bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incorporating fine‐scale environmental heterogeneity into broad‐extent models
Authors: Graham Laura J. , Spake Rebecca , Gillings Simon , Watts Kevin , Eigenbrod Felix
Published: April 2019

A key aim of ecology is to understand the drivers of ecological patterns, so that we can accurately predict the effects of global environmental change. However, in many cases, predictors are measured at a finer resolution than the ecological response. We therefore require data aggregation methods that avoid loss of information on fine‐grain heterogeneity.

We present a data aggregation method that, unlike current approaches, reduces the loss of information on fine‐grain spatial structure in environmental heterogeneity for use with coarse‐grain ecological datasets. Our method contains three steps: (a) define analysis scales (predictor grain, response grain, scale‐of‐effect); (b) use a moving window to calculate a measure of variability in environment (predictor grain) at the process‐relevant scale (scale‐of‐effect); and (c) aggregate the moving window calculations to the coarsest resolution (response grain). We show the theoretical basis for our method using simulated landscapes and the practical utility with a case study. Our method is available as the grainchanger r package.

The simulations show that information about spatial structure is captured that would have been lost using a direct aggregation approach, and that our method is particularly useful in landscapes with spatial autocorrelation in the environmental predictor variable (e.g. fragmented landscapes) and when the scale‐of‐effect is small relative to the response grain. We use our data aggregation method to find the appropriate scale‐of‐effect of land cover diversity on Eurasian jay Garrulus glandarius abundance in the UK. We then model the interactive effect of land cover heterogeneity and temperature on G. glandarius abundance. Our method enables us quantify this interaction despite the different scales at which these factors influence G. glandarius abundance.

Our data aggregation method allows us to integrate variables that act at varying scales into one model with limited loss of information, which has wide applicability for spatial analyses beyond the specific ecological context considered here. Key ecological applications include being able to estimate the interactive effect of drivers that vary at different scales (such as climate and land cover), and to systematically examine the scale dependence of the effects of environmental heterogeneity in combination with the effects of climate change on biodiversity.
An EAACI position paper on the investigation of perioperative immediate hypersensitivity reactions
Authors: Garvey Lene Heise , Ebo Didier G. , Mertes Paul‐Michel , Dewachter Pascale , Garcez Tomaz , Kopac Peter , Laguna José Julio , Chiriac Anca Mirela , Terreehorst Ingrid , Voltolini Susanna , Scherer Kathrin
Published: April 2019

Perioperative immediate hypersensitivity reactions are rare. Subsequent allergy investigation is complicated by multiple simultaneous drug exposures, the use of drugs with potent effects and the many differential diagnoses to hypersensitivity in the perioperative setting. The approach to the investigation of these complex reactions is not standardized, and it is becoming increasingly apparent that collaboration between experts in the field of allergy/immunology/dermatology and anaesthesiology is needed to provide the best possible care for these patients. The EAACI task force behind this position paper has therefore combined the expertise of allergists, immunologists and anaesthesiologists. The aims of this position paper were to provide recommendations for the investigation ofimmediate‐typeperioperative hypersensitivity reactions and to provide practical information that can assist clinicians in planning and carrying out investigations.
Association between anaesthetic technique and unplanned admission to intensive care after thoracic lung resection surgery: the second Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia and Critical Care (ACTACC) National Audit
Authors: Shelley B. G. , McCall P. J. , Glass A. , Orzechowska I. , Klein A. A. ,   the Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia and collaborators
Published: April 2019

Unplanned intensive care admission is a devastating complication of lung resection and is associated with significantly increased mortality. We carried out a two‐year retrospective national multicentre cohort study to investigate the influence of anaesthetic and analgesic technique on the need for unplanned postoperative intensive care admission. All patients undergoing lung resection surgery in 16 thoracic surgical centres in the UK in the calendar years 2013 and 2014 were included. We defined critical care admission as the unplanned need for either tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation or renal replacement therapy, and sought an association between mode of anaesthesia (total intravenous anaesthesia vs. volatile) and analgesic technique (epidural vs. paravertebral) and need for intensive care admission. A total of 253 out of 11,208 patients undergoing lung resection in the study period had an unplanned admission to intensive care in the postoperative period, giving an incidence of intensive care unit admission of 2.3% (95%CI 2.0–2.6%). Patients who had an unplanned admission to intensive care unit had a higher mortality (29.00% vs. 0.03%, p < 0.001), and hospital length of stay was increased (26 vs. 6 days, p < 0.001). Across univariate, complete case and multiple imputation (multivariate) models, there was a strong and significant effect of both anaesthetic and analgesic technique on the need for intensive care admission. Patients receiving total intravenous anaesthesia (OR 0.50 (95%CI 0.34–0.70)), and patients receiving epidural analgesia (OR 0.56 (95%CI 0.41–0.78)) were less likely to have an unplanned admission to intensive care after thoracic surgery. This large retrospective study suggests a significant effect of both anaesthetic and analgesic technique on outcome in patients undergoing lung resection. We must emphasise that the observed association does not directly imply causation, and suggest that well‐conducted, large‐scale randomised controlled trials are required to address these fundamental questions.
Incidence and prevalence of keratoconus in Denmark – an update
Authors: Bak‐Nielsen Sashia , Ramlau‐Hansen Cecilia H. , Ivarsen Anders , Plana‐Ripoll Oleguer , Hjortdal Jesper
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To describe the annual incidence rate of keratoconus in Denmark 1995–2015 and prevalence of keratoconus in the National Danish Patient Register 1977–2015.

