bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the scaling law of geographical space: Gaussian versus Paretian thinking
Authors: Ibáñez Juan‐José , Ramírez‐Rosario Beatriz , Fernández‐Pozo Luis F. , Brevik Eric C.
Published: July 2020

A debate has occurred concerning the laws of scale and the fractal nature of geographical space. Biodiversity and pedodiversity studies show the emergence of fractal structures such as taxa‐area relationships. Biodiversity and pedodiversity are natural resources, although some consider pedotaxa to be artificial. The studies carried out to date emphasize that many pedodiversity and biodiversity spatial patterns converge at the same regularities. Many of these studies used natural resources maps and their digital databases. Information is extracted from the taxa types contained in each polygon and the areas covered. However, the structure of the maps (number, area, fragmentation, etc.) has rarely been a matter of study. When map structure was studied, intriguing similarities were observed in pedodiversity and biodiversity analyses. To understand whether these similarities also appear in other types of spatial entities that are more artificial, a review of geospatial analyses that studied topics such as urban maps, land system maps, etc., was undertaken. The main variables in these maps are manmade and/or combinations of natural resources data layers. Regularities detected in the geospatial information of these latter topics also seem to conform to results obtained when analysing natural resources maps such as soils, rock types, landforms, plant communities, etc. Thus, some geographers consider the idea that there are far more small things/objects than larger ones across several orders of magnitude in geographic space to be a law. Some geographers also contend that the classical “Gaussian thinking” and its statistical tools should be replaced by a “Paretian thinking” and its related statistical tools. This paper analyses the above topics as well as the lack of adequate data and types of cognitive maps we use in our modern scientific society, supporting the conjecture that that we should include Paretian thinking in our research at least in the same way we use Gaussian thinking.

Highlights

Long tail distributions, power laws and fractal‐like structures are ubiquitous in geospatial analysis.

Scale invariance of natural and artificial map structures seem to be the rule.

The Paretian approach appears to be more appropriate than the Gaussian approach for many purposes.

Our cognitive maps and brain processing follow Paretian thinking in many instances.
Suggestive seizure induction for inpatients with suspected psychogenic nonepileptic seizures
Authors: Popkirov Stoyan , Grönheit Wenke , Jungilligens Johannes , Wehner Tim , Schlegel Uwe , Wellmer Jörg
Published: July 2020

Objective

To determine the utility of suggestive seizure induction for inpatient work‐up of suspected psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES).

Methods

Prospective study of epilepsy center inpatient admissions with suspected PNES. Patients were randomized to undergo suggestive induction first (group A) and then, if necessary, long‐term video–electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring, or vice versa (group B). Diagnostic pathways were compared. Potential clinical predictors for diagnostic success were evaluated.

Results

Length of in‐hospital stay did not significantly differ between groups. Suspicion of PNES was confirmed in 43 of 77 (56%) patients, evenly distributed between group A (22 of 39) and group B (21 of 38). In nine patients, recorded habitual seizures were epileptic and in 25 cases, no diagnostic event could be recorded. Diagnosis of PNES was ascertained primarily by recording a typical seizure through suggestive induction in 24 patients and through long‐term monitoring in 19 patients. In group A (induction first), monitoring was not deemed necessary in 21% of cases. In group B (monitoring first), 13% would have remained inconclusive without suggestive induction. Patients who reported triggers to their habitual seizures were not more likely to have spontaneous or provoked PNES during monitoring or suggestive inducion, respectively. Patients with subjective seizure prodromes (auras) were significantly more likely to have a PNES during suggestive induction than those without (odds ratio [OR] 3.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1‐10.4). There was no significant difference in seizure frequency between patients with spontaneous PNES during long‐term monitoring and those with nondiagnostic monitoring sessions.

Significance

Our results support the notion that suggestive seizure induction can reduce the number of inconclusive inpatient workups, and can obviate resource‐intensive long‐term monitoring in one fifth of cases. Patients who are aware of prodromes might have a higher chance of having seizures induced through suggestion.
Effects of defect dipoles on tunable dielectric response in relaxor ferroelectric ceramics
Authors: Wang Chenxi , Wang Zujian , Yang Xiaoming , He Chao , Long Xifa
Published: July 2020

Tunable dielectric materials have drawn much attention due to their wide applications including capacitors and microwave tunable devices. Ferroelectrics materials have special spontaneous polarization which can be reversibly switched by an external electric field. Therefore, tunable dielectric constant can be easily achieved in ferroelectrics. However, the study of nonlinear dielectric response induced by defect dipoles is rarely concerned. Here, we report the effects of defect dipoles on tunable dielectric response under alternative current (AC) and direct current (DC) electric field in defect dipoles introduced Pb(Lu1/2Nb1/2)O3–PbTiO3 ceramics. A modified Rayleigh model is proposed to successfully characterize dielectric nonlinearity and reveals the interaction between domain walls and defect dipoles. The defect dipoles had more sensitive effect on dielectric response under AC field than that of defect dipoles‐free samples. The drop of intrinsic dielectric contribution under AC field results from the detriment effect of defect dipoles. The irreversible contribution is altered by the movements of defect dipoles under AC field, subsequently inducing the nonlinearity of dielectric response. Samples with defect dipoles have larger tunable scope of dielectric properties than that of defect dipoles‐free samples. The present work discovers the potential of application of defect dipoles‐tuned dielectric response ferroelectrics in devices which requires both high AC and DC biases, and help to better understand the complex dielectric response of ferroelectrics.
Combination of alcohol and glucose consumption as a risk to induce reactive hypoglycemia
Authors: Oba‐Yamamoto Chiho , Takeuchi Jun , Nakamura Akinobu , Takikawa Ryoko , Ozaki Ayano , Nomoto Hiroshi , Kameda Hiraku , Cho Kyu Yong , Atsumi Tatsuya , Miyoshi Hideaki
Published: July 2020

