bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X-ray photon diagnostics at the European XFEL
Authors: Grünert Jan , Carbonell Marc Planas , Dietrich Florian , Falk Torben , Freund Wolfgang , Koch Andreas , Kujala Naresh , Laksman Joakim , Liu Jia , Maltezopoulos Theophilos , Tiedtke Kai , Jastrow Ulf Fini , Sorokin Andrey , Syresin Evgeny , Grebentsov Alexander , Brovko Oleg
Published: August 2019

The European X-ray Free-Electron Laser (European XFEL) (Altarelli et al., 2006; Tschentscher et al., 2017), the world's largest and brightest X-ray free-electron laser (Saldin et al., 1999; Pellegrini et al., 2016), went into operation in 2017. This article describes the as-built realization of photon diagnostics for this facility, the diagnostics commissioning and their application for commissioning of the facility, and results from the first year of operation, focusing on the SASE1 beamline, which was the first to be commissioned. The commissioning consisted of pre-beam checkout, first light from the bending magnets, X-rays from single undulator segments, SASE tuning with many undulator segments, first lasing, optics alignment for FEL beam transport through the tunnel up to the experiment hutches, and finally beam delivery to first users. The beam properties assessed by photon diagnostics throughout these phases included per-pulse intensity, beam position, shape, lateral dimensions and spectral properties. During this time period, the machine provided users with up to 14 keV photon energy, 1.5 mJ pulse energy, 300 FEL pulses per train and 4.5 MHz intra-bunch train repetition rate at a 10 Hz train repetition rate. Finally, an outlook is given into the diagnostic prospects for the future.
Microstructure and corrosion resistance of Ni/Cr3C2-NiCr composite coating
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Majid , Jafari Abdol Hamid , Mousavi Rouhollah , Esmailzadeh Mojtaba
Published: August 2019

Purpose

In this study, electrochemical deposition method which have cheaper equipment than thermal spraying methods and is available for the production of composite coatings were used.

Design/methodology/approach

Composite coatings were electrodeposited from a Watts's bath solution in which the suspended Cr3C2-NiCr particles were dispersed in the bath solution during deposition. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques have been used to evaluate the corrosion resistance of the composite coating in the 3.5 Wt.% NaCl solution.

Findings

It was found that the submicron Cr3C2-NiCr particles distributed uniformly in the coating and depend on the current density of deposition, different amount of particles can be incorporated in the coating. The results showed that the corrosion resistance of the Ni/ Cr3C2-NiCr composite coatings is more comparable to the pure nickel coating.

Originality/value

Production of Ni-base composite coating from an electrolytic bath containing Cr3C2-NiCr particles is possible via electrodeposition.
Omnichannel fulfillment strategies: defining the concept and building an agenda for future inquiry
Authors: Taylor Daniel , Brockhaus Sebastian , Knemeyer A. Michael , Murphy Paul
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Since the emergence of e-commerce uprooted traditional brick-and-mortar retail in the early 2000s, many retailers have reacted by first independently servicing both the online and in-store channels (multichannel retailing) and subsequently integrating both channels to provide a seamless front-end customer interface (omnichannel retailing). Accordingly, firms had to adjust their logistics and supply chain management (SCM) processes from fulfilling orders for each channel separately to integrating channels on the back-end (omnichannel fulfillment). This development is mirrored by an emerging stream of academic publications. The purpose of this paper is to provide a snapshot of the current state of omnichannel fulfillment research via a systematic literature review (SLR) in order to identify omnichannel fulfillment strategies and to establish an agenda for future inquiry.

Design/methodology/approach

This SLR is based on 104 papers published in peer-reviewed journals through December 2018. It employs a six-step process, from research question to the presentation of the insights.

Findings

All selected manuscripts are categorized based on demographics such as publication date, outlet, methodology, etc. Analysis of the manuscripts suggests that the integration of fulfillment channel inventory and resources is becoming an important objective of fulfillment management. Appropriate omnichannel strategies based on retailer attributes are not well understood. Industry specific research has been conducted necessitating generalized extension for retailers. These findings provide a clear opportunity for the academic community to take more of the lead in terms of knowledge creation by proposing paths for industry pursuit of channel integration to successfully implement omnichannel fulfillment. Opportunities for future inquiry are highlighted.

Originality/value

This manuscript proposes a definition of omnichannel fulfillment strategies and identifies fulfillment links that are used interchangeably across channels as the key delimiter between omnichannel fulfillment strategies and related concepts. Six omnichannel fulfillment strategies from the extant literature are identified and conceptualized. Future research opportunities around omnichannel fulfillment, potential interdependencies between the established strategies and their impact on related SCM issues such as distribution and reverse logistics are detailed.
Retaining users after privacy invasions
Authors: Wang Le , Sun Zao , Dai Xiaoyong , Zhang Yixin , Hu Hai-hua
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to facilitate understanding of how to mitigate the privacy concerns of users who have experienced privacy invasions.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the communication privacy management theory, the authors developed a model suggesting that privacy concerns form through a cognitive process involving threat-coping appraisals, institutional privacy assurances and privacy experiences. The model was tested using data from an empirical survey with 913 randomly selected social media users.