Methods

All patients diagnosed with keratoconus in the National Danish Patient Register 1977–2015 were included in the study. The annual incidence rates and the overall prevalence of diagnosed keratoconus in the register were calculated using life tables from the general Danish population. A sub‐analysis excluding immigrants and descendants was performed.

Results

An increase in the annual incidence rate was seen from 1.24 per 100 000 person‐years in 2003 to 3.83 per 100 000 in 2011. The average incidence rate 2011–2015 was 3.60 per 100 000 person‐years. A survey of primary‐sector ophthalmologists supported that the register data could be considered complete from 2011. The prevalence of diagnosed keratoconus in the National Patient Register 1977–2015 was 44 per 100 000 persons. Excluding immigrants and descendants yielded an average incidence rate 2011–2015 of 2.89 per 100 000 person‐years and a prevalence of diagnosed keratoconus in the National Patient Register 1977–2015 of 40 per 100 000 persons.

Conclusion

The present incidence rate (based on 2011–2015 data) has increased 2–3‐fold during the last 10–15 years. The increase is possibly largely a consequence of more complete data due to the availability of corneal cross‐linking, which has changed the referral pattern from the primary sector. Other factors such as better diagnostic tools and immigration may also play a role.
Sensitization potential and potency of terpene hydroperoxides in the cocultured activation test method
Authors: Hennen Jennifer , Silva e Sousa Marta , Sahli Fatma , Lichter Jutta , Lepoittevin Jean‐Pierre , Giménez‐Arnau Elena , Blömeke Brunhilde
Published: April 2019

Background

Positive patch test reactions to mixtures of oxidized terpenes containing allergenic hydroperoxides are frequently reported. However, human sensitization data for these hydroperoxides are not available.

Objectives

To analyse and evaluate the human sensitization potential and potency of hydroperoxides in vitro by using human cells.

Materials/Methods

Limonene‐1‐hydroperoxide, limonene‐2‐hydroperoxide, citronellol‐7‐hydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide, 1‐(1‐hydroperoxy‐1‐methylethyl)cyclohexene and mixtures of citronellol hydroperoxides (isomers at positions 6 and 7) and linalool hydroperoxides (isomers at positions 6 and 7) were studied. All compounds were synthesized except for cumene hydroperoxide, which was commercially available. Their potential and potency to activate dendritic cells (DCs) was evaluated by measuring the upregulation of CD86 and CD54 on THP‐1 cells upon exposure in the cocultured activation test (COCAT) consisting of HaCaT cells (human keratinocyte cell line) and THP‐1 monocytes (as a surrogate for DCs).

Results

Hydroperoxides upregulated CD86 and/or CD54 on cocultured THP‐1 cells in a concentration‐dependent manner. The results are comparable with their sensitization potency ranking in predictive animal models.

Conclusions

For the first time, the human sensitization potential and potency of several hydroperoxides were determined by the use of human cells and the COCAT method.
Local snow melt and temperature—but not regional sea ice—explain variation in spring phenology in coastal Arctic tundra
Authors: Assmann Jakob J. , Myers‐Smith Isla H. , Phillimore Albert B. , Bjorkman Anne D. , Ennos Richard E. , Prevéy Janet S. , Henry Greg H. R. , Schmidt Niels M. , Hollister Robert D.
Published: April 2019

The Arctic is undergoing dramatic environmental change with rapidly rising surface temperatures, accelerating sea ice decline and changing snow regimes, all of which influence tundra plant phenology. Despite these changes, no globally consistent direction of trends in spring phenology has been reported across the Arctic. While spring has advanced at some sites, spring has delayed or not changed at other sites, highlighting substantial unexplained variation. Here, we test the relative importance of local temperatures, local snow melt date and regional spring drop in sea ice extent as controls of variation in spring phenology across different sites and species. Trends in long‐term time series of spring leaf‐out and flowering (average span: 18 years) were highly variable for the 14 tundra species monitored at our four study sites on the Arctic coasts of Alaska, Canada and Greenland, ranging from advances of 10.06 days per decade to delays of 1.67 days per decade. Spring temperatures and the day of spring drop in sea ice extent advanced at all sites (average 1°C per decade and 21 days per decade, respectively), but only those sites with advances in snow melt (average 5 days advance per decade) also had advancing phenology. Variation in spring plant phenology was best explained by snow melt date (mean effect: 0.45 days advance in phenology per day advance snow melt) and, to a lesser extent, by mean spring temperature (mean effect: 2.39 days advance in phenology per °C). In contrast to previous studies examining sea ice and phenology at different spatial scales, regional spring drop in sea ice extent did not predict spring phenology for any species or site in our analysis. Our findings highlight that tundra vegetation responses to global change are more complex than a direct response to warming and emphasize the importance of snow melt as a local driver of tundra spring phenology.
Corporate interests within transnational advocacy networks: The International Coalition Against Plain Packaging
Authors: SMITH JULIA , LEE KELLEY
Published: April 2019

