bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tomosaic: efficient acquisition and reconstruction of teravoxel tomography data using limited-size synchrotron X-ray beams
Authors: Vescovi Rafael , Du Ming , de Andrade Vincent , Scullin William , Gürsoy Dogˇa , Jacobsen Chris
Published: August 2018

X-rays offer high penetration with the potential for tomography of centimetre-sized specimens, but synchrotron beamlines often provide illumination that is only millimetres wide. Here an approach is demonstrated termedTomosaicfor tomographic imaging of large samples that extend beyond the illumination field of view of an X-ray imaging system. This includes software modules for image stitching and calibration, while making use of existing modules available in other packages for alignment and reconstruction. The approach is compatible with conventional beamline hardware, while providing a dose-efficient method of data acquisition. By using parallelization on a distributed computing system, it provides a solution for handling teravoxel-sized or larger datasets that cannot be processed on a single workstation in a reasonable time. Using experimental data, the package is shown to provide good quality three-dimensional reconstruction for centimetre-sized samples with sub-micrometre pixel size.
On-chip THz spectrometer for bunch compression fingerprinting at fourth-generation light sources
Authors: Laabs M. , Neumann N. , Green B. , Awari N. , Deinert J. , Kovalev S. , Plettemeier D. , Gensch M.
Published: August 2018

The layout of an integrated millimetre-scale on-chip THz spectrometer is presented and its peformance demonstrated. The device is based on eight Schottky-diode detectors which are combined with narrowband THz antennas, thereby enabling the simultaneous detection of eight frequencies in the THz range on one chip. The size of the active detector area matches the focal spot size of superradiant THz radiation utilized in bunch compression monitors of modern linear electron accelerators. The 3 dB bandwidth of the on-chip Schottky-diode detectors is less than 10% of the center frequency and allows pulse-resolved detection at up to 5 GHz repetition rates. The performance of a first prototype device is demonstrated at a repetition rate of 100 kHz at the quasi-cw SRF linear accelerator ELBE operated with electron bunch charges between a few pC and 100 pC.
Using refractive lenses to provide a variable spot size for Kirkpatrick–Baez mirrors
Authors: Heald Steve M. , Dufresne Eric M.
Published: August 2018

For many X-ray microprobe experiments it is desirable to be able to vary the beam size: using large beams for survey scans and a small beam for the final measurements. Beryllium refractive lenses were found to be a simple and controllable method for enlarging the focus in a Kirkpatrick–Baez-based microprobe. They can provide variable spot size, can be quickly inserted or removed and do not move the beam center on the sample.
Tetracarbonyl-2κ4C-[μ-5-methyl-1,1,3-triphenyl-2-(propan-2-yl)-2,4-diaza-1,3-diphosphahexan-4-ido-1κN4:2κP1,P3](N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethane-1,2-diamine-1κ2N,N′)lithiummolybdenum
Authors: Höhne Martha , Spannenberg Anke , Müller Bernd H. , Peulecke Normen , Rosenthal Uwe
Published: August 2018

The title complex, [LiMo(C6H16N2)(C24H29N2P2)(CO)4], contains a distorted octahedrally coordinated molybdenum centre bearing a lithiatedP,P′-cis-chelating PNPN ligand, which results in a nearly planar four-membered metallacycle. The Li atom is coordinated by one equivalent tetramethylethylenediamine. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviaweak C—H...O interactions, forming a chain along theb-axis direction.
Hiring decisions on certified manpower
Authors: Pao Huei-Wen , Lee Cheng-Yu , Chung Pi-Hui , Wu Hsueh-Liang
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The industry-wide adoption of a novel practice is often considered to be an institutional change. Although research on institutionalization has been accumulating, how and why embedded actors in the field become motivated to embrace change that remains sidelined. Viewing the introduction of a new human resource management practice, the recruitment of non-compulsory certified manpower, which is still in its infancy in the service sector of Taiwan, as a new institution, the purpose of this paper is to identify the distinct motives behind firms’ hiring decisions, and examine the extent to which such hiring decisions are contingent on institutional conditions and firm attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used to test the hypotheses were drawn from a survey on service firms in Taiwan in the second half of 2011. Hypotheses were examined through moderated hierarchical regression analyses in a sample of 254 Taiwanese service firms across major sectors.

Findings

Integrating the resource dependency and social contagion views, the study contends that resource scarcity drives, or legitimacy enables, service firms to deviate from traditional hiring patterns and instead adopt new preferences toward certified manpower. The study not only shows that social factors should be incorporated into the diffusion of a new HR recruitment practice in the service sector, which is traditionally based upon economic considerations, but also sheds light on the context-dependent nature of the process of institutional innovation.

