bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variant‐specific discrepancy when quantitating BCR‐ABL1 e13a2 and e14a2 transcripts using the Europe Against Cancer qPCR assay
Authors: Kjaer Lasse , Skov Vibe , Andersen Morten T. , Aggerholm Anni , Clair Philippe , Gniot Michal , Soeby Karen , Udby Lene , Dorff Mikkel H. , Hasselbalch Hans , Pallisgaard Niels
Published: April 2019

Objective

Molecular monitoring of treatment response in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia is performed using the Europe Against Cancer (EAC) qPCR assay using the International Scale (IS). The assay amplifies both e13a2 and e14a2 BCR‐ABL1 transcript variants. Observing distinct variant‐dependent amplification curves during qPCR, we aimed to determine if this affected quantitation of BCR‐ABL1.

Methods

We investigated the qPCR efficiency at three Danish diagnostic centers (Zealand University Hospital [ZUH], Aarhus University Hospital [AU], and Rigshospitalet [RH]) on cell lines expressing either the e13a2 or e14a2 BCR‐ABL1 transcript variants and compared %IS values from 219 chronic myeloid leukemia patients from the centers with either the e13a2 (n = 113) or e14a2 (n = 106) transcript variants obtained by qPCR with absolute quantitation by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR).

Results

Although no significant differences were found in amplification efficiencies of the transcript variants, Bland‐Altman analysis of qPCR vs ddPCR values for patient samples revealed a significant average difference in the bias between variants (e3a2/e14a2) of 4.6‐, 6.5‐, and 1.8‐fold for ZUH, AU, and RH, respectively. Furthermore, qPCR %IS values of diagnostic patient samples revealed a significant 4.7‐fold difference between the e13a2 and e14a2 variants.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the EAC qPCR assay may underestimate the e14a2 variant compared to the e13a2 variant.
Intra‐splenic administration of phenylephrine in a horse to induce splenic contraction in a case of nephrosplenic entrapment of the large colon non‐responsive to intravenous phenylephrine administration
Authors: Loomes K. , Anderson J.
Published: April 2019

This case report describes the successful use of intra‐splenic administration of phenylephrine (PE) in a surgical case of nephrosplenic entrapment (NSE) to induce splenic contraction after intravenous phenylephrine administration failed to elicit a response.
Lumbar fractures in a 5‐year‐old Warmblood cross gelding
Authors: Nagy A. , Quiney L.
Published: April 2019

This case report describes multiple lumbar vertebral fractures in a 5‐year‐old Warmblood cross gelding used for low‐level exercise, with no known history of trauma. Clinical signs included intermittent severe pain, distress and unwillingness to move. When the horse was in less severe pain, he tilted the pelvis to one side when walking and also when trotting. Fracture of the 6th lumbar vertebral body was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography and confirmed by post‐mortem computed tomography. Post‐mortem examination also revealed a complete fracture of the 3rd lumbar vertebral body. Previously, lumbar fractures have only been reported in racing breeds and ante mortem diagnosis has been limited to scintigraphy.
Ex vivo evaluation of the distribution of a mixture of mepivacaine 2% and iopromide following local infiltration of the infraorbital nerve via the infraorbital foramen
Authors: Weber S. , Ohlerth S. , Mosing M. , Torgerson P. R. , Fürst A. , Bischofberger A. S.
Published: April 2019

The objective of this study was to investigate the distribution pattern of two different volumes of a mepivacaine 2%/iopromide mixture along the infraorbital nerve using a controlled injection pressure. Infraorbital nerve blocks were performed at the infraorbital foramen with two different volumes (group 10: 10 mL or group 15: 15 mL) using a 22 gauge, 3 cm long needle and a standardised injection pressure in 10 cadaver skulls. Ten minutes after injection, computed tomography was performed in all skulls. Images were analysed for needle position, length of the iopromide column, filling percentage of the infraorbital canal, presence of iopromide at the maxillary foramen, volume of leakage, length and angle of the infraorbital canal and pathological changes. Percentage of infraorbital canal filling ranged from 74% ± 0.23 to 86.9% ± 0.24 and iopromide was present at the maxillary foramen in 70–90% of the blocks of groups 15 and 10 respectively; neither variables differed significantly between groups 15 and 10 (P = 0.582 and P = 0.244 respectively). Mean leakage retrograde into the rostrally surrounding tissue and into the maxillary sinus was significantly greater in group 15 (7.9 cm3 ± 4.2) than group 10 (3.02 cm3 ± 3.13), P = 0.008. Older horses were significantly associated with higher filling percentages (P = 0.049), whereas filling percentages or whether the mixture reached the maxillary foramen were not associated with any of the other variables. Infraorbital nerve blocks using 10 and 15 mL result in complete filling of the infraorbital canal in the majority of horses. This block may result in sufficient analgesia of Triadans 06 to 11 and offer a suitable safe alternative to maxillary nerve blocks.
The climate sensitivity of carbon, timber, and species richness covaries with forest age in boreal–temperate North America
Authors: Thom Dominik , Golivets Marina , Edling Laura , Meigs Garrett W. , Gourevitch Jesse D. , Sonter Laura J. , Galford Gillian L. , Keeton William S.
Published: April 2019

