bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Citizen participation in public administration: investigating open government for social innovation
Authors: Schmidthuber Lisa , Piller Frank , Bogers Marcel , Hilgers Dennis
Published: March 2019

In recent years, public sector organizations have increasingly focused on citizen contribution by adopting instruments known from open innovation. By collaborating with the periphery and leveraging external knowledge, government institutions initiate social innovation and stimulate a positive change for society. This article examines the involvement of citizens in an ideation platform initiated by a local government and investigates the motivations affecting participation intensity. Drawing on self‐determination theory, we analyze what motivates citizens to participate in an open government platform and how these motivations influence participation quantity. Based on a survey among platform users and the analysis of usage data from the platform operator, we find that motivations of citizen participation in public administration greatly vary across forms of participation. Whereas, intrinsic motivation is positively associated with producing and consuming platform content, external and introjected regulation negatively relate to individuals’ active contribution. At the same time, external regulation is positively associated with evaluation behavior.
Focused information criteria for copulas
Authors: Ko Vinnie , Hjort Nils Lid , Hobæk Haff Ingrid
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we extend the focused information criterion (FIC) to copula models. Copulas are often used for applications where the joint tail behavior of the variables is of particular interest, and selecting a copula that captures this well is then essential. Traditional model selection methods such as the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) aim at finding the overall best‐fitting model, which is not necessarily the one best suited for the application at hand. The FIC, on the other hand, evaluates and ranks candidate models based on the precision of their point estimates of a context‐given focus parameter. This could be any quantity of particular interest, for example, the mean, a correlation, conditional probabilities, or measures of tail dependence. We derive FIC formulae for the maximum likelihood estimator, the two‐stage maximum likelihood estimator, and the so‐called pseudo‐maximum‐likelihood (PML) estimator combined with parametric margins. Furthermore, we confirm the validity of the AIC formula for the PML estimator combined with parametric margins. To study the numerical behavior of FIC, we have carried out a simulation study, and we have also analyzed a multivariate data set pertaining to abalones. The results from the study show that the FIC successfully ranks candidate models in terms of their performance, defined as how well they estimate the focus parameter. In terms of estimation precision, FIC clearly outperforms AIC, especially when the focus parameter relates to only a specific part of the model, such as the conditional upper‐tail probability.
2018 European Conference on Donor Health and Management
Authors: Cho G.
Published: March 2019

The third European Conference on Donor Health and Management (ECDHM) was held in Copenhagen from 5th to 7th September 2018 and was co‐organised by the ECDHM committees and European Blood Alliance. This is an international conference with a focus on ‘donor health’, including donors of blood, organs and other substances of human origin, and remains the only conference focusing exclusively on donor medicine.

This overview presents a selection of research topics in relation to iron, the keynote speeches and plenary talks. The keynote speeches cover the epidemiology of donors and recipients, whole‐blood donor recruitment and retention and the safety of donors and recipients of plasma and plasma products. Talks from the plenary speakers reviewed modern multi‐omic approaches to study red cell quality and the central, perennial question of what motivates a donor to give blood and how can this be encouraged.
Clinical experience utilizing a novel fluoroscopic technique for wire‐guided esophagojejunal tube placement in the dog and cat: Twenty cases (2010–2013)
Authors: Carabetta David J. , Koenigshof Amy M. , Beal Matthew W.
Published: March 2019

Objective

To describe the clinical use of a novel, minimally invasive technique for fluoroscopic wire‐guided esophagojejunal tube (FEJT) placement in dogs and cats.

Design

Retrospective study (February 2010–September 2013).

Setting

University veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals

Eighteen dogs and 2 cats with intolerance of, or contraindications to, gastric feeding that underwent attempted FEJT placement.

Interventions

All patients underwent attempted FEJT placement using a novel fluoroscopic wire‐guided technique.

Measurements and Main Results

Patient data were collected including information about the FEJT placement and utilization of the tube postplacement. The primary diagnosis in dogs undergoing FEJT placement was pancreatitis in 61% of cases. The ability to achieve postpyloric access with the technique was 95% (19/20). Mean duration of the procedure in dogs where FEJT placement was successful was 63.8 minutes (SD, 28.6; min‐max, 30–120 min). Mean fluoroscopy time was 19.4 minutes (SD, 11.5; min‐max, 5.2–42.1‐min). Esophagostomy site infection was a complication of FEJT placement in 2 dogs. The mean duration the FEJT remained in place in dogs was 3.8 days (SD, 2.2; min‐max, 1–7 days), and mean duration of feeding was 3.6 days (SD, 2.2; min‐max, 1–7 days). Vomiting was noted in 89% of patients prior to FEJT placement and was significantly reduced to only 24% of patients postplacement (P = 0.0001).