Originality/value

This study is an attempt not only to test a dual-theoretical model on the extent to which a service firm’s new hiring pattern is influenced by two distinct types of motivation, but also to evidence how an institutional innovation, in terms of the regime of service manpower certification, takes root and spreads in the field. The managerially discretional account of the resource dependence theory needs to be reconciled with social contagion theory, which highlights the influence of collective actions and so provides a better understanding of the diffusion of new HR recruitment practices in the service industry.
Review of the food processing supply chain literature: a UK, India bilateral context
Authors: Prakash Gyan
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the meaning and operationalization of food supply chains in the context of the UK and India.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper follows the systematic literature review approach. The paper examines 99 articles published in peer-reviewed-journals from 1995 to 2017.

Findings

Findings reveal that food supply chain literature is explored along themes of procurement, food processing, innovation, traceability, safety, environment and sustainability, food policy, quality, health, consumer behavior and packaging. Within these themes, the UK researchers have primarily addressed vertical integration, coordination, safety, competitiveness and transparency and information technology. Indian researchers have focused on issues such as consumer perceptions, retail format choice, organic, health and wellness products. An empirical category is the most popular approach. The survey method is the most popular approach followed by the single case studies.

Research limitations/implications

The paper contributes to the body of knowledge by presenting a unified synthesis of articles dealing with the food supply chain in the bilateral context of the UK and India.

Practical implications

The policy makers could use findings for conceptualization of complementarities and possible food supply chain networks.

Social implications

Food processing activities may have potential to provide sustaining livelihoods to around sixty percent of the Indian population which depends on the agriculture. In the bilateral context, the UK may also get a reliable and cost competitive partner to meet its food import needs. This will help the UK to focus more on its service-led economy which, in turn, may create more jobs.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the contextual issues of both the countries and presents opportunities for future collaboration.
The impact of internal forces on acceptance of takaful by insurance policy-holders in India
Authors: Salman Syed Ahmed , Ab. Rashid Hafiz Majdi , Htay Sheila Nu Nu
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Insurance is a modern risk-management tool. Although the idea is novel, its practice is not free of interest, uncertainty and elements of gambling. Takaful has been introduced as an alternative to modern insurance. India has an established insurance industry, and although the country has the second largest Muslim population in the world, takaful has not been introduced there. Moreover, no research has examined how internal forces affect policy-holders to buy new insurance products such as takaful in India. This study aims to examine whether internal factors influence individual insurance policy-holders to open up to takaful. As internal factors reflect the innovative nature of policy-holders, this paper seeks to determine whether there is significant difference in the innovative nature of two independent sample groups (e.g. between Muslims and non-Muslims) in participating in takaful.

Design/methodology/approach

New product adoption theory is used in developing the hypotheses and a questionnaire. Snowball sampling method is used in this survey, with a sample size of 909 respondents, including Muslim and non-Muslim policy-holders. The internal forces that encourage potential policy-holders to participate in takaful is the independent variable here, while the respondents’ actual willingness to participate in takaful is the dependent variable. Religion and level of education are used as control variables, and regression and T-tests are performed to analyze the data.

Findings

Results show that the internal factors have significant impact at 1 per cent on the acceptance of takaful by policy-holders. There is also a significant difference in the innovative nature between Muslims and non-Muslims. Mean values from the T-test show that Muslims are more innovative than non-Muslims in India, offering a good sign for India to start offering takaful, as Muslims could be the core customer base.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on internal factors influencing individual policy-holders’ willingness to participate in takaful. The findings can be the starting point for future research exploring the influence of external factors on such willingness to participate with potential benefits to local authorities, investors, insurance companies and the public in India.

Originality/value

This study provides crucial information about the demand side of takaful in India. The innovative nature of Indian policy-holders signals positive potential for operators to offer takaful in India and to concerned regulatory bodies to expedite its introduction to the market.
Qualitative and quantitative efficacy measurement of TERI library and information centre resources
Authors: N. Deepa , Bhattacharya P.K. , Ganguly Shantanu , Goswami Anandajit
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to evaluate print and electronic resources of TERI’s Library and Information Centre (LIC) with an aim to maximize the net marginal benefits and minimize net marginal costs, without compromising the quality of the library resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The parameters considered for analyzing the value of the library resources for this exercise were resource access costs, strategic value of the resource based on subject area coverage, frequency of use, citations, direct and indirect benefits to users. The data regarding these parameters were provided from wide range of sources (both tangible and intangible), to come out with the qualitative and quantitative assessment through an optimization and simulation based model.

Findings

Out of the total holdings in TERI LIC that were analyzed, 85 percent of book collections and 63.5 percent of journals were found to be useful for the researchers. The least-used books and journals were identified for weeding to optimize the value of library for users and make space for new and topical library collections.

Research limitations/implications

A sample of data sources out of the total library collections was defined for the evaluation.

Practical implications

The paper demonstrates the value of library resources that is of critical importance to libraries for an effective and efficient delivery of services for generating future knowledge. Evaluating the value of libraries resources has implications both for librarians as well as library users.

