bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of technology‐mediated and in‐person communication on student satisfaction: The moderating role of national culture
Authors: Šerić Maja
Published: January 2020

This article analyses the effects of technology‐mediated (i.e., social media) and in‐person communication (i.e., non‐verbal cues) on student satisfaction in a higher education context. Data were collected among 221 college students from the University of Valencia (UVEG) in Spain and analysed from the perspective of the respondents' national culture. Contrary to expectations, the results show that neither one of the social media aspects drives student satisfaction, thus providing support for the technology paradox literature. Instead, three non‐verbal communication cues are found to influence student satisfaction, i.e., paralanguage, kinesics, and chronemics. The moderating role of national culture on the examined relationships is also considered. The results reveal that national culture seems to only affect the relationship between chronemics and satisfaction.
Trends in the management of horses referred for evaluation of colic: 2004–2017
Authors: Blikslager A. T. , Mair T. S.
Published: January 2020

The financial crisis of 2008 had effects on veterinary practice, with falling turnovers associated with reluctance of owners to spend money on veterinary care. There were anecdotal reports that fewer horses were undergoing colic surgery. The aims of this study were to document the numbers of horses with colic being referred to, and undergoing surgery and/or euthanasia, at two equine hospitals (a university based equine hospital in the United States [NC State] and a private equine hospital in the UK [Bell Equine]) over a 14‐year period (2004–2017). There was a trend of declining total yearly equine accessions at NC State starting in 2009, followed by an increase starting in 2012. At Bell Equine, total accessions showed an increasing trend from 2004 to 2015, followed by a slight decline in 2016 and 2017. The proportion of equine accessions that were colics varied from around 15% to 20% at both hospitals and did not show any notable variations over the time period studied. Both practices showed a trend of decreasing colic admissions undergoing and recovering from surgery starting from 2007 to 2008. The numbers and percentages of colic admissions that were subjected to euthanasia increased from 2004/2005 to 2014/2015 in both hospitals; there was a greater increase in numbers being subjected to euthanasia at surgery at NC State, compared to a greater increase in numbers being subjected to euthanasia without surgery at Bell Equine. At both hospitals, there was a trend of increasing mean invoice totals over the study period. The results show that there has been a trend of decreasing numbers of horses undergoing surgical treatment for colic since 2004/2005. This is likely to be, at least partly, due to the financial crisis of 2008, although other factors, including the high costs of surgery and the ageing equine population may also be important.
Simulating and modelling the DAX index and the USO Etf financial time series by using a simple agent‐based learning architecture
Authors: Neri Filippo , García‐Magariño Iván
Published: January 2020

This work presents an extensive case study on modelling the DAX (Deutscher Aktienindex) index and United States Oil Fund (USO) exchange‐traded fund (Etf) time series with the financial agent‐based system learning financial agent‐based simulator (L‐FABS) that exploits simulated annealing as a learning method. The USO Etf time series is highly correlated with oil price behaviour, and the DAX index is based on the weighted and accumulated behaviour of the share prices of some of the largest companies traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. These two time series are driven by completely different economic factors and thus provide two diverse empirical settings to evaluate the effectiveness of our methodology. Our experimentation shows that a relatively simple computational representation of real financial markets is effective in capturing the overall behaviour of the time series with varying approximation levels while the prediction target is moved into the future. The reported experimental investigation of L‐FABS shows that it is robust notwithstanding the learning method used and the data sets exploited. L‐FABS indeed produced a relatively low approximation error in several settings even when evaluated with respect to other modelling approaches, for example, 0.88% and 1.61% errors on average for 1 day ahead experiments in, respectively, DAX index and USO Etf.
Soil carbon loss with warming: New evidence from carbon‐degrading enzymes
Authors: Chen Ji , Elsgaard Lars , van Groenigen Kees Jan , Olesen Jørgen E. , Liang Zhi , Jiang Yu , Lærke Poul E. , Zhang Yuefang , Luo Yiqi , Hungate Bruce A. , Sinsabaugh Robert L. , Jørgensen Uffe
Published: January 2020

Climate warming affects soil carbon (C) dynamics, with possible serious consequences for soil C stocks and atmospheric CO2 concentrations. However, the mechanisms underlying changes in soil C storage are not well understood, hampering long‐term predictions of climate C‐feedbacks. The activity of the extracellular enzymes ligninase and cellulase can be used to track changes in the predominant C sources of soil microbes and can thus provide mechanistic insights into soil C loss pathways. Here we show, using meta‐analysis, that reductions in soil C stocks with warming are associated with increased ratios of ligninase to cellulase activity. Furthermore, whereas long‐term (≥5 years) warming reduced the soil recalcitrant C pool by 14%, short‐term warming had no significant effect. Together, these results suggest that warming stimulates microbial utilization of recalcitrant C pools, possibly exacerbating long‐term climate‐C feedbacks.
Safety and efficacy of a defecation care algorithm based on ultrasonographic bowel observation in Japanese home‐care settings: a single‐case, multiple‐baseline study
Authors: Matsumoto Masaru , Yoshida Mikako , Yabunaka Koichi , Nakagami Gojiro , Miura Yuka , Fujimaki Shun , Okawa Yohei , Sugama Junko , Okada Shingo , Ohta Hideki , Sanada Hiromi
Published: January 2020

Aim

To verify the efficacy of defecation care based on handheld ultrasonographic observations for functional constipation by visiting nurses skilled in bowel ultrasonography.