Most of the research on transnational advocacy networks documents progressive, voluntary movements, motivated by values associate with human rights and public goods. There is little critical reflection on the role of corporations within such networks or on the material motivations behind movements. Meanwhile literature on corporate political strategies related to partnerships with civil society is limited to national level analysis. This article presents a case study of the International Coalition Against Plain Packaging, which is conceptualized as a transnational advocacy network, and documents its links to the tobacco industry. We find that, not only have tobacco companies provided network members – publicly presented and perceived as independent – with financial resources, but they have also been involved in producing the information used by the network to debate the benefits of plain packaging. In return, the tobacco industry is able to propagate ideas favorable to its interests through organizations perceived as legitimate experts, and to maintain a network of allies ready to counter tobacco control regulations when and where they arise. Considering the multiple benefits corporations might derive from engaging with transnational advocacy networks, there is need for greater research on private actors’ influence within advocacy networks and on those networks that aim to counter or advance alternatives to progressive ideals.
Assessment of Bed Hydraulics and Metal Loadings in a Passive Vertical Flow Bioreactor in Commerce, Oklahoma
Authors: Cremeans M.M. , Devlin J.F. , Osorno T.C. , Nairn R.W.
Published: April 2019

A treatment pond, with an engineered bed that served as a passive vertical flow bioreactor (VFBR), was operated as part of a passive sequenced treatment system for the removal of metals from groundwater at the Mayer Ranch in Commerce, Oklahoma. The groundwater was contaminated by mining activities in west Commerce and discharges at this location occurred as artesian springs through improperly abandoned, over‐drilled, and cased legacy boreholes. The VFBR operated by establishing reducing conditions in the organic bed of a pond to promote metal sorption and precipitation as sulfides. In order to verify that operations were unhindered by nonuniform flow in the VFBR, an assessment of the flow uniformity in the pond was undertaken using the streambed point velocity probe (SBPVP). The velocity data were independently validated with a water balance. The outflow calculated from the SBPVP data came within 30% of the value suggested by measured inflow rates to the pond, supporting the conclusion that the SBPVP measurements were representative of flow in the VFBR, and that flow through the bed was occurring with a satisfactory level of uniformity. Water flow rates through the reactive bed were found to be up to an order of magnitude greater than those employed in the prior column testing, contributing to metal loading rates (of Cd, Pb, Zn, Ni) estimated to be two orders of magnitude greater than those tested in the columns (4.2 × 104 and 3.2 × 102 mg/m3/d, respectively). However, apparently rapid chemical reactions that likely occurred close to the pond water‐sediment interface contributed to the treatment system achieving its design objectives.
Effects of group size and group density on trade‐offs in resource selection by a group‐territorial central‐place foraging woodpecker
Authors: Garabedian James E. , Moorman Christopher E. , Peterson M. Nils , Kilgo John C.
Published: April 2019

Trade‐offs in resource selection by central‐place foragers are driven by the need to balance the benefits of selecting resources against the costs of travel from the central place. For group‐territorial central‐place foraging birds, trade‐offs in resource selection are likely to be complicated by a competitive advantage for larger groups at high group density that may limit accessibility of high‐quality distant resources to small groups. We used the group‐territorial, central‐place foraging Red‐cockaded Woodpecker Leuconotopicus borealis (RCW) as a case study to test predictions that increases in group density lead to differences in foraging distances and resource selection for groups of different sizes. We used GPS tracking and LiDAR‐derived habitat data to model effects of group size on foraging distances and selection for high‐quality pines (≥ 35.6 cm diameter at breast height (dbh)) and lower quality pines (25.4–35.6 cm dbh) by RCW groups across low (n = 14), moderate (n = 10) and high group density (n = 10) conditions. At low and moderate group density, all RCW groups selected distant high‐quality pines in addition to those near the central place because competition for resources was low. In contrast, at high group density, larger groups travelled further to select high‐quality pines, whereas smaller groups selected high‐quality pines only when they were close to the central place and, conversely, were more likely to select lower quality pines at greater distances from the central place. Selection for high‐quality pines only when close to the cavity tree cluster at high group density is important to long‐term fitness of small RCW groups because it allows them to maximize benefits from both territorial defence and selecting high‐quality resources while minimizing costs of competition. These relationships suggest that intraspecific competition at high group density entails substantive costs to smaller groups of territorial central‐place foragers by limiting accessibility of distant high‐quality foraging resources.
Additive manufacturing of architected catalytic ceramic substrates based on triply periodic minimal surfaces
Authors: Al‐Ketan Oraib , Pelanconi Marco , Ortona Alberto , Abu Al‐Rub Rashid K.
Published: April 2019

