bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pemberdayaan Gender Pada Tokoh Adat Untuk Mendukung Peran Perempuan Dalam Pembangunan Desa
Authors: Munthe Hadriana Marhaeni , Hafi Bisru
Published: April 2019

In the Pakpak Batak community which adheres to a patriarchal culture system shows that gender reality has the potential to bring up various issues of gender inequality that have the potential to harm women's lives in the aspects of education, health, development and politics. The construction of a patriarchal culture that is not friendly to women is presented by traditional decisions which tend to be impartial to women through the authority of traditional leaders in traditional institutions. These traditional leaders in power in traditional institutions place men as traditional decision makers who often determine the social order of the people in this village. Considering the power of influence of traditional leaders whose majority of men determine the course of community order, including village development, a strategy is needed as a solution to anticipate gender gaps or inequalities that harm women. In this case, service is needed, namely gender empowerment to develop understanding of gender awareness and gender equality in traditional leaders. This is because up to now the conceptualization of the values of gender awareness and gender equality has not touched the territory of the traditional leaders in power in the traditional institutions in this village. It is hoped that after carrying out gender empowerment through service there will be a gender transformation, namely a change in mindset or views of traditional leaders who are gender-biased into gender awareness.
Implikasi Pendidikan Agama Islam dan Responsi terhadap Keaktifan Salat Berjamaah Mahasiswa di Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis, Universitas Medan Area
Authors: Wikanda Fauji
Published: April 2019

This study aims to determine the implementation of Islamic religious education courses and responsiveness and their implications for the activity of the prayer of the students in the Faculty of Economics, University of Medan Area. This study uses a qualitative method. The process of collecting research data uses qualitative analysis techniques with steps to explain data and draw conclusions. Based on data in the field and analysis, this study found: First, the implementation of Islamic religious education includes goals, curriculum, teaching and learning process, evaluation and responsiveness of Islamic religious education courses. Second, the activeness of the prayers in the congregation of students at the campus mosque is the result of the activities of the Islamic religious education courses conducted by lecturers of Islamic religious education courses.
Pengaruh Komunikasi Nonverbal dalam mewujudkan Komunikasi yang Efektif antara Agen dan konsumen PT. Axa Financial Indonesia cabang Medan
Authors: Auza Ara
Published: April 2019

This study entitled The Effect of Nonverbal Communication in realizing Effective Communication between Agents and consumers of PT. Axa Financial Indonesia, Medan branch. This study aims to determine the process of Nonverbal Communication carried out by Insurance Agents of PT. Axa Financial Indonesia Medan branch; to find out the role of nonverbal communication in realizing Effective Communication between Agents and Consumers PT. Axa Financial Indonesia Medan branch; and to find out forms of nonverbal communication by insurance agents PT. Axa Financial Indonesia can realize effective communication with consumers. The theory used in this study is the theory of interpersonal communication, non-verbal communication and effective communication. The research methodology is intended to describe how researchers describe the procedures for collecting data needed, as well as analyzing data. The method in this study is a case study method. The informants in this study were 5 informants consisting of 2 (two) insurance agents and 3 (consumers) insurance PT. AXA Financial Indonesia Medan Branch. Research results Nonverbal communication that is often used by agents is physical appearance. The neat and attractive physical appearance was noticed by agents. The dominant factor when making a presentation is the clear tone of voice and movement of the limbs / kinesik such as the hands and eyes.
HUBUNGAN SELF EFFICACY DENGAN KUALITAS HIDUP PASIEN GAGAL GINJAL KRONIK YANG MENJALANI TERAPI HEMODIALISA DI RSUD SUKOHARJO
Authors: Kurniawan Sahuri Teguh , Andini Intan Sari , Agustin Wahyu Rima
Published: April 2019

Hemodialisa akan mempengaruhi keadaan psikologis pasien. Kualitas hidup pasien gagal ginjal kronik yang menjalani terapi hemodialisa akan cenderung menurun sebagai dampak tindakan hemodialisa.Self efficacy diterapkan sebagai upaya pasien dalam menjalani pengobatan untuk meningkatkan kualitas hidup. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisa hubungan self efficacy dengan kualitas hidup pasien gagal ginjal kronik yang menjalani terapi hemodialisa. Jenis penelitian ini adalah kuantitatif dengan rancangan cross sectional. Teknik pengambilan sampel purposive sampling dengan jumlah sampel sebanyak 44 orang. Hasil uji analisa menggunakan kendall tau didapatkan nilai p value 0,003. Kesimpulan pada penelitian ini adalah terdapat hubungan self efficacy dengan kualitas hidup pasien gagal ginjal kronik yang menjalani terapi hemodialisa. Kata kunci: Hemodialisa, self efficacy, kualitas hidup

Hemodialysis affects the patient’s psychological state. The quality of life of patients with chronic renal failure who undergo hemodialisa therapy will tend to decrease as a result of hemodialysis action. Self efficacy is applied as the patient’s efforts in undergoing treatment to improve the quality of life. This study aims to analyze the relationship of self efficacy with the quality of life of patients with chronic renal failure who undergo hemodialysis therapy. This type of research is quantitative with Cross Sectional design. Sampling technique purposive sampling with the number of samples of 44 people. The result of analysis test using kendall tau got p value 0,003. The conclusion of this research is there is a relationship of self efficacy with quality of life of chronic renal failure patient who underwent hemodialysis therapy.Keywords: Hemodialysis, self efÞ cacy, quality of life
Internet, facteur de standardisation des identités municipales ?
Authors: Rouquette Sébastien
Published: April 2019

