bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell‐free tumour DNA testing for early detection of cancer – a potential future tool
Authors: Barbany G. , Arthur C. , Liedén A. , Nordenskjöld M. , Rosenquist R. , Tesi B. , Wallander K. , Tham E.
Published: March 2019

In recent years, detection of cell‐free tumour DNA (ctDNA) or liquid biopsy has emerged as an attractive noninvasive methodology to detect cancer‐specific genetic aberrations in plasma, and numerous studies have reported on the feasibility of ctDNA in advanced cancer. In particular, ctDNA assays can capture a more ‘global’ portrait of tumour heterogeneity, monitor therapy response, and lead to early detection of resistance mutations. More recently, ctDNA analysis has also been proposed as a promising future tool for detection of early cancer and/or cancer screening. As the average proportion of mutated DNA in plasma is very low (0.4% even in advanced cancer), exceedingly sensitive techniques need to be developed. In addition, as tumours are genetically heterogeneous, any screening test needs to assay multiple genetic targets in order to increase the chances of detection. Further research on the genetic progression from normal to cancer cells and their release of ctDNA is imperative in order to avoid overtreating benign/indolent lesions, causing more harm than good by early diagnosis. More knowledge on the sources and elimination of cell‐free DNA will enable better interpretation in older individuals and those with comorbidities. In addition, as white blood cells are the major source of cell‐free DNA in plasma, it is important to distinguish acquired mutations in leukocytes (benign clonal haematopoiesis) from an upcoming haematological malignancy or other cancer. In conclusion, although many studies report encouraging results, further technical development and larger studies are warranted before applying ctDNA analysis for early cancer detection in the clinic.
Melatonin promotes secondary hair follicle development of early postnatal cashmere goat and improves cashmere quantity and quality by enhancing antioxidant capacity and suppressing apoptosis
Authors: Yang Chun‐He , Xu Jian‐Hai , Ren Qing‐Chang , Duan Tao , Mo Fang , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2019

Development of secondary hair follicles in early postnatal cashmere goats may be adversely affected by reactive oxygen species which cause oxidative stress. Because melatonin is a potent antioxidant and scavenger of free radicals, this study explored the effects of melatonin on secondary hair follicle development and subsequent cashmere production. It was found that the initiation of new secondary follicles in early postnatal Inner Mongolian cashmere goats of both melatonin‐treated and control goats occurred in the first 10 weeks of age. Melatonin promoted the initiation and maturation of secondary follicles and increased their population. Importantly, the beneficial effect of melatonin on secondary follicle population remained throughout life. As a result, melatonin increased cashmere production and improved its quality in terms of reduced fiber diameter. The mechanisms underlying the role of melatonin on secondary follicle development included the enhancement of activities of antioxidant enzymes, for example, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), elevated total antioxidant capacity, and upregulated anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 expression and downregulated expression of the pro‐apoptotic proteins, Bax and caspase‐3. These results reveal that melatonin serves to promote secondary hair follicle development in early postnatal cashmere goats and expands our understanding of melatonin application in cashmere production. Melatonin treatment led to an increase in both the quantity and quality of cashmere fiber. This increased the textile value of the fibers and provided economic benefit.
The Effects of Repetition on Incidental Vocabulary Learning: A Meta‐Analysis of Correlational Studies
Authors: Uchihara Takumi , Webb Stuart , Yanagisawa Akifumi
Published: March 2019

This meta‐analysis aimed to clarify the complex relationship between repetition and second language (L2) incidental vocabulary learning by meta‐analyzing primary studies reporting correlation coefficients between the number of encounters and vocabulary learning. We synthesized and quantitatively analyzed 45 effect sizes from 26 studies (N = 1,918) to calculate the mean effect size of the frequency–learning relationship and to explore the extent to which 10 empirically motivated variables moderate this relationship. Results showed that there was a medium effect (r = .34) of repetition on incidental vocabulary learning. Subsequent moderator analyses revealed that variability in the size of repetition effects across studies was explained by learner variables (age, vocabulary knowledge), treatment variables (spaced learning, visual support, engagement, range in number of encounters), and methodological differences (nonword use, forewarning of an upcoming comprehension test, vocabulary test format). Based on the findings, we suggest future directions for L2 incidental vocabulary learning research.