Climate change threatens the provisioning of forest ecosystem services and biodiversity (ESB). The climate sensitivity of ESB may vary with forest development from young to old‐growth conditions as structure and composition shift over time and space. This study addresses knowledge gaps hindering implementation of adaptive forest management strategies to sustain ESB. We focused on a number of ESB indicators to (a) analyze associations among carbon storage, timber growth rate, and species richness along a forest development gradient; (b) test the sensitivity of these associations to climatic changes; and (c) identify hotspots of climate sensitivity across the boreal–temperate forests of eastern North America. From pre‐existing databases and literature, we compiled a unique dataset of 18,507 forest plots. We used a full Bayesian framework to quantify responses of nine ESB indicators. The Bayesian models were used to assess the sensitivity of these indicators and their associations to projected increases in temperature and precipitation. We found the strongest association among the investigated ESB indicators in old forests (>170 years). These forests simultaneously support high levels of carbon storage, timber growth, and species richness. Older forests also exhibit low climate sensitivity of associations among ESB indicators as compared to younger forests. While regions with a currently low combined ESB performance benefitted from climate change, regions with a high ESB performance were particularly vulnerable to climate change. In particular, climate sensitivity was highest east and southeast of the Great Lakes, signaling potential priority areas for adaptive management. Our findings suggest that strategies aimed at enhancing the representation of older forest conditions at landscape scales will help sustain ESB in a changing world.
Defining Functional Polycentricity From a Geographical Perspective
Authors: Shu Xianfan , Han Haoying , Huang Chen , Li Liyun
Published: April 2019

Despite the prevalence of polycentricity as a normative strategy in planning documents, a lengthy and inconclusive debate regarding its definition in academic research persists. The aim of this article is to eliminate the conceptual confusion surrounding functional polycentricity from a geographical perspective. By classifying different approaches to polycentricity, we outline the properties that characterize all forms of functional polycentricity. Accordingly, we redefine functional polycentricity and propose a corresponding framework with which to measure it. The commuting and leisure functional polycentricity of Atlanta is used as an example to illustrate the application of this framework.
Reliability and validity of the Japanese version of a self‐report (DEMQOL) and carer proxy (DEMQOL‐PROXY) measure of health‐related quality of life in people with dementia
Authors: Niikawa Hirotoshi , Kawano Yoshiyuki , Yamanaka Katsuo , Okamura Tsuyoshi , Inagaki Hiroki , Ito Kae , Awata Shuichi
Published: April 2019

Aim

The DEMQOL is a self‐report measure of subjective quality of life of people with dementia, and the DEMQOL‐PROXY is a carer proxy version. The study aimed to develop Japanese versions of the DEMQOL and DEMQOL‐PROXY, and test their reliability and validity.

Methods

Translation, reverse translation and equivalency evaluation by the original author were used to develop Japanese versions of the DEMQOL (DEMQOL‐J) and DEMQOL‐PROXY (DEMQOL‐PROXY‐J). Interviews were carried out with 90 pairs of people with dementia and their carers to assess their quality of life using the DEMQOL‐J, DEMQOL‐PROXY‐J and other quality of life scales. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. Test–retest reliabilities were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients. Criterion validity was determined using Pearson's correlation coefficient.

Results

Data from 87 pairs who completed the interviews were analyzed. Cronbach's alphas for the DEMQOL‐J and DEMQOL‐PROXY‐J were 0.930 and 0.927, respectively. For 27 pairs who were re‐interviewed, the intraclass correlation coefficients for the DEMQOL‐J and DEMQOL‐PROXY‐J were 0.942 (P < 0.001) and 0.942 (P < 0.001), respectively. Both the DEMQOL‐J and DEMQOL‐PROXY‐J correlated significantly with other quality of life scales (the Quality of Life ‐ Alzheimer's Disease instrument, the EuroQol‐5D‐3L and the World Health Organization Well‐Being Index‐5‐J; P < 0.001). There was also a significant correlation between the DEMQOL‐J and the DEMQOL‐PROXY‐J (r = 0.645, P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

The DEMQOL‐J and DEMQOL‐PROXY‐J are reliable and valid measures of dementia‐specific quality of life. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 487–491.
The challenges of the faculty members’ commitment: The role of university brand
Authors: Sheikh Alireza , Aghaz Asal
Published: April 2019

Commitment in the knowledge‐intensive sectors has today become a key organisational dilemma as well as a serious managerial concern. In the university setting, faculty members’ commitment to various stakeholder bases and the subsequent implications have hitherto been studied only to a limited extent. Through a quantitative survey, this paper studies university professors’ various modes of commitment and investigates the role of university brand in the context of Iranian universities. The findings reveal that university professors with higher level of professional commitment tend to be more organisationally committed. Furthermore, it is shown that university brand can increase the impact of professional commitment on organisational commitment.
Low‐calorie sweetener use, weight, and metabolic health among children: A mini‐review
Authors: Young Jordan , Conway Ellen M. , Rother Kristina I. , Sylvetsky Allison C.
Published: April 2019

