bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AN IMMEDIATE FIT AND ADJUSTABLE TRANSTIBIAL PROSTHETIC SYSTEM; A PROSPECTIVE FEASIBILITY AND EFFICACY STUDY
Authors: Dillingham Timothy R , Kenia Jessica , Shofer Frances S , Marschalek Jim
Published: February 2019

INTRODUCTION

Limb loss rates globally are rising and there is a large unmet need for an affordable and accessible prosthetic system for this growing US and International population.  The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to assess the feasibility and utility of a novel immediate fit modular prosthetic system (IFIT Prosthetics, LLC™ prosthesis) for transtibial amputees.

Abstract PDF  Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/32025/24442

How to cite: Dillingham T.R, Kenia J, Shofer F.S, Marschalek J. AN IMMEDIATE FIT AND ADJUSTABLE TRANSTIBIAL PROSTHETIC SYSTEM; A PROSPECTIVE FEASIBILITY AND EFFICACY STUDY. CANADIAN PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS JOURNAL, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2, 2018; ABSTRACT, POSTER PRESENTATION AT THE AOPA’S 101ST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, SEPT. 26-29, VANCOUVER, CANADA, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v1i2.32025

Abstracts were Peer-reviewed by the American Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) 101st National Assembly Scientific Committee. 

http://www.aopanet.org/
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MOBILITY APPREHENSION IN AMPUTEES
Authors: Mathis Shannon L
Published: February 2019

INTRODUCTION

Studies report that after lower-limb amputation, patients have high levels of pain in the form of chronic low back pain, residual limb pain, and phantom pain leading to restrictions in functional activity1. Patients with high levels of pain and disability may develop avoidance behaviors. Vlaeyen et al. presents the fear-avoidance model, which suggests that after an injury there are two pathways a patient will take based on their interpretation of acute pain 2. Pain that is perceived as non-threatening leads to the patient’s recovery and return to normal activities of daily life. Pain that is perceived as threatening, or pain catastrophizing, causes anxiety and induces mobility apprehension which leads to avoidance behaviors. Avoidance behaviors may then lead to greater pain, depression, and disability3 . Factors described in the literature that are related to mobility apprehension were measured in a sample of lower limb amputees. The purpose was to determine which of pain intensity, interference, and catastrophizing lead to increased mobility apprehension.

Abstract PDF  Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/32040/24454

How to cite: Mathis S.L. FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MOBILITY APPREHENSION IN AMPUTEES. CANADIAN PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS JOURNAL, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2, 2018; ABSTRACT, ORAL PRESENTATION AT THE AOPA’S 101ST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, SEPT. 26-29, VANCOUVER, CANADA, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v1i2.32040

Abstracts were Peer-reviewed by the American Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) 101st National Assembly Scientific Committee. 

http://www.aopanet.org/
CASE STUDY: THERMOPLASTIC SCAPULOTHORACIC ORTHOSIS FOR TREATMENT OF WINGING SCAPULA
Authors: Brown Steven , Trexler Gary
Published: February 2019

INTRODUCTION

Winging scapula is a rare condition that can be painful and debilitating to the upper extremity involved1. This condition can affect the functional ability of the upper extremity, resulting in loss of range of motion, decreased power, and pain.1 The purpose of this study was to introduce and determine the clinical applicability of a custom thermoplastic scapulothoracic orthosis to aid in management of winging scapula. The thermoplastic scapulothoracic orthosis offers total contact and provides anterior-posterior compressive forces to stabilize the winging scapula. This design provides a semi-rigid structure that is lightweight and allows user adjustability. The study highlights the potential applicability of the custom thermoplastic scapulothoracic orthosis in the categories of pain, active range of motion at the shoulder, and overall self-reported activities of daily living.

Abstract PDF  Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/32043/24457

How to cite: Brown S,  Trexler G. CASE STUDY: THERMOPLASTIC SCAPULOTHORACIC ORTHOSIS FOR TREATMENT OF WINGING SCAPULA. CANADIAN PROSTHETICS & ORTHOTICS JOURNAL, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2, 2018; ABSTRACT, ORAL PRESENTATION AT THE AOPA’S 101ST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, SEPT. 26-29, VANCOUVER, CANADA, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v1i2.32043

Abstracts were Peer-reviewed by the American Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA) 101st National Assembly Scientific Committee. 

http://www.aopanet.org/
Pengaruh Pengembangan Karir dan Penempatan Kerja Terhadap Prestasi Kerja Karyawan pada PDAM Tirtanadi Provinsi Sumatera Utara
Authors: Ermiati Cut , Amanah Dita , Harahap Dedy Ansari , Tanjung Fitriani
Published: February 2019

This study aims to determine the effect of career development and work placement on employee work performance at PDAM Tirtanadi, North Sumatra Province. The population in this study were all employees per division, amounting to 182 employees. From the total population can be determined the number of samples in this study amounted to 65 people. The data analysis technique used is the t-test, f-test, multiple linear regression and determinant coefficient test using SPSS 22. From the calculation results using SPSS shows that there is an influence of career development on employee work performance, there is the influence of work placement on employee performance and there is the influence of career development and work placement on employee performance.
Healthcare Advocacy And Moral Distress In The Practice Of Nurses
Authors: Ramos Aline Marcelino , Barlem Edison Luiz Devos , Barlem Jamila Geri Tomaschewski , Rocha Laurelize Pereira , Silveira Rosemary Silva da , Pereira Liliane Alves
Published: February 2019

Background: By focusing in prioritizing patients and their rights, occasional limitations may arise and prevent nurses from doing their work according to their social and professional commitment. This may culminate in Moral Distress, resulting from the incoherence between the nurses' actions and their personal convictions.