Conclusions

FEJT placement is a viable technique for providing postpyloric nutrition in dogs and cats intolerant of, or with contraindications to, gastric feeding.
Ethical, Business, and Management Views of China’s Next Generation: A Quantitative Study of Chinese Undergraduate Students for Improved Pedagogy and More Effective East-West Business Interaction
Authors: Allen William E.
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this quantitative research is to explore Chinese undergraduate student worldviews and the foundation upon which those views are constructed. This study sheds light on neglected aspects of the changing global economy in its demand for consistent global ethics and a blending of Eastern and Western approaches to business and management that meet the needs of all stakeholders. The results of this study may lead to a better understanding for Western educators and business practitioners when dealing with Chinese students or clients in a cross-cultural environment.
Evaluation of Moral Decision Making Attitudes of Football Infrastructure Athletes Between Ages of 11-18
Authors: Topuz Ramazan
Published: March 2019

The aim of this study is to examine and interpret the moral decision-making attitudes of athletes participating in the football branch studies in Konya Province in the 2017-2018 season within the scope of the infrastructure activities of the Atiker Konyaspor Club. The research group consisted of 234 athletes participating in the study voluntarily from the 274 athletes who participated in the infrastructure studies mentioned in 2017-2018 season .In this study which was conducted based on survey model, Moral Decision Making Attitudes Scale was used in the substructure sports developed by Lee et al (2007) and whose Turkish validity and reliability performed by Gürpınar (2014). SPSS 16.0 statistical package program was used to evaluate the data and to find the calculated values. Data were summarized with percentage, mean and standard deviations. The data were tested by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test if it showed normal distribution and it was determined that the data did not show normal distribution. Since the data is not normal distribution ,The independent group Mann Whitney U test for binary cluster comparisons, Kruskal Wallis-H test for more than two cluster comparisons was used. The Dunnett T3 test was used to determine the source of significant differences from the Kruskal Wallis-H test result.Within the scope of the study,Scale reliability coefficient was calculated as 0.76. The level of significance of the study was taken as 0.05.As a result of the research; As a result of the averages of the Moral Decision Making Attitudes Scale of 234 athletes participating in the mentioned infrastructure activities, While statistically significant differences were determined according to education level, father education level and age variable, No difference was determined according to mother education level variable.
Quill mites (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) parasitizing birds in Germany: new host records and descriptions of two new species from Limosa lapponica (L.) (Aves: Scolopacidae)
Authors: Zmudzinski Mateusz , Unsoeld Markus
Published: March 2019

Studies on obligatory, ectoparasitic mites of the family Syringophilidae associated with birds in Germany were scarce and scattered over the time. This paper summarizes current knowledge of German syringophilid fauna. We present new host and locality records and describe two new species: Niglarobia lapponica sp. nov. and Charadriineopicobia ristowi sp. nov. from the quill feathers of bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica (Linnaeus) (Scolopacidae).
Effects of Different Vitamin C–Enriched Collagen Derivatives on Collagen Synthesis
Authors: Lis Dana M. , Baar Keith
Published: March 2019

Nutritional strategies to improve connective tissue collagen synthesis have garnered significant interest, although the scientific validity of these interventions lags behind their hype. This study was designed to determine the effects of three forms of collagen on N-terminal peptide of procollagen and serum amino acid levels. A total of 10 recreationally active males completed a randomized double-blinded crossover design study consuming either placebo or 15 g of vitamin C–enriched gelatin or hydrolyzed collagen (HC), or gummy containing equal parts of gelatin and HC. Supplements were consumed 1 hr before 6 min of jump rope. Blood samples were collected immediately prior to supplement consumption and 4 hr after jump rope. A subset of blood samples (n = 4) was collected for amino acid analysis 1 hr after ingestion. Consumption of an equivalent dose of each supplement increased amino acids in the circulation similarly across all interventions. N-terminal peptide of procollagen levels tended to increase ∼20% from baseline in the gelatin and HC interventions but not the placebo or gummy. These results suggest that vitamin C–enriched gelatin and HC supplementation may improve collagen synthesis when taken 1 hr prior to exercise. However, large variability was observed, which precluded significance for any treatment.
An Analysis of Variability in Power Output During Indoor and Outdoor Cycling Time Trials
Authors: Jeffries Owen , Waldron Mark , Patterson Stephen D. , Galna Brook
Published: March 2019

Purpose: Regulation of power output during cycling encompasses the integration of internal and external demands to maximize performance. However, relatively little is known about variation in power output in response to the external demands of outdoor cycling. The authors compared the mean power output and the magnitude of power-output variability and structure during a 20-min time trial performed indoors and outdoors. Methods: Twenty male competitive cyclists ( 60.4 [7.1] mL·kg−1·min−1) performed 2 randomized maximal 20-min time-trial tests: outdoors at a cycle-specific racing circuit and indoors on a laboratory-based electromagnetically braked training ergometer, 7 d apart. Power output was sampled at 1 Hz and collected on the same bike equipped with a portable power meter in both tests. Results: Twenty-minute time-trial performance indoor (280 [44] W) was not different from outdoor (284 [41] W) (P = .256), showing a strong correlation (r = .94; P < .001). Within-persons SD was greater outdoors (69 [21] W) than indoors (33 [10] W) (P < .001). Increased variability was observed across all frequencies in data from outdoor cycling compared with indoors (P < .001) except for the very slowest frequency bin (<0.0033 Hz, P = .930). Conclusions: The findings indicate a greater magnitude of variability in power output during cycling outdoors. This suggests that constraints imposed by the external environment lead to moderate- and high-frequency fluctuations in power output. Therefore, indoor testing protocols should be designed to reflect the external demands of cycling outdoors.
A Comparison of 3 Different Unilateral Strength Training Strategies to Enhance Jumping Performance and Decrease Interlimb Asymmetries in Soccer Players
Authors: Gonzalo-Skok Oliver , Moreno-Azze Alejandro , Arjol-Serrano José Luis , Tous-Fajardo Julio , Bishop Chris
Published: March 2019

Purpose: To compare the effects of performing different unilateral strength training interventions on unilateral and bilateral jumping performance and their related asymmetries in young soccer players. Methods: Forty-five young (U-17) male soccer players were randomly assigned to 3 eccentric overload training programs. The first group executed the same volume with both legs starting with the weaker leg (SVW, n = 15); the second group carried out double volume with the weaker leg and also starting with the weaker leg (DVW, n = 15); and the third group performed the same volume with both legs starting with the stronger leg (SVS, n = 15). Jumping-performance assessment included a single-leg horizontal jump test, a triple single-leg horizontal jump test, a bilateral countermovement jump (CMJ) test, and a unilateral CMJ test. Asymmetries were also analyzed in the unilateral jumping tests. Results: CMJ was improved (effect size [ES]: 0.27–0.48) and CMJ asymmetry was possibly reduced (ES: 0.08–0.24) in all groups. Substantial improvements were found in triple hop (ES: 0.52–0.71) in SVW and DVW, and triple-hop asymmetry was substantially decreased (ES: 0.88) in DVW. Between-groups analysis showed a substantially better performance in triple hop and horizontal hop with right leg in SVW and DVW compared with SVS. Conclusions: Unilateral strength training programs were shown to substantially improve bilateral jumping performance, while unilateral jumping was substantially enhanced in the groups that started the training session with the weaker leg. Finally, between-limbs asymmetries in the triple hop were mainly reduced through performing double volume with the weaker leg.
The Social Context of Sedentary Behaviors and Their Relationships With Health in Later Life
Authors: Russell David , Chase Jo-Ana D.
Published: March 2019

This study examined sedentary behaviors among older adults and explored associations with social context and health measures using cross-sectional data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (N = 1,687). Multivariate models were estimated to explore associations of time in six sedentary behaviors (i.e., television watching, sitting and talking, hobbies, computer use, driving, and resting) with sociodemographic characteristics and level of social engagement and with health status. Results indicated substantial variability in sedentary behaviors, with television watching being the most frequent and resting the least frequent activities. Sedentary behaviors varied by sociodemographic characteristics, including age, race/ethnicity, and education, as well as by level of social engagement. Television watching and resting, but not other behaviors, were associated with poorer health. These findings help to unpack the role of social context in sedentary behaviors and could inform public health interventions aimed at reducing time spent in behaviors that are adversely associated with health.
Factors Associated With Ongoing Participation in Structured Exercise Among People Aged 50 Years and Older
Authors: Oliveira Juliana Souza de , Sherrington Catherine , Rowling Louise , Tiedemann Anne
Published: March 2019

To document the characteristics of participants aged 50 years and older in a local government group exercise program (Strong Seniors), to investigate the motivators and barriers to ongoing exercise, and to identify factors associated with more frequent exercise class attendance. Ninety-three participants completed a survey about exercise class attendance, motivators and barriers to participation, and exercise perceptions and self-reported exercise. The authors conducted a mixed-methods study involving both quantitative and qualitative analyses. Personal benefits of exercise and social influences were the most common motivators for regular exercise. Barriers to participation included health problems and lack of time (competing priorities). A higher score on the perceived exercise benefits scale is the only factor associated with a higher frequency of attendance at Strong Seniors classes. Exercise programs for people aged 50 years and older that emphasize associated health benefits and promote social support may be more likely to facilitate long-term attendance.
Examining the Relationships Between Gratitude and Spiritual and Religious Identification Among Collegiate Athletes
Authors: Gabana Nicole T. , D’Addario Aaron , Luzzeri Matteo , Soendergaard Stinne , Wong Y. Joel
Published: March 2019