Methods

Home‐care patients with suspected functional constipation receiving nursing visits were recruited in this multiple‐baseline, single‐case experiment with intervention points shifted by 1 week. A total of 15 older adults were categorized into 3‐, 4‐, 5‐ or 6‐week intervention phases. Ultrasonographic observations of fecal retention in the colorectum and defecation care based on observations during the ordinal physical assessment were reviewed. Tau‐U was used for confirming the efficacy of the intervention by measuring the number of non‐artificial and artificial defecations, as well as hard stools per week, and the amount of non‐stimulant and stimulant laxatives, enemas and suppositories per week. For evaluating safety, adverse events, such as bowel obstruction and incontinence‐associated dermatitis, were confirmed.

Results

No adverse events were observed. Statistical analysis showed that hard stools and artificial defecation reduced, and that their effect sizes were significant (Tau = −0.48, P < 0.01; Tau = −0.53, P < 0.01). Even the amounts of stimulant laxative and glycerin enema reduced, and their effect sizes were significant (Tau = −0.56, P < 0.01; Tau = −0.34, P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Thus, defecation care based on ultrasonographic assessment by nurses in home‐care settings is safe and effective for improving constipation symptoms and reducing laxative use. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••–••.
Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α promotes interleukin 1β and tumour necrosis factor α expression in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated human dental pulp cells
Authors: Fujii M. , Kawashima N. , Tazawa K. , Hashimoto K. , Nara K. , Noda S. , Nagai S. , Okiji T.
Published: January 2020

Aim

To elucidate the role of HIF1α in pro‐inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated human dental pulp cells (hDPCs).

Methodology

mRNA expression of interleukin (IL) 1β and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) α in LPS‐stimulated hDPCs was determined by quantitative RT‐PCR. Expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) p65 and phospho‐NFκB p65 was analysed by Western blotting. Activation of NFκB signalling was measured by luciferase assay using a reporter vector containing an NFκB response element. Enforced expression of HIF1α was induced by transfection of expression vectors with native or constitutively active forms of HIF1α. Expression of HIF1α protein in hDPCs was evaluated by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. One‐way analysis of variance and the Tukey–Kramer test were performed to determine a significant difference (P < 0.05).

Results

mRNA expression of IL1β and TNFα, protein expression of phospho‐NFκB p65 and LPS‐induced NFκB signalling activity were promoted in low oxygen conditions (1% O2; P < 0.05). These findings were replicated following enforced expression and stabilization of HIF1α in hDPCs. Dimethyloxalylglycine, an inhibitor of prolyl hydroxylase (a HIF1α degrading enzyme), promoted IL1β and TNFα mRNA expression and NFκB signalling in LPS‐stimulated hDPCs (P < 0.05). HIF1α expression was detected in hDPCs cultured in low oxygen conditions (1% O2). LPS stimulation further enhanced HIF1α expression in hDPCs, especially within their nuclei.

Conclusion

HIF1α promoted mRNA expression of IL1β and TNFα via NFκB signalling in LPS‐stimulated hDPCs, suggesting that HIF1α is involved in the progress of inflammation in dental pulp.
Ideal L2 self in the Expanding Circle: The case of English language learners in Iran
Authors: Mahdavy Babak
Published: January 2020

The present research examined the effects of instrumentality‐promotion and attitudes to culture and community on ideal L2 self in two educational contexts in Iran, an expanding circle country where English has not played an official or institutional role. The data obtained from 833 learners in high schools and universities was analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM) and multi‐group structural equation modelling (MSEM). The results show instrumentality‐promotion is more strongly linked with ideal L2 self and there is not a statistically significant difference in the positive effect of instrumentality‐promotion and attitudes to culture and community on learners' ideal L2 self according to the group. The findings illustrate the way in which English learners in this context develop identities needed for constructive interaction in a multicultural world.
Knockdown of cadherin genes decreases susceptibility of Chilo suppressalis larvae to Bacillus thuringiensis produced Crystal toxins
Authors: Zhou H. , Hu W. , Huang Q. , Abouzaid M. , Jin H. , Sun Y. , Qiu L. , Zhang W. , Lin Y. , Ma W.
Published: January 2020

The striped rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis Walker, is one of the most destructive rice pests in Asia. Insecticidal crystal proteins (Cry toxins) produced by Bacillus thuringiensis are widely used as biopesticides or in developing transgenic crops for pest management. In this study, we tested the involvement of two newly cloned C. suppressalis cadherins (CsCAD3 and CsCAD4) in the toxicity of Cry1Ab/Ac, Cry2Aa and Cry1Ca. Our results showed that CsCAD4 was expressed highest in the midgut, whereas CsCAD3 was expressed highest in the epidermis. The feeding of double‐stranded RNA specific to CsCAD3 and CsCAD4 respectively significantly suppressed the expressions of target gene. The knockdown of CsCAD3 significantly reduced the mortality of larvae to Cry1Ab/Ac, whereas knockdown of CsCAD4 significantly decreased the larval susceptibility to Cry2Aa. In contrast, reduced expressions of CsCAD3 or CsCAD4 were not interacted with larval susceptibility to Cry1Ca. Our results suggest that CsCAD3 and CsCAD4 function in Cry toxin toxicity and these findings will help us to better understand the action mechanism of Cry toxins in C. suppressalis.
Does infection prolong the QT interval?
Authors: Wolf Frieda , Homiedi Mohammad , Elias Mazen , Freedberg Nahum , Goldstein Lee H.
Published: January 2020

