bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative performance of novel self‐sampling methods in detecting high‐risk human papillomavirus in 30,130 women not attending cervical screening
Authors: Bosgraaf Remko P. , Verhoef Viola M.J. , Massuger Leon F.A.G. , Siebers Albert G. , Bulten Johan , de Kuyper‐de Ridder Gabriëlle M. , Meijer Chris J.M. , Snijders Peter J.F. , Heideman Daniëlle A.M. , IntHout Joanna , van Kemenade Folkert J. , Melchers Willem J.G. , Bekkers Ruud L.M.
Published: June 2014

We determined whether the participation rate for a brush‐based cervicovaginal self‐sampling device is noninferior to the participation rate for a lavage‐based one for testing for hrHPV (high‐risk human papillomavirus). Additionally, positivity rates for hrHPV, the detection rates for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 2 and 3 or worse (CIN2+/3+), and user comfort were compared. A total of 35,477 non‐responders of the regular cervical screening program aged 33–63 years were invited to participate. Eligible women (n = 30,130) were randomly assigned to receive either a brush‐based or a lavage‐based device, and a questionnaire for reporting user convenience. Self‐sampling responders testing hrHPV‐positive were invited for a physician‐taken sample for cytology; triage‐positive women were referred for colposcopy. A total of 5,218 women participated in the brush‐based sampling group (34.6%) and 4809 women in the lavage‐based group (31.9%), i.e. an absolute difference of 2.7% (95%CI 1.8–4.2). The hrHPV‐positivity rates in the two groups were identical (8.3%, relative risk (RR) 0.99, 95%CI 0.87–1.13). The detection of CIN2+ and CIN3+ in the brush group (2.0% for CIN2+; 1.3% for CIN3+) was similar to that in the lavage group (1.9% for CIN2+; 1.0% for CIN3+) with a cumulative RR of 1.01, 95%CI 0.83–1.24 for CIN2+ and 1.25, 95%CI 0.92–1.70 for CIN3+. The two self‐sampling devices performed similarly in user comfort. In conclusion, offering a brush‐based device to non‐responders is noninferior to offering a lavage‐based device in terms of participation. The two self‐sampling methods are equally effective in detecting hrHPV, CIN2+/CIN3+ and are both well accepted.
Estimating Causal Impacts of School Counselors With Regression Discontinuity Designs
Authors: Hurwitz Michael , Howell Jessica
Published: June 2014

This article presents a causal regression discontinuity framework for quantifying the impact of high school counselors on students’ education outcomes. To demonstrate this method, the authors used data from the National Center for Education Statistics’ Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS). Using high school counselor staffing counts and 4‐year college‐going rates collected through the SASS, the authors found that an additional high school counselor is predicted to induce a 10 percentage point increase in 4‐year college enrollment.
The Efficacy of Child Parent Relationship Therapy for Adopted Children With Attachment Disruptions
Authors: Carnes‐Holt Kara , Bratton Sue C.
Published: June 2014

This pilot study examined the effectiveness of child parent relationship therapy (CPRT; Landreth & Bratton, ) with 61 adoptive families. Statistically significant findings and large treatment effects on all measures indicated the effectiveness of CPRT over the wait‐list control condition on reducing child behavior problems and increasing parental empathy. The results provide preliminary support for CPRT as a responsive intervention for adoptive families with children presenting with attachment difficulties.
20/20: A Vision for the Future of Counseling: The New Consensus Definition of Counseling
Authors: Kaplan David M. , Tarvydas Vilia M. , Gladding Samuel T.
Published: June 2014

With the promulgation of the 20/20: A Vision for the Future of Counseling consensus definition of counseling, there is finally profession‐wide clarity as to what it means to engage in professional counseling. This article describes the development and discusses the implications of the definition: “Counseling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals.” This consensus definition has been endorsed by 29 major counseling organizations.
Training shelter volunteers to teach dog compliance
Authors: Howard Veronica J. , DiGennaro Reed Florence D.
Published: June 2014

This study examined the degree to which training procedures influenced the integrity of behaviorally based dog training implemented by volunteers of an animal shelter. Volunteers were taught to implement discrete‐trial obedience training to teach 2 skills (sit and wait) to dogs. Procedural integrity during the baseline and written instructions conditions was low across all participants. Although performance increased with use of a video model, integrity did not reach criterion levels until performance feedback and modeling were provided. Moreover, the integrity of the discrete‐trial training procedure was significantly and positively correlated with dog compliance to instructions for all dyads. Correct implementation and compliance were observed when participants were paired with a novel dog and trainer, respectively, although generalization of procedural integrity from the discrete‐trial sit procedure to the discrete‐trial wait procedure was not observed. Shelter consumers rated the behavior change in dogs and trainers as socially significant. Implications of these findings and future directions for research are discussed.
Implementation of nuclear gradients of range‐separated hybrid density functionals and benchmarking on rotational constants for organic molecules
Authors: Risthaus Tobias , Steinmetz Marc , Grimme Stefan
Published: June 2014