Salient aspects of an athlete’s identity hold implications for how sport psychology practitioners conceptualize and intervene on both the mental health and performance realms of the athlete person. Given that spirituality, religiosity, and gratitude have been associated in previous literature, the current study examined whether athletes differed in dispositional gratitude based on their spiritual and religious identification. Results indicated that among 331 NCAA Division I-III athletes, those who identified as both spiritual and religious scored significantly higher in dispositional gratitude than self-identified spiritual/non-religious and non-spiritual/non-religious athletes. Non-spiritual/non-religious and spiritual/non-religious athletes did not significantly differ in levels of gratitude. Findings and limitations of the current study warrant further investigation on this topic, and recommendations for future research and practice are provided.
Fear Avoidance Following Musculoskeletal Injury in Male Adolescent Gaelic Footballers
Authors: O’Keeffe Sinéad , Ní Chéilleachair Niamh , O’Connor Siobhán
Published: March 2019

Context: Participating in Gaelic football provides a wealth of benefits, but a risk of musculoskeletal injury also exists. Injury is associated with physical consequences, including pain, discomfort, loss of function, time absent from school/sport, and considerable medical expenses, along with placing undue pressure on emergency services and hospital staff. Concurrent psychological consequences, such as fear avoidance, can also occur, causing psychological distress. There is a current dearth of available research examining the psychology of injury in male adolescent Gaelic footballers. Objective: To examine fear avoidance postinjury in male adolescent Gaelic footballers, the effect of pain, time loss, injury severity, and previous injury on the extent of fear avoidance, and the usefulness of a modified Athlete Fear Avoidance Questionnaire (AFAQ) as a screening tool for predicting injury. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Recreational clubs. Participants: A total of 97 male adolescent club Gaelic footballers (13.4 [1.1] y). Interventions: Musculoskeletal injuries sustained during participation in Gaelic football, defined as any injury sustained during training or competition causing restricted performance or time lost from play, were assessed and recorded weekly by a certified athletic and rehabilitation therapist. Injuries requiring time loss from participation were classed as time-loss injuries. Injury characteristics that included type, nature, location, severity, and pain were recorded. Main Outcome Measures: Injured players completed the AFAQ, a measure of injury-related fear avoidance following injury assessment (AFAQ1). With time-loss injuries, the AFAQ was completed again (AFAQ2) prior to return to play. Modified AFAQ was completed at baseline. Results: Twenty-two injuries were recorded during the season with fear avoidance evident postinjury that significantly decreased before returning to play. Fear avoidance postinjury was higher in those with greater pain but time loss, injury severity, and previous injury did not significantly affect the extent of fear avoidance. Baseline fear avoidance did not predict injury. Conclusions: Psychological rehabilitation is recommended for managing postinjury psychological distress in male adolescent Gaelic footballers.
Collaboration: The Key to Natural High Programming
Authors: Treichel Mila L. , Myrick Susan
Published: March 2019

In 1975, the U.S. Department of Health reported that more than half of the individuals in hospitals are there for self-induced reasons related to poor quality lifestyles: lack of exercise; excessive weight; tobacco, alcohol, and drug abuse; and poor stress management (Beeler, 1987).

As many as one-third of the 500,000 deaths from cancer in the U.S. each year can be attributed to poor diet. Another third of cancer deaths - mostly lung, bladder, and pancreatic - are caused by cigarette smoking. Other cancers show links to excessive alcohol consumption (Weiss, 1992).

The U.S. Surgeon General, who analyzed factors contributing to the ten leading causes of premature death and disability in the U.S., says nearly 50 percent are related to unhealthy behavior (Wolford, Wolford & Allensworth, 1986).
An Innovative Bike Race for Recreational Sports
Authors: Rokosz Frank , Taylor Howard
Published: March 2019

Presented here are the rules, procedures and some other important considerations involved in conducting a team criterium relay bike race, a unique event which incorporates modifications of several “official” bike races as sanctioned by the United States Cycling Federation. The basic concept of the race is to have five bikers on each team, with each biker riding five laps of a one-mile course. Total team distance is 25 miles.
Strategies for Improving Customer Service in Leisure Organizations
Authors: McChesney Jon C.
Published: March 2019

As competition in the leisure sector continues to increase, creating and maintaining customer loyalty becomes paramount for business success. Customer loyalty can be promoted and nurtured via customer service, resulting in added value to the business exchange, reduced costs of doing business, and customer acceptance of less than perfect program delivery. Additionally, customer service is consistent with total quality management initiatives.

This article discusses five customer service strategies that can be applied to any leisure enterprise. These strategies include (1) hiring practices; (2) customer service training; (3) front-line responsiveness; (4) customer response network; and (5) management by walking around.