Findings

Privacy concerns are jointly determined by perceived privacy risks and privacy self-efficacy. The perceived effectiveness of institutional privacy assurances in terms of established privacy policies and privacy protection technology influences the perceptions of privacy risks and privacy self-efficacy. More specifically, privacy invasion experiences are negatively associated with the perceived effectiveness of institutional privacy assurances.

Research limitations/implications

Privacy concerns are conceptualized as general concerns that reflect an individual’s worry about the possible loss of private information. The specific types of private information were not differentiated.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first to clarify the specific mechanisms through which privacy invasion experiences influence privacy concerns. Privacy concerns have long been viewed as resulting from individual actions. The study contributes to literature by linking privacy concerns with institutional privacy practice.
Experimental study on effect of fiber length and fiber content on tensile and flexural properties of bamboo fiber/epoxy composite
Authors: R. Giridharan , V.S. Raatan , M.P. Jenarthanan
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of fiber length and content on properties of E-glass and bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy resin matrices. Experiments are carried out as per ASTM standards to find the mechanical properties. Further, fractured surface of the specimen is subjected to morphological study.

Design/methodology/approach

Composite samples were prepared according to ASTM standards and were subjected to tensile and flexural loads. The fractured surfaces of the specimens were examined directly under scanning electron microscope.

Findings

From the experiment, it was found that the main factors that influence the properties of composite are fiber length and content. The optimum fiber length and weight ratio are 15 mm and 16 percent, respectively, for bamboo fiber/epoxy composite. Hence, the prediction of optimum fiber length and content becomes important, so that composite can be prepared with best mechanical properties. The investigation revealed the suitability of bamboo fiber as an effective reinforcement in epoxy matrix.

Practical implications

As bamboo fibers are biodegradable, recyclable, light weight and so on, their applications are numerous. They are widely used in automotive components, aerospace parts, sporting goods and building industry. With this scenario, the obtained result of bamboo fiber reinforced composites is not ignorable and could be of potential use, since it leads to harnessing of available natural fibers and their composites rather than synthetic fibers.

Originality/value

This work enlists the effect of fiber length and fiber content on tensile and flexural properties of bamboo fiber/epoxy composite, which has not been attempted so far.
Tacrolimus ointment for the treatment of superficial kaposiform hemangioendothelioma and tufted angioma
Authors: Zhang Xuepeng , Yang Kaiying , Chen Siyuan , Ji Yi
Published: August 2019

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) and tufted angioma (TA) are rare infiltrative vascular tumors. Currently, no standard treatment regimens exist for KHE/TA. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical application of tacrolimus for superficial KHE/TA. We examined six patients with superficial KHE/TA. All patients were treated with tacrolimus 0.1% ointment twice daily for at least 12 months. The response rate was 100%, including three nearly complete remissions. Only one patient experienced local pruritus during treatment. The data constituted an intriguing rationale for clinical trials of topical tacrolimus in the treatment of superficial KHE/TA.
Chemical defense over decadal scales: Ontogenetic allocation trajectories and consequences for fitness in a foundation tree species
Authors: Cope Olivia L. , Kruger Eric L. , Rubert‐Nason Kennedy F. , Lindroth Richard L.
Published: August 2019

Expression of herbivore defense traits can change dramatically during the course of plant development. Little is known, however, about the degree of genetic or sexual variation in these ontogenetic defense trajectories or whether the trajectories themselves are adaptive, especially in long‐lived species.

We used a 13‐year dataset of chemical defense traits, growth and survivorship from a common garden of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) genotypes to document long‐term defense trajectories and their relationship to tree fitness during juvenile and early mature stages.

Overall, concentrations of the two principal classes of aspen defense compounds (salicinoid phenolic glycosides [SPGs] and condensed tannins [CTs]) decreased to differing degrees in foliage of juvenile trees and then remained relatively constant in maturity. Initial values, juvenile rates of change and average mature values all exhibited significant genetic variation for both SPGs and CTs.

Relationships between defense trajectory parameters and metrics of tree fitness (growth and survivorship) depended on compound type and tree sex. Females with higher‐allocation SPG trajectories (high initial juvenile concentrations, slow juvenile declines, high mature concentrations) grew more slowly relative to females with lower‐allocation trajectories. In males, higher‐allocation SPG trajectories had a lesser effect on growth but were associated with reduced mortality. Juvenile CT trajectories were not correlated with tree fitness, but average CT concentration in maturity was positively related to growth in females.

These results suggest that ontogenetic defense trajectories are adaptive and subject to natural selection. Genotypic variation and ontogeny shape tree defensive chemistry, both independently and interactively. These patterns of defense expression have the potential to structure trophic interactions and the genetic composition of forests in both space and time.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Behavioural fever reduces ranaviral infection in toads
Authors: Sauer Erin L. , Trejo Nadia , Hoverman Jason T. , Rohr Jason R.
Published: August 2019

Host behaviour is known to influence disease dynamics. Additionally, hosts often change their behaviours in response to pathogen detection to resist and avoid disease. The capacity of wildlife populations to respond to pathogens using behavioural plasticity is critical for reducing the impacts of disease outbreaks. However, there is limited information regarding the ability of ectothermic vertebrates to resist diseases via behavioural plasticity.