Open Practices

This article has been awarded an Open Data badge. All data are publicly accessible via the Open Science Framework at https://osf.io/rmnk2. Learn more about the Open Practices badges from the Center for Open Science: https://osf.io/tvyxz/wiki.
The Importance of Two‐Sided Heterogeneity for the Cyclicality of Labour Market Dynamics
Authors: Bachmann Ronald , Bechara Peggy
Published: March 2019

Using administrative data on individual workers’ employment history and firms, we investigate the cyclicality of worker flows on the German labour market. Focusing on heterogeneities on both sides of the labour market, we find that small firms hire much more workers from unemployment than large firms, and that they do so at the very beginning of an economic expansion. Later on in the expansion, overall hirings more frequently result from direct job‐to‐job transitions to larger firms. Transitions from unemployment to employment at large firms are generally found to be more (pro‐)cyclical. However, this stylized fact disappears when the composition of the workforce is controlled for.
Neoclassical theories of stationary relative prices and the supply of capital
Authors: Fratini Saverio M.
Published: March 2019

In the traditional versions of the neoclassical theory of value and distribution, the stock of existing capital, understood as either an amount of value or an endowment of capital goods, was taken as given together with the available quantities of labour and natural resources. This characteristic of the early neoclassical theories is analysed through comparison with the modern neo‐Walrasian models of stationary equilibrium, where the stock of capital is not among the givens. It is shown here that the attempt to present capital as a factor of production on a par with labour and land led the early neoclassical authors to write the zero‐net‐accumulation condition, which was required by the stationarity of relative prices, in the form of a market‐clearing condition for the supply of and demand for capital. The rate of interest was therefore understood as the price determined by this market. As is known, however, the view of capital as a factor of production and the rate of interest as the price for its use failed to work and involved several problems, some of which are discussed here.
Wireless charging utility maximization and intersection control delay minimization framework for electric vehicles
Authors: Khan Zadid , Khan Sakib Mahmud , Chowdhury Mashrur , Safro Ilya , Ushijima‐Mwesigwa Hayato
Published: March 2019

This study presents the Wireless Charging Utility Maximization (WCUM) framework, which aims to maximize the utility of Wireless Charging Units (WCUs) for electric vehicle (EV) charging through the optimal WCU deployment at signalized intersections. Furthermore, the framework aims to minimize the control delay at all signalized intersections of the network. The framework consists of a two‐step optimization formulation, a dynamic traffic assignment model to calculate the user equilibrium, a traffic microsimulator to formulate the objective functions, and a global Mixed Integer Non‐Linear Programming (MINLP) optimization solver. An optimization problem is formulated for each intersection, and another for the entire network. The performance of the WCUM framework is tested using the Sioux Falls network. We perform a comparative study of 12 global MINLP solvers with a case study. Based on solution quality and computation time, we choose the Couenne solver for this framework.
Natural variation for unusual host responses and flagellin‐mediated immunity against Pseudomonas syringae in genetically diverse tomato accessions
Authors: Roberts Robyn , Mainiero Samantha , Powell Adrian F. , Liu Alexander E. , Shi Kai , Hind Sarah R. , Strickler Susan R. , Collmer Alan , Martin Gregory B.
Published: March 2019

The interaction between tomato and Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato (Pst) is a well‐developed model for investigating the molecular basis of the plant immune system. There is extensive natural variation in Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) but it has not been fully leveraged to enhance our understanding of the tomato–Pst pathosystem. We screened 216 genetically diverse accessions of cultivated tomato and a wild tomato species for natural variation in their response to three strains of Pst.

The host response to Pst was investigated using multiple Pst strains, tomato accessions with available genome sequences, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays, reporter genes and bacterial population measurements.

The screen uncovered a broad range of previously unseen host symptoms in response to Pst, and one of these, stem galls, was found to be simply inherited. The screen also identified tomato accessions that showed enhanced responses to flagellin in bacterial population assays and in ROS assays upon exposure to flagellin‐derived peptides, flg22 and flgII‐28. Reporter genes confirmed that the host responses were due primarily to pattern recognition receptor‐triggered immunity.

This study revealed extensive natural variation in tomato for susceptibility and resistance to Pst and will enable elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying these host responses.
Fear of falling among Brazilian and Portuguese older adults
Authors: Vitorino Luciano M. , Marques‐Vieira Cristina , Low Gail , Sousa Luís , Cruz Jonas P.
Published: March 2019

Background

Falling is the leading cause of physical disability, mortality and social exclusion in older adults. In Brazil and Portugal, falls cause thousands of hospitalisations every year. Fear of falling (FOF) causes loss of confidence in accomplishing daily tasks, restriction in social activities and increased dependence.

Aim

To compare the prevalence of FOF between Brazilian and Portuguese community‐dwelling older adults and the factors associated with FOF.

Methods

A secondary analysis of cross‐sectional survey data collected from older adults residing in Brazil (n = 170; M age=70.44 years) and Portugal (n = 170; M age=73.56 years).

Results

The prevalence of FOF was significantly higher (p = 0.015) among Portuguese (n = 133, 54.1%) versus Brazilian (n = 113, 45.9%) older adults. FOF among Brazilian older adults was associated with being 76 + years of age and female. Among Portuguese older adults, factors associated with FOF were intake of daily medications, having fallen within the past year, and visual difficulties.

Conclusions

Fear of falling is linked with modifiable and non‐modifiable factors. Timely assessments of FOF and factors associated with FOF are essential.