The exhibited geometry of catalytic substrates can have a significant influence on the chemical activity and efficiency. Controlling their geometry can be challenging using the traditional techniques. In this work, we propose new and novel catalytic substrates with architected and controllable topologies based on the minimal surfaces framework. A novel design approach and an additive manufacturing (AM) technique were proposed to manufacture the catalytic substrates using ceramic materials. After 3D printing, their mechanical and flow properties were investigated experimentally. An elastic‐plastic‐damage coupled model was employed to investigate the underlying deformation mechanism of the investigated substrates. Results showed that the CLP substrate exhibited the highest mechanical properties as well as the least pressure drop among the tested substrates. Also, numerical simulations showed that the strut‐based substrates exhibit stress localization which leads to faster failure, while stress is distributed more homogeneously in the sheet‐based substrates. While the model showed to have a good agreement in the experimental and simulation stress‐strain responses, the damage mechanism was not fully captured by the numerical simulations. This was attributed mainly to the process‐induced defects in the form of microcracks and microvoids that can alter the nature of deformation and damage.
Anti‐sebum efficacy of guava toner: A split‐face, randomized, single‐blind placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Pongsakornpaisan Pongpaka , Lourith Nattaya , Kanlayavattanakul Mayuree
Published: April 2019

Background

Guava has benefit phytochemicals that are important for skin‐disorder treatment. Nevertheless, its efficacy against oily skin has never been reported.

Aims

The guava toner was developed and clinical evaluated.

Methods

The base toner was formulated, accelerated stability tested, and sensory‐evaluated in 10 volunteers. The highest preference base was incorporated with guava extract, stability examined, and skin irritation assessed in 21 volunteers by a single application close patch test. Anti‐sebum efficacy was split‐face, randomized, single‐blind placebo‐controlled evaluated in 21 volunteers for 28 days and monitored by Sebutape® on forehead and nose.

Results

The stable toner base with the greatest preference (83.20 ± 1.85%) was incorporated with 3%, 4.5%, and 6% of guava extract. The toners were stable with none of skin irritation. The toner with 6% guava extract was selected for efficacy evaluation. Guava toner significantly reduced oiliness of forehead (13.10 ± 3.67%, P < 0.05) and nose (21.43 ± 3.21%, P < 0.001) better than the base toner. The activity on nose was significantly noted (10.72 ± 3.51%, P < 0.05) since the 3rd week of application.

Conclusions

Anti‐sebum guava toner was efficiently evidence approved and suitable for a daily application to improve the efficacy.
Gene copy number variations as signatures of adaptive evolution in the parthenogenetic, plant‐parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Castagnone‐Sereno Philippe , Mulet Karine , Danchin Etienne G. J. , Koutsovoulos Georgios D. , Karaulic Mégane , Da Rocha Martine , Bailly‐Bechet Marc , Pratx Loris , Perfus‐Barbeoch Laetitia , Abad Pierre
Published: April 2019

Adaptation to changing environmental conditions represents a challenge to parthenogenetic organisms, and until now, how phenotypic variants are generated in clones in response to the selection pressure of their environment remains poorly known. The obligatory parthenogenetic root‐knot nematode species Meloidogyne incognita has a worldwide distribution and is the most devastating plant‐parasitic nematode. Despite its asexual reproduction, this species exhibits an unexpected capacity of adaptation to environmental constraints, for example, resistant hosts. Here, we used a genomewide comparative hybridization strategy to evaluate variations in gene copy numbers between genotypes of M. incognita resulting from two parallel experimental evolution assays on a susceptible vs. resistant host plant. We detected gene copy number variations (CNVs) associated with the ability of the nematodes to overcome resistance of the host plant, and this genetic variation may reflect an adaptive response to host resistance in this parthenogenetic species. The CNV distribution throughout the nematode genome is not random and suggests the occurrence of genomic regions more prone to undergo duplications and losses in response to the selection pressure of the host resistance. Furthermore, our analysis revealed an outstanding level of gene loss events in nematode genotypes that have overcome the resistance. Overall, our results support the view that gene loss could be a common class of adaptive genetic mechanism in response to a challenging new biotic environment in clonal animals.
The Effect of Perception of Teacher Characteristics on Spanish EFL Learners’ Anxiety and Enjoyment
Authors: DEWAELE JEAN–MARC , MAGDALENA ANDREA FRANCO , SAITO KAZUYA
Published: April 2019

The present study explores the relationship between Foreign Language Enjoyment (FLE) and Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety (FLCA) and a number of teacher‐centered variables within the Spanish classroom context. Participants were 210 former and current learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) from all over Spain who filled out an online questionnaire with Likert scale items. A moderate negative relationship emerged between FLE and FLCA. Participants who had an L1 English speaker as a teacher reported more FLE and less FLCA than those with a foreign language user of English. Teacher characteristics predicted close to 20% of variance in FLE but only 8% of variance in FLCA. The strongest positive predictor of FLE was a teacher's friendliness while a teacher's foreign accent was a weaker negative predictor. Teacher‐centered variables predicted much less variance for FLCA. Participants experienced more FLCA with younger teachers, very strict teachers, and teachers who did not use the foreign language much in class. The findings confirm earlier research that FLE seems to be more dependent on the teachers’ pedagogical skills than FLCA.
Uncovering the genomic signature of ancient introgression between white oak lineages (Quercus)
Authors: Crowl Andrew A. , Manos Paul S. , McVay John D. , Lemmon Alan R. , Lemmon Emily Moriarty , Hipp Andrew L.
Published: April 2019