De plus en plus de sites municipaux sont mis en ligne. Quelles spécificités la médiation Internet amène+elle à cette.forme de communication institutionnelle ? L’effet réseau, la visibilité de la concurrence que cela entraine, la tendance au catalogue également (en mettre le plus possible à moindre coût) conjugués au poids du marketing cnmmunicatinnnel incitent à minorer les dffférences. Partout nu presque prime la communication territoriale sur la relation politique, la concurrence entre collectivités sur les rapports au sein de la cité. Va-t-nn, sur Internet, vers une standardisation des identités municipales ?
Editorial
Authors: Rengo Sandro
Published: April 2019

Not available.
Regenerative endodontic procedures: a review of the literature and a case report of an immature central incisor
Authors: Llaquet Marc , Mercadé Montse , Plotino Gianluca
Published: April 2019

Background: Trauma of developing teeth may lead to pulpal necrosis with subsequent arrestment of root development, making them more susceptible to fracture. Regenerative endodontic procedures induce maturogenesis in necrotic immature permanent teeth in order to promote continuation of root growth. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is widely used as a blood clot protecting material, although it presents a potential drawback of discoloration. Biodentine is a tricalcium silicate cement with adequate bioactive properties that solve the problem of discoloration. Case report: The current case report demonstrates a maturogenesis of an upper central incisor with chronic apical abscess. Calcium hydroxide was used as intracanal medicament for a week. After a blood clot was formed, Biodentine was placed over it. Periapical healing and root growth were evident at 6 months follow-up. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) confirmed apical closure and complete healing at 1 year. Key-learning points: Apical closure of necrotic immature permanent teeth is possible by means of regenerative endodontic procedure.Regenerative endodontic procedure with Biodentine has some advantages over that performed with MTA: No tooth discoloration, hort setting time, asy manipulation. CBCT is the best technique to evaluate root canal growth (length and wide).
Bulk vs wedge shape layering techniques in V class cavities: marginal infiltration evaluation
Authors: Lo Giudice Roberto , Puleio Francesco , Verrusio Carmine , Matarese Marco , Alibrandi Angela , Lizio Angelo
Published: April 2019

Objective: The aim of this in vitro research was to assess if the different stratification techniques could influence the marginal gap in V class restoration. Material and methods: Standard 6 4 4 mm class V cavities were prepared on the buccal side of 24 extracted sound human premolars. Specimens were randomly divided in two groups: (A) Bulk filling technique; (B) Wedge-shape layering technique. The interfacial sealing ability of the stratification techniques was evaluated by scoring the 7% methylene blue penetration depth through optical microscope observations. The infiltration assessment was performed with a progressive score. Differences in infiltration scores recorded for the tested techniques were evaluated for statistical significance (Mann—Whitney U test, p < 0.05). Results: The A group showed a mean score of 1.166 1.114, registering the higher score of 3; the B group the mean score was 0.666 0.778, and a higher score of 2. The two tails Mann—Whitney analysis showed a 0.270 non-significant result. Conclusion: Considering the limitation related to the technique used for the infiltration analysis in small V class cavities, the infiltration score is not influenced by the different stratification techniques.
Evaluation of cyclic fatigue resistance of modern Nickel-Titanium rotary instruments with continuous rotation
Authors: Amato Massimo , Pantaleo Giuseppe , Abdellatif Dina , Blasi Andrea , Lo Giudice Roberto , Iandolo Alfredo
Published: April 2019

Aim: The aim of present study was to compare cyclic fatigue resistance of three modern Ni-Ti instruments used with continuous rotation. Materials and methods: For this study 3 groups of rotating instruments with continuous rotation (HyFlex EDM, Twisted File Adaptive, Revo S SU) have been used, each group consisted of 20 files. The various groups were subjected to cyclic fatigue testing through an artificial metal device. A statistical analysis with Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test was performed. Results: There were statistically significant differences between the three groups. The HyFlex EDM instruments have a fracture resistance slightly higher than the Twisted file and far higher than Revo S SU. Conclusions: Modern Ni-Ti alloys increase resistance of the rotating instruments to cyclic fatigue.
Comparative analysis of root canal changes after preparation with three systems using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Oget Diane , Braux Julien , Compas Céline , Guigand Martine
Published: April 2019

