bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Special Olympics: Athletes' perspectives, choices and motives
Authors: Everett Jordan , Lock Adele , Boggis Allison , Georgiadis Emmanouil
Published: September 2019

Accessible summary

There is a need for more voiced opinions from Special Olympic (SO) athletes in contemporary literature.

Five SO athletes presented their own views on their experiences of participating in sport.

SO athletes would welcome more autonomy, responsibility and roles in their everyday sporting participation.

Implications for coaches and parents are presented as a consequence of sporting involvement.

Background

In the past, academic literature and research relating to the Special Olympics (SO) have focused mainly on the parents', professionals' and coaches' views, with some concentrating on the effects of SO on athletes' quality of life. Relatively little has concentrated on the athlete's own perspectives. Therefore, this study set out to examine the under‐researched area of SO athletes' opinions of taking part in sporting activities and their satisfaction during training and competition.

Materials and Methods

Five athletes from one SO athletic club agreed to take part in the study. Thematic analysis was used for generating themes in relation to participants' responses.

Results

Four themes were identified: (a) platform for voice; (b) intense emotions; (c) social reasons to participate; and (d) nutrition, health and sport.

Conclusions

SO athletes' views suggest the need for changes in practice during training and competition. Recommendations are made with the view to further support SO athletes' needs.
Hashimoto encephalopathy
Authors: Matsunaga Akiko , Ikawa Masamichi , Yoneda Makoto
Published: September 2019

Hashimoto encephalopathy (HE) is an autoimmune encephalopathy associated with autoimmune chronic thyroiditis. The clinical entity and nosology of HE have long been debated. Recently, new autoantibodies associated with autoimmune encephalitis have been discovered. With accumulated reported cases, and our discovery of serum autoantibody against NH2‐terminal of alpha‐enolase as a specific diagnostic marker, HE has been recognized as a distinct clinical entity. The condition appears dominant in females. The clinical features of HE are characterized by various neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as altered consciousness, psychosis and seizures, the presence of serum anti‐thyroid antibodies, normal or non‐specific changes in brain magnetic resonance imaging, diffuse slow wave activities in electroencephalogram and responsiveness to immunotherapy. A few pathological studies showed a lymphocytic infiltration of the small and medium‐sized vessels of the brain, which suggested vasculitis. Non‐specific neurological symptoms, laboratory findings and neuroimaging of HE make its diagnosis an oversight and difficult, whereas antibodies against NH2‐terminal of alpha‐enolase can be useful as a diagnostic biomarker for HE. In this review, we describe the current state of knowledge about HE and discuss progress in the diagnosis of HE.
Initially untreated fasting hyperglycaemia in early pregnancy: prognosis according to occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus after 22 weeks’ gestation: a case–control study
Authors: Cosson E. , Vicaut E. , Sandre‐Banon D. , Gary F. , Pharisien I. , Portal J.‐J. , Baudry C. , Cussac‐Pillegand C. , Valensi P. , Carbillon L.
Published: September 2019

Aims

To evaluate the percentage of women with untreated fasting hyperglycaemia in early pregnancy who develop gestational diabetes mellitus after 22 weeks’ gestation, the determinants of gestational diabetes development in such women and the prognosis of early fasting hyperglycaemia according to whether the women go on to develop gestational diabetes.

Methods

From a large cohort of women who delivered in our hospital between 2012 and 2016, we retrospectively selected all those who had untreated early fasting hyperglycaemia and separated them into a ‘gestational diabetes’ and a ‘no‐gestational diabetes’ group according to oral glucose tolerance test results after 22 weeks’ gestation. We compared the incidence of a predefined composite outcome (preeclampsia or large‐for‐gestational‐age infant or shoulder dystocia or neonatal hypoglycaemia) in both groups.

Results

A total of 268 women (mean fasting plasma glucose 5.3 ± 0.3 mmol/l at a mean ± sd of 10.2 ± 4.2 weeks’ gestation) were included. Gestational diabetes developed in 134 women and was independently associated with early fasting plasma glucose ≥ 5.5 mmol/l [odds ratio 3.16 (95% CI 1.57, 6.33)], age ≥ 30 years [odds ratio 2.78 (95% CI 1.46, 5.31)], preconception obesity [odds ratio 2.12 (95% CI 1.11, 4.02)], family history of diabetes [odds ratio 1.87 (95% CI 1.00, 3.50)] and current employment [odds ratio 0.46 (95% CI 0.26, 0.83)]. Despite treatment, gestational diabetes induced a significant increase in the composite outcome as compared to no gestational diabetes (odds ratio 2.16 [95% CI 1.08, 4.34]). The association disappeared after adjustment for risk factors.

