bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-reported Sleep Quality and Bone Outcomes in Older Adults: Findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study
Authors: Bevilacqua Gregorio , Denison Hayley J. , Laskou Faidra , Jameson Karen A. , Ward Kate A. , Cooper Cyrus , Dennison Elaine M.
Published: January 2020

Sleep duration may be associated with risk of osteoporosis, with suggestions that too little or indeed too much sleep may be detrimental to bone health. In this study, we considered whether perceived sleep quality is also associated with bone health in older adults. We explored this association in a cohort of 443 older community-dwelling UK adults. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); poor sleep quality was defined as > 5 on this score system. Bone density, shape and microarchitecture were assessed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) and high-resolution pQCT (HRpQCT). Thirty-seven percent of men and 43% of women had a PSQI score greater than 5, indicative of poor perceived sleep. We found that quality of sleep was associated with altered bone microarchitecture. In men, poor sleep quality was associated with lower radial trabecular (4% slice, p < 0.04) and cortical (66% slice, p = 0.02) bone mineral density, as well as decreased tibial cortical density (p < 0.02) and increased porosity (p < 0.04), but increased size of the tibia (p < 0.04). In women, poor perceived sleep quality was associated with thinner (p < 0.03) and less dense (p < 0.04) cortices of the radius, but greater tibial trabecular number (p < 0.02) and lower separation (p < 0.04). Relationships with DXA parameters were non-significant after adjustment for confounders. Taking sleep medications was associated with decreased tibial size (38% and 66% slices) and strength in women (all p < 0.05), but not in men. Perceived sleep quality was associated with altered bone density and microarchitecture in older adults, and these differences varied according to biological sex and site. Further work is indicated to investigate possible mechanisms underlying these observations.
Modeling of thermal performance of multilayer protective clothing exposed to radiant heat
Authors: Puszkarz Adam K. , Machnowski Waldemar , Błasińska Anna
Published: January 2020

Studies presented in this paper concern wide issue of thermal comfort of protective clothing. The Computer Aided Design (CAD) software tools to analyze thermal insulation of multilayer textile assembly used in thermal protective clothing were applied. First, 3D geometry and morphology of a real textile assembly was modeled. In the designed model different scales of resolution were used for individual layers, ranging from a homogenized nonwoven fabrics model to mapping the geometry of yarns in woven fabrics model. Next, the finite volume method to estimate thermal insulation properties of this assembly, when exposed to heat radiation, was used. Finally, the simulation results were verified experimentally using method described in EN ISO 6942. On the basis of both simulation and experimental results obtained for the multilayer textile assembly, protective clothing parameters directly affecting the ability to protect against heat, were determined. Correlating simulated and experimental values of these parameters were obtained, which may indicate that applied software can be an effective tool in analyzing thermal properties of newly designed multilayer functional clothing.
Abnormal degree centrality in delayed encephalopathy after carbon monoxide poisoning: a resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Wu Kaifu , Liu Meng , He Laichang , Tan Yongming
Published: January 2020

Purpose

To explore neuropathologic mechanisms in functional brain regions in patients with delayed encephalopathy after carbon monoxide poisoning (DEACMP) from the perspective of the brain network nodes by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI).

Methods

The fMRI and cognitive assessments were performed in 25 patients with DEACMP and 25 age-, sex- and education-matched healthy controls (HCs). Data analysis was performed via the degree centrality (DC) method. Then, the associations between the cognitive assessments and DC in the identified abnormal brain regions were assessed by using a correlation analysis.

Results

Compared with the HCs, the DEACMP patients displayed significantly decreased DC values in the right superior frontal gyrus, right precentral gyrus, right angular gyrus, right marginal gyrus, right hippocampus, and left thalamus but increased DC values in the right inferior frontal gyrus, right cingulate gyrus, left superior temporal gyrus, left medial temporal gyrus, right lingual gyrus, and right posterior cerebellar lobe, pons, and midbrain (GRF correction, voxel P value < 0.001, cluster P value < 0.01). The correlation analysis in the DEACMP group revealed that there was a negative correlation between the DC values in the right hippocampus and MMSE scores, whereas a positive correlation was observed in the right cingulate gyrus.

Conclusions

Patients with DEACMP exhibited abnormal degree centrality in the brain network. This finding may provide a new approach for examining the neuropathologic mechanisms underlying DEACMP.
Multifocal intraocular lenses and retinal diseases
Authors: Grzybowski Andrzej , Kanclerz Piotr , Tuuminen Raimo
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Multifocal intraocular lenses (MIOLs) are often discouraged in patients with or at risk of retinal disorders (including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and epiretinal membranes), as MIOLs are believed to reduce contrast sensitivity (CS). Concerns with MIOLs have also been raised in individuals with visual field defects, fixation instability or eccentric preferred retinal locations. The aim of this study is to review the influence of MIOL on quality of vision in patients with retinal diseases.

Methods

We reviewed the PubMed and Web of Science databases to identify relevant studies using the following keywords: multifocal intraocular lens, cataract surgery, cataract extraction, lens exchange, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and contrast sensitivity.