We have implemented the nuclear gradient for several range‐separated hybrid density functionals in the general quantum chemistry code ORCA. To benchmark the performance, we have used a recently published set of back‐corrected gas phase rotational constants, which we extended by three molecules. In our evaluation, CAM‐B3LYP‐D3 and ωB97X‐D3 show great accuracy, and are surpassed by B2PLYP‐D3 only. Lower‐cost alternatives to quadruple‐ζ basis set‐based calculations, among them a smaller basis set and the use of resolution‐of‐the‐identity approaches, are assessed and shown to yield acceptable deviations. In addition, the Hartree‐Fock‐based back‐correction method is compared to a density functional theory alternative, which largely shows consistency between the two. A new, well‐performing, spin‐component scaled MP2 variant is designed and discussed, as well. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Loss of GLUT4 Induces Metabolic Reprogramming and Impairs Viability of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Garrido Pablo , Osorio Fernando G. , Morán Javier , Cabello Estefanía , Alonso Ana , Freije José M.P. , González Celestino
Published: June 2014

Metabolic reprogramming strategies focus on the normalization of metabolism of cancer cells and constitute promising targets for cancer treatment. Here, we demonstrate that the glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) has a prominent role in basal glucose uptake in MCF7 and MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells. We show that shRNA‐mediated down‐regulation of GLUT4 diminishes glucose uptake and induces metabolic reprogramming by reallocating metabolic flux to oxidative phosphorylation. This reallocation is reflected on an increased activity of the mitochondrial oxidation of pyruvate and lower lactate release. Altogether, GLUT4 inhibition compromises cell proliferation and critically affects cell viability under hypoxic conditions, providing proof‐of‐principle for the feasibility of using pharmacological approaches to inhibit GLUT4 in order to induce metabolic reprogramming in vivo in breast cancer models. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 191–198, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Struvite precipitation as a technology to be integrated in a manure anaerobic digestion treatment plant – removal efficiency, crystal characterization and agricultural assessment
Authors: Cerrillo Míriam , Palatsi Jordi , Comas Jordi , Vicens Jaume , Bonmatí August
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND

The formation of struvite (MgNH4PO4 · 6H2O) from digested slurry is an opportunity to recover nutrients as a slow‐release fertilizer. A series of batch and continuous experiments were conducted to assay the influence of operational parameters, total solids and organic matter content on the quality and size of struvite crystals formed. Finally, the agronomic bioavailability of struvite was assessed in a greenhouse experiment.

RESULTS

In terms of process conditions an optimum pH of 9 was found, while changes in temperature (from 25 °C to 36 °C) showed to exert no influence whatsoever. On the other hand, though the presence of Na+ didn't affect the efficiency, high amounts of Ca2+ decreased the percentage of Mg2+ and NH4+ removed. CO2 stripping presented a reduction in the reagents required (NaOH) to raise the pH, with a similar removal efficiency and good quality of the struvite obtained. Nevertheless, the presence of organic matter resulted in a reduction on the size of struvite crystals. Agronomic assays showed that struvite P availability is similar to that of synthesis ammonium phosphate fertilizers.

CONCLUSIONS

The results point to struvite precipitation as a good strategy to recover nutrients from digested manure and to improve nutrient management. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Anatomy of Scholarly Collaboration in Engineering Education: A Big‐Data Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Xian Hanjun , Madhavan Krishna
Published: June 2014

Background

Engineering education has become a large community with an increasing number of scholars and publications. As the number of publications has grown, it has become increasingly difficult to understand the epistemic nature and diffusion characteristics of knowledge generated by this community. Techniques to study community topology require nontrivial computational workflows.

Purpose/Hypothesis

The present study characterizes the topology of scholarly collaboration and important factors affecting this topology in engineering education research.

Design/Methods

A bibliometric analysis was conducted of 24,172 papers in engineering education research journals and conference proceedings for the years 2000–2011. A total of 29,116 unique authors are present. Social network analyses were used to characterize the network topology of overall scientific collaboration. Analyses based on grouping scholars by disciplinary backgrounds, research areas, and geographical locations were performed.

Results

The results show that the engineering education research community is in its early stage of forming a small‐world network that relies primarily on 5% of scholars to build capacity. Typical small‐world networks provide some very clear characterizations about the state, stability, and growth of the community. Deviations from this ideal model suggest the need for rethinking collaboration in engineering education. Scholars with interdisciplinary backgrounds play a critical role in bridging isolated research teams.