Conclusions

Only half of the women with early fasting hyperglycaemia and no specific care subsequently developed gestational diabetes, and these women had a poor prognosis despite gestational diabetes treatment. Poor prognosis was mostly attributable to risk factors. Our results suggest that only women with certain risk factors should be screened for early fasting hyperglycaemia.
Association between time to treatment and functional outcomes according to the Diffusion‐Weighted Imaging Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score in endovascular stroke therapy
Authors: Kim J.‐T. , Cho B.‐H. , Choi K.‐H. , Park M.‐S. , Kim B. J. , Park J.‐M. , Kang K. , Lee S. J. , Kim J. G. , Cha J.‐K. , Kim D.‐H. , Nah H.‐W. , Park T. H. , Park S.‐S. , Lee K. B. , Lee J. , Hong K.‐S. , Cho Y.‐J. , Park H.‐K. , Lee B.‐C. , Yu K.‐H. , Oh M. S. , Kim D.‐E. , Ryu W.‐S. , Choi J. C. , Kwon J.‐H. , Kim W.‐J. , Shin D.‐I. , Sohn S. I. , Hong J.‐H. , Lee J. S. , Lee J. , Bae H.‐J. , Saver J. L. , Cho K.‐H.
Published: September 2019

Background and purpose

The rate at which the chance of a good outcome of endovascular stroke therapy (EVT) decays with time when eligible patients are selected by baseline diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI‐MRI) and whether ischaemic core size affects this rate remain to be investigated.

Methods

This study analyses a prospective multicentre registry of stroke patients treated with EVT based on pretreatment DWI‐MRI that was categorized into three groups: small [Diffusion‐Weighted Imaging Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (DWI‐ASPECTS)] (8–10), moderate (5–7) and large (<5) cores. The main outcome was a good outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale 0–2). The interaction between onset‐to‐groin puncture time (OTP) and DWI‐ASPECTS categories regarding functional outcomes was investigated.

Results

Ultimately, 985 patients (age 69 ± 11 years; male 55%) were analysed. Potential interaction effects between the DWI‐ASPECTS categories and OTP on a good outcome at 90 days were observed (Pinteraction = 0.06). Every 60‐min delay in OTP was associated with a 16% reduced likelihood of a good outcome at 90 days amongst patients with large cores, although no associations were observed amongst patients with small to moderate cores. Interestingly, the adjusted rates of a good outcome at 90 days steeply declined between 65 and 213 min of OTP and then remained smooth throughout 24 h of OTP (Pnonlinearity = 0.15).

Conclusions

Our study showed that the probability of a good outcome after EVT nonlinearly decreased, with a steeper decline at earlier OTP than at later OTP. Discrepant effects of OTP on functional outcomes by baseline DWI‐ASPECTS categories were observed. Thus, different strategies for EVT based on time and ischaemic core size are warranted.
Dementia in China (2015–2050) estimated using the 1% population sampling survey in 2015
Authors: Wang Ying‐Quan , Jia Rui‐Xia , Liang Jing‐Hong , Li Jing , Qian Sheng , Li Jia‐Yu , Xu Yong
Published: September 2019

Aim

To determine the prevalence of dementia in the past two decades and provide updated estimates about older people (aged ≥60 years) with dementia in China from 2015 to 2050.

Methods

The English and Chinese databases were retrieved. Published epidemiology surveys of dementia from 1990–2018 were screened. Meta‐analysis was used to calculate their pooled prevalence. The age‐moving method was used to estimate the population aged ≥60 years in 2020, 2030, 2040 and 2050 based on the data of the sampling survey of 1% of the population in 2015 released by the National Bureau of Statistics. The pooled prevalence of three age groups (60–69, 70–79, ≥80 years) from 2015 to 2018 was used as the basis to estimate the number of older people with dementia.

Results

The pooled prevalence rate of dementia in Mainland China from 1985 to 2018 was 4.9% (95% CI 4.3–5.4), and the prevalence rate from 2015 to 2018 among them was 7.4% (95% CI 5.3–9.5). In 2020, 2030, 2040 and 2050, the number of people with dementia will be 16.93 million, 24.25 million, 31.98 million and 35.98 million, respectively. Furthermore, people with dementia aged ≥60 years in 2050 will be 2.13‐fold than that of 2015.

Conclusion

The number of dementia patients in China will increase dramatically in the next 30 years without preventive measures. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 1096–1100.
Levcromakalim, an Adenosine Triphosphate‐Sensitive Potassium Channel Opener, Dilates Extracerebral but not Cerebral Arteries
Authors: Al‐Karagholi Mohammad Al‐Mahdi , Ghanizada Hashmat , Hansen Jakob M. , Skovgaard Lene T. , Olesen Jes , Larsson Henrik B. W. , Amin Faisal M. , Ashina Messoud
Published: September 2019

Background

ATP‐sensitive potassium (KATP) channel opener levcromakalim induces migraine attacks in migraine patients. Underlying mechanisms responsible for headache and migraine induction after levcromakalim infusion are unknown.

Objective

To investigate the effect of levcromakalim on the cranial arteries and to explore the possible relationship between the middle meningeal artery (MMA) dilation and headache.

Methods

In a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study, 20 healthy volunteers were scanned at the baseline and repeatedly after infusion of levcromakalim (n = 14) and placebo (n = 6). All participants received a subcutaneous injection of sumatriptan 6 mg before the last scanning.

Results

The MMA circumference was significantly larger after levcromakalim compared with placebo (P < .0001). The MMA dilation lasted over 5 hours during observational period. We found a significant association between headache and MMA dilation (P < .0001). The superficial temporal artery (STA) circumference was significantly larger after levcromakalim compared with placebo (P = .03) over the initial period (110 minutes). Over the entire observational period, there was no difference in circumference of the STA and the middle cerebral artery (MCA) between levcromakalim and placebo.