Results

Studies evaluating CS in MIOLs present conflicting results: MIOLs either did not influence CS or resulted in worse performance under low-illuminance conditions and higher spatial frequencies when compared to monofocal IOLs. Nevertheless, MIOLs preserved CS levels within the age-matched normal range. Two studies reported that patients with concurrent retinal diseases receiving a MIOL, both unilaterally and bilaterally, reported a significant improvement in visual-related outcomes. Individuals with a monofocal IOL in one eye and a MIOL in the fellow eye reported greater subjective satisfaction with the MIOL.

Conclusion

We were unable to find evidence suggesting that patients with retinal diseases should be advised against MIOLs. Nevertheless, more research is needed to address the aforementioned concerns and to optimize the use of MIOLs in eyes with retinal disease.
Reliability and validity of methods in the assessment of cold-induced shivering thermogenesis
Authors: Arnold Josh T. , Hemsley Zach , Hodder Simon G. , Havenith George , Lloyd Alex B.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

To compare two analytical methods for the estimation of the shivering onset inflection point, segmental regression and visual inspection of data, and to assess the test–retest reliability and validity of four metrics of shivering measurement; oxygen uptake (V̇O2), electromyography (EMG), mechanomyography (MMG) and bedside shivering assessment scale (BSAS).

Methods

Ten volunteers attended three identical experimental sessions involving passive deep-body cooling via cold water immersion at 10 °C. V̇O2, EMG, and MMG were continuously assessed, while the time elapsed at each BSAS stage was recorded. Metrics were graphed as a function of time and rectal temperature (Tre). Inflection points for intermittent and constant shivering were visually identified for every graph and compared to segmental regression.

Results

Excellent agreement was seen between segmental regression and visual inspection (ICC, 0.92). All measurement metrics presented good-to-excellent test–retest reliability (ICC’s > 0.75 and 0.90 respectively), with the exception of visual identification of intermittent shivering for V̇O2 measurement (ICC, 0.73) and segmental regression for EMG measurement (ICC, 0.74). In the assessment of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), EMG showed the largest SNR at the point of shivering onset followed by MMG and finally V̇O2.

Conclusions

Segmental regression provides a successful analytical method for identifying shivering onset. Good-to-excellent reliability can be seen across V̇O2, EMG, MMG, and BSAS, yet given the observed lag times, SNRs, along with known advantages/disadvantaged of each metric, it is recommended that no single metric is used in isolation. An integrative, real-time measure of shivering is proposed.
Regional brain volumes in brief psychotic disorder
Authors: Li Hua , Kéri Szabolcs
Published: January 2020

Brief psychotic disorder (BPD) is a relatively rare representative of psychotic disorders. Structural brain abnormalities in BPD are not known. We compared 30 patients with BPD and 30 matched healthy controls using high-resolution structural T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We performed cortical/subcortical reconstruction and volumetric segmentation using FreeSurfer v6.0. Results revealed that the caudal/rostral middle frontal cortex, superior frontal cortex, and the frontal pole were significantly smaller in patients with BPD compared to controls. The number of lifetime psychotic episodes negatively correlated with caudal middle frontal and frontal pole volumes. These results indicate structural abnormalities of the frontal cortex in BPD, which are associated with the number of psychotic relapses.
Climate sensitivity, agricultural productivity and the social cost of carbon in FUND
Authors: Dayaratna Kevin D. , McKitrick Ross , Michaels Patrick J.
Published: January 2020

We explore the implications of recent empirical findings about CO2fertilization and climate sensitivity on the social cost of carbon (SCC) in the FUND model. New compilations of satellite and experimental evidence suggest larger agricultural productivity gains due to CO2growth are being experienced than are reflected in FUND parameterization. We also discuss recent studies applying empirical constraints to the probability distribution of equilibrium climate sensitivity and we argue that previous Monte Carlo analyses in IAMs have not adequately reflected the findings of this literature. Updating the distributions of these parameters under varying discount rates is influential on SCC estimates. The lower bound of the social cost of carbon is likely negative and the upper bound is much lower than previously claimed, at least through the mid-twenty-first century. Also the choice of discount rate becomes much less important under the updated parameter distributions.
Quantitative measures of tissue mechanics to detect hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility syndrome disorders: a systematic review
Authors: Palmer Shea , Denner Elise , Riglar Matthew , Scannell Holly , Webb Sarah , Young Georgina
Published: January 2020

