bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wind(ow) of Change: A Systematic Review of Policy Entrepreneurship Characteristics and Strategies
Authors: Frisch Aviram Neomi , Cohen Nissim , Beeri Itai
Published: April 2019

What lessons can we learn from 40 years of policy entrepreneurship scholarship on policy entrepreneurs’ strategies and defining characteristics? While scholars have offered important insights, many questions remain open. This article systematically reviews 229 articles that were published between 1984 and 2017. Our findings provide (i) an analysis of policy entrepreneurship characteristics by sector, policy domain, individual/group, government layer, and geographical spread, (ii) an empirically based identification and classification of policy entrepreneurship strategies, and (iii) a statistical analysis of the relationship between policy entrepreneurs’ characteristics and strategies. We conclude with an agenda for future studies that will continue to examine new theoretical approaches that advance our understanding of the role that individuals and small groups play in the policy process.
Association of multiple candidate genes with mild cognitive impairment in an elderly Chinese Uygur population in Xinjiang
Authors: Zou Ting , Chen Wei , Zhou Xiaohui , Duan Yali , Ying Xiuru , Liu Guili , Zhu Meisheng , Pari Abuliz , Alimu Kader , Miao Haijun , Kabinur Keyim , Zhang Lei , Wang Qinwen , Duan Shiwei
Published: April 2019

Background

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a high‐risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, we investigated the association of genetic polymorphisms of five genes (8‐oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1), bridging integrator 1 (BIN1), sortilin‐related receptor 1 (SORL1), presenilin 2 (PSEN2) and nerve growth factor (NGF)) with MCI risk in a Xinjiang Uygur population. We also tested the relationship between the promoter methylation of genes OGG1 and dihydrolipoamide S‐succinyltransferase (DLST) with MCI.

Methods

This study involved 43 MCI patients and 125 controls. Genotyping was done by Sanger sequencing. DNA methylation assays used quantitative methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction.

Results

We found that polymorphisms of five genes and the methylation of DLST and OGG1 genes were not associated with MCI (P > 0.05). Further subgroup analysis found that DLST hypomethylation was significantly associated with MCI in the carriers of apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 (P = 0.042). In the carriers of non‐APOE ε4, DLST methylation levels were significantly lower in the male control group than in the female control group (p = 0.04). Meanwhile, among the non‐APOE ε4 carriers younger than 75, OGG1 hypermethylation levels were significantly associated with MCI (P = 0.049). DLST methylation in female controls was significantly lower than that in male controls (P = 0.003). According to gender stratification, there was a significant positive correlation of fasting plasma glucose (FBG) and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) with OGG1 methylation in the female controls (FBG: P = 0.024; HDL: P = 0.033). There was a significant inverse correlation between low‐density lipoprotein and DLST methylation in male MCI (P = 0.033). There was a significant positive correlation between HDL and DLST methylation levels in the female controls (P = 0.000).

Conclusions

This study was the first to discover that DLST promoter methylation interacted with APOE ε4 and thus affected the pathogenesis of MCI. In addition, OGG1 promoter methylation interacted with several other factors to increase the risk of MCI.
Emerging respiratory infections threatening public health in the Asia‐Pacific region: A position paper of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology
Authors: Park Sunghoon , Park Ji Young , Song Yuanlin , How Soon Hin , Jung Ki‐Suck ,   on behalf of the Respiratory Infections Assembly of the APSR
Published: April 2019

In past decades, we have seen several epidemics of respiratory infections from newly emerging viruses, most of which originated in animals. These emerging infections, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV) and the pandemic influenza A(H1N1) and avian influenza (AI) viruses, have seriously threatened global health and the economy. In particular, MERS‐CoV and AI A(H7N9) are still causing infections in several areas, and some clustering of cases of A(H5N1) and A(H7N9) may imply future possible pandemics. Additionally, given the inappropriate use of antibiotics and international travel, the spread of carbapenem‐resistant Gram‐negative bacteria is also a significant concern. These infections with epidemic or pandemic potential present a persistent threat to public health and a huge burden on healthcare services in the Asia‐Pacific region. Therefore, to enable efficient infection prevention and control, more effective international surveillance and collaboration systems, in the context of the ‘One Health’ approach, are necessary.
HLA‐C*07:160, a novel HLA‐C*07 variant, detected in a Taiwanese hematopoietic stem cell donor
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: April 2019

One nucleotide replacement in codon 208 of HLA‐C*07:02:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐C*07:160.
Starting work as a doctor: challenge is essential
Authors: Williams Dougal , Ledger Alison
Published: April 2019

Background

Previous research on the transition from student to doctor has indicated that new doctors are ‘ill prepared’ to start work. Subsequent efforts to improve preparation in the UK have involved increasing practical experience for final‐year students through an assistantship period. This study further explored new doctors’ experiences of transition in light of recent critiques of preparedness and the first author's own experience of the transition.

Methods

A total of 11 Foundation Year 1 (FY1) doctors from West Yorkshire were recruited via e‐mail and snowballing methods. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews and analysed thematically, drawing on the knowledge and experience of the authors as a resource.