Implications for practice

Primary care nurses should assess and address FOF in older people with interdisciplinary practitioners.
Strengths and support of older people affected by precarity in South Louisiana
Authors: Hedman Karl
Published: March 2019

Background

Few empirical studies have examined strengths and support of older people in circumstances of precarity. A better understanding of this problem has the potential to contribute to the development of care planning and delivery.

Purpose

To investigate how older people deal with episodes of precarity in South Louisiana.

Method

More than 300 hr of participant observation and interviews were conducted with 20 predominantly older African American women in a housing complex for low‐income older persons and two senior citizen centres.

Results

The findings demonstrate five central negative conditions of precarity that older people had to manage: (a) loss and discontinuity of home‐based healthcare services, (b) stress after loss or disruption of social support, (c) problems of poverty, (d) cognitive impairment and declining health and (e) stress of eviction. Strengths and support that older people used were as follows: (a) spiritual faith, (b) psychological strengths, (c) spiritual relationships, (d) family support, (e) friendships of love and friendships of helpfulness, (f) care and support performed by home‐based services, (g) senior centre and housing complex activities, (h) church memberships and activities, and (i) grocery store and café contacts.

Conclusion

Home‐based services were not sufficient to prevent and reduce precarity for older people because of a lack of and discontinuities in these services.

Implications for practice

This study adds to the literature about precarity among community‐based older people by demonstrating gaps in care support and medication access. The findings suggest that ongoing state funding and support by home‐based services are necessary to support frail older people in precarious living conditions to survive and handle stressful life events by reducing vulnerability and enhancing strengths and supportive resources of older people.
Attenuated Governance: How Policymakers Insulate Private School Choice from Legal Challenge
Authors: Hackett Ursula
Published: March 2019

Indirect or delegated governance engages private organizations, tax expenditures, or service users to deliver programs that would otherwise be provided by the government directly. This paper explains the rise of indirect governance in terms of policymakers’ strategic use of “attenuation” to avoid political and legal challenge. Attenuation is the process by which a government obscures its role in promoting a particular policy goal, through communication strategies (attenuating rhetoric), or by utilizing private third parties and the tax system to deliver a benefit (attenuated design). Deploying policy‐maker interviews and an original historical database of private school choice programs and their legal and political defense, 1953–2017, I argue that pursuing both attenuated design and attenuating rhetoric at once helps policies pass and spread by publicly dissociating the government from legally contentious policy outputs.
The epidemiology of multicomponent blood transfusion: a systematic review
Authors: Perelman I. , Khair S. , Dermer E. , Tinmouth A. , Saidenberg E. , Fergusson D.
Published: March 2019

We performed a systematic review to describe the prevalence of multicomponent blood transfusion and, as a secondary objective, to determine patient characteristics and outcomes associated with multicomponent transfusion. There is a lack of literature on the epidemiology of multicomponent transfusion as most studies concentrate on a single blood product and its utilisation. Patient care and blood management can be optimised by better understanding the patients who receive multicomponent transfusions. The databases Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews were searched. Observational cohort and cross‐sectional studies of hospital patients reporting on multicomponent transfusion prevalence or on patient characteristics and outcomes associated with multicomponent transfusion were included. A descriptive synthesis of studies was performed. A total of 37 eligible studies were included. It was found that multicomponent transfusion prevalence varied greatly by patient population and by the combination of blood products given in the multicomponent transfusion. Multicomponent‐transfused patients included burn, cardiac surgery, liver surgery and transplant, cancer, infectious diseases, trauma and intensive care unit patients. Five studies found associations between multicomponent transfusion and adverse health outcomes; however, these findings are likely confounded by indication. The overall quality of evidence was low given a fair‐to‐poor individual study quality, inconsistent multicomponent transfusion prevalence estimates and confounding by indication. Further research is needed to better understand the epidemiology of multicomponent transfusion, including studies on multicomponent transfusion in haematological cancer patients and studies looking for patient characteristics that can better predict multicomponent transfusion need.
Psychogenic stress in hospitalized veterinary patients: Causation, implications, and therapies
Authors: Lefman Sara H. , Prittie Jennifer E.
Published: March 2019

Objective

To review the sources, adverse effects, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of psychogenic stress in hospitalized human and veterinary patients.

Data Sources

Data were collected by searching PubMed for veterinary and human literature from the past 10 years.

Human Data Synthesis

Psychogenic stress has been linked to immune suppression; gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and cutaneous diseases; delayed wound healing; alterations in pain perception; and neurologic impairment. Sources of psychogenic stress include environmental alterations such as excessive noise and light, social and physical factors, sleep disruption, drugs, and underlying disease. Nonpharmacologic options for stress reduction include environmental and treatment modifications, music therapy, and early mobilization. Pharmacologic options include sedation with benzodiazepines and dexmedetomidine. Trazodone and melatonin have been examined for use in sleep promotion but are not currently recommended as standard treatments in ICU.