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological changes in the root canal trajectory on extracted teeth after preparation with Endoflare/Revo-S1, Endoflare/ HeroShaper1 and ProTaper1 using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Methods: 39 root canals with similar curvatures were divided into three homogeneous groups (n = 13). Root canals in Group 1 were shaped with Endoflare/Revo-S1; Group 2 with Endoflare/ Hero Shaper1, and Group 3 with ProTaper1. All specimens were scanned pre- and postoperatively using the Kodak1 9000C 3D imaging system. Changes in both degree and position of the root canal curvature were assessed. Canal transportation was calculated for each slice by comparing the position of the root canal centroid before and after instrumentation. Statistical analysis was carried out by the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test ( p < 0.05), and Mann-Whitney test applying the Bonferroni correction (p < 0.05). Results: The mean of curvature degree decreases significantly (p < 0.003) for each group, with no statistical differences between the three groups. Mean canal transportation scores ranged from 52 mm (Revo-S1) to 85 mm (ProTaper1) in the apical third; 51 mm (Revo-S1) to 87 mm (ProTaper1) in the middle third, and 77 mm (HEROShaper1) to 119 mm (ProTaper1) in the cervical third. In the apical and the middle parts, Revo-S1 produced statistically less transportation than HEROShaper1 (respectively p = 0.01708, p = 0.01328) and ProTaper1 (respectively p = 0.02402, p = 0.0202). Conclusion: All instruments produced a small curvature deviation and mild canal transportation. Revo-S1 resulted in less transportation in the apical and middle thirds.
In-vitro evaluation of apical microleakage of two obturation methods of immature permanent teeth: orthograde apical plug of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and root canal filling combining custom gutta-percha cone with Calcium Silicate-based sealer
Authors: Hamdan Rami , Michetti Jérôme , Dionnet Claire , Diemer Franck , Georgelin-Gurgel Marie
Published: April 2019

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess whether an obturation, combining a custom guttapercha cone with the BIOROOTTM-RCS sealer, displays similar sealing quality to the orthograde apical plugs of MTA CAPS1 in immature teeth with irregular wide apices. Methodology: Thirty-four immature permanent premolars with apical diameter varying between (1-3 mm) were chosen for this study and were divided into two groups. They were imbedded in wet sponge, which simulated the periapex. In the first group; 5 mm orthograde plugs of MTAwere placed using an appropriate plugger. In the second group; a custom gutta-percha cone was fabricated and used for root canal filling with the BIOROOTTM-RCS sealer. The specimens were stored at 37 8C and 100% humidity during five weeks to allow the complete set of the filling materials. The apical leakage was evaluated using a dye penetration test with 50%-weight silver-nitrate. The teeth were then embedded in a transparent resin and sectioned transversally at 1 and 3 mm from the apex. The slices were examined under optical microscope and were given scores from (0) to (4). When scoring a slice was difficult, spectroscopy for energy dispersion using a scanning electron-microscope was used to confirm the score. The results were compared using the Fisher test with p < 0.05. Results: Silver-nitrate was found in both groups in all slices at 1 mm. At 3 mm, the difference of micro-leakage was not significant. Conclusions: The custom gutta-percha cone combined with BIOROOTtm-RCS sealer displays similar leakage resistance to the orthograde MTA plugs.
Reciproc blue: the new generation of reciprocation
Authors: Yared Ghassan
Published: April 2019

Aim: This article introduces the Reciproc1 blue system and describes the clinical technique with and without creating a glide path. Methodology: The concept of canal preparation with only one mechanical instrument used in reciprocation was introduced several years ago. Studies and clinical research have shown the efficiency and the safety of the Reciproc1 instrument in the preparation of the majority of canals without creating a glide path, and in the retreatment procedure. Results: Reciproc1 blue, a thermally treated instrument is an improved version of the original Reciproc1 instrument; it has an increased resistance to cyclic fatigue and a greater flexibility enabling a safer and smoother canal preparation procedure, and a wider range of clinical applications. Conclusions: This article introduces and describes the clinical technique with which the Reciproc1 blue instrument is used, even without the need to create a glide path with manual files before using the mechanical instrument.
Clinical management of horizontal root fractures aided by the use of cone-beam computed tomography
Authors: Martos Josué , Amaral Luana P. , Silveira Luiz Fernando M. , Damian Melissa F. , Xavier Cristina B. , Lorenzi Alesandro
Published: April 2019

Aim: To present a a therapeutic approach in a case series of teeth that suffered some root fracture at different thirds with a follow-up period of 24 months. Summary: Dental trauma occurs with great frequency to the maxillary incisors, and, sometimes, horizontal root fractures are caused. The classification and severity of horizontal root fractures are based on the location of the fracture line and on the degree of dislocation of the coronal fragment. Diagnosis of horizontal root fractures is based on clinical findings, sensibility tests, and principally in radiographic and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) examination. The following cases report describes the diagnosis and treatment of four maxillary central incisors with horizontal root fractures. In three of the cases described, the healing occurred through the interposition of connective tissue where radiographically was possible to observe a radiolucent at the level of the fracture line and the rounding of the fragment angles. In one case, the healing occurred by calcified tissue, which can be seen radiographically in the fracture line, but the fragments are in close contact. In addition to a proper treatment plan, the International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) stresses the importance of patient compliance with follow-up, and daily care visits for better healing after dental trauma. Knowledge of existing protocols for this type of injury and periodic monitoring of cases has shown the success of the treatment so far.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Business and Economic Research, Vol. 9, No. 1
Authors: Young Daisy
Published: April 2019