Background

The corrected QT (QTc) interval is a strong predictor of ischaemic heart disease and cardiovascular mortality. It may trigger lethal arrhythmias and sudden death. Risk factors include electrolyte disorders, medications, prior cardiovascular disease and genetic predisposition. We previously demonstrated that QTc intervals are prolonged in patients hospitalised with pneumonia, regardless which antibiotics were given. It is unclear whether QTc prolongation is associated with pneumonia itself or whether it occurs with other infections.

Aims

To investigate any association between hospitalisation for infection and QTc prolongation.

Methods

We enrolled 169 patients, 160 of whom were used for analysis. QTc was measured in seconds by routine electrocardiogram (ECG) on admission. Subsequently, daily ECG were performed for 3 days, or until discharge (whichever occurred sooner). When clinically significant QTc prolongation was detected, possible causes were investigated.

Results

Clinically significant prolongation was not observed in any patient. The QTc was slightly longer in patients hospitalised for pneumonia or upper respiratory tract infections on admission. It was also prolonged in men, in patients with ischaemic heart disease, hypertension, history of cerebrovascular accident or cancer. A very slight trend for prolongation was observed between the first and second day of monitoring, however it later returned to baseline levels. Nearly 54% of study participants had positive systemic inflammatory response syndrome scores, however no association was detected between their score and baseline QTc, or any subsequent prolongation.

Conclusions

We found no association between hospitalisation due to infection and prolongation of the QTc interval.
Pill testing at music festivals: is it evidence‐based harm reduction?
Authors: Scott Ian A. , Scott Russ J.
Published: January 2020

Recent pill‐related deaths of young people at music festivals in Australia have led to a concerted push for on‐site pill testing as a means for preventing such events. However, whether pill testing (also termed ‘safety checking’) is an effective harm reduction strategy remains uncertain. This narrative review concludes that pill testing currently lacks evidence of efficacy sufficient to justify publicly funded national roll‐out of on‐site pill‐testing programmes. Australian governments, addiction specialists and public health experts should collaborate in conducting properly designed field studies aimed at confirming clear benefits from such programmes in reducing pill‐related harm.
Monitoring skin temperature at the wrist in hospitalised patients may assist in the detection of infection
Authors: Holt Stephen G. , Yo Jennifer H. , Karschimkus Connie , Volpato Frank , Christov Steve , Smith Edward R. , Hewitson Tim D. , Worth Leon J. , Champion De Crespigny Paul
Published: January 2020

Background

Measuring temperature has always been a key observation in the diagnosis of infection. No studies have examined the usefulness of measuring temperature at the wrist to detect infection.

Aim

We sought to determine whether a watch measuring wrist temperature could accurately identify patients who are infected.

Methods

Prospective cross‐sectional pilot study of temperature monitoring in an unselected patients in a tertiary referral adult nephrology unit.

Results

One hundred and four data recording sessions revealed 88 useful data sets, with recording failures in the others. Patients were retrospectively classified as having no infection (Group A, n = 60), clinically diagnosed infection with less than 24 h of treatment with antibiotics (Group B, n = 5), and clinically diagnosed infection with greater than 24 h on antibiotics (Group C, n = 23). There was a significantly higher average maximum temperature in Group B (mean (SEM)) 38°C (0.6) compared with Groups A (36.1°C (0.1)) and C (36.3°C (0.3)). Based on receiver operating characteristics (ROC) a cut‐off temperature of ≥37.5°C gave sensitivity 80% and specificity 98%. Mean electrodermal activity was significantly higher in Groups B and C.

Conclusions

ROC of peripheral skin temperature measurements suggest that such a device may identify many patients requiring treatment for infection. This proof of principle study showed value in using a wearable device in the detection of infection and its potential as an early warning or monitoring device.
CD8α− conventional dendritic cells control Vβ T‐cell immunity in response to Staphylococcus aureus infection in mice
Authors: Zhang Wei , Xu Li , Zhang Xiaoyan , Xu Jianqing , Jin Jun‐O
Published: January 2020

Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent immune cells that control innate and adaptive immune responses. Previous studies have shown that the DCs are required for protection against Staphylococcus aureus infection. However, the role of conventional DC (cDC) subsets during S. aureus infection in vivo has not been well investigated. In this study, we examined the function of spleen DC subsets in the activation of immunity against S. aureus infection. C57BL/6 mice were infected intravenously with S. aureus and DC and T‐cell activation were analyzed in vivo. We found that the spleen CD8α− cDCs phagocytosed S. aureus more efficiently than type‐1 conventional DCs (cDC1s) did. Moreover, the CD8α− cDCs contributed to the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in response to S. aureus infection, whereas the cDC1s did not. In addition, infection with S. aureus promoted an increase in the number of Vβ T cells. The CD4+ and CD8+ Vβ T cells up‐regulated the production of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) in response to S. aureus infection. Importantly, the induction of IFN‐γ and IL‐17 production in CD4+ and CD8+ Vβ T cells was mediated by S. aureus‐stimulated CD8α− cDCs, whereas cDC1s failed to promote IFN‐γ and IL‐17 production in the cells. Therefore, these data suggested that the spleen CD8α− cDCs are the main DC subsets for induction of S. aureus superantigen‐specific immunity.
Identification of new QTL for salt tolerance from rice variety Pokkali
Authors: Chen Tianxiao , Zhu Yajun , Chen Kai , Shen Congcong , Zhao Xiuqin , Shabala Sergey , Shabala Lana , Meinke Holger , Venkataraman Gayatri , Chen Zhong‐Hua , Xu Jianglong , Zhou Meixue
Published: January 2020

Salt stress is an ever‐present threat to rice production worldwide. Rice salinity tolerance is complex, both genetically and physiologically. The success and effectiveness in selecting salt‐tolerant rice variety require the identification of QTL for the tolerance and closely linked molecular markers. In the present study, a RIL population consisting of 148 lines, derived from a cross between IR29 (salt‐sensitive) and Pokkali (salt‐tolerant), was used to identify new QTL for salt tolerance and investigate the relationships between salt stress caused injury and the changes in different physiological and morphological traits at the seedling stage. 14,470 high‐quality SNP markers generated by the Rice 56K SNP array were converted to 1,467 bin markers for linkage mapping. A high‐density genetic linkage map covering 1,680.9 cM was constructed, with the physical to genetic distance ratio being 222 Kb/cM. In total, 23 QTL for different salt tolerance indices were identified, including the previously reported Saltol which is currently used in breeding programmes. Three QTL for salt injury score (SIS) were located on chromosomes 1, 4 and 12, all being closely related to the long‐distant Na+ transport from roots to shoots. These QTL showed additive effects, thus can be effectively used in breeding programme to pyramid various tolerance genes.
Patient‐centred care in the context of pharmacy consultations: A qualitative study with patients and pharmacists in Malaysia
Authors: Ng Yew Keong , Shah Noraida Mohamed , Loong Ly Sia , Pee Lay Ting , Chong Wei Wen
Published: January 2020

Rationale, aims and objectives

Patient‐centred care (PCC) has been increasingly recognized as the standard in current health care, especially when it comes to health communication between patients and health care professionals. The evidence suggests that PCC could potentially improve medication‐related outcomes such as medication adherence, disease self‐management, and patient‐provider relationships. Pharmacists are strategically positioned in the health care system to provide medication management to patients. However, there is a paucity of research regarding PCC in pharmacist‐patient consultations. This study aimed to explore the views and experiences of pharmacists and patients on the important aspects of a PCC consultation.

Methods

A semistructured interview study was conducted among 17 patients and 18 pharmacists in three tertiary hospitals in Malaysia. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Themes were developed using a constant comparison approach and thematic analysis.

Results

Five main themes emerged from the data, namely, achieving mutual understanding, recognizing individuality, communication style, information giving, and medication decision making. For both pharmacists and patients, a PCC consultation should promote mutual understanding and non‐judgmental discussions. Communication was an important element to bridge the gap between patients' and pharmacists' expectations. Patients emphasized the importance of emotional aspects of the consultation, while pharmacists emphasized the importance of evidence‐based information to support patient engagement and information needs.

Conclusions

Comparison of pharmacists' and patients' views provided insight towards important aspects of PCC in pharmacist‐patient consultations. It was suggested that PCC is not a one‐sided approach but rather a patient‐provider collaboration to optimize the consultation. Further research can be done to improve the integration of PCC in the local health care context, including pharmacist consultations.
Effect of agitation speed on freezing process of ice cream using a batch freezer
Authors: Masuda Hayato , Sawano Momoko , Ishihara Kana , Shimoyamada Makoto
Published: January 2020

This study investigates the effect of agitation speed on the freezing process of ice cream using a batch freezer. The temporal change in apparent viscosity during freezing is measured by the Metzner–Otto method. It was found that the apparent viscosity of ice cream after freezing decreased with an increase in the agitation speed. In addition, the number of bubbles incorporated into the ice cream also increased with the increase in the agitation speed. The bubbles were broken down into smaller bubbles by the higher shear force, that is, the higher agitation speed. Furthermore, a narrower distribution of the bubble size was obtained at higher agitation speeds. This indicated that the rheological properties and the microstructure of ice cream can be controlled by the agitation operation.