Veterinary Data Synthesis

Activation of the stress response in veterinary patients is largely the same as in people, as are the affected body systems. Possible sources of stress can include social, physical, and environmental factors. No gold standard currently exists for the identification and quantification of stress. A combination of physical examination findings and the results of serum biochemistry, CBC, and biomarker testing can be used to support the diagnosis. Stress scales can be implemented to identify stressed patients and assess severity. Nonpharmacologic treatment options include low‐stress handling, pheromones, environmental modifications, and sleep promotion. Pharmacologic options include trazodone, benzodiazepines, dexmedetomidine, and melatonin.

Conclusion

The prevalence and clinical significance of psychogenic stress in hospitalized veterinary patients is unknown. Future studies are needed to specifically examine the causative factors of psychogenic stress and the effects of various therapies on stress reduction. The recognition and reduction of psychogenic stress in veterinary patients can lead to improvements in patient care and welfare.
The prevalence of ultrasonographic abnormalities and histopathologic lesions is high in testes of yearling tropical hair rams
Authors: Dascanio John , Roberson Jerry , Pfent Catherine , Nahar Vinayak K. , Arauz Maziel , Alexander Kerry , Roberts Brian , Cope D. Andrew , Bridger Rhett , Botsko Dana
Published: March 2019

Ultrasonography is commonly used to examine testes as part of a breeding soundness examination in sheep, especially, in cases of infertility or when gross testicular abnormalities are present. A descriptive, prospective, prevalence study was conducted to characterize the ultrasonographic, histopathologic, and spermatozoal morphology abnormalities present in a group of yearling tropic hair rams on the island of St. Kitts. Hyperechoic and shadowing abnormalities increased over a 6 month study period. Hyperechoic abnormalities were present in one or both testes in 89% (25/28) of yearling rams and 71% (40/56) of testes at castration. Shadowing abnormalities were present in one or both testes in 46% (13/28) of rams and 34% (19/56) of testes at castration. Shadowing was present more with moderate and severe hyperechoic abnormalities, with few testes in the mild category having any shadowing. As hyperechoic and shadowing abnormalities increased in severity, so did the severity of microscopic lesions including increased interstitial cellularity/fibrosis, interstitial mineralization, seminiferous tubules mineralization (hyperechoic only), and chronic lymphoplasmacytic orchitis. There were no spermatozoal morphologic abnormalities other than an increase in distal cytoplasmic droplets. The study findings detail a pathologic event in this group of yearling rams that has an unknown etiology. Potential causes may include scrotal insulation, trauma, infectious causes, immunity alterations, nutritional imbalances, and ingestion of a toxin. Further studies are required to elucidate the causative agent.
The Performance Influences of a Centrifugal Compressor Due to Volute Local Deformation
Authors: Xu C. , Amano R. S.
Published: March 2019

Centrifugal compressors have broad applications in gas compression processes, especially in automobile turbocharger. During the turbocharger installation, there are many installation limitations in the compressor stage. Due to the restriction in the size of the engine bay, it always has limitations of installation for turbochargers. The compressor package always requests to modify the compressor geometry to fit specific constraints. The volute is the largest geometry of the turbocharger package in most of the case. Very often modifications of the volute were performed to meet the space constraints. In this study, the authors investigated the compressor performance for an initially designed volute and a modified volute. The study followed by an on engine performance comparisons, compressor performance gas stand tests and computational fluid fynamics (CFD) analysis. The studies provided the performance impacts of the local volute deformation due to installation constraints, i.e., a kink in a volute. The studies showed the local volute kink has small implications on compressor performance when the maximum kink depth is less than 10% of the local volute hydraulic diameter. The numerical analysis is in favorable agreements with experiments. The results of this study can be used as a basic guideline for local deformation performance impacts for the future turbocharger compressor volute modifications.
Development of an Advanced Finite Element Model and Parametric Study to Evaluate Cement Sheath Barrier
Authors: Patel Harshkumar , Salehi Saeed
Published: March 2019

Cement failure is known as one of the major causes for loss of well control events. Cement design is considered as one of the top technological knowledge gaps in high-pressure high-temperature oil and gas exploration. The primary objective of this paper is to perform a parametric analysis and identify critical parameters affecting the mechanical integrity of the set cement sheath. To achieve the objective, three-dimensional finite element models consisting of concentric casings and annular cement sheath were created. The finite element model was validated by analytical calculations. Performance of cement sheath was assessed by analyzing radial, hoop, and maximum shear stresses at different loading conditions. A parametric study was conducted by individually varying influencing factors such as cement material properties, sheath dimensions, and wellbore pressure loads. Values of all parameters were normalized and represented on the same plot against mechanical stresses. Such response curves can be used to estimate whether cement will structurally fail because of various operational loads or material aging. The plot can also be utilized to rank various factors in terms of influence on cement’s performance. Sensitivity response reveals that wellbore pressure, cement material properties, and annulus pressure are major parameters influencing mechanical stresses in neat class G cement. The order of importance depends on the type of stress. Results indicate interfacial bond failure and radial cracking to be the more likely modes of failure for class G cement. Cement response curves can help design engineers and regulators alike in quickly evaluating short-term or long-term fitness-for-service of cement sheath from the perspective of structural integrity. Industry standards and guidelines can be improved by adding performance curves for standard cement recipes.
A Review of Impact Testing Methods for Headgear in Sports: Considerations for Improved Prevention of Head Injury Through Research and Standards
Authors: Whyte T. , Stuart C. A. , Mallory A. , Ghajari M. , Plant D. J. , Siegmund G. P. , Cripton P. A.
Published: March 2019