Here, we experimentally examine the effect of host behaviour on ranaviral infections, which affect at least 175 species of ectothermic vertebrates. We placed metamorphic (temporal block 1) or adult (block 2) southern toads (Anaxyrus terrestris) in thermal gradients, tested their temperature preferences before and after oral inoculation by measuring individual‐level body temperature over time, and measured ranaviral loads of viral‐exposed individuals.

We found significant individual‐level variation in temperature preference and evidence for behavioural fever in both metamorphic and adultA. terrestrisduring the first 2 days after exposure. Additionally, we found that individual‐level change in temperature preference was negatively correlated with ranaviral load and a better predictor of load than average temperature preference or maximum temperature reached by an individual. In other words, an increase in baseline temperature preference was more important than simply reaching an absolute temperature.

These results suggest that behavioural fever is an effective mechanism for resisting ranaviral infections.

A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Measuring agricultural total factor productivity in China: pattern and drivers over the period of 1978‐2016
Authors: Sheng Yu , Tian Xiaohui , Qiao Weiqing , Peng Chao
Published: August 2019

The Chinese agricultural sector has experienced a substantial increase in total output since dramatic reforms were introduced in 1978. This paper uses the index method to measure agricultural total factor productivity (TFP) for China’s crop and livestock industries, based on the gross output model from 1978 to 2016. We construct production accounts for the industries using input‐output relationships for the 26 main agricultural commodities and commodity groups, which account for over 90 per cent of the total agricultural inputs and outputs. The results show that China’s agricultural TFP grew at a rate of approximately 2.4 per cent a year before 2009, which is comparable to the main OECD countries and is double the world average. TFP growth accounts for approximately 40 per cent of output growth, suggesting that input growth was the main driver of output growth in the past. However, average productivity growth slowed down after 2009 though it has gradually recovered since 2012. The slowdown reflects the emerging challenges to existing farm production practices in Chinese agriculture, suggesting the need for further institutional reform.
Analysis of Luminescent Gunshot Residue (LGSR) on Different Types of Fabrics
Authors: Arouca Aline M. , Lucena Marcella A. M. , Rossiter Rafael J. , Talhavini Márcio , Weber Ingrid T.
Published: August 2019

The collection of gunshot residue on fabric can be an arduous task due to the microscopic size of particles (blind collection) and sheddability of some fabrics. The introduction of luminescent markers and consequent formation of luminescent gunshot residue (LGSR) can facilitate this analysis. In this study, different fabrics were analyzed in order to verify the persistence of the LGSR on them, the possibility of collecting and analyzing particles by video spectral comparator (VSC) and SEM/EDS. Also, different colored fabrics were used as targets in order to investigate influence of fabric color on LGSR visualization. Furthermore, the influence of the fabric type in the distribution of the LGSR deposited around the projectile´s hole entrance was evaluated. The fabric sheddability did not alter collection of the particles or analysis. It was possible to observe and collect LGSR on all tested fabrics, even after the fabric had been shaken, or in colored fabrics.
Unpacking Genetic Risk Pathways for College Student Alcohol Consumption: The Mediating Role of Impulsivity
Authors: Ksinan Albert J. , Su Jinni , Aliev Fazil ,   Spit for Science Workgroup, Dick Danielle M.
Published: August 2019

Background

The period of college represents a particularly risky developmental stage with regard to alcohol use, as college students engage in more risky drinking behaviors than their noncollege peers, and such problematic alcohol use is associated with far‐reaching negative consequences. Existing findings from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) indicate that alcohol consumption has a complex polygenic etiology. Currently, there is a lack of studies examining genetic risk for alcohol consumption using polygenic risk scores (PRS) in college samples. In this study, we examined whether alcohol‐specific and risky behavior–related PRS were longitudinally associated with alcohol consumption among college students and whether this effect might be partially mediated by impulsivity domains.

Methods

The sample included n = 2,385 European ancestry (EA) and n = 1,153 African ancestry (AA) college students assessed over the course of 4 years. To indicate genetic risk, 2 PRS were created based on recent large‐scale GWAS: alcohol consumption (Liu et al., 2019) —drinks per week (DPW)‐PRS and risky behaviors (Linnér et al., 2019) —RISK‐PRS. The main outcome was alcohol consumption, measured across 4 waves of follow‐up data. The UPPS‐P impulsivity subscales were examined as mediators of the genetic effect on alcohol consumption.

Results

The results from structural equation modeling showed that among EA students, both DPW‐PRS and RISK‐PRS had significant positive effects on alcohol consumption above and beyond UPPS dimensions and control variables. RISK‐PRS explained larger portion of variance in alcohol consumption than DPW‐PRS. RISK‐PRS showed a significant indirect effect on alcohol consumption through sensation seeking and lack of perseverance; no significant indirect effect of DPW‐PRS was found. No significant association of either PRS or alcohol consumption was found for AA participants.