Conclusions

Compared with other disciplines and the ideal small‐world network model, the topology of collaboration in engineering education shows significant barriers to the fast diffusion of innovations. This study demonstrates the value of big‐data bibliometrics in understanding scholarly collaboration within a research community.
Isolation and purification of diastereoisomeric flavonolignans from silymarin by binary‐column recycling preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Zhao Weiquan , Yang Guang , Zhong Fanyi , Yang Nan , Zhao Xin , Qi Yunpeng , Fan Guorong
Published: June 2014

Silymarin extracted from Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn consists of a large number of flavonolignans, of which diastereoisomeric flavonolignans including silybin A and silybin B, and isosilybin A and isosilybin B are the main bioactive components, whose preparation from the crude extracts is still a difficult task. In this work, binary‐column recycling preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography systems without sample loop trapping, where two columns were switched alternately via one or two six‐port switching valves, were established and successfully applied to the isolation and purification of the four diastereoisomeric flavonolignans from silymarin. The proposed system showed significant advantages over conventional preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography with a single column in increasing efficiency and reducing the cost. To obtain the same amounts of products, the proposed system spends only one tenth of the time that the conventional system spends, and needs only one eleventh of the solvent that the conventional system consumes. Using the proposed system, the four diastereoisomers were successfully isolated from silymarin with purities over 98%.
Continuous‐flow extractive desorption electrospray ionization coupled to normal phase separations and for direct lipid analysis from cell extracts
Authors: Li Li , Schug Kevin A.
Published: June 2014

Normal phase liquid chromatography is a common mode for chiral separations. Many chiral amines are used as drugs or are important intermediates for drug synthesis. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry is well known for its high sensitivity. However, when using normal phase liquid chromatography, electrospray ionization is hampered by the poor ionization efficiency of analytes from organic eluents. Continuous‐flow extractive desorption electrospray ionization, which introduces the eluents through a hypodermic needle into the electrospray plume is demonstrated here for its success to interface normal phase liquid chromatography to mass spectrometry detection. Such an approach was shown to be as or more sensitive than ultraviolet detection for a selected set of aromatic amine‐functionalized enantiomers. Also demonstrated is the direct infusion of cell extracts to monitor phospholipids from three different bacterial cells. Despite their presence in non‐electrospray‐ionization‐friendly extraction solvents, continuous‐flow extractive desorption electrospray ionization enabled the sensitive detection of phospholipids and the ability to tune ion forms through incorporation of different spray modifiers.
Predictors of respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartomas of the olfactory clefts in patients with nasal polyposis
Authors: Nguyen Duc T. , Nguyen‐Thi Phi‐Linh , Gauchotte Guillaume , Arous Fabien , Vignaud Jean M. , Jankowski Roger
Published: June 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To look for predictors of respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartomas (REAH) development in patients operated for nasal polyposis (NP) by adjusting on confounding factors.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Methods

One hundred and six patients with NP, endoscopically operated between September 2009 and March 2012 on the ethmoidal labyrinths and olfactory clefts, were enrolled in this study. Clinical data was collected 1 day prior to surgery by using a standard grid without knowledge of any histological features. Patients were then divided into two groups based on operative and pathological reports: with and without REAH in the olfactory cleft (REAH‐OC). The multivariate logistic regression model was used to assess independent factors linked to the presence of REAH‐OC in patients with NP.

Results

The mean duration of NP disease in patients with REAH‐OC was about 13.95 ± 10.8 years versus 5.7 ± 5.6 years in patients without REAH‐OC (P < 0.0001). Seventy‐four percent of patients with REAH‐OC had undergone one or more NP‐related surgeries in their lifetime, in contrast with 49.21% of patients without REAH‐OC (P = 0.009). According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, those patients experiencing NP ≥ 10 years (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.304–12.062, P = 0.015) and those with asthma (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.004–6.29, P < 0.05) were at an increased risk of developing REAH‐OC.

Conclusion

The development of REAH in patients with NP appears as a specific disease of the mucosa of the OC, induced by a long‐lasting and/or severe inflammation of the olfactory clefts.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 124:2461–2465, 2014
Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound‐guided Sentinel lymph node biopsy of the ocular conjunctiva
Authors: Rabinowitz Mindy R. , Merton Daniel A. , Liu Ji‐Bin , Saxena Shivam , Pluta John , Eisenbrey John R. , Baker Adam L. , Rabinowitz Michael P. , Lally Sara , Cognetti David , Goldberg Barry B. , Pribitkin Edmund A. , Curry Joseph M.
Published: June 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has been utilized for cutaneous melanoma and other malignancies arising from the eye and ocular adnexa. Currently, SLNB requires blue dyes and/or radiopharmaceuticals; both of which have significant shortcomings. This study sought to evaluate the feasibility of SLNB with the use of real‐time, contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) as an alternative technique for tumors arising in the conjunctiva.

Study Design

Prospective feasibility study in a porcine model.

Methods

Twelve experiments were performed on six non–tumor‐bearing Yorkshire swine. An ultrasound contrast agent, Sonazoid (GE Healthcare, Oslo, Norway), 99mtechnetium (99mTc), and methylene blue (MB) (Covidien, Mansfield, MA) were injected in the ocular conjunctiva. Sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) were localized with CEUS and findings were compared to that of MB and 99mTc. Fisher exact test was used.

Results

Contrast‐enhanced SLNs were identified within an average of 6.2 minutes from time of injection of Sonazoid. A total of 17 SLNs were identified by at least one of the three techniques. Correlation between Sonazoid and 99mTc was 94.1% (16/17 SLNs). Correlation between 99mTc and MB was 88.2% (15/17). One SLN that was positive for 99mTc but negative for Sonazoid and was considered to be a false positive (1/17); findings were similar for MB (1/17). Differences between the three techniques were not significant (P = .886).