Customer service does not have to be an allusive or costly business objective. However, management must be proactive in establishing and maintaining these mutually beneficial customer relationships. Lip service to this issue will no longer suffice.
Professional Preparation in Sport Management: A Narrative Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jamieson Lynn M. , Toh Kian Lam
Published: March 2019

The purpose of the study was to employ a narrative meta-analysis approach to explore the original study and replications of the Recreational Sports Competency Analysis (RSCA) (Jamieson, 1980). Several researchers ((Jamieson, 1980; Ulrich and Parkhouse, 1982; Jennings, 1984; and Parks and Quain, 1986) have documented the importance of sound curriculum development in sport management and resultant curriculum. Two research questions were posed to elicit what aspects might be applicable for comparison and what statistical analyses, if any, can be performed through a narrative meta-analysis. Four instruments were chosen for analysis. A thorough narrative meta-analysis revealed similarities in several areas and all contributed to content validation of the instrument. It was also found that data may lead itself to statistical analysis in a limited fashion, but cannot replace a more systematic development of a more valid and reliable instrument.
Recreational Sport Participation as a Moderator of College Stress
Authors: Kanters Michael A.
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that campus recreation could play an important role in student development by providing opportunities for students to cope with the increasing pressures and stress of college life. Forty-four university students completed pre-tests and daily diaries for five weeks surrounding their final exams. Hierarchical multiple regression procedures were used to control the confounding effect of personality, initial anxiety, and physical health on the predictive relationship between recreational sport participation and perceived social support with stress-related anxiety. The results confirmed the hypothesis that after controlling for personality variations, initial anxiety and physical health, both perceived social support and participation in recreational sports could buffer stress-related anxiety.
Finals Finish: Creating a Recreational Sport Special Event for Final Exam Week
Authors: Lewis James B. , Seth Amy , Ill Katie
Published: March 2019

Most recreational sports programs tend to discontinue programming during the last weeks of a semester to avoid distractions with academic exams. The last few weeks of s semester are viewed as a time to study and pursue final exams. However, the purpose of a recreational sport program is to offer a college student the opportunity to balance academics with healthy activities. As such, recreational sport programming is very important in the final weeks of school as a healthy alternative to the stress of final exams. Finals Finish is a recreational sport program offered at Western Michigan University that offers students the opportunity to study in a healthy atmosphere. This program presents students with the opportunity to study and recreate at the same time and in the same facility. This article outlines the program, and offers suggestions of how this program might be included on any college campus.
Effective Delegation for the Busy Campus Recreation Administrator
Authors: Connaughton Daniel P. , DeMichele Douglas J.
Published: March 2019

Successful campus recreation administrators are paid not only for their administrative capabilities, but also for their ability to lead and influence their staffs. The real measure of their value to the campus recreation organization and their institution lies in the ability to get things done through others. Many management experts contend that effective delegation is management's strongest productivity tool. Although delegation may also be the most crucial skill an administrator can develop to advance his or her career and to improve their programs, many fail to use it to its fullest potential. This article discusses the benefits of effective delegation and the pitfalls of ineffective delegation. Additionally, the article highlights the steps in the delegation process for both the delegator and the subordinate in the campus recreation organization
The Role of the Campus Recreation Center in Creating a Community
Authors: Dalgarn Melinda K.
Published: March 2019

The Student Recreation Center provides a state-of-the-art facility and a comprehensive recreation program for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and spouses. It aids in the education and development of the whole person and serves as a place of employment for students. More than just a place to exercise, the recreation center also serves as a venue for education: users develop positive self-esteem, enhance their social relationships, and improve their interpersonal skills. The recreation center provides a unique site for programs and activities aimed at meeting the needs, interests, and expectations of a diverse community. Opportunities for interaction, collaboration, and unification are essential if campuses are to develop a sense of community.

Reports from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Wingspread Group on Higher Education serve to challenge university administrators in their struggle to create a sense of community. In as much as campus recreation centers have the capacity to engage members of the campus community in exciting, creative, and unique experiences they can provide the means to attract diverse populations. Often open 16–18 hours each day, there is no other single facility on a college campus that can provide as many varied activities with such wide appeal.

Conventional programs such as intramurals, sport clubs and aerobics programs serve individuals in a variety of sports and recreational activities from basketball to scuba diving. Wellness programs offer health and educational services and outdoors recreation programs provide opportunities to develop skills for life-long enjoyment. Student recreation centers can serve as sites for day camp programs for children. Community members at large receive passes at nominal fees when student enrollment declines during the summer months.