Originality/value

The evaluation exercise established the efficacy of the TERI library holdings for research and academic purposes in the domain of sustainable development. The library collection was found to be cost effective and beneficial to meet the future demand from the user community.
Implementation of strategic management based on the balanced scorecard in a university library
Authors: Brui Oksana
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of implementing strategic management as a process based on balanced scorecard (BSC) in the university library – G. Denysenko Scientific and Technical Library of the National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute” (KPI Library).

Design/methodology/approach

The author is regarding the features of all the strategic management implementation stages: strategic analysis, formulation of strategic ideas (vision, values and mission), the strategy definition and development, strategy implementation and realization, assessment and control of the strategy implementation. Special attention is focused on the comparison of the BSC model, which was used in KPI Library with classical BSC models for non-profit organizations developed by Robert Kaplan and David Norton, and Paul Niven. The author is also focusing on preparation of the strategic map and identifying specific indicators.

Findings

BSC is adaptive, flexible and adjusts to the environment of each particular library and can be used as an effective tool for the development of a strategic management system in libraries.

Originality/value

The case study of the library of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute shows that a BSC is an effective tool for building a system of strategic management development aimed at radical organizational changes in the library. It is also a testing and practical implementation of some of the results of the study “Strategic Management of Library as a Process-Oriented Organization Based on a BSC,” which is conducted by the author.
A survey of diversity and inclusiveness initiatives at Carnegie Doctoral Research Institutions libraries
Authors: Koury Regina , Semenza Jenny Lynne , Shropshire Sandra
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe survey findings on diversity and inclusion initiatives at the Carnegie Doctoral Research Institutions of Higher Education libraries. The findings would be helpful to libraries that are at the beginning of their own diversity and inclusion initiatives or that wish to compare ongoing efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a survey of Carnegie Doctoral Research Institutions of Higher Education libraries using Qualtrics, an online survey software. Link to the survey with a short explanation was e-mailed to the 324 identified contacts and 151 responses were received at the end of the survey.

Findings

Survey responses revealed that the most prevalent types of diversity and inclusion initiatives fall into one of three categories. These are the creation/enhancement of library collections, recruitment and collaboration with other campus units. Not surprisingly, lack of money and other resources are identified as challenges faced by those who engage in these initiatives.

Originality/value

No other research currently exists for those interested in assessing diversity and inclusion initiatives at the Carnegie Doctoral Research Institutions of Higher Education libraries.
Retweet or like? That is the question
Authors: Lahuerta-Otero Eva , Cordero-Gutiérrez Rebeca , De la Prieta-Pintado Fernando
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Due to the size and importance of social media, user-generated content analysis is becoming a key factor for companies and brands across the world. By using Twitter messages’ content, the purpose of this paper is to identify which elements of the messages enable tweet diffusion and facilitate eWOM.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 30,082 tweets collected from 10,120 Twitter users were classified based on four assorted brands. By comparing with multiple regression techniques high vs low purchase involvement and hedonic vs utilitarian products and using the theory of heuristic-systematic processing of information, the authors examine the causes of tweet diffusion.

Findings

The authors illustrate how the elements of a tweet (hashtags, mentions, links, sentiment or tweet length) influence its diffusion and popularity.

Research limitations/implications

This study validated the use of information processing theories in the social media field. The study showed a picture on how different Twitter elements influence eWOM and message diffusion under several purchase involvement situations.

Practical implications

The results of this study can help social media brand community managers of all types of companies on how to write their Twitter messages to obtain greater dissemination and popularity.

Originality/value

The study offers a unique deep brand analysis which helps brands and companies to understand their social media popularity in detail. Depending on product category, companies can achieve maximum social impact on Twitter by focusing on the interactivity items that will work best for their products or brands.
Reading, writing, and … running? Assessing active space in libraries
Authors: Clement Kristina A. , Carr Sian , Johnson Lauren , Carter Alexa , Dosch Brianne Ramsay , Kaufman Jordan , Fleming-May Rachel , Mays Regina , Walker Teresa
Published: August 2018

Purpose

The University of Tennessee Knoxville’s Libraries has set aside space and stocked it with treadmill desks, standing desks, cycling desks and balance chairs to encourage physical activity while using library space to promote active learning. The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of this innovative space on library users through a study conducted by a research team using observations and short surveys to gather information about usage trends and user perceptions of this “active learning space.”

Design/methodology/approach

This study used both ethnographish observation and self-selected survey. Researcher observation notes were used to gather usage rates of the space and equipment in the space, and survey responses were coded for themes to identify user perceptions around the space.

Findings

The findings strongly suggest that users find mental and physical health value in the “active learning space” and many would find value in the expansion and improvement of the space.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study include a shorter observation period compared to the survey collection period and limited demographic collection to shorten the survey instrument.