Conclusion

Levcromakalim dilated the MMA but not MCA. The MMA dilation was associated with headache. Future studies should investigate whether opening of KATP channels can activate and sensitize the perivascular nociceptors.
Defect morphology, bone thickness, exposure settings and examiner experience affect the diagnostic accuracy of standardized digital periapical radiographic images but not of cone beam computed tomography in the detection of peri‐implant osseous defects: An in vitro study
Authors: Pelekos George , Tse Judy M.N. , Ho Dominic , Tonetti Maurizio S.
Published: September 2019

Aims

To investigate the effect of defect morphology, bone thickness and examiner experience on the accuracy to detect the presence, the type and the depth of peri‐implant defects with digital periapical radiographs (PAs) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in an in vitro model.

Methods

Thirty six implants were placed in fresh porcine rib bone with different types of standardized defects while sites with no defect served as control. Fourteen masked examiners evaluated 324 PAs and 108 CBCT images. The presence and type of defect, the location of the bottom of the defect and the location of first bone‐to‐implant contact were recorded. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values were calculated for each type of defect using actual measurements as the gold standard.

Results

The diagnostic accuracy for PAs was affected by defect morphology, exposure time, thickness of bone walls and the level of experience of the examiner. The overall diagnostic accuracy of CBCT was high (>96%) for all types of defects.

Conclusion

Cone beam computed tomography showed better diagnostic accuracy in the detection of peri‐implant defects, this can be attributed to the fact that CBCT seems to be less affected by variables that contribute to the poorer performance of PAs.
Parenting for Lifelong Health for Young Children: a randomized controlled trial of a parenting program in South Africa to prevent harsh parenting and child conduct problems
Authors: Ward Catherine L. , Wessels Inge M. , Lachman Jamie M. , Hutchings Judy , Cluver Lucie D. , Kassanjee Reshma , Nhapi Raymond , Little Francesca , Gardner Frances
Published: September 2019

Background

Parenting programs suitable for delivery at scale in low‐resource contexts are urgently needed. We conducted a randomized trial of Parenting for Lifelong Health (PLH) for Young Children, a low‐cost 12‐session program designed to increase positive parenting and reduce harsh parenting and conduct problems in children aged 2–9.

Methods

Two hundred and ninety‐six caregivers, whose children showed clinical levels of conduct problems (Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory Problem Score, >15), were randomly assigned using a 1:1 ratio to intervention or control groups. At t0, and at 4–5 months (t1) and 17 months (t2) after randomization, research assistants blind to group assignment assessed (through caregiver self‐report and structured observation) 11 primary outcomes: positive parenting, harsh parenting, and child behavior; four secondary outcomes: parenting stress, caregiver depression, poor monitoring/supervision, and social support. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02165371); Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR201402000755243); Violence Prevention Trials Register (http://www.preventviolence.info/Trials?ID=24).

Results

Caregivers attended on average 8.4 sessions. After adjustment for 30 comparisons, strongest results were as follows: at t1, frequency of self‐reported positive parenting strategies (10% higher in the intervention group, p = .003), observed positive parenting (39% higher in the intervention group, p = .003), and observed positive child behavior (11% higher in the intervention group, p = .003); at t2, both observed positive parenting and observed positive child behavior were higher in the intervention group (24%, p = .003; and 17%, p = .003, respectively). Results with p‐values < .05 prior to adjustment were as follows: At t1, the intervention group self‐reported 11% fewer child problem behaviors, 20% fewer problems with implementing positive parenting strategies, and less physical and psychological discipline (28% and 14% less, respectively). There were indications that caregivers reported 20% less depression but 7% more parenting stress at t1. Group differences were nonsignificant for observed negative child behavior, and caregiver‐reported child behavior, poor monitoring or supervision, and caregiver social support.

Conclusions

PLH for Young Children shows promise for increasing positive parenting and reducing harsh parenting.
The joint evolution of lifespan and self‐fertilization
Authors: Lesaffre Thomas , Billiard Sylvain
Published: September 2019

In Angiosperms, there exists a strong association between mating system and lifespan. Most self‐fertilizing species are short‐lived, and most predominant or obligate outcrossers are long‐lived. This association is generally explained by the influence of lifespan on the evolution of the mating system, considering lifespan as fixed. Yet, lifespan can itself evolve, and the mating system may as well influence the evolution of lifespan, as is suggested by joint evolutionary shifts of lifespan and mating system between sister species. In this paper, we build modifier models to study the joint evolution of self‐fertilization and lifespan, including both juvenile and adult inbreeding depression. We show that provided that inbreeding depression affects adult survival, self‐fertilization is expected to promote evolution towards shorter lifespan, and that the range of conditions under which selfing can evolve rapidly shrinks as lifespan increases. We study the effects of inbreeding depression affecting various steps in the life cycle and discuss how extrinsic mortality conditions are expected to affect evolutionary associations. In particular, we show that selfers may sometimes remain short‐lived even in a very stable habitat, as a strategy to avoid the deleterious effects of inbreeding.
Why academics should study the supply chains of individual corporations
Authors: Goldstein Benjamin , Newell Joshua P.
Published: September 2019