Conclusions

The current results found that PRS related to more broadly defined risky behaviors predicted alcohol consumption across college years and that this association was partially mediated via dimensions of impulsivity.
Cerebellar Hypermetabolism in Alcohol Use Disorder: Compensatory Mechanism or Maladaptive Plasticity?
Authors: Ritz Ludivine , Segobin Shailendra , Lannuzel Coralie , Laniepce Alice , Boudehent Céline , Cabé Nicolas , Eustache Francis , Vabret François , Beaunieux Hélène , Pitel Anne Lise
Published: August 2019

Background

Despite severe structural brain abnormalities within the frontocerebellar circuit (FCC), cerebellar metabolism studied with 18F‐2‐fluoro‐deoxy‐glucose–positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) is relatively preserved in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). The compensatory role of the cerebellum has been explored mainly through fMRI examination of AUD patients with the preserved level of performance. The present study aims at examining cerebellar metabolism and its relationship with regional brain metabolism and neuropsychological functioning in AUD patients.

Methods

Thirty‐two recently detoxified AUD patients and 23 controls underwent an FDG‐PET examination at rest. Participants also performed a neuropsychological battery assessing executive functions, verbal memory, and ataxia.

Results

Compared to controls, AUD patients had higher glucose uptake in the cerebellar lobule VIII, in association with hypometabolism, notably in several nodes of the FCC. Cerebellar hypermetabolism correlated negatively with regional hypometabolism in the premotor and frontal cortices. This pattern of regional hypermetabolism and hypometabolism related to ataxia and working memory deficits.

Conclusions

These specific brain–behavior relationships do not fulfill the criteria for brain compensatory processes. Cerebellar hypermetabolism may rather reflect the involvement of different pathological mechanisms, leading to a maladaptive plasticity phenomenon within the FCC in AUD patients who are early in abstinence. Further studies are required to examine the contributions of structural and functional connectivity alterations in the cerebellar hypermetabolism and the changes in these pathological mechanisms with abstinence or relapse.
Institutional quality, investment efficiency, and the choice of public–private partnerships
Authors: Dao Nhung Hong , Marisetty Vijaya Bhaskar , Shi Jing , Tan Monica
Published: August 2019

We examine a sample of 625 public–private partnership (PPP) firms from 1980 to 2015 that straddle nine countries with varying degrees of economic development and PPP markets. We find that the motivations of the firms that undertake PPP investments vary. While private sector firms in economies with low institutional quality choose to engage in PPPs to alleviate capital constraints attributed to underinvestment, those in economies with high institutional quality participate in PPPs to solve the problem of overinvestment due to an abundant cash flow. In the long run, the benefits of lower capital constraints through PPP investments are more pronounced in economies with high institutional quality.
Density is more important than predation risk for predicting growth and developmental outcomes in tadpoles of spotted tree frog, Litoria spenceri (Dubois 1984)
Authors: Plenderleith Tracy Lynette , Johnstone Christopher D. , Reina Richard D. , Chapple David G.
Published: August 2019

The diverse benefits of group living include protection against predators through dilution effects and greater group vigilance. However, intraspecific aggregation can decrease developmental rates and survival in prey species. We investigated the impact on tadpole development and behaviour of the interaction between population density and predation risk. Spotted tree frog (Litoria spenceri: Hylidae, Dubois 1984) tadpoles were kept at one of three different densities (two tadpoles per litre, five tadpoles per litre or 10 tadpoles per litre) until metamorphosis in the presence or absence of predatory cues. We aimed to determine the influence of population density, predation and the interaction of both factors in determining growth rates in tadpoles. Tadpoles were measured weekly to assess growth and development and filmed to quantify differences in activity and feeding frequency between groups. Generally, tadpoles housed without predators had longer developmental periods when housed with a predator, but there was no effect on tail length or total length. There was no effect of either predation cues or density on percentage of individuals feeding or moving. Although the effects of the presence of predators alone may appear to be less than the effects of the presence of competitors, the prioritisation of competitiveness over predator avoidance may increase vulnerability of tadpoles to the lethal threat of predators. This is particularly important in species such as L. spenceri, which is at risk from introduced fish predators.
Confirmation of chronic endometritis in repeated implantation failure and success outcome in IVF‐ET after intrauterine delivery of the combined administration of antibiotic and dexamethasone
Authors: Zhang Yu , Xu Hanjie , Liu Yusheng , Zheng Shengxia , Zhao Weidong , Wu Dabao , Lei Lei , Chen Gang
Published: August 2019

Problem

The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the prevalence of chronic endometritis (CE) in repeated implantation failure (RIF) patients and to determine whether intrauterine delivery of the combined administration of antibiotic and dexamethasone improves the clinical pregnancy outcome.

Method of study

The combination of hysteroscopy and histology was used to diagnose CE in the patients with RIF, and the diagnosed patients were treated with the intrauterine delivery of the combined antibiotic and dexamethasone therapy. The prevalence of CE in the RIF patients was recorded, and the therapeutic effect was also evaluated in the first IVF‐ET cycle.