Originality/value

However, this study was able to assess how an active learning space in an academic library can influence and have a significant impact on student success.
Rig and Engine Validation of the Nonlinear Forced Response Analysis Performed by the Tool OrAgL
Authors: Hartung Andreas , Hackenberg Hans-Peter , Krack Malte , Gross Johann , Heinze Torsten , Panning-von Scheidt Lars
Published: August 2018

Since the first nonlinear forced response validation of frictionally coupled bladed disks, more than 20 years have passed, and numerous incremental modeling and simulation refinements were proposed. With the present work, we intend to assess how much we have improved since then. To this end, we present findings of an exhaustive validation campaign designed to systematically validate the nonlinear vibration prediction for the different friction joints at blade roots, interlocked shrouds and under-platform dampers. An original approach for the identification of crucial contact properties is developed. By using the dynamic Lagrangian contact formulation and a refined spatial contact discretization, it is demonstrated that the delicate identification of contact stiffness properties can be circumvented. The friction coefficient is measured in a separate test, and determined as unique function of temperature, preload, wear state. Rotating rig and engine measurements are compared against simulations with the tool OrAgL, developed jointly by the Leibniz Universität Hannover and the University of Stuttgart, in which state-of-the-art component mode synthesis (CMS) and harmonic balance methods (HBMs) are implemented.
Analytical Prediction of Dynamic Properties of O-Ring With Hydrostatic Pressure Distribution
Authors: Shoyama Tadayoshi , Fujimoto Koji
Published: August 2018

This study addresses the dynamic behaviors of a bearing supporting structure composed of rubber O-rings. To develop an analytical method to predict the dynamic properties of the O-rings without using any dimension-dependent experimental data, the viscoelastic behaviors of the material were modeled with Maxwell-hyperelasticity proposed by the authors. The viscoelastic model was implemented using the finite element method (FEM), and a dynamic analysis was performed, the results of which were compared with the experimental data. The influences of the dimensions, frequency, squeeze, and surface condition on the dynamic properties of the O-rings were clarified, and independent design parameters were determined. The values and distributions of hydrostatic pressure, principal strain, and viscous dissipation energy were also discussed.
Design of an Innovative Three-Dimensional Print Head Based on Twin-Screw Extrusion
Authors: Justino Netto Joaquim M. , Silveira Zilda de C.
Published: August 2018

This paper presents the embodiment design of an interchangeable print head based on twin-screw extrusion, specially developed to allow in-process multimaterial mixing and direct deposition of the product to structure three-dimensional (3D) parts. The print head focus on research applications with middle-end 3D printers. Commercial extrusion-based 3D printers have limited applicability due to the scarce variety of plastic filaments available. In that context, one important trend for the advance of additive manufacturing (AM) is the design of systems capable of using alternative material types in different states. The systematic process is presented as a case study and brings together concepts from mechanical design and polymer processing. The main contribution of this paper is to provide general guidelines to be used on similar projects, in view of the crescent demand for more adequate and flexible additive processes.
Connecting Microstructures for Multiscale Topology Optimization With Connectivity Index Constraints
Authors: Du Zongliang , Zhou Xiao-Yi , Picelli Renato , Kim H. Alicia
Published: August 2018

With the rapid developments of advanced manufacturing and its ability to manufacture microscale features, architected materials are receiving ever increasing attention in many physics fields. Such a design problem can be treated in topology optimization as architected material with repeated unit cells using the homogenization theory with the periodic boundary condition. When multiple architected materials with spatial variations in a structure are considered, a challenge arises in topological solutions, which may not be connected between adjacent material architecture. This paper introduces a new measure, connectivity index (CI), to quantify the topological connectivity, and adds it as a constraint in multiscale topology optimization to achieve connected architected materials. Numerical investigations reveal that the additional constraints lead to microstructural topologies, which are well connected and do not substantially compromise their optimalities.
Constructal Design of Circular Multilayer Microchannel Heat Sinks
Authors: Salimpour Mohammad Reza , Al-Sammarraie Ahmed T. , Forouzandeh Azadeh , Farzaneh Mahsa
Published: August 2018

Based on the constructal theory concepts, an investigation is carried out to optimize circular multilayer microchannels embedded inside a rectangular heat sink with different numbers of layers and flow configurations. The lower surface of the heat sink is uniformly heated, while both pressure drop and length of the microchannel are fixed. Also, the volume of the heat sink is kept fixed for all studied cases, while the effect of solid volume fraction is examined. All the dimensions of microchannel heat sinks are optimized in a way that the maximum temperature of the microchannel heat sink is minimized. The results emphasize that using triple-layer microchannel heat sink under optimal conditions reduces the maximum temperature about 10.3 °C compared to the single-layer arrangement. Further, employing counter flow configuration in double-layer microchannel improves its thermal performance, while this effect is less pronounced in the triple-layer architecture. In addition, it is revealed that the optimal design can be achieved when the upper channels of a multilayer microchannel heat sink have bigger diameters than the lower ones. Finally, it is observed while using two layers of microchannels is an effective means for cooling improvement, invoking more layers is far less effective and hence is not recommended.
Accuracy Analysis of Redundantly Actuated and Overconstrained Parallel Mechanisms With Actuation Errors
Authors: Ding Jianzhong , Wang Chunjie , Wu Hongyu
Published: August 2018

