bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution pattern and radiation of the European subterranean genusVerhoeffiella(Collembola, Entomobryