bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Instituting robotic pediatric urologic surgery in the Canadian healthcare system: Evaluating the feasibility and outcomes of robot-assisted pyeloplasty and ureteric reimplantation
Authors: Stern Noah , Wang Peter , Dave Sumit
Published: September 2020

Introduction: Robotic pediatric urologic surgery has gained widespread adoption over the last decade. This article describes our experience in instituting the first pediatric urologic robotic surgery program in Canada. We evaluated the feasibility and safety of instituting pediatric robot-assisted urologic surgery and report our early outcomes for robot-assisted pyeloplasty (RAP) and ureteric reimplantation (RUR).

Methods: We prospectively evaluated all patients undergoing RAP and RUR by a single surgeon from June 2013 to March 2019. Demographic and clinical data were prospectively collected and included sex, age, and preoperative grade of hydronephrosis or reflux. Descriptive statistics were performed, and comparisons were made using Student’s t-tests where appropriate. Success was defined as resolution or significant improvement of hydronephrosis following RAP and absence of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) and/or persistent vesicoureteric reflux (VUR) following RUR. Complications were described using the Clavien-Dindo system.

Results: A total of 52 RAPs and 24 RURs were performed with a minimum of six months followup. Forty-five RAP patients met criteria for success, while diagnostic imaging of success in the form of MAG-3 Lasix renograms was documented in the remaining seven for an overall success of 100%. Sixteen RUR patients met criteria for success and seven showed resolution of VUR on imaging following their first UTI, for an overall success rate of 96%. Operative times progressively improved from 204±35 minutes to 121±15 minutes in the RAP group and from 224±52 to 132±39 minutes in the RUR group. In the RAP cohort, one Clavien grade II and four Clavien grade III complications were noted, while three Clavien grade III complications were noted in the RUR cohort.

Conclusions: Despite limited case volumes, robotic pediatric urologic surgery can be integrated into the Canadian healthcare system with success rates comparable to reported literature. However, compared to open surgery, RAP and especially RUR warrant further study to ensure lack of significant complications noted in our study.
Factor Predicting the Use of Physical Restrain in Clinical Setting
Authors: Hasan Abd Alhadi , Alshahrani Nasser Saeed , Alqarni Mohammed Saber
Published: September 2020

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to identify the factors predicting psychiatric nurses’ decision to use physical restraint in a clinical psychiatric setting in the Province of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS: A descriptive explanatory design was used. 110 nurses working in a psychiatric hospital in Jeddah city were recruited during the period 27th April to 29th June 2017. The outcome was assessed on the following scales: level of knowledge, occupational stress, working environment, nurses’ attitude toward use of physical restraint and nurses’ practice toward use of physical restraint.

RESULTS: The study participants had sufficient knowledge about the use of physical restraint, experienced high levels of occupational stress, suffered an unproductive working environment and accepted attitudes and practice toward physical restraint. In addition, these variables significantly predicted the nurses’ use of physical restraint.

CONCLUSION: The findings revealed that the level of knowledge and occupational stress scales, the working environment, and nurses’ attitude and practice toward the use of physical restraint significantly predicted the nurses’ use of physical restraint.

RECOMMENDATIONS: The study recommends the establishment of educational and awareness programmes for nurses to better understand the concept of restraining a patient and the consideration of alternative measures for controlling agitated and violent patients. It also recommends that providing adequate staffing and other resources, maintaining a therapeutic ward environment, and decreasing work-related stress could influence psychiatric nurses’ decisions to use physical restraint on their patients.
Testing the Relationship of Burnout to Job Satisfaction for Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioners beyond Controlled-for Background Variables
Authors: Blau Gary
Published: September 2020

A Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (PRP) is a less-often studied rehabilitation counselor who works specifically with mental health patients. An on-line survey was filled out by 1,635 PRPs who provided background, burnout and job satisfaction data. Full data was available for 819 PRPs. Background data collected included: gender, race, age, highest education level, length of service, and salary. The study hypothesis that burnout would be negatively related to job satisfaction beyond the controlled-for background variables was supported. Although only a limited amount of job satisfaction variance was explained, the study results support continued study of burnout and job satisfaction for PRPs and other mental health professionals.
Finite Element Modeling of Fiber Reinforced Polymer-Based Wood Composites Used in Furniture Construction Considering Semi-Rigid Connections
Authors: Zor Mustafa , Kartal Murat Emre
Published: September 2020