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) are heritable connective tissue disorders associated with pain, activity limitations and participation restrictions. A key feature is reported to be reduced stiffness and increased extensibility and elasticity of connective tissues. Yet diagnosis relies on assessment of joint range of motion, which may be influenced by other factors, and semi-quantitative assessment of forearm skin extensibility. The objective of this systematic review was to determine if quantitative measures of tissue mechanics can discriminate between hEDS/HSD and healthy tissues. Literature was identified via online databases (AMED, CINAHL+, EMBASE, MEDLINE and SportDiscus) and snowballing. Studies were included if participants had a confirmed diagnosis of hEDS/HSD (or equivalent diagnosis) using internationally recognised criteria, a healthy control group was used as a comparator, and objective measures of tissue stiffness, extensibility or elasticity of muscle, tendon, connective tissue or skin were reported. Included studies were critically appraised, followed by group discussion, consensus and narrative synthesis. Two hundred three potentially relevant studies were identified. Application of the inclusion criteria resulted in four studies being included. A range of quantitative approaches to studying tissue mechanics were used, including diagnostic ultrasound. Overall, three of the four studies found that at least one measure of tissue mechanics distinguished between people with hEDS/HSD and healthy controls. The studies were generally conducted and reported to high standards. Quantitative measures of tissue mechanics have the potential to contribute towards more objective diagnosis of hEDS/HSD. Further validation, particularly within diagnostic scenarios, is required.
UNAGI: an automated pipeline for nanopore full-length cDNA sequencing uncovers novel transcripts and isoforms in yeast
Authors: Al kadi Mohamad , Jung Nicolas , Ito Shingo , Kameoka Shoichiro , Hishida Takashi , Motooka Daisuke , Nakamura Shota , Iida Tetsuya , Okuzaki Daisuke
Published: January 2020

Sequencing the entire RNA molecule leads to a better understanding of the transcriptome architecture. SMARTer (Switching Mechanism at 5′-End of RNA Template) is a technology aimed at generating full-length cDNA from low amounts of mRNA for sequencing by short-read sequencers such as those from Illumina. However, short read sequencing such as Illumina technology includes fragmentation that results in bias and information loss. Here, we built a pipeline, UNAGI or UNAnnotated Gene Identifier, to process long reads obtained with nanopore sequencing and compared this pipeline with the standard Illumina pipeline by studying the Saccharomyces cerevisiae transcriptome in full-length cDNA samples generated from two different biological samples: haploid and diploid cells. Additionally, we processed the long reads with another long read tool, FLAIR. Our strand-aware method revealed significant differential gene expression that was masked in Illumina data by antisense transcripts. Our pipeline, UNAGI, outperformed the Illumina pipeline and FLAIR in transcript reconstruction (sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 40% vs. 18% and 34% and 79% and 32%, respectively). Moreover, UNAGI discovered 3877 unannotated transcripts including 1282 intergenic transcripts while the Illumina pipeline discovered only 238 unannotated transcripts. For isoforms profiling, UNAGI also outperformed the Illumina pipeline and FLAIR in terms of sensitivity (91% vs. 82% and 63%, respectively). But the low accuracy of nanopore sequencing led to a closer gap in terms of specificity with Illumina pipeline (70% vs. 63%) and to a huge gap with FLAIR (70% vs 0.02%).
A higher proportion of men than of women fainted in the phase without nitroglycerin in tilt-induced vasovagal syncope
Authors: Ghariq Maryam , Thijs Roland D. , Bek L. Martine , van Zwet Erik W. , Benditt David G. , van Dijk J. Gert
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Vasovagal syncope (VVS) affects more women than men. We determined whether this sex ratio affects tilt table test (TTT) results.

Methods

We retrospectively studied TTT outcomes in suspected VVS. TTT consisted of supine rest, a maximum 20 min of head-up tilt without and, if nitroglycerin was needed, a further maximum 20 min after nitroglycerin administration. TTT was terminated if VVS occurred. We used binary logistic regression for the entire TTT and for each phase, with VVS as outcome and age and sex as predictors.

Results

TTT provoked vasovagal (pre)syncope in 494 out of 766 tests (64%). The proportion of men and women who fainted during the entire TTT did not differ significantly between the sexes (p = 0.13, corrected for age). A lower proportion of women than men had VVS in the phase without nitroglycerin (odds ratio 0.54; 95% confidence interval 0.37–0.79; p = 0.002, corrected for age), whereas a higher proportion of women than men fainted after nitroglycerin (odds ratio 1.58; 95% confidence interval 1.13–2.21; p = 0.008, corrected for age). These sex differences remained significant after correction for a history of orthostatic versus emotional triggers. The effect of sex on TTT outcome was closely associated with differences of blood pressure change upon tilt-up (lower in men in both TTT phases: without nitroglycerin p = 0.003; with nitroglycerin p = 0.05), but not with heart rate changes.