Results

In a total number of 298 patients with RIF, 109 cases (36.58%) were diagnosed as CE. Intrauterine infusion treatment resulted in CE resolution in 77.98% of patients. After the treatment, 85 cases with no signs of CE (Group 2) had a significantly higher implantation rate (31.33%) and clinical pregnancy rate (51.76%) as compared with both 126 cases without CE diagnosis (Group 1; 16.30% and 30.15%, respectively) and 24 cases with persistence of CE (Group 3; 14.89% and 25.00%, respectively). The live birth rate in the first IVF‐ET cycle following treatment in Group 2 was significantly higher than that of both Group 1 and Group 3 (all P < .05).

Conclusion

Chronic endometritis is highly prevalent in patients with RIF. To the best of our knowledge, we for the first time reported that intrauterine delivery of the combined administration of antibiotic and dexamethasone as a treatment option of CE could achieve expected therapeutic effects and successful pregnancy outcomes.
The feto‐maternal immune response to equine placentitis
Authors: Fedorka Carleigh E. , Ball Barry A. , Scoggin Kirsten E. , Loux Shavahn C. , Troedsson Mats H. T. , Adams Amanda A.
Published: August 2019

Problem

Ascending placentitis is one of the leading causes of abortion in the horse. Minimal work has focused on its effect on fetal fluids or the antenatal immune response of the fetus.

Methodology

Placentitis was induced via transcervical inoculation ofStreptococcus equisspZooepidemicus, and fluids/serum/tissues were collected 4‐6 days later following euthanasia. Cytokine concentrations were detected using a multiplex immunoassay within fetal fluids (amniotic and allantoic) and serum (maternal and fetal) in inoculated and control mares. In addition, tissues from fetal (spleen, liver, lung, umbilicus, amnioallantois) and maternal (spleen, liver, lung, chorioallantois, endometrium) origin were analyzed in inoculated and control mares utilizing qPCR for expression of cytokines.

Results

No difference in cytokine concentrations in maternal or fetal serum was noted between inoculated and control mares. Concentrations of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, and GRO were upregulated in the amniotic fluid following inoculation, with a trend toward higher IL‐6 concentration in allantoic fluid. The amnioallantoic tissue separating the two fluids had higher expression of IL‐1β and IL‐6 following inoculation, while chorioallantois and endometrium upregulated IL‐1β and IL‐8 expression. IL‐1β was upregulated in the maternal spleen following inoculation. Fetal spleens were upregulated in expression of IL‐1β, GRO, and IL‐6, while IL‐6 was higher in fetal liver after inoculation than in controls.

Conclusion

The maternal response to placentitis is primarily pro‐inflammatory while the fetus appears to play a regulatory role in this inflammation. Additionally, amniotic fluid sampling may be more diagnostic of ascending placentitis than circulating cytokines.
Evaluation of a novel flow‐controlled syringe infusion pump for precise and continuous drug delivery at low flow rates: a laboratory study
Authors: Batliner M. , Weiss M. , Dual S. A. , Grass B. , Meboldt M. , Schmid Daners M.
Published: August 2019

Syringe infusion pumps are used for the administration of short‐acting drugs in anaesthesia and critical care medicine, but are prone to flow irregularities at low flow rates. A flow‐controlled syringe infusion pump using an integrated flow sensor for feedback control represents a new approach to overcoming these limitations. This study compares the performance of a prototype flow‐controlled syringe pump both at start‐up, and during vertical displacement manoeuvres, with that of a standard infusion syringe pump. The novel pump almost completely eliminated delays at start‐up and flow irregularities during hydrostatic pressure changes. Related fluctuations in plasma drug concentration were minimised and the known disadvantages of standard syringe infusion pumps currently used in clinical practice were reduced. Besides providing fast start‐up to steady‐state flow and precise continuous drug delivery at low flow rates during hydrostatic pressure changes, the new pump offers the potential for the development of target‐controlled infusion algorithms for short‐acting cardiovascular and other drugs.
The influence of first author sex on acceptance rates of submissions to Anaesthesia Cases
Authors: Laycock H. , Bailey C. R.
Published: August 2019

More than 50% of medical students and 45% of practising doctors are female in the UK. In the specialty of anaesthesia, 32% of consultants are female. However, compared with males, females are under‐represented as authors of articles published in high‐impact journals. We investigated the proportion of female first authors by examining the case reports submitted to Anaesthesia Cases since its inception in 2013. We defined authors by their sex (male or female), that is, biological characteristics, rather than their gender. There were a total of 802 submissions to Anaesthesia Cases over 4.5 years. Sixteen submissions were excluded and of the remaining 786 submissions, 279 were accepted and 507 rejected, an acceptance rate of 35.5%. Twenty (2.5%) authors’ sex could not be identified. The overall proportion of female first authors was 37.1%. The proportion of female first authors of accepted case reports was 42.1% and females were first authors of rejected case reports in 34.4%. We found that, compared with previous studies on female sex and gender bias in publishing, there was a relatively high proportion of female first authors publishing in Anaesthesia Cases and female first authors were more likely to be accepted than male first authors. Authorship is considered to reflect career success and there continues to be sex/gender inequity that must be tackled at all levels, from application to medical school, through research funding, journals and Editorial Boards.
Distribution modelling of vegetation types based on area frame survey data
Authors: Horvath Peter , Halvorsen Rune , Stordal Frode , Tallaksen Lena Merete , Tang Hui , Bryn Anders
Published: August 2019

Aim

Many countries lack informative, high‐resolution, wall‐to‐wall vegetation or land cover maps. Such maps are useful for land use and nature management, and for input to regional climate and hydrological models. Land cover maps based on remote sensing data typically lack the required ecological information, whereas traditional field‐based mapping is too expensive to be carried out over large areas. In this study, we therefore explore the extent to which distribution modelling (DM) methods are useful for predicting the current distribution of vegetation types (VT) on a national scale.