Findings

The interviews told a story of new doctors learning through challenge. Challenges were contextual, often occurring out of hours when new doctors were working more independently. These challenges were experienced as stressful at the time, but were also deemed to be necessary for personal and professional development. When aligned with the new doctor's starting job, assistantship was found to be helpful to new doctors becoming familiar with the new work environment and clinical staff; however, assistantship did not provide all of the solutions for the transition, as FY1s will always encounter challenges during this period.

… interviews told a story of new doctors learning through challenge

… challenges were experienced as stressful at the time, but were also deemed to be necessary for personal and professional development

… assistantship was found to be helpful … [but] did not provide all of the solutions

Conclusion

The transition will always be difficult and new doctors cannot be fully ‘prepared’ for it. Doctors will not be able to encounter every clinical scenario before starting work, and supported practice is necessary and inevitable. Although assistantship interventions are helpful, there should be equal emphasis on developing effective clinical supervision and addressing barriers to new doctors taking on challenges.

Doctors will not be able to encounter every clinical scenario before starting work
A natural long‐term annealing experiment for the zircon fission track system in the Songpan‐Garzê flysch, China
Authors: Rahn Meinert , Wang Hejing , Dunkl István
Published: April 2019

Application of the zircon fission track (FT) method to derive reliable cooling histories requires that rocks have undergone temperatures sufficient to reach full resetting prior to cooling. Zircons commonly show significant variation in accumulated radiation damage and therefore FT annealing behaviour. Twenty‐eight samples of mainly anchizonal to lowermost greenschist facies Triassic sandstones from the Songpan‐Garzê flysch, China, were evaluated for their FT annealing status. Literature data suggest a heating period in the range of 100 myr duration. Our results define a temperature range for partial FT annealing of 270–350°C (based on illite crystallinity data), higher than the proposed range for radiation‐damaged zircons. We suggest that the long residence at high temperature has led to annealing of relevant parts of radiation damage along with FT annealing, so that even for long durations of FT annealing, full resetting requires temperatures in the range of greenschist facies conditions typical for zero‐damage zircons.
Postmortem evaluation of renal tubular vacuolization in critically ill dogs
Authors: Schmid Sarah M. , Cianciolo Rachel E. , Drobatz Kenneth J. , Sanchez Melissa , Price Josh M. , King Lesley G.
Published: April 2019

Objective

To describe the frequency of renal tubular vacuolization (RTV) as a surrogate of osmotic nephrosis and assess hyperosmolar agents as predictors of RTV severity.

Design

Retrospective study (February 2004–October 2014).

Setting

Veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals

Fifty‐three client‐owned, critically ill dogs that had a postmortem examination.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

The frequency, severity, and location of RTV were determined in small group of critically ill dogs postmortem. Logistic regression was performed to assess cumulative 6% HES (670/0.75) and mannitol dose as predictors for RTV severity with presenting serum creatinine concentration, cumulative furosemide dose, and duration of hospitalization as covariates. RTV was noted in 45 (85%) of 53 critically ill dogs and was most commonly located to the medullary rays (68%). Cumulative 6% HES (670/0.75) dose (P = 0.009) and presenting serum creatinine concentration (P = 0.027) were significant predictors of RTV severity. For every 1 mL/kg increase in 6% HES (670/0.75) dose that a dog received, there was 1.6% increased chance of having more severe RTV (OR 1.016; 95% CI 1.004–1.029). In addition, for every 88.4 μmol/L (1 mg/dL) increase in presenting serum creatinine, there was a 22.7% increased chance of having more severe RTV (OR 1.227; 95% CI 1.023–1.472). Cumulative mannitol (P = 0.548) and furosemide (P = 0.136) doses were not significant predictors of RTV severity.

Conclusion

In a small group of critically ill dogs, there was a high frequency of RTV identified on postmortem examination. Administration of 6% HES (670/0.75) and presenting serum creatinine concentration were significant predictors of RTV severity. Larger prospective studies are needed to determine the etiology and significance of RTV in dogs.
Research of the Current Situation and Future Trend of Internet Small-Credit Companies in China—Take Chongqing as A Case Study
Authors: Qiu Weiguo
Published: April 2019

In recent years, Internet finance has developed rapidly in China, benefiting from China's political, economic, social and technological environment. Taking Chongqing as an example, this paper analyses the current situation and the reasons behind the development of Chongqing Internet Microfinance Company, combining with the existing literature at home and abroad, as well as many excellent and enterprise cases such as Alibaba, Suning, Xiaomi, Jingdong, Baidu and so on. At the same time, it puts forward some thoughts on the future development of Internet microfinance companies.
Computational Fluid Dynamic Modeling to Determine the Resistance Coefficient of a Saturated Steam Flow in 90 Degree Elbows for High Reynolds Number
Authors: López-López Juan C. , Salinas-Vázquez Martín , Verma Mahendra P. , Vicente William , Galindo-García Iván F.
Published: April 2019

