bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Statewide Elder Mistreatment Virtual Assessment Program: Preliminary Data
Authors: Burnett Jason , Dyer Carmel B. , Clark Leslie E. , Halphen John M.
Published: September 2018

Objectives

To describe the Texas Elder Abuse and Mistreatment Institute Forensic Assessment Center Network (TEAM‐FACN), a novel statewide elder mistreatment (EM) virtual assessment program using low‐cost videophone technology and innovative web‐based coordination to connect an Adult Protective Services (APS) agency and its clients, rural and urban, to a centralized geriatric and EM expert medical team for virtual in‐home assessments.

Design

Descriptive.

Setting

Community.

Participants

APS clients aged 18 and older.

Intervention

Virtual and in‐home assessments.

Measurements

Program use and type of services provided.

Results

In the first 8 months, 300 APS clients from all regions of the state were referred for assessment. Outcomes realized include a quadrupling in number of client assessments. TEAM‐FACN physicians provided an average of 2 services, which included 216 mental health assessments, with 123 conducted virtually; 42 medical assessments; 45 guardianship filings; 5 employee misconduct registry reviews; and more than 230 interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss case findings, safety plans, and medical and social interventions.

Conclusion

TEAM‐FACN provides an innovative and viable way to increase access of urban and rural older and adults who are being mistreated to expert geriatric and EM protective service assessments. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:151–155, 2019.
Emergency Preparedness Training for Hospital Nursing Staff, New York City, 2012–2016
Authors: Jacobs‐Wingo Jasmine L. , Schlegelmilch Jeffrey , Berliner Maegan , Airall‐Simon Gloria , Lang William
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Many nurses are trained inadequately in emergency preparedness (EP), preventing them from effectively executing response roles during disasters, such as chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) events. Nurses also indicate lacking confidence in their abilities to perform EP activities. The purpose of this article is to describe the phased development of, and delivery strategies for, a CBRNE curriculum to enhance EP among nursing professionals. The New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University's Earth Institute led the initiative.

Methods

Curriculum development included four phases. In Phases I and II, nursing staff at 20 participating NYC hospitals conducted 7,177 surveys and participated in 20 focus groups to identify training gaps in EP. In Phase III, investigators developed and later refined the CBRNE curriculum based on gaps identified. In Phase IV, 22 nurse educators (representing 7 of the original 20 participating hospitals) completed train‐the‐trainer sessions. Of these nurse educators, three were evaluated on their ability to train other nurses using the curriculum, which investigators finalized.

Findings

The CBRNE curriculum included six modules, a just‐in‐time training, and an online annual refresher course that addressed EP gaps identified in surveys and focus groups. Among the 11 nurses who were trained by three nurse educators during a pilot training, participant knowledge of CBRNE events and response roles increased from an average of 54% (range 45%–75%) on the pre‐test to 89% (range 80%–90%) on the posttest.

Conclusions

By participating in nursing CBRNE training, nurses increased their knowledge of and preparedness to respond to disasters. The train‐the‐trainer curriculum is easily adaptable to meet the needs of other healthcare settings.

Clinical Relevance

The CBRNE curriculum can be used to train nurses to better prepare for and more effectively respond to disasters.
Empirical and subsequent use of antibacterial agents in the febrile neutropenic patient
Authors: DE PAUW B.E. , RAEMAEKERS J.M.M. , SCHATTENBERG T. , DONNELLY J.P.
Published: September 2018

The objectives of this analysis were an assessment of the feasibility of a more individually tailored approach of empirical antibiotic therapy in febrile neutropenia and an exploration of the reasons to modify the initial regimen.

Design, setting and subjects. The main source was a database on febrile neutropenic cancer patients from an unblinded large trial conducted in 35 centres world‐wide. This was supplemented by data from patients enrolled in a consecutive series of randomized trials at the Department of Haematology, University Hospital Nijmegen.

Interventions. Diagnostic procedures were standardized, types of possible infections defined and the reasons for modifying an empirical regimen were recorded.

Main outcome measures. Survival of the febrile neutropenic episode, development of microbiologically and clinically defined infection in relation to causative organisms, and results of modification. Results. Monotherapy was as effective as combination therapy with an overall mortality of ≤7%, with 21% of neutropenic episodes accompanied by a clinically defined infection proving fatal compared with only 4% of episodes without a focus. At the end of treatment the empirical regimen had been added to in 60% of cases in the multicentre trial, in contrast to 39% in our own institution, in many cases simply because of continuing fever.

Conclusion. The development of local guidelines for individually tailoring antibiotic therapy by complementing the empirical regimen is a feasible option for achieving an optimal anti‐infective strategy for febrile neutropenic cancer patients.
The identification of autoantigens in mucous membrane pemphigoid using immortalized oral mucosal keratinocytes
Authors: Kamaguchi Mayumi , Iwata Hiroaki , Miyauchi Toshinari , Ujiie Hideyuki , Ujiie Inkin , Nomura Toshifumi , Ohga Noritaka , Shimizu Hiroshi , Kitagawa Yoshimasa
Published: September 2018

Background

Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is a rare chronic autoimmune subepithelial blistering disorder, targeting multiple basement membrane zone (BMZ) proteins including collagen XVII (COL17). Circulating autoantibodies of MMP are often undetected due to their lower titers. The oral mucosa is a valuable substrate for the detection of autoantibodies in MMP patients. However, obtaining normal human oral mucosa is more difficult than obtaining normal human skin. We established immortalized normal human oral mucosal keratinocytes (OMKs) and performed immunoblotting using immortalized OMK lysate for detecting autoantigens in MMP.