Research question: Is there any relationship between healthcare advocacy and moral distress in the practice of nurses working in hospitals?

Objective: Analyzing the relation between healthcare advocacy and moral distress in the practice of nurses working in hospitals.

Research design: Quantitative, analytical cross-sectional study. The data collection instruments comprise the Moral Distress Scale Revised – Brazilian version and the Protective Nursing Advocacy Scale – Brazilian version. Data analysis was carried out with elements of descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation and linear regression analysis.

Participants and research context: The participants comprised 157 nurses working in two hospitals located in a city in southern Brazil. One of the institutions is a public university hospital and the other is a philanthropic institution.

Ethical considerations: All the international directives for research with human beings were observed.

Findings: The constructs barriers to the advocacy practice and negative implications to the advocacy practice were pointed out as predictors of moral distress.  

Discussion: The situations approached in this study illustrate that certain organizational and cultural contexts have negative impacts on nurses, who are in constant contact with the necessity of promoting patient well being and increasing access to healthcare, especially under the perception of vulnerability in risk situations, or when the quality of the services provided decreases and patients are not given adequate assistance.

Conclusion: We hope that this study encourages the reflection about the relationship between patient advocacy and moral distress, and the search for resources that may contribute to the quality of the assistance provided by nurses.
Subcutaneous Dirofilariasis in Female Pubic Region - Case Report
Authors: DjakoviÄ‡ Ivka , LeniÄek Tanja , Beck Relja , KraljeviÄ‡ Zdenko , Kuna Krunoslav , Butorac DraÅ¾an
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND: Number of reported cases of human dirofilariasis in the last couple of decades has been increasing. Dogs are the main reservoir hosts, while various mosquito species represent/serve as vectors. Human infections are caused by two different parasites: Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens. Dirofilaria repens is currently considered to be one of the most rapidly-spreading human and animal parasite species in Europe. Clinical features are characterised by subcutaneous or ocular lesions which can persist for months without any symptoms. The disease is considered to be endemic in Mediterranean countries, central Asia, Israel, and Sri Lanka with increased incidence in Central and East Europe. Apart from the local population, tourists are also susceptible to this disease. Export of domestic animals can transfer parasites between different countries. This disease is rare in Croatia.
CASE PRESENTATION: We are presenting a case of a 58-year-old female patient with dirofilariasis of the genital region caused by Dirofilaria repens, confirmed with PCR and sequencing.
CONCLUSION: From the clinician point of view, subcutaneous dirofilariasis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of long-lasting subcutaneous swellings.
Hypoxia-preconditioned MSCs Have Superior Effect in Ameliorating Renal Function on Acute Renal Failure Animal Model
Authors: Putra Agung , Pertiwi Dannis , Milla Meidona Nurul , Indrayani Ulfah Dian , Jannah Durotul , Sahariyani Menik , Trisnadi Setyo , Wibowo Joko Wahyu
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND: Acute renal failure (ARF) is a serious disease characterised by a rapid loss of renal functions due to nephrotoxic drug or ischemic insult. The clinical treatment approach such as dialysis techniques and continuous renal enhancement have grown rapidly during past decades. However, there is yet no significant effect in improving renal function. Hypoxia-preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells (HP-MSCs) have positive effects on the in vitro survival and stemness, in addition to angiogenic potential.
AIM: In this study, we aimed to analyse the effect of HP-MSCs administration in improving renal function, characterised by blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine level.
METHODS: A group of 15 male Wistar rats weighing 250 g to 300 g were used in this study (n = 5 for each group). Rats were randomly distributed into 3 groups: Vehicle control (Veh) as a control group, HP-MSCs and normoxia MSCs (N-MSCs) as the treatment group. Renal function was evaluated based on the BUN and creatinine levels using the colourimetric method on day 5 and 13. The histological analysis using HE staining was performed on day 13.
RESULTS: The result showed there is a significant decrease in BUN and creatinine level (p < 0.05). The histological analysis of renal tissue also showed a significant decrease between Veh and treatment group (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Based on this study, we conclude that HP-MSCs have a superior beneficial effect than N-MSCs in improving renal function in an animal model of gentamicin-induced ARF.
Thymoquinone, an Active Constituent of Black Seed Attenuates CCl4 Induced Liver Injury in Mice via Modulation of Antioxidant Enzymes, PTEN, P53 and VEGF Protein
Authors: Rahmani Arshad Husain , Almatroudi Ahmad , Babikr Ali Yousif , Ali Khan Amjad , Alsahli Mohammed A.
Published: February 2019