A reduction in the consumption of added sugars and sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSBs) is a key focus of public health recommendations for a healthy diet among children. One approach to lower added sugar intake is to instead use low‐calorie sweeteners (LCSs), which contain no or few calories. Consumption of LCSs is increasing worldwide, with the most marked rise observed among children and adolescents. However, the extent to which LCS consumption is helpful or harmful for weight management is controversial, particularly when LCS consumption begins in childhood. Herein, we summarize the limited existing literature examining effects of paediatric LCS consumption on appetite, energy intake, and body weight. While positive associations between LCS consumption and weight gain are reported in observational analyses, the majority of intervention studies, some of which blinded children to the contents of the drinks, report benefits of LCSs for reducing excessive child weight gain. Several potential mechanisms have been proposed to explain LCS effects on body weight, including LCS‐induced promotion of appetite and energy intake. Yet studies assessing effects of beverages with LCSs (LCSBs) compared with SSBs on child appetite report mixed findings. Some demonstrate that children completely compensate for the diluted energy content of LCSBs by eating more solid food calories at subsequent meals compared with children administered SSBs, while others report a reduction in total energy intake with LCSB ingestion. Given the limited studies and resulting uncertainty as to whether LCSs benefit or worsen weight and metabolic health in children is integral that effects of LCS use during childhood continue to be investigated in future prospective studies.
Features of employment‐related technology for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A thematic analysis
Authors: Damianidou Despoina , Foggett Judith , Wehmeyer Michael L. , Arthur‐Kelly Michael
Published: April 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to identify, extract, summarize and list the features of applied cognitive technology used to support employment‐related outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Method

Thematic analysis was employed on a published research base of 41 studies obtained through a larger scoping review of the literature on the same topic.

Results

The thematic analysis identified 109 technology features categorized into 14 main categories of features, which were grouped into three over‐arching categories, Output, Input and General Features. The majority of the studies comprised “Output” features with “Audio” features being the most frequent category. Studies using more sophisticated technology incorporated a wider range of features and a larger number of references.

Conclusions

Further investigation regarding the association of specific technology features with the enhancement of various cognitive functions will assist the decision making and technology selection process.
Reading skills in children with mild to borderline intellectual disability: a cross‐sectional study on second to eighth graders
Authors: Di Blasi F. D. , Buono S. , Cantagallo C. , Di Filippo G. , Zoccolotti P.
Published: April 2019

Background

Students with intellectual disabilities (IDs) have various learning difficulties and are at risk for school failure. Large inter‐individual differences are described for reading, but it is unclear how these vary as a function of grade. The aim of this study was to examine various reading fluency, accuracy and comprehension parameters in second‐to‐eighth‐grade Italian children with either borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) or mild ID (MID).

Methods

We examined 106 children with BIF (67 M and 39 F) and 168 children with MID (107 M and 61 F). The children were in the second to eighth grade and were comparable for chronological age (7 to 14 years). They were administered a battery of tests that assessed fluency and accuracy of word, pseudo‐word and text reading, as well as text comprehension. Standardised scores allowed us to compare the performance of the two groups with normative values.

Results

Children with ID obtained generally low scores compared with normative values. Those with MID had greater difficulty than those with BIF. Furthermore, difficulty was greater for speed than for accuracy measures and for words than for pseudo‐words. Difficulty (particularly in the case of reading speed) tended to be pronounced at later grades. Marked individual differences were present independently of MID–BIF subgrouping, as well as stimulus category and reading parameter.

Conclusions

As a group, children with ID showed difficulty in reading acquisition; the effect was greater for children with more severe ID, but large individual differences were observed in children with both BIF and MID. Relatively spared pseudo‐word reading skills indicate efficient use of the grapheme‐to‐phoneme conversion routine. This processing mode may prove more ineffective at higher levels of schooling when even in regular orthographies such as Italian typically developing children rely on lexical activation.
Language ideologies and practices in Africa
Authors: Kamwangamalu Nkonko M
Published: April 2019

Sociolinguistics in African Contexts is an edited collection of 18 chapters providing detailed accounts of language ideologies and urban youth language practices in Africa. Its overall twin‐goal is ‘to foreground work that places African languages, rather than European languages, at the center of sociolinguistic studies’ in Africa, and to argue against ‘the continued exclusion of African languages from many education networks.’ In this review article, I first describe each of the chapters that make up the book. Next, I offer a critical evaluation of the book's strengths and weaknesses. Briefly, the book's major weakness is that it lacks editorial rigor, and this distracts from its major strength and greatest contribution to the discipline: the carefully documented case studies of youth language practices in Africa's urban centers. I then point to the challenges that the field of African sociolinguistics faces, in light of urban youth language practices and of the aftereffect of inherited colonial ideologies in education in particular, to make African languages the focus of sociolinguistic studies. In conclusion, I explore how the debate over language ideologies and practices in African education could be moved beyond the traditional criticism of existing policies to offer constructive suggestions for policy and practice alternatives.
Assessing Change in Physician Practice Organization Profile in South Carolina: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Breneman Charity B. , Probst Janice C. , Crouch Elizabeth , Eberth Jan M.
Published: April 2019