Conclusion

Men were more susceptible to induction of VVS without nitroglycerin and women after it. The unexpected findings may be due to sex-specific pathophysiological differences.
Genetic variation of introduced red oak (Quercus rubra) stands in Germany compared to North American populations
Authors: Pettenkofer Tim , Finkeldey Reiner , Müller Markus , Krutovsky Konstantin V. , Vornam Barbara , Leinemann Ludger , Gailing Oliver
Published: January 2020

Although Northern red oak (Quercus rubraL.) is the most important introduced deciduous tree species in Germany, only little is known about its genetic variation. For the first time, we describe patterns of neutral and potentially adaptive nuclear genetic variation in Northern red oak stands across Germany. For this purpose, 792 trees were genotyped including 611 trees from 12 stands in Germany of unknown origin and 181 trees from four populations within the natural distribution area in North America. Our marker set included 12 potentially adaptive (expressed sequence tag-derived simple sequence repeat = EST SSR) and 8 putatively selectively neutral nuclear microsatellite (nSSR) markers. Our results showed that German stands retain comparatively high levels of genetic variation at both EST-SSRs and nSSRs, but are more similar to each other than to North American populations. These findings are in agreement with earlier chloroplast DNA analyses which suggested that German populations originated from a limited geographic area in North America. The comparison between potentially adaptive and neutral microsatellite markers did not reveal differences in the analyzed diversity and differentiation measures for most markers. However, locus FIR013 was identified as a potential outlier locus. Due to the absence of signatures of selection in German stands, we suggest that introduced populations were established with material from provenances that were adapted to environmental conditions similar to those in Germany. However, we analyzed only a limited number of loci which are unlikely to be representative of adaptive genetic differences among German stands. Our results suggest that the apparent introduction from a limited geographic range in North America may go along with a reduced adaptive potential.
Defining student learning experience through blended learning
Authors: Bouilheres Frederique , Le Le Thi Viet Ha , McDonald Scott , Nkhoma Clara , Jandug-Montera Lilibeth
Published: January 2020

This paper aims to explore the benefits of Blended Learning towards students’ learning experiences at an offshore campus of an Australian university located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. At the university campus, the Blended Learning practice in use is the displacement of content. Content displacement refers to a portion of the learning content and activities for a course being delivered online via the Learning Management System. Learning not only happens in face-to-face sessions at a given time but is extended to online spaces as well, happening anywhere at any time at students’ preference. The focus of this research is its usefulness and effectiveness in promoting interactions between students and their peers, their teachers, and course materials. An online survey, which was designed based on a set of validated questions, was used to collect data from sixty-six students enrolled in eight Blended Learning courses. The analysis of the survey results provides empirical evidence to the claim that students’ perception of their learning experiences at the university was beneficially impacted as a result of the Blended Learning environment in each of their classes. Specifically, factor analysis using oblique rotation method identifies a clear factor structure across survey questions, representing four dimensions of benefits: Engagement, Flexibility of learning, Online learning experience, and Self-confidence. In addition, significant differences between the clusters on these factors indicate that students vary in their responses towards the benefits of Blended Learning and their experience with a Blended Learning approach.
A paracrine interaction between granulosa cells and leukocytes in the preovulatory follicle causes the increase in follicular G-CSF levels
Authors: Noël Laure , Fransolet Maïté , Jacobs Nathalie , Foidart Jean-Michel , Nisolle Michelle , Munaut Carine
Published: January 2020

Objective

Follicular granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a new biomarker of oocyte quality and embryo implantation in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. Its role in reproduction is poorly understood. Our study aimed to investigate the mechanisms and cells responsible for G-CSF production in the preovulatory follicle.

Design

Laboratory research study.

Setting

Single-center study.

Interventions

Granulosa cells and leukocytes were isolated from the follicular fluids (FF) or the blood of women undergoing IVF and from the blood of a control group of women with spontaneous ovulatory cycles to perform cocultures.

Main outcome measure

G-CSF-secreted protein was quantified in the conditioned media of cocultures.

Results

G-CSF secretion was considerably increased in cocultures of granulosa cells and leukocytes. This effect was maximal when leukocytes were isolated from the blood of women in the late follicular phase of the menstrual cycle or from the FF of women undergoing IVF. The leukocyte population isolated from the FF samples of women undergoing IVF had a higher proportion of granulocytes than that isolated from the corresponding blood samples. Leukocytes induced the synthesis and secretion of G-CSF by granulosa cells. Among a range of other FF cytokines/chemokines, only growth-regulated oncogene alpha (GROα) was also increased.

Conclusion

The notable rise in G-CSF at the time of ovulation coincides with the accumulation of follicular granulocytes, which stimulate G-CSF production by granulosa cells via paracrine interactions. High follicular G-CSF concentrations may occur in follicles with optimal granulosa–leukocyte interactions, which could explain the increased implantation rate of embryos arising from these follicles.
Modelling the Climate and Weather of a 2D Lagrangian-Averaged Euler–Boussinesq Equation with Transport Noise
Authors: Alonso-Orán Diego , Bethencourt de León Aythami , Holm Darryl D. , Takao So
Published: January 2020