Aims/Introduction

Alcohol consumption has been reported to cause hypoglycemia. However, the mechanism involved has not been unequivocally established. This study comprised healthy volunteers. We carried out a prospective trial to compare the effects of glucose and alcohol consumption, alone or in combination, on glucose and lipid metabolism.

Materials and Methods

A 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), a combined 75‐g glucose plus 20‐g alcohol tolerance test (OGATT) and a 20‐g alcohol tolerance test (OATT) were carried out in the participants. Plasma glucose, insulin, triglyceride and ethanol concentrations during each test were compared.

Results

We studied 10 participants. Their plasma glucose concentrations 15 and 30 min after the intake of 75 g of glucose were significantly higher during the OGATT than the OGTT. Hypoglycemia occurred in five participants after the OGATT, which was significantly more frequently than after the OGTT (P = 0.046). Hypoglycemia did not occur after the OATT, and the ethanol concentration was significantly lower after the OGATT than the OATT. The changes in triglyceride concentration from 30 min after the consumption of 75 g of glucose were significantly greater during the OGATT than the OGTT. The plasma insulin concentrations peaked after 60 min during both the OGTT and OGATT, and were significantly higher during the OGATT (P = 0.047). There were no differences between the two interventions in the Matsuda or disposition indexes.

Conclusions

Hypoglycemia occurred more frequently after the simultaneous consumption of alcohol plus glucose than after the consumption of glucose alone, suggesting that alcohol in the combination of glucose induces reactive hypoglycemia.
River lamprey present an unusual predation threat to Atlantic salmon smolts in Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland
Authors: Kennedy Richard J. , Campbell Warren , Gallagher Kevin , Evans Derek
Published: July 2020

A new monitoring programme on the Lough Neagh catchment has documented a high incidence of river lamprey, Lampetra fluviatilis L., predation on Atlantic salmon smolts, Salmo salar L. In total 470 smolts were examined during the 2020 emigration period with 168 fish (36%) exhibiting lamprey scars of which 57 were lightly scarred and 111 were classed as heavily scarred. Lamprey predation was not size selective on Lough Neagh S. salar smolts.
Empathic cultural consumers: Pay what you want in the theater
Authors: Tena‐Sánchez Jordi , León‐Medina Francisco J. , Noguera José A.
Published: July 2020

Pay what you want (PWYW) is an increasingly popular sales strategy in which consumers voluntarily decide how much to pay for a product or service. PWYW has often been described as an exercise in the “empathy economy,” where consumers' payment choices might be seen as empowered expressions of their tastes and preferences, and sellers have a stronger incentive for empathizing with them. Beyond their economic interest, PWYW experiences also deserve significant attention in the social sciences given that they challenge several key assumptions of rational choice and neoclassical economic theory, as well as conventional consumer behavior and pricing theories. This paper analyzes three plays performed at the Beckett Theater in Barcelona using PWYW with very profitable outcomes. Our analysis shows that socio‐psychological factors, such as payments attributed to others and satisfaction with the play, are the best predictors of customer payments.
Chronic diarrhoea in children: A practical algorithm‐based approach
Authors: Shankar Sahana , Rosenbaum Jeremy
Published: July 2020

Diarrhoea is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality world‐wide. Most diarrhoeal episodes are acute and infectious in origin. Diarrhoea lasting for longer than 4 weeks with no discernible infectious aetiology warrants thorough evaluation. The aim of this review is to elucidate an approach to evaluation of diarrhoea based on its pathophysiologic mechanisms with focus on aetiology, investigation and management of chronic diarrhoea. It includes a brief description of normal fluid homeostasis in the gut and pathophysiology of diarrhoea. Further, diarrhoea is classified as ‘watery’, ‘fatty’ and ‘bloody’ based on stool characteristics. Relevant history, physical examination findings, first and second‐line investigations which help in differentiating the different types of diarrhoea are listed and an algorithmic approach to individual types of diarrhoea has been devised. Principles of management and recent advances in diagnostics and therapeutics of diarrhoea are briefly discussed.
Knowledge, attitudes and application of nutrition assessments by the veterinary health care team in small animal practice
Authors: Lumbis R. H. , de Scally M.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To assess the impact of the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee's work in promoting nutrition as the fifth vital assessment and enhancing knowledge of nutrition. Further objectives were to ascertain use of existing Global Nutrition Committee assessment tools, identify potential new tools and determine which members of the veterinary health care team are responsible for carrying out nutrition assessments, planning and intervention in practice.