Practical applications

This study clarified the effect of agitation speed on ice cream properties such as the apparent viscosity, the overrun and the size distribution of contained bubbles. Especially, the apparent viscosity is important for both industries and consumers. The Metzner–Otto method was used to directly measure the temporal change in the apparent viscosity during freezing. This temporal change has not been investigated so far. It was found that the apparent viscosity decreased with the increase in the agitation speed. In other words, the rheological properties can be controlled by the agitation operation. In industries, the continuous freezer is more preferable than the batch freezer used in this study. Nevertheless, the knowledge would be quite useful for the development of industrial processes of ice cream.
Simple proxies for detection of clinically significant serrated polyps and data for their benchmarks
Authors: Park Soo‐Kyung , Park Sang Hyun , Yang Hyo‐Joon , Jung Yoon Suk , Park Jung Ho , Sohn Chong Il , Park Dong Il
Published: January 2020

Background and Aims

Serrated polyp detection rate (SDR) is a potential quality indicator for preventing colorectal cancer associated with the serrated pathway. Using clinically significant SDR (CSSDR) has been suggested based on clinically significant serrated polyp's ability to be colorectal cancer precursors. Correlations between CSSDR and simpler SDRs, other than proximal SDR, have not yet been studied. We aimed to investigate which simpler SDR indicator is most relevant to CSSDR or adenoma detection rate (ADR) and provide benchmark data.

Methods

We analyzed 26 627 colonoscopies performed by 30 endoscopists. Clinically significant serrated polyps were defined as any sessile serrated adenoma/polyp or traditional serrated adenoma, hyperplastic polyps ≥ 5 mm in the proximal colon, or hyperplastic polyps ≥ 10 mm anywhere in the colon. Correlation of CSSDR and ADR with other simple SDRs, SDR‐pathology (sessile serrated adenoma/polyp or traditional serrated adenoma), SDR‐size (≥ 10 mm), and SDR‐location (proximal location) was analyzed using Pearson's correlation test and Steiger's z‐test.

Results

The CSSDR was 1.7% to 13.2% (mean = 6.1%). The correlation coefficient of CSSDR/SDR‐size was 0.91 (P < 0.01), which was higher than that of CSSDR/SDR‐location (0.64, P < 0.01) (0.91 vs 0.61, P < 0.01). The correlation coefficient of ADR/CSSDR and ADR/SDR‐location was 0.41 (P < 0.01) and 0.81 (P < 0.01), respectively. For ADR ≥ 25%, endoscopists' median screening CSSDR was 5.4%, while SDR‐location and SDR‐size were 10.9% and 2.2%, respectively.

Conclusion

Large SDR could be a simple proxy for CSSDR, in addition to proximal SDR. Large SDR and proximal SDR benchmarks of 2.2% and 10.9% may guide adequate serrated polyp detection with uniform definitions and simpler calculations.
Liver stiffness measurement in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: Two is better than one
Authors: Chuah Kee‐Huat , Lai Lee‐Lee , Vethakkan Shireene Ratna , Nik Mustapha Nik Raihan , Mahadeva Sanjiv , Chan Wah‐Kheong
Published: January 2020

Background and Aim

Repeating liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was recently reported to improve accuracy to diagnose fibrosis stage in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). There are to date no other studies confirming this finding. This aims to evaluate the accuracy of repeating LSM for the diagnosis of fibrosis stage in NAFLD patients.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on adult NAFLD patients who had two FibroScan examination within 6 months prior to liver biopsy. F3–F4 fibrosis was excluded using LSM cut‐off of 7.9 kPa.

Results

A total of 136 patients were recruited. Eighty‐five percent (115/136) of patients had high baseline LSM (≥ 7.9 kPa). Among them, 25% (29/115) had low repeat LSM (< 7.9 kPa), with only two patients having F3 fibrosis. Forty‐eight percent (41/86) of patients with high baseline and repeat LSMs had greater than or equal to F3–F4 fibrosis. All 21 patients with low baseline LSM had F0–F2 fibrosis, except one patient with high repeat LSM who had F3 fibrosis. A strategy of repeating LSM, where only patients with high LSM on both baseline and repeat scans are considered for liver biopsy, will be able to reduce the number of patients being considered for liver biopsy from 85% to 63%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value based on only the baseline scan was 98%, 22%, 37%, and 95%, respectively, while based on the strategy of repeating LSM was 93%, 51%, 48%, and 94%, respectively.

Conclusion

False positive diagnosis of advanced fibrosis in NAFLD patients can be reduced, and unnecessary liver biopsy can be avoided by repeating LSM.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging Connectomics Reveals Preoperative Neural Connectivity Changes in Children with Postsurgical Posterior Fossa Syndrome
Authors: Meoded Avner , Jacobson Lisa , Liu Ann , Bauza Colleen , Huisman Thierry A. G. M. , Goldenberg Neil , Weiner Howard , Jallo George , Jackson Eric
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Posterior fossa syndrome (PFS), characterized by loss of language and other neurological impairments within the immediate postoperative period, occurs in approximately 25% of children who undergo surgical resection of posterior fossa tumors. Diffusion tensor imaging connectomics offer promise for elucidation of pathway‐level disruption in neural connectivity of patients with this disorder. We aim to determine differences in pre‐ and postoperative connectomics between children with PFS and children with mild or no language deficit after surgery.

METHODS

Pre‐ and postoperative diffusion tensor imaging connectomics were applied and compared among patients with PFS, mild deficits, and intact language.