AIM: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the possible protective role of thymoquinone on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.
METHODS: The activities of liver function enzymes and antioxidant enzymes were measured. Haematoxylin-Eosin staining was performed to analyze the live tissue alterations. Additionally, expression pattern of different proteins was evaluated through immunohistochemistry staining.
RESULTS: The antioxidants enzymes activities were decreased significantly in the CCl4 induced group whereas recovery/increase of antioxidant enzymes was observed when thymoquinone was given to the mice. Moreover, thymoquinone administration significantly decrease the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Liver tissue alterations were noted in CCl4 treated group whereas treatment with thymoquinone significantly prevented the CCl4-induced histological alteration. The expression of PTEN protein was high in CCl4 plus thymoquinone treated group while the loss of PTEN protein expression was observed in CCl4 treated group. Moreover, high expression of P53 protein was noticed in CCl4 treated the group as compared to CCl4 plus thymoquinone group. Difference in expression pattern of PTEN and p53 protein in CCl4 group and thymoquinone plus CCl4 treated group was statically significant (p < 0.05). Besides, expression of VEGF was high in CCl4 treated group as well as thymoquinone plus CCl4 treated group and difference in expression pattern was statically insignificant (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that thymoquinone can protect CCl4 induced liver damage and could be a preventive drug in the development of novel therapeutic agents for liver diseases.
Transverse Skeletal Effects of Rapid Maxillary Expansion in Pre and Post Pubertal Subjects: A Systematic Review
Authors: Seif-Eldin Nouran Fouad , Elkordy Sherif Aly , Fayed Mona Salah , Elbeialy Amr Ragab , Eid Faten Hussein
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to assess the transverse skeletal effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in pre and post-pubertal subjects.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five databases were searched till May 2018; Pubmed, Cochrane, Scopus, Lilacs and Web of science in addition to the manual search of other sources. There were no language restrictions. Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies MINORS was used to assess the quality and risk of bias of the trials included.
RESULTS: Six studies were finally included in the qualitative analysis. A meta-analysis wasnâ€™t performed due to the heterogeneity of methodologies and outcomes. All of the included studies showed drawbacks in their structure yielding weak evidence. On the short term, RME caused an increase in the maxillary and lateral-nasal widths in pre-pubertal subjects by 3.4 mm and 3.3 mm, and by 2.8 and 2.2 mm respectively in post-pubertal subjects. Although statistically insignificant, the maxillary width increase was more than that of the post-pubertal subjects by 0.6 mm. Over the long term, expansion produced permanent increases in the transverse dimensions of both the dento-alveolar and skeletal components of the maxilla and circum-maxillary structures in pre-pubertal subjects. The post-pubertal subjects presented with a statistically significant increase only in the later-nasal width by 1.3 mm than the untreated controls with no permanent increase in the skeletal maxillary width.
CONCLUSION: The literature is very deficient regarding the use of skeletal age as a reference in the treatment of skeletal crossbites using RME. Only weak evidence exists supporting the increased maxillary and lateral-nasal widths after tooth-tissue borne RME in pre-pubertal subjects, with these effects being less in the post-pubertal ones.
Cesarean Section and Development of Childhood Bronchial Asthma: Is There A Risk?
Authors: Boker Faisal , Alzahrani Abdullah , Alsaeed Abdulaziz , Alzhrani Meshari , Albar Rawia
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that results from complex interactions between multiple environmental and genetic influences. In recent years, studies have observed an increase in caesarean section rates, and have suggested a strong association with the rapid increase in the incidence of childhood asthma that cannot be explained by genetic factors alone. In this case-control study, we investigate the association between the developments of childhood asthma with the mode of delivery. We also explored the relationship between mode of delivery and control of asthma.
METHODS: Two groups (509 pediatric patients in total) were assessed between January 1, 2017, and January 1, 2018. Part of these patients, 257 (50.4%) were asthmatic children visiting specialised clinics, and 252 (49.6%) controlled cases selected from a primary health care clinic from the same institution (control group).
RESULTS: The Chi-square test revealed a significant association between cesarean sections and bronchial asthma (OR, 1.483 [95% CI, 1.013â€“21.71]; P =â€‰0.042). However, the adjusted OR from our binary logistic regression model revealed this association to be insignificant (adjusted OR, 1.417 [95% CI, 0.885â€“2.269]; P =â€‰0.804). The value of the chi-square of the model shows that the overall model is statistically significant at 1%. The Nagelkerke R square indicates that 34.9% of the variation in having asthma is explained by the risk factors included in the model.
CONCLUSION: We do not believe that the rise in cesarean sections explains the increase in childhood bronchial asthma â€“ at least not in our population. We also found no association between the mode of delivery and asthma control. We encourage further research into this topic, namely to recruit a larger number of patients, and to adjust for the significant risk factors found in our study.
A ‘Denisovan’ genetic history of recent human evolution
Authors: Teixeira João C , Cooper Alan
Published: February 2019