The pressure drop in 90 deg elbows under the operating conditions of geothermal power plants in Mexico is studied using the computational fluid dynamics model. The elbow resistance coefficient was calculated for a steam flow with high Reynolds numbers (1.66–5.81 × 106) and different curvature ratios (1, 1.5, and 2). The simulations were carried out with the commercial software ANSYScfx, which considered the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) compressible equations and the renormalization group (RNG) k–ε turbulence model. First, the methodology was validated by comparing the numerical results (velocity and pressure) with published data of airflow (25 °C, 0.1 MPa) with high Reynolds numbers. Then, scenarios with different diameters (0.3–1.0 m) and conditions of the working fluid (0.8–1.2 MPa) were simulated to obtain velocity, pressure, density, and temperature profiles along the pipeline. The temperature and density gradients combined with the compressible effects achieved in the 90 deg elbows modified the flow separation, pressure drop, and resistance coefficient. Based on the resistance coefficient, factors were generated for a new equation, which was integrated into Geosteam.Net to calculate the pressure drop in a pipeline at the Los Azufres geothermal power plant. The difference with the data measured by a pressure transducer was 7.59%, while the equations developed for water or air showed differences between 11.23% and 45.22%.
Numerical Simulation on Pump Transient Characteristic in a Model Pump Turbine
Authors: Li Deyou , Qin Yonglin , Zuo Zhigang , Wang Hongjie , Liu Shuhong , Wei Xianzhu
Published: April 2019

Pump performance characteristics of pump turbines in transient processes are significantly different from those in steady processes. In the present paper, transient processes of a flow rate that increased and decreased in the pump mode of a model pump turbine were simulated through unsteady simulations using the shear stress transport (SST) k–ω turbulence model. The numerical results reveal that there is a larger hysteresis loop in the performance characteristics of the increasing and decreasing directions of the flow rate compared with those of steady results. Detailed discussions are carried out to determine the generation mechanism of obvious hysteresis characteristics using the methods of entropy production and continuous wavelet analysis. Analyses show that the states of the backflow at the draft tube outlet and the vortices in the impeller and guide/stay vanes are promoted or suppressed owing to the acceleration and deceleration of the fluid. This contributes to the difference in pump performance characteristics of the pump turbine.
Noise edge pitch and models of pitch perception
Authors: Hartmann William M. , Cariani Peter A. , Colburn H. Steven
Published: April 2019

Monaural noise edge pitch (NEP) is evoked by a broadband noise with a sharp falling edge in the power spectrum. The pitch is heard near the spectral edge frequency but shifted slightly into the frequency region of the noise. Thus, the pitch of a lowpass (LP) noise is matched by a pure tone typically 2%–5% below the edge, whereas the pitch of highpass (HP) noise is matched a comparable amount above the edge. Musically trained listeners can recognize musical intervals between NEPs. The pitches can be understood from a temporal pattern-matching model of pitch perception based on the peaks of a simplified autocorrelation function. The pitch shifts arise from limits on the autocorrelation window duration. An alternative place-theory approach explains the pitch shifts as the result of lateral inhibition. Psychophysical experiments using edge frequencies of 100 Hz and below find that LP-noise pitches exist but HP-noise pitches do not. The result is consistent with a temporal analysis in tonotopic regions outside the noise band. LP and HP experiments with high-frequency edges find that pitch tends to disappear as the edge frequency approaches 5000 Hz, as expected from a timing theory, though exceptional listeners can go an octave higher.
A lumped-element model of the chinchilla middle ear
Authors: Bowers Peter , Rosowski John J.
Published: April 2019

An air-conduction circuit model was developed for the chinchilla middle ear and cochlea. The lumped-element model is based on the classic Zwislocki model of the same structures in human. Model parameters were fit to various measurements of chinchilla middle-ear transfer functions and impedances, using a combination of error-minimization-driven computer-automated and manual fitting methods. The measurements used to fit the model comprise a newer, more-extensive data set than previously used, and include measurements of stapes velocity and inner-ear sound pressure within the vestibule and the scala tympani near the round window. The model is in agreement with studies of the effects of middle-ear cavity holes in experiments that require access to the middle-ear air space. The structure of the model allows easy addition of other sources of auditory stimulation, e.g., the multiple sources of bone-conducted sound—the long-term goal for the model's development—and mechanical stimulation of the ossicles and round window.
Wetland Sediments Host Diverse Microbial Taxa Capable of Cycling Alcohols
Authors: Dalcin Martins Paula , Frank Jeroen , Mitchell Hugh , Markillie Lye Meng , Wilkins Michael J.
Published: April 2019

Understanding patterns of organic matter degradation in wetlands is essential for identifying the substrates and mechanisms supporting greenhouse gas production and emissions from wetlands, the main natural source of methane in the atmosphere. Alcohols are common fermentation products but are poorly studied as key intermediates in organic matter degradation in wetlands. By investigating genes, pathways, and microorganisms potentially accounting for the high concentrations of ethanol and isopropanol measured in Prairie Pothole wetland sediments, this work advanced our understanding of alcohol fermentations in wetlands linked to extremely high greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the novel alcohol dehydrogenases and microbial taxa potentially involved in alcohol metabolism may serve biotechnological efforts in bioengineering commercially valuable alcohol production and in the discovery of novel isopropanol producers or isopropanol fermentation pathways.
Extragenital Screening Is Essential for Comprehensive Detection of
Chlamydia trachomatis
and
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Uprety Priyanka , Cárdenas Ana María
Published: April 2019