Materials and Methods

A 16‐question online questionnaire on the awareness, use and frequency of nutritional assessment was completed by 2740 veterinary health care team members. Statistical association was tested between the reported frequency of nutritional assessment in practice and the likely establishment of normal dietary regime, calculation of energy requirements and creation of nutritional plans.

Results

Most respondents (95%) currently had responsibility for providing small animal nutrition education, yet only 27% were aware of the WSAVA guidelines. Over half (64%) recognised nutritional evaluation as the fifth vital assessment. Only 4% consistently used WSAVA tools to perform a systematic nutritional assessment. Veterinarians and veterinary nurses/technicians were the most frequent source of nutritional advice in practice, with the consultation recognised as the most important contact point with clients.

Clinical Significance

Awareness of nutritional assessment is apparent, yet implementation in practice is inconsistent. These findings will help the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee prioritise future activities to support the veterinary health care team and pet owners with nutrition‐related knowledge, tools and resources.
Investigating Religion and Inequality through Women's Work‐Family Pathways
Authors: Gilliland Claire Chipman
Published: July 2020

This project investigates the relationship between religious involvement and women's work and family pathways in the United States. I identify five work‐family configurations using National Longitudinal Study of Youth 1979 (NLSY79) data and latent class analysis. These configurations incorporate cohabitation histories, timing of family formation, and maternal employment. Then, I analyze how adolescent religiosity and personal and family characteristics are associated with subsequent work‐family pathways. Affiliation with an evangelical Protestant tradition is associated with women who form families early, while Catholic affiliation is tied to later family formation. Importantly, family background characteristics such as living with both biological parents and higher parental education, as well as race/ethnicity and the respondent's educational attainment, are the most consistent variables associated with work‐family configurations. These results suggest that religious involvement, when considered alongside family background, contributes to women's unequal work‐family pathways in adulthood. The close links between religion, family, and stratification are evident in the study of women's work‐family experiences.
Transfer Effects from Problem‐Solving Workshops to Negotiations: A Process and Outcome Model
Authors: Fisher Ronald J.
Published: July 2020

The problem‐solving workshop (PSW) is a small‐group method of conflict analysis and resolution that is identified with the very origins of the field and that has a considerable history of theorizing and practice. Since the creation of the method, scholars have addressed the question of the transfer of outcomes and effects from workshops to negotiation, policy making, and political discourse. Following a definition and review of the intentions and rationale of transfer, a flow model is presented that consists of eight sequential components that capture the process and outcomes of transfer, in part by drawing on models of intervention and frameworks for the evaluation of PSWs. Notwithstanding the utility of this development, it is acknowledged that transfer is a very complex process whose evaluation entails significant constraints and whose ultimate and exact contributions to peace processes are likely unknowable.
Methamphetamine intoxication and acute kidney injury: A prospective observational case series
Authors: Isoardi Katherine Z. , Mudge David W. , Harris Keith , Dimeski Goce , Buckley Nicholas A.
Published: July 2020

Aim

The effects of methamphetamine intoxication on the kidney are not well reported. We aimed to investigate acute kidney injury (AKI) associated with methamphetamine intoxication, in particular its severity, duration and association with rhabdomyolysis.

Methods

This is a prospective observational series of methamphetamine‐intoxicated patients presenting to an Emergency Department. Patients self‐reporting recent methamphetamine use, with a positive urine drug screen and an elevated creatinine, were eligible for the study. Urinary neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) was measured, and serum creatinine, creatine kinase and cystatin C concentrations were performed on arrival and at several time points until discharge from hospital. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from the medical records.

Results

There were 634 presentations with methamphetamine intoxication over a 10‐month period, with 73/595(12%) cases having an elevated serum creatinine concentration on arrival. Fifty presentations in 48 patients were included in the study. Most patients (85%) were male with a median age of 32 years. The median serum creatinine concentration on presentation was 125 μmol/L (IQR:113‐135 μmol/L) with 45 (90%) presentations meeting diagnostic criteria for AKI. Concurrent rhabdomyolysis occurred in 22 (44%) presentations with a median CK of 2695 U/L (IQR:1598‐5060 U/L). Cystatin C was elevated (> 0.98 mg/L) in 18 cases. An elevated NGAL concentration (>150 μg/L) was present in five (10%) cases. No patients required dialysis. The median length of stay was 19 hours (IQR 14‐24 hours).