As anatomically modern humans (AMH) migrated out of Africa and around the rest of the world, they met and interbred with multiple extinct hominid species. The traces of genetic input from these past interbreeding events, recorded in the genomes of modern populations, have created a powerful record of recent human migrations. The first of these events occurred between Neandertals, and a small group of AMH shortly after they left Africa, somewhere in western Eurasia around 55-50 ka, and left a genomic signal of about 2% Neandertal DNA that was subsequently spread across the rest of the world. In contrast to the Neandertals, the interbreeding events with other extinct hominid groups – such as the Denisovans, the east Eurasian sister group of Neandertals – remain poorly understood, but are potentially far more complex.
CRISPR–Cas9D10A nickase‐assisted base editing in the solvent producer Clostridium beijerinckii
Authors: Li Qi , Seys François M. , Minton Nigel P. , Yang Junjie , Jiang Yu , Jiang Weihong , Yang Sheng
Published: February 2019

Clostridium beijerinckii is a potentially important industrial microorganism as it can synthesize valuable chemicals and fuels from various carbon sources. The establishment of convenient to use, effective gene tools with which the organism can be rapidly modified is essential if its full potential is to be realized. Here, we developed a genomic editing tool (pCBEclos) for use in
C. beijerinckii based on the fusion of cytidine deaminase (Apobec1), Cas9
D10A nickase and uracil DNA glycosylase inhibitor (UGI). Apobec1 and UGI are guided to the target site where they introduce specific base‐pair substitutions through the conversion of C·G to T·A. By appropriate choice of target sequence, these nucleotide changes are capable of creating missense mutation or null mutations in a gene. Through optimization of pCBEclos, the system derived, pCBEclos‐opt, has been used to rapidly generate four different mutants in
C. beijerinckii, in
pyrE,
xylR,
spo0A, and
araR. The efficiency of the system was such that they could sometimes be directly obtained following transformation, otherwise only requiring one single restreaking step. Whilst CRISPR–Cas9 nickase systems, such as pNICKclos2.0, have previously been reported in
C. beijerinckii, pCBEclos‐opt does not rely on homologous recombination, a process that is intrinsically inefficient in clostridia such as
C. beijerinckii. As a consequence, bulky editing templates do not need to be included in the knockout plasmids. This both reduces plasmid size and makes their construction simpler, for example, whereas the assembly of pNICKclos2.0 requires six primers for the assembly of a typical knockout plasmid, pCBEclos‐opt requires just two primers. The pCBEclos‐opt plasmid established here represents a powerful new tool for genome editing in
C. beijerinckii, which should be readily applicable to other clostridial species.
An integrated platform for mucin‐type O‐glycosylation network generation and visualization
Authors: Le Tung , O’Brien Conor , Gupta Udit , Sousa Guilherme , Daoutidis Prodromos , Hu Wei‐Shou
Published: February 2019

Mucin‐type O‐glycans have profound effects on the structure and stability of glycoproteins. O‐Glycans on the cell surface proteins also modulate the cell's interactions with the surrounding environments and other cells. The synthetic pathway of O‐glycans involves a large number of enzymes with diverse substrate specificity. The expression pattern of these enzymes is cell and tissue‐specific, thus making the pathway highly diverse. To facilitate pathway analysis in a cell and tissue‐specific fashion, we developed an integrated platform of RING (Rule Input Network Generator) and O‐GlycoVis. RING uses an English‐like reaction language to describe the substrate specificity of enzymes and additional constraints on the formation of the glycan products. Using this information, the RING generates a list of possible glycans, which is used as input into O‐Glycovis. O‐GlycoVis displays the glycan distribution in the pathway and potential reaction paths leading to each glycan. With the input glycan data, O‐GlycoVis also traces all possible reaction paths leading to each glycan and outputs pathway maps with the relative abundance levels of glycans overlaid. O‐Glycan profiles from two breast cancer cell lines, MCF7 and T47d, human umbilical vascular endothelium cells, Chinese Hamster Ovary cells were generated based on transcriptional data and compared with experimentally observed O‐glycans. This RING‐based program allows rules to be added or subtracted for network generation and visualization of networks of O‐glycosylation network of different tissues and species.
Impact of Oncology Drug Shortages on Chemotherapy Treatment
Authors: Alpert Abby , Jacobson Mireille
Published: February 2019

Prescription drug shortages began to increase markedly in the mid‐2000s, including sterile injectable products such as chemotherapy drugs. Using Medicare claims linked to Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER), we examined outpatient chemotherapy use during shortage periods relative to the months before and after a shortage for newly diagnosed patients with breast, colorectal, leukemia, lung, lymphoma, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer (N = 182,470). For most drugs, we found little impact of shortages on either the fraction of patients receiving that drug or the quantity provided. In some cases, we found declines in utilization: 4% for doxorubicin and fluorouracil; 2.9% for oxaliplatin; and about 1% for cytarabine, dacarbazine, and leuprolide. Although shortages for a few drugs resulted in substantial reductions in use, in most cases, they resulted in little to no reduction. We discuss potential explanations for these counterintuitive findings, including potential limitations of current drug shortage reporting methods.
No Clinically Relevant Interactions of St. John's Wort Extract Ze 117 Low in Hyperforin With Cytochrome P450 Enzymes and P‐glycoprotein
Authors: Zahner Catherine , Kruttschnitt Esther , Uricher Julia , Lissy Michael , Hirsch Martin , Nicolussi Simon , Krähenbühl Stephan , Drewe Jürgen
Published: February 2019

Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's wort) is used to treat mild‐to‐moderate depression. Its potential safety risks are pharmacokinetic drug interactions via cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and P‐glycoprotein, presumably caused by hyperforin. In a phase I, open‐label, nonrandomized, single‐sequence study, the low‐hyperforin Hypericum extract Ze 117 was investigated using a drug cocktail in 20 healthy volunteers. No pharmacokinetic interactions of Ze 117 were observed for CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and P‐glycoprotein. Area under the curve (AUC) and peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of the used probe drugs showed 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of the geometric mean ratios of the drugs taken together with Ze 117 vs. probe drug alone, well within the predefined bioequivalence range of 80–125%. Though Ze 117 did not induce dextromethorphan metabolism by CYP2D6, it weakly increased dextromethorphan AUC ratio (mean 147.99, 95% CI 126.32–173.39) but not the corresponding metabolic ratio. Ze 117 does not show clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interactions with important CYPs and P‐glycoprotein.
Contemporary Drug–Drug Interactions in HIV Treatment
Authors: Devanathan Aaron S. , Anderson Daijha J.C. , Cottrell Mackenzie L. , Burgunder Erin M. , Saunders Ashley C. , Kashuba Angela D.M.
Published: February 2019

Despite development of modern antiretrovirals with lower drug interaction potential than their predecessors, drug interaction challenges remain. Standard treatment regimens still require multiple antiretrovirals that may cause, or may be the target of, drug interactions. Additionally, people living with HIV are living longer and often present with comorbid conditions that require concomitant long‐term drug therapy. Also, treatment of infectious diseases in resource‐limited settings can result in significant interactions. In this review, we describe absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion pathways as they relate to relevant drug interactions with antiretrovirals along with the potential clinical consequences of these interactions. We highlight clinical data that illustrate pertinent interactions and provide tools to assist in predicting drug interactions in the absence of clinical data. Given these tools and thoughtful consideration of drug combinations, drug therapy in people living with HIV can be safely and effectively managed throughout their lifetime.
Color, chlorophyll a, and suspended solids effects on Secchi depth in lakes: implications for trophic state assessment
Authors: Brezonik Patrick L. , Bouchard R. William , Finlay Jacques C. , Griffin Claire G. , Olmanson Leif G. , Anderson Jesse P. , Arnold William A. , Hozalski Raymond
Published: February 2019

Secchi depth (SD), a primary metric to assess trophic state, is controlled in many lakes by algal densities, measured as chlorophyll‐a (chl‐a) concentration. Two other optically related water quality variables also directly affect SD: non‐algal suspended solids (SSNA) and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM, expressed as the absorption coefficient at 440 nm, a440). Using a database of ~1,460 samples from ~625 inland lake basins in Minnesota and two other Upper Midwest states, Wisconsin and Michigan, we analyzed relationships among these variables, with special focus on CDOM levels that influence SD values and the Minnesota SD standards used to assess eutrophication impairment of lakes. Log‐transformed chl‐a, total suspended solids (TSS), and SD were strongly correlated with each other; log(a440) had major effects on log(SD) but was only weakly correlated with log(chl‐a) and log(TSS). Multiple regression models for log(SD) and 1/SD based on the three driving variables (chl‐a, SSNA, and CDOM) explained ~80% of the variance in SD in the whole data set, but substantial differences in the form of the best‐fit relationships were found between major ecoregions. High chl‐a concentrations (> 50 μg/L) and TSS (> 20 mg/L) rarely occurred in lakes with high CDOM (a440 > ~4 m−1), and all lakes with a440 > 8 m−1 had SD ≤ 2.0 m despite low chl‐a values (<10 μg/L) in most lakes. Further statistical analyses revealed that CDOM has significant effects on SD at a440 values > ~ 4 m−1. Thus, SD is not an accurate trophic state metric in moderately to highly colored lakes, and Minnesota's 2‐m SD criterion should not be the sole metric to assess eutrophication impairment in warm/cool‐water lakes of the Northern Lakes and Forest ecoregion. More generally, trophic state assessments using SD in regions with large landscape sources of CDOM need to account for effects of CDOM on SD.
Detection of the major bacterial pathogens among children suffering from empyema in Ahvaz city, Iran
Authors: Amin Mansour , Yousef pour Samaneh , Navidifar Tahereh
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Empyema is one of the important causes of pediatric hospital admissions.

Aim

In this study, we had investigated the frequency rates of S aureus, S pneumoniae, H influenzae, and P aeruginosa using PCR and bacterial culture among children suffering from empyema in Ahvaz city, Iran.

Methods

This was a descriptive study conducted on the patients hospitalized in ICUs of two teaching Hospitals of Ahvaz, Iran, between March and September 2018 on 105 pleural fluid (PF) samples of the children less than 16 years of age with the diagnosis of empyema thoracis. These specimens were inoculated on the bacterial culture media and identified using biochemical characteristics. Then, the existence of the four pathogens mentioned above was evaluated using PCR method.