Standards for sports headgear were introduced as far back as the 1960s and many have remained substantially unchanged to present day. Since this time, headgear has virtually eliminated catastrophic head injuries such as skull fractures and changed the landscape of head injuries in sports. Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is now a prevalent concern and the effectiveness of headgear in mitigating mTBI is inconclusive for most sports. Given that most current headgear standards are confined to attenuating linear head mechanics and recent brain injury studies have underscored the importance of angular mechanics in the genesis of mTBI, new or expanded standards are needed to foster headgear development and assess headgear performance that addresses all types of sport-related head and brain injuries. The aim of this review was to provide a basis for developing new sports headgear impact tests for standards by summarizing and critiquing the following: (1) impact testing procedures currently codified in published headgear standards for sports and (2) new or proposed headgear impact test procedures in published literature and/or relevant conferences. Research areas identified as needing further knowledge to support standards test development include defining sports-specific head impact conditions, establishing injury and age appropriate headgear assessment criteria, and the development of headgear specific head and neck surrogates for at-risk populations.
A New Geometrically Exact Model for Buckling and Postbuckling Statics and Dynamics of Beams
Authors: Farokhi Hamed , Ghayesh Mergen H.
Published: March 2019

In this study, a new geometrically exact nonlinear model is developed for accurate analysis of buckling and postbuckling behavior of beams, for the first time. Three-dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis is conducted to verify the validity of the developed model even at very large postbuckling amplitudes. It is shown that the model commonly used in the literature for buckling analysis significantly underestimates the postbuckling amplitude. The proposed model is developed on the basis of the beam theory of Euler–Bernoulli, along with the assumption of centerline inextensibility, while taking into account the effect of initial imperfection. The Kelvin–Voigt model is utilized to model internal energy dissipation. To ensure accurate predictions in the postbuckling regime, the nonlinear terms in the equation of motion are kept exact with respect to the transverse motion, resulting in a geometrically exact model. It is shown that even a fifth-order truncated nonlinear model does not yield accurate results, highlighting the significant importance of keeping the terms exact with respect to the transverse motion. Using the verified geometrically exact model, the possibility of dynamic buckling is studied in detail. It is shown that dynamic buckling could occur at axial load variation amplitudes as small as 2.3% of the critical static buckling load.
Mode Analysis on Onset of Turing Instability in Time-Fractional Reaction-Subdiffusion Equations by Two-Dimensional Numerical Simulations
Authors: Fukunaga Masataka
Published: March 2019

There are two types of time-fractional reaction-subdiffusion equations for two species. One of them generalizes the time derivative of species to fractional order, while in the other type, the diffusion term is differentiated with respect to time of fractional order. In the latter equation, the Turing instability appears as oscillation of concentration of species. In this paper, it is shown by the mode analysis that the critical point for the Turing instability is the standing oscillation of the concentrations of the species that does neither decays nor increases with time. In special cases in which the fractional order is a rational number, the critical point is derived analytically by mode analysis of linearized equations. However, in most cases, the critical point is derived numerically by the linearized equations and two-dimensional (2D) simulations. As a by-product of mode analysis, a method of checking the accuracy of numerical fractional reaction-subdiffusion equation is found. The solutions of the linearized equation at the critical points are used to check accuracy of discretized model of one-dimensional (1D) and 2D fractional reaction–diffusion equations.
The effect of jamming stimuli on the echolocation behavior of the bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus
Authors: Kloepper Laura N. , Branstetter Brian K.
Published: March 2019

Echolocating bats and odontocetes face the potential challenge of acoustic interference from neighbors, or sonar jamming. To counter this, many bat species have adapted jamming avoidance strategies to improve signal detection, but any such avoidance strategies in dolphins is unknown. This study provides an investigation into whether dolphins modify echolocation behavior during jamming scenarios. Recorded echolocation clicks were projected at different click repetition rates and at different aspect angles relative to two dolphins' heads while each dolphin was performing a target detection task. Changes in the timing, amplitude, and frequency of structure of the dolphin's emitted signals were compared to determine if and how dolphins modify echolocation when faced with potentially interfering conspecific echolocation signals. The results indicate that both dolphins demonstrated different responses when faced with jamming scenarios, which may reflect optimal strategies according to individual auditory perception abilities.
Spectral manipulation improves elevation perception with non-individualized head-related transfer functions
Authors: Rajendran Vani G. , Gamper Hannes
Published: March 2019