Conclusion

AKI is common in methamphetamine intoxication. The kidney injury is relatively mild and short‐lived, resolving with crystalloid therapy.
Changing diets and the transformation of the global food system
Authors: Vermeulen Sonja J. , Park Toby , Khoury Colin K. , Béné Christophe
Published: July 2020

An aspirational global food system is one that delivers across a suite of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including universal access to healthy diets, which can also codeliver on climate and environment SDGs. The literature has downplayed the relative contribution of dietary change to sustainable food systems. In this perspective article, we argue that the potential for positive transformational change in diets should not be underestimated, for two sets of reasons. First, the dynamism of diets over long‐term and, especially, recent history shows the potential for rapid and widespread change, including toward more diverse and healthier diets. Second, contemporary behavioral research demonstrates promising tactics to influence consumers’ dietary choices. Since the entire food system creates the circumstances of those choices, the most effective strategies to shift diets will involve multiple approaches that deliberately aim not just to influence consumers themselves but also to incentivize all actors in the food systems, taking into account multiple agendas and values. The effectiveness of actions will depend on the political economy at local, national, and global levels. Overall, there are reasons to be hopeful about the potential for accelerated global dietary change, given both historic trends and the growing suite of tools and approaches available.
Class II Division 1 malocclusion treatment with extraction of maxillary first molars: Evaluation of treatment and post‐treatment changes by the PAR Index
Authors: Booij Johan W. , Kuijpers‐Jagtman Anne Marie , Bronkhorst Ewald M. , Livas Christos , Ren Yijin , Kuijpers Mette A.R. , Katsaros Christos
Published: July 2020

Objective

To investigate occlusal result and post‐treatment changes after orthodontic extraction of maxillary first permanent molars in patients with a Class II division 1 malocclusion.

Setting and Sample

Retrospective longitudinal study in a private practice, with outcome evaluation by an independent academic hospital. Ninety‐six patients (53 males, 43 females) consecutively treated by one orthodontist with maxillary first permanent molar extraction were studied, divided into three facial types, based on pre‐treatment cephalometric values: hypodivergent (n = 18), normodivergent (n = 21) and hyperdivergent (n = 57).

Methods

Occlusal outcome was scored on dental casts at T1 (pre‐treatment), T2 (post‐treatment) and T3 (mean follow‐up 2.5 ± 0.9 years) using the weighted Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) Index. The paired sample t test and one‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test were used for statistical analysis.

Results

PAR was reduced by 95.7% and 89.9% at T2 and T3, respectively, compared with the start of treatment. The largest post‐treatment changes were found for overjet and buccal occlusion. Linear regression analysis did not reveal a clear effect (R‐Square 0.074) of age, sex, PAR score at T1, incremental PAR score T2‐T1, overjet and overbite at T1, and facial type on the changes after treatment (incremental PAR score T3‐T2).

Conclusions

The occlusal outcome achieved after Class II division 1 treatment with maxillary first permanent molar extractions was maintained to a large extent over a mean post‐treatment follow‐up of 2.5 years. Limited changes after treatment were found, for which no risk factors could be discerned.
Pediatric anesthesia training to early career stage: Opportunities for firm foundations
Authors: Munshey Farrukh , McDonnell Conor , Matava Clyde
Published: July 2020

Attaining professional contentment can be challenging for many. Academic success, psychosocial support, and the confidence to provide excellent clinical care at the workplace are key pillars that can help build a sense of meaning in a career. The role of mentorship in facilitating these key pillars at different stages of pediatric anesthesia training and new independent practice is instrumental. For mentees aspiring for a career in pediatric anesthesia, there are several points of focus. Mentees should seek out mentors early in training, build on these relationships, and explore opportunities for peer mentorship as they advance in their career. For mentors, introducing mentees to the clinical and academic aspects of pediatric anesthesia and setting the foundation for the mentee to advance in their career can be both gratifying and stimulating. In this article, we explore the development and progression of a mentor‐mentee relationship through training to the early career stage and its role in developing a meaningful career in pediatric anesthesia.
ENHANCED MESHFREE RPIM WITH NURBS BASIS FUNCTION FOR ANALYSIS OF IRREGULAR BOUNDARY DOMAIN
Authors: Mokhtaram M.H. , Mohd Noor M.A. , Jamil Abd Nazir M.Z. , Zainal Abidin A.R. , Mohd Yassin A.Y.
Published: July 2020

Radial Point Interpolation Method (RPIM) has become a powerful tool to numerical analysis due to its ability to provide a higher-order approximation function with the Kronecker delta property, by which the field nodes can be fitted exactly. However, one of the major drawbacks of RPIM is the inefficiency in handling irregular domain problems. This paper presents an enhanced RPIM formulation that employs Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) basis functions to represent the exact geometry of the boundary domain. The NURBS is a mathematical model which provides an efficient and numerically stable algorithm to exactly represent all conic sections in engineering modelling. Taking advantage of the flexibility and adaptivity of RPIM approximation and the accuracy of geometric representations by NURBS, this new method is able to improve geometry accuracy and flexibility in numerical analysis, thus providing a better and more rational approach to analyze irregular domain problems. Numerical problem of steady heat transfer considering curved beam is presented to verify the validity and accuracy of the developed method. The essential boundary condition can simply be imposed using direct imposition as in Finite Element Method (FEM). The result shows that the RPIM/NURBS achieved the converged solution much faster than conventional RPIM and FEM, with the number of nodes required only less than 200 for an error of less than 0.01%. This shows the potential of the developed method as a powerful numerical technique for future development.
GROUNDWATER VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT OF SYLHET SADAR USING GIS
Authors: Rahman Md. Ashikur , Alam Md. Jahir
Published: July 2020