The prediction of climate change and its impact on extreme weather events is one of the great societal and intellectual challenges of our time. The first part of the problem is to make the distinction between weather and climate. The second part is to understand the dynamics of the fluctuations of the physical variables. The third part is to predict how the variances of the fluctuations are affected by statistical correlations in their fluctuating dynamics. This paper investigates a framework called LA SALT which can meet all three parts of the challenge for the problem of climate change. As a tractable example of this framework, we consider the Euler–Boussinesq (EB) equations for an incompressible stratified fluid flowing under gravity in a vertical plane with no other external forcing. All three parts of the problem are solved for this case. In fact, for this problem, the framework also delivers global well-posedness of the dynamics of the physical variables and closed dynamical equations for the moments of their fluctuations. Thus, in a well-posed mathematical setting, the framework developed in this paper shows that the mean field dynamics combines with an intricate array of correlations in the fluctuation dynamics to drive the evolution of the mean statistics. The results of the framework for 2D EB model analysis define its climate, as well as climate change, weather dynamics, and change of weather statistics, all in the context of a model system of SPDEs with unique global strong solutions.
$$L^2$$ Properties of Lévy Generators on Compact Riemannian Manifolds
Authors: Applebaum David , Brockway Rosemary Shewell
Published: January 2020

We consider isotropic Lévy processes on a compact Riemannian manifold, obtained from an $${\mathbb {R}}^d$$

R

d

-valued Lévy process through rolling without slipping. We prove that the Feller semigroups associated with these processes extend to strongly continuous contraction semigroups on $$L^p$$

L
p

, for $$1\le p<\infty $$

1
≤
p
<
∞

. When $$p=2$$

p
=
2

, we show that these semigroups are self-adjoint. If, in addition, the motion has a non-trivial Brownian part, we prove that the generator has a discrete spectrum of eigenvalues and that the semigroup is trace-class.
How Age and Disclosures of Sponsored Influencer Videos Affect Adolescents’ Knowledge of Persuasion and Persuasion
Authors: van Reijmersdal Eva A. , van Dam Sophia
Published: January 2020

This study examines the effects of age (early versus middle adolescence) combined with the content of disclosures for sponsoring in online influencer videos on adolescents’ knowledge of persuasion and on persuasion. An experiment was conducted among a sample of 406 adolescents (167 early adolescents aged 12–14 years, mean age 12.85, SD = 0.14, 53% female; and 239 middle adolescents, aged 15–16 years, mean age 14.36, SD = 0.13, 59% female). The results show that early adolescents need extensive information (disclosure of advertising and of its intent) to activate their knowledge of persuasion regarding sponsored influencer videos, whereas middle adolescents’ knowledge of persuasion is activated by disclosure of advertising alone. This indicates that early adolescents’ knowledge of persuasion is less well developed and that their information processing is more limited than that of middle adolescents. Moreover, only middle adolescents showed more negative brand and influencer attitudes in response to the disclosure. Interestingly, purchase intention remains unaffected by the disclosure for all adolescents. These findings add to the research on adolescence as they show that adolescents’ responses to influencer marketing are a function of their developmental stage in combination with disclosure content. As such, this study has implications for theory on persuasion among adolescents and for regulations aiming to empower adolescents to deal with online sponsored influencer videos.
Theoretical and experimental approaches to understand the biosynthesis of starch granules in a physiological context
Authors: Pfister Barbara , Zeeman Samuel C. , Rugen Michael D. , Field Robert A. , Ebenhöh Oliver , Raguin Adélaïde
Published: January 2020

Starch, a plant-derived insoluble carbohydrate composed of glucose polymers, is the principal carbohydrate in our diet and a valuable raw material for industry. The properties of starch depend on the arrangement of glucose units within the constituent polymers. However, key aspects of starch structure and the underlying biosynthetic processes are not well understood, limiting progress towards targeted improvement of our starch crops. In particular, the major component of starch, amylopectin, has a complex three-dimensional, branched architecture. This architecture stems from the combined actions of a multitude of enzymes, each having broad specificities that are difficult to capture experimentally. In this review, we reflect on experimental approaches and limitations to decipher the enzymes’ specificities and explore possibilities for in silico simulations of these activities. We believe that the synergy between experimentation and simulation is needed for the correct interpretation of experimental data and holds the potential to greatly advance our understanding of the overall starch biosynthetic process. We furthermore propose that the formation of glucan secondary structures, concomitant with its synthesis, is a previously overlooked factor that directly affects amylopectin architecture through its impact on enzyme function.
Quality of life in people with dementia living in nursing homes: validation of an eight-item version of the QUALIDEM for intensive longitudinal assessment
Authors: Junge Stefan , Gellert Paul , O’Sullivan Julie Lorraine , Möller Sebastian , Voigt-Antons Jan-Niklas , Kuhlmey Adelheid , Nordheim Johanna
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Our aim was to examine whether quality of life which was repeatedly assessed over time is related with the comprehensive assessment of quality of life (QoL) and thereby to validate a brief QoL assessment.

Method

This longitudinal study used a comprehensive assessment of quality of life at baseline (QUALIDEM; 37 items) to validate an eight-item version of QUALIDEM to assess momentary quality of life which was repeatedly administered using a tablet device after baseline. In all, 150 people with dementia from 10 long-term facilities participated. Momentary quality of life and comprehensive quality of life, age, gender, activities of daily living (Barthel Index), Functional assessment staging (FAST), and Geriatric Depression (GDS) have been assessed.