Although fields such as industrial ecology have advanced our understanding of how cleaner technologies, recycling, and lifestyle changes can reduce the impacts of production and consumption on people and planet, environmental deterioration and social injustices stubbornly persist. New strategies are needed to achieve change in an era of increasing urgency. This paper proposes that academics study the supply chains of individual corporations and link them to environmental and social impacts in geographically specific areas. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have used this approach successfully, issuing reports about corporate activity related to deforestation, sweatshops, and other issues of social concern. But academics, by and large, have studied generic products, industries, and sectors. To verify this, after reviewing approximately 11,000 studies on supply chains, we identified just 27 academic papers that focused on individual corporations. These were primarily by NGOs and social scientists, with no studies by industrial ecologists meeting our review criteria. To uncover corporate supply chains, researchers used two distinct methodological approaches: in situ (interviews, surveys, and surveillance) and ex situ (trade data, document analysis, and maps). In this paper, we explain why and how academics should study the supply chains of individual corporations. This is done by combining approaches from industrial ecology, with those from geography, sociology, and other social sciences to develop a political‐industrial ecology of supply chains. This both physically links actual product flows with their environmental impacts, and explores how they affect justice, equity, and welfare. The work we propose offers clear collaborative linkages with NGOs, industry, and the media.
Mitochondria modulatory effects of new TSPO ligands in a cellular model of tauopathies
Authors: Grimm Amandine , Lejri Imane , Hallé François , Schmitt Martine , Götz Jürgen , Bihel Frederic , Eckert Anne
Published: September 2019

Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) is a mitochondrial protein located in the outer membrane and involved in cholesterol translocation, a prerequisite for steroid biosynthesis. TSPO modulation also appears to play a role in other mitochondrial functions, including mitochondrial respiration and cell survival. In the central nervous system, its expression is up‐regulated in neuropathology such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previously, we demonstrated that two new TSPO ligands, named 2a and 2b, stimulated pregnenolone synthesis and ATP production in a cellular model of AD overproducing β‐amyloid peptide. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the new TSPO ligands on mitochondrial dysfunction in a cellular model of AD‐related tauopathy (human neuroblastoma cells SH‐SY5Y stably overexpressing the P301L‐mutant Tau) presenting mitochondrial impairments, including a decreased ATP synthesis and mitochondrial membrane potential, as well as a decrease in pregnenolone synthesis compared to control cells. The effects of our new ligands were compared with those of TSPO ligands described in the literature (XBD173, SSR‐180,575 and Ro5‐4864). The TSPO ligands 2a and 2b exerted beneficial mitochondrial modulatory effects by increasing ATP levels and mitochondrial membrane potential, paralleled by an increase of pregnenolone levels in mutant Tau cells, as well as in control cells. The compounds 2a and 2b showed effects on mitochondrial activity similar to those obtained with the TSPO ligands of reference. These findings indicate that the new TSPO ligands modulate the mitochondrial bioenergetic phenotype as well as the de novo synthesis of neurosteroids in a cellular model of AD‐related tauopathy, suggesting that these compounds could be potential new therapeutic tools for the treatment of AD.
Pathways to Power: The Role of Preparliamentary Careers and Political Human Capital in the Obtainment of Cabinet Positions
Authors: Turner‐Zwinkels Tomas , Mills Melinda C.
Published: September 2019

Understanding the rise to power is central to the study of politics. Yet, we still know little about the career paths of influential politicians like ministers. The literature assumes that dominant preparliamentary occupations (e.g., lawyer, local offices) predict promotion. We move beyond this potential ecological fallacy and suggest a perspective that emphasizes the role of gatekeepers and political human capital like national political experience and education. We leverage complete career data of all Dutch MPs (N = 1,263; 1945–2012) and study their (N = 4,966) opportunities to obtain a cabinet position. A sequence analysis with fuzzy clustering reveals eight career paths in both the professional and political domain. A logistic regression analysis that uses these career paths as predictors shows that prominent occupations and communicative experience do not constitute the pathway to ministerial power; a university education and preparliamentary national political experience do. Findings support the value of political human‐capital theory to understand political promotion.
Evolutionary processes from the perspective of flowering time diversity
Authors: Gaudinier Allison , Blackman Benjamin K.
Published: September 2019

Although it is well appreciated that genetic studies of flowering time regulation have led to fundamental advances in the fields of molecular and developmental biology, the ways in which genetic studies of flowering time diversity have enriched the field of evolutionary biology have received less attention despite often being equally profound. Because flowering time is a complex, environmentally responsive trait that has critical impacts on plant fitness, crop yield, and reproductive isolation, research into the genetic architecture and molecular basis of its evolution continues to yield novel insights into our understanding of domestication, adaptation, and speciation. For instance, recent studies of flowering time variation have reconstructed how, when, and where polygenic evolution of phenotypic plasticity proceeded from standing variation and de novo mutations; shown how antagonistic pleiotropy and temporally varying selection maintain polymorphisms in natural populations; and provided important case studies of how assortative mating can evolve and facilitate speciation with gene flow. In addition, functional studies have built detailed regulatory networks for this trait in diverse taxa, leading to new knowledge about how and why developmental pathways are rewired and elaborated through evolutionary time.
JC polyomavirus‐specific antibody responses in pediatric kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Ylinen Elisa , Miettinen Jenni , Jalanko Hannu , Weissbach Fabian H. , Tainio Juuso , Wernli Marion , Lautenschlager Irmeli , Hirsch Hans H.
Published: September 2019