RESULTS

A total of 35 patients were included in the study. Twenty‐three patients with preoperative data and 24 patients with postoperative data were included in the analysis. Mean ages: PFS—8.5 years, mild–3.1 years, intact language—9.4 years (P = .02). Diagnoses included medulloblastoma (44.1%), pilocytic astrocytoma (28.6%), ependymoma (8.6%), other (11.4%), and unknown (8.6%). Five (21.7%) patients had PFS, 4 (17.4%) had mild deficits, and 14 (60.9%) had intact language. The assortativity coefficient was significantly higher in patients with PFS when compared to patients with mild deficits (P = .023). In the connectometry analyses, decreased connectivity was found involving the corpus callosum, right corticothalamic pathway, and right corticostriatal pathway in patients with PFS when compared to patients with intact language.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings revealed significant differences in preoperative neural connectivity involving the corticothalamic and other pathways among children who did, versus who did not, develop PFS postoperatively. Diffusion tensor imaging connectomics offers a unique opportunity to study the effect of the posterior fossa tumors on cerebello‐cerebral networks and provide new insights into the mechanism of the structural plasticity/reorganization after surgery.
Incidence of new onset type 1 diabetes in siblings of index cases with type 1 diabetes within the first 11 years in Turkish children
Authors: Karaoglan Murat , Keskin Mehmet
Published: January 2020

Aim

Although newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) occurs sporadically in childhood, there is an increased risk of T1DM for first‐degree relatives of patients that endure into the advanced years. Determination of T1DM incidence in siblings of children with T1DM helps predict the development of new cases. This study focuses on the incidence of the disease in siblings of children with T1DM.

Method

A total of 1497 siblings of 850 children (403 female; 447 male) diagnosed with T1DM between 2007 and 2018 years were retrospectively screened for T1DM. The patients were divided into four onset age groups: 0–4, 5–9, 10–14 and ≥15. The annual incidence was calculated for the region.

Results

A total of 34 siblings diagnosed with T1DM were detected. The incidence relating to the years investigated was between 7.42 and 11.73/100 000 for the newly diagnosed indexes while it ranged between 0 and 5.8% for siblings. The 5–9 year group was the most commonly diagnosed onset age group in index (n = 312) and siblings (n = 20). For siblings, the male sex and 5–9 aged at diagnosis of index were significant risk factors for development of T1DM (OR:2.35 and 2.85).

Conclusion

This study shows that in the first years following the diagnosis of an index, incidence of T1DM among the siblings can rise up to 5.8%, and the age group of 5–9 in the index and the male sex in the sibling are the most important risk factors. These findings show that the risk for siblings of children with T1DM remarkably increases in the first years after diagnosis in index cases.
Be flexible and adapt easily—The great role of plasticity relative to genetic variation for aggressiveness of Fusarium culmorum isolates
Authors: Castiblanco Valheria , Castillo Hilda Elena , Miedaner Thomas
Published: January 2020

The phenotypic variation in an array of pathogen isolates in natural environments can be partitioned into genotypic variation and environmental plasticity. The present study uses a mixed‐model approach to partition the relative contribution of both factors among isolates of Fusarium culmorum from natural field populations in various environments. Twenty‐eight and 38 isolates from an international collection were phenotyped for aggressiveness and deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation across two locations during the years 2015 and 2016, respectively, on four winter type cereals as hosts: bread wheat, durum wheat, triticale and rye, thus providing 16 environments. Aggressiveness, measured as Fusarium head blight (FHB) severity, was assessed by visually rating the symptoms of all isolates on infected hosts, and for 10 isolates, additionally the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) was measured in the grain after harvest. Despite significant genotypic variation among the isolates, the interactions with years and locations explained the largest proportion of variance which disentangled the overwhelming role of plasticity. Host‐by‐isolate interaction was not significant and no significant (p < .001) change in the ranking of isolates from one host to another was detected. As the main factor of plasticity was isolate‐by‐year interaction, this implies that seasonal changes might be an important evolutionary driver in F. culmorum populations.
“Making Moves” in a Cardiac ICU: An Epistemology of Rhythm, Data Richness, and Process Certainty
Authors: Stonington Scott D.
Published: January 2020

Ethnographers of clinical rationality often assume that the goal of biomedical practice is to eliminate uncertainty to produce definitive diagnoses. In this ethnography of an academic cardiac intensive care unit (CCU) in the United States, bodies are conceived instead as ever‐changing constellations of problems that make diagnostic certainty irrelevant and require clinicians to construct and reconstruct temporary models to facilitate action. They suspend their uncertainty to “convince themselves” enough to “make moves” on patients, driven by the relentless tempo of critical illness. This necessitates a practice‐oriented model of professional rationality that can account for the flow of time, with implications beyond the biomedical.
Mobilizing Volume: Trauma, Surgical Skill, and Clinical Tourism in South India
Authors: Shapiro Lily
Published: January 2020

This article considers the ways in which the concept of volume is deployed to create and sustain surgical expertise. Drawing on research at a large plastic and orthopedic surgery hospital in Tamil Nadu, India, I explore the ways in which a steady supply of trauma is converted into medical expertise, reputation, and care. Volume functions as a key metric by which this conversion takes place. This hospital is particularly well known for its cutting‐edge treatment of severe trauma, and, while some Indian hospitals have used their combination of low cost and high expertise to attract foreign patients for medical tourism, this hospital has converted its supply of trauma patients into surgical expertise that brings foreign surgeons there to learn. This article therefore also considers the role of visiting foreign doctors in this form of clinical tourism.
Modeling evacuation route choices under influence of variable message signs
Authors: Zeng Minghua , Wang Min , Liu Yang , Sheu Jiuh‐Biing
Published: January 2020