Results

Comprehensive and momentary quality of life showed good internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha of .86 and .88 to .93, respectively. For multiple associations of momentary quality of life with the comprehensive quality of life, momentary quality of life was significantly related to comprehensive quality of life (B = .14, CI .08/.20) and GDS (B = − .13, CI − .19/− .06). More specifically, the comprehensive QUALIDEM subscales ‘positive affect’, ‘negative affect’, ‘restlessness’, and ‘social relationships’ showed significant positive associations with momentary quality of life (p < .001).

Conclusion

We found that momentary quality of life, reliably assessed by tablet, was associated with comprehensive measures of quality of life and depressive symptoms in people with dementia. Broader use of tablet-based assessments within frequent QoL measurements may enhance time management of nursing staff and may improve the care quality and communication between staff and people with dementia.
The effect of stroboscopic visual training on eye–hand coordination
Authors: Ellison Paul , Jones Chris , Sparks S. Andy , Murphy Philip N. , Page Richard M. , Carnegie Evelyn , Marchant David C.
Published: January 2020

Background

Stroboscopic visual training (SVT) has been shown to improve cognitive skills and perceptual performance by carrying out events under situations of intermittent vision.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate whether an SVT training period could improve the eye–hand coordination (EHC) performance on a practiced task for a group of sports participants.

Methods

Sixty-two male participants were randomly assigned to either a strobe group (SG n = 31), or control group (CG n = 31). The method employed a Sport Vision Trainer™ 80 sensor pad to measure the mean speed of reaction time of participants extinguishing randomly illuminated lights on an electronic board. One trial consists of 20 lights. One week following pre-testing on the Sport Vision Trainer™ (4 × 6 trials), a pre-training baseline assessment of 1 × 6 trials was conducted to measure their abilities to complete the EHC task. Four × six trials (480 lights) were then completed in the training phase with the CG continuing to train with unimpaired vision, whilst the SG wore Nike Vapor Strobe® (controlled rate of 100 ms visible to 150 ms opaque). Post-training assessments were administered immediately, 10 min and 10 days after SVT each consisting of six trials (120 lights). A visual search (VS) non-trained transfer test was also administered pre-SVT and after 10 days. This involved an e-prime programme using a laptop where participants had to identify a target stimulus located amongst distractor stimuli.

Results

Treatment effects were observed at each time point. Baseline performance was significantly related to retention performance immediately (p = .003), 10-min post (p = .001) and 10 days post-training (p = .002). No significant differences were found for the VS test.

Conclusion

An acute SVT exposure using stroboscopic goggles significantly improved EHC performance. Future research should explore these mechanisms further using different exposure, frequencies, and focused identification of training drills as a complementary intervention for individual or team sports.
Fauna activity on soils developing on dead logs in an ancient inland temperate rainforest of North British Columbia (Canada)
Authors: Klimek Beata , Niklińska Maria
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The aim of the study was to compare the feeding activity of soil fauna in forest floor soil and in soil layer developing on dead cedar logs in temperate ancient rainforest of North British Columbia (Canada) inlands.

Materials and methods

Bait–lamina test was applied to study the soil fauna feeding activity. On each of ten plots, measurements were conducted on a dead tree trunk (log) and in the typical forest floor soil in the close vicinity (< 10 m) of the log. A range of physicochemical properties of soil was measured for both environments.

Results and discussion

The feeding activity of soil fauna did not differ between log and forest floor soils (pairedttest,t = 0.1693). Log soils and forest floor soils did not differ in a range of physicochemical properties measured, that is element content and pH, with the exception of organic matter content, which was significantly higher in log soil than in forest floor soil (p = 0.037).

Conclusions

Soil developing on dead cedar logs creates a similar environment for the development and activity of soil fauna as the organic layer of forest floor soil.
Incidence of Surgically Treated Brachial Plexus Injury in Privately Insured Adults under 65 Years of Age in the USA
Authors: Dy Christopher J. , Peacock Kate , Olsen Margaret A. , Ray Wilson Z. , Brogan David M.
Published: January 2020

Background

Brachial plexus injury (BPI) is a life-altering event, and surgical treatment of BPI is costly ($66 million nationwide in 2006 alone). Despite the sizable costs associated with surgically treated BPI, the incidence of such cases in adults in the USA remains unknown.

Questions/Purposes

We sought to provide an estimate of the national incidence of surgically treated BPI in the USA and to determine whether changes have occurred over time.

Methods

We sought to identify privately insured adults ages 18 through 64 years who underwent BPI surgery between 2008 and 2014 in the IBM® MarketScan® Commercial Database. We then extrapolated those data to the same age group in the general population (all insurance types were considered), using data from the National Health Interview Survey and a study on the proportion of BPI surgery cases covered by private insurance to estimate the national incidence. We also used the Cochran–Armitage trend test to evaluate for statistically significant changes in BPI incidence over time in MarketScan private insurance data.