A general accuracy analysis method of redundantly actuated and overconstrained parallel mechanisms is proposed. Coupled effects of actuation errors and internal elastic forces arose from the elastic deformation are both considered. The accuracy analysis approach is based on the Lie-group theory and screw theory, and it includes three steps. First, stiffness matrices of serial legs are obtained. Second, the movement of each leg is modeled based on group theory and the elastic forces arose from the deformation are represented using the stiffness matrices, following which the multiclosed-loop structure constraint and self-balanced force constraint are modeled. Finally, the error pose is estimated. The proposed method is illustrated by the accuracy study of a redundantly actuated and overconstrained Stewart platform. The error modeling is easy as the use of stiffness matrix can model the passive joint motions and deformation together. Moreover, the proposed method is computationally cheap as all computations are linear.
Quantifying lingual coarticulation in German using mutual information: An ultrasound study
Authors: Abakarova Dzhuma , Iskarous Khalil , Noiray Aude
Published: August 2018

In previous research, mutual information (MI) was employed to quantify the physical information shared between consecutive phonological segments, based on electromagnetic articulography data. In this study, MI is extended to quantifying coarticulatory resistance (CR) versus overlap in German using ultrasound imaging. Two measurements are tested as input to MI: (1) the highest point on the tongue body and (2) the first coefficient of the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) of the whole tongue contour. Both measures are used to examine changes in coarticulation between two time points during the syllable span: the consonant midpoint and the vowel onset. Results corroborate previous findings reporting differences in coarticulatory overlap in German and across languages. Further, results suggest that MI used with the highest point on the tongue body captures distinctions related both to place and manner of articulation, while the first DFT coefficient does not provide any additional information regarding global (whole tongue) as opposed to local (individual articulator) aspects of CR. However, both methods capture temporal distinctions in coarticulatory resistance between the two time points. Results are discussed with respect to the potential of MI measure to provide a way of unifying coarticulation quantification methods across data collection techniques.
The role of envelope periodicity in the perception of masked speech with simulated and real cochlear implants
Authors: Steinmetzger Kurt , Rosen Stuart
Published: August 2018

In normal hearing, complex tones with pitch-related periodic envelope modulations are far less effective maskers of speech than aperiodic noise. Here, it is shown that this masker-periodicity benefit is diminished in noise-vocoder simulations of cochlear implants (CIs) and further reduced with real CIs. Nevertheless, both listener groups still benefitted significantly from masker periodicity, despite the lack of salient spectral pitch cues. The main reason for the smaller effect observed in CI users is thought to be an even stronger channel interaction than in the CI simulations, which smears out the random envelope modulations that are characteristic for aperiodic sounds. In contrast, neither interferers that were amplitude-modulated at a rate of 10 Hz nor maskers with envelopes specifically designed to reveal the target speech enabled a masking release in CI users. Hence, even at the high signal-to-noise ratios at which they were tested, CI users can still exploit pitch cues transmitted by the temporal envelope of a non-speech masker, whereas slow amplitude modulations of the masker envelope are no longer helpful.
Stepwise phosphorylation of leukotriene B
4
receptor 1 defines cellular responses to leukotriene B
4
Authors: Nakanishi Yoshimitsu , Tan Modong , Ichiki Takako , Inoue Asuka , Yoshihara Jun-ichi , Maekawa Naoto , Takenoshita Itsuki , Yanagida Keisuke , Yamahira Shinya , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Aoki Junken , Nagamune Teruyuki , Yokomizo Takehiko , Shimizu Takao , Nakamura Motonao
Published: August 2018

Sequential phosphorylation of the leukotriene B
4
receptor determines specific cellular responses to low and high concentrations of LTB
4
.
Kinase domain dimerization drives RIPK3-dependent necroptosis
Authors: Raju Saravanan , Whalen Daniel M. , Mengistu Meron , Swanson Carter , Quinn John G. , Taylor Susan S. , Webster Joshua D. , Newton Kim , Shaw Andrey S.
Published: August 2018

Necroptotic cell death is promoted by the dimerization-dependent activation of the kinase RIPK3.
Two Vaccines forStaphylococcus aureusInduce a B-Cell-Mediated Immune Response
Authors: Dupont Christopher D. , Scully Ingrid L. , Zimnisky Ross M. , Monian Brinda , Rossitto Christina P. , O'Connell Ellen B. , Jansen Kathrin U. , Anderson Annaliesa S. , Love J. Christopher
Published: August 2018