Methods

Immortalized OMKs were generated from primary OMKs using E6/E7 proteins of HPV. We compared the protein expression levels of major BMZ proteins between primary OMKs and immortalized OMKs. We performed immunoblotting to detect autoantigens using cell lysates from immortalized OMKs in 30 MMP patients.

Results

There were no significant differences between primary OMKs and immortalized OMKs in terms of protein expression levels of the BMZ proteins, including COL17, laminin 332, integrin α6/β4, collagen VII, and collagen IV. Cell lysates of immortalized OMKs effectively identified MMP autoantigens in 60% (18/30) of MMP sera. We found an interesting case of MMP whose autoantibodies preferentially reacted to the 120‐kD protein that is an ectodomain of COL17.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that a cell lysate of immortalized OMKs is a reliable substrate for the detection of MMP autoantigens. This newly developed immunoblotting analysis method promises to contribute to the diagnosis of MMP.
Effect of common storage temperatures and container types on urine protein : creatinine ratios in urine samples of proteinuric dogs
Authors: Moyle Patrick S. , Specht Andrew , Hill Richard
Published: September 2018

Background

Preanalytic protein adsorption to polymer and glass container surfaces may decrease urine protein concentration measurements and urine protein: creatinine ratios (UPC).

Hypothesis/Objectives

Urine stored in PC or glass containers will have lower UPC than urine stored in HP containers. The specific objective was to determine whether clinically relevant differences in UPC would be detected after storage in glass, PC, or HP containers using common storage times and temperatures.

Animals

Twelve client‐owned dogs with proteinuria.

Methods

Prospective, nonmasked study, divided into 2 phases. The first phase was a pilot study involving multiple (n = 5) measurements at each storage condition using 24‐hours urine samples from 2 dogs with persistent renal proteinuria of different magnitude. The second phase used urine samples from 10 dogs with proteinuria of variable magnitude. Sample aliquots were stored in HP, PC, and glass containers at 24°C for 4 hours, 4°C for 12 hours, and −20°C for 72 hours. The UPC of each was measured after storage and compared with baseline.

Results

Statistically significant but clinically irrelevant differences were found in phase 1. In phase 2, storage conditions did not affect urinary protein or creatinine concentrations or UPC.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Collection and storage of canine urine samples in clean HP, PC, or glass containers at 24°C for 4 hours, 4°C for 12 hours, or −20°C for 72 hours is unlikely to result in clinically relevant decreases in measured UPC values.
Risk factors associated with fecal shedding of Listeria monocytogenes by dairy cows and calves
Authors: Bandelj Petra , Jamnikar‐Ciglenecki Urska , Ocepek Matjaz , Blagus Rok , Vengust Modest
Published: September 2018

Background

Listeria monocytogenes (LM) is an important foodborne pathogen affecting animals and humans. Listeriosis outbreaks in humans caused by consumption of unpasteurized dairy products are of serious concern.

Objective

To determine risk factors associated with fecal shedding of LM in family dairy farms.

Animals

Fecal samples were collected from cows and calves on 20 family dairy farms in 2‐week intervals for a period of 1 year.

Methods

Longitudinal study. LM was detected using qPCR. Univariate mixed effect model and multivariate analyses were performed to associate risk factors (dietary change, breed, mastitis, other diseases, antibiotic treatment, other treatments, heat index, and meteorological season) with fecal shedding of LM.

Results

LM was isolated from all farms on at least 1 sampling day. The average yearly prevalence was 18.2% (98/540) and 8.4% (43/511) in cows and calves, respectively. Heat index (P = .05) and meteorological season (P = .04) affected fecal shedding of LM on a farm level. Meteorological season only influenced fecal shedding of LM in cows (P = .04), whereas heat index (P = .01) influenced fecal shedding of LM in calves. Spring season was identified as the major risk factor associated fecal shedding of LM on a farm level (P = .01) and in cows (P = .01). Dietary changes were associated with lower odds for fecal shedding of LM in calves (P < .01).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Fecal shedding of LM is associated with environmental temperatures and the meteorological season. Farmers and veterinarians should use this information when implementing strategies to reduce risks for LM dissemination in animals and in the community.
Randomized placebo controlled clinical trial of an enteric coated micro‐pelleted formulation of a pancreatic enzyme supplement in dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Authors: Parambeth Joseph Cyrus , Fosgate Geoffrey T. , Suchodolski Jan S. , Lidbury Jonathan A. , Steiner Jörg M.
Published: September 2018

Background

Pancreatic enzyme supplements for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in dogs can be uncoated or enteric coated. Enteric coated supplements might be advantageous.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Enteric coated enzyme supplements are superior to uncoated supplements in dogs with clinical EPI.