Recreation centers provide opportunities for students to interact with one another, as well as other sectors of the community. Research shows that this aids in both recruitment and retention. University administrators must continue their efforts to foster student learning and personal development. Student recreation centers can contribute significantly to that end by providing the facilities, programs, services and personnel to help meet those challenges.
Leisure Satisfaction and Quality of Life: Issues for the Justification of Campus Recreation
Authors: Lewis James B. , Barcelona Robert , Jones Tom
Published: March 2019

Professionals in campus recreation have relied most often on participant numbers to justify programs and facilities. However, very little research has been conducted to justify programs. This paper suggests that as a profession we should assess programs and facilities using research that utilizes the constructs of quality of life and leisure satisfaction. Further, it outlines current NIRSA-funded research that utilizes those constructs in an attempt to assess a campus recreation program. If this research project is successful, assessing quality of life and leisure satisfaction could be a viable method for assessment of campus recreation programs. A good assessment method could assist the profession to justify the need for programs and facilities.
Manganese promotes the aggregation and prion-like cell-to-cell exosomal transmission of α-synuclein
Authors: Harischandra Dilshan S. , Rokad Dharmin , Neal Matthew L. , Ghaisas Shivani , Manne Sireesha , Sarkar Souvarish , Panicker Nikhil , Zenitsky Gary , Jin Huajun , Lewis Mechelle , Huang Xuemei , Anantharam Vellareddy , Kanthasamy Arthi , Kanthasamy Anumantha G.
Published: March 2019

Manganese exposure promotes α-synuclein propagation, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration.
A Systematic Screen Reveals a Diverse Collection of Medications That Induce Antifungal Resistance in
Candida
Species
Authors: Butts Arielle , Reitler Parker , Nishimoto Andrew T. , DeJarnette Christian , Estredge Leanna R. , Peters Tracy L. , Veve Michael P. , Rogers P. David , Palmer Glen E.
Published: March 2019

The increasing incidence of and high mortality rates associated with invasive fungal infections (IFIs) impose an enormous clinical, social, and economic burden on humankind. In addition to microbiological resistance to existing antifungal drugs, the large number of unexplained treatment failures is a serious concern.
Evaluation of the Bactericidal Activity of Fosfomycin in Combination with Selected Antimicrobial Comparison Agents Tested against Gram-Negative Bacterial Strains by Using Time-Kill Curves
Authors: Flamm Robert K. , Rhomberg Paul R. , Lindley Jill M. , Sweeney Kim , Ellis-Grosse E. J. , Shortridge Dee
Published: March 2019

The effects of combining fosfomycin with various antimicrobial agents were evaluated
in vitro
by broth microdilution checkerboard and time-kill kinetic studies. Checkerboard analyses were used to evaluate the following 30 Gram-negative isolates: 5
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, 5
Acinetobacter baumannii
-
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus
species complex, and 20
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates.
σ
B
Inhibits Poly-
N
-Acetylglucosamine Exopolysaccharide Synthesis and Biofilm Formation in
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Valle Jaione , Echeverz Maite , Lasa Iñigo
Published: March 2019

Due to its multifaceted lifestyle,
Staphylococcus aureus
needs a complex regulatory network to connect environmental signals with cellular physiology. One particular transcription factor, named σ
B
(SigB), is involved in the general stress response and the expression of virulence factors. For many years, great confusion has existed about the role of σ
B
in the regulation of the biofilm lifestyle in
S. aureus
. Our study demonstrated that σ
B
is not necessary for exopolysaccharide-dependent biofilms and, even more, that
S. aureus
produces stronger biofilms in the absence of σ
B
. The increased accumulation of exopolysaccharide correlates with higher stability of the proteins responsible for its synthesis. The present findings reveal an additional regulatory layer to control biofilm exopolysaccharide synthesis under stress conditions.
Blue Light Is a Universal Signal for
Escherichia coli
Chemoreceptors
Authors: Perlova Tatyana , Gruebele Martin , Chemla Yann R.
Published: March 2019

Our findings provide new insights into the mechanism of
E. coli
phototaxis, showing that all five chemoreceptor types respond to light and their interactions play an important role in cell behavior. Our results also open up new avenues for examining and manipulating
E. coli
taxis. Since light is a universal stimulus, it may provide a way to quantify interactions among different types of receptors. Because light is easier to control spatially and temporally than chemicals, it may be used to study swimming behavior in complex environments. Since phototaxis can cause migration of
E. coli
bacteria in light gradients, light may be used to control bacterial density for studying density-dependent processes in bacteria.
Subarachnoid haemorrhage: a sinister cause of transient loss of consciousness during oral sex
Authors: Holmes Jonathan , Gokdogan Yunus
Published: March 2019

Transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) is a common presentation to the emergency department and has a multitude of causes from benign to potentially fatal. We describe the case of a young female presenting with TLOC during sexual activity that was subsequently diagnosed with subarachnoid haemorrhage. She had normal neurology and only moderate headache. She was subsequently transferred to a neurosurgical unit and underwent endovascular coiling of a small anterior communicating artery aneurysm. She was discharged 15 days later without sequelae.
‘Next Generation Youth Well-being Study:’ understanding the health and social well-being trajectories of Australian Aboriginal adolescents aged 10–24 years: study protocol
Authors: Gubhaju Lina , Banks Emily , Ward James , D’Este Catherine , Ivers Rebecca , Roseby Robert , Azzopardi Peter , Williamson Anna , Chamberlain Catherine , Liu Bette , Hotu Cheri , Boyle Jacqueline , McNamara Bridgette , Eades Sandra J
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (hereafter referred to as ‘Aboriginal’) adolescents (10–24 years) experience multiple challenges to their health and well-being. However, limited evidence is available on factors influencing their health trajectories. Given the needs of this group, the young age profile of the Aboriginal population and the long-term implications of issues during adolescence, reliable longitudinal data are needed.