Botanists have long recognised interspecific gene flow as a common occurrence within white oaks (Quercus section Quercus). Historical allele exchange, however, has not been fully characterised and the complex genomic signals resulting from the combination of vertical and horizontal gene transmission may confound phylogenetic inference and obscure our ability to accurately infer the deep evolutionary history of oaks.

Using anchored enrichment, we obtained a phylogenomic dataset consisting of hundreds of single‐copy nuclear loci. Concatenation, species‐tree and network analyses were carried out in an attempt to uncover the genomic signal of ancient introgression and infer the divergent phylogenetic topology for the white oak clade. Locus and site‐level likelihood comparisons were then conducted to further explore the introgressed signal within our dataset.

Historical, intersectional gene flow is suggested to have occurred between an ancestor of the Eurasian Roburoid lineage and Quercus pontica and North American Dumosae and Prinoideae lineages.

Despite extensive time past, our approach proved successful in detecting the genomic signature of ancient introgression. Our results, however, highlight the importance of sampling and the use of a plurality of analytical tools and methods to sufficiently explore genomic datasets, uncover this signal, and accurately infer evolutionary history.
Vital Design
Authors: Sukel Kayt
Published: April 2019

Engineering and medicine has been intertwined for a very long time and in the recent years the relationship has been getting stronger and more important to the advance of healthcare. Surgeons and engineers are collaborating are using 3-D models to plan complex procedures. To do that, engineers must speak a language surgeons can understand. This article looks at how Boston Children's Hospital has invested in the Cardiac Surgery Research department and wants engineers engaged “in the room where it happens.” Then they can observe, study, and communicate with surgeons to truly understand their problems and the type of solutions that they would want to use.
Optical properties of Bi2(Te1−xSex)3 thin films
Authors: Peiris Frank C. , Holmgren Ellen T. , Lyons John W. , Li Xiang , Liu Xinyu , Dobrowolska Margaret , Furdyna Jacek K.
Published: April 2019

Using spectroscopic ellipsometry, the dielectric functions of a series of topological insulators, including Bi2Te3, Bi2Se3, and their ternary alloys, were determined. The ellipsometry measurements were obtained using an IR-spectroscopic ellipsometer, spanning a spectral range between 2000 and 35 000 nm. A standard inversion technique was used to model the ellipsometry spectra, which produced the dielectric functions of each of the topological insulator films. These dielectric functions were analyzed further to obtain characteristics such as their bandgap, carrier concentration, and effective mass. Specifically, Kramers–Kronig consistent oscillators were used to represent the Drude contribution as well as the energy gap. The authors found that the bandgap of Bi2(Te1−xSex)3 ternary alloys are larger than their binary constituents (i.e., Bi2Te3 and Bi2Se3). By exploring the temperature dependence of the bandgap, the authors deduced the electron–phonon coupling parameters for the Bi2(Te1−xSex)3 system, using the Bose–Einstein occupation distributions. Compared with Bi2Te3, the authors found that the electron–phonon coupling parameters of the ternary alloys of Bi2(Te1−xSex)3 are smaller.
Identification of Novel Spx Regulatory Pathways in Bacillus subtilis Uncovers a Close Relationship between the CtsR and Spx Regulons
Authors: Rojas-Tapias Daniel F. , Helmann John D.
Published: April 2019

In
Bacillus subtilis
, the Spx transcription factor is proteolytically unstable, and protein stabilization figures prominently in the induction of the Spx regulon in response to oxidative and cell envelope stresses. ClpXP is largely, but not entirely, responsible for Spx instability. Here, we identify ClpCP as the protease that degrades Spx under conditions that antagonize the ClpXP pathway. Spx itself contributes to activation of the
ctsR
operon, which encodes ClpC as well as the McsB arginine kinase and protease adaptor, thereby providing a negative feedback mechanism. Genetic studies reveal that dysregulation of the CtsR regulon or inactivation of the YwlE phosphoarginine phosphatase decreases Spx activity through mechanisms involving both protein degradation and posttranslational modification.
Rapidly Processed Stool Swabs Approximate Stool Microbiota Profiles
Authors: Bokulich Nicholas A. , Maldonado Juan , Kang Dae-Wook , Krajmalnik-Brown Rosa , Caporaso J. Gregory
Published: April 2019

Collection of fecal swab samples simplifies handling, processing, and archiving compared to collection of stool. This study confirms that fecal swabs reliably replicate the bacterial composition and diversity of stool samples, provided that the swabs are processed shortly after collection. These findings support the use of fecal swabs, when shipping and handling are done properly, to streamline measurements of intestinal microbiota.
What is the impact on the readmission ratio of taking into account readmissions to other hospitals? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Hekkert Karin , Borghans Ine , Cihangir Sezgin , Westert Gert P , Kool Rudolf B
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Readmissions are used widespread as an indicator of the quality of care within hospitals. Including readmissions to other hospitals might have consequences for hospitals. The aim of our study is to determine the impact of taking into account readmissions to other hospitals on the readmission ratio.