Business and Economic Research (BER) would like to thank the following reviewers for reviewing manuscripts from December 1, 2018, to March 1, 2019. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Many authors, regardless of whether BER publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Macrothink Publishing appreciates the following reviewers’ rigorous and conscientious efforts for this journal. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review during this period. Alina IaniogloAriel Soto CaroCorina M RadulescuEddie John FisherGerasimos T. SoldatosHengky Sumisto HalimMahmoud M. SabraMamta SinghNana Osei-BonsuRoderikus A. TrihatmokoSantosh B. ManjegowdaYu HsingZi-Yi Guo
Causes of Saudi Students’ Unwillingness to Communicate in the EFL Classrooms
Authors: Fawzi Kadi Rasha , Ahmed Madini Abeer
Published: April 2019

It can be argued that the ultimate goal of ESL\EFL pedagogy is to enable students to have communicative competence. To achieve this, EFL teachers implement various techniques and strategies that aim to produce communicatively competent students. Nevertheless, one of the major challenges teachers encounter is that students are often passive, unresponsive and unwilling to speak in the classroom. Accordingly, the current study seeks to investigate the causes of Saudi students' unwillingness to communicate in the EFL classroom. A total of 136 Saudi female preparatory year students at the English Language Institute (ELI) in King Abdulaziz University (KAU) participated in this study. To gain a deeper understanding of the causes of this phenomenon, a mixed methods approach was adopted. Two data collection instruments were utilized in this study: an online questionnaire with 126 participants and semi-structured interviews with 10 participants. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data obtained from the questionnaire, and the qualitative data obtained from the interviews were analyzed thematically using NVivo. The findings of the study revealed that the unwillingness to communicate is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that can stem from multiple causes. The main causes reported by the participants were fear of making mistakes, low language proficiency, fear of negative evaluation, shyness, lack of self-confidence, inefficient school education, and teacher\classmates related factors. The study concluded by briefly stating some of the limitations, offering recommendations for future research, and providing valuable suggestions for English language practitioners and policymakers to enhance this communication obstacle
The Mediating Effect of Organizational Commitment in the Impact of Transformational Leadership Style on Employee Performance: A Study of Divisional Secretariats in the Jaffna District
Authors: Raveendran Thaneswary , Gamage Aruna Shantha
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating effects of organizational commitment on the relationship between transformational leadership style and employees’ job performance in the Divisional Secretariats in Jaffna District. 287 employees were selected for this study. Leadership styles were measured using MLQ Rater Form 5-x, employee performance was measured using job performance Scale and organizational commitment was measured using Organizational Commitment Questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to get factor structure and confirmatory factor analysis performed to confirm the validly and reliability of the study instruments. The results revealed that transformational leadership has a positive impact on job performance and on organizational commitment. It was also found that organizational commitment doesn’t have a mediating effect in the impact of transformational leadership on employee performance. The findings also revealed that organizational commitment doesn’t have impact on employee performance. This study recommends that the leaders should pay more attention in their leadership style as a way to improve employee performance. This study further suggests that future researchers should cover larger samples and the other public sector organizations to better understand the relationship between the variables.
A Multivariate Analysis of the Effects of Structural Breaks on Stock Return Volatility Persistence: The Case of the US and Japan
Authors: Tsuji Chikashi
Published: April 2019

This paper quantitatively inspects the effects of structural breaks in stock returns on their volatility persistence by using the stock return data of the US and Japan. More concretely, applying the diagonal BEKK-MGARCH model with and without structural break dummies to the returns of S&P 500 and TOPIX, we reveal the following interesting findings. (1) First, we clarify that for both the US and Japanese stock returns, the values of the GARCH parameters, namely, the values of the volatility persistence parameters in the diagonal BEKK-MGARCH models decrease when we include the structural break dummies in the models. (2) Second, we further find that interestingly, during the Lehman crisis in 2008, the estimated time-varying volatilities from the diagonal BEKK-MGARCH model with structural break dummies are slightly higher than those from the no structural break dummy model. (3) Third, we furthermore reveal that also very interestingly, the estimated time-varying correlations from the diagonal BEKK-MGARCH model with no structural break dummy are slightly higher than those from the structural break dummy model.
The Relationship Between Knowledge, Trust, Intention to Pay Zakah, and Zakah-Paying Behavior
Authors: Martono S. , Nurkhin Ahmad , Luthfiyah Fatimah , Fachrurrozie Fachrurrozie , Rofiq Ahmad , Sumiadji Sumiadji
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of knowledge and trust on intention to pay zakah. This study also tests the the effect of knowledge, trust, and intention to pay zakah on zakah-paying behavior. The population of the research comprises the employees of the Ministry of Religion, specifically in the Semarang municipal region. The method of data collection used is a questionnaire which has been developed from those used by previous researchers. Path analysis was used to analyze the data by using warpPls 6.0. The results show that knowledge and trust have a postive and significant effect on the employees’ intention to pay zakah and their zakah-paying behavior. Intention to pay zakah has no impact of on zakah-paying behavior. Knowledge has a high positive effect on intention to pay zakah and zakah-paying behavior. This research suggests that zakah organizations should increase their trust by improving their performance and service quality. They should organize education and dissemination activities to improve zakah payers’ knowledge.
Dialogical Dynamics and Subversions of Political and Ideological Boundaries in Chinua Achebe’s Anthills of the Savannah
Authors: Almwajeh Motasim
Published: April 2019