Result

In this study, these bacteria agents were identified in 81 (77.14%) and 30 (28.57%) cases using the PCR assay and bacterial culture, respectively. Moreover, the PCR assay identified the infectious agents in 51 (68%) of PFs where the culture method failed. S pneumoniae (63 cases) was recognized as the most common pathogen, followed by P aeruginosa(19 cases), S aureus(15 cases), and H influenzae (9 cases) using the bacterial culture and PCR. Co‐infections were detected in 21 samples (20%) using PCR and one sample using the bacterial culture (P aeruginosa and S pneumoniae).

Conclusion

In this study, we found the higher frequencies of these microorganisms using PCR than culture. In addition, we showed that PCR was a sensitive and accurate method that unaffected by antibiotic therapy and could detect well co‐infections.
Compared to Dematerialized Money, Cash Increases Impatience in Intertemporal Choice
Authors: Duclos Rod , Khamitov Mansur
Published: February 2019

When it comes to trading time for money (or vice versa), people tend to be impatient and myopic. Often dramatically so. For illustration, half of people would rather collect $15 now than $30 in 3 months. This willingness to forego 50% of the reward to skip a 3‐month wait corresponds to an annual discount rate of 277%. This article investigates how money's physical form biases intertemporal choice. We ask, what happens to (im)patience (i.e., discount rates) when time is traded against cash rather than against an equivalent sum of dematerialized money? We find that intertemporal decisions pitting time against cash (rather than against dematerialized money) increase impatience. The underlying mechanism relates to the pain of parting from money. Letting go of cash (dematerialized money) we can have now is psychologically more (less) painful, which in turn reduces (increases) our willingness to wait for larger‐later payoffs. Importantly, heightening prevention focus (i.e., concerns for safety and security) moderates this bias. The article concludes by discussing the implications of the research, particularly for the psychology of saving behavior.
ARDESIA: A fast silicon drift detector X‐ray spectrometer for synchrotron applications
Authors: Hafizh Idham , Bellotti Giovanni , Carminati Marco , Utica Gianlorenzo , Gugiatti Matteo , Balerna Antonella , Tullio Vinicio , Borghi Giacomo , Picciotto Antonio , Ficorella Francesco , Zorzi Nicola , Capsoni Andrea , Coelli Simone , Bombelli Luca , Fiorini Carlo
Published: February 2019

ARDESIA, a four‐channel X‐ray spectrometer based on silicon drift detectors (SDDs), is presented. It has been developed for synchrotron applications targeting especially X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) with good energy resolution at high count rates (a few Mcps per second). The main target applications are XRF and XAFS techniques. The system features a 2 × 2 monolithic array of 5‐mm‐pitch SDDs cooled with a double Peltier scheme and coupled to a four‐channel CUBE charge preamplifier. Different digital pulse processors allowing operation in Mcps per second count rates are employed. The results of preliminary characterization measurements performed at both the LNF DAΦNE‐Light DXR1 beamline and the ESRF LISA BM‐08 are reported, in particular, XRF measurements on low atomic number elements (down to the Carbon K‐line, 270 eV) and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure of trace materials in pyrite.
Examining the interplay of self‐esteem, trait‐emotional intelligence, and age with depression across adolescence
Authors: Gardner Alex A. , Lambert Chad A.
Published: February 2019

Introduction

While there has been much empirical work demonstrating the deleterious effects of low self‐esteem on adolescent depression, very little of this has been conducted in low‐to middle‐income countries. Furthermore, one's trait‐emotional intelligence (TEI) has rarely been examined in interaction with self‐esteem to predict adolescent depression. To address these gaps, the current brief report examined the interacting effects of TEI on the associations of self‐esteem and depressive symptoms. Age differences were also considered given developmental trends indicating significant variability in depression across adolescence.

Methods

A cross‐sectional sample of 334 Jamaican adolescents aged 10–18 years (M = 14.74, SD = 1.95, 51% boys) completed surveys measuring self‐esteem, TEI and depressive symptoms.

Results & conclusions

Older adolescents reported greater depressive symptoms and less self‐esteem compared to younger adolescents, and correlations showed that less self‐esteem and TEI associated with more depressive symptoms. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed a significant three‐way interaction whereby the buffering effect of TEI on the association of self‐esteem and depressive symptoms was different for younger vs older adolescents. The findings provide further support for the effects of self‐esteem and TEI on depressive symptoms, and indicate the importance for future studies in the Caribbean to examine these associations over time given the significant age differences revealed.
Brain and cognitive correlates of sleep fragmentation in elderly subjects with and without cognitive deficits
Authors: André Claire , Tomadesso Clémence , de Flores Robin , Branger Pierre , Rehel Stéphane , Mézenge Florence , Landeau Brigitte , de la Sayette Vincent , Eustache Francis , Chételat Gaël , Rauchs Géraldine
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Sleep disturbances are increasingly recognized as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. However, no study has assessed the relationships between objective sleep fragmentation (SF) and brain and cognitive integrity across different cognitive stages, from cognitively unimpaired elderly subjects to patients with subjective cognitive decline and/or mild cognitive impairment.