Chlamydia trachomatis
and
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
are the two most common causes of sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Studies in adults, mostly in men who have sex with men, have shown that the prevalence of
C. trachomatis
and
N. gonorrhoeae
infections is much higher in extragenital sources compared to urogenital sources.
The CCCTC Binding Factor, CTRL2, Modulates Heterochromatin Deposition and the Establishment of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Latency
In Vivo
Authors: Washington Shannan D. , Singh Pankaj , Johns Richard N. , Edwards Terri G. , Mariani Michael , Frietze Seth , Bloom David C. , Neumann Donna M.
Published: April 2019

It is becoming increasingly clear that chromatin insulators play a key role in the transcriptional control of DNA viruses. The gammaherpesviruses Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) utilize chromatin insulators to order protein recruitment and dictate the formation of three-dimensional DNA loops that spatially control transcription and latency. The contribution of chromatin insulators in alphaherpesvirus transcriptional control is less well understood. The work presented here begins to bridge that gap in knowledge by showing how one insulator site in HSV-1 modulates lytic gene transcription and heterochromatin deposition as the HSV-1 genome establishes latency.
Uncultured Microbial Phyla Suggest Mechanisms for Multi-Thousand-Year Subsistence in Baltic Sea Sediments
Authors: Bird Jordan T. , Tague Eric D. , Zinke Laura , Schmidt Jenna M. , Steen Andrew D. , Reese Brandi , Marshall Ian P. G. , Webster Gordon , Weightman Andrew , Castro Hector F. , Campagna Shawn R. , Lloyd Karen G.
Published: April 2019

Much of life on Earth exists in a very slow-growing state, with microbes from deeply buried marine sediments representing an extreme example. These environments are like natural laboratories that have run multi-thousand-year experiments that are impossible to perform in a laboratory. We borrowed some techniques that are commonly used in laboratory experiments and applied them to these natural samples to make hypotheses about how these microbes subsist for so long at low activity. We found that some methods for stabilizing proteins and nucleic acids might be used by many members of the community. We also found evidence for niche differentiation strategies, and possibly cross-feeding, suggesting that even though they are barely growing, complex ecological interactions continue to occur over ultralong timescales.
Mast Cell Cytonemes as a Defense Mechanism against Coxiella burnetii
Authors: Mezouar Soraya , Vitte Joana , Gorvel Laurent , Ben Amara Amira , Desnues Benoit , Mege Jean-Louis
Published: April 2019

Mast cells (MCs) are found in tissues that are in close contact with external environment, such as skin, lungs, or intestinal mucosa but also in the placenta during pregnancy. If their role in mediating allergic conditions is established, several studies now highlight their importance during infection with extracellular pathogens. This study showed a new and effective antimicrobial mechanism of MCs againstCoxiella burnetii, an intracellular bacterium whose infection during pregnancy is associated with abortion, preterm labor, and stillbirth. The data reveal that in response toC. burnetii, MCs release extracellular actin filaments that contain antimicrobial agents and are capable to trap and kill bacteria. We show that this mechanism is dependent on the cooperation of two membrane receptors, CD36 and Toll-like receptor 4, and may occur in the placenta during pregnancy by usingex vivoplacental MCs. Overall, this study reports an unexpected role for MCs during infection with intracellular bacteria and suggests that MC response toC. burnetiiinfection is a protective defense mechanism during pregnancy.
Stable and Highly Immunogenic MicroRNA-Targeted Single-Dose Live Attenuated Vaccine Candidate against Tick-Borne Encephalitis Constructed Using Genetic Backbone of Langat Virus
Authors: Tsetsarkin Konstantin A. , Maximova Olga A. , Liu Guangping , Kenney Heather , Teterina Natalya L. , Pletnev Alexander G.
Published: April 2019

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is one of the most medically important tick-borne pathogens of the Old World. Despite decades of active research, efforts to develop of TBEV live attenuated virus (LAV) vaccines with acceptable safety and immunogenicity characteristics have not been successful. Here we report the development and evaluation of a highly attenuated and immunogenic microRNA-targeted TBEV LAV.
Trisomy 21 in both fetuses in a DCDA twin pregnancy
Authors: Ong Jiawen , Gosavi Arundhati , Biswas Arijit , Choolani Mahesh
Published: April 2019

A woman’s chances of having a child with Down syndrome increases with age. By age 40, the risk of conceiving a child with Down syndrome is about 1 in 100. We report a rare case of dizygotic dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy conceived via in vitro fertilisation, with both twins having trisomy 21. Both fetuses were independently detected to be at high risk of autosomal trisomy, initially via first-trimester screening and subsequently via invasive definitive diagnostic tests (ie, chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis).