Animals

Eleven dogs with naturally occurring EPI that were apparently free from other diseases.

Methods

Randomized, blinded, controlled cross‐over clinical trial comparing a novel micro‐encapsulated enteric coated enzyme supplement to a commercially available uncoated product in dogs with clinical EPI. Search of serum canine serum trypsin‐like immunoreactivity concentration ≤ 2.5 µg/L in the Gastrointestinal Laboratory database was used to identify dogs with EPI.

Results

There was no difference −4.46% (95% CI: −7.97%‐–0.96%;P = .15) in the % acid hydrolysis fecal fat (primary outcome) between the enteric coated formulation (median: 11.8%; range 6.4%‐17.0%) and the uncoated pancreatic enzyme replacement product (median: 17.5%; range: 5.2%‐24.9%) in the 11 dogs that completed the study. Other variables did not differ between treatments.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This study, which had low statistical power, did not detect a difference between formulations.
Effects of water quality on mangroves in an urban lake system
Authors: Moses Sheela A. , Sarasamma Jaya D. , Sethulekshmi Navami S. , Vijayakumari Baiju K.
Published: September 2018

This study assessed the extent of anthropogenic stresses on two mangrove species (Sonneratia caseolaris and Cerbera odollam) in a tropical coastal lake system. An anaerobic factor, organic pollution and salt factors were identified as being responsible for the risks to mangroves. A flora risk tolerance index was developed to ascertain the spatial and temporal risk of plants to water pollution. This study revealed the risk to the Cerbera odollam species is high, compared to Sonneratia caseolaris. Further, the flora risk tolerance index is a good index for assessing the risks to the mangrove species.
Functions and Health at the Interface of Biology and Technology
Authors: Kingma Elselijn
Published: September 2018

Synthetic biology promises to eliminate the distinction between biology and engineering by delivering a philosophically interesting new kind of entity: a biological organism that is wholly designed and constructed by humans. The possibility of such organisms raises interesting questions in three domains: the analysis of (1) biological functions, (2) engineering functions, and (3) health and disease. This paper identifies and systematically answers these questions. This does not only establish how we should think about functions and health and disease in synthetic biological organisms, but it also reveals insights that are of broader relevance: (1) aetiological accounts of biological function need to omit or reinterpret reference tonaturalselection. This results in complete continuity between aetiological analyses of function in engineering and philosophy; (2) considering synthetic biology prompts interesting further questions about heritability, ancestry, and biological individuals; and (3) accounts of disease as biological dysfunction do not straightforwardly map onto our intuitive health and disease judgments regarding non‐human animals. In response to the latter point I examine three possible avenues, and tentatively defend one on behalf of the ‘disease as dysfunction’ theorist.
Structure, stability and ecological significance of natural epigenetic variation: a large‐scale survey in Plantago lanceolata
Authors: Gáspár Bence , Bossdorf Oliver , Durka Walter
Published: September 2018

Within‐species diversity is an important driver of ecological and evolutionary processes. Recent research has found that plants can harbour significant epigenetic diversity, but its extent, stability and ecological significance in natural populations is largely unexplored.

We analysed genetic, epigenetic and phenotypic variation in a large number of natural grassland populations of Plantago lanceolata, covering a broad geographical and environmental range. Within‐population diversity and among‐population differentiation were calculated from genetic and epigenetic marker data and from measurements of phenotypic traits, both for plants in the field and for the F1 generation grown in a common environment.

We found weak but significant epigenetic population structure. A large part of the epigenetic population differences observed in the field was maintained in a common environment. Epigenetic differences were consistently related to genetic and environmental variation, and to a lesser degree to phenotypic variation and land use, with more grazed populations harbouring greater epigenetic diversity.

Our study demonstrates that epigenetic diversity exists in natural populations of a common grassland species, and that at least part of this epigenetic diversity is stable, nonrandom and related to environmental variation. Experimental and more detailed molecular studies are needed to elucidate the mechanistic basis of these observed patterns.
Training proprioception with sound: effects of real‐time auditory feedback on intermodal learning
Authors: Ghai Shashank , Schmitz Gerd , Hwang Tong‐Hun , Effenberg Alfred O.
Published: September 2018

Our study analyzed the effects of real‐time auditory feedback on intermodal learning during a bilateral knee repositioning task. Thirty healthy participants were randomly allocated to control and experimental groups. Participants performed an active knee joint repositioning task for the four target angles (20°, 40°, 60°, and 80°) bilaterally, with or without additional real‐time auditory feedback. Here, the frequency of auditory feedback was mapped to the knee's angle range (0–90°). Retention measurements were performed on the same four angles, without auditory feedback, after 15 min and 24 hours. A generalized knee proprioception test was performed after the 24‐h retention measurement on three untrained knee angles (15°, 35°, and 55°). Statistical analysis revealed a significant enhancement of knee proprioception, shown as a lower knee repositioning error with auditory feedback. This enhancement of proprioception also persisted in tests performed between the 5th and 6th auditory–motor training blocks (without auditory feedback). Enhancement in proprioception also remained stable during retention measurements (after 15 min and 24 h). Similarly, enhancement in the generalized proprioception on untrained knee angles was evident in the experimental group. This study extends our previous findings and demonstrates the beneficial effects of real‐time auditory feedback to facilitate intermodal learning by enhancing knee proprioception in a persisting and generalized manner.
Generic chemoprevention of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Athuluri‐Divakar Sai Krishna , Hoshida Yujin
Published: September 2018