Groundwater has been treated as a vital water supply because of its comparatively low vulnerability to pollution compared to surface water. Due to the health and economic impacts of groundwater contamination, steps to measure groundwater vulnerability are necessary for sustainable groundwater protection and management planning. In this study, an attempt has been made to assess groundwater vulnerability using the overlay index method and to prepare a groundwater vulnerability map using Geographic Information System (GIS) of Sylhet Sadar, a northeastern region of Bangladesh. Also, for the water depth-wise vulnerability assessment, the Water index was generated to observe the effect on chemical concentration for the depth of water. By assigning weight to each pollutant map in the overlay index approach, a combined hazard map was successfully created. The combined hazard map shows a total of 16.04%, 41.36%, and 42.59% of the studied area located in a less, moderate, and severely vulnerable zone, respectively. The combined effect of the chemical concentrations of water gradually decreases with the increase in water depth. Therefore, the developed map can be used as a tool for the management to take initiatives for sustainable use of groundwater.
SCOPE OF IMPROVING MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CONCRETE USING NATURAL FIBER AS A REINFORCING MATERIAL
Authors: Das Gupta Sristi , Aftab MD Shahnewaz , Mohammod Zakaria Hasan , Karmakar Chaity
Published: July 2020

Using natural (Jute) fiber in concrete as a reinforcing material can not only augment the concrete strength but also restrict the use of synthetic fiber which is environmentally detrimental. To achieve this goal, this study evaluated compressive strength, tensile strength and plastic shrinkage of concrete incorporating ‘Natural (Jute)’ fiber of different length (15 mm and 25 mm) with various mix proportions of 0.10%, 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.4% respectively by volume of concrete. Concrete is vulnerable to grow shrinkage cracks because of high evaporation rate in dry and windy conditions. Incorporating of fibers could abate development of this crack. The large length (25 mm) and higher content ( 0.3%) of reinforcing materials (jute fiber) result to the lowering of mechanical properties of JFRC compare to plain concrete. But in the incorporation of short (15 mm) and low fiber content ( 0.3%), enhances the mechanical properties of the same JFRC. Inclusion of 0.3% (15 mm length) fiber gave maximum enhancement of both concrete compressive and tensile strength by 12.4% and 58% respectively compared to the non-fiber reinforced concrete. A drastic suppression of crack occurrence and area of crack between non-fiber reinforced concrete and fiber reinforced concretes was attained. Experimental results of incorporating 0.1–0.4% fiber with 15 mm length in concrete revealed that plastic shrinkage cracks were decreased by 75–99% in contrast to non-fiber reinforced concrete. Therefore, it is concluded that the incorporation of jute fiber in making FRC composite would be one of the favorable methods to enhance the performance of concrete.
Antecedents of Foreclosure in Young Adolescents’ Career Decision-Making
Authors: Hirschi Andreas
Published: July 2020

Exploring one’s occupational possibilities is one of the major developmental tasks in adolescent career development and a lack of exploration is considered especially troublesome. This longitudinal study explored antecedents of foreclosure in career decision-making, i.e. the tendency to prematurely commit to a career choice without prior throughout exploration of the available possibilities. Participants were 334 Swiss students in eighth grade. The results show that social-cognitive variables of generalized self-efficacy (GSE) , externality of control beliefs, and perceived barriers and vocational interest variables of interest profile differentiation, consistency, and elevation significantly predicted foreclosure compared to achievement or diffusion. Specifically, male gender, less GSE, and less elevation predicted foreclosure compared to achievement. Male gender, less perceived barriers, less differentiation, and less consistency predicted foreclosure compared to diffusion. The initial developmental status was the strongest single predictor of later status. Implications for counseling practice are discussed.
Comparison of Using 360-degree Feedback in Evaluating on Education of Employees and Managers in the Czech Republic and English Speaking Countries
Authors: Stehlíková Jana
Published: July 2020

The thesis focuses on using a managerial instrument of 360-degree feedback while evaluating on managerial development. The main aim is to compare the use of this instrument in the Czech republic and in English speaking countries, which are home countries (especially USA) of 360-degree feedback. The thesis has also compared the frequency of using the method in English speaking countries and the main advantages and disadvantages, which are attributed to this instrument in the Czech Republic and in the USA, and other differencies. The branches, where 360- degree feedback is used, are also described in this article. The specifics of each country are described on an example for each country. The main outcome is identification of main resasons for 360-degree feedback being used more or less frequently in the Czech Republic than in English speaking countries.
Geragogy - the Third Pillar of Education Science
Authors: Határ Ctibor
Published: July 2020

The present scientific study, mostly of theoretical and methodological nature, is intended to penetrate into the near past (and present) of geragogy as a discipline and analyze briefly the process of creating the constitution and methodology in the area of Europe (with emphasis on the Czech and Slovak and German provenance). Emphasis is also placed on theoretical and methodological basis of the current geragogy, covering the subject of investigation, content, objectives and tasks, science-systemic geragogy anchor being a methodological and methodical basis of senior education in various spheres of their individual and social life.
The Personal Development of Wellness Practitioners in Lifelong Learning
Authors: Šauerová Markéta
Published: July 2020

