessed for each treatment type. Annualized bleeding rate (ABR) and incremental recovery of rFIX were also evaluated.

Results

Overall, 312 of 314 patients enrolled from 173 sites were eligible for the safety analysis set (PTPs, 281; PUPs, 28; other, 3). Mean age was 25.4 (PTPs) and 14.8 (PUPs) years. Haemophilic severity ranged from mild to severe, and 133 (42.6%) patients had haemophilic arthropathy. Of 285 patients (PTPs, 257; PUPs, 28) in the effectiveness set, 112 received on‐demand treatment for 1161 bleeding episodes (effectiveness rate, 93.7%) and 185 received routine prophylaxis (effectiveness rate, 95.5%). No spontaneous bleeding was observed in 52.4% of patients during prophylactic treatment. Median ABR was lower during routine prophylaxis (2.0) vs the rest of the observation period (8.3). A weak negative correlation was found between body weight and the reciprocal of rFIX recovery. Eleven adverse drug reactions occurred in 7 PTPs (2.2% [7/312]); recurrence of inhibitor was observed in 1 patient, but no new inhibitor developed in PTPs or PUPs.

Conclusion

Nonacog alfa therapy is safe and effective in the real‐world scenario in Japan.
Analytical investigation of 14th century stained glass windows from Santa Croce Basilica in Florence
Authors: Verità Marco , Bracci Susanna , Porcinai Simone
Published: June 2019

The Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross) is the major Franciscan church in Florence (Italy). Among the prominent masterpieces preserved in this church, there are 22 medieval stained glass windows. Between 2000 and 2013, the Opera di Santa Croce started a restoration campaign of six of the most important ones, dated 14th c. In this paper, the archaeometric data collected during the restoration campaign are reported. Two major base glass compositions (potash‐lime‐silica and soda‐lime‐silica) were identified by quantitative chemical analysis. Results are compared with similar investigations on Italian stained glass windows of the 14th‐15th centuries and many similarities are highlighted. Some interesting “secrets” of the coloring techniques based also on multilayer glass pieces were revealed. Finally, SEM‐EDS analyses allowed the main weathering glass phenomena to be investigated.
Recovery in early stage breast cancer—An Australian longitudinal study
Authors: Edward Karen‐leigh , Chipman Mitchell , Stephenson John , Robinson Kayte , Giandinoto Jo‐Ann , Trisno Roth
Published: June 2019

Background

The majority of breast cancer patients will experience some level of emotional distress, with some patients having long‐term psychological maladjustment. Personal and social resources play a role in recovery yet the interplay between these factors warrants further examination. This study aimed to investigate the interaction of psychosocial factors impacting women in their breast cancer trajectory, at 2 years or less following diagnosis (stages I‐III).

Design

A longitudinal cohort study approach was used in this study.

Methods

The sample consisted of n = 49 participants. Data were collected between June 2013 and October 2013 and followed for 12 months across the trajectory of the disease.

Results

The mean age was 56.6 years (SD 11.6 years). Most participants had stage I or stage II breast cancer. Time (over three time points—4 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months) after diagnosis was significantly associated with the body image (P = .003) and age (P = .004).

Conclusion

Older women with breast cancer reported less concern regarding body image than their younger peers. These findings suggest that posttreatment younger women may require access to psychological support posttreatment.
Fast Kernel Smoothing of Point Patterns on a Large Network using Two‐dimensional Convolution
Authors: Rakshit Suman , Davies Tilman , Moradi M. Mehdi , McSwiggan Greg , Nair Gopalan , Mateu Jorge , Baddeley Adrian
Published: June 2019

We propose a computationally efficient and statistically principled method for kernel smoothing of point pattern data on a linear network. The point locations, and the network itself, are convolved with a two‐dimensional kernel and then combined into an intensity function on the network. This can be computed rapidly using the fast Fourier transform, even on large networks and for large bandwidths, and is robust against errors in network geometry. The estimator is consistent, and its statistical efficiency is only slightly suboptimal. We discuss bias, variance, asymptotics, bandwidth selection, variance estimation, relative risk estimation and adaptive smoothing. The methods are used to analyse spatially varying frequency of traffic accidents in Western Australia and the relative risk of different types of traffic accidents in Medellín, Colombia.
Prescription of renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) and its determinants in patients with advanced CKD under nephrologist care
Authors: Pecoits‐Filho Roberto , Fliser Danilo , Tu Charlotte , Zee Jarcy , Bieber Brian , Wong Michelle M. Y. , Port Friedrich , Combe Christian , Lopes Antonio A. , Reichel Helmut , Narita Ichiei , Stengel Benedicte , Robinson Bruce M. , Massy Ziad ,   CKDopps Investigators
Published: June 2019

Renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) are recommended for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. In this study, we describe RAASi prescription patterns in the Chronic Kidney Disease Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (CKDopps) in Brazil, Germany, France, and the United States (US). 5870 patients (mean age 66‐72 years; congestive heart failure [CHF] in 11%‐19%; diabetes in 43%‐54%; serum potassium ≥5 in 20%‐35%) were included. RAASi prescription was more common in Germany (80%) and France (77%) than Brazil (66%) and the United States (52%), where the prevalence of prescription decreases particularly in patients with CKD stage 5. In the multivariable regression model, RAASi prescription was least common in the United States and more common in patients who were younger, had diabetes, hypertension, or less advanced CKD. In conclusion, RAASi prescription patterns vary by country, and by demographic and clinical characteristics. RAASi appear to be underused, even among patients with strong class‐specific recommendations. Although the reasons for this variation could not be fully identified in this cross‐sectional observation, our data indicate that the risk of hyperkalemia may contribute to the underuse of this class of agents in moderate to advanced CKD.
Artificial diet delivery system forPhilaenus spumarius, the European vector ofXylella fastidiosa
Authors: Cornara Daniele , Ripamonti Matteo , Morente Marina , Garzo Elisa , Bosco Domenico , Moreno Aranzazu , Fereres Alberto
Published: June 2019

Artificial diets represent an essential tool for investigations on the intimate relationship between plant pathogens and their vectors. Previous research failed in devising an artificial diet delivery system for the meadow spittlebugPhilaenus spumarius, to date considered the most important vector of the bacteriumXylella fastidiosain Europe. Here, we describe a new delivery “tube system” by which we succeeded in artificial feeding ofP. spumariuswith holidic diets (one sucrose diet and two amino acids diets). Spittlebug probing and feeding behaviour on either the tube system or a traditional “flat system” realized out of a small Petri dish filled with diet and covered with stretched Parafilm®were observed in real time by video‐EPG (Electrical Penetration Graph), in order to assess the occurrence of ingestion and excretion. Moreover, we evaluatedP. spumariussurvival on either the tube system filled with the two holidic diets that gave the best EPG results or an empty tube system serving as control. Contrary to the flat system, where just brief stylet insertions through the Parafilm®were recorded, the spittlebug ingested the artificial diets when delivered with the tube system. Survival on the diets provided with the tube system was significantly greater than the control, with no differences between the diets tested. Furthermore, the tube system was suitable also for another spittlebug species shown to be a competent vector ofX. fastidiosa, that isNeophilaenus campestris. The tool we devised opens new perspectives for investigations onX. fastidiosa/spittlebugs interactions, as well as for the functional analysis of mutantX. fastidiosastrains in respect to insect colonization and transmission.
Influences of blackberry margins on population dynamics of Drosophila suzukii and grape infestation in adjacent vineyards
Authors: Weißinger Lisa , Schrieber Karin , Breuer Michael , Müller Caroline
Published: June 2019

Understanding the dynamics of pest insect populations in relation to the presence of non‐crop habitats and infestation levels of adjacent crops is essential to develop sustainable pest management strategies. The invasive pest species Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is able to utilize a broad range of host plants. In viticulture, scientific risk assessment for D. suzukii has only recently started and studies assessing the effects of field margins containing wild host plants on D. suzukii population dynamics and on infestation risks in adjacent vineyards are lacking. Thus, in a one‐year field study, the role of different field margins on fly abundance and crop infestation in adjacent vineyards of Vitis vinifera, variety “Pinot Noir,” were investigated. Different monitoring methods were conducted to assess fly distribution, sex ratio and grape infestation in 14 vineyards adjacent to field margins containing either blackberry (BB) Rubus spp. or non‐host (NH) plants. Our results show that blackberries strongly enhanced D. suzukii abundance within field margin vegetation all year long, whereas fly abundance in vineyards adjacent to BB margins was just enhanced in some seasonal periods. Moreover, the influence of BB margins was limited by distance. However, high fly numbers in BB field margins did result in zero egg infestation of “Pinot Noir” berries. These results may have important implications for winegrowers to make efficient management decisions: regardless of high abundance of adult D. suzukii, only grape berry monitoring can assess the actual infestation risk and the potential need to take management action.
Genetic diversity of piscine myocarditis virus in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. in Ireland
Authors: Tighe Andrew J. , Carlsson Jens , Morrissey Teresa , Swords Fiona , Ruane Neil M.
Published: June 2019

Piscine myocarditis virus (PMCV) is a double‐stranded RNA virus which has been linked to cardiomyopathy syndrome (CMS) in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). The first recorded outbreak of CMS in Ireland occurred in 2012. Heart tissue samples were collected in the current study from farmed Atlantic salmon from various marine sites around Ireland, and the open reading frames (ORFs) 1 and 3 were amplified and sequenced in order to examine the genetic diversity of PMCV. Results showed PMCV to be largely homogenous in Irish samples, showing little genetic diversity. However, several amino acid positions within both ORF1 and ORF3 showed consistent variations unique to the Irish PMCV strains when compared with previously published Norwegian strains. The phylogeny generated in the present study suggests that PMCV may have been introduced into Ireland in two waves, both coming from the southern part of PMCV's range in Norway. In addition, over three‐quarters of the PMCV strains which were sequenced came from fish not exhibiting any clinical signs of CMS, suggesting that either PMCV is evolving to become less virulent in Ireland or Irish Atlantic salmon are developing immunity to the disease.