Chronic fibrotic liver disease caused by viral or metabolic etiologies is a high‐risk condition for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Even after curative treatment of early‐stage HCC tumor, the carcinogenic microenvironment persists in the remnant diseased liver and supports the development of de novo HCC tumors (de novo HCC recurrence). Therefore, prevention of HCC development in patients at risk of not only first‐primary but also second‐primary HCC tumors is theoretically the most impactful strategy to improve patient prognosis. However, no such therapy has been established to date. One major challenge is the identification of clinically relevant targets that can be achieved by utilizing the reverse‐engineering strategy of chemoprevention discovery, which integrates omics information from clinical cohorts with completed follow‐up for cancer development. Clinical and experimental studies have suggested etiology‐specific and generic candidate HCC chemoprevention strategies, including statins, antidiabetic drugs, selective molecular targeted agents, and dietary and nutritional substances. Clinical testing of the candidate compounds can be cost‐effectively performed by combining it with HCC risk biomarker evaluation to specify the target patient population most likely to benefit from the therapy. Nontoxic, generic agents will have broad clinical applicability across the diverse HCC etiologies and clinical contexts and are expected to substantially improve the still dismal prognosis of HCC.
Binocular contrast summation and inhibition depends on spatial frequency, eccentricity and binocular disparity
Authors: Alberti Concetta F , Bex Peter J
Published: September 2018

Purpose

When central vision is compromised, visually‐guided behaviour becomes dependent on peripheral retina, often at a preferred retinal locus (PRL). Previous studies have examined adaptation to central vision loss with monocular 2D paradigms, whereas in real tasks, patients make binocular eye movements to targets of various sizes and depth in 3D environments.

Methods

We therefore examined monocular and binocular contrast sensitivity functions with a 26‐AFC (alternate forced choice) band‐pass filtered letter identification task at 2° or 6° eccentricity in observers with simulated central vision loss. Binocular stimuli were presented in corresponding or non‐corresponding stereoscopic retinal locations. Gaze‐contingent scotomas (0.5° radius disks of pink noise) were simulated independently in each eye with a 1000 Hz eye tracker and 120 Hz dichoptic shutter glasses.

Results

Contrast sensitivity was higher for binocular than monocular conditions, but only exceeded probability summation at low‐mid spatial frequencies in corresponding retinal locations. At high spatial frequencies or non‐corresponding retinal locations, binocular contrast sensitivity showed evidence of interocular suppression.

Conclusions

These results suggest that binocular vision deficits may be underestimated by monocular vision tests and identify a method that can be used to select a PRL based on binocular contrast summation.
Vision and academic performance in primary school children
Authors: Wood Joanne M , Black Alex A , Hopkins Shelley , White Sonia L J
Published: September 2018

Purpose

Vision is considered important for academic performance in children; however, the evidence in this area tends to be inconsistent and inconclusive. This study explored the association between vision function and visual information processing measures and standardised academic achievement scores in Grade 3 Australian children.

Methods

Participants included 108 Grade 3 primary school children (M = 8.82 ± 0.32 years) from three state primary schools in South‐East Queensland. All participants underwent a standard vision screening, including distance visual acuity (VA), binocular vision testing and stereoacuity (SA). A computer‐based battery of visual information processing tests including the Development Eye Movement (DEM) test, Visual Sequential Memory (VSM) and Symbol Search (SS) was also administered. Australian National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) scores across five subtests of academic performance were obtained for each child: Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar/Punctuation and Numeracy.

Results

The DEM adjusted horizontal and vertical times were most strongly associated with all of the NAPLAN subtest scores (p < 0.01), adjusted for age and the socio‐economic status of the school; the DEM ratio was not significantly associated with any of the NAPLAN subtests. VSM and SS scores were significantly associated with one or more NAPLAN subtests, as were worse and better eye VA; SA showed no significant association with any of the NAPLAN subtests.

Conclusions

Performance on the horizontal and vertical DEM subtests was most strongly associated with academic performance. These data, in conjunction with other clinical data, can provide useful information to clinicians regarding their prescribing and management philosophy for children with lower levels of uncorrected refractive error and binocular vision anomalies.
Acute and long‐term outcomes of simultaneous atrioventricular node ablation and leadless pacemaker implantation
Authors: Martínez‐Sande José Luis , Rodríguez‐Mañero Moisés , García‐Seara Javier , Lago Ramón , González‐Melchor Laila , Kreidieh Bahij , Iacopino Saverio , De Regibus Valentina , De Greef Yves , Bruno Schwagten , Curnis Antonio , Sieira Juan , Chierchia Gian Battista , Brugada Pedro , González‐Juanatey José Ramón , de Asmundis Carlo
Published: September 2018

Aims

Leadless pacemaker (LDP) allows implantation using a femoral approach. This access could be utilized for conventional atrioventricular nodal ablation (AVNA). It could facilitate unifying the two procedural components. Data regarding its feasibility and long‐term outcomes remain lacking. We aim to evaluate the feasibility and long‐term outcomes of sequential LDP and AVNA.