Methods and analysis

The ‘Next Generation: Youth Well-being Study’ is a mixed-methods cohort study aiming to recruit 2250 Aboriginal adolescents aged 10–24 years from rural, remote and urban communities in Central Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales. The study assesses overall health and well-being and consists of two phases. During phase 1, we qualitatively explored the meaning of health and well-being for adolescents and accessibility of health services. During phase 2, participants are being recruited into a longitudinal cohort. Recruitment is occurring mainly through community networks and connections. At baseline, participants complete a comprehensive survey and undertake an extensive age relevant clinical assessment. Survey and clinical data will be linked to various databases including those relating to health services; medication; immunisation; hospitalisations and emergency department presentations; death registrations; education; child protection and corrective services. Participants will receive follow-up surveys approximately 2 years after their baseline visit. The ‘Next Generation’ study will fill important evidence gaps by providing longitudinal data on the health and social well-being of Aboriginal adolescents supplemented with narratives from participants to provide context.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approvals have been sought and granted. Along with peer-reviewed publications and policy briefs, research findings will be disseminated via reports, booklets and other formats that will be most useful and informative to the participants and community organisations.
The Peripheral Analgesic Effect of Meperidine in Reducing Propofol Injection Pain Is Not Naloxone-Reversible
Authors: Pang Wei-Wu , Mok Martin S. , Huang Shyuan , Chung Yung-Tai , Hwang Min-Ho
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives

Meperidine is frequently used in general anesthesia and perioperative analgesia. In addition to its opioid action, meperidine possesses some local anesthetic properties. A preliminary study using the tourniquet venous retention technique found meperidine to be more effective in reducing propofol injection pain than fentanyl or morphine, both of which were slightly better than placebo. This study was undertaken to evaluate whether this peripheral analgesic effect of meperidine is affected by naloxone.

Methods

In a randomized, double-blind manner, after venous occlusion with a tourniquet, meperidine 40 mg was given intravenously to patients in group A (n = 31), meperidine 40 mg followed by naloxone 0.04 mg to group B (n = 32), meperidine 40 mg followed by naloxone 0.2 mg to group C (n = 30), and normal saline placebo to group D (n = 30). The venous retention of drug(s) was maintained for 1 minute, followed by tourniquet release and intravenous administration of propofol 100 mg. Pain assessment was made immediately after the propofol injection.

Results

All three groups given meperidine had significantly less propofol injection pain (P < .01) than the group given saline placebo, and there was no difference among groups A, B, and C.

Conclusion

The peripheral analgesic effect of meperidine in reducing propofol injection pain is not mediated by its opioid activity.
On the Lower Bounds of (1,0)-Super Solutions for Random k-SAT
Authors: Zhou Guangyan , Kang Rui
Published: March 2019

Super solution is a notion introduced to produce robust and stable solutions of combinatorial optimization and decision problems. We consider the [Formula: see text]-super solutions of random instances of [Formula: see text]-SAT, where a clause is satisfied if and only if there are at least two satisfied literals in this clause. By using an enhanced weighting scheme, we obtain better lower bounds that, if a random [Formula: see text]-CNF formula [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-unsatisfiable with probability tending to 1 as [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text], respectively.
Dynamical system analysis of quintessence models with exponential potential — Revisited
Authors: Arapoğlu A. Savaş , Yükselci A. Emrah
Published: March 2019

Dynamical system analysis of a universe model which contains matter, radiation and quintessence with exponential potential, [Formula: see text], is studied in the light of recent observations and the tensions between different datasets. The three-dimensional phase space is constructed by the energy density parameters and all the critical points of the model with their physical meanings are investigated. This approach provides an easy way of comparing the model directly with the observations. We consider a solution that is compatible with observations and is continuous in the phase space in both directions of time, past and future. Although in many studies of late-time acceleration, the radiation is neglected, here we consider all components together and this makes the calculated effective equation of state parameter more realistic. Additionally, a relation between potential parameter, [Formula: see text], and the value of quintessence equation of state parameter, [Formula: see text], today is found by using numerical analysis. We conclude that [Formula: see text] has to be small in order to explain the current accelerated phase of the universe and this result can be seen directly from the relation we obtain. Finally, we compare the usual dynamical system approach with the approach that we follow in this paper.
Attribute-Based Collusion Resistance in Group-Based Cloud Data Sharing using LKH Model
Authors: Rajkumar N. , Kannan E.
Published: March 2019