Conclusions

CEUS‐guided injection of conjunctiva for SLNB is technically feasible and correlates well with standard detection techniques. This technique shows promise for rapid, real‐time, intraoperative imaging for SLNB, using a widely available imaging modality and avoiding the need for radiopharmaceuticals.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 124:2531–2536, 2014
Medication Level Variability Index Predicts Rejection, Possibly Due to Nonadherence, in Adult Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Christina Supelana , Annunziato Rachel A. , Schiano Thomas D. , Anand Ravinder , Vaidya Swapna , Chuang Kelley , Zack Yelena , Florman Sander , Shneider Benjamin L. , Shemesh Eyal
Published: June 2014

Nonadherence to immunosuppressants may play a role in late rejection in liver transplant recipients. In children, emerging data suggest that adherence can be measured through the computation of the standard deviation (SD) of consecutive blood levels of tacrolimus, which results in a number that reflects the degree of variability between individual measures: the medication level variability index (MLVI). A higher MLVI value means erratic immunosuppression, likely due to less adherence. Data on this method are limited for adults. We obtained data from the medical charts of 150 randomly selected adult recipients. The MLVI was significantly higher for patients who had biopsy-confirmed rejection (mean MLVI = 3.8, SD = 3.2) versus the rest of the cohort (mean MLVI = 2.3, SD = 1.5, P = 0.003), and it was significantly higher for patients who suffered rejection versus patients whose biopsy sample was not read as rejection (mean MLVI = 2.6, SD = 1.6, P = 0.008). The MLVI was associated with rejection and predicted its occurrence. A threshold MLVI of 2.0 resulted in 77% sensitivity and 60% specificity in predicting rejection; a threshold of 1.8 resulted in a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 48%. The area under the curve in a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was 0.71 (95% CI = 0.61-0.81). In conclusion, the MLVI is associated with and can predict rejection, possibly related to nonadherence, in adult liver transplant recipients. Liver Transpl 20:1168–1177, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
Zwitterionic Red Fluorescent Polymeric Nanoparticles for Cell Imaging
Authors: Li Haiyin , Zhang Xiqi , Zhang Xiaoyong , Yang Bin , Yang Yang , Huang Zengfang , Wei Yen
Published: June 2014

Phospholipid monomer and aggregation–induced emission (AIE) dye‐based dimers are incorporated via reversible addition‐fragmentation transfer polymerization to afford cross‐linked zwitterionic fluorescent copolymers. Such copolymers are prone to self‐assembly into fluorescent polymeric nanoparticles (FPNs) in physiological solution due to their amphiphilic nature. Characterization of these red FPNs by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates the successful preparation of these zwitterionic copolymers. UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering are performed to demonstrate the bright red fluorescence of the FPNs and their stable dispersibilities, even below the critical micelle concentration in physiological solution. Finally, studies of the biocompatibility and cell uptake behavior of the FPNs are conducted and show excellent biocompatibility for cell imaging application.
Network Analysis of Publications on Topological Indices from the Web of Science
Authors: Bodlaj Jernej , Batagelj Vladimir
Published: June 2014

In this paper we analyze a collection of bibliographic networks, constructed from the data from the Web of Science on works (papers, books, etc.) on the topic of topological indices and on relating scientific fields. We present the general outlook and more specific findings about authors, works and journals, subtopics and keywords and also important relations between them based on scientometric approaches like the strongest and main citation paths, the main themes on citation path based on keywords, results of co‐authorship analysis in form of the most prominent islands of citing authors, groups of collaborating authors, two‐mode cores of authors and works. We investigate the nature of citing of authors, important journals and citing of works between them, journals preferred by authors and expose hierarchy of similar collaborating authors, based on keywords they use. We perform temporal analysis on one important journal as well. We give a comprehensive scientometric insight into the field of topological indices.
BioGPS: The Music for the Chemo‐ and Bioinformatics Walzer
Authors: Siragusa Lydia , Spyrakis Francesca , Goracci Laura , Cross Simon , Cruciani Gabriele
Published: June 2014

Identifying cross‐relationships among protein binding sites is becoming increasingly important in the chemo‐ and bioinformatics field; indeed, protein structural similarity might provide the right answer to a number of questions including Is a drug repurposable for another target? What is the molecular mechanism of a drug side‐effect? How can we improve the ligand selectivity? The comparison of protein binding sites in terms of their three‐dimensional structure molecular interaction fields can be a useful technique to approach all of these problems. Here, we report a semi‐automated method for comparing and clustering protein pockets, called BioGPS, that combines the GRID Molecular Interactions Fields (MIFs) with FLAP pharmacophoric fingerprints. BioGPS identifies and compares protein binding sites by aligning them each other and directly comparing their MIFs. The strengths of this approach are that it is MIF‐based, and therefore describes molecular interactions from a ligand perspective, and it is independent of protein superposition or sequence alignment. This approach enables protein‐protein virtual screening (drug repurposing, polypharmacology, off‐target effects), and also clustering to relate sequence‐based similarities to structure‐based differences among protein binding sites.
Construction of conformal mappings by generalized polarization tensors
Authors: Kang Hyeonbae , Lee Hyundae , Lim Mikyoung
Published: June 2014