Methods

Prospective, observational multicenter study including consecutive patients with indication for single‐chamber pacemaker placement. In those with additional indication for AVNA, ablation was performed immediately after the LPD through the same sheath.

Results

A total of 137 patients were included. Mean age was 77.9 ± 10.5 years; 74 (54%) were men. Immediately following LDP implantation, 27 patients (19.7%) underwent concurrent AVNA. There were six (5.5%) complications in patients referred for LDP procedures and three (11%) in those who underwent a combined approach. None of these complications were solely attributable to the added AVNA component. No mechanical dislodgement, electrical damage to any device, or electromagnetic interference ever took place. During a mean follow‐up period of 123 ± 48 days, three patients (3.6%) died of noncardiovascular causes. The remaining population stayed alive without significant arrhythmias. There were no relevant differences with regard to sensing and pacing thresholds between patients in the two groups.

Conclusions

AVNA can safely be performed immediately following LDP. A combined approach obviates the need for additional vascular access and optimizes feasibility and comfort for patients and healthcare providers. It offers an acceptable safety and efficacy profile, both acutely and upon intermediate‐term follow‐up.
Analyzing the chance of developing dementia among geriatric people: a cross‐sectional pilot study in Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Md. Sahab , Mamun Abdullah Al , Takeda Shinya , Sarwar Md. Shahid , Begum Mst. Marium
Published: September 2018

Aim

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, representing 60–80% of cases, and ageing is the primary risk factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease. The objective of this study was to examine the chance of developing dementia (i.e. mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer's disease) among geriatric people in Bangladesh.

Methods

This study included 390 adult citizens of Bangladesh (age range: 60–70 years). The Takeda Three Colors Combination (TTCC) test was used to detect the prevalence of MCI and mild dementia among the subjects, and then the Clinical Dementia Rating was used to determine the level of dementia.

Results

The subjects who were aged 60–65 years included 154 with MCI, 76 with mild dementia, 1 with moderate dementia, 4 with severe dementia, and 29 without dementia. The subjects who were aged 66–70 years included 75 with MCI, 36 with mild dementia, 0 with moderate dementia, 2 with severe dementia, and 13 without dementia. The sensitivity of the TTCC was 75% and 58% for the mild dementia and MCI groups, respectively, and the specificity was 52%. The odds ratio of incorrect responses to the TTCC was 3.42 (95% confidence interval: 1.63–7.21) for subjects with mild dementia compared those without dementia. However, the TTCC outcomes revealed no significant differences between the MCI and non‐dementia groups. The results showed no significant associations between cognitive decline/developing dementia and social status/occupation.

Conclusion

The outcomes of this study indicated that most of the subjects had MCI or mild dementia and were farmers aged 60–65 years.
Clay‐coat diversity in marginal marine sediments
Authors: Wooldridge Luke J. , Worden Richard H. , Griffiths Joshua , Utley James E. P.
Published: September 2018

The specific mineralogy of clay grain coats controls the ability of the coat to inhibit quartz cementation in sandstones during prolonged burial and heating. How and why clay‐coat mineralogy varies across marginal marine systems is poorly understood, even though these eogenetic phenomena strongly influence subsequent mesodiagenesis and reservoir quality. The novel development of the ability to predict the distribution of clay‐coat mineralogy would represent an important development for sandstone reservoir quality prediction. In marginal marine sediments, clay minerals occur as grain‐coats, floccules, mud intraclasts, clay‐rich rock fragments or as dispersed material. However, the relationships between clay mineralogy, the amount of clay, and its distribution is poorly understood. This study focused on the Ravenglass Estuary, UK. The key aim was to develop and apply a novel methodology utilising scanning electron microscope – energy dispersive spectrometry, for the first time, on grain coats in modern sediments, to differentiate the clay‐coat mineral signature from that of the bulk sediment, and reveal the distribution of clay minerals across marginal marine sediments. The study showed that marginal marine sediments principally have their clay mineral assemblage present as clay‐coats on sand grains. These clay‐coats have a mixed clay mineralogy and are spatially heterogeneous across the range of marginal‐marine depositional environments. The study further showed that clay‐coat mineralogy is governed initially by the hydrologically‐controlled segregation of the clay minerals within inner estuarine depositional environments, and subsequently by the selective abrasive removal of specific clay mineral types during reworking and transport into the outer estuary and the marine environment. The highest relative abundance of grain‐coating chlorite was in sand‐flat and tidal‐bar depositional environments. The availability of an analogue data set, and an understanding of the controlling processes of clay‐coat mineralogy, offer crucial steps in building a predictive capability for clay‐coat derived elevated reservoir quality in deeply buried sandstones.
Mixed accountability within new public governance: The case of a personalized welfare scheme in early implementation
Authors: Malbon Eleanor , Carey Gemma , Reeders Daniel
Published: September 2018