This article examines the subtle allegorical political nuances and implications in Chinua Achebe’s Anthills of the Savannah (1987). The novel foregrounds and grapples with the problematics of voice, representation, and history where the more inclusive voice appears to be, the more suppressive and exclusive of other voices it is. Hence, the text enacts a journey toward a realm that rises above gender and class-based rigidities, fusing facets of Nigerian sociopolitical and environmental crises (in the past and present). The novel takes on multiple narratives that engender continuation and sharing vis-à-vis historical realities of political cleansing and ideologies and systems of exclusion. Counteracting condescendingly patronizing doctrines and reductive dichotomies, dialogism and ecofeminism pay equal attention to all parties and reject polarizations and divisions. A combination of these approaches precludes tantalization, and it also humanizes ecofeminism and gives it a wider scope. In principle, combined, these approaches guard against any rejectionist or exclusionary superstructures they seek to deconstruct. Ecofeminism, much like Bakhtinian dialogism in its quest for justice, hinges environmental degradation to gender-based, class-based, racist, and imperial variables, and it disrupts these ideologies and systems of oppression in order to assuage human and nonhuman conditions.
American Dream or Avaratia: Critical Circumspectis of American Dream Through Ages
Authors: Zaheer Faiza , Din Kamal ud
Published: April 2019

This paper is an attempt to apply Jacques Derrida’s theory of Deconstruction to American Dream and its treatment in the language of Edward Albee’s play American Dream and other American Playwrights. Different deconstructive terms have been applied to understand and analyze the language of Albee’s The American Dream. Deconstructive terms; Différance, Erasure and Aporia have been applied to the language used by Albee to analyze the concept of American dream and its relation to its context of old American Dream as envisaged by the founding fathers and the new American Dream as defined by James Truslow Adams. These deconstructive terms will help readers to understand the themes and language of postmodern and post war American drama in general and those of Albee’s in particular. This, in turn, makes the reader realize that American dream as depicted in modern American Playwrights is materialistic, illogical, futile and bizarre: Albee’s play reflects modern American society and its sensibility. Language of modern is simple yet it communicates multi-faceted interpretations and those interpretations have been explored in the light of all these deconstructive terms. The basic purpose of involving these deconstructive terms in analyzing the language of Albee’s The American Dream and the other major postmodern American plays is not only to understand the mutability and fluidity in the diction but also to expose absurdity and apparent meaninglessness in it.
Association of low back pain with presenteeism in hospital nursing staff
Authors: Yokota Junpei , Fukutani Naoto , Nin Kazuko , Yamanaka Hiroe , Yasuda Makoto , Tashiro Yuto , Matsushita Tomofumi , Suzuki Yusuke , Yokota Isao , Teramukai Satoshi , Aoyama Tomoki
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Chronic low back pain (LBP) is known to cause various disorders compared with acute LBP. However, there was no study evaluating presenteeism due to LBP divided into subcategories by the duration of LBP. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between acute or chronic LBP and presenteeism in hospital nursing staff.

Methods

Overall, 1100 nurses filled in a questionnaire on basic attributes, LBP symptoms, depression symptoms, and work productivity. The subjects were divided into three groups based on the period of LBP and the compared work productivity. Work Limitation Questionnaire Japanese version (WLQ-J) was used for the assessment of work productivity. The effects of acute and chronic LBP on presenteeism were evaluated through multiple regression analysis models.

Results

In total, 765 subjects, without missing values, were included. The overall prevalence of LBP was 64.6% (acute LBP 47.5%, chronic LBP 17.1%). On multiple regression analysis, acute pain and presenteeism were not associated. Conversely, chronic LBP was associated with time management (adjusted β = −2.3, 95% CI: −4.5 to −1.1), mental-interpersonal relationship (adjusted β = −2.8, 95% CI: −5.1 to −0.6), and output (adjusted β = −2.7, 95% CI: −5.4 to 0.0) after adjustment for sex and career years. When depression was included in the adjustment factors, chronic LBP and WLQ subscales were not associated.

Conclusions

It became obvious that Chronic LBP in nurses was significantly related to time management, mental-interpersonal relationship, and output. The importance of preventing a decline in work productivity by taking precautions to prevent chronic LBP and depression was suggested.
N‐degron specificity of chloroplast ClpS1 in plants
Authors: Montandon Cyrille , Dougan David A. , van Wijk Klaas J.
Published: April 2019

The prokaryotic N‐degron pathway depends on the Clp chaperone‐protease system and the ClpS adaptor for recognition of N‐degron bearing substrates. Plant chloroplasts contain a diversified Clp protease, including the ClpS homolog ClpS1. Several candidate ClpS1 substrates have been identified, but the N‐degron specificity is unclear. Here, we employed in vitro ClpS1 affinity assays using eight N‐degron green fluorescence protein reporters containing either F, Y, L, W, I, or R in the N‐terminal position. This demonstrated that ClpS1 has a restricted N‐degron specificity, recognizing proteins bearing an N‐terminal F or W, only weakly recognizing L, but not recognizing Y or I. This affinity is dependent on two conserved residues in the ClpS1 binding pocket and is sensitive to FR dipeptide competition, suggesting a unique chloroplast N‐degron pathway.
Trimethylsilyl reporter groups for NMR studies of conformational changes in G protein‐coupled receptors
Authors: Hu Wanhui , Wang Huixia , Hou Yaguang , Hao Yimei , Liu Dongsheng
Published: April 2019

Large membrane proteins such as G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are difficult for NMR study due to severe signal overlaps and unfavorable relaxation properties. We used a trimethylsilyl (TMS) group as a reporter group for 1H NMR study of conformational changes in proteins, utilizing high‐intensity 1H NMR signals near 0 p.p.m. The β2‐adrenergic receptor was labeled with TMS groups at two cysteines located at the cytoplasmic ends of helices VI and VII. Binding of various ligands led to changes in 1H NMR signals, which manifested that helix VI is sensitive to G protein‐specific activation, whereas helix VII is sensitive to β‐arrestin‐specific activation. Thus, the TMS group is a useful reporter group in NMR for studying conformational changes in membrane proteins such as GPCRs.
Potential reduction of lung dose via VMAT with jaw tracking in the treatment of single‐isocenter/two‐lesion lung SBRT
Authors: Pokhrel Damodar , Sanford Lana , Halfman Matthew , Molloy Janelle
Published: April 2019

Purpose/objectives

Due to higher radiosensitivity, non‐target normal tissue dose is a major concern in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) treatment. The aim of this report was to estimate the dosimetric impact, specifically the reduction of normal lung dose in the treatment of single‐isocenter/two‐lesion lung SBRT via volumetric modulated arc therapy with jaw tracking (JT‐VMAT).

Materials/methods

Twelve patients with two peripherally located early‐stage non‐small‐cell‐lung cancer (NSCLC) lung lesions underwent single‐isocenter highly conformal non‐coplanar JT‐VMAT SBRT treatment in our institution. The mean isocenter to tumors distance was 5.6 ± 1.9 (range 4.3–9.5) cm. The mean combined planning target volume (PTV) was 38.7 ± 22.7 (range 5.0–80.9) cc. A single isocenter was placed between the two lesions. Doses were 54 and 50 Gy in three and five fractions, respectively. Plans were optimized in Eclipse with AcurosXB algorithm utilizing jaw tracking options for the Truebeam with a 6 MV‐FFF beam and standard 120 leaf millennium multi‐leaf collimators. For comparison, the JT‐VMAT plans were retrospectively re‐computed utilizing identical beam geometry, objectives, and planning parameters, but without jaw tracking (no JT‐VMAT). Both plans were normalized to receive the same target coverage. The conformity and heterogeneity indices, intermediate‐dose spillage [D2cm, R50, Gradient Index (GI), Gradient Distance (GD)], organs at risks (OAR) doses including normal lung as well as modulation factor (MF) were compared for both plans.

Results

For similar target coverage, GI, R50, GD, as well as the normal lung V5, V10, V20, mean lung dose (MLD), and maximum dose received by 1000 cc of lungs were statistically significant. Normal lung doses were reduced by 8%–11% with JT‐VMAT. Normal lung dose increased as a function of tumor distance from isocenter. For the other OAR, up to 1%–16% reduction of non‐target doses were observed with JT‐VMAT. The MF and beam‐on time were similar for both plans, however, MF increased as a function of tumors distance, consequently, delivering higher dose to normal lungs.

Conclusion

Utilizing jaw tracking options during optimization for single‐isocenter/two‐lesion lung SBRT VMAT plans reduced doses to the normal lung and other OAR, reduced intermediate‐dose spillage and provided superior/similar target coverage. Application of jaw tracking did not affect delivery efficiency and provided excellent plan quality with similar MF and beam‐on time. Jaw tracking is recommended for future clinical SBRT plan optimization.
Depression Subtypes in Individuals With or at Risk for Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Rathbun Alan M. , Schuler Megan S. , Stuart Elizabeth A. , Shardell Michelle D. , Yau Michelle S. , Gallo Joseph J. , Ryan Alice S. , Hochberg Marc C.
Published: April 2019

Objective

The present study was undertaken to identify depression subtypes in individuals with or at risk for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to evaluate differences in pain and disability trajectories between groups.

Methods

Participants (n = 4,486) were enrolled in the Osteoarthritis Initiative. Latent class analysis was applied to the 20‐item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale measured at baseline to identify groups with similar patterns of depressive symptoms, and subtypes were assigned using posterior probability estimates. The relationships between depression subtypes and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and disability subscales were modeled over 4 years and stratified by baseline knee OA status (symptomatic [n = 1,626] or at risk [n = 2,860]).

Results

Four subtypes were identified: asymptomatic (80.6%), catatonic (5.3%), anhedonic (10.6%), and melancholic (3.5%). Catatonic and anhedonic subtypes were differentiated by symptoms corresponding to psychomotor agitation and the inability to experience pleasure, respectively. The melancholic subtype expressed symptoms related to reduced energy and movement, anhedonia, and other somatic symptoms. Detectable mean differences in pain and disability compared to the asymptomatic group were observed for the anhedonic (1.5–2.3 WOMAC units) and melancholic (4.8–6.6 WOMAC units) subtypes, and associations were generally larger in individuals with symptomatic knee OA relative to those at risk.