BKPyV is widely recognized in KTRs, but little is known about rates of primary and secondary JCPyV exposure in pediatric KTRs. We evaluated JCPyV exposure in pediatric KTRs using antibody responses in the first 12 months post‐transplant. Of 46 children transplanted between 2009 and 2014, 6 lacked any samples for serologic testing, leaving 40 KTRs for study. JCPyV‐specific IgG and IgM antibodies were measured using a normalized VLP ELISA. Significant JCPyV exposure was defined as IgG seroconversion, increasing IgG levels of >0.5 nOD units, or IgM detection. Of 40 recipients (median age 3.2 years), 11 (27.5%) were seropositive, 20 (50%) seronegative for JCPyV‐IgG, while 9 (22.5%) had no specimen at the time of transplantation, but were confirmed as seronegative in post‐transplant samples. Of 29 (72.5%) at risk, JCPyV‐IgG seroconversion occurred in 15/29 (51.7%) including JCPyV‐IgM in 6 patients (20.7%). Two patients (6.9%) developed only JCPyV‐IgM. Among JCPyV‐IgG‐positive KTRs, six (12.5%) had significant IgG increases. Altogether 23 of 40 patients (57.5%) had serological evidence of primary or secondary JCPyV exposure. In these patients, kidney function tended to be lower during the 2 years of follow‐up, but only one patient lost the graft due to JCPyV nephropathy. Thus, JCPyV exposure is common in pediatric KTR and may present serologically as primary or secondary infection. Although only one case of JC‐PyVAN occurred, a trend toward lower renal function was seen. Dedicated studies of larger cohorts are warranted to define impact of JCPyV in pediatric KTR.
Optimizing assessments of post‐error slowing: A neurobehavioral investigation of a flanker task
Authors: Schroder Hans S. , Nickels Stefanie , Cardenas Emilia , Breiger Micah , Perlo Sarah , Pizzagalli Diego A.
Published: September 2019

Appropriately adjusting to errors is essential for adaptive behavior. Post‐error slowing (PES) refers to the increased reaction times on trials following incorrect relative to correct responses. PES has been used as a metric of cognitive control in basic cognitive neuroscience research as well as clinical contexts. However, calculation of PES varies widely among studies and has not yet been standardized, despite recent calls to optimize its measurement. Here, using behavioral and electrophysiological data from a modified flanker task, we considered different methods of calculating PES, assessed their internal consistency, examined their convergent correlations with behavioral performance and error‐related event‐related brain potentials (ERPs), and evaluated their sensitivity to task demands (e.g., presence of trial‐to‐trial feedback). Results indicated that the so‐called robust measure of PES, calculated using only error‐surrounding trials, provided an estimate of PES that was three times larger in magnitude than the traditional calculation. This robust PES correlated with the amplitude of the error positivity (Pe), an index of attention allocation to errors, just as well as the traditional method. However, all PES estimates had very weak internal consistency. Implications for measurement are discussed.
The Relationship between Vocational Personality Types and Vocational Values
Authors: Şeker Gürcan , Çapri Burhan
Published: September 2019

In this study, the relationship between high school students’ vocational personality types and vocational values was examined. The study data were collected from 488 high school students going to schools in Niğde city center. In the study, Vocational Personality Types Inventory and Vocational Value Inventory were administered. Canonical correlation analysis technique was used to analyze the data. The study results revealed that the canonical model was significant, and when the data on canonical functions were evaluated separately, three canonical functions were found significant. The common variance shared between the data sets of the canonical variables showing that there was a significant relationship between occupational personality types and occupational values were 44% for the first canonical function, 30% for the second canonical function and 11% for the third canonical function, respectively. The findings were discussed in the light of the related literature.
What’s in a Coefficient? The “Not so Simple” Interpretation of R2, for Relatively Small Sample Sizes
Authors: Zaarour Nizar , Melachrinoudis Emanuel
Published: September 2019

There are several misconceptions when interpreting the values of the coefficient of determination, R2, in simple linear regression. R2 is heavily dependent on sample size n and the type of data being analyzed but becomes insignificant when working with very large sample sizes. In this paper, we comment on these observations and develop a relationship between R2, n, and the level of significance α, for relatively small sample sizes. In addition, this paper provides a simplified version of the relationship between R2 and n, by comparing the standard deviation of the dependent variable, Sy, to the standard error of the estimate, Se. This relationship will serve as a safe lower bound to the values of R2. Computational experiments are performed to confirm the results from both models. Even though the focus of the paper is on simple linear regression, we present the groundwork for expanding our two models to the multiple regression case.
Phonopoetics
Authors: Camlot Jason
Published: September 2019