In this study, control samples of pine (Pinus slyvestris L.), beech (Fagus orientalis L.) and oak (Quercus petreae L.) species were obtained by using fi ber reinforced finger corner joints. Teknobont 200 epoxy and polyvinyl (PVAc) adhesives were used as glue. Bearing in mind the critical loads that may affect their use, experimental samples were tested under diagonal loads. Experimental samples were also analyzed by a computer program using the finite element method (FEM). Finally, experimental data were compared with the results of FEM. The comparisons clearly showed that experimental results and finite element solutions (SAP2000 V17) including semi-rigid connections are in good agreement. As a structural analysis program in furniture engineering designs, FEM can be preferred in terms of reliability and cost.
Some Properties of Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus Virginiana L.) Particleboard Panels Made Using Modified Starch as Binder
Authors: Ulker Onur , Hiziroglu Salim
Published: September 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate physical and mechanical properties of experimental panels manufactured from eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana L.) using modified starch as binder. Modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bond strength (IB), hardness and dimensional stability in the form of thickness swelling and water absorption in addition to surface quality of the samples were tested. Panels were manufactured at three density levels, which are 0.60 g/cm3, 0.70 g/cm3 and 0.80 g/cm3. The highest MOE, MOR and IB values for the samples having 0.80 g/cm3 density were determined as 2207.16 MPa, 15.17 MPa and 0.87 MPa, respectively. Thickness swelling values of the samples soaked in water for 2 h ranged from 15.38 % to 23.23 %. Micrographs taken on the samples using scanning electron microscope revealed that starch was uniformly distributed within the particles. Based on the findings in this study, it appears that eastern red cedar would have a potential as a raw material to manufacture particleboard panel using modifi ed starch as green adhesive with accepted physical and mechanical properties.
Mogućnosti povećanja obnovljivih izvora energije u Hrvatskoj, Sloveniji i Slovačkoj – drvni peleti
Authors: Pirc Barčić Andreja , Oblak Leon , Perić Ivana , Bego Margarita , Glavonjić Branko , Kaputa Vladislav , Motik Darko , Grošelj Petra
Published: September 2020

Energy from renewable sources is globally a very important issue. In order to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, many countries enact laws for enhancing the consumption of renewable energy sources. Sooner or later traditional non-renewable energy sources would have to be replaced with alternative energy sources that are already used in developed countries. According to the European Commission (2018), the EU is already a global leader in the sustainable use of natural resources within an efficient bio-economy. The wood pellet industry is becoming more important and the use of wood pellets is increasing as one of the most important contributors to the renewable energy goals of the EU. Wood pellet is an environmentally acceptable product and its production contributes to desirable rural development and sustainable approach to the management of timber resources. This paper focuses on the market of wood pellets used for heating, pinpointing differences in consumers point of view, and drafting the possibilities of future consumption enhancement. Results revealed a relatively low use of wood pellets in all the three surveyed markets. The highest share of consumers of wood pellets came from the areas with less than 5,000 inhabitants. Such households were mostly over 20 years old. The most important factors to decide to use such source of energy were space (required for the heating system) followed by price of wooden pellets.
Midlertidig og evig
Authors: Berg Kjersti G.
Published: September 2020

Humanitær bistand er aldri apolitisk. Siden FNs hjelpeorganisasjon for palestinske flyktninger (UNRWA) ble oprettet i 1949, har den blitt tillagt motiver og egenskaper som går utover mandatet. Hva kan UNRWA gjøre, og hvordan har spenninger mellom det politiske og det humanitære preget organisasjonen?
Facilitatoren
Authors: Vatani Emil
Published: September 2020

Denne artikkel vil bidrage til forståelsen af den amerikanske rolle under den iranske revolution ved at undersøge USAs rolle i Khomeinis vej til magten i forsøget på at varetage egne interesser i Iran.
Jørgen Jensehaugen, Arab-Israeli Diplomacy Under Carter. The U.S., Israel and the Palestinians. I.B. Tauris, 2019
Authors: Persson Anders
Published: September 2020

Bokanmeldelse av Anders Persson
„Unter der Woche Konkurrenten, am Wochenende ein Team“ Zur Ambivalenz von Konkurrenz und Kooperation im professionellen Fußball
Authors: Wahnschaffe-Waldhoff Kathrin , Mutz Michael
Published: September 2020

Wettbewerb und Konkurrenz markieren zentrale Sinndimensionen des professionell betriebenen Leistungssports und sind bestimmend für die Handlungsrationalität der dort handelnden Personen. In Teamsportarten ist der kollektive Erfolg einer Mannschaft aber auch vom effektiven Zusammenspiel einzelner Spieler abhängig, also von ihrer Fähigkeit zur Kooperation. Der qualitativ angelegte Beitrag befasst sich damit, wie professionelle Fußballspieler mit dem Wechselspiel und der Gleichzeitigkeit aus Konkurrenz und Kooperation umgehen. Es kann am Material herausgearbeitet werden, dass die Handlungsorientierung von Profifußballspielern vornehmlich den individuellen Erfolg priorisiert und die eigenen Mitspieler als Konkurrenten betrachtet werden. Der als hoch angesehene Konkurrenzdruck in der eigenen Mannschaft, verbunden mit den ökonomischen Anreizsystemen des Profifußballs, führt dazu, dass Spieler primär auf ihr eigenes Vorankommen schauen, oftmals auf unfaire Weise ihren Vorteil suchen und im Training das „Ausschalten“ von Konkurrenten innerhalb des eigenen Teams zur gängigen Praxis gehört. Zugleich kann deutlich gemacht werden, dass die Spieler selbst unter diesen Rahmenbedingungen leiden. Am Beispiel des Profifußballs kann der Beitrag auch allgemeine Hinweise geben, wie Akteure in ihrem Beruf zwischen Kooperationserwartung und Konkurrenzdruck changieren.
Zukunft der sozialen Infrastruktur
Authors: Welskop-Deffaa Eva M.
Published: September 2020

»Future historians will be asked which quarter of 2020 they specialize in«
Aus der Krise lernen
Authors: Schick Stefan , Beck Martin
Published: September 2020