Location

Mainland Norway, covering ca. 324,000 km2.

Methods

We used presence/absence data for 31 different VTs, mapped wall‐to‐wall in an area frame survey with 1081 rectangular plots of 0.9 km2. Distribution models for each VT were obtained by logistic generalised linear modelling, using stepwise forward selection with an F‐ratio test. A total of 116 explanatory variables, recorded in 100 m × 100 m grid cells, were used. The 31 models were evaluated by applying the AUC criterion to an independent evaluation dataset.

Results

Twenty‐one of the 31 models had AUC values higher than 0.8. The highest AUC value (0.989) was obtained for Poor/rich broadleaf deciduous forest, whereas the lowest AUC (0.671) was obtained for Lichen and heather spruce forest. Overall, we found that rare VTs are predicted better than common ones, and coastal VTs are predicted better than inland ones.

Conclusions

Our study establishes DM as a viable tool for spatial prediction of aggregated species‐based entities such as VTs on a regional scale and at a fine (100 m) spatial resolution, provided relevant predictor variables are available. We discuss the potential uses of distribution models in utilizing large‐scale international vegetation surveys. We also argue that predictions from such models may improve parameterisation of vegetation distribution in earth system models.
Heat sensing involves a TRiPlet of ion channels
Authors: Vriens Joris , Voets Thomas
Published: August 2019

Detecting and avoiding noxious heat is crucial to prevent burn injury. While the nociceptor neurons involved in conveying heat‐induced pain were identified more than a century ago, the molecular sensors responsible for detecting noxious heat had remained elusive. In a recent study, important progress was made in our understanding of the molecular basis of acute noxious heat sensing, with the identification of a set of three transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels, TRPV1, TRPA1, and TRPM3, which have crucial but largely redundant roles in acute heat sensing. Most strikingly, combined elimination of all three TRP channels causes a complete loss of the acute avoidance reaction to noxious heat, without affecting pain responses to painful mechanical or cold stimuli. Here, we provide a brief account of the current model of acute, noxious heat sensing and discuss possible implications for analgesic drug development.
Genetic spectrum and clinical profiles in a southeast Chinese cohort of Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease
Authors: Chen Cong‐Xin , Dong Hai‐Lin , Wei Qiao , Li Li‐Xi , Yu Hao , Li Jia‐Qi , Liu Gong‐Lu , Li Hong‐Fu , Bai Ge , Ma Huan , Wu Zhi‐Ying
Published: August 2019

Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth (CMT) disease is a heterogeneous group of inherited sensorimotor neuropathies. To clarify the genetic spectrum and clinical profiles in Chinese CMT patients, we enrolled 150 unrelated CMT patients from southeast China. We performed multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) testing in all patients and next‐generation sequencing (NGS) among those patients without PMP22 rearrangements. We identified PMP22 duplications in 40 patients and deletions in 12 patients. In addition, we found 19 novel variants and 36 known mutations in 57 patients. Among these 55 variants, 45 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were identified in 48 cases, and 10 variants with uncertain significance were identified in 9 cases. Therefore, we obtained a genetic diagnosis in 63.8% (88/138) of CMT patients and 66.7% (100/150) of all included patients. PMP22, GJB1, and MFN2 are the most common causative genes in CMT1 (demyelinated form), intermediate CMT, and CMT2 (axonal form), respectively. In this study, we identified a higher proportion of intermediate CMT, a relatively high frequency of NDRG1 mutations and clinical features of later onset age in CMT1A patients. Our results broaden the genetic and clinical spectrum of CMT patients, which can help optimize the genetic and clinical diagnosis.
Mathematical equations for dental implant stability patterns during the osseointegration period, based on previous resonance frequency analysis studies
Authors: Charatchaiwanna Attakorn , Rojsiraphisa Thaned , Aunmeungtong Weerapan , Reichart Peter A. , Khongkhunthian Pathawee
Published: August 2019

Background

Total stability of dental implant can be obtained from resonance frequency analysis (RFA) device, but without primary and secondary stability values.

Purpose

To formulate mathematical equations for dental implant stability patterns during the osseointegration period.

Materials and Methods

An online systematically search of the literature between January 1996 and December 2017 was performed for all prospective clinical trials that measured implant stability using RFA device during the osseointegration period. Initial mathematical function with adjustable parameters were created. Then curve‐fitting was performed using a computerized program to formulate mathematical equations stability patterns.