Diagnosis of trisomy 21 has to be made via initial non-invasive prenatal screening, followed by further rigorous and accurate invasive pregnancy testing for confirmation. The gravity of the results necessitates high detection rates and high specificity of prenatal screening tests. Management of the patient must be multidisciplinary and supportive in nature, involving extensive and non-directive pregnancy counselling and management, genetic counselling and management of psychological distress.
Necessity of transnasal gastroscopy in routine diagnostics: a patient-centred requirement analysis
Authors: Schuldt Anna-Livia , Kirsten Holger , Tuennemann Jan , Heindl Mario , van Bommel Florian , Feisthammel Juergen , Hollenbach Marcus , Hoffmeister Albrecht
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Numerous indications require regular upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (oesophagogastroduodenoscopy; EGD) in outpatients. In most cases, peroral gastroscopy is performed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the need of transnasal gastroscopy (nEGD) in outpatients.

Methods

A questionnaire was used to assess patients’ preferred choice of method, previous experience with EGD, psychological aspects and sociodemographic data. Furthermore, patient satisfaction with and potentially perceived discomfort during the examination as well as preference for a method in regard to future examinations was evaluated.

Results

From September 2016 to March 2017, a total of 283 outpatients at endoscopy of the University Hospital of Leipzig were approached to participate in the study. 196 patients were eligible, of whom 116 (60%) chose nEGD. For 87 patients (87/283, 31%) nEGD had to be excluded for medical reasons. The average age in the total sample was 53 (±17) years. 147 (77%) have had previous experience with peroral EGD (oEGD). Of the nEGD examined patients 83% were fairly up to extremely satisfied with the procedure. Satisfaction significantly predicted the choice of future EGD examinations. Nasal pain experienced during nEGDs was associated with rejection of nEGD in further EGD examinations (p<0.01). Patients who did choose a specific procedure were more likely to select the same procedure as their future preference (χ²= 73.6, df=1, p<0.001); this preference was unaffected by the procedure that had been chosen previously (reselecting nEGD: 84%, oEGD: 89%, p=0.874).

Conclusion

nEGD without sedation is a viable alternative. Patient satisfaction with nEGD is high, and reselection rate for nEGD is similar to that for oEGD. As a result of this study nEGD is now offered as a routine procedure at the University of Leipzig.

Trial registration number

NCT03663491.
Is the elimination of ‘sleeping sickness’ affordable? Who will pay the price? Assessing the financial burden for the elimination of human African trypanosomiasisTrypanosoma brucei gambiensein sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Sutherland C Simone , Tediosi Fabrizio
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Programme to eliminate neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) have gained global recognition, and may allow for improvements to universal health coverage and poverty alleviation. It is hoped that elimination of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT)Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (Tbg) would assist in this goal, but the financial costs are still unknown. The objective of this analysis was to forecast the financial burden of direct costs of HATTbgto funders and society.

Methods

In order to estimate the total costs to health services and individuals: (1) potential elimination programmes were defined; (2) the direct costs of programmes were calculated; (3) the per case out-of-pocket payments (OOPs) by programme and financial risk protection indicators were estimated. The total estimated costs for control and elimination programme were reported up till 2020 in international dollars. The mean results for both direct programme costs and OOPs were calculated and reported along with 95% CIs.

Results

Across sub-Saharan Africa, HATTbgmaintaining ‘Control’ would lead to a decline in cases and cost US$630.6 million. In comparison, the cost of ‘Elimination’ programme ranged from US$410.9 million to US$1.2 billion. Maintaining ‘Control’ would continue to cause impoverishment and financial hardship to households; while all ‘Elimination’ programme would lead to significant reductions in poverty.

Conclusion

Overall, the total costs of either control or elimination programme would be near US$1 billion in the next decade. However, only elimination programme will reduce the number of cases and improve financial risk protection for households who are impacted by HATTbg.
International normative data for paediatric foot posture assessment: a cross-sectional investigation
Authors: Gijon-Nogueron Gabriel , Martinez-Nova Alfonso , Alfageme-Garcia Pilar , Montes-Alguacil Jesus , Evans Angela Margaret
Published: April 2019

Objectives

The foot posture index (FPI) is an observational tool designed to measure the position of the foot. The objective of this study was to establish international reference data for foot posture across childhood, and influence of body mass index (BMI) on paediatric foot posture.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting and participants

The dataset comprised 3217 healthy children, aged from 3 to 15 years. Contributing data were acquired from Spain, UK and Australia.

Interventions

Foot posture was described by means and z-score of the FPI and the height and weight of each subject was measured and the BMI was calculated.

Results

The foot posture of 3217 children were reviewed. A pronated (FPI ≥+6) foot posture was found in 960 (29.8%) children, a normal (FPI 0 to +6) foot posture in 1776 (55.2%) and a highly pronated (FPI +10) foot posture was found in 127 children (3.9%) (range −4 to +12 FPI). Less than 11% were found to have a supinated foot type (n=354). Approximately 20% of children were overweight/obese, but correlation between BMI and FPI was weak and inverse (r=−0.066, p<0.01), refuting the relationship between increased body mass and flatfeet.