Utilizing cloud computing, users can avail a compelling and effective approach for information sharing between collective individuals in the cloud with the facility of less administration cost and little maintenance. Security in cloud computing refers to procedures, standards and processes created to provide assurance for security of information in the cloud environment. In this paper, we project a secure data sharing method in cloud for dynamic members by producing keys for users using Logic Key Hierarchy (LKH) model, i.e., a tree-based key generation technique. We have generated this key using reverse hashing and one way hash-based technique so that no exiled user can predict the new key and new users cannot predict the old keys of the network group. From numerous experiments, this work is proved to be the best in maintaining forward secrecy, backward secrecy and group compromise attacks and consumes less computation cost compared to any other hash-based key generation techniques.
Challenging a Newtonian prediction through Gaia wide binaries
Authors: Hernandez X. , Cortés R. A. M. , Allen Christine , Scarpa R.
Published: March 2019

Under Newtonian dynamics, the relative motion of the components of a binary star should follow a Keplerian scaling with separation. Once orientation effects and a distribution of ellipticities are accounted for, dynamical evolution can be modeled to include the effects of Galactic tides and stellar mass perturbers, over the lifetime of the solar neighborhood. This furnishes a prediction for the relative velocity between the components of a binary and their projected separation. Taking a carefully selected small sample of 81 solar neighborhood wide binaries from the Hipparcos catalog, we identify these same stars in the recent Gaia DR2, to test the prediction mentioned using the latest and most accurate astrometry available. The results are consistent with the Newtonian prediction for projected separations below 7000 AU, but inconsistent with it at larger separations, where accelerations are expected to be lower than the critical [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m.s[Formula: see text] value of MONDian gravity. This result challenges Newtonian gravity at low accelerations and shows clearly the appearance of gravitational anomalies of the type usually attributed to dark matter at galactic scales, now at much smaller stellar scales.
Competition in the Presence of Counterfeiters: The Case of Fines Imposed on Counterfeiters and Pocketed by the Genuine Firm
Authors: Di Liddo Andrea
Published: March 2019

A firm sells a luxury product protected by conventional intellectual property rights (IPR) laws. However, a counterfeiter can illegally copy and sell the product without the permission of the brand-name producer. Fines are imposed on caught counterfeiters and pocketed by the genuine firm. Stackelberg equilibria resulting from the competition between the genuine firm and the counterfeiter are computed. It is shown that, whenever the production cost of the genuine item is not too low, then the genuine firm can benefit from counterfeiting presence. Furthermore, the amount of the fine and the level of enforcement that maximize the genuine company’s profit is calculated.
Stochastic Resonance with Unital Quantum Noise
Authors: Gillard Nicolas , Belin Étienne , Chapeau-Blondeau François
Published: March 2019

The fundamental quantum information processing task of estimating the phase of a qubit is considered. Following quantum measurement, the estimation efficiency is evaluated by the classical Fisher information which determines the best performance limiting any estimator and achievable by the maximum likelihood estimator. The estimation process is analyzed in the presence of decoherence represented by essential quantum noises that can affect the qubit and belonging to the broad class of unital quantum noises. Such a class especially contains the bit-flip, the phase-flip, the depolarizing noises, or the whole family of Pauli noises. As the level of noise is increased, we report the possibility of non-standard behaviors where the estimation efficiency does not necessarily deteriorate uniformly, but can experience non-monotonic variations. Regimes are found where higher noise levels prove more favorable to estimation. Such behaviors are related to stochastic resonance effects in signal estimation, shown here feasible for the first time with unital quantum noises. The results provide enhanced appreciation of quantum noise or decoherence, manifesting that it is not always detrimental for quantum information processing.
Probing Computation in the Primate Visual System at Single-Cone Resolution
Authors: Kling A. , Field G.D. , Brainard D.H. , Chichilnisky E.J.
Published: March 2019

Daylight vision begins when light activates cone photoreceptors in the retina, creating spatial patterns of neural activity. These cone signals are then combined and processed in downstream neural circuits, ultimately producing visual perception. Recent technical advances have made it possible to deliver visual stimuli to the retina that probe this processing by the visual system at its elementary resolution of individual cones. Physiological recordings from nonhuman primate retinas reveal the spatial organization of cone signals in retinal ganglion cells, including how signals from cones of different types are combined to support both spatial and color vision. Psychophysical experiments with human subjects characterize the visual sensations evoked by stimulating a single cone, including the perception of color. Future combined physiological and psychophysical experiments focusing on probing the elementary visual inputs are likely to clarify how neural processing generates our perception of the visual world.