Results

Nine publications (24 study groups) were included in the mathematical analysis. Curve fitting with low sum of squared errors could be applied in all studies, except one. The stability has been divided into high, medium, and low stability. The curve fitting showed stability dip areas and intersection point which predict the returning of the stability to reach the primary stability. The study groups with low primary stability showed the poorest results, the high and medium stability group showed the stability pattern following the assumed primary stability pattern according to the mathematic equations.

Conclusions

The model of primary and secondary stability could be predicted from the proposed equations.
Sphinkeeper™ for faecal incontinence: a preliminary report
Authors: La Torre M. , Lisi G. , Milito G. , Campanelli M. , Clementi I.
Published: August 2019

Aim

A new artificial anal sphincter placed into the intersphincteric space, SphinKeeper™, has recently been proposed to improve outcomes in the treatment of faecal incontinence (FI). We report our preliminary results with short‐term follow‐up, comparing preoperative and postoperative data after implant of SphinKeeper™ in patients suffering from FI.

Methods

All patients older than 18 years were included with FI of at least 6 months, incontinence episodes occurring more than once a week and resistance to other conservative treatments. Anorectal manometry, endoanal ultrasound, Cleveland Clinic FI Score, FI Quality of Life score and total number of episodes of FI per week were recorded preoperatively and at the end of the 6‐month follow‐up period.

Results

Thirteen consecutive patients were treated with SphinKeeper™. No intra‐operative nor postoperative complications were reported. Two cases of prosthesis extrusion occurred, and in one case an anterior dislocation was detected. Maximum resting pressure, total number of episodes of FI per week and Cleveland Clinic FI Score were improved after 6 months (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

SphinKeeper™ could be a minimally invasive procedure for FI with good postoperative outcomes. If these results are confirmed by studies with more patients and longer follow‐up, it could be a first‐line approach in FI.
Core outcome set for children with neurological impairment and tube feeding
Authors: Joachim Kariym C , Farid‐Kapadia Mufiza , Butcher Nancy J , Chee‐a‐tow Alyssandra , Monsour Andrea , Cohen Eyal , Mahant Sanjay , Guttmann Astrid , Offringa Martin ,   the Complex Care COS Consensus Meeting Group
Published: August 2019

Aim

To develop a core outcome set (COS) for evaluating gastrostomy/gastrojejunostomy tube impact in children with neurological impairment.

Method

Healthcare providers/researchers and caregivers rated the importance of candidate outcomes on a 5‐point Likert scale. Outcomes rated ‘somewhat important’ or ‘very important’ by most (≥85%) respondents were voted on during a consensus meeting. Outcomes that reached consensus for inclusion were ratified and assigned to Outcome Measures in Rheumatology filter core areas. The COS was validated in a separate group of caregivers.

Results

Twelve outcomes were selected from 120 candidate outcomes to form the COS. These included five ‘Life Impact’ outcomes, three ‘Pathophysiological Manifestations’ outcomes, two ‘Resource Use’ outcomes, one ‘Growth and Development’ outcome, and one ‘Death’ outcome.

Interpretation

We developed an evidence‐informed and consensus‐based COS for use in studies of gastrostomy/gastrojejunostomy tube feeding in children with neurological impairment. Implementation of this COS will help reduce heterogeneity between studies and facilitate evidence‐based decision‐making.

What the paper adds

Caregivers, healthcare providers, and researchers ranked the importance of 120 outcomes.

Twelve core outcomes were identified as essential to measure in future clinical research studies.
Evaluation of weight change and hypoglycaemia as mediators in the association between insulin use and death
Authors: Min Jea Young , Hackstadt Amber J. , Griffin Marie R. , Greevy Jr Robert A. , Chipman Jonathan , Grijalva Carlos G. , Hung Adriana M. , Roumie Christianne L.
Published: August 2019

Aim

To evaluate whether weight change or hypoglycaemia mediates the association between insulin use and death.

Materials and Methods

In a retrospective cohort of veterans who filled a new prescription for metformin and added insulin or sulphonylurea (2001‐2012), we assessed change in body mass index (BMI) and hypoglycaemia during the first 12 months of treatment intensification. Cox proportional hazards models compared the risk of death between treatment groups. Using the difference method, we estimated the indirect effect and proportion mediated through each mediator. A sensitivity analysis assessed mediators in the first 6 months of intensified therapy.

Results

Among 28 892 patients surviving 12 months, deaths per 1000 person‐years were 15.4 for insulin users and 12.9 for sulphonylurea users (HR 1.20, 95% CI 0.87, 1.64). Change in BMI and hypoglycaemia mediated 13% (−98, 98) and −1% (−37, 71) of this association, respectively. Among 30 214 patients surviving 6 months, deaths per 1000 person‐years were 34.8 for insulin users and 21.3 for sulphonylurea users (HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.28, 2.15). Change in BMI and hypoglycaemia mediated 9% (1, 23) and 0% (−9, 4) of this association, respectively.