We present a new systematic method to compute the Riemann mapping from the outside of the unit disc to the outside of a simply connected domain. We derive explicit relations between the coefficients of the Riemann mapping and the generalized polarization tensors associated with the domain. Because the generalized polarization tensors can be computed numerically, we are able to compute the coefficients of the Riemann mapping using these relations. Effectiveness of the method is validated by numerical examples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An algorithm for the topology optimization of geometrically nonlinear structures
Authors: Gomes Francisco A.M. , Senne Thadeu A.
Published: June 2014

Most papers on topology optimization consider that there is a linear relation between the strains and displacements of the structure, implicitly assuming that the displacements of the structure are small. However, when the external loads applied to the structure are large, the displacements also become large, so it is necessary to suppose that there is a nonlinear relation between strains and displacements. In this case, we say that the structure is geometrically nonlinear. In practice, this means that the linear system that needs to be solved each time the objective function of the problem is evaluated is replaced by an ill‐conditioned nonlinear system of equations. Moreover, the stiffness matrix and the derivatives of the problem also become harder to compute.

The objective of this work is to solve topology optimization problems under large displacements through a new optimization algorithm, named sequential piecewise linear programming. This method relies on the solution of convex piecewise linear programming subproblems that include second order information about the objective function. To speed up the algorithm, these subproblems are converted into linear programming ones. The new algorithm is not only globally convergent to stationary points but our numerical experiments also show that it is efficient and robust. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly Luminescent Carbon‐Nanoparticle‐Based Materials: Factors Influencing Photoluminescence Quantum Yield
Authors: Qu Songnan , Shen Dezhen , Liu Xingyuan , Jing Pengtao , Zhang Ligong , Ji Wenyu , Zhao Haifeng , Fan Xiwu , Zhang Hong
Published: June 2014

Unravelling the factors influencing photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield of the carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) is the prerequisite for preparing highly luminescent CNP‐based materials. In this work, an easy and effective method is reported for preparing highly luminescent CNP‐based materials. Water‐soluble luminescent CNPs (CNP‐Cs) with large size distribution (1–60 nm) with PL quantum yields of 22% are synthesized through a microwave pyrolysis approach. Energy transfer (ET) is confirmed to occur from small size CNPs (CNP‐Ss:1‐7 nm, blue emitters) to large size CNPs (CNP‐Ls:10–60 nm, green emitters). Further centrifugally separating CNP‐Cs resulted in an enhancement of the PL quantum yield up to 39% of CNP‐Ss aqueous solution. The PL quantum yield of CNP‐Ss could even be further improved in high‐viscosity solvents. PL quantum yield higher than 90% is achieved in films of commercial glue water embedded with the CNP‐Ss at embedding ratio lower than 3 wt%. By contrast, the yield is greatly decreased in the CNP‐C‐embedding films with embedding ratio higher than 1 wt%, which is due to self‐absorption, as well as enhanced ET between CNP‐Ss and CNP‐Ls. High‐viscosity solvents and polymer matrix are proposed to act as surface passivation reagents to enhance PL quantum yield of CNPs.
Reliability of the Senior Fitness Test in Community‐dwelling Older People with Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Hesseberg Karin , Bentzen Hege , Bergland Astrid
Published: June 2014

Background and Purpose

In older people with cognitive impairment, we require reliable and valid measures to assess physical fitness and to measure change, for example, as a result of an exercise intervention. The purpose of our study was to determine the relative and absolute test–retest reliability of the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) in older people with cognitive impairment.

Methods

A test–retest reliability study was conducted for the Senior Fitness Test in older people with cognitive impairment. Participants were tested at two time points with a time interval of 24 hours to 1 week between tests. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient model 3.1 (ICC, 3.1) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was used as a measure of relative reliability. The standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change (MDC) were used to measure absolute reliability.

Results

The ICC reflected very high reliability (0.93–0.98) in all SFT items, indicating that there was no systematic error in the measurements. MDC values at the 90% CIs were calculated: chair stand test = 2.0 repetitions, armcurl test = 2.3 repetitions, chair sit and reach test = 6.0 cm, back scratch test = 4.6 cm, 2.45‐m up‐and‐go test = 1.4 seconds and 6‐minute walk test = 37.1 metres.