Results

We identified 966 patients surgically treated for BPI in the MarketScan database in the study period. The average annual incidence of surgically treated BPI in this population of privately insured patients was 0.64 per 100,000 (range, 0.38 to 1.03). When extrapolated to all payers, the average annual incidence was 0.89 per 100,000 people (range, 0.53 to 1.47). In the MarketScan data, there was a statistically significant overall increase in the incidence of surgically treated BPI from 2008 through 2014 (0.47 per 100,000 to 1.03 per 100,000).

Conclusion

The estimated annual incidence of surgically treated BPI is 0.89 per 100,000 persons in the USA, and the incidence has increased over time. These findings can serve as a baseline for further studies of disease epidemiology and societal and financial impact.
Design Modifications of the Posterior-Stabilized Knee System May Reduce Anterior Knee Pain and Complications following Total Knee Replacement
Authors: Dubin Jeremy A. , Muskat Ahava , Westrich Geoffrey H.
Published: January 2020

Background

In total knee arthroplasty (TKA), advances in posterior-stabilized (PS) knee implant designs address patellofemoral mechanics and cam–post engagement in an effort to reduce patellofemoral pain and improve knee kinematics. Such modifications may include improved femoral rollback, improved femoral dislocation resistance, minimized wear, and improved longevity.

Questions/Purposes

In this study, we compared a newer PS knee design that incorporates a left and right specific femoral component and smoother trochlear groove to improve patellofemoral mechanics with an older PS design in order to assess patellofemoral pain, manipulation rates, and revision rates.

Methods

Using an institutional database, we retrospectively identified TKAs performed by the same surgeon using the Logic® PS knee system and the older Optetrak PS knee system (Exactech Inc., Gainesville, FL, USA), with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Clinical outcomes for each cohort were measured using the Knee Society Clinical Rating System, University of California Los Angeles Activity Scale, pain visual analog scale (VAS), Veterans Rand 12-Item Health Survey, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. In addition, rates of anterior knee pain, manipulation, and revision were compared between the two knee systems, and a Kaplan–Meier survivorship curve defining failure as need for revision was calculated to allow comparison between the cohorts.

Results

From 2000 to 2018, there were 1482 TKAs performed using the Logic PS (not counting 12 patients who had died) and 445 in the Optetrak PS group (not counting 20 patients who had died). In the Logic PS and Optetrak PS groups, respectively, the average age at operation was 66.7 years and 68.6 years and the average body mass index was 30.8 and 31.2. Pain VAS scores were significantly lower in the Logic PS group than in the Optetrak group (1.72 vs. 2.75 out of 10, respectively). There was also a significant difference in the percentages of patients reporting anterior knee pain in the Logic group, as compared with the Optetrak group (5.6% vs. 11.8%, respectively). In addition, manipulation rates differed significantly between the Logic and Optetrak groups (0.34% vs. 10.70%, respectively). The revision rates were 1.15% for the Logic group and 2.0% for the Optetrak group. However, there was a significant difference in rates of revision performed because of osteolysis, favoring the Logic group (0.07% vs. 0.6%). The Kaplan–Meier survivorship curve shows a significant difference in time until revision between the Logic and Optetrak groups.

Conclusion

Design modifications to improve patellofemoral mechanics demonstrated significant improvements in overall pain and patellofemoral pain and reduced manipulation rates post-operatively.
On the firm’s option values of short-time work policies
Authors: Huisman Kuno J. M. , Thijssen Jacco J. J.
Published: January 2020

We analyse the short-time work (STW) regulations that several OECD countries introduced after the 2007 financial crisis. We view these measures as a collection of real options and study the dynamic effect of STW on the endogenous liquidation decision of the firm. While STW delays a firm’s liquidation, it is not necessarily welfare enhancing. Moreover, it turns out that firms use STW too long. We show (numerically) that providers of capital benefit more than employees from STW. Benefits for employees can even be negative. A typical Nordic policy performs better than a typical Anglo-Saxon policy for all stakeholders.
Intravenous Iron Treatment in the Prevention of Iron Deficiency and Anaemia After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Authors: Sandvik Jorunn , Hole Torstein , Klöckner Christian A. , Kulseng Bård Eirik , Wibe Arne
Published: January 2020

Background

Iron absorption is disturbed after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and iron deficiency with or without anaemia affects almost half of all patients. Intravenous iron is an option when per oral iron is insufficient or not tolerated. This study explores whether routinely offering intravenous iron treatment when iron stores are empty can prevent anaemia and iron deficiency after RYGB.

Methods

This is a study of prospectively registered data on clinical information, haematological tests and intravenous iron treatment from 644 RYGB patients who underwent surgery between 2004 and 2013, postoperatively followed more than 5 years. Intravenous iron treatment was offered to patients with ferritin ≤ 15 μg/L.