Phonopoetics tells the neglected story of early “talking records” and their significance for literature from the 1877 invention of the phonograph to some of the first recorded performances of modernist works. The book challenges assumptions of much contemporary criticism by taking the recorded, oral performance as its primary object of analysis and by exploring the historically specific convergences between audio recording technologies, media formats, generic forms, and the institutions and practices surrounding the literary. Opening with an argument that the earliest spoken recordings were a mediated extension of Victorian reading and elocutionary culture, Jason Camlot explains the literary significance of these pre-tape era voice artifacts by analyzing early promotional fantasies about the phonograph as a new kind of speaker, and detailing initiatives to deploy it as a pedagogical tool to heighten literary experience. Through historically-grounded interpretations of Dickens impersonators to recitations of Tennyson to T.S. Eliot’s experimental readings of “The Wasteland” and of a great variety of voices and media in between, this first critical history of the earliest literary sound recordings offers an unusual perspective on the transition from the Victorian to Modern periods and sheds new light on our own digitally mediated relationship to the past.
Beyond Technonationalism
Authors: Ibata-Arens Kathryn C.
Published: September 2019

What explains the rapid and sustained economic rise of Asian countries in high-technology industries, including biomedicals? The biomedical industry, comprised mainly of biopharmaceuticals and medical devices, is among the fastest growing globally and has been an economic-development target of national governments around the world. The book presents a conceptual framework to assess national government management of innovation and entrepreneurship in the fast-growing biomedical industry in Asia, which at current growth rates is on track to become the center of the world economy. Four Asian countries—China, India, Japan, and Singapore—are compared in terms of innovation capacities, government policy, and firm-level strategies underlying competitive advantages in high technology. The book argues that countries that pursue networked technonationalism have been effective in upgrading innovation capacity and also encouraging entrepreneurial activity in targeted industries. The study begins with a global-level analysis of biomedical innovation and entrepreneurship, identifying emerging concentrations of scientific citation, patenting, and firm creation—paying close attention to trends in Asian economies and future prospects. Findings indicate a gradual shift to Asian economies of many biomedical-innovation and new-business-creation activities. The book concludes with implications for innovation policy and entrepreneurship strategy in Asia and elsewhere.
Numerical Investigation of Unsteady Multiphase Nanofluid-Free Convection Flow About a Vertical Cylinder With Non-Uniform Temperature
Authors: Narahari Marneni , Suresh Kumar Raju S. , Pendyala Rajashekhar , Ilyas Suhaib Umer
Published: September 2019

A numerical investigation on the transient-free convection flow of the multiphase nanofluid past a vertical cylinder, which has a power-law variation surface temperature along with the height, is presented. The problem has typical engineering applications involving cooling of vertical cylindrical rods in mechanical/manufacturing systems, cooling of nuclear reactors, and the design of other advanced cooling technologies. Buongiorno’s model is applied in this research, which incorporates thermophoresis and Brownian diffusion effects of nanoparticles. The zero-volume flux condition is implemented for nanoparticle concentration at the boundary to obtain realistic results. A robust second-order accurate finite-difference scheme of Crank–Nicolson type is applied to tackle the system of coupled non-linear partial differential equations numerically. The impacts of time, variable surface temperature power-law exponent, Brownian and thermophoresis parameters are investigated on nanofluid flow and heat transfer aspects. The decisive finding suggests that the effect of the power-law exponent of the variable wall temperature is to reduce the nanoparticle relocation, velocity, and temperature in the nanofluid boundary layer causing the heat transfer enhancement. The skin-friction decreased significantly with the rise of the power-law exponent of the wall temperature. The present numerical scheme is corroborated by comparing the average skin-friction results with the available literature for clear fluid.
A Two-Dimensional Adjustable Constant-Force Mechanism
Authors: Kuo Yu-Ling , Lan Chao-Chieh
Published: September 2019

Constant-force mechanisms (CFMs) can produce an almost invariant output force over a limited range of input displacement. Without using additional sensor and force controller, adjustable CFMs can passively produce an adjustable constant output force to interact with the working environment. In the literature, one-dimensional CFMs have been developed for various applications. This paper presents the design of a novel CFM that can produce adjustable constant force in two dimensions. Because an adjustable constant force can be produced in each radial direction, the proposed adjustable CFM can be used in applications that require two-dimensional force regulation. In this paper, the design formulation and simulation results are presented and discussed. Equations to minimize the output force variation are given to choose the design parameters optimally. A prototype of the two-dimensional CFM is tested to demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of adjustable force regulation. This novel CFM is expected to be used in machines or robots to interact friendly with the environment.
Using Graphs to Link Data Across the Product Lifecycle for Enabling Smart Manufacturing Digital Threads
Authors: Hedberg Thomas D. , Bajaj Manas , Camelio Jaime A.
Published: September 2019

Smart manufacturing promises to provide significant increases in productivity and effectiveness of manufacturing systems by better connecting the data from people, processes, and things. However, there is no uniform, generalized method for deploying linked-data concepts to the manufacturing domain. The literature describes and commercial vendors offer centralized data-repository solutions, but these types of approaches quickly breakdown under the intense burden of managing and reconciling all the data flowing in and out of the various repositories across the product lifecycle. In this paper, we introduce a method for linking and tracing data throughout the product lifecycle using graphs to form digital threads. We describe a prototype implementation of the method and a case study to demonstrate an information round-trip for a product assembly between the design, manufacturing, and quality domains of the product lifecycle. The expected impact from this novel, standards-based, linked-data method is the ability to use digital threads to provide data, system, and viewpoint interoperability in the deployment of smart manufacturing to realize industry’s $30 Billion annual opportunity.
Using Symmetry and Invariance to Solve Problems in Elementary Physics
Authors: Frodyma Marc , Rosas Sandy
Published: September 2019