Staphylococcus aureuscauses severe disease in humans for which no licensed vaccine exists. A novel vaccine is in development that targets multiple elements of the bacteria since single-component vaccines have not shown efficacy to date. How these multiple components alter the immune response raised by the vaccine is not well studied. We found that the addition of two protein components did not alter substantially the antibody responses raised with respect to function or mobilization of B cells. There was also not a substantial change in the activity of T cells, another part of the adaptive response. This study showed that protection by this vaccine may be mediated primarily by antibody protection.
Fifteen-minute consultation: Polydipsia, polyuria or both
Authors: Mahon Mark , Amaechi Gold , Slattery Fionn , Sheridan Aideen Lydia , Roche Edna F
Published: August 2018

Children can present with polydipsia and/or polyuria for a number of reasons. We will discuss polydipsia and polyuria, how a child may present and how to investigate further in order to establish the cause. We highlight the important areas to cover in the history and examination of a child presenting with polydipsia and/or polyuria.
Paramacular temporal atrophy in sickle cell disease occurs early in childhood
Authors: Martin Gilles C , Albuisson Eliane , Brousse Valentine , de Montalembert Mariane , Bremond-Gignac Dominique , Robert Matthieu P
Published: August 2018

Background/aims

Initially reported in a few patients with homozygous sickle cell disease (SCD), atrophic areas of the retina temporal from the macula are now known to be present in about 48% of eyes of adult patients with SS-SCD and in 35% of eyes of adult patients with SC-SCD. The aim of this study is to describe this paramacular atrophy in children affected with SCD.

Methods

In this retrospective series, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography images of 81 children with SCD, acquired with specific patterns including one evaluating the retina temporal to the macula, were reviewed, in order to look for retinal atrophy. Fundus examination status for SCD peripheral retinopathy was also reviewed.

Results

Mean age was 12.0 years (SD: 3.56). The genotype distribution was: 64 HbSS (79%), 10 HbSC (12%) and 7 HbS/β0 thalassaemia (9%). Using a usual fovea-centred programme, retinal atrophy was found in 38% of eyes (52% of children). Using a specific temporal pattern, retinal atrophy was found in 53% of eyes (64% of children), with no significant difference in the prevalence between HbSS and HbSC genotype (p=0.92), and no effect of age (mean 12.3 years (SD=3.61) vs11.9 (3.56), p=0.65). Peripheral retinopathy was found in 11% of children, with a significant relation between the HbSC genotype and the severity of the retinopathy (p=0.003).

Conclusion

Paramacular temporal atrophy occurs early in the course of SCD, which suggests distinct mechanisms from those of peripheral retinopathy.
Prognostic factors for local recurrence, metastasis and survival for sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid: observations in 100 patients
Authors: Sa Ho-Seok , Rubin Maria Laura , Xu Shiqiong , Ning Jing , Tetzlaff Michael , Sagiv Oded , Kandl Thomas J , Esmaeli Bita
Published: August 2018

Background/aims

To validate the predictive value of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th-edition classification for local recurrence, metastasis and survival in patients with eyelid sebaceous carcinoma.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 100 consecutive patients with eyelid sebaceous carcinoma. Eyelid carcinomas were staged according to the AJCC 7th-edition and 8th-edition criteria. Associations between T and N categories and disease-related outcomes including local recurrence, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and survival were evaluated.

Results

60 women and 40 men had a median age of 67 years (range, 41–94 years). The proportions of patients who experienced local recurrence, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis and death from disease were 6%, 21%, 7% and 6%, respectively. Two-year and 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rates were 93.8% and 92.0%, respectively. There were significant correlations between (1) T2c or worse category and lymph node metastasis (p=0.04) and distant metastasis (p=0.01), (2) T3b or worse category and local recurrence (p=0.01) and death from disease (p=0.01) and (3) N1 category at presentation and distant metastasis (p<0.01) and death from disease (p<0.01). The AJCC 8th-edition classification showed a better homogeneity of the T-category distribution (p<0.01) and a slightly higher discrimination ability for lymph node metastasis (C=0.734 vs C=0.728) than the 7th-edition.

Conclusions

T and N categories per AJCC 8th-edition classification are predictive of local recurrence, metastasis and DSS outcomes for eyelid sebaceous carcinoma. Surgeons should perform strict surveillance testing for nodal and systemic metastases in patients with T2c or worse T category and/or N1 disease at presentation.
Choriocapillaris impairment around the atrophic lesions in patients with geographic atrophy: a swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography study
Authors: Nassisi Marco , Shi Yue , Fan Wenying , Borrelli Enrico , Uji Akihito , Ip Michael S , Sadda Srinivas R
Published: August 2018

Aims

To evaluate the choriocapillaris (CC) flow alterations around geographic atrophy (GA) in eyes with dry age-related macular degeneration.