Background

Physician practice organization is shifting away from solo, independent practices toward direct employment, but trends for rural‐urban differences are often analyzed by dichotomizing rurality. The purpose of this analysis was to examine trends in practice organization across 3 levels of rurality over a 21‐year period in South Carolina.

Methods

Physician license renewal forms were used to ascertain type of practice organization where physicians worked in South Carolina between 1995 and 2015. Physicians were divided into 4 categories: physicians in independent solo practices, physicians in independent group practices, employed physicians, and other. Historical trends in type of practice organization were evaluated for each level of rurality (metropolitan, micropolitan, and small adjacent/remote rural) using the National Cancer Institute's Joinpoint regression models.

Results

There was a continual increase in physician renewals indicating employment, with an average annual increase of 5.9%. Micropolitan rural counties demonstrated the greatest average increase in license renewals for employed physicians (average annual increase = 7.4%; P < .05). The ratio of license renewals per 100,000 population for physicians in independent solo practices declined significantly over time. Micropolitan and small adjacent/remote rural counties saw an increase in the annual decline for this type of practice organization in 2007.

Conclusions

A shift toward physician employment was observed at all levels of rurality. Rural counties exhibited a more pronounced transition between the types of practice organization compared to metropolitan counties. Research is needed to address the implications of these changes for rural providers and patients.
Morphometric and functional connectivity changes in the brain of patients with obstructive sleep apnea: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yeung Andy W. K.
Published: April 2019

Existing evidence for brain morphometric changes and functional connectivity alterations in patients with obstructive sleep apnea is mixed. The current study aimed to meta‐analyse the neuroimaging data, and thus synthesize a brain map showing locations with morphometric and functional connectivity differences between patients with obstructive sleep apnea and controls. Published studies to 2018 were retrieved and included into the analysis if they reported such between‐group differences using voxel‐based morphometry or resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging, and reported the results in the form of brain coordinates based on whole‐brain analysis. Twelve voxel‐based morphometry and seven resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging studies that comprised a total of 1,113 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Compared with healthy controls, patients with obstructive sleep apnea had reduced resting‐state connectivity in the right anterior cingulate and larger grey matter volume in the right insula. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea do have morphometric and resting‐state connectivity alterations in the brain. These neural correlates may help explain the effects of obstructive sleep apnea on the emotion, cognition and quality of life of patients, and may be used in future for evaluating its treatment outcome.
Hepatitis C virus infection and non‐hepatocellular malignancies in the DAA era: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Masarone Mario , Persico Marcello
Published: April 2019

Background and Aims

Direct antiviral agents have greatly improved therapeutic options for chronic hepatitis C. Indeed, former “difficult‐to‐treat” patients can now be treated and can achieve sustained response. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma and with B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL). Other malignancies have been reported to be associated with HCV infection albeit with various grades of evidence. Antineoplastic treatment is often reduced or suspended in HCV‐positive cancer patients to avoid “HCV reactivation.” In this setting, antiviral therapy combined with antineoplastic protocols may improve the outcome. For this reason, we conducted a systematic review and a meta‐analysis to update the association between HCV infection and non‐hepatocellular malignancies, and to shed light on the effects exerted by antiviral treatment on the natural history of oncological diseases.

Methods

Relevant studies were identified by searching PUBMED, EMBASE and MEDLINE up to 1 August 2018. Pooled risk estimates were calculated with random‐effects models according to PRISMA guidelines.

Results

A total of 58 studies were included in the analysis: 27 studies of the association between HCV and B‐NHL(OR 3.36; 95% CI 2.40‐4.72;P < 0.00001);13 studies of the association between sustained virological response and progression‐free survival (PFS) in B‐NHL patients(OR 9.34; 95% CI 4.90‐17.79; P < 0.00001); 13 studies of the association between HCV and intrahepatic‐cholangio‐carcinoma (OR 3.95;95% CI 2.25‐6.94; P < 0.00001); and 5 studies of the association between HCV infection and pancreatic adeno‐carcinoma(OR 1.60; 95% CI:1.25‐2.04; P = 0.0002).