Design and setting

We performed a cross-sectional study and used administrative data from 77 Dutch hospitals (2 333 173 admissions) in 2015 and 2016 (97% of all hospitals). We performed logistic regression analyses to calculate 30-day readmission ratios for each hospital (the number of observed admissions divided by the number of expected readmissions based on the case mix of the hospital, multiplied by 100). We then compared two models: one with readmissions only to the same hospital, and another with readmissions to any hospital in the Netherlands. The models were calculated on the hospital level for all in-patients and, in more detail, on the level of medical specialties.

Main outcome measures

Percentage of readmissions to another hospital, readmission ratios same hospital and any hospital and C-statistic of each model in order to determine the discriminative ability.

Results

The overall percentage of readmissions was 10.3%, of which 91.1% were to the same hospital and 8.9% to another hospital. Patients who went to another hospital were younger, more often men and had fewer comorbidities. The readmission ratios for any hospital versus the same hospital were strongly correlated (r=0.91). There were differences between the medical specialties in percentage of readmissions to another hospital and C-statistic.

Conclusions

The overall impact of taking into account readmissions to other hospitals seems to be limited in the Netherlands. However, it does have consequences for some hospitals. It would be interesting to explore what causes this difference for some hospitals and if it is related to the quality of care.
Workshops on diagnosis and management of dementia for general practitioners: a pre–post intervention study of dementia knowledge
Authors: Tierney Laura , Mason Ron , Doherty Kathleen , Winbolt Margaret , Long Marita , Robinson Andrew
Published: April 2019

Objectives

To assess improvements in dementia knowledge among general practitioner (GP) registrars and supervisors following their participation in dementia workshops.

Design

Pre–post intervention study.

Setting

General practice education in Australia.

Participants

296 GP registrars and 91 GP supervisors.

Interventions

Registrars participated in a 3-hour face-to-face workshop on diagnosing and managing dementia. Supervisors participated in a 2-hour modified version of the workshop designed to support them in teaching registrars.

Main outcome measures

The Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS) was used to assess overall dementia knowledge as well as knowledge on four subscales (causes and characteristics; communication and behaviour; care considerations; risks and health promotion). Changes in mean scores and the proportion of participants obtaining a threshold score (90th percentile score preworkshop) were used as measures of improvement.

Results

Few registrars and supervisors identified previous experience of formal dementia education. At baseline, mean dementia knowledge scores were 36 for registrars and 37 for supervisors of a total score of 50. Both groups had significantly improved overall dementia knowledge following the workshop with a mean score of 43. Improvements in knowledge were observed for all four DKAS subscales. Between preworkshop and postworkshop periods, there was an increase in the proportion of registrars and supervisors obtaining the threshold score for total DKAS as well as the four subscales. A significantly higher proportion of registrars compared with supervisors obtained the threshold score postworkshop in the areas of causes and characteristics and risks and health promotion.

Conclusions

Prior to the workshop, no differences in overall dementia knowledge were observed between registrars and supervisors. While knowledge improved in all areas for both groups postworkshop, findings from this study suggest the need to include foundational content such as the causes and characteristics of dementia in educational workshops for both trainee and experienced GPs.
Generation of elementary gates and Bell’s states using controlled adiabatic evolutions
Authors: Benmachiche Abderrahim , Sellami Ali , Turaev Sherzod , Bahloul Derradji , Messikh Azeddine , Wahiddin Mohamed Ridza
Published: April 2019

Fundamental quantum gates can be implemented effectively using adiabatic quantum computation or circuit model. Recently, Hen combined the two approaches to introduce a new model called controlled adiabatic evolutions [I. Hen, Phys. Rev. A, 91(2) (2015) 022309]. This model was specifically designed to implement one and two-qubit controlled gates. Later, Santos extended Hen’s work to implement [Formula: see text]-qubit controlled gates [A. C. Santos and M. S. Sarandy, Sci. Rep., 5 (2015) 15775]. In this paper, we discuss the implementation of each of the usual quantum gates, as well as demonstrate the possibility of preparing Bell’s states using the controlled adiabatic evolutions approach. We conclude by presenting the fidelity results of implementing single quantum gates and Bell’s states in open systems.
Two new constructions of approximately symmetric informationally complete positive operator-valued measures
Authors: Wang Gang , Niu Min-Yao , Fu Fang-Wei
Published: April 2019