As part of the lifelong learning of wellness practitioners we focus on professional training, paying attention to new trends and gaining experience with new techniques. The development of social skills is of the same importance as the personality development of the clients with whom the practitioner meets. The text deals with the areas of development of a professional in this branch. An emphasis has been placed, among others, on coaching as an important technique of encouraging and guiding the client, mastering the skills to work with the Positive Life Scenario as a necessary technique in supporting a client’s taking responsibility in his/her own way, and mastering the technique of Neuro-Linguistic Programming.
Sonographic features of anterior chest wall lesions detected on breast sonography in women: A pictorial essay
Authors: Jung Hyun Kyung
Published: July 2020

Although anterior chest wall lesions rarely occur and the associated imaging findings are nonspecific, various disease processes can affect the chest wall. It is important for radiologists to understand the anatomic relationship between the chest wall and breast and differentiate the tumor origin. This pictorial essay presents the sonographic features of various anterior chest wall lesions that were detected on breast ultrasonography.
A new method for accurate in vivo mapping of human brain connections using microstructural and anatomical information
Authors: Schiavi Simona , Ocampo-Pineda Mario , Barakovic Muhamed , Petit Laurent , Descoteaux Maxime , Thiran Jean-Philippe , Daducci Alessandro
Published: July 2020

A new method substantially improves the accuracy of mapped brain networks using anatomy and microstructure informed tractography.
Structural mechanism of two gain-of-function cardiac and skeletal RyR mutations at an equivalent site by cryo-EM
Authors: Iyer Kavita A. , Hu Yifan , Nayak Ashok R. , Kurebayashi Nagomi , Murayama Takashi , Samsó Montserrat
Published: July 2020

A single-point mutation situated 85 Å away from the RyR1 pore exerts a long-range allosteric effect visible by cryo-EM.
A supramolecular platform for controlling and optimizing molecular architectures of siRNA targeted delivery vehicles
Authors: Wen Yuting , Bai Hongzhen , Zhu Jingling , Song Xia , Tang Guping , Li Jun
Published: July 2020

A supramolecular platform has been demonstrated to be a powerful tool for screening efficient targeted gene delivery vehicles.
Activation of NRF2 ameliorates oxidative stress and cystogenesis in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Lu Yi , Sun Yongzhan , Liu Zhiheng , Lu Yumei , Zhu Xu , Lan Bingxue , Mi Zeyun , Dang Lin , Li Na , Zhan Wenlei , Tan Lu , Pi Jingbo , Xiong Hui , Zhang Lirong , Chen Yupeng
Published: July 2020

Pharmacological induction of NRF2 restores redox homeostasis and slows cystogenesis in mouse models of polycystic kidney disease.
Understanding sex-related differences in immune responses
Authors: Morris Gerald P.
Published: July 2020

Sex hormone–related changes in neutrophil responsiveness to interferons may underlie differences in immune responses.
Draft Genome Sequences of Lactobacillus plantarum Strain K03D08 and Acetobacter syzygii Strain K03D05, Isolated from a Kefir Beverage Collected in Chile
Authors: Dinamarca M. Alejandro , González-Pizarro Karoll , Ahumada Rebeca , Ibacache-Quiroga Claudia
Published: July 2020

Kefir is an ancestral food produced using microbial consortia whose composition varies depending on the geographical origin and the substrate used for fermentation. This dairy beverage is considered a probiotic food, and its consumption has been associated with several health benefits. This report describes the isolation of bacterial strains from Chilean kefir.
Detection of risk for depression among adolescents in diverse global settings: protocol for the IDEA qualitative study in Brazil, Nepal, Nigeria and the UK
Authors: Wahid Syed Shabab , Pedersen Gloria A. , Ottman Katherine , Burgess Abigail , Gautam Kamal , Martini Thais , Viduani Anna , Momodu Olufisayo , Lam Crystal , Fisher Helen L. , Kieling Christian , Adewuya Abiodun O , Mondelli Valeria , Kohrt Brandon A
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Globally, depression is a leading cause of disability among adolescents, and suicide rates are increasing among youth. Treatment alone is insufficient to address the issue. Early identification and prevention efforts are necessary to reduce morbidity and mortality. The Identifying Depression Early in Adolescence (IDEA) consortium is developing risk detection strategies that incorporate biological, psychological and social factors that can be evaluated in diverse global populations. In addition to epidemiological and neuroscience research, the IDEA consortium is conducting a qualitative study to explore three domains of inquiry: (1) cultural heterogeneity of biopsychosocial risk factors and lived experience of adolescent depression in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC); (2) the feasibility, acceptability and ethics of a risk calculator tool for adolescent depression that can be used in LMIC and high-income countries and (3) capacity for biological research into biomarkers for depression risk among adolescents in LMIC. This is a multisite qualitative study being conducted in Brazil, Nepal, Nigeria and the UK.