Results

Clinical information was available for all patients at baseline and for 553/644 patients at 5 years; laboratory results were available for 540/644 patients at baseline and 411/644 patients after 5 years. The mean age was 39.8 (± 9.7) years. Overall, 187/483 (38.7%) women and 9/161 (5.6%) men were given intravenous iron treatment in the observation period. From baseline to 5 years, mean haemoglobin decreased by 0.3 g/dL in both men and women. Anaemia occurred in 18/311 (5.8%) women and 9/100 (9%) men at 5 years. Depleted iron stores (ferritin ≤ 15 μg/L) were seen among 44/323(13.6%) women and 3/102 (2.9%) men, and low iron stores (ferritin 16–50 μg/L) occurred in 144/326 (44.6%) women and 38/102 (37.3%) men 5 years after RYGB.

Conclusion

By routinely offering intravenous iron treatment to patients with depleted iron stores after RYGB, haemoglobin levels were preserved. Half of the patients experienced low or depleted iron stores at 5 years.
Performance analysis of machine learning classifiers for non-technical loss detection
Authors: Ghori Khawaja MoyeezUllah , Imran Muhammad , Nawaz Asad , Abbasi Rabeeh Ayaz , Ullah Ata , Szathmary Laszlo
Published: January 2020

Power companies are responsible for producing and transferring the required amount of electricity from grid stations to individual households. Many countries suffer huge losses in billions of dollars due to non-technical loss (NTL) in power supply companies. To deal with NTL, many machine learning classifiers have been employed in recent time. However, few has been studied about the performance evaluation metrics that are used in NTL detection to evaluate how good or bad the classifier is in predicting the non-technical loss. This paper first uses three classifiers: random forest,K-nearest neighbors and linear support vector machine to predict the occurrence of NTL in a real dataset of an electric supply company containing approximately 80,000 monthly consumption records. Then, it computes 14 performance evaluation metrics across the three classifiers and identify the key scientific relationships between them. These relationships provide insights into deciding which classifier can be more useful under given scenarios for NTL detection. This work can be proved to be a baseline not only for the NTL detection in power industry but also for the selection of appropriate performance evaluation metrics for NTL detection.
Kinetic and isotherm modeling for acid blue 113 dye adsorption onto low-cost nutraceutical industrial fenugreek seed spent
Authors: Dhaif-Allah Mohammed A. H. , Taqui Syed Noeman , Syed Usman Taqui , Syed Akheel Ahmed
Published: January 2020

The present study reports about the use of fenugreek seed spent as a new and efficient biosorbent for the removal of acid blue 113 dye from aqueous media and textile industrial effluent. The spent is a low-cost by-product of nutraceutical industry. The effects of various process parameters of adsorption, such as pH, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dose, adsorbent particle size, contact time and temperature onto nutraceutical industrial fenugreek seed spent (NIFGS) have been studied. Four numbers of two-parameter and six numbers of three-parameter isotherm models were used in the analysis of adsorption equilibrium data. Kinetic studies data conformed to pseudo-second-order model. Molecular diffusion studies were carried out using Weber–Morris, Dumwald–Wagner and film diffusion models. Change in enthalpy (ΔH°), entropy change (ΔS°) and Gibbs free energy change (ΔG°) of adsorption system indicated that the process is physisorption. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and point of zero charge were used in characterizing the adsorbent. Fractional factorial experimental design and analysis of variance along with statistically developed model for adsorption helped to predict for a maximum adsorption of 661.5 mg g−1using NIFGS. Application of NIFGS to textile industrial effluent and scaling up of the experimental process by three orders gave encouraging results.
Transformation between polar and rectangular coordinates of stiffness and dampness parameters in hydrodynamic journal bearings
Authors: Tian Zhuxin , Huang Yu
Published: January 2020

The stiffness and dampness parameters of journal bearings are required in rectangular coordinates for analyzing the stability boundary and threshold speed of oil film bearings. On solving the Reynolds equation, the oil film force is always obtained in polar coordinates; thus, the stiffness and dampness parameters can be easily obtained in polar coordinates. Therefore, the transformation between the polar and rectangular coordinates of journal bearing stiffness and dampness parameters is discussed in this study.
Exploring patterns of corporate social responsibility using a complementary K-means clustering criterion
Authors: Taran Zina , Mirkin Boris
Published: January 2020

Companies’ objectives extend beyond mere profitability, to what is generally known as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Empirical research effort of CSR is typically concentrated on a limited number of aspects. We focus on the whole set of CSR activities to identify any structure to that set. In this analysis, we take data from 1850 of the largest international companies via the conventional MSCI database and focus on four major dimensions of CSR: Environment, Social/Stakeholder, Labor, and Governance. To identify any structure hidden in almost constant average values, we apply the popular technique of K-means clustering. When determining the number of clusters, which is especially difficult in the case at hand, we use an equivalent clustering criterion that is complementary to the square-error K-means criterion. Our use of this complementary criterion aims at obtaining clusters that are both large and farthest away from the center. We derive from this a method of extracting anomalous clusters one-by-one with a follow-up removal of small clusters. This method has allowed us to discover a rather impressive process of change from predominantly uniform patterns of CSR activities along the four dimensions in 2007 to predominantly single-focus patterns of CSR activities in 2012. This change may reflect the dynamics of increasingly interweaving and structuring CSR activities into business processes that are likely to be extended into the future.