Methods

30 cognitively unimpaired elderly participants and 36 patients with subjective cognitive decline and/or mild cognitive impairment underwent a neuropsychological evaluation, structural MRI, 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose, and 18F‐florbetapir‐PET scans, and an actigraphy recording over a minimum of six consecutive nights. Multiple regression and mediation analyses were performed between SF parameters, neuroimaging data, and cognitive scores.

Results

In cognitively unimpaired elderly participants, SF intensity mediated the association between frontohippocampal hypometabolism and lower executive functioning. Moreover, to a lower extent, increased SF variability was related to thalamic atrophy and ventromedial prefrontal amyloid burden. However, in patients with subjective cognitive decline and/or mild cognitive impairment, SF no longer contributed to the expression of cognitive deficits.

Discussion

These findings suggest that SF may directly contribute to lower cognitive performance in cognitively unimpaired elderly subjects. Therefore, treating sleep disturbances before the onset of cognitive deficits may help to cope with brain alterations and maintain cognitive functioning.
The efficacy of cariprazine in negative symptoms of schizophrenia: Post hoc analyses of PANSS individual items and PANSS-derived factors
Authors: Fleischhacker Wolfgang , Galderisi Silvana , Laszlovszky István , Szatmári Balázs , Barabássy Ágota , Acsai Károly , Szalai Erzsébet , Harsányi Judit , Earley Willie , Patel Mehul , Németh György
Published: February 2019

Background:

Negative symptoms in schizophrenia are heterogeneous and multidimensional; effective treatments are lacking. Cariprazine, a dopamine D3-preferring D3/D2receptor partial agonist and serotonin 5-HT1Areceptor partial agonist, was significantly more effective than risperidone in treating negative symptoms in a prospectively designed trial in patients with schizophrenia and persistent, predominant negative symptoms.

Methods:

Using post hoc analyses, we evaluated change from baseline at week 26 in individual items of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and PANSS-derived factor models using a mixed-effects model for repeated measures (MMRM) in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population (cariprazine = 227; risperidone = 227).

Results:

Change from baseline was significantly different in favor of cariprazine versus risperidone on PANSS items N1-N5 (blunted affect, emotional withdrawal, poor rapport, passive/apathetic social withdrawal, difficulty in abstract thinking) (P<.05), but not on N6 (lack of spontaneity/flow of conversation) or N7 (stereotyped thinking). On all PANSS-derived negative symptom factor models evaluated (PANSS-Factor Score for Negative Symptoms, Liemburg factors, Khan factors, Pentagonal Structure Model Negative Symptom factor), statistically significant improvement was demonstrated for cariprazine versus risperidone (P<.01). Small and similar changes in positive/depressive/EPS symptoms suggested that negative symptom improvement was not pseudospecific. Change from baseline was significantly different for cariprazine versus risperidone on PANSS-based factors evaluating other relevant symptom domains (disorganized thoughts, prosocial function, cognition;P<.05).

Conclusions:

Since items representing different negative symptom dimensions may represent different fundamental pathophysiological mechanisms, significant improvement versus risperidone on most PANSS Negative Subscale items and across all PANSS-derived factors suggests broad-spectrum efficacy for cariprazine in treating negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
The future of pultrusion
Authors: Nickels Liz
Published: February 2019

A new report from the European Pultrusion Technology Association (EPTA) predicts an increase in the use of pultruded components in the rail industry. Liz Nickels spoke to Eric Moussiaux, general manager at Exel Composites about what he considers the next steps for this underrated reinforced plastic process in this and other sectors.
Chamber aids qualification testing of electrical penetrator systems used in oil and gas wells
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: February 2019

ITT Inc's BIW Connector Systems, which designs and manufactures connector systems for the oil and gas industry, recently developed what, it claims, is innovative equipment – making it one of the first suppliers in the upstream oil and gas market to offer electrically monitored ultra-high temperature and pressure testing for enhanced product service life and performance in the field.
Czech government funding helps Eaton develop engine valve train actuation system
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: February 2019

An innovation centre based in Prague, Czech Republic, run by power management company Eaton, is embarking on a joint R&D programme with the Czech Technical University. This news focus briefly looks at the project, which focuses on creating an advanced valve train actuation system for greater engine energy efficiency, whilst also expanding the company's electromechanical knowledge and capabilities to support future innovation in the automotive sector.
Federal-Mogul Powertrain develops high-performance polymeric bearing coating for heavy-duty applications
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: February 2019

Federal-Mogul Powertrain has developed a polymeric bearing coating for heavy-duty applications. The company, now part of Tenneco Inc that designs and manufactures original equipment power-train components and systems protection products for automotive, heavy-duty, industrial and transportation applications, says that the coating enhances seizure and fatigue performance – particularly for steel crankshafts.
Path Planning of Complex Pipe Joints Welding with Redundant Robotic Systems
Authors: Ghariblu H. , Shahabi M.
Published: February 2019