Methods and analysis

A systematic set of qualitative methods will be used in this study. The Delphi method, Theory of Change (ToC) workshops, key-informant interviews and focus group discussions will be used to elicit perspectives on the study topics from a broad range of stakeholders (adolescents, parents, policy-makers, teachers, health service providers, social workers and experts). Delphi panellists will participate in three survey rounds to generate consensus through facilitated feedback. Stakeholders will create ToC models via facilitated workshops in the LMIC sites. The framework approach will be used to analyse data from the study.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approvals were received from the Ethics Review Board of George Washington University and from site-specific institutions in Brazil, Nepal, Nigeria and the UK. The findings generated from this study will be reported in highly accessed, peer-reviewed, scientific and health policy journals.
Reducing paediatric overweight and obesity through motivational interviewing: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial in the AAP PROS research network
Authors: Wright Margaret E , Delacroix Emerson , Sonneville Kendrin R , Considine Shannon , Proctor Tim , Steffes Jennifer , Harris Donna , Shone Laura P , Woo Heide , Vaughan Roger , Grundmeier Robert W , Fiks Alexander G , Stockwell Melissa S , Resnicow Ken
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Primary care remains an underused venue for prevention and management of paediatric overweight and obesity. A prior trial demonstrated a significant impact of paediatrician/nurse practitioner (Ped/NP)-and registered dietitian (RD)-delivered motivational interviewing (MI) on child body mass index (BMI). The study described here will test the effectiveness of an enhanced version of this primary care-based MI counselling intervention on child BMI.

Methods and analysis

This cluster randomised effectiveness trial includes 24 Ped/NPs from 18 paediatric primary care practices that belong to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) national Pediatric Research in Office Settings (PROS) practice-based research network. To date, practices have been randomised (nine to intervention and nine to usual care). Intervention Ped/NPs have been trained in MI, behavioural therapy, billing/coding for weight management and study procedures. Usual care Ped/NPs received training in billing/coding and study procedures only. Children 3– 11 years old with BMI >the 85th percentile were identified via electronic health records (EHRs). Parents from intervention practices have been recruited and enrolled. Over about 2 years, these parents are offered approximately 10 MI-based counselling sessions (about four in person sessions with their child’s Ped/NP and up to six telephonic sessions with a trained RD). The primary outcome is change in child BMI (defined as per cent from median BMI for age and sex) over the study period. The primary comparison is between eligible children in intervention practices whose parents enrol in the study and all eligible children in usual care practices. Data sources will include EHRs, billing records, surveys and counselling call notes.

Ethics and dissemination

Institutional Review Board approval was obtained from the AAP. All Ped/NPs provided written informed consent, and intervention group parents provided consent and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) authorisation. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and appropriate AAP channels.

Trial registration number

NCT03177148; Pre-results.
Versatile cryogen-free cryostat for the electromagnetic characterization of superconducting radiofrequency coils
Authors: Saniour Isabelle , Geahel Michel , Briatico Javier , van der Beek Cornelis J. , Willoquet Georges , Jourdain Laurène , Baudouy Bertrand , Authelet Gilles , Ginefri Jean-Christophe , Darrasse Luc , Poirier-Quinot Marie
Published: July 2020

The use of high temperature superconducting (HTS) radio frequency (RF) coils in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) greatly improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in many biomedical applications and particularly in micro-MRI. However, a detailed understanding of the electrical behavior of HTS coils is important in order to optimize their performance through MR experiments. This paper presents a simple and versatile cryogen-free cryostat designed to characterize the RF properties of HTS coils prior to their use in MRI. The cryostat can be used at temperatures from 50 K to 300 K, with a control precision of approximately 3 mK at 70 K, and can measure the RF electrical power transmitted to an HTS coil over a range from 1 μW to 10 W. The quality factor and resonance frequency of the tested HTS coil are determined as a function of the temperature and the power it dissipates. This cryostat also permits the dynamic adjustment of the coil resonance frequency via temperature control. Finally, this study demonstrates that the HTS coil takes less than 12 μs to transit from the superconducting to the dissipative state, which is compatible with MRI requirements.
Production of monopole–antimonopole pairs in very intense but slowly varying magnetic field
Authors: Calucci Giorgio
Published: July 2020

The production of pairs of monopole–antimonopole in presence of extremely intense magnetic fields, is briefly investigated in the case where the magnetic field undergoes also a time variation. The possibility that similar conditions are realized, with a production of ordinary particles, was already considered for astrophysical phenomena, e.g. some phases of evolution of neutron stars.
Neutron star equations of state and their applications
Authors: Kim Myungkuk , Lee Chang-Hwan , Kim Young-Min , Kwak Kyujin , Lim Yeunhwan , Hyun Chang Ho
Published: July 2020

This paper reviews the properties of neutron stars based on the recent multi-messenger observations including electromagnetic waves from the low-mass X-ray binaries and gravitational waves from the merger of neutron star binaries. Based on these observations, we investigate theoretical models for dense nuclear matter and discuss their implications to the neutron star observations such as mass, radius, cooling, and tidal deformability. We also discuss the uncertainties in the neutron star cooling, neutron star properties with Bayesian approaches, and an expansion scheme applied to the nuclear energy density functional theory.
Subrings of a power set and clopen topologies
Authors: Ayache Ahmed , Echi Othman , Khalfallah Adel
Published: July 2020