Spatially rendering sounds using head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) is an important part of creating immersive audio experiences for virtual reality applications. However, elevation perception remains challenging when generic, non-personalized HRTFs are used. This study investigated whether digital audio effects applied to a generic set of HRTFs could improve sound localization in the vertical plane. Several of the tested effects significantly improved elevation judgment, and trial-by-trial variability in spectral energy between 2 and 10 kHz correlated strongly with perceived elevation. Digital audio effects may therefore be a promising strategy to improve elevation perception where personalized HRTFs are not available.
Rapid Weight Loss in Competitive Judo and Taekwondo Athletes: Attitudes and Practices of Coaches and Trainers
Authors: Berkovich Ben-El , Stark Aliza H. , Eliakim Alon , Nemet Dan , Sinai Tali
Published: March 2019

Fasting, skipping meals, and dehydration are common methods of rapid weight loss used prior to competition in weight category sports. This study examines coaches’ attitudes, perceptions, and practices regarding rapid weight loss among judo and taekwondo athletes. A convenience sample of experienced coaches and trainers (n = 68) completed structured questionnaires. Participants in this study were 33.8 ± 9.3 years old; 57 were males and 11 were females; and 59% were certified coaches, with 71% reporting over 20 years of involvement in sports and 68% having more than 10 years of teaching experience. The majority (90%) reported that they usually supervised athletes through the weight loss process. Interventions for weight loss began at 12.7 ± 1.9 years of age, with a recommended precompetition weight loss duration of 16.2 ± 8.2 days and an average reduction of 1.5 ± 0.7 kg. The majority of the responders (92%) recommended that their athletes practice gradual weight loss methods using a combination of dehydration or increased physical activity (80.3%), sweat suits (50.8%), restricted fluid intake (39.3%), training in heated rooms (27%), and sauna (26.2%). Recommendations of spitting (27.8%) or using laxatives, diuretics, diet pills, or vomiting (21.3%) were also reported. Coaches and trainers often encouraged athletes to cut weight before competition. The methods recommended are potentially harmful with severe health risks, including compromised nutritional status and diminished athletic performance. This is of particular concern in young athletes who are still growing and developing physically. Enhancing knowledge and awareness for coaches, athletes, and parents regarding potential dangers, along with improved nutrition education, is critical for reducing the magnitude and misuse of rapid weight loss methods.
Clustering of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Associated to Risk for Metabolic Syndrome in Older Adults
Authors: Manta Sofia W. , Sandreschi Paula F. , Matias Thiago S. , Tomicki Camila , Benedetti Tânia R.B.
Published: March 2019

This study aimed to investigate the clustering patterns of physical activity, sedentary time (ST), and breaks in ST, and the association between the identified clusters at risk for metabolic syndrome associated with obesity in older adults. Participants included 212 users of community health centers in Brazil. A questionnaire about sociodemographic characteristics was used to describe the sample, and physical activity, ST, and breaks in ST were evaluated using accelerometers. Waist circumference was measured as an indicator of the risk for metabolic syndrome. A two-step cluster analysis and logistic regression analysis were conducted. The following four clusters were identified: sitters (37.7%), inactive (28.3%), active (25.5%), and all-day sitters/lightly active (8.5%). Participants in the active cluster were 60% less likely to be at risk for metabolic syndrome. This study may contribute to a comprehensive understanding of which older adult groups need more attention in the context of community health centers.
Recovery Trajectory of Postural Control Impairments Following a Concussion: A Case Study
Authors: King Adam C.
Published: March 2019

Context: Altered postural control represents one of the most common motor consequences following a concussion and there is a paucity of data monitoring the recovery trajectory that identifies the persistent changes of postural control. Objective: To determine whether the recovery trajectory of postural control was consistent across different measures of postural stability and whether increased postural challenge (ie, sloped surface) revealed subtle postural impairments. Design: A single-subject case study. Setting: Research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: One concussed individual with a cohort of healthy controls (n = 10) used for comparison. Main Outcome Measures: Center of pressure variability (linear—SD and nonlinear—multiscale entropy) was used to index postural sway preinjury and at periodic intervals following the concussion. Results: The concussed individuals displayed reduced amounts of sway during the initial recovery phase that failed to returned to preinjury levels but reached the level of healthy controls at 1-month postinjury. The multiscale entropy analysis revealed increased center of pressure irregularity throughout recovery that persisted up to 1-month post injury. Conclusions: The findings identified subtle, persistent postural control impairments revealed through the nonlinear analysis of center of pressure and supports the notion that the consequences of a concussion (ie, impaired postural control) need to be considered beyond the resolution of behavioral symptoms.
PNPLA3gene predicts clinical recovery after sustained virological response in decompensated hepatitis C cirrhosis
Authors: Dunn Winston , Vittal Anusha , Zhao Jie , He Jianghua , Chakraborty Shweta , Whitener Melissa , Fohn Sara , Ash Ryan , Taylor Ryan M , Olyaee Mojtaba , Olson Jody C , Todd Nancy , Floyd Beth N , Pandya Prashant , Laycock Melissa , Schmitt Timothy , Weinman Steven A
Published: March 2019