Conclusion

Among individuals with or at risk for symptomatic knee OA, there is evidence of depression subtypes characterized by distinct clusters of depressive symptoms that have differential effects on reports of pain and disability over time. Our findings thus imply that depression interventions could be optimized by targeting the specific symptomology that these subtypes exhibit.
Prevalence of Giant Cell Arteritis Relapse in Patients Treated With Glucocorticoids: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Mainbourg Sabine , Addario Alexandra , Samson Maxime , Puéchal Xavier , François Mathilde , Durupt Stéphane , Gueyffier François , Cucherat Michel , Durieu Isabelle , Reynaud Quitterie , Lega Jean‐Christophe
Published: April 2019

Objective

The relapse rate of patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) treated with glucocorticoids (GCs) alone varied widely in observational series and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the prevalence of relapse and predisposing factors in patients receiving GCs alone.

Methods

We searched Medline up to December 2017. The prevalence of relapse was pooled using a random‐effects model.

Results

A total of 34 studies (2,505 patients), comprising 8 RCTs, were included. The overall prevalence of relapse was 47.2% (95% confidence interval 40.0, 54.3) with a high heterogeneity (I2 = 93%). Prevalence of relapse was significantly higher for patients included in an RCT compared to those included in an observational study (P < 0.0001), but was not significantly different according to design (P = 0.06). The relapse rate was associated with year of publication (34 studies, rate increase of 8.3% for 1 decade; P < 0.0001) and with shorter GC regimens (17 studies, rate decrease of 1.7% for 1 additional month; P < 0.001), the duration of scheduled GC therapy being shorter in RCTs (12.8 months) compared to observational studies (28.8 months). The effective duration of GC therapy (P = 0.23), initial GC dose (P = 0.49), duration of follow‐up (P = 0.14), sex (P = 0.29), and age (P = 0.43) were not associated with the prevalence of relapse.

Conclusion

GCA relapses occur in half of patients and without improvement across decades in patients receiving GC alone, and the relapse rate is more related to short duration of GC administration than to the initial dose at induction. These results advocate for trial design with at least 12 months of GC therapy.
Association between Pre‐intervention Physical Activity Level and Treatment Response to Exercise Therapy in Persons with Knee Osteoarthritis—An Exploratory Study
Authors: Chang Alison H. , Lee Jungwha , Song Jing , Price Lori Lyn , Lee Augustine C. , Reid Kieran F. , Fielding Roger A. , Driban Jeffrey B. , Harvey William C. , Wang Chenchen
Published: April 2019

Objective

Examine whether pre‐intervention physical activity (PA) level is associated with achieving a positive treatment response of pain and/or function improvement after a 12‐week exercise intervention in participants with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of a randomized, single‐blind comparative effectiveness trial showing similar treatment effects between Tai Chi mind‐body exercise and standard physical therapy intervention for knee OA. Baseline PA was assessed by a Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire and, in a subsample, by tri‐axial accelerometers. The Outcome Measures in Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials–Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OMERACT‐OARSI) dichotomous responder criteria was used for clinically meaningful improvement at follow‐up. Associations between baseline self‐reported PA by the CHAMPS questionnaire and outcomes of responders vs. nonresponders (reference group) were assessed using logistic regressions, adjusting for demographic covariates. We compared objectively measured PA by accelerometry between responders vs. nonresponders using Wilcoxon tests.

Results

Our sample consisted of 166 participants with knee OA who completed both baseline and 12‐week postintervention evaluations: mean age 60.7 year (SD 10.5), body mass index 32.4 kg/m2 (6.9), 119 (72%) women, and 138 (83%) OMERACT‐OARSI responders. Neither time spent in total PA [odds ratio (OR) 1.00; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96, 1.03] nor time in moderate‐to‐vigorous PA (OR 1.01; 95% CI 0.93, 1.09) at pre‐intervention were associated with being a responder. Similar findings were observed in 42 accelerometry sub‐cohort participants.

Conclusion

Pre‐intervention PA levels (subjective report or objective measurement) were not associated with individuals achieving favorable treatment outcomes after a 12‐week exercise intervention, which suggests that regardless of pre‐intervention PA level, individuals will likely benefit from structured exercise interventions.
OTPs look toward criminal justice as major area for growth
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2019

Opioid treatment programs (OTPs), formerly known as methadone clinics, were set for a dramatic expansion several years ago when the opioid crisis was growing at an increasing rate, but now, that expansion is targeted toward one population of patients in particular: those in the criminal justice system. In particular, people who are in prison and jail are most likely to need — and not receive — treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), and the nation's OTPs are ready to help.
Another federal judge backs inmate in an ADA case over lack of MAT
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: April 2019

For the second time since last fall, a federal judge has determined that a local jail system's refusal to provide medication‐assisted treatment (MAT) to an incarcerated offender likely violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These court rulings, coupled with growing evidence from successful correctional MAT initiatives at the state and local levels, suggest that corrections systems going forward will have a difficult time trying to justify withholding evidence‐based treatment for opioid use disorders (OUDs).
Daily, high‐potency cannabis linked to first psychosis
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2019