Conclusions

This study updates the strong association between B‐NHL and HCV infection, confirms the association between HCV and non‐hepatocellular tumours, and demonstrates a very strong association between viral eradication and a better outcome of HCV‐positive B‐NHL.
Dynamic analysis of a disequilibrium macroeconomic model with dual labor markets
Authors: Ogawa Shogo
Published: April 2019

We extend the general disequilibrium model of Malinvaud (1980) by using dual labor market theory. By considering two tiers of workers, we find that while the duality of the labor market expands an equilibrium regime in the short term, it does not always keep an equilibrium in the medium term. In the medium term, the business cycle converges toward a disequilibrium regime unless the goods market is potentially in equilibrium. Employment and wages at the steady state are affected by the size of the government expenditure, and the stability of wage bargaining is only a sufficient condition of the local stability of our dynamic system. Therefore, involuntary unemployment can be remedied only when goods demand is sufficiently large.
A geminivirus betasatellite encoded βC1 protein interacts with PsbP and subverts PsbP‐mediated antiviral defence in plants
Authors: Gnanasekaran Prabu , Ponnusamy Kalaiarasan , Chakraborty Supriya
Published: April 2019

Geminivirus disease complexes potentially interfere with plants physiology and cause disastrous effects on a wide range of economically important crops throughout the world. Diverse geminivirus betasatellite associations exacerbate the epidemic threat for global food security. Our previous study showed that βC1, the pathogenicity determinant of geminivirus betasatellites induce symptom development by disrupting the ultrastructure and function of chloroplasts. Here we explored the betasatellite‐virus‐chloroplast interaction in the scope of viral pathogenesis as well as plant defence responses, using Nicotiana benthamiana—Radish leaf curl betasatellite (RaLCB) as the model system. We have shown an interaction between RaLCB‐encoded βC1 and one of the extrinsic subunit proteins of oxygen‐evolving complex of photosystem II both in vitro and in vivo. Further, we demonstrate a novel function of the Nicotiana benthamiana oxygen‐evolving enhancer protein 2 (PsbP), in that it binds DNA, including geminivirus DNA. Transient silencing of PsbP in N. benthamiana plants enhances pathogenicity and viral DNA accumulation. Overexpression of PsbP impedes disease development during the early phase of infection, suggesting that PsbP is involved in generation of defence response during geminivirus infection. In addition, βC1‐PsbP interaction hampers non‐specific binding of PsbP to the geminivirus DNA. Our findings suggest that betasatellite‐encoded βC1 protein accomplishes counter‐defence by physical interaction with PsbP reducing the ability of PsbP to bind geminivirus DNA to establish infection.
Aberrant brain structural large‐scale connectome in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Thomann Anne K. , Reindl Wolfgang , Wüstenberg Torsten , Kmuche Dagny , Ebert Matthias P. , Szabo Kristina , Wolf Robert Christian , Hirjak Dusan , Niesler Beate , Griebe Martin , Thomann Philipp A.
Published: April 2019

Background

Disturbed brain‐gut interactions and a bidirectional relationship between inflammation and psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety and depression are being discussed in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Alterations of brain structure and function in IBD have been reported with heterogeneous results. Whether these changes reflect independent localized deficits or rather a systematic disruption in the anatomical organization of large‐scale brain networks remains unclear. The present study investigated the gray matter structural connectome in patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

Methods

Sixty participants (30 with quiescent CD and 30 matched healthy controls [HC]) underwent high‐resolution brain MRI at 3 Tesla. Well‐established graph theoretical metrics were analyzed at the global and regional network level and compared between groups.

Key Results

The networks in both groups followed a small‐world organization, that is, an architecture that is simultaneously highly segregated and integrated. However, transitivity, a measure of global network segregation, was significantly reduced in patients (P = 0.003). Regionally, patients showed a reduction of nodal betweenness centrality in the right insula and cuneus and the left superior frontal cortex and reduced nodal degree within the left‐hemispheric cingulate and the left lateral and right medial orbitofrontal cortex.

Conclusion and Inferences

These findings lend support to the hypothesis that CD is accompanied by alterations in both global network organization and regional connectivity. A deeper understanding of neural central networks in IBD may facilitate the development of complementary strategies in the treatment of “extraintestinal” comorbid conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Polymeric mesh and insulin‐like growth factor 1 delivery enhance cell homing and graft−cartilage integration
Authors: Boushell Margaret K. , Mosher Christopher Z. , Suri Gurbani K. , Doty Stephen B. , Strauss Eric J. , Hunziker Ernst B. , Lu Helen H.
Published: April 2019

Cartilage injury, such as full‐thickness lesions, predisposes patients to the premature development of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease. While surgical management of cartilage lesions has improved, long‐term clinical efficacy has stagnated, owing to the lack of hyaline cartilage regeneration and inadequate graft−host integration. This study tests the hypothesis that integration of cartilage grafts with native cartilage can be improved by enhancing the migration of chondrocytes across the graft−host interface via the release of chemotactic factor from a degradable polymeric mesh. To this end, a polylactide‐co‐glycolide/poly‐ε‐caprolactone mesh was designed to localize the delivery of insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), a well‐established chondrocyte attractant. The release of IGF‐1 (100 ng/mg) enhanced cell migration from cartilage explants, and the mesh served as critical structural support for cell adhesion, growth, and production of a cartilaginous matrixin vitro, which resulted in increased integration strength compared with mesh‐free repair. Further, this neocartilage matrix was structurally contiguous with native and grafted cartilage when tested in an osteochondral explant modelin vivo. These results demonstrate that this combined approach of a cell homing factor and supportive matrix will promote cell‐mediated integrative cartilage repair and improve clinical outcomes of cartilage grafts in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Individualized No‐Show Predictions: Effect on Clinic Overbooking and Appointment Reminders
Authors: Li Yutian , Tang Sammi Yu , Johnson Joseph , Lubarsky David A.
Published: April 2019