Methods

Using a swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) device, two volume 6×6 mm scans were acquired in patients with GA presenting between June and December 2017 at the Doheny-UCLA Eye Centers. The area of GA was delineated on the en face structural OCT fundus images. For each eye, the en face OCTA slabs at the level of the CC from the two acquisitions were averaged and compensated for signal loss using the corresponding structural en face images. The resulting images were binarised and analysed for the percentage of flow voids in the para-atrophy zone (a 500 µm wide ring around the immediate edge of the atrophy) and in the peri-atrophy zone (a 500 µm wide ring around the para-atrophy zone edge), the latter considered as a reference in the comparative analysis.

Results

Thirty eyes of 20 patients were enrolled. The percentage of flow voids in the para-atrophy zone was 27.23%±6.29% and was significantly higher than in the surrounding peri-atrophy zone (23.4%±6.01%; p<0.001). There was no significant correlation between the flow void percentage in these regions and age, visual acuity, extent of the atrophic area or central choroidal thickness.

Conclusions

A significant impairment of the CC flow is present in the zone immediately surrounding the GA lesions strengthening the hypothesis that CC alterations may be relevant to the progression of GA.
Investigating the effects of nintedanib on biomarkers of extracellular matrix turnover in patients with IPF: design of the randomised placebo-controlled INMARK®trial
Authors: Maher Toby M , Stowasser Susanne , Nishioka Yasuhiko , White Eric S , Cottin Vincent , Noth Imre , Selman Moisés , Blahova Zuzana , Wachtlin Daniel , Diefenbach Claudia , Jenkins R Gisli
Published: August 2018

Introduction

A feature of the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the excess accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the lungs. Cleavage of the ECM by metalloproteinases (MMPs) generates free-circulating protein fragments known as neoepitopes. The PROFILE study suggested that changes in ECM turnover proteins may be of value as markers of disease progression in patients with IPF. Nintedanib is an approved treatment for IPF that slows disease progression by reducing decline in forced vital capacity (FVC).

Methods and analysis

The INMARK® trial is evaluating the effect of nintedanib on the rates of change of biomarkers of ECM turnover in patients with IPF, the value of changes in these biomarkers as predictors of disease progression and whether nintedanib affects the associations between changes in these biomarkers and disease progression. Following a screening period, 347 patients with IPF and FVC ≥80% predicted were randomised 1:2 to receive nintedanib 150 mg two times a day or placebo for 12 weeks, followed by an open-label period in which all patients will receive nintedanib for 40 weeks. The primary endpoint is the rate of change in C reactive protein degraded by MMP-1/8 from baseline to week 12.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial is being conducted in compliance with the protocol, the ethical principles detailed in the Declaration of Helsinki and in accordance with the International Conference on Harmonisation Harmonised Tripartite Guideline for Good Clinical Practice. The results of the trial will be presented at national and international meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT02788474.
Exercise training and physiological responses to acute stress: study protocol and methodological considerations of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Arvidson Elin , Dahlman Anna Sjörs , Börjesson Mats , Gullstrand Lennart , Jonsdottir Ingibjörg H
Published: August 2018

Background

This paper describes the protocol and methodological prerequisites for a randomised controlled exercise intervention. Selected baseline data from the study are also presented, demonstrating some methodological challenges related to exercise intervention trials. The aim of the trial was to study the effects of exercise training on physiological responses to acute psychosocial stress in untrained individuals.

Methods

Individuals with a low level of physical activity were invited to participate in an exercise intervention lasting for 6 months. A total of 119 participants were included and went through a peak oxygen uptake test and a psychosocial stress test at baseline. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol were measured in connection to the stress test to identify the physiological response.

Results

Almost 90% of the participants reported themselves as untrained, but results from the objectively measured oxygen uptake did not seem to correspond to the reported sedentary lifestyle. The primary outcome measures at baseline varied between individuals. The mean change from pre-test to peak value was 214% for ACTH and 94% for cortisol. Of these, 13 individuals did not respond in ACTH and/or and cortisol.

Discussion

Supposedly untrained individuals seeking participation in an exercise intervention might not be as untrained as they report, a methodological consideration of importance when evaluating the effects of training. Another important consideration is related to the primary outcome measure, which should be measurable and possible to affect. Absence of reaction at baseline means that changes can only be detected as an increased reaction.
Performance of college athletes on the 10-item word list of SCAT5
Authors: Norheim Nicole , Kissinger-Knox Alicia , Cheatham Megan , Webbe Frank
Published: August 2018

Objectives

The Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-5 (SCAT5) was published in 2017; however, normative performance within the college athlete population on the optional 10-item word list has not been described. This study reports normative values for immediate memory trials, total immediate memory score and delayed recall of the 10-item word list.