Discussion

The SFT battery showed high to very high test–retest reliability and thus may be suitable for detecting changes in physical fitness and evaluating physical fitness in older people with cognitive impairment, both in research and for clinical purposes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of the effect of potential antifibrotic compounds on total and αVβ6 integrin‐mediated TGF‐β activation
Authors: Porte Joanne , Jenkins Gisli
Published: June 2014

Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) plays an important role in the development of tissue fibrosis, and molecules inhibiting this pathway are attractive therapeutic targets for fibrotic diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Activation of TGF‐β is the rate‐limiting step in TGF‐β bioavailability, and activation by the αVβ6 integrin is important in fibrosis of the lung, liver, and kidney. Activation of TGF‐β by αVβ6 requires direct cell–cell contact and measurable release of active TGF‐β in extracellular fluid compartments does not reflect tissue specific activation. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of antifibrotic compounds on both total, and specific αVβ6 integrin‐mediated TGF‐β activity. Using a transformed mink lung cell (TMLC) TGF‐β reporter, the effects of potential antifibrotic therapies including an activin‐like kinase (Alk5) inhibitor, Dexamethasone, Pirfenidone, N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), and BIBF1120 were assessed. Effects due to αVβ6 integrin‐mediated TGF‐β activity were measured using reporter cells cocultured with cells expressing αVβ6 integrins. These high‐throughput studies were validated using a phosphorylated Smad2 Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Alk5 inhibitors are potent inhibitors of TGF‐β activity, whereas the novel antifibrotics, Pirfenidone, BIBF1120, and NAC are only moderate inhibitors, and Dexamethasone does not specifically affect TGF‐βactivity, but inhibits TGF‐β‐induced gene expression. None of the current small molecular inhibitors inhibit αVβ6‐mediated TGF‐β activity. These results demonstrate the potential of this high‐throughput assay of αVβ6‐specific TGF‐β activity and illustrate that currently available antifibrotics have limited effects on αVβ6 integrin‐mediated TGF‐β activity.
Estimating the development of the fennel aphid,Hyadaphis foeniculi(Passerini) (Hemiptera: Aphiididae), using non‐linear models
Authors: Malaquias José B , Ramalho Francisco S , Lira Aline CS , Oliveira Flávia Q , Fernandes Francisco S , Zanuncio José C , Godoy Wesley AC
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND

Non‐linear models making it possible to predict agricultural pest outbreaks and optimise control tactics are of primary importance for integrated pest management. The development period for immature stages of the fennel aphidHyadaphis foeniculi(Passerini) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) at constant temperatures was modelled in order to determine mathematical functions for simulating the aphid's development. Non‐linear models were used to describe the relationship between temperature and development rates ofH. foeniculisubjected to constant temperatures.

RESULTS

The models used were found to be good fits for estimatingH. foeniculidevelopment rates as a function of temperature, with the exception of the Davidson model. The development time ofH. foeniculinymphs ranged from 2.73 days (first instar) to 6.18 days (fourth instar) at 15 °C, from 2.57 days (first instar) to 4.52 days (fourth instar) at 20 °C and from 1.53 days (first instar) to 2.05 days (fourth instar) at 28 °C.

CONCLUSION

These models provide important tools for better elucidation of the relationship between temperature and development rates inH. foeniculi. The results could be used for predicting the occurrence of the various immature stages ofH. foeniculiin the fennel crop in Brazil, making it possible to predict more accurately the best periods for implementing pest control. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Diffusion of cesium in silicon during SIMS experiments investigated by numerical simulations
Authors: Philipp Patrick , Barry Peter , Wirtz Tom
Published: June 2014

In the present paper, we focus on the diffusion behaviour of cesium atoms implanted into silicon. This aspect has not been investigated directly up to now but is of utmost importance to understand the ionisation mechanisms in more detail. Density functional theory calculations combined with ab initio molecular dynamics simulations have been used to study the different aspects of cesium diffusion to the sample surface as a function of cesium concentration and sample temperature. In general, the solubility of cesium atoms in a silicon matrix is small, and the diffusion of the cesium atoms towards the surface is almost immediate, depending on how and where the cesium atom is incorporated in the silicon lattice. Depending on the defects introduced into the Si substrate, the diffusion could be largely reduced or cannot be observed during the few picosecond time range that can be explored by ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phenotypic effect and chromosomal localization of Ddw3, the dominant dwarfing gene in rye (Secale cereale L.)
Authors: Stojałowski Stefan , Myśków Beata , Hanek Monika
Published: June 2014

Dwarfing genes play a major role in development of semi-dwarf cultivars of various cereals, but in rye this type of cultivar is still not common. Several recessive and dominant dwarfing genes in rye have been reported. Among the known dominant dwarfing genes in rye, two are well characterised: Ddw1 from the 5RL chromosome and Ddw2 located on 7R. This study was aimed at characterisation of the K11 source of dominantly inherited dwarfism found in plant materials grown in the Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute (Radzików, Poland). Mapping analyses in this study indicate that the dominant dwarf gene under investigation is located on the 1RL chromosome and is independent from previously known genes. The gene was named Ddw3. Phenotypic effect of the Ddw3 was tested on two pairs of near-isogenic lines. Six morphological traits were analysed in two or three growing seasons: plant height, length of the second internode from the base, number of internodes, tillering, spike length, and number of spikelets per spike. No negative or weak influences on yield-related traits were observed. The examination of the dwarf plants’ reaction to seedling treatment by gibberellic acid solution revealed sensitivity of Ddw3 to this growth regulator. This report is the first evidence of the dominant Ddw3 gene in rye and its presence on the 1R chromosome.
An outcome evaluation of the implementation of the Outward Bound Singapore five‐day “intercept” program
Authors: Ang Rebecca P. , Farihah Nurul , Lau Steven
Published: June 2014