Krisen bringen es auf den Punkt: Versäumnisse in der Organisation werden augenfällig, weitsichtige Weichenstellungen werden geschätzt. Die Chance einer disruptiven Neugestaltung der Führung sollte genutzt werden. Besondere Aufmerksamkeit bedarf es dabei der Wahrnehmung von Kompetenzen in der Krise.
Talente finden und fördern
Authors: Thiering Dominik
Published: September 2020

In einem Caritas-Projekt wurden Instrumente und Methoden entwickelt, wie ein systematisches »Talentmanagement« in Organisationen und Unternehmen der Sozialwirtschaft aussehen kann.
Zusatzaufgabe mit Risiken
Authors: Appel Matthias H.
Published: September 2020

Die Anforderung an die Barmittelverwaltung in gemeinnützigen Einrichtungen wurden durch das Bundesteilhabegesetz und verschiedene Gerichtsentscheidungen neu gefasst.
Glaubwürdigkeit und Kontinuität wahren
Authors: Wolf Nadja
Published: September 2020

Die Marketing-Strategien kommerzieller Unternehmen scheinen sich immer stärker auf den angeblich gesellschaftlichen Nutzen ihrer Produkte und Dienstleistungen zu beziehen. Soziale Organisationen sollten in ihrer Kommunikation mit der Öffentlichkeit deshalb zeigen, dass gemeinwohlorientiertes Verhalten bei ihnen keinen modischen Trend darstellt, empfiehlt Dr. Nadja Wolf, die als Politikwissenschaftlerin und Journalistin in sozialen Studiengängen an Hochschulen in München lehrt.
Konzepte für kleine Budgets
Authors: Bier Lisa
Published: September 2020

Auch für viele soziale Organisationen ist eine Präsenz in Social-Media-Angeboten erforderlich, wenn sie die Öffentlichkeit, Unterstützer und ihre Nutzer erreichen wollen. Wenn dies ohne großen Etat geleistet werden muss, kommt es um so mehr auf schlüssige Konzepte an.
Hilfe gegen Schwachstellen
Authors: Beck Martin
Published: September 2020

Nutzer, Mitglieder, Spender, Fördermittelgeber, Finanzamt und allgemein die Öffentlichkeit erwarten einen korrekten Einblick in die Mittelverwendung von sozialen Organisationen. Aber auch um finanzielle Schieflagen zu vermeiden, spielen die richtigen Instrumente des Rechnungswesens eine wesentliche Rolle.
Ausgestaltung und Enforcement in der Finanzberichterstattung
Authors: Berninger Marc
Published: September 2020

Steadily increasing publication requirements during recent decades have not only led to a considerable increase in associated costs for the companies in question, but it is also questionable which information is actually required for a substantiated investment decision—and thus for efficient capital allocation in capital markets.

In line with these developments, this study examines the three current regulatory scenarios:

the reduction of the requirements for quarterly reporting,

the obligation to publish directors’ dealings and

the enforcement of accounting standards within the two-tier external enforcement system

and their interaction in terms of information provided by listed companies on the one hand and information processing by investors on the other in the capital market. The results show ways to simplify existing capital market regulations without jeopardising investor protection.
Soziale Arbeit und Recht
Authors: Stock Christof , Schermaier-Stöckl Barbara , Klomann Verena , Vitr Anika
Published: September 2020

The second edition of this textbook focuses on the eight areas of activity that are essential in social work social work with people in financial difficulties; with couples, families, children and young people; as a profession; in education; with people with disabilities; with the sick and those in need of care; with migrants and refugees; with victims of violence and with criminals.

Each chapter is preceded by a typical case, followed by a description of the area of activity in question from a social work perspective. After the respective legal framework is presented in each case, a case solution is offered. Within the same structure, the authors describe the people and institutions involved in social work as well as the legal system superordinate to it: civil and civil procedural law, administrative and social law, and criminal and criminal procedural law.
Die Beschlagnahmefreiheit im Vertrauensverhältnis zwischen (Compliance-)Ombudsanwälten und mandatierenden Unternehmen
Authors: Eichner Florian
Published: September 2020

Nicht erst seit der Aufarbeitung des VW-Dieselskandals gehören die Begriffe Compliance und Internal Investigations zum festen Bestandteil der Unternehmenspraxis auch in Deutschland. Es stellt sich in diesem Zusammenhang allerdings die Frage, ob es Unternehmen im Falle derartiger „Recherchen in eigener Sache“ selbst in der Hand haben, über die Weitergabe von Informationen an die Ermittlungsbehörden zu verfügen. Damit hat sich nicht nur das Bundesverfassungsgericht in seinen Jones Day-Entscheidungen auseinandergesetzt. Diese Fragestellung steht auch im Mittelpunkt dieser Arbeit. Sie zeigt, dass im Rahmen von internen Ermittlungen angefallene Mandantenunterlagen nach der derzeitigen Rechtslage in Deutschland weitgehend beschlagnahmefrei sind.
Digital Transformation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Authors: Trenkle Johannes
Published: September 2020