A symmetric informationally complete positive operator-valued measure (SIC-POVM) is a POVM in [Formula: see text] consisting of [Formula: see text] positive operators of rank one such that all of whose Hermite inner products are equal. SIC-POVMs are important in quantum information theory, which have many applications in quantum state tomography, quantum cryptography and basic research in quantum mechanics. However, it is very difficult to construct SIC-POVMs. Therefore, many scholars have focused on approximately symmetric informationally complete positive operator-valued measures (ASIC-POVMs) for which the Hermite inner products are close to equal. In this paper, two new constructions of ASIC-POVMs are provided by using character sums and some special functions over finite fields.
Notes from the Pier No. 1[2]: On a “PAH-BRI”: A Prospective Framework for the US–China’s Interconnectivity With Special Reference to the US–China Trade Disputes
Authors: Huang Chihlien
Published: April 2019

Sociocultural development and international relation are virtually incessant interconnectivities at different levels of human society which lead to the creation of different civilizations and its interactions. Therefore, the so-called “PAH-BRI” is believed to be a possible new form of socioeconomic cooperation. If so, the current trade disputes and future Sino-American relationship could be reconstructed effectively within the “‘[Formula: see text]-shaped’ PAH-BRI” formula. Furthermore, entering the “#3.0”, it is expected that any form of the “PAH-BRI”-like projects is not easy for any single power or its bloc to manipulate mainly for its own interests, ethno-centrism and egoism. Any promising arrangement between any two parties should always leave a room for the third party to come or to drop out.
The Future of US–China Relations: A Scientific Investigation
Authors: Baaquie Belal Ehsan , Richmond Peter , Roehner Bertrand M , Wang Qing-hai
Published: April 2019

In earlier centuries kings and governments employed astrologists to help them take the best decisions. Present-day governments no longer employ astrologists but still have no clear analytical tool to replace them. Over the past two decades we have developed a methodology for the scientific investigation of recurrent historical events. It consists in two steps. (i) Identification and comparison of historical episodes driven by a common mechanism. (ii) Under the reasonable assumption that what has happened several times in the past is likely to happen again, one then derives testable predictions. This of course is nothing other than the protocol used in experimental science when exploring new phenomena. We believe such a tool can give decision makers much better insight.

In the present paper we illustrate this analysis by considering challenges, that span more than a century, to US hegemony in the Pacific. The outcomes suggest that it is only through the side-lining of one of the contenders that the confrontation will end. At the time of writing (early 2019) early evidence of this confrontation is already visible at three levels. (i) Growing US concerns for domestic security that are leading to a new form of McCarthyism. (ii) Political instability due to China–US polarization in several Asian countries as well as in the countries participating in the “Belt and Road Initiative.” (iii) Tension and sanctions in procurement and trade.
Flexible, Efficient, and Secure Access Delegation in Cloud Computing
Authors: Xiong Hu , Wang Yi , Li Wenchao , Chen Chien-Ming
Published: April 2019

The convenience of the cloud-assisted Internet of Things has led to the need for improved protections for the large volumes of data collected from devices around the world and stored on cloud-based servers. Proxy re-encryption (PRE) has been presented as a suitable mechanism for secure transmission and sharing of files within the cloud. However, existing PRE schemes do not support unidirectional data transformation, fine-grained controls, multiple hops, and identity-based encryption simultaneously. To solve these problems, we propose a unidirectional multi-hop identity based-conditional PRE scheme that meets all of the above requirements. Our proposal has the additional benefits of a constant ciphertext size, non-interactivity, and collusion resistance. We also prove that our scheme is secure against adaptive identity chosen-ciphertext attacks in the standard model.
A data management method for databases using hybrid storage systems
Authors: Wu Chin-Hsien , Huang Cheng-Wei , Chang Chen-Yu
Published: April 2019

When applications require high I/O performance, solid-state drives (SSDs) are often preferable because they perform better than traditional hard-disk drives (HDDs). Therefore, database system response time can be improved by moving frequently used data to SSDs. However, because capacity is both more limited and more expensive for SSDs than it is for HDDs, there is a need to determine which data are most appropriate to migrate from HDDs to SSDs. In this paper, we propose a data management method for databases using SSDs by considering an integrated mechanism and a migration rule for performing migrations between HDDs and SSDs. The proposed method can provide database systems with high I/O performance by properly moving high-priority data to SSDs with fast access capabilities while maintaining the low-priority data on HDDs, which have lower costs. The results of experiments show that the proposed method can achieve the goal while requiring only small amounts of SSD capacity.
Burnout, Perceived Efficacy, and Job Satisfaction: Perception of the Educational Context in High School Teachers
Authors: Molero Jurado María del Mar , Pérez-Fuentes María del Carmen , Atria Leonarda , Oropesa Ruiz Nieves Fátima , Gázquez Linares José Jesús
Published: April 2019