The present study evaluated an Outward Bound Singapore five‐day “intercept” program for 136 adolescent participants, aimed at addressing frequent deliberate truancy and absenteeism from school and within‐school extracurricular activities using a quasi‐experimental design with a matched no‐treatment comparison group. Findings suggested that there is some preliminary evidence that such a program could yield positive outcomes in terms of adolescents being more behaviorally engaged in school as demonstrated by improved attendance of both academic and non‐academic activities up to 3 months after the conclusion of the intervention program. Goal setting had a short‐term positive effect with intervention participants improving significantly more so than comparison participants at 1‐month post intervention but not at 3‐month follow up. For problem solving, although the intervention group participants improved more than comparison participants at both 1‐month post intervention and at 3‐month follow up, these effects were not statistically significant. Research and practice implications were discussed.
The relations between interpersonal self‐support traits and emotion regulation strategies: A longitudinal study☆
Authors: Xia Ling‐Xiang , Gao Xin , Wang Qian , Hollon Steven D.
Published: June 2014

Although several cross‐sectional surveys have shown that certain traits such as extraversion and neuroticism are related to emotion regulation, few studies have explored the nature of this relationship. The present study tried to explore the longitudinal relation between traits and emotion regulation strategies. The Interpersonal Self‐Support Scale for Middle School Students (ISSS‐MSS) and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) were administrated to 374 middle school students two times across a 6‐month interval. A path analysis via structural equation modeling of the five interpersonal self‐support traits and the two emotion regulation strategies was tested. The results showed that interpersonal independence predicted expressive suppression and cognitive reappraisal, and that interpersonal initiative also predicted reappraisal, while reappraisal predicted interpersonal flexibility and interpersonal openness 6 month later. These results support the hypotheses that some personality traits influence certain emotion regulation strategies, while other traits may be influenced by specific emotion regulation strategies.
Exercise Limitation of Acetazolamide at Altitude (3459 m)
Authors: Bradwell Arthur R. , Myers Stephen D. , Beazley Maggie , Ashdown Kimberly , Harris Nick G. , Bradwell Susie B. , Goodhart Jamie , Imray Chris H. , Wimalasena Yashvi , Edsell Mark E. , Pattinson Kyle T.S. , Wright Alex D. , Harris Stephen J.
Published: June 2014

Objective

To assess the effect of acetazolamide (Az) on exercise performance during early acclimatization to altitude.

Methods

Az (250 mg twice daily) or placebo was administered for 3 days in a double-blind, randomized manner followed by a rapid ascent to 3459 m in the Italian Alps. Twenty healthy adults (age range, 18–67 years) were tested at 60% of sea-level peak power output for 15 minutes on a bicycle ergometer after 16 to 27 hours of altitude exposure. Exercise performance was measured in relation to peripheral oxygen saturations measured from pulse oximetry (Spo2), Lake Louise acute mountain sickness (AMS) score, and perceived difficulty.

Results

At altitude, resting Spo2 was higher in the Az group compared with placebo ( P < .001). The highest AMS scores were in 4 of the placebo individuals with the lowest resting Spo2 ( P < .05). During the exercise test, Spo2 fell in all but 1 subject ( P < .001) and was reduced more in the Az group ( P < .01). Four Az and 1 placebo subject were unable to complete the exercise test; 4 of these 5 had the largest fall in Spo2. The perception of exercise difficulty was higher in the Az subjects compared with those taking the placebo ( P < .01). There was an age relationship with exercise limitation; 4 of the 9 older than 50 years failed to complete the test whereas only 1 of 11 younger than 50 years failed, and there were no failures in the 6 younger than 30 years ( P < .05).

Conclusions

In this study group, and despite higher resting Spo2, Az may have compromised exercise at 3459 m altitude during early acclimatization, particularly in older subjects.
Sleeping in Moderate Hypoxia at Home for Prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Double-Blind Study
Authors: Dehnert Christoph , Böhm Astrid , Grigoriev Igor , Menold Elmar , Bärtsch Peter
Published: June 2014

Objective

Acclimatization at natural altitude effectively prevents acute mountain sickness (AMS). It is, however, unknown whether prevention of AMS is also possible by only sleeping in normobaric hypoxia.

Methods

In a placebo-controlled, double-blind study 76 healthy unacclimatized male subjects, aged 18 to 50 years, slept for 14 consecutive nights at either a fractional inspired oxygen (Fio2) of 0.14 to 0.15 (average target altitude 3043 m; treatment group) or 0.209 (control group). Four days later, AMS scores and incidence of AMS were assessed during a 20-hour exposure in normobaric hypoxia at Fio2 = 0.12 (equivalent to 4500 m).