Symmetry and invariance play a fundamental role in modern physics and related disciplines, and students entering a STEM field need practice with symmetry-based arguments as part of the preparation for their future careers. We refer to symmetry-based solutions as those that either make use of the existing geometric symmetry in a problem to simplify calculations or include transformations with the purpose of creating a simpler equivalent problem. We begin by giving some examples of symmetry-based solutions involving Gauss’s law, where such techniques are already widely used. Then we will propose additional problems where solutions based on symmetry and invariance are appropriate, but not yet in common use to our knowledge.
The Receptive and Propulsive Behavior of Human Foot Joints During Running With Different Striking Strategies
Authors: Deschamps Kevin , Matricali Giovanni , Eerdekens Maarten , Wuite Sander , Leardini Alberto , Staes Filip
Published: September 2019

Foot structure and kinematics have long been considered as risk factors for foot and lower-limb running injuries. The authors aimed at investigating foot joint kinetics to unravel their receptive and propulsive characteristics while running barefoot, both with rearfoot and with midfoot striking strategies. Power absorption and generation occurring at different joints of the foot in 6 asymptomatic adults were calculated using both a 3-segment and a 4-segment kinetic model. An inverse dynamic approach was used to quantify mechanical power. Major power absorption and generation characteristics were observed at the ankle joint complex as well as at the Chopart joint in both the rearfoot and the midfoot striking strategies. The power at the Lisfranc joint, quantified by the 4-segment kinetic model, was predominantly generated in both strategies, and at the toes, it was absorbed. The overall results show a large variability in the receptive and propulsive characteristics among the analyzed joints in both striking strategies. The present study may provide novel insight for clinical decision making to address foot and lower-limb injuries and to guide athletes in the adoption of different striking strategies during running.
Billions of North American birds have vanished
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: September 2019

Even common birds are in steep decline, spurring hunt for causes.
New deals could help scientific societies survive open access
Authors: Brainard Jeffrey
Published: September 2019

Goal is to eliminate paywalls while preserving revenue.
EPA plan to end animal testing splits scientists
Authors: Grimm David
Published: September 2019

Some see nonanimal models as the future, but others worry about health impacts.
A climate intelligence arms race in financial markets
Authors: Keenan Jesse M.
Published: September 2019

Public policy grapples with private “black box” models
An infective cause for the limping child
Authors: Jumabhoy Irfan , Uzoho Chukwudi , Desai Vikram
Published: September 2019

A 7-year-old girl presented with left hip pain and a limp, in the absence of any other systemic features, having recently been treated for a urinary tract infection. Examination revealed limited active hip movements on the left, with a tendency to weight bear on the contralateral side. Biochemical investigations were significant for raised inflammatory markers, and subsequent MRI imaging revealed osteomyelitis of the left pubis and ischium with an associated large soft tissue collection. Treatment was bimodal with surgical drainage and long-term antibiotics. The patient consequently recovered, without significant effect on either growth or mobility.
Delayed onset bioabsorbable screw reaction, intact screw extrusion andPseudomonas aeruginosatibial tunnel osteomyelitis years after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring graft
Authors: Dumlao Patricio III Espinoza , Paner Nilo , Bathan Lyndon , Lim Bryan Albert
Published: September 2019

Postoperative reaction and infection after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a rare complication. We report two cases of bioabsorbable screw extrusion andPseudomonas aeruginosatibial tunnel infection in 17/18-year-old men, 2 and 4 years after ACL reconstruction, respectively. They underwent tibial tunnel debridement, removal of the still intact poly-L-D-lactic acid bioabsorbable screw and subsequent wound closure. Physical examination findings confirmed patency of the hamstring graft. Culture guided antibiotics were completed, and wounds healed unremarkably. Both returned to previous level of activity. Successful treatment is achieved through a logical sequence of management, as well as a multidisciplinary approach to prevent unnecessary secondary procedures and morbidity.
Primary dysmenorrhea and self-care strategies among Chinese college girls: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Ling , Tang Lu , Guo Shengyu , Kaminga Atipatsa Chiwanda , Xu Huilan
Published: September 2019

Objectives

To explore the prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea (PD), the characteristics of PD and self-care strategies for managing PD among Chinese college girls.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Changsha, China.

Participants

A total of 2555 college girls were recruited using multistage cluster random sampling.

Outcome measures

A self-report questionnaire was used to measure sociodemographic information, characteristics of PD and self-care strategies for managing PD. Additionally, a Visual Analogue Scale was used to measure pain severity.