The aim of this paper is twofold. First, to provide a characterization of clopen topologies. We show that a topology is clopen if and only if it is symmetric and Alexandroff. Second, to investigate when some special unitary subrings of a power set define a (clopen) topology.
Biomechanics Study of the Holding Power between Tendon and Suture Using Different Techniques
Authors: Liawrungrueang Wongthawat , Wongsiri Sunton
Published: July 2020

Background: The holding power of a repaired flexor tendon injury is related to surface sutures, suture material and different techniques. Nowadays, a barbed suture material offers the possibility of knotless flexor tendon repair but many hospitals use non-barbed suture materials. The purpose of this study was to compare a barbed suture material and a non-barbed suture material for primary stability under static loading and increased knots in the non-barbed suture material (knot technique) for increased holding power of tendons in animal testing.

Methods: Forty-five fresh porcine tendons were randomized into three groups: Group 1 (grasping technique group) used a four-strand core suture grasping a four-strand modified Kessler suture by non-barbed suture material [Non-absorbable monofilament polybutester 3–0] was used to repair the tendon with a surgical knot; in Group 2 (knot technique group) a four-strand core suture used the knot technique by non-barbed suture material [Non-absorbable monofilament polybutester 3–0] to repair the tendon with a continuous suture adding surgical knots in the same place as the surgical knot at the repair sites; and Group 3 (knotless technique group) used a four-strand core suture with the knotless technique in modified Kessler suture with barbed suture material [Non-absorbable monofilament polybutester 3–0] to repair the tendon without a knot. Our objective was to compare the ultimate tensile strength between the groups.

Results: The mean tensile strength was 30.38 ± 5.04 N for group 1, 41.71 ± 2.62 for group 2 and 47.53 ± 4.89 for the group 3. The ANOVA test revealed a significant difference among the various techniques (p < 0.05). The highest tensile strength was found in the knotless technique using barbed suture material group.

Conclusions: The knotless technique using barbed suture material demonstrated the highest tensile strength in suture repairs. The maximum tensile strength was significantly higher in this group.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Japanese Aged 50 to 89 Years
Authors: Hashimoto Shun , Ikegami Shota , Nishimura Hikaru , Uchiyama Shigeharu , Takahashi Jun , Kato Hiroyuki
Published: July 2020

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy worldwide, but there are few reports investigating its prevalence using subjects diagnosed by both clinical symptoms and nerve conduction studies (NCSs) in a population-based cohort. This study aimed to determine the epidemiology of CTS diagnosed by sensory disturbance findings and NCSs using a randomly sampled resident population.

Methods: Subjects aged between 50 and 89 years were randomly sampled from the basic resident registry of a rural Japanese town. Subjects indicating a history of CTS surgery in a written questionnaire were classified as having past CTS. Subjects with both sensory disturbance of the median nerve area and delays in NCSs were diagnosed as having present CTS. Subjects with past or present CTS were judged as affected with CTS. We calculated the prevalence of CTS and investigated for possible risk factors.

Results: Seventeen subjects (14 female and 3 male) were affected with CTS among 379 enrolled subjects. Adjusting these results to Japanese population values, the weighted prevalence of CTS was 4.7% (female: 7.2%, male: 1.8%) in the Japanese population aged 50 to 89 years. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between CTS and female, higher BMI, rheumatoid arthritis, and trigger digit. In females affected with CTS, third metacarpal length was significantly shorter than in those without CTS.

Conclusions: This epidemiological study clarified the prevalence of CTS among Japanese seniors as 4.7%. Female, higher BMI, rheumatoid arthritis, trigger digit, and shorter third metacarpal length in females were risk factors for CTS.
Prevalence of Flexor Carpi Radialis Brevis in Chinese Patients with Volar Wrist Plating Performed for Distal Radius Fracture
Authors: Cheng Bernadette Lok Yiu , Yau Edmund Leung Kai , Yip Norman Wai Chuen
Published: July 2020

Background: Volar locking plates were increasing popular as treatment of distal radius fractures. Various distal forearm anatomical variants were encountered during surgery. Flexor carpi radialis brevis (FCRB) was one of the most common and relevant anatomical variants because of its close proximity to fracture site.

Methods: This is a retrospective single-centre study. In a 3.5-year period from March 2015 to August 2018, 133 patients who suffered from distal radius fracture requiring volar wrist plating were identified. Operation records and clinical photos were reviewed. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year. Any complications were recorded.

Results: 9 patients with FCRB variant were identified. The prevalence was 6.8%. Hypoplastic pronator quadratus were found in 5 cases out of the 9 cases. None of these cases had any neurovascular injuries. No complications were noted during follow-up at 1 year.

Conclusions: In Chinese population with volar locking plate done for distal radius fracture, the prevalence of flexor carpi radialis brevis was 6.8%. Surgeons should be aware of the possibility of FCRB variant.