We explore personalized funding schemes and associated changes for accountability within new welfare governance reforms. Using the case of the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme as hybrid institution, requiring mixed accountability arrangements, we examine the implications for broader discussions of accountability in personalized welfare arrangements. Methods used were semistructured interviews with government actors and disability service providers in Australia. In describing how accountability structures emerge, we argue that the way that layers fit together during implementation are often imperfect because of the conditions under which they arise. As a result, critical gaps can emerge in layered systems, which can put end users at risk. We demonstrate that theories on accountability in new public governance welfare reforms must also be informed by context and history informed qualitative analysis of case studies.
Origins of early STEM interest for Black male graduate students in engineering: A community cultural wealth perspective
Authors: Burt Brian A. , Johnson Jarrel T.
Published: September 2018

The development of talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields remains a national priority, one for which increasing the number of STEM participants from historically underrepresented populations is germane. Increasing the number of historically underrepresented students who complete advanced degrees in STEM will not only aid in solving national problems such as building infrastructure and strengthening national security, but also provide more models of success for future generations. Addressing this priority requires developing a better understanding of what leads students into and through STEM pathways, and finding ways to eliminate systemic barriers to their participation in STEM. This study reports on the origins of early STEM interest among 30 Black male graduate students in engineering. Using a community cultural wealth perspective, this article uncovers the people and activities that nurtured students into and through STEM pathways. The findings from this study provide clues to the social support and activities necessary for early interest in STEM.
Identification of the novel HLA‐A*23:91N allele in a Saudi individual
Authors: Alanazi Hanan , Aloufi Faisal , Gattan Manal , Alqasem Afnan , Hajeer Ali
Published: September 2018

HLA‐A*23:91N differs from HLA‐A*23:01:01 by a single‐nucleotide substitution (G → A) at position 369.
Growth and properties of epitaxial Ti1−xMgxN(001) layers
Authors: Wang Baiwei , Kerdsongpanya Sit , McGahay Mary E. , Milosevic Erik , Patsalas Panos , Gall Daniel
Published: September 2018

Epitaxial Ti1−xMgxN(001) layers were deposited on MgO(001) by reactive magnetron cosputtering from titanium and magnesium targets in 15 mTorr pure N2 at 600 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicates a solid solution rock-salt phase for the composition range x = 0–0.55, a lattice constant that increases monotonously from 4.251 Å for TiN to 4.288 Å for Ti0.45Mg0.55N, and a decreasing crystalline quality with increasing Mg content, as quantified by the XRD ω rocking curve width which increases from 0.25° to 0.80°. XRD φ-scans show that all Ti1−xMgxN layers with x ≤ 0.55 are single crystals with a cube-on-cube epitaxial relationship with the substrate: (001)TiMgN║(001)MgO and [100]TiMgN║[100]MgO. In contrast, a larger Mg concentration (x = 0.85) leads to a polycrystalline, phase-segregated, nitrogen-deficient microstructure. The room temperature electrical resistivity increases from 14 μΩ cm for x = 0 to 554 and 3197 μΩ cm for x = 0.37 and 0.49, respectively. Ti1−xMgxN layers with 0.49 ≤ x ≤ 0.55 exhibit a negative temperature coefficient of resistivity which is attributed to the decreasing electron density of states at the Fermi level and a weak carrier localization. Optical transmission and reflection measurements indicate a decreasing electron density with increasing x and absorption minima at 2.0 and 1.7 eV for Ti0.63Mg0.37N and Ti0.48Mg0.52N, respectively, suggesting an extrapolated bandgap for semiconducting Ti0.5Mg0.5N of 0.7–1.7 eV.
Comparative Effects of Tensioning and Sliding Neural Mobilization on Static Postural Control and Lower Limb Hop Testing in Football Players
Authors: Ferreira Jessica , Bebiano André , Raro Daniel , Martins João , Silva Anabela G.
Published: September 2018

Context:Sliding and tensioning neural mobilization are used to restore normal function of the nervous system, but they impose different stresses on it. Particularly, sliding induces greater nerve excursion than tensioning. Conceivably, they might impact nervous system function differently.Objective:To compare the effects of tensioning neural mobilization versus sliding neural mobilization of the dominant lower limb on static postural control and hop testing.Design:Randomized, parallel and double blinded trial.Setting/Participants:Thirty-seven football players.Intervention(s):Participants were randomized into 2 groups: sliding neural mobilization (n = 18) or tensioning neural mobilization (n = 19) targeting the tibial nerve.Main Outcome Measures:Static postural sway was assessed with a force plate and functional performance with hop tests. Measurements were taken at baseline, after the intervention, and at 30-minute follow-up.Results:There was a significant effect of time for the center of pressure total displacement and velocity (P < .05), for the single-leg hop test (P < .05), the 6-m timed hop test (P < .05), and the cross-over hop test (P < .05), but no significant effect of the intervention.Conclusions:Sliding and tensioning neural mobilization improved postural control and hop testing in football players, and improvements remained 30 minutes after the intervention. Additional research examining the influence of neural mobilization on sensory motor impairments, postural control, and functional performance is needed.
The Effect of Concussive Injury on Individual Game Performance in Professional Collision-Sport Athletes
Authors: Ochs Corey P. , Kay Melissa C. , Register-Mihalik Johna K.
Published: September 2018