Conclusions

This study confirms that the ‘flat’ or pronated foot is the common foot posture of childhood, with FPI score of +4 (3) the average finding. Trend indicated a less flatfoot with age, although non-linear. A wide normal range of foot posture across childhood is confirmed.
Involving the general practitioner during curative cancer treatment: a systematic review of health care interventions
Authors: Perfors Ietje A A , May Anne M , Boeijen Josi A , de Wit Niek J , van der Wall Elsken , Helsper Charles W
Published: April 2019

Objective

The role of primary care providers (PCP) in the cancer care continuum is expanding. In the post-treatment phase, this role is increasingly recognised by policy makers and healthcare professionals. During treatment, however, the role of PCP remains largely undefined. This systematic review aims to map the content and effect of interventions aiming to actively involve the general practitioner (GP) during cancer treatment with a curative intent.

Study design

Systematic review.

Participants

Patients with cancer treated with curative intent.

Data sources

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials (CCT), controlled before and after studies and interrupted time series focusing on interventions designed to involve the GP during curative cancer treatment were systematically identified from PubMed and EMBASE and were subsequently reviewed. Risk of bias was scored according to the Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Group risk of bias criteria.

Results

Five RCTs and one CCT were included. Interventions and effects were heterogeneous across studies. Four studies implemented interventions focussing on information transfer to the GP and two RCTs implemented patient-tailored GP interventions. The studies have a low–medium risk of bias. Three studies show a low uptake of the intervention. A positive effect on patient satisfaction with care was found in three studies. Subgroup analysis suggests a reduction of healthcare use in elderly patients and reduction of clinical anxiety in those with higher mental distress. No effects are reported on patients’ quality of life (QoL).

Conclusion

Interventions designed to actively involve the GP during curative cancer treatment are scarce and diverse. Even though uptake of interventions is low, results suggest a positive effect of GP involvement on patient satisfaction with care, but not on QoL. Additional effects for vulnerable subgroups were found. More robust evidence for tailored interventions is needed to enable the efficient and effective involvement of the GP during curative cancer treatment.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018102253.
Implementing a digital clinical decision support tool for side effects of antipsychotics: a focus group study
Authors: Henshall Catherine , Cipriani Andrea , Ruvolo David , Macdonald Orla , Wolters Leona , Koychev Ivan
Published: April 2019

Background

In medicine, algorithms can inform treatment decisions by combining the most up-to-date evidence about side effect profiles of medications, which are comparable in efficacy. Their use provides opportunities for improved shared clinician–patient decision-making when initiating therapy. We designed a decision support tool (DST) that incorporated the latest evidence regarding antipsychotic side effects. The tool allowed patients to select one side effect commonly associated with antipsychotics that they wished to avoid; the tool then provided a list of suggested medications and ones to avoid.

Objective

To explore qualitatively the acceptability and usefulness of the DST from the perspectives of patients and psychiatrists.

Methods

This qualitative study took place at a mental health and community hospital in Oxford, UK, in 2018. Four patients/carers and four psychiatrists were recruited to two focus groups to explore their perceptions of the tool. Data were thematically analysed.

Findings

Findings demonstrated a high degree of acceptability and potential usability of the DST for patients and psychiatrists. The main themes to emerge relating to the DST were ‘prescribing preferences and practices’, ‘consideration and awareness of side effects’, ‘app content, layout and accessibility’, ‘influence on clinical practice’ and ‘role in decision-making’.

Conclusions

A proof-of-concept clinical study will incorporate the recommendations produced from the findings into the tool’s design.

Clinical implications

Digital DSTs provide opportunities for the most up-to-date information on medication side effects to be used as the basis for shared clinician–patient decision-making. This tool has the potential to improve adherence to psychiatric medication, with benefits to clinical outcomes and healthcare resourcing.
Factors controlling seed dormancy and germination response of Brachypodium hybridum growing in the hot arid mountains of the Arabian Desert
Authors: Elgabra Masarra , El-Keblawy Ali , Mosa Kareem A. , Soliman Sameh
Published: April 2019

Seed dormancy and germination have been studied in the genetic model Brachypodium species complex in cooler, moist higher latitudes. Studying environmental factors in arid mountains affecting dormancy and germination in Brachypodium complex could determine the factors controlling these processes. This study assesses the impacts of temperature during seed maturation, seed after-ripening, drought, photoperiod, and thermoperiod on final germination and germination rate index of B. hybridum in the Arabian Desert. Seeds were germinated under dark or light conditions and under different ratios of red:far-red light, with three diurnal thermoperiods. The final germination percentage was significantly greater at 15/25 °C and 20/30 °C than at 25/35 °C and in light rather than in darkness. Seeds that reached maturity at 15/25 °C attained greater germination rates and faster germination than those that reached maturity at 20/30 °C. One-year after-ripening enhanced the final germination percentage and reduced photoperiod requirements. Light quality did not affect final germination percentage. The seeds tolerated drought of up to –0.8 MPa polyethylene glycol. The tolerance of B. hybridum seeds produced at higher thermoperiods to moderate levels of osmotic stress and their higher dormancy indicate that this species has the potential to survive the projected global warming in its native and introduced ranges.
Field effect transistor behavior of Bi2Se3nanostructure prepared by laser ablation
Authors: Koinkar Pankaj , Ohsumi Yu , Furube Akihiro , Murai Kei-Ichiro , Moriga Toshihiro , Bodkhe Gajanan , Shirsat Mahendra D.
Published: April 2019