Conclusions

We observed an increased risk of death among metformin users intensifying treatment with insulin versus sulphonylurea and surviving 6 months of intensified therapy, but not among those surviving 12 months. This association was mediated in part by weight change.
Double diabetes: A distinct high‐risk group?
Authors: Kietsiriroje Noppadol , Pearson Sam , Campbell Matthew , Ariëns Robert A. S. , Ajjan Ramzi A.
Published: August 2019

The term double diabetes (DD) has been used to refer to individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) who are overweight, have a family history of type 2 diabetes and/or clinical features of insulin resistance. Several pieces of evidence indicate that individuals who display features of DD are at higher risk of developing future diabetes complications, independently of average glucose control, measured as glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration. Given the increased prevalence of individuals with features of DD, pragmatic criteria are urgently required to identify and stratify this group, which will help with subsequent implementation of more effective personalized interventions. In this review, we discuss the potential criteria for the clinical identification of individuals with DD, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each definition. We also cover potential mechanisms of DD and how these contribute to increased risk of diabetes complications. Special emphasis is placed on the role of estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) in the diagnosis of DD, which can be easily incorporated into clinical practice and is predictive of adverse clinical outcome. In addition to the identification of individuals with DD, eGDR has potential utility in monitoring response to different interventions. T1D is a more heterogeneous condition than initially envisaged, and those with features of DD represent a subgroup at higher risk of complications. Pragmatic criteria for the diagnosis of individuals with DD will help with risk stratification, allowing a more personalized and targeted management strategy to improve outcome and quality of life in this population.
Students’ perspectives of early and gradual transitioning between simulation and clinical training in dentistry and their suggestions for future course improvements
Authors: Kashbour Wafa A. , Kendall Juliette , Grey Nicholas
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Students’ perspectives on their learning environment are essential for course development and to enhance the educational experience. In dentistry, there is limited understanding of how students perceive their early clinical training. This study presents students’ views on their gradual progression from simulation to patient care and describes the approaches they followed to adapt during this transitioning phase.

Methods

A qualitative study design was employed, drawing on focus group discussions conducted with students from the Division of Dentistry at the University of Manchester. The discussions were transcribed verbatim. Data collection and coding process followed the principles of thematic analysis and the inductive approach.

Findings

The sample was comprised of 28 undergraduate students, across four focus groups. Thematic analysis generated three key categories: students’ immediate perspectives of early clinical training, students’ approaches to adapting to the transitioning period and students’ suggestions for future improvement. Further, subthemes emerged describing the positive gains which students recognised from their early and gradual clinical involvement and training. Despite experiencing stress and uncertainty, related to insufficient knowledge and immature multitasking skills in the early years of dental training, students were motivated by the clinical environment and identified several ways to adapt to it and enhance their learning. These included additional self‐learning resources and simulation opportunities; inter‐year group learning activities and further peer support and mentoring.

Conclusion

The current study provided insights into students’ experiences of learning through early clinical involvement and gradual transitioning between simulation and clinical environments in dentistry. The findings revealed that whilst students appreciated being involved in the clinic at an early stage, they had to adopt a variety of approaches to link their knowledge, learning and skills between the simulation and clinical environments. Students’ suggested additional activities to link the learning gap between the two environments and to enrich their learning.
Flooding effect on mineralogical and geochemical changes in alkaline‐sodic soil system of northern Pantanal wetlands, Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Junior Jairo C. , Andrade Gabriel R. P. , Barbiero Laurent , Furquim Sheila A. C. , Vidal‐Torrado Pablo
Published: August 2019

In the northern Pantanal wetlands of Brazil, alkaline sodic soils play a significant role in the ecological functioning of the region, but little is known about their mineralogical equilibria in current flooding dynamics, which is necessary for good management of these areas. This study focused on a transition between sodic and non‐sodic soils, identified by low frequency electromagnetic induction survey. Samples of B horizons from alkaline‐sodic and non‐sodic soils were analyzed via soil solution from saturated paste, decomposition of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and transmission electron microscopy with X‐ray dispersive energy spectroscopy (TEM‐EDS) analysis. The transition between alkaline‐sodic and non‐sodic soils matches with the transition between flooded and non‐flooded areas. The soil solution shows a concentration factor of about 40 along this transition. The formation of sodic soils results from an accumulation by evaporation of solutions with a positive calcite residual alkalinity (RAcalcite), probably imposed by the chemistry of the São Lourenço River. An increasing Na:Ca ratio caused solonization of the exchange complex. These alkaline‐sodic soils, however, can be interpreted as declining soils in the current context with an evacuation of soluble salts during flood cycles. The detailed investigation of the fine clay fraction (< 0.2 μm) using full profile modelling and decomposition of XRD patterns and TEM‐EDS analysis demonstrates gradual transformations of trioctahedral to dioctahedral smectite by Mg ‐ Al substitutions on octahedral sites, leading to the prevalence of kaolinite‐smectite interstratified minerals when the conditions become more acidic via the solodization process.

Highlights

Clay minerals of alkaline‐sodic soil have been altered due to flooding dynamic.

Clay minerals are a useful tool for understanding environmental changes.

Interstratified clay minerals result from current acidification.

The evolution of soil mineral suite is related to the environmental changes.