Burnout is closely related to personal and contextual variables, especially job satisfaction and commitment, and other less studied psychological variables, such as perception of teaching efficacy or educational context.Objective. The general objective of this study was to examine the relationships of burnout with perceived educational context, perceived teaching efficacy (personal and collective), and job satisfaction and commitment.Materials and Methods. A battery of instruments was administered to 500 high school teachers at different schools in several Italian provinces.Results. The cluster analysis found that one-third of high school teachers had high burnout. Evidence was also found associating elevated burnout with low scores in perceived efficacy (personal and collective), low job satisfaction, and low professional commitment. Furthermore, perception of the educational context is less positive when the teachers experience high levels of burnout. Finally, the results showed the mediating effect of perceived personal efficacy on the relationship between burnout and job satisfaction.Conclusions. The results are discussed from the perspective of developing teaching autonomy on improving personal efficacy, decreasing burnout, and increasing job satisfaction in an educational system which reinforces individual and collective competence.
Maximizing the Accuracy of Continuous Quantification Measures Using Discrete PackTest Products with Deep Learning and Pseudocolor Imaging
Authors: Doi Ryoichi
Published: April 2019

Using the standard colors provided in the instructions, PackTest products can approximate and quickly estimate the chemical characteristics of liquid samples. The combination of PackTest products and deep learning was examined for its accuracy and precision in quantifying chemical oxygen demand, ammonium ion, and phosphate ion using a pseudocolor imaging method. Each PackTest product underwent reactions with standard solutions. The generated color was scanner-read. From the color image, ten grayscale images representing the intensity values of red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, yellow, key black, and L∗, and the values of a∗ and b∗ were generated. Using the grayscale images representing the red, green, and blue intensity values, 73 other grayscale images were generated. The grayscale intensity values were used to prepare datasets for the ten and 83 (=10 + 73) images. For both datasets, chemical oxygen demand quantification was successful, resulting in values of normalized mean absolute error of less than 0.4% and coefficients of determination that were greater than 0.9996. However, the quantification of ammonium and phosphate ions commonly provided false positive results for the standard solution that contained no ammonium ion/phosphate ion. For ammonium ion, multiple regression markedly improved the accuracy using the pseudocolor method. Phosphate ion quantification was also improved by avoiding the use of an estimated value for the reference solution that contained no phosphate ion. Real details of the measurements and the perspectives were discussed.
Patient’s Preference on Neurosurgeon’s Attire and Appearance: A Single Center Study in Korea Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mun Hyun Woong , Kim Ji Hee , Ahn Jun Hyong , Chang In Bok , Song Joon Ho , Oh Jae Keun
Published: April 2019

Objective. This study was performed to assess neurosurgery patients’ preference for surgeon’s attire and appearance in the hospital. Methods. A total of 100 patients were investigated using a questionnaire comprising 13 questions. We first asked patients about neurosurgeon’s appearance including accessories, hair color, mustache, and beard. Then, based on their preferences, they were asked to rank a series of photographs which illustrated a variety of neurosurgeon attires worn by a doctor. Results. Professional attire with white coat was the most ideal for patients compared to any other attire (preference scale 5.28 ± 1.24), and there was a significant preference gap between wearing a white coat and not wearing a white coat (p <0.01). Patients expressed a preference for neurosurgeon’s shoes (30%) but the majority of the respondents answered that it does not matter which shoes their neurosurgeon wears (43%). Furthermore, the patients did not have any preferences regarding accessories, dyeing, and mustache or beard (58%, 67%, and 51%, respectively), and they did not have negative view towards doctor wearing accessories (71.7%) and growing mustache or beard (71.6%). Conclusion. The patients in this study preferred professional attire along with a white coat compared to any other form of outfit. This result is similar to those of many other studies conducted in other departments or other countries. However, patients did not have a strong negative view on accessories, dyeing, and facial hair. With regard to medical training, patients did not show a preference for their neurosurgeon’s educational background.
Operational Deflection Shape Extraction from Broadband Events of an Aircraft Component Using 3D‐DIC in Magnified Images
Authors: Molina-Viedma Ángel J. , López-Alba Elías , Felipe-Sesé Luis , Díaz Francisco A.
Published: April 2019

Recently, many works have shown the capabilities of noninterferometric optical techniques, such as digital image correlation, to characterise modal behaviour. They provide a global insight into the structure or component behaviour which implies massive spatial information, unaffordable by traditional sensor instrumentation. Moreover, phase‐based motion magnification (PMM) is a methodology which, based on a sequence of images, magnifies a periodic motion encoded in phase time‐domain signals of the complex steerable pyramid filters employed to decompose the images. It provides a powerful tool to interpret deformation. However, the interpretation is just qualitative and should be avoided if out‐plane motion is recorded as only one camera is employed. To overcome this issue, 3D digital image correlation (3D‐DIC) has been linked with PMM to provide measurements from stereoscopic sets of images, providing full‐field displacement maps to magnified images. In this work, the combination of PMM and 3D‐DIC has been employed to evaluate the modal behaviour of an aircraft cabin under random excitation. The study was focused on the passenger window area due to its significance to the structural integrity as a discontinuity of the peel. Operational deflection shapes at different resonances were characterised by magnifying a single resonance in the spectrum and then measuring with 3D‐DIC. These measurements were validated with those obtained in forced normal mode tests. Motion and displacement videos improved the understanding of the identified resonance deformation. Actually, a relevant behaviour was noticed in the window’s frame, a quite narrow area where using traditional sensors would not provide such a detailed 3D information.