This work develops a novel methodology for investigating dynamic evacuation route switching behavior and its influence on evacuation traffic assignment considering evacuees’ intuitionistic fuzzy perception and cognition of multitype multiattribute real‐time variable message sign (VMS) information. The methodology has three distinctive features. First, a link‐based VMS information utility model is developed. Second, two link‐specific dynamic escape speed models (DESMs), characterized by VMS information, evacuee attributes, and hazard‐related information, are proposed. Third, VMS information characteristics and the intuitionistic fuzzy method are integrated into route choice behavior models. The link‐specific DESMs are used to adjust the reactive DYNASTOCH algorithm to simulate emergency traffic evacuation. Results demonstrate that the proposed models are effective in characterizing not only dynamic evacuation route switching behavior (microscopic) but also network‐wide evacuation traffic performances (macro) under behavioral and information uncertainties.
LOTUS as an endogenous protein converting the adult central nervous system environment from nonpermissive to permissive for axonal regrowth after brain injury
Authors: Takei Kohtaro
Published: January 2020

Central nervous system (CNS) injury, such as spinal cord injury (SCI), results in severe sensory and motor deficits due to the poor regenerative capacity of the adult CNS primarily caused by a damaged CNS environment containing a large amount of axonal growth inhibitors, such as Nogo receptor‐1 (NgR1), which inhibits axonal regrowth strongly after SCI, and its five ligands. Lateral olfactory tract usher substance (LOTUS), identified in the developing brain, completely antagonizes NgR1 function, promoting neuronal regeneration and functional recovery after SCI. Therefore, we hypothesized that LOTUS might be a useful natural agent for the clinical treatment of SCI in order to increase functional recovery by converting the CNS environment from nonpermissive to permissive for neuronal regeneration. Currently, we are attempting to administer LOTUS after SCI by protein injection or gene transfection. In this report, I discuss the probability of clinical application of LOTUS for future therapy of brain injury.
Low life in high society: a group of comic‐grotesque drawings by Verrocchio*
Authors: Nuttall Paula
Published: January 2020

This article examines a group of drawings of comic‐grotesque subjects (morris dancers, drinkers, and the Henpecked Husband) attributed to Verrocchio. Discussion of these unusual works has previously focused on their attribution, and their relationship to Leonardo's grotesques. The present study interrogates their function and meaning. It considers their derivation from northern European imagery, and how this might have interfaced with contemporary Florentine artistic interests, from ideas on variety and invention to the depiction of the figure in movement. It also explores the idea of the drawings as visual counterparts to ‘low style’ vernacular poetry from the circle of Lorenzo the Magnificent, offering a new reading of them in relation to the broader context of fifteenth‐century Florentine vernacular culture, both visual and literary.
Doubly Robust Inference when Combining Probability and Non-Probability Samples with High Dimensional Data
Authors: Yang Shu , Kim Jae Kwang , Song Rui
Published: January 2020

We consider integrating a non-probability sample with a probability sample which provides high dimensional representative covariate information of the target population. We propose a two-step approach for variable selection and finite population inference. In the first step, we use penalized estimating equations with folded concave penalties to select important variables and show selection consistency for general samples. In the second step, we focus on a doubly robust estimator of the finite population mean and re-estimate the nuisance model parameters by minimizing the asymptotic squared bias of the doubly robust estimator. This estimating strategy mitigates the possible first-step selection error and renders the doubly robust estimator root n consistent if either the sampling probability or the outcome model is correctly specified.
Four years into MACRA: What has changed?
Authors: Cheng Jonathan , Kim Jackson , Bieber Scott D. , Lin Eugene
Published: January 2020

In 2015, Congress passed the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA), a policy intended to transition Medicare away from pure fee‐for‐service care to value‐based care. MACRA does this by evaluating the cost and quality of providers, resulting in financial bonuses and penalties in Medicare reimbursement. MACRA offers two tracks for participation, the Merit‐based Incentive Payment System and the Advanced Alternative Payment Models. Although the payment rules are different for each of the tracks, common to both is an emphasis on holding providers accountable for high‐quality, cost‐efficient care. Early data suggest that the End‐stage renal disease Seamless Care Organizations, an Advanced Alternative Payment Model, resulted in cost‐savings concurrent with improved care quality. Additionally, on July 10th 2019, the President signed an executive order that further attempts to improve kidney disease care by shifting its focus away from in‐center hemodialysis toward chronic kidney disease care, home‐based dialysis, kidney transplantation, and innovating new therapies for kidney disease. These changes to nephrology reimbursement present a unique opportunity to improve patient outcomes in a cost‐effective way. A multidisciplinary effort among policy makers, nephrology providers, and patient advocacy groups is critical to ensure these changes in care delivery safeguard and improve patient health.
Nonresponse Bias in Inequality Measurement: Cross‐Country Analysis Using Luxembourg Income Study Surveys
Authors: Hlasny Vladimir
Published: January 2020

Objective

This study evaluates the bias to inequality measurement from survey nonrespondents.