Methods

The SCAT5 was administered as part of the preparticipation medical testing to 514 collegiate student-athletes, aged 17–23 (M=19.65,SD=1.40; 64% male) prior to the 2017–2018 athletic season.

Results

On the SCAT5’s optional 10-item word list, with a total possible immediate memory score of 30, participants recalled an average of 20.57 (SD=3.22) words over three learning trials, with an average for trial 3 of 8.13 (SD=1.32). The average delayed memory score was 6.59 (SD=1.85). Small but significant demographic comparisons were found. Women scored higher on both immediate and delayed recall, non-native speakers scored higher on delayed recall, and Black/African-American athletes scored lower than White athletes on immediate, and lower than White and Hispanic/Latino athletes on delayed recall.

Conclusion

The 10-item word list on the SCAT5 eliminates the ceiling effect observed on the five-item word list of the SCAT3, therefore, increasing its clinical utility in the diagnosis of sports-related concussions. Significant demographic differences suggest use of category-specific norms for sex, native language and race/ethnicity.
Effects of solar heating on the moisture dynamics of forest floor litter in humid environments: composition, structure, and position matter
Authors: Kreye Jesse K. , Hiers J. Kevin , Varner J. Morgan , Hornsby Ben , Drukker Saunders , O’Brien Joseph J.
Published: August 2018

Much of fire behavior is driven by fine-scale patterns of fuel moisture; however, moisture predictions typically occur over large scales. The source of fine-scale variation in moisture results from a combination of fuelbed properties and overstory forest structure that influences water movement and distribution of solar radiation. Fine-scale moisture variation is of particular relevance in humid forests managed with frequent prescribed fire where fire behavior variation is tightly linked to differential fire effects. Results of a three-tiered experiment combining laboratory and field methods demonstrated that solar radiation exerted a strong influence on fuel moisture patterns in a temperate humid pine forest. Infrared radiation more rapidly dried Quercus and Pinus litter in laboratory experiments compared with controls. Litter exposed to sunlight during small-scale outdoor experiments was significantly drier than shaded litter. Quercus litter was wetter than Pinus on mornings, but dried more rapidly, becoming drier than Pinus litter by mid-day when exposed to sunlight. Field observations validated small-scale outdoor and laboratory results but also revealed the influence of fuel position: elevated litter was wetter than ground-level litter at peak burning time. Results provide insight into how overstory structure and composition may influence fine-scale heterogeneity of surface moisture dynamics and fire behavior.
Operative loading in cable yarding systems: field observations of static and dynamic tensions in mobile anchor systems
Authors: Mancuso Anthony , Belart Francisca , Leshchinsky Ben
Published: August 2018

Cable yarding systems are an effective means of facilitating harvesting operations in steep terrain, but require sufficient anchoring for safe performance. Design and safe operation often dictates that cable loading remain at a safe level, yet the actual loads incurred for anchoring systems, particularly for “mobile” or “equipment” anchors, are ill-quantified. Furthermore, these anchors are subject to loading that is rather dynamic in nature, realizing impulse loads from various operation occurrences, particularly breakout. This study describes the measured static and dynamic cable loads during yarding for 21 mobile anchor systems operated by eight different contractors during active logging operations. The mean dynamic loading observed for guyline and skyline anchors was 49% and 44% greater than static tensions, respectively. Maximum dynamic loads exceeded approximately double static tensions. In the observed tests, cable tensions were well below the cable elastic and endurance limits but did approach the allowable tension in some cases. Although the monitored cable loads in this study were all within a safe range, the observed dynamic loads are useful guidance when considering higher static loads and consequently higher dynamic loads that may be unsafe.
Behavior and assessment of mobile anchors in cable yarding systems
Authors: Mancuso Anthony , Belart Francisca , Leshchinsky Ben , Russell Mark L. , Kiser James D.
Published: August 2018

Cable yarding systems transport logs hoisted off the ground by a system of cables and a carriage that moves along the cable. Ground anchors are used at the end points to maintain sufficient tension between the two ends points of the cable and keep it in the air during operation. Traditional anchoring methods employ tree stumps, but as shorter stand rotations result in younger weaker stumps and because of the inability to visually inspect root structures to calculate a stump’s anchoring capacity, alternative methods of anchoring are being used more frequently. In this paper, the capacity of an alternative anchoring method, known as equipment anchoring or mobile anchoring, is assessed for guyline and skyline applications. Some critical components that are observed to influence anchor capacity are equipment weight, slope, blade embedment, angle of cable pull, and soil type. An analytical design solution for mobile anchor capacity is compared with the results of over two dozen field tests to determine the effectiveness of predicting anchor capacity. In addition to estimating the capacity of mobile anchors, a relationship between skyline and guyline loading recorded on harvest operations is analyzed.