Das Buch bringt die digitale Transformation in KMU auf den Punkt. Sie unterstützt Wissenschaftler, Unternehmer und politische Entscheider gleichermaßen, indem sie eine strukturierte, logische Diskussion ermöglicht. Das Buch besteht aus drei Teilen. Teil I entwickelt einen Rahmen für eine Strategie in der digitalen Transformation entlang der vier Kategorien Technologienutzung, Veränderungen in der Wertschöpfung, organisatorische Aspekte und finanzielle Aspekte. Teil II identifiziert Komponenten eines digitalen Transformationskontrollsystems, das kulturelle, planerische, administrative und auf Leistungsindikatoren basierende Kontrollen umfasst. In Teil III werden 11 generische Typen von Innovationsnetzwerken herausgearbeitet.
Serum Neurofilament Light Chain Is Associated with Incident Lacunes in Progressive Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Peters Nils , van Leijsen Esther , Tuladhar Anil M. , Barro Christian , Konieczny Marek J. , Ewers Michael , Lyrer Philippe , Engelter Stefan T. , Kuhle Jens , Duering Marco , de Leeuw Frank-Erik
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose Serum neurofilament light (NfL)-chain is a circulating marker for neuroaxonal injury and is also associated with severity of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) cross-sectionally. Here we explored the association of serum-NfL with imaging and cognitive measures in SVD longitudinally.Methods From 503 subjects with SVD, baseline and follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was available for 264 participants (follow-up 8.7±0.2 years). Baseline serum-NfL was measured by an ultrasensitive single-molecule-assay. SVD-MRI-markers including white matter hyperintensity (WMH)-volume, mean diffusivity (MD), lacunes, and microbleeds were assessed at both timepoints. Cognitive testing was performed in 336 participants, including SVD-related domains as well as global cognition and memory. Associations with NfL were assessed using linear regression analyses and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).Results Serum-NfL was associated with baseline WMH-volume, MD-values and presence of lacunes and microbleeds. SVD-related MRI- and cognitive measures showed progression during follow-up. NfL-levels were associated with future MRI-markers of SVD, including WMH, MD and lacunes. For the latter, this association was independent of baseline lacunes. Furthermore, NfL was associated with incident lacunes during follow-up (P=0.040). NfL-levels were associated with future SVD-related cognitive impairment (processing speed: β=–0.159; 95% confidence interval [CI], –0.242 to –0.068; P=0.001; executive function β=–0.095; 95% CI, –0.170 to –0.007; P=0.033), adjusted for age, sex, education, and depression. Dementia-risk increased with higher NfL-levels (hazard ratio, 5.0; 95% CI, 2.6 to 9.4; P<0.001), however not after adjusting for age.Conclusions Longitudinally, serum-NfL is associated with markers of SVD, especially with incident lacunes, and future cognitive impairment affecting various domains. NfL may potentially serve as an additional marker for disease monitoring and outcome in SVD, potentially capturing both vascular and neurodegenerative processes in the elderly.
Adulting Shorts: An Interview Tale, PART 2
Authors:   Transitions ACR
Published: September 2020

Part 2 of the Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research's An Interview Tale Comic depicts questions in an interview that a young adult may encounter. Please see our tip sheet, Do I Tell My Boss?: Disclosing My Mental Health Condition at Work for more information. Part 1 of An Interview Tale is here.
Global RNA editome landscape discovers reduced RNA editing in glioma: loss of editing of gamma-amino butyric acid receptor alpha subunit 3 (GABRA3) favors glioma migration and invasion
Authors: Patil Vikas , Pal Jagriti , Mahalingam Kulandaivelu , Somasundaram Kumaravel
Published: September 2020

Background

Gliomas are the most common and lethal type of intracranial tumors. With the current treatment regime, the median survival of patients with grade IV glioma (glioblastoma/GBM) remains at 14–16 months. RNA editing modifies the function and regulation of transcripts. The development of glial tumors may be caused by altered RNA editing events.

Methods

In this study, we uncover the global RNA editome landscape of glioma patients from RNA-seq data of control, lower grade glioma (LGG) and GBM samples (n = 1,083).

Results

A-to-I editing events were found to comprise 80% of the total editing events of which 96% were located in the Alu regions. The total RNA editing events were found to be reduced in glioma compared to control samples. More specifically, we found Gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor alpha3 (GABRA3) to be edited (c.1026 A-to-G; pI343M) in 73% (editing ratio 0.8) of control samples compared to LGG (28.96%; 0.47) and GBM (5.2%; 0.53) samples. GABRA3 transcript level was found to be downregulated in glioma compared to control in a grade-specific manner with GBMs having the lowest level of the transcript. Further, GABRA3 transcripts were observed to be higher in edited compared to unedited glioma samples. The transcript and protein levels of exogenously expressed gene were found to be higher for edited compared to unedited GABRA3 in glioma cells. Further, exogenously expressed edited GABRA3 inhibited migration and invasion of glioma cells efficiently but not the unedited GABRA3.

Conclusion

Collectively, our study discovered a reduction in RNA editing during glioma development. We further demonstrate that elevated RNA editing maintains a high level of GABRA3 RNA and protein in normal glial cells which provides a less migratory environment for the normal functioning of the brain. In contrast, the reduction in GABRA3 protein levels, due to lower stability of unedited RNA, results in the loss of function which confers an aggressive phenotype to GBM tumor.
Interpreting character variation in turtles: Araripemys barretoi (Pleurodira: Pelomedusoides) from the Araripe Basin, Early Cretaceous of Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Limaverde Saulo , Pêgas Rodrigo Vargas , Damasceno Rafael , Villa Chiara , Oliveira Gustavo R. , Bonde Niels , Leal Maria E.C.
Published: September 2020