Clinical Scenario: Collision sports are often at higher risk of concussion due to the physical nature and style of play. Typically, initial clinical recovery occurs within 7 to 10 days; however, even this time frame may result in significant time lost from play. Little has been done in previous research to analyze how individual game performance may be affected upon return to play postconcussion. Focused Clinical Question: Upon return-to-play clearance, how does sport-related concussion affect game performance of professional athletes in collision sports? Summary of Key Findings: All 3 studies included found no significant change in individual performance of professional collision-sport athletes upon returning to play from concussive injury. One of the studies indicated that there was no difference in performance for NFL athletes who did not miss a single game (returned within 7 d) and those who missed at least 1 game. One study indicated that although there was no change in performance of NFL players upon returning to play from sustained concussion, there was a decline in performance in the 2 weeks before the diagnosed injury and appearing on the injury report. The final study indicated that there was no difference in performance or style of play of NHL athletes who missed time due to concussive injury when compared with athletes who missed games for a noninjury factor. Clinical Bottom Line: There was no change in performance upon return from concussive injury suggesting that players appear to be acutely recovered from the respective concussion before returning to play. This suggests that current policies and management properly evaluate and treat concussed athletes of these professional sports. Strength of Recommendation: Grade C evidence exists that there is no change in individual game performance in professional collision-sport athletes before and after suffering a concussion.
Gathering Hints for Myofascial Force Transmission Under In Vivo Conditions: Are Remote Exercise Effects Age Dependent?
Authors: Wilke Jan , Kalo Kristin , Niederer Daniel , Vogt Lutz , Banzer Winfried
Published: September 2018

Context: Recent research has underpinned the occurrence of nonlocal exercise effects. For instance, self-myofascial release (SMR) of the plantar fascia increases hamstring extensibility. A possible mechanism consists in a mechanical force transmission across myofascial chains. However, as the degree of structural continuity in these chains decreases with age, the magnitude of the above described remote effects might also be reduced throughout a lifespan. Objective: To examine the age dependency of nonlocal exercise effects following plantar fascia SMR. Design: Regression experimental study. Setting: General population. Participants: 168 healthy participants (Mage = 45 [21] y, 85 males). Intervention: One 120 s bout of plantar foot SMR, performed in standing position. Main Outcomes Measure: Hamstring extensibility was assessed using sit and reach testing. Relative pre–post differences were classified as no improvement, clinically nonrelevant improvement, or clinically relevant improvement according to previously published data. The age dependency of the effects was calculated by means of multinomial stepwise logistic regression. If the latter revealed other factors than age to affect treatment effectivity, their effect was eliminated using partial correlation. Results: SMR increased hamstring extensibility by 10.1% (pre: 24.9 [9.7] cm, post: 27.4 [9.3] cm, P < .001). About 99 participants (58.9%) attained a clinically relevant change. Multinomial logistic regression demonstrated no influence of sex, amount of physical activity, height, body mass index, and time of day, but a significant impact of baseline flexibility and age (Nagelkerke’s r2 = .32, P < .001). Post hoc partial correlation analysis demonstrated that age, corrected for baseline flexibility, had a small to moderate association with treatment effectivity (r = .29, P < .001). Conclusions: Plantar foot SMR increases hamstring extensibility, which is explained by age to a small degree. Additional research is warranted to delineate the substrate of remote exercise effects. Besides mechanical force transmission, cortical adaptations might also represent the driving factor.
Coming-Out Experiences of a Gay Male Volleyball Player
Authors: Mullin Elizabeth M. , Leone James E. , Pottratz Suzanne
Published: September 2018

A small but growing body of research has investigated the experience of gay male athletes “coming out” in sport, a historically homophobic environment. In this exploratory case study, the experiences of “Mark,” a male volleyball player who came out prior to a championship season, were examined using social identity perspective and athletic identity theory as the frameworks for analysis. Data sources included interviews with Mark, interviews with informants, and Mark’s social-media posts. A narrative of Mark’s coming-out experience was developed and explored in light of the theoretical frameworks, and 2 themes emerged from the data: gay athlete as a (dis)qualifier and “It’s not about the skills, it’s about the attitude,” which explores Mark’s psychological development and its relationship with athletic performance. Implications and strategies for sport psychology consultants working with gay male athletes are discussed.
Identification of Retinoic Acid Receptor Agonists as Potent Hepatitis B Virus Inhibitors via a Drug Repurposing Screen
Authors: Li Baocun , Wang Yang , Shen Fang , Wu Min , Li Yaming , Fang Zhong , Ye Jianyu , Wang Li , Gao Lu , Yuan Zhenghong , Chen Jieliang
Published: September 2018