Background

Patients with decompensated hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis experience various outcomes after sustained virological response (SVR), ranging from clinical recovery to further deterioration. We hypothesised that the genetic risk for steatosis, namely the polymorphisms rs738409 of Patatin-like Phospholipase Domain-Containing 3 (PNPLA3), rs58542926 of Transmembrane-6-Superfamily-2 (TM6SF2), and rs641738 of Membrane-bound O-acyltransferase Domain-Containing 7 (MBOAT7), is predictive of recovery.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 56 patients with Child-Pugh (CPT) B/C cirrhosis who underwent antiviral therapy. The primary outcome was change in CPT score at 12, 24, and 48 weeks after SVR. We used a linear mixed-effects model for analysis.

Results

Forty-five patients (PNPLA3: 21 CC, 19 CG, 5 GG) survived to the first endpoint without liver transplantation. The mean change in CPT score at 12, 24, and 48 weeks was −1.57 (SE=0.30), –1.76 (SE=0.32), and −2.0 (SE=0.36), respectively, among the patients with thePNPLA3CC genotype and −0.50 (SE=0.20), –0.41 (SE=0.25), and −0.24 (SE=0.27), respectively, among the other 24 patients. After adjustment for baseline characteristics, thePNPLA3CG/GG genotypes were associated with a 1.29 (SE=0.30, p<0.0001) point higher CPT score. Most of the difference came from differences in hepatic encephalopathy and bilirubin. The results for rs58542926 and rs641738 were not significant.

Conclusion

ThePNPLA3CG/GG genotypes could identify a subgroup of patients with decompensated HCV cirrhosis that had suboptimal clinical recovery despite SVR. An understanding of the genetic factors that influence clinical outcomes will help target patients for liver transplant based on individual genetic risk factors and provide insight leading to new therapeutic approaches.
Evaluation of inhaled salbutamol effectiveness under supportive use of electrical impedance tomography in ventilated ICU patients: study protocol for a randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Rahmel Tim , Koniusch Alexandra , Schwertner Martin , Oprea Günther , Adamzik Michael , Nowak Hartmuth
Published: March 2019

Introduction

The inhalative administration of drugs is a non-invasive application form that is regularly used in the treatment of ventilated patients in critical care setting. However, assessment of effectiveness or distribution of nebulised drugs is one of the lacking cornerstones of modern intensive care monitoring. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) may provide a promising new monitoring and guiding tool for an adequate optimisation of mechanical ventilation in critically ill patients. EIT may assist in defining mechanical ventilation settings, assess distribution of tidal volume and evaluate associated pathologies at bedside. This study aims to elucidate the extent to which the effectiveness of inhaled salbutamol can be increased by the additional use of EIT for optimisation of respirator settings.

Methods and analysis

This study is a randomised, open-label, superiority trial conducted on an intensive care unit of a German university hospital, comparing two groups of mechanically ventilated patients with an acute or chronic bronchial airway obstruction according to the effectiveness of inhaled salbutamol with (intervention) or without (control) additional use of EIT for optimising ventilator settings. The primary outcome is change in airway resistance 30 min after salbutamol inhalation.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received approval from the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty of Ruhr-University Bochum (17-6306). The results will be made available to critical care survivors, their caregivers, the funders, the critical care societies and other researchers by publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

DRKS00014706; Pre-results.
Perisciatic Injection of Steroid for the Treatment of Sciatica due to Piriformis Syndrome
Authors: Hanania Michael , Kitain Eric
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives

Piriformis syndrome causing sciatica is sometimes refractory to conventional treatments including physical therapy, piriformis injections, and even caudal epidural steroid injections. Surgical release of the piriformis muscle has been described for difficult cases of piriformis syndrome, but is occasionally accompanied by morbidity. Another approach to treating piriformis syndrome is presented.

Methods

A perisciatic injection of steroid using simple landmarks and utilizing a nerve stimulator to locate and inject near the sciatic nerve and into the piriformis muscle is described.

Results

Six patients that did not respond to conventional treatments, but did respond to perisciatic steroid injections are presented. CT scan, in one of the patients, confirmed correct needle placement when this technique and landmarks were used.