The Araripe Basin (Northeastern Brazil) has yielded a rich Cretaceous fossil fauna of both vertebrates and invertebrates found mainly in the Crato and Romualdo Formations, of Aptian and Albian ages respectively. Among the vertebrates, the turtles were found to be quite diverse, with several specimens retrieved and five valid species described to this date for the Romualdo Formation. There were also records of turtles from Ipubi and Crato Formations, mainly fragmentary material which precluded proper specific identification; however, Araripemys barretoi is supposed to occur on both Crato and Romualdo Formations. Here we describe thirteen specimens of A. barretoi-including the first description of an almost complete individual, bearing a skull, from the Crato Formation. We report a great amount of morphological variation, interpreted as being essentially of intraspecific nature, including individual, sexual and ontogenetic variation.
Bigfin reef squid demonstrate capacity for conditional discrimination and projected future carbon dioxide levels have no effect on learning capabilities
Authors: Spady Blake L. , Watson Sue-Ann
Published: September 2020

Anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are being absorbed by the oceans, a process known as ocean acidification, and risks adversely affecting a variety of behaviours in a range of marine species, including inhibited learning in some fishes. However, the effects of elevated CO2on learning in advanced invertebrates such as cephalopods are unknown. Any impacts to the learning abilities of cephalopods could have far-reaching consequences for their populations and the communities they inhabit. Cephalopods have some of the most advanced cognitive abilities among invertebrates and are one of the few invertebrate taxa in which conditional discrimination has been demonstrated, though the trait has not been demonstrated in any species of squid. Here, we tested for the first time the capacity for conditional discrimination in a squid species (Sepioteuthis lessoniana). Furthermore, we investigated the effects of projected future CO2levels (1,084 µatm) on conditional discrimination and learning more generally. A three-task experiment within a two-choice arena was used to test learning and conditional discrimination. Learning was measured by improvements in task completion in repeated trials over time and the number of trials required to pass each task. Squid exhibited significant learning capabilities, with an increase in correct choices over successive trials and a decrease in the number of trials needed to complete the successive tasks. Six of the 12 squid tested successfully passed all three tasks indicating a capacity for conditional discrimination in the species. Elevated CO2had no effect on learning or on the capacity for conditional discrimination in squid. This study highlights the remarkable cognitive abilities ofS. lessoniana, demonstrated by their capacity for conditional discrimination, and suggests that ocean acidification will not compromise learning abilities. However, other behavioural traits in the species have been shown to be altered at comparable elevated CO2conditions. It is not clear why some ecologically important behaviours are altered by elevated CO2whereas others are unaffected. Future research should focus on the physiological mechanism responsible for altered behaviours in squid at elevated CO2.
The increasing prevalence of CPV-2c in domestic dogs in China
Authors: Hao Xiangqi , He Yuwei , Wang Chuhan , Xiao Weiqi , Liu Ruohan , Xiao Xiangyu , Zhou Pei , Li Shoujun
Published: September 2020

Background

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), a serious pathogen, leads to high morbidity and mortality in dogs and several wild carnivore species. Although it is a DNA virus, it evolves particularly rapidly, with a genomic substitution rate of approximately 10−4 substitutions/site/year, close to that of some RNA viruses. Tracing the prevalence of CPV-2 in dogs is significant.

Methods

In this study, an aetiological survey was carried out from 2016 to 2019 in Guangdong Province, China, involving Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Dongguan. Furthermore, to systematically analyse the prevalence of CPV-2 in China, the VP2 gene sequences of all Chinese isolates were downloaded from the NCBI nucleotide database in December 2019, and changes in CPV-2 variants were examined.

Results

A total of 55.7% (34/61) of samples were CPV-2 positive by PCR detection and virus isolation. In addition to different variants circulating in dogs, coinfection with multiple variants was identified, as was coinfection with other canine enteric pathogens in some cases. Two previously reported amino acid sites, A5G and Q370R of CPV-2c mutants, reported in variants in China were assessed, and several CPV-2 isolates with P13S and K582N mutations were detected in this study. Finally, we speculate on the prevalence of different CPV-2 variants in China. According to the VP2 gene sequence obtained from the NCBI nucleotide database, the proportion of different variants in China has changed, and CPV-2c appears to be growing rapidly. In conclusion, this aetiology survey suggests that CPV-2 continues to be common in China and that the prevalence of CPV-2c is increasing.
The relationship between individual phenotype and the division of labour in naked mole-rats: it’s complicated
Authors: Gilbert James D. , Rossiter Stephen J. , Faulkes Chris G.
Published: September 2020

Background

The naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber)is among the most social mammals on the planet, living in eusocial groups of up to 300 individuals that contain a single reproductive female and up to three reproductive males. A critical aspect of their complex social system is the division of labour that allows non-breeders to form an effective workforce. Age- or weight-based polyethisms are widely cited as explanations for how labour is divided, but evidence in support of these hypotheses has been equivocal.

Methods

To assess the extent to which individual working behaviour is determined by sex, age, weight and social rank, we studied the behaviours of 103 animals from eight captive colonies. We performed focal sampling and ran mixed-effects models to assess which factors explained variation in working behaviour during six ten-minute observation periods per individual.

Results

Contrary to widely-held beliefs, we found that working behaviour did not decrease linearly with weight, although polynomial regressions indicated younger and medium-sized individuals worked most frequently, while high-ranking individuals worked for the shortest periods of time. Working behaviour and its relationship with individual characteristics also varied between colonies.