Currently available therapies for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can efficiently reduce viremia but induce hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss in very few patients; also, these therapies do not greatly affect the viral covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). To discover new agents with complementary anti-HBV effects, we performed a drug repurposing screen of 1,018 Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved compounds using HBV-infected primary human hepatocytes (PHH).
A Randomized Study of the Single-Dose Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Food Effect of Chinfloxacin and Its Effect on Thorough QT/QTc Interval in Healthy Chinese Volunteers
Authors: Zhao Caiyun , Lv Yuan , Wei Minji , Li Xiangyan , Hou Fang , Wang Jin , Ma Xuzhu , Kang Zisheng , Mao Wei , Liu Yan , Xia Yahong , Tian Jihong
Published: September 2018

Chinfloxacin hydrochloride is a novel tricyclic fluorinated quinolone in development for treatment of conventional and biothreat infections. This first-in-human randomized study in Chinese healthy subjects was divided into 5 parts.
Beyond Penicillin: Rapid Desensitization for Specific Flucloxacillin Hypersensitivity
Authors: Kwong J. C. , Urbancic K. , Trubiano J. A.
Published: September 2018

Beta-lactam therapy for severe staphylococcal infections is associated with superior outcomes, compared to non-beta-lactam therapy. For patients with immediate hypersensitivity to beta-lactams, desensitization has been widely employed to allow beta-lactam therapy, but published protocols for antistaphylococcal beta-lactams such as flucloxacillin are lacking.
Synergistic Antimicrobial Activity of Colistin in Combination with Rifampin and Azithromycin against Escherichia coli Producing MCR-1
Authors: Li Yanqin , Lin Xiaohuan , Yao Xuan , Huang Yan , Liu Wenguang , Ma Tao , Fang Binghu
Published: September 2018

The lack of available antibiotics is a global public health problem due to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Effective therapeutic regimens are urgently needed against
Escherichia coli
strains that produce the colistin resistance gene
mcr-1
and to inhibit the emergence of resistance.
Low
In Vitro
Antifungal Activity of Tavaborole against Yeasts and Molds from Onychomycosis
Authors: Abastabar Mahdi , Haghani Iman , Shokohi Tahereh , Hedayati Mohammad Taghi , Aghili Seyed Reza , Jedi Ali , Dadashi Sulmaz , Shabanzadeh Shafigheh , Hosseini Tahereh , Aslani Narges , Meis Jacques F. , Badali Hamid
Published: September 2018

The
in vitro
activity of tavaborole, an FDA-approved antifungal drug, was compared to that of four antifungal agents against 170 clinical fungal isolates originating from patients with onychomycosis. Tavaborole had low activity against all isolates compared to itraconazole, terbinafine, and fluconazole, the principal choices for treatment of onychomycosis.
Filling the Void: Introducing Aromatic Interactions into Solvent Tunnels To Enhance Lipase Stability in Methanol
Authors: Gihaz Shalev , Kanteev Margarita , Pazy Yael , Fishman Ayelet
Published: September 2018

Enzymatic synthesis in organic solvents holds increasing industrial opportunities in many fields; however, one major obstacle is the limited stability of biocatalysts in such a denaturing environment. Aromatic interactions play a major role in protein folding and stability, and we were inspired by this to redesign enzyme voids. The rational protein engineering of solvent tunnels of lipase from
Geobacillus stearothermophilus
is presented here, offering a promising approach to introduce new aromatic interactions within the enzyme core. We discovered that longer tunnels leading from the surface to the enzyme active site were more beneficial targets for mutagenesis for improving lipase stability in methanol during biodiesel biosynthesis. A structural analysis of the variants confirmed the generation of new interactions involving aromatic residues. This work provides insights into stability-driven enzyme design by targeting the solvent channel void.
Preexisting Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Increases Susceptibility to Tuberculosis in Mauritian Cynomolgus Macaques
Authors: Rodgers Mark A. , Ameel Cassaundra , Ellis-Connell Amy L. , Balgeman Alexis J. , Maiello Pauline , Barry Gabrielle L. , Friedrich Thomas C. , Klein Edwin , O’Connor Shelby L. , Scanga Charles A.
Published: September 2018

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, is the leading cause of death among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients. The precise mechanisms by which HIV impairs host resistance to a subsequent
M. tuberculosis
infection are unknown.
Surfing Motility: a Conserved yet Diverse Adaptation among Motile Bacteria
Authors: Sun Evelyn , Liu Sijie , Hancock Robert E. W.
Published: September 2018

This study showed for the first time that surfing motility, a novel form of surface motility first discovered in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
under artificial cystic fibrosis conditions, including the presence of high mucin content, is conserved in other motile bacterial species known to be mucosa-associated, including
Escherichia coli
,
Salmonella enterica
, and
Proteus mirabilis
. Here, we demonstrated that key characteristics of surfing, including the ability to adapt to various viscous environments and multidrug adaptive resistance, are also conserved. Using mutagenesis assays, we also identified the importance of all three known quorum-sensing systems, Las, Rhl, and Pqs, in
P. aeruginosa
in regulating surfing motility, and we also observed a conserved dependence of surfing on flagella in certain species.