A new class of emerging materials known as topological insulators (TIs), such as bismuth selenide [Formula: see text], has an insulating band gap in the bulk and gapless surface state protected by its intrinsic time-reversal symmetry. These TI materials have attracted great attention because of their possible prospects in electrical and optical applications. In this work, we have prepared the [Formula: see text] nanostructure using the nanosecond (ns) pulse laser ablation in liquid environment to study the field effect transistor behavior. After the laser ablation, [Formula: see text] nanostructures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-visible spectroscopy to reveal the surface morphology and structural information. The field effect transistor (FET) has been fabricated using [Formula: see text] nanostructure by drop casting [Formula: see text] suspension between two gold electrodes having a gap of 3 [Formula: see text]m on [Formula: see text] substrate and tested for FET at various gate voltages. The SEM clearly shows the formation of [Formula: see text] nanoparticles of different size varying from 20 nm to 30 nm after the ns laser ablation treatment. This result is supported by UV-visible spectra, as indicated by the enhancement in absorption band. The experimental results showed that charge conduction due to electrons as charge carriers were possible in [Formula: see text] nanoparticle FET. This work provides another approach to use [Formula: see text] nanoparticle FET for the applications in optoelectronic devices.
Service Supplier Selection Decision Based on Dempster–Shafer Synthesis Rule
Authors: Zhang Rongyao , Wang Kan , Chen Chen
Published: April 2019

Service supplier selection is a multi-criteria decision-making problem and becomes incredibly profound as it helps to reduce cost to the bottom line. According to the unique characteristics of the service supply chain and service, we summed up the service provider’s evaluation criteria, and then deeply profile the basic principles of the Dempster–Shafer synthesis rule. Finally, there is a case to show that the Dempster–Shafer synthesis rule is efficient as it can guarantee that the multi-criteria evaluation could find accurate and effective service providers on the service supply chain, and it also helps the service business decision-maker.
Biophysical Techniques in Structural Biology
Authors: Dobson Christopher M.
Published: April 2019

Over the past six decades, steadily increasing progress in the application of the principles and techniques of the physical sciences to the study of biological systems has led to remarkable insights into the molecular basis of life. Of particular significance has been the way in which the determination of the structures and dynamical properties of proteins and nucleic acids has so often led directly to a profound understanding of the nature and mechanism of their functional roles. The increasing number and power of experimental and theoretical techniques that can be applied successfully to living systems is now ushering in a new era of structural biology that is leading to fundamentally new information about the maintenance of health, the origins of disease, and the development of effective strategies for therapeutic intervention. This article provides a brief overview of some of the most powerful biophysical methods in use today, along with references that provide more detailed information about recent applications of each of them.

In addition, this article acts as an introduction to four authoritative reviews in this volume. The first shows the ways that a multiplicity of biophysical methods can be combined with computational techniques to define the architectures of complex biological systems, such as those involving weak interactions within ensembles of molecular components. The second illustrates one aspect of this general approach by describing how recent advances in mass spectrometry, particularly in combination with other techniques, can generate fundamentally new insights into the properties of membrane proteins and their functional interactions with lipid molecules. The third reviewdemonstrates the increasing power of rapidly evolving diffraction techniques, employing the very short bursts of X-rays of extremely high intensity that are now accessible as a result of the construction of free-electron lasers, in particular to carry out time-resolved studies of biochemical reactions. The fourth describes in detail the application of such approaches to probe the mechanism of the light-induced changes associated with bacteriorhodopsin's ability to convert light energy into chemical energy.
Emotional Processing Impairments in Apathetic Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: An ERP Study in Early Time Windows
Authors: Wei Wei , Ruan Jianghai , Duan Xiaodong , Luo Hua
Published: April 2019