Conclusions

While age- or size-based polyethisms may have some influence on working behaviour, we argue that other characteristics of the individual and colony are also important. In particular, the interactions of individual, social and environmental factors must be considered in order to understand the emergence and effectiveness of the division of labour that is so critical to many social organisms.
Study of marsh wetland landscape pattern evolution on the Zoigê Plateau due to natural/human dual-effects
Authors: Dong Liqin , Yang Wen , Zhang Kun , Zhen Shuo , Cheng Xiping , Wu Lihua
Published: September 2020

Zoigê Plateau, China’s largest plateau marsh wetland, has experienced large-scale degradation of the marsh wetland and evolution of the wetland landscape pattern over the past 40 years due to climate warming and human activities. How exactly do the wetland landscape pattern characteristics change? How do climatic change and human activities affect the wetland evolution? These questions are yet to be systematically investigated. In order to investigate changes to the marsh wetland on the Zoigê Plateau, field investigations, spatial and statistical analysis were undertaken. Findings from our study indicate that from 1977–2016, the area of marsh wetland on the Plateau reduced by 56.54%, approximately 66,700 hm2 of marsh wetland has been lost. The centroids of both marsh and marshy meadow migrated and the landscape centroid migration behaviors were also correlated with the distribution and variation of the marsh wetland on different slopes. In addition, the number of marsh landscape patches initially increased before decreasing; the number of marshy meadow landscape patches also recorded an initial increase, followed by a decline before a final increase. As the effects of human activities weakened, the aggregation degrees of both marsh and marshy meadow increased. Overall, the fragmentation degree, diversity and fractal dimension of the marsh wetland all declined. An investigation into the driving factors affecting the Plateau area shows that the increase of annual average temperature was the natural factor while trenching and overgrazing were the main human factors resulting in wetland degradation. Results from this study provide basic data and theoretical foundation for the protection and restoration of marsh wetland in alpine regions.
The Relationship between Personality Traits and Achievement Motivation of Students of Tertiary Institutions in Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Ude U. Esther , Akintunde O. Oyedoyin
Published: September 2020

This study examined the relationship between personality traits and achievement motivation of students in tertiary institution in Plateau state. The study adopted the cross-sectional research survey design in its investigation of the variables. Primary source of data was generated through structured, self- administered questionnaire using the big five inventory which comprises of 44-items and achievement motivation inventory which comprises of 32 items. A sample of 333 respondents was drawn from a population of 2000 second year (200 levels) students in the Faculty of Education in five tertiary institutions in Plateau State.  Reliability of the instrument was achieved by the use of the Cronbach Alpha coefficient with all the items scoring coefficients above 0.70. Data generated were analyzed and presented using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The hypotheses were tested using the Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). The tests were carried out at a 95% confidence interval and a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that there is a positive significant relationship between personality traits and achievement motivation of students in tertiary institution in Plateau state. The study thus recommends that teachers should guide students to identify their personality traits and encouraged them to strive to develop their traits in order to be successful in their pursuit.
Weed Management Strategies for Enhanced Productivity in Groundnut
Authors: Parthipan T.
Published: September 2020

A field investigation was carried out at Regional Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Vridhachalam to evaluate suitable weed management strategies for enhanced productivity groundnut. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications and nine treatments. The treatments included were Pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg/ha as PE, Pendimethalin 30 EC + Imazethapyr 2 EC (ready  mix) @ 1.0 kg/ha as PE, Pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg/ha as PE fb Quizalofop-p-ethyl @ 50 g/ha at 15-20 DAS, Pendimethalin 30 EC + Imazethapyr 2 EC (ready mix) @ 1.0 kg/ha as PE fb Quizalofop-p-ethyl @ 50 g/ha at 15-20 DAS, Pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg/ha as PE fb Imazethapyr @ 75 g/ha at 15-20 DAS, Pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg/ha as PE fb Hand Weeding (HW) at 25-30 DAS, Pendimethalin 30 EC + Imazethapyr 2 EC (ready mix) @ 1.0 kg/ha as PE fb HW at 25-30 DAS, Two hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS and Weedy check. Application of Pendimethalin 30 EC + Imazethapyr 2 EC (ready mix) @ 1.0 kg/ha on 3rd day after sowing followed by one manual weeding at 25-30 DAS recorded lower weed density of 33.3 No/m2, weed dry weight of 113 g/m2 with higher pod yield of 2400 kg/ha, net return of Rs. 62851/- per ha with BCR of 1.91. Among the herbicide combinations, application of pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg/ha on 3 DAS followed by Imazethapyr @ 75 g/ha at 15-20 DAS recorded pod yield of 1600 kg/ha with Benefit Cost Ratio of 1.38. From this study, it was concluded that application of Pendimethalin 30 EC + Imazethapyr 2 EC (ready mix) @ 1.0 kg a.i//ha on 3 DAS as pre-emergence followed by one hand weeding at 25-30 DAS was identified as efficient and economical weed management practice for groundnut.
Bio-effectiveness of Sabuj Gold as Organic Manure on Cabbage, Cauliflower and French Bean
Authors: Ramesh Eggadi , Sikder Subhamoy , Basfore Shibnath
Published: September 2020