Patient no‐shows and late cancellations lead to clinic inefficiency, high clinic costs and low patient satisfaction. The two main strategies clinics employed to alleviate the adverse effects of no‐shows are overbooking and patient appointment reminders. Developing effective overbooking schedules depends on accurately predicting each patient’s no‐show probability, while developing effective reminder systems requires a patient‐level estimate of communication sensitivity. Current methods of estimating no‐show probabilities do not produce such patient‐level predictions. To remedy this, we develop a Bayesian nested logit model which utilizes appointment confirmation data and estimates individual‐level coefficients for patient‐specific predictors. A log‐likelihood comparison of model fit on 12 months of appointment data shows that the Bayesian model outperforms the standard logit model by about 30% improvement in model fit. Additionally, our Bayesian model allows categorization of patients based on their appointment confirmation behavior. Finally, using patient‐specific no‐show probabilities as an input to a simulated appointment scheduler we find that the Bayesian model improves clinic profit over the standard logit model. The benefit comes mainly from waiting cost reduction when no‐show probability is low and from physician overtime and idle time cost reduction when no‐show probability is high. Our study has two managerial implications. First, the Bayesian method allows customizing appointment reminder effort based on patient’s confirmation behavior. Second, the Bayesian method also allows improved overbooking scheduling especially in clinics that experience large patient throughput.
Meaning and practices of spiritual care for older people with dementia: experiences of nurses and care workers
Authors: Hirakawa Yoshihisa , Yajima Kyoka , Chiang Chifa , Aoyama Atsuko
Published: April 2019

Background

The aim of the present study was to comprehensively investigate the meaning and practices of spiritual care for older people with dementia based on the perspective and experiences of nurses and care workers.

Methods

The study was designed according to qualitative research strategies and used face‐to‐face interview data, with a focus on the experiences of nurses and care workers who care for elderly persons with dementia. Five nurses and 13 care workers from nine care facilities participated. We conducted 10 interviews, each with one to three participants, from April to August 2017. An open‐ended questionnaire concerning the meaning and practices of spiritual care for older people with severe dementia was used to comprehensively capture the participants’ experiences of caring for older people with dementia. Qualitative content analysis was used to systematically identify ideas and patterns emerging from the qualitative data.

Results

Three main themes emerged from the qualitative analysis of what constituted spiritual care for older people with dementia: (i) self‐esteem; (ii) communication; and (iii) individual difference.

Conclusions

Nurses and care workers perceived self‐esteem as a core domain of spiritual care for older people with severe dementia. Reminiscing about important achievements and enjoying small pleasures in daily life enhance older people's self‐esteem. Communication strategies involving active listening and therapeutic lying can help maintain older people's self‐esteem and cognitive abilities. Older people with dementia respond in different ways to standardized care procedures, so care providers must employ of a variety of skilful approaches.
Associations between lung and endothelial function in early middle age
Authors: Hancox Robert J. , Thomas Lathan , Williams Michael J.A. , Sears Malcolm R.
Published: April 2019

Background and objective

Chronic lung disease is associated with impaired endothelial function and this may be a risk factor for poor cardiovascular health. It is unknown if there is an association between lung and endothelial function in the general population. We investigated associations between lung and endothelial function in a population‐based cohort of 38‐year‐old men and women.

Methods

Systemic endothelial function was measured using peripheral arterial tonometry to calculate the Framingham reactive hyperaemia index. Lung function was assessed using spirometry, plethysmographic lung volumes, airway conductance and gas transfer. Associations between lung and endothelial function were assessed with and without adjustment for potential confounding factors using regression analyses.

Results

Sex modified the association between lung and endothelial function. Among women, lower values of pre‐ and post‐bronchodilator spirometry, total lung capacity and functional residual capacity (FRC) were associated with worse endothelial function (P < 0.05). These associations persisted after adjustment for smoking, asthma diagnoses, fitness and body mass index. Associations were weaker among men: only FRC, airway conductance and post‐bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratios were associated with endothelial function. Endothelial function was not associated with gas transfer in either sex.