Conclusion

Patients with piriformis syndrome who were refractory to conventional treatments but responded to perisciatic injections of steroid are presented.
Computing Version Spaces in the Qualitative Approach to Multicriteria Decision Aid
Authors: Couceiro Miguel , Maróti Miklós , Waldhauser Tamás , Zádori László
Published: March 2019

We consider a lattice-based model in multiattribute decision making, where preferences are represented by global utility functions that evaluate alternatives in a lattice structure (which can account for situations of indifference as well as of incomparability). Essentially, this evaluation is obtained by first encoding each of the attributes (nominal, qualitative, numeric, etc.) of each alternative into a distributive lattice, and then aggregating such values by lattice functions. We formulate version spaces within this model (global preferences consistent with empirical data) as solutions of an interpolation problem and present their complete descriptions accordingly. Moreover, we consider the computational complexity of this interpolation problem, and show that up to 3 attributes it is solvable in polynomial time, whereas it is NP complete over more than 3 attributes. Our results are then illustrated with a concrete example.
Local minimum in pair potentials of polyvalent metals: A limitation of pseudopotential theory
Authors: Bhuiyan G. M. , Abbas Fysol Ibna
Published: March 2019

Local minimum appearing in the interionic pair potentials, when derived from local model pseudopotential, for Al (and some other polyvalent metals) remains as a long standing problem of clear understanding of its origin, although some attempts have been made by a few authors. The origin of this feature of local minimum is systematically investigated for the first time in this paper considering both the core size and the conduction electron density as variables. Interionic pair potential is derived from Ashcroft’s empty core model because it depends on these two variables only. Results of this investigation show monovalent metals do not exhibit a local minimum at all but trivalent Al and some other polyvalent metals do exhibit at their normal densities. Here, the combined effect of the core size and the conduction electron density results whether the local minimum will appear or not. More interestingly, for smaller core size, conduction electron density plays major role and for larger core size the core radius plays the major role in determining the depth of the local minimum.
Cuprous Oxide Films with Hollow Cubic Cage Structure for Nonenzymatic Glucose Detection
Authors: Sun Fang , Xing Lehong , Yang Xihui , Huang Hailiang , Ning Lina
Published: March 2019

In this study, CuO films with hollow cubic cages were prepared by a facile two-step procedure consisting of electrodeposition synthesis and subsequent direct calcination. First, Cu2O nanocubes were fabricated on ITO substrate through a simple electrodeposition procedure. Then, Cu2O nanocubes were converted to CuO hollow cubic cages without obvious morphological change through direct calcination. The obtained CuO cubic cages serving as active materials illustrated a favorable performance for nonenzymatic glucose sensing with high sensitivity of [Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text]mM[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] at a low applied potential of 0.50[Formula: see text]V, fast-response time (less than 3[Formula: see text]s), low detection limit of 1.0[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M and wide linear range up from 2.0[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M to 1.0[Formula: see text]mM ([Formula: see text]). Moreover, the good selectivity of the CuO cubic cages-based nonenzymatic glucose sensor against electroactive compounds such as ascorbic acid, uric acid and dopamine were also demonstrated. These good features indicate that the as-prepared CuO cubic cages can be used as promising electrode materials, which have a great potential in the development of sensitive and selective nonenzymatic glucose sensors.
Helicase Mechanisms During Homologous Recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Crickard J. Brooks , Greene Eric C.
Published: March 2019

Helicases are enzymes that move, manage, and manipulate nucleic acids. They can be subdivided into six super families and are required for all aspects of nucleic acid metabolism. In general, all helicases function by converting the chemical energy stored in the bond between the gamma and beta phosphates of adenosine triphosphate into mechanical work, which results in the unidirectional movement of the helicase protein along one strand of a nucleic acid. The results of this translocation activity can range from separation of strands within duplex nucleic acids to the physical remodeling or removal of nucleoprotein complexes. In this review, we focus on describing key helicases from the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae that contribute to the regulation of homologous recombination, which is an essential DNA repair pathway for fixing damaged chromosomes.
Microbiome potentiates endurance exercise through intestinal acetate production
Authors: Okamoto Takuya , Morino Katsutaro , Ugi Satoshi , Nakagawa Fumiyuki , Lemecha Mengistu , Ida Shogo , Ohashi Natsuko , Sato Daisuke , Fujita Yukihiro , Maegawa Hiroshi
Published: March 2019

The intestinal microbiome produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from dietary fiber and has specific effects on other organs. During endurance exercise, fatty acids, glucose, and amino acids are major energy substrates. However, little is known about the role of SCFAs during exercise. To investigate this, mice were administered either multiple antibiotics or a low microbiome-accessible carbohydrate (LMC) diet, before endurance testing on a treadmill. Two-week antibiotic treatment significantly reduced endurance capacity versus the untreated group. In the cecum acetate, propionate, and butyrate became almost undetectable in the antibiotic-treated group, plasma SCFA concentrations were lower, and the microbiome was disrupted. Similarly, 6-wk LMC treatment significantly reduced exercise capacity, and fecal and plasma SCFA concentrations. Continuous acetate but not saline infusion in antibiotic-treated mice restored their exercise capacity ( P < 0.05), suggesting that plasma acetate may be an important energy substrate during endurance exercise. In addition, running time was significantly improved in LMC-fed mice by fecal microbiome transplantation from others fed a high microbiome-accessible carbohydrate diet and administered a single portion of fermentable fiber ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, the microbiome can contribute to endurance exercise by producing SCFAs. Our findings provide new insight into the effects of the microbiome on systemic metabolism.