Results

Because of technical problems with the nitrogen generators, target altitude was not achieved in the tents and only 21 of 37 subjects slept at an average altitude considered sufficient for acclimatization (>2200 m; average, 2600 m). Therefore, in a subgroup analysis these subjects were compared with the 21 subjects of the control group with the lowest sleeping altitude. This analysis showed a significantly lower AMS-C score (0.38; 95% CI, 0.21 to 0.54) vs 1.10; 95% CI, 0.57 to 1.62; P = .04) and lower Lake Louise Score (3.1; 95% CI, 2.2 to 4.1 vs 5.1; 95% CI, 3.6 to 6.6; P = .07) for the treatment subgroup. The incidence of AMS defined as an AMS-C score greater than 0.70 was also significantly lower (14% vs 52%; P < .01).

Conclusions

Sleeping 14 consecutive nights in normobaric hypoxia (equivalent to 2600 m) reduced symptoms and incidence of AMS 4 days later on exposure to 4500 m.
Communication Problems After the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011
Authors: Yamamura Hitoshi , Kaneda Kazuhisa , Mizobata Yasumitsu
Published: June 2014

Objectives

After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the resource utilization of and the problems encountered with communication devices were examined.

Methods

A questionnaire survey was submitted to disaster medical assistance teams (DMATs) that were at the primary sites of destruction after the earthquake.

Results

We collected data from 196 teams. During the first 4 days after the earthquake, the use of mobile phones, laptop computers, and landline phones was rated as poor to moderate, and satisfaction was very low, while satisfaction with satellite phones was rated as good to moderate (50%). The degree of satisfaction continued to increase gradually over time. Satellite phones, however, had several problems: poor reception, line instability, voice call use only, and inability to send large amounts of data.

Conclusions

To ensure effective communication during the acute phase in the aftermath of large disasters, a new satellite communication device is needed that not only is portable, battery powered, and able to send large volumes of data, but also offers stable communication. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014:0:1–4)
A Late Iron Age Helmet Burial from Bridge, near Canterbury, Kent
Authors: FARLEY JULIA , PARFITT KEITH , RICHARDSON ANDREW ,   with contributions from, ANTOINE DANIEL , POPE RACHEL , SPAREY-GREEN CHRISTOPHER
Published: June 2014

A rare find was made in 2012 when a metal-detectorist on land near Bridge, a few miles south of Canterbury, Kent, recovered a copper alloy brooch, other metal items, and a quantity of burnt bone contained in a near complete, probably imported Gallic, helmet of Iron Age type. Excavation was undertaken to ascertain the immediate context of the helmet, confirm that it represented a cremation burial, and determine if it formed part of a larger funerary deposit. The helmet and brooch suggest a burial date in the mid-1st centurybcand the apparently isolated cremation burial, of a possibly female adult, can be broadly placed within the Aylesford–Swarling tradition; the helmet taking the place of a more usual pottery cinerary urn. Cropmark evidence suggests that the burial was made within a wider landscape of Iron Age occupation.
FINITELY ANNIHILATED GROUPS
Authors: CHIODO MAURICE
Published: June 2014

In 1976, Wiegold asked if every finitely generated perfect group has weight 1. We introduce a new property of groups, finitely annihilated, and show that this might be a possible approach to resolving Wiegold’s problem. For finitely generated groups, we show that in several classes (finite, solvable, free), being finitely annihilated is equivalent to having noncyclic abelianisation. However, we also construct an infinite family of (finitely presented) finitely annihilated groups with cyclic abelianisation. We apply our work to show that the weight of a nonperfect finite group, or a nonperfect finitely generated solvable group, is the same as the weight of its abelianisation. This recovers the known partial results on the Wiegold problem: a finite (or finitely generated solvable) perfect group has weight 1.
BARRELLED SPACES WITH(OUT) SEPARABLE QUOTIENTS
Authors: KĄKOL JERZY , SAXON STEPHEN A. , TODD AARON R.
Published: June 2014

While the separable quotient problem is famously open for Banach spaces, in the broader context of barrelled spaces we give negative solutions. Obversely, the study of pseudocompact$\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}X$and Warner bounded$X$allows us to expand Rosenthal’s positive solution for Banach spaces of the form$ C_{c}(X) $to barrelled spaces of the same form, and see that strong duals of arbitrary$C_{c}(X) $spaces admit separable quotients.
THE TUMURA–CLUNIE THEOREM IN SEVERAL COMPLEX VARIABLES
Authors: HU PEI-CHU , YANG CHUNG-CHUN
Published: June 2014

It is a well-known result that if a nonconstant meromorphic function $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}f$ on $\mathbb{C}$ and its $l$th derivative $f^{(l)}$ have no zeros for some $l\geq 2$, then $f$ is of the form $f(z)=\exp (Az+B)$ or $f(z)=(Az+B)^{-n}$ for some constants $A$, $B$. We extend this result to meromorphic functions of several variables, by first extending the classic Tumura–Clunie theorem for meromorphic functions of one complex variable to that of meromorphic functions of several complex variables using Nevanlinna theory.