Conclusion

Lower lung volumes and airflow obstruction are associated with endothelial dysfunction among women. There is weaker evidence for an association between airway and endothelial function in men. These findings may partly explain the increased risk of cardiovascular disease among people with poor lung function, but suggest that there are sex differences in this association.
Flow Regimes in Two-Phase Hexane/Water Semibatch Vertical Taylor Vortex Flow
Authors: Campbell Charlton , Olsen Michael G. , Dennis Vigil R.
Published: April 2019

Optical-based experiments were carried out using the immiscible pair of liquids hexane and water in a vertically oriented Taylor–Couette reactor operated in a semibatch mode. The dispersed droplet phase (hexane) was continually fed and removed from the reactor in a closed loop setup. The continuous water phase did not enter or exit the annular gap. Four distinct flow patterns were observed including (1) a pseudo-homogenous dispersion, (2) a weakly banded regime, (3) a horizontally banded dispersion, and (4) a helical flow regime. These flow patterns can be organized into a two-dimensional regime map using the azimuthal and axial Reynolds numbers as axes. In addition, the dispersed phase holdup was found to increase monotonically with both the azimuthal and axial Reynolds numbers. The experimental observations can be explained in the context of a competition between the buoyancy-driven axial flow of hexane droplets and the wall-driven vortex flow of the continuous water phase.
Simulation of Compressible and Incompressible Flows Through Planar and Axisymmetric Abrupt Expansions
Authors: Nouri-Borujerdi Ali , Shafiei Ghazani Ardalan
Published: April 2019

In this paper, compressible and incompressible flows through planar and axisymmetric sudden expansion channels are investigated numerically. Both laminar and turbulent flows are taken into consideration. Proper preconditioning in conjunction with a second-order accurate advection upstream splitting method (AUSM+-up) is employed. General equations for the loss coefficient and pressure ratio as a function of expansion ratio, Reynolds number, and the inlet Mach number are obtained. It is found that the reattachment length increases by increasing the Reynolds number. Changing the flow regime to turbulent results in a decreased reattachment length. Reattachment length increases slightly with a further increase in Reynolds number. At a given inlet Mach number, the maximum value of the ratio of the reattachment length to step height occurs at the expansion ratio of about two. Moreover, the pressure loss coefficient is a monotonic increasing function of expansion ratio and increases drastically by increasing Mach number. Increasing inlet Mach number from 0.1 to 0.2 results in an increase in pressure loss coefficient by less than 5%. However, increasing inlet Mach number from 0.4 to 0.6 results in an increase in loss coefficient by 70–100%, depending on the expansion ratio. It is revealed that increasing Reynolds number beyond a critical value results in the loss of symmetry for planar expansions. Critical Reynolds numbers change adversely to expansion ratio. The flow regains symmetry when the flow becomes turbulent. Similar bifurcating phenomena are observed beyond a certain Reynolds number in the turbulent regime.
Fabrication and optical properties of regularly arranged GaN-based nanocolumns on Si substrate
Authors: Sekiguchi Hiroto , Higashi Yukimasa , Yamane Keisuke , Wakahara Akihiro , Okada Hiroshi , Kishino Katsumi
Published: April 2019

Nanocolumn light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are expected to achieve the monolithic integration of the three primary-color micro-LEDs for micro-LED displays. From the viewpoints of low cost and large-area substrates, a technology for the regular arrangement of nanocolumns on Si substrates is required. The improvement of GaN nanocolumns on Si would be an important advance for the preparation of high efficiency optical devices. In this paper, the effects of column diameter and height on the photoluminescence (PL) and cathodoluminescence properties of GaN nanocolumn arrays were investigated. The PL intensity of the 700-nm high (tall) nanocolumn was three times stronger than that of the 350-nm high (short) nanocolumn. Although the PL intensity decreased dramatically with an increasing diameter for the shorter nanocolumns, it retained its high value (up to 220 nm) for the taller GaN nanocolumns. For the latter specimens, a decrease in the number of emitting nanocolumns, which would reduce emission efficiency, was suppressed by the dislocation filtering effect. Moreover, yellow luminescence was suppressed for taller nanocolumns. In the low-temperature-PL spectra, the peak observed at 3.41 eV, related to a stacking fault, increased with diameter regardless of height. These results indicate that the appropriate design of column height and diameter is of considerable importance for obtaining high efficiency emissions. Finally, InGaN/GaN quantum wells were fabricated on the regularly arranged GaN nanocolumn platform. Blue, green, and red (RGB) emission colors with no significant change in emission intensity were observed. These results constitute an important step toward the monolithic integration of RGB micro-LEDs.
The Lyman and Paschen series of hydrogen – Trying to see invisible light
Authors: Lincoln James
Published: April 2019

The hydrogen spectrum is one of the most commonly demonstrated and most commonly studied. After the visible spectral lines (Balmer series) are explained by the Rydberg’s formula, it becomes immediately apparent that there will also be similar infrared and ultraviolet series. As you may have taught your students, these are called the Paschen and the Lyman series, respectively. But do they really exist? In this article I explain how these wavelengths were first detected and go further to provide advice on modern means to more simply detect and measure invisible spectral lines. The history of these spectral lines is also presented, which gives a good flavor for the different roles of theoretical physics and applied physics in investigating a given phenomenon.
Synergistic Effect of Colistin Combined with PFK-158 against Colistin-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Zhang Youwen , Wang Xiukun , Li Xue , Dong Limin , Hu Xinxin , Nie Tongying , Lu Yun , Lu Xi , Pang Jing , Li Guoqing , Yang Xinyi , Li Congran , You Xuefu
Published: April 2019