The present experiment was laid out in randomized block design maintaining three replications during the Rabi season of 2017-18 on three major Rabi season crops viz., cabbage, cauliflower, and French bean under four treatment viz., Sabuj Gold as principle sole nutrient supplement with recommended organic and inorganic plant protection inputs as well as recommended standard crop-specific inorganic cultivation practice to evaluate the bio-effectiveness of SABUJ GOLD as main organic manure. The result showed that 100% Organic Manure (Sabuj Gold as a primary nutrient supplement) + full organic recommended certified inputs (plant protection measures) had a predominant significant effect on almost all the characters under study, specifically plant height (26.89 cm in cabbage, 45.32 cm in cauliflower and 55.24 cm in French bean), number of primary branches (7.84 in French bean), leaf quantitative parameters, individual head weight in cabbage (1.32 g), curd weight of cauliflower (1.31 g), pod weight (3.37 g) and pod per plant (46.34) in French bean, yield (32.37 t/ha in cabbage, 17.58 t/ha in cauliflower and 8.94 t/ha in French bean), ascorbic acid in cabbage (65.24 mg/100g) and total chlorophyll in cabbage (445.61 mg/100 g). However, 100% Organic Manure (Sabuj Gold as a primary nutrient supplement) + full recommended inorganic supplement (plant protection measures) showed a significant effect on multiple characters such as  germination percentage (88.52 %) and ascorbic acid (31.62 mg/100 g) in cabbage, total chlorophyll (424.75 mg/ 100 g in cauliflower and 134.95 mg / 100g in French bean). From the above discussion, it could be concluded that Sabuj Gold as a substitute for inorganic plant nutrient along with organic or inorganic plant protection measures could be very effective in enhancement of important yield and quality-related characters of different commercially important vegetables.
Influence of Heat Units on Defoliation, Physiology and Yield of Cotton during Defoliants Application
Authors: Chandrasekaran P. , Ravichandran V. , Sivakumar T. , Senthil A. , Mahalingam L. , Sakthivel N.
Published: September 2020

Aims: A study was conducted to determine the effect of temperature on defoliation process, physiology and yield of cotton during defoliants application.

Study Design: The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with four replications.

Place and Duration of Study: Field experiment was conducted at Department of Crop Physiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during 2018 to 2019.

Methodology: The main plot comprised of three stage of defoliants spray (120 DAS, 127 DAS and 134 DAS) and the sub-plots were seven defoliant treatments (Control, 2, 4 D (0.5%), Ethephon (0.5%), Ethephon (0.5%) + Triiodbenzoic acid (TIBA) (450 ppm), Sodium chlorate (0.9%), 6 benzylaminopurine (BAP) (0.1%), Thidiazuron + Diuron (0.03%).

Results: After 15 days of defoliants spray, Thidiazuron + Diuron (0.03 %) recorded highest defoliation percentage (99.3, 98.1 and 96.8%) followed by Sodium chlorate (0.9 %) (91.9, 94.6 and 93.6%) at three different stage of defoliants spray. Although a significant effect was observed on chlorophyll index value (SPAD) due to the favorable weather condition like minimum temperature of 14.3, 16.9 and 19.3°C and maximum average temperature of 30.8, 31.8 and 33.23°C (120, 127 and 134 DAS respectively) during defoliants spray to 15 days after defoliants spray. Sodium chlorate (0.9%) and 6-BAP (0.1%) recorded higher (95.8 and 95.4) per cent boll opening at 120 DAS when comparing to 127 DAS and 134 DAS. Heat units accumulated during defoliants spray to 15 days after defoliants spray was 113.54, 140.52 and 169.57°C days (120, 127 and 134 DAS respectively).

Conclusion: Therefore, the minimum and maximum temperatures of 14.3 and 33.3°C, respectively conducive for inducing defoliation process and boll opening in cotton.
Renal Developmental Delay Expressed by Reduced Glomerular Number and Its Association with Growth Retardation in Victims of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and in “Normal” Infants
Authors: Beech Darren J. , Sibbons Paul D. , Howard C. Vyvyan , van Velzen Dick
Published: July 2002

In victims of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), renal development has been reported to be significantly impaired. In the present study, we used stereological techniques to estimate volume of kidney cortex and total number of glomeruli in a group of human infants. Infants were classified according to cause of death—SIDS or non-SIDS. Cases were further subdivided according to birth weight—normal birth weight (NBW) or low birth weight (LBW) (we were unable to identify any non-SIDS LBW infants for our study). No significant differences were found between NBW and LBW infants (irrespective of cause of death) for cortical volume, glomerular density, or total glomerular number ( p > 0.140). Kidney cortical volume, glomerular density, and total glomerular number were not significantly different between SIDS and non-SIDS infants (p > 0.510). Glomerular number was only significantly less in SIDS infants of LBW (p = 0.032) than in controls according to the Wilcoxon rank sum test; using the Kruskal-Wallis for one-way analysis, no significant difference was found (p > 0.010). These results contrast with those from previous studies, as a reduction in glomerular number was not noted in SIDS NBW infants, and the mean value for the control (non-SIDS NBW) group was significantly reduced ( p < 0.01) from those of previous studies. This indicates that glomerular number reduction is seen in SIDS NBW and non-SIDS NBW cases and is therefore directly associated with growth retardation rather than with SIDS.
Intrauterine Fetal Death Due to Farber Disease: Case Report
Authors: van Lijnschoten Gesina , Groener Johanna E.M. , Maas Saskia M. , Ben-Yoseph Yoav , Dingemans Koert P. , Offerhaus G. Johan A.
Published: July 2002