In this paper, a path planning algorithm for robotic systems with excess degrees of freedom (DOF) for welding of intersecting pipes is presented. At first step, the procedure of solving the inverse kinematics considering system kinematic redundancy is developed. The robotic system consists of a 6 DOF robotic manipulator installed on a railed base with linear motion. Simultaneously, the main pipe is able to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The system redundancy is employed to improve weld quality. Three different simulation studies are performed to show the effect of the robotic system kinematic redundancy to plan a better path for the welding of intersecting pipes. In the first case, it is assumed that robotic manipulator base and main pipe are fixed, and the path is planned only with manipulator joints motion. In the second case, only the robot base is free to move and the main pipe is fixed, and in the third case, the main pipe is free to rotate together with the base of the manipulator. It is seen that kinematic constraints according to the system’s redundancy will help to plan the most efficient path for the welding of complex pipe joints.
Longitudinal changes in maternal anthropometry in relation to neonatal anthropometry
Authors: Pugh Sarah J , Ortega-Villa Ana M , Grobman William , Hinkle Stefanie N , Newman Roger B , Hediger Mary , Grewal Jagteshwar , Wing Deborah A , Albert Paul S , Grantz Katherine L
Published: February 2019

Objective

To characterize the association of longitudinal changes in maternal anthropometric measures with neonatal anthropometry and to assess to what extent late-gestational changes in maternal anthropometry are associated with neonatal body composition.

Design

In a prospective cohort of pregnant women, maternal anthropometry was measured at six study visits across pregnancy and after birth, neonates were measured and fat and lean mass calculated. We estimated maternal anthropometric trajectories and separately assessed rate of change in the second (15–28 weeks) and third trimester (28–39 weeks) in relation to neonatal anthropometry. We investigated the extent to which tertiles of third-trimester maternal anthropometry change were associated with neonatal outcomes.

Setting

Women were recruited from twelve US sites (2009–2013).

Participants

Non-obese women with singleton pregnancies (n 2334).

Results

A higher rate of increase in gestational weight gain was associated with larger-birth-weight infants with greater lean and fat mass. In contrast, higher rates of increase in maternal anthropometry measures were not associated with infant birth weight but were associated with decreased neonatal lean mass. In the third trimester, women in the tertile of lowest change in triceps skinfold (−0·57 to −0·06 mm per week) had neonates with 35·8 g more lean mass than neonates of mothers in the middle tertile of rate of change (−0·05 to 0·06 mm per week).

Conclusions

The rate of change in third-trimester maternal anthropometry measures may be related to neonatal lean and fat mass yet have a negligible impact on infant birth weight, indicating that neonatal anthropometry may provide additional information over birth weight alone.
HD 101584: circumstellar characteristics and evolutionary status
Authors: Olofsson H. , Khouri T. , Maercker M. , Bergman P. , Doan L. , Tafoya D. , Vlemmings W. H. T. , Humphreys E. M. L. , Lindqvist M. , Nyman L. , Ramstedt S.
Published: February 2019

Context. There is growing evidence that red giant evolution is often affected by an interplay with a nearby companion, in some cases taking the form of a common-envelope evolution.

Aims. We have performed a study of the characteristics of the circumstellar environment of the binary object HD 101584, that provides information on a likely evolutionary scenario.

Methods. We have obtained and analysed ALMA observations, complemented with observations using APEX, of a large number of molecular lines. An analysis of the spectral energy distribution has also been performed.

Results. Emissions from 12 molecular species (not counting isotopologues) have been observed, and most of them mapped with angular resolutions in the range 0.′′1–0.′′6. Four circumstellar components are identified: (i) a central compact source of size ≈0.′′15, (ii) an expanding equatorial density enhancement (a flattened density distribution in the plane of the orbit) of size ≈3′′, (iii) a bipolar high-velocity outflow (≈150 km s−1), and (iv) an hourglass structure. The outflow is directed almost along the line of sight. There is evidence of a second bipolar outflow. The mass of the circumstellar gas is ≈0.5 [D/1 kpc]2 M⊙, about half of it lies in the equatorial density enhancement. The dust mass is ≈0.01 [D/1 kpc]2 M⊙, and a substantial fraction of this is in the form of large-sized, up to 1 mm, grains. The estimated kinetic age of the outflow is ≈770 [D/1 kpc] yr. The kinetic energy and the scalar momentum of the accelerated gas are estimated to be 7 × 1045 [D/1 kpc]2 erg and 1039 [D/1 kpc]2 g cm s−1, respectively.

Conclusions. We provide good evidence that the binary system HD 101584 is in a post-common-envelope-evolution phase, that ended before a stellar merger. Isotope ratios combined with stellar mass estimates suggest that the primary star’s evolution was terminated already on the first red giant branch (RGB). Most of the energy required to drive the outflowing gas was probably released when material fell towards the companion.
Confirmation of little eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides) migration by satellite telemetry
Authors: Brawata Renée , Rae Stuart , Gruber Bernd , Reid Sam , Roberts David
Published: February 2019

The post-breeding migration of an adult male little eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides) was followed from south-eastern Australia to the Northern Territory using a GPS satellite transmitter. The bird bred in open woodland habitat on the edge of the city of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), before it flew more than 3300km in 18 days, to winter in an area of eucalypt savannah in the Northern Territory. It remained there for 59 days, within a range of ~30km2, after which the last signal was transmitted. The bird was subsequently resighted back in its ACT territory at the end of winter, thus completing a return migration. This is the first confirmation of post-breeding migration for the species.