Methods

Sixty‐six Luxembourg Income Study surveys for 38 middle‐ and high‐income countries, encompassing some 900,000 households, are used to derive estimates of the Gini coefficient for countries and selected world regions.

Results

Household nonresponse typically biases national Ginis downward by 1–8 percentage points. The Gini for North America appears robust to nonresponse, rising by a mere 0.34 percentage points to 44.72 when a correction is applied. The Gini for the European Union Single Market is sensitive to nonresponse, rising by 5.52 percentage points to 37.63. The OECD‐wide Gini rises by 5.93 points to 44.58.

Conclusion

These results appear consistent with one another and with prior evidence. They suggest that, across countries and selected world regions, household nonresponse biases the Ginis downward by 1–8 percentage points.
Brassinosteroid‐mediated reactive oxygen species are essential for tapetum degradation and pollen fertility in tomato
Authors: Yan Meng‐Yu , Xie Dong‐Ling , Cao Jia‐Jian , Xia Xiao‐Jian , Shi Kai , Zhou Yan‐Hong , Zhou Jie , Foyer Christine H. , Yu Jing‐Quan
Published: January 2020

Phytohormone brassinosteroids (BRs) are essential for plant growth and development, but the mechanisms of BR‐mediated pollen development remain largely unknown. In this study, we show that pollen viability, pollen germination and seed number decreased in the BR‐deficient mutant d^im, which has a lesion in the BR biosynthetic gene DWARF (DWF), and in the bzr1 mutant, which is deficient in BR signaling regulator BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT 1 (BZR1), compared with those in wild‐type plants, whereas plants overexpressing DWF or BZR1 exhibited the opposite effects. Loss or gain of function in the DWF or BZR1 genes altered the timing of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and programmed cell death (PCD) in tapetal cells, resulting in delayed or premature tapetal degeneration, respectively. Further analysis revealed that BZR1 could directly bind to the promoter of RESPIRATORY BURST OXIDASE HOMOLOG 1 (RBOH1), and that RBOH1‐mediated ROS promote pollen and seed development by triggering PCD and tapetal cell degradation. In contrast, the suppression of RBOH1 compromised BR signaling‐mediated ROS production and pollen development. These findings provide strong evidence that BZR1‐dependent ROS production plays a critical role in the BR‐mediated regulation of tapetal cell degeneration and pollen development in Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) plants.
Content Validation of the User Attitudinal Component and Factors in Green Building
Authors: Mohammad Izran Sarrazin , Kar Yen Tsau , Abdul Jalil Rohaya
Published: January 2020

The green building performance gap has been well acknowledged in building industry and one of the contributors to these issues is the behaviour of users in the building. One of the element that influences the behaviour of users is the attitude of the user towards the building environment. The consideration of the human aspects especially the user attitudinal component and factor is essential as an approach in improving the building performance. This paper aims to identify the user attitudinal component and factor from the literature and to validate the research instrument by using the content validation method. The procedure of content validity include the conceptualization and development of instrument throughout an extensive literature review and to validate the relevance of the user attitudinal component and factors to be considered in green buildings. Three user attitudinal components and seventeen factors were developed from the extensive review of the literature. Ten experts were chosen to appraise the instrument of research by using a quantitative content validation. Fifteen items were accepted as relevant to the study within the accepted range and two items were eliminated from the research instrument. The study’s output allows the building industry a new insight on what user attitudinal aspect to be considered and integrated when dealing in the development of green building. The output of this study greatly benefits the building designers and managers when designing, constructing and managing green buildings.
Assessing the Seamlessness of Bangkok Metropolitan Public Transport by using Modified Quantitative Gap Analysis
Authors: Permana Ariva Sugandi , Petchsasithon Arthit
Published: January 2020

A sustainable transportation system requires a larger contribution to public transport share in comparison to private transport. Bangkok Metropolitan, the study area, exhibits a significant transport modal alteration trend towards public transport, in line with the expansion of Bangkok Transit System (BTS) and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) for more coverage within the metropolis along main roads along with expansion of public bus routes, which increases the seamlessness and reduces transit time. This study is important as we believe that the higher seamlessness the more urban travelers would shift to using public transport modes. This matter is considered as a pertinent urban transport problem. This study aims at understanding the level of transit seamlessness of the Bangkok public transport system.  The study was carried out by firstly measuring six factors of the regular transit process, on formal and informal transport modes used by Bangkokians. These six factors were observed along the origin and the destination of the travelers with respect to travel time, number of transit points, average transit time, comfort, and transit facilities including facilities for disables, and walking distance. A total number of 300 public transport users were selected as respondents, 50 respondents for each selected transit hub. The selection was based on convenient random sampling considering the variability of destinations and purpose of travel. Despite a different destination, the residence was set as the origin. By using Modified Quantitative Gap Analysis, based on six selected transit hubs, the study found that the seamlessness of the inter-modal transits in Bangkok exhibits a characteristics of hard transit process, particularly for disabled people, notwithstanding the continuous efforts to make the seamless transit are in place, particularly with respect to infrastructure facilities.