We report a case of Farber disease in a fetus who died in utero at a gestational age of 29 weeks. Macroscopic examination showed moderate postmortem changes in a microcephalic female fetus (46,XX) with mild internal hydrops, two vessels in the umbilical cord, and a moderately enlarged, relatively well-preserved spleen. Microscopic examination showed foamy cells in the spleen. Electron microscopic examination revealed the presence of Farber bodies within these foamy cells. Enzyme studies of the fetus were not possible because all tissues were formalin fixed. Lipids were extracted from formalin-fixed tissues and increased levels of ceramide and the presence of hydroxyceramide in tissue of the spleen, liver, and lung were found. Glucosylceramide was not increased excluding saposin-precursor-deficiency. Because of these findings, both parents were tested for acid ceramidase activity in their leukocytes. They both had markedly reduced enzyme activity consistent with heterozygosity for Farber disease. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first published case of Farber disease in Dutch nonconsanguineous parents.
Case of Complex Craniofacial Anomalies, Bilateral Nasal Proboscides, Palatal Pituitary, Upper Limbs Reduction, and Amnion Rupture Sequence: Disorganization Phenotype?
Authors: Stanek Jerzy , de Courten-Myers Gabrielle , Spaulding Abbot G. , Strub William , Hopkin Robert J.
Published: July 2002

We report a case of a dizygotic twin with complex abnormalities of head, body, and limbs. The anomalies include the following: lateral and midline cleft upper lip, ectopic palatal pituitary, natal teeth, bilateral nasal proboscides with an absent nose, left microphthalmia with conjunctival-lined cyst, right ocular dysgenesis, bilateral retinal dysplasia, platybasia with skull asymmetry, hydrocephalus secondary to aqueductal atresia, brain hemispheric asymmetry with a parietal–occipital cortical flap, agenesis of posterior corpus callosum, absence of the olfactory nerves and left anterior cerebral artery, leptomeningeal and intraventricular heterotopias, right radial longitudinal terminal meromelia with constriction rings of fingers, partial syndactyly of the third and fourth left fingers, dorsiflexed great toes and pes equinovarus bilaterally, and multiple skin tags with a sacral appendage. Additionally, this twin's placental disc and extraplacental membranes were devoid of amnion. We regard these anomalies as a possible expression of the human homologue of the disorganization phenotype or another gene mutation. Nevertheless, an abnormality of blastogenesis with early damage to organizing tissues of the frontonasal region and limbs, or a vascular disruption, cannot be excluded. Early amnion rupture sequence (possible extraamniotic pregnancy with amniotic bands, limb reduction defects with Streeter bands, and multiple skin tags tapering into amniotic bands) was also present in this case, and may have acted as a contributing factor.
Focal or Diffuse Lesions in Persistent Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia of Infancy: Concerns about Interpretation of Intraoperative Frozen Sections
Authors: Smith Virpi V. , Malone Marian , Risdon R. Anthony
Published: July 2002

Persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia of infancy (PHHI) results from defects of regulated insulin release from pancreatic (3 cells and is often refractory to medical treatment. Histological changes in the pancreas associated with PHHI may be focal or diffuse, and the intraoperative confirmation and siting of focal lesions would require frozen section diagnosis. The recognition of focal involvement and its distinction from diffuse disease by frozen section depends on the identification and distribution pattern of islet cells with large hyperchromatic nuclei. This study was designed to test the feasibility of using this parameter in PHHI to delineate focal from diffuse diseases prior to the introduction of frozen sections to guide intraoperative management in our institution. A total of 66 coded and randomized paraffin sections (from 18 PHHI and 4 postmortem pancreases) were scored by three independent observers into the following categories: a focal lesion (A), no large endocrine nuclei (B), few large endocrine nuclei (C), and frequent large endocrine nuclei (D). Interobserver concordance was complete in 88%, but there were minor discrepancies in the remaining 12%. When a focal lesion was present in one section no large endocrine nuclei were seen in sections from the rest of the pancreas. In four patients with diffuse PHHI, no or only very scanty large endocrine nuclei were seen. From this finding, and the observation that in other examples of diffuse disease, large endocrine nuclei were sparse even in large paraffin sections, we have reservations about using small frozen sections for reliable diagnosis.
Congenital Erythropoietic Porphyria: Prenatal Diagnosis and Autopsy Findings in Two Sibling Fetuses
Authors: Daïkha-Dahmane F. , Dommergues M. , Narcy F. , Gubler M.C. , Dumez Y. , Gauthier E. , Nordmann Y. , Nessmann C. , Terrasse G. , Muller F.
Published: July 2002

Congenital erythropoietic porphyria is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by a deficiency of uroporphyrinogen III cosynthetase activity, with diffuse tissue accumulation of specific type I porphyrins. The diagnosis of this disease was made in two fetuses, who were siblings, and from a Caucasian nonconsanguinous family. The first fetus died in utero with hydrops fetalis and anemia, but without an etiopathogenic diagnosis. In the second case, the diagnosis was based on pink fluorescence of the amniotic fluid examined fortuitously in sunlight. DNA analysis showed that the fetus was heteroallelic for the mutation C73R. The autopsy showed brown skin, and at histological examination, porphyrin pigment was deposited in many tissues. Retrospectively, similar deposits were found in the tissues of the first fetus.