Results

Of the 2555 girls, 1306 had experienced PD, representing a 51.1% prevalence. In addition, the prevalence rates of mild, moderate and severe pain in PD were 18.1%, 27.7% and 5.4%, respectively. The most common symptoms associated with PD were cramps (96.9%), weakness (70.0%), backache (65.1%), facial blemishes (55.3%) and irritability (55.3%). Commonly used self-care strategies for managing PD comprised reducing physical activity (94.6%), keeping warm (84.6%), communicating dysmenorrhea with friends or classmates (79.0%), drinking warm beverages (75.7%) and avoiding cold drinks and foods (74.2%). In addition, only 34.8% self-medicated with Western medicine (15.6%), traditional Chinese medicine (8.6%), or both (10.6%). Medical advice was sought by 27.4% of subjects from a Western medical doctor (10.3%), a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine (13.6%), or both (3.5%). Girls who had greater pain severity were more likely to be self-medicated (OR=7.01; 95% CI 4.50 to 10.91), use complementary therapies (OR=2.64; 95% CI 1.70 to 4.10) and seek medical advice (OR=5.93; 95% CI 3.80 to 9.24).

Conclusions

PD is highly prevalent among Chinese college girls, with a high burden of symptoms. In addition, these girls are most likely to change their lifestyle, communicate dysmenorrhea with friends or mothers, use heat therapy and engage in self-talk, but less likely to self-medicate or seek medical advice for managing PD.
Effects of one week different intensity endurance exercise on cardiorespiratory and cardiometabolic markers in junior young athletes
Authors: Tesema Gashaw , George Mala , Mondal Soumitra , Mathivana D
Published: September 2019

Background

Endurance training in varied intensity zones are more likely to show different adaptive responses. However, it is still unclear the intensity level of endurance exercise in junior young athletes that may promote increased markers for cardiorespiratory and cardiometabolic response. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of 1 week different intensity endurance training on markers of cardiorespiratory and cardiometabolic response in young athletes.

Methods

Thirty apparently healthy male young athletes averaging 19.4±1.3 years of age were recruited and randomly assigned to two different intensity endurance training groups. The first group trained at 60% to 70% maximum heart rate (HRmax) for 45 min per session and the second group trained at 70% to 80% HRmax for 30 min per session for a period of 1 week three sessions per week. A pre-training and post-training, marker of cardiorespiratory and cardiometabolic response was assessed for both groups.

Results

Both intensity training had no significant effect on markers of cardiorespiratory response within and between training groups (p>0.05). Whereas, cardiometabolic markers lactate dehydrogenase (p=0.001), cardiac troponin I (p=0.001) and creatine kinase myocardial band (p=0.001) significantly increased at the end of 1 week within the group in both training groups (p≤0. 05). In the comparative analysis between groups, there was no significant difference in markers of cardiometabolic response (p>0.05).

Conclusion

1 week 60% to 70% HRmax and 70% to 80% HRmax intensity zones induces similar acute effects on markers for cardiometabolic and cardiorespiratory responses between groups and significant elevations of cardiometabolic markers within the groups in moderately trained young athletes.
Residues of antibiotics in milk: persistence and quality interference
Authors: Alves Janine F. , Paula Guilherme H. , Silva Rânio C.F. , Leão Paulo V.T. , Leão Karen M. , Nicolau Edmar S. , Silva Marco A.P.
Published: September 2019

The objective of this study was (i) to analyze antibiotic residues, two which were beta-lactam antibiotics, one tetracycline, and one quinolone in the milk of lactating animals; (ii) to evaluate the interference of the drug ceftiofur which is considered as discard-zero. The SNAPduo™ ST Plus kit was used to evaluate the presence of beta-lactam antibiotics and tetracyclines in natural milk. Medications based on penicillin, ceftiofur, enrofloxacin, and oxytetracycline were used. As expected, the milk from control animals and animals administered with enrofloxacin did not present antibiotic residue because it is not one of the classes detected by the SNAPduo™ ST Plus kit, and thus it was used to prove the efficiency of the test. Ceftiofur, known as a “discard-zero” antibiotic, tested positive for the SNAPduo™ ST Plus kit and the BetaStar Combo® “S” test. Chemical residues were detected in cow’s milk treated with different groups of antibiotics after the withdrawal time indicated in the package inserts of the medicines used.
Evaluation of the effect of β-mannanase supplementation and mannans on nursery pig growth performance and serum acute-phase protein concentrations
Authors: Huntley Nichole F. , Gould Stacie A. , Patience John F.
Published: September 2019

The objective was to evaluate the effects of dietary mannan and β-mannanase supplementation on growth performance and serum acute-phase proteins in nursery pigs. Pigs (n = 480) were blocked by initial body weight (6.6 ± 0.4 kg), and 12 pens per treatment were randomly assigned to one of four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement for 28 d. Two levels of dietary mannan (0.4% vs. 2.8%) were offered with and without 0.05% endo-1,4-β-mannanase. Serum was collected (one pig per pen) for haptoglobin and C-reactive protein (CRP) analysis on days 0 and 28. There were no significant interactions between mannan level and β-mannanase supplementation. High-mannan diet decreased average daily gain (P = 0.027) and average daily feed intake (P = 0.024) compared with low-mannan diets with no effect of β-mannanase (P > 0.10). Haptoglobin and CRP were not affected by mannan level or β-mannanase supplementation (P ≥ 0.160). Therefore, dietary β-mannans as high as 2.8% did not induce a systemic innate immune response. Thus, the levels of β-mannan found in practical diets (<2%) are unlikely to induce an immune response; therefore, supplementation of β-mannanase to avoid this response is not warranted.