Daily use of marijuana (cannabis) is associated with a greater than three times increased risk of psychotic disorder compared to never users, according to a study published in Lancet Psychiatry. This risk increased to nearly five times if high‐potency cannabis was used. Across the 11 sites included in the study, if high‐potency cannabis were not available, 12.2 percent of cases of first‐episode psychosis could be prevented, rising to 30.3 percent in London and 50.3 percent in Amsterdam.
NY files lawsuit against opioid distributors and manufacturers
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2019

Last month, New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a comprehensive lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors and the Sackler family, who own Purdue Pharma. The lawsuit alleges that false and deceptive marketing and failing to prevent diversion have resulted in an opioid epidemic and opioid overdose deaths. The lawsuit charges six national prescription opioid manufacturers, the Sackler family and four national prescription drug distributors as being responsible. And unlike other lawsuits against opioid pharmaceutical companies across the country, the New York lawsuit provides extensive facts.
Comparative Study of Pure Iron Manufactured by Selective Laser Melting, Laser Metal Deposition, and Casting Processes
Authors: Carluccio Danilo , Bermingham Michael , Kent Damon , Demir Ali Gökhan , Previtali Barbara , Dargusch Matthew S.
Published: April 2019

Laser‐based additive manufacturing (AM) processes such as laser metal deposition (LMD) and selective laser melting (SLM) can produce patient‐specific implants with minimal post‐processing and shorter lead times compared to conventional manufacturing methods. In this study, the microstructural, mechanical, and corrosion properties of cast, LMD, and SLM manufactured pure Fe for biodegradable biomedical implants were compared. It was found that casting resulted in an average grain size double that of pure Fe manufactured via LMD and over 30 times that when compared to parts manufactured using SLM. This was attributed to the higher cooling rates of the laser‐based AM technologies and led to superior mechanical properties of the samples manufactured via SLM. The corrosion rate of the LMD and SLM samples were approximately 50% higher than the cast pure Fe. For biodegradable Fe implants, a higher corrosion rate and yield stress are preferential, and combined with the ability to produce complex geometries, makes SLM a promising manufacturing technology for biodegradable implants such as bone scaffolds.
Structure‐Dependent Optical Modulation of Propulsion and Collective Behavior of Acoustic/Light‐Driven Hybrid Microbowls
Authors: Tang Songsong , Zhang Fangyu , Zhao Jing , Talaat Wael , Soto Fernando , Karshalev Emil , Chen Chuanrui , Hu Zhihan , Lu Xiaolong , Li Jinxing , Lin Zhihua , Dong Haifeng , Zhang Xueji , Nourhani Amir , Wang Joseph
Published: April 2019

Hybrid light/acoustic‐powered microbowl motors, composed of gold (Au) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) with a structure‐dependent optical modulation of both their movement and collective behavior are reported by reversing the inner and outer positions of Au and TiO2. The microbowl propels in an acoustic field toward its exterior side. UV light activates the photochemical reaction on the TiO2 surface in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and the Au/TiO2 system moves toward its TiO2 side by self‐electrophoresis. Controlling the light intensity allows switching of the dominant propulsion mode and provides braking or reversal of motion direction when TiO2 is on the interior, or accelerated motion when the TiO2 is on its exterior. Theoretical simulations offer an understanding of the acoustic streaming flow and self‐electrophoretic fluid flow induced by the asymmetric distribution of ions around the microbowl. The light‐modulation behavior along with the tunable structure also leads to the control of the swarm behaviors under the acoustic field, including expansion or compaction of ensembles of microbowls with interior and exterior TiO2, respectively. Such structure‐dependent motion control thus paves the way for a variety of complex microscale operations, ranging from cargo transport to drug delivery in biomedical and environmental applications.
Screen‐Printed Soft Capacitive Sensors for Spatial Mapping of Both Positive and Negative Pressures
Authors: Shi Hongyang , Al‐Rubaiai Mohammed , Holbrook Christopher M. , Miao Jinshui , Pinto Thassyo , Wang Chuan , Tan Xiaobo
Published: April 2019

Soft pressure sensors are one class of the essential devices for robotics and wearable device applications. Despite the tremendous progress, sensors that can reliably detect both positive and negative pressures have not yet been demonstrated. In this paper, a soft capacitive pressure sensor, made using a convenient and low‐cost screen‐printing process that can reliably detect both positive and negative pressures from −60 to 20 kPa, is reported. The sensor is made with an Ecoflex‐0030 dielectric layer, conductive and stretchable poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (with ionic additives) electrodes, and polydimethylsiloxane encapsulation layers. Air gaps are designed and incorporated into the dielectric layer to significantly enhance the sample deformation and pressure response especially to negative pressure. The sensor exhibits repeatable response for thousands of cycles, even under bending or stretching conditions. Lastly, to demonstrate the practical application, a 12 × 12‐pixel sensor array that can automatically measure both positive and negative pressure distributions has been reported under −20 and 10 kPa.