As increasing numbers of colistin-resistant bacteria emerge, new therapies are urgently needed to treat infections caused by these pathogens. The discovery of new combination therapies is one important way to solve such problems.
Diversification and Evolution of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium during Intestinal Domination
Authors: Dubin Krista A. , Mathur Deepti , McKenney Peter T. , Taylor Bradford P. , Littmann Eric R. , Peled Jonathan U. , van den Brink Marcel R. M. , Taur Ying , Pamer Eric G. , Xavier Joao B.
Published: April 2019

Vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
(VRE) is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections. This is particularly true in immunocompromised patients, where the damage to the microbiota caused by antibiotics can lead to VRE domination of the intestine, increasing a patient’s risk for bloodstream infection.
Acetate Metabolism and the Inhibition of Bacterial Growth by Acetate
Authors: Pinhal Stéphane , Ropers Delphine , Geiselmann Johannes , de Jong Hidde
Published: April 2019

High concentrations of organic acids such as acetate inhibit growth of
Escherichia coli
and other bacteria. This phenomenon is of interest for understanding bacterial physiology but is also of practical relevance. Growth inhibition by organic acids underlies food preservation and causes problems during high-density fermentation in biotechnology. What causes this phenomenon? Classical explanations invoke the uncoupling effect of acetate and the establishment of an anion imbalance. Here, we propose and investigate an alternative hypothesis: the perturbation of acetate metabolism due to the inflow of excess acetate. We find that this perturbation accounts for 20% of the growth-inhibitory effect through a modification of the acetyl phosphate concentration. Moreover, we argue that our observations are not expected based on uncoupling alone.
Beyond Fever and Pain: Diagnostic Methods for Chikungunya Virus
Authors: Natrajan Muktha S. , Rojas Alejandra , Waggoner Jesse J.
Published: April 2019

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an alphavirus that is primarily transmitted byAedesspecies mosquitoes. Though reports of an illness consistent with chikungunya date back over 200 years, CHIKV only gained worldwide attention during a massive pandemic that began in East Africa in 2004.
Experimental Evidence that Stochasticity Contributes to Bacterial Composition and Functioning in a Decomposer Community
Authors: Albright Michaeline B. N. , Chase Alexander B. , Martiny Jennifer B. H.
Published: April 2019

Randomness can alter the diversity and composition of ecological communities. Such stochasticity may therefore obscure the relationship between the environment and community composition and hinder our ability to predict the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. This study investigated the role of stochastic processes, environmental selection, and dispersal in microbial composition and its functioning on an intact field community. To do this, we used a controlled and replicated experiment that was similar to that used to study population genetics in the laboratory. Our study showed that, while the stochastic effects on taxonomic composition are smaller than expected, the degree to which stochasticity contributes to variability in ecosystem processes may be much higher than previously assumed.
The Archaellum of Methanospirillum hungatei Is Electrically Conductive
Authors: Walker David J. F. , Martz Eric , Holmes Dawn E. , Zhou Zimu , Nonnenmann Stephen S. , Lovley Derek R.
Published: April 2019

Microbially produced electrically conductive protein filaments are a revolutionary, sustainably produced, electronic material with broad potential applications. The design of new protein nanowires based on the known
M. hungatei
archaellum structure could be a major advance over the current empirical design of synthetic protein nanowires from electrically conductive bacterial pili. An understanding of the diversity of outer-surface protein structures capable of electron transfer is important for developing models for microbial electrical communication with other cells and minerals in natural anaerobic environments. Extracellular electron exchange is also essential in engineered environments such as bioelectrochemical devices and anaerobic digesters converting wastes to methane. The finding that the archaellum of
M. hungatei
is electrically conductive suggests that some archaea might be able to make long-range electrical connections with their external environment.
Knee sliced open by skate blade: complete patellar tendon rupture in an elite long track speed skater
Authors: Tandberg Alexander Nagel , Grindem Hege , Wiig Christian , Figved Wender
Published: April 2019

A long track speed skater sustained a deep horizontal cut to the right knee just distally to the patella, after he got hit by the skate blade of the pair mate. The injury included a complete patellar tendon rupture from the apex of the patella, a 1 mm deep transverse cut in the femoral condyle and a partial rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. The tendon rupture was repaired with transosseous suture repair without augmentation. A knee brace was used for 8 weeks, with a gradual decrease in flexion restraints. A rehabilitation programme was overseen by a dedicated physiotherapist. At 6 months, he started a gradual return to skating sessions. After 1 year, he had symmetrical single-legged hop performance, but quadriceps weakness due to pain. The patient returned to competition speed skating at national levels after 11 months, and within the first postoperative year, he was breaking new personal records on the ice.