We investigated emotional processing in apathetic patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) by observing components of event-related potentials (ERPs) in early time windows. Forty PD patients and 21 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. The Starkstein Apathy Scale (SAS) was used to divide the PD patients into apathetic and nonapathetic groups. Cognitive function was evaluated by the forward and backward Digit Span tests, Trail Making Test (TMT), and Word Fluency Test. The participants were required to recognize positive, neutral, and negative emotional faces and engage in an emotion categorization task while EEG was recorded. The time to completion for the TMT (Part A and Part B) from highest to lowest was in the order of apathetic group > nonapathetic group > HC group. Compared with the nonapathetic and HC groups, in the apathetic group, P100 amplitudes were smaller for positive expressions in the right hemisphere and latencies were longer for positive expressions in the left hemisphere, while latencies were longer for neutral expressions bilaterally. Compared with the nonapathetic group, in the apathetic group, N170 amplitudes were attenuated and latencies were delayed for neutral and negative expressions in the right hemisphere. A trend towards larger N170 amplitudes in the right hemisphere than in the left was observed in the nonapathetic and HC groups, but this difference was not significant in the apathetic group. In the apathetic group, bilateral P100 amplitudes elicited by negative expressions were negatively correlated with SAS scores, and SAS scores were positively correlated with Part B of the TMT. N170 amplitudes elicited by negative expressions in the right hemisphere were negatively correlated with SAS in the apathetic group and with Part B of TMT in both PD groups. Our findings suggested that emotional processing was impaired in apathetic PD patients and that the right hemisphere was more sensitive to reflecting this impairment in the early time windows of ERPs.
A New Soil-Water Characteristic Curve Model for Unsaturated Loess Based on Wetting-Induced Pore Deformation
Authors: Zhang Yuwei , Song Zhanping , Weng Xiaolin , Xie Yongli
Published: April 2019

The soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) is the basis for describing seepage, strength, and constitutive model of unsaturated soil. The existing SWCC models do not work accurately for evaluating loess, because they do not consider the pore deformation that is induced by wetting. The present study develops a new SWCC model for unsaturated loess. The model considers the effect of wetting-induced pore deformation (WIPD) on the SWCC. The new model includes 6 parameters, which could be confirmed by laboratory tests. The pore volume function (PVF) was described by the WIPD. The shift factor ξ1i and the compression factor ξ2i were introduced into the model. The relationship between the void ratio e and ξ1i and ξ2i was established using the average pore radius. The new SWCC model for saturated loess was improved based on the classical van Genuchten (V-G) model. If the WIPD had not been considered, the new model would regress into the classical V-G model. SWCC tests of unsaturated loess with different void ratios were carried out to verify the new model. The model parameters were calibrated in the original state, and the SWCCs of different void ratios were predicted by the new model and found to be in good agreement with the test results.
Dual-Frequency Miniaturized Substrate Integrated Waveguide Quarter-Mode Cavity-Backed Antenna Based on Minkowski Fractal Gap with Orthogonal Polarization Radiation Characteristics
Authors: Fu Zihao , Zhang Tianliang , Lan You , Wu Tianhai , Huang Wenxing , He Leilei
Published: April 2019

A novel quarter-mode substrate integrated waveguide miniaturized cavity-backed antenna loading Minkowski fractal gap is presented in this paper. Firstly, the resonant frequency of the rectangular substrate integrated waveguide resonator is reduced by etching the fractal gap in the resonator to achieve miniaturization. In addition, because of the symmetry of electric field distribution in second and third order resonant modes, the cavity can be segmented into a quarter-mode and the other order resonance modes with asymmetric electric field distribution can be suppressed according to the cavity model theory. Hence, the cavity size is further reduced. The dimension of designed antenna is 0.26λ0×0.26λ0 (λ0 is the wavelength in free space; in this paper, the corresponding wavelength is 3.6 GHz). Moreover, the orthogonal polarization of the proposed antenna in two frequency bands is achieved because the electric field is orthogonal in second and third order resonant modes. This dual-frequency orthogonal polarization characteristic enables antenna to communicate in two working bands and has good channel isolation. The simulated and measured results are consistent. The antenna gain is 4.67dBi and 3.4dBi, respectively, at 3.7GHz and 4.6GHz.
Induction Heating and Healing Behaviors of Asphalt Concretes Doped with Different Conductive Additives
Authors: Li Hechuan , Yu Jianying , Liu Quantao , Li Yuanyuan , Wu Yaqi , Xu Haiqin
Published: April 2019

It is consensual that the self-healing property of asphalt concrete can repair the damage inside it during high temperature and rest period. In order to not affect the traffic, the rest period of asphalt pavement is very short and uncontrollable; so, it is necessary to obtain enough high temperature in a limited time to achieve higher healing efficiency of asphalt concrete. The purpose of this paper is to study the induction heating efficiency and healing behaviors of asphalt concretes doped with different conductive additives. Steel fiber, steel grit, and steel slag were added to asphalt mixtures as conductive additives to prepare induction healing asphalt concretes. The steel grit and steel slag were added to replace the aggregates of corresponding particle size by equal volume to ensure the consistency of asphalt concrete volume, which can avoid degrading the performance of asphalt concrete due to the change of porosity. The induction heating efficiency and healing rate of asphalt concrete were quantified by infrared camera and three-point bending-healing experiment, respectively. The results showed that the thermal properties of asphalt concrete changed with the addition of different conductive additives. The asphalt concrete with steel fiber had the best induction heating property. While steel slag had extremely weak induction heating speed, the better thermal insulation property of the asphalt concrete with steel slag resulted in a higher induction healing rate. It was suggested to add steel slag to induction healing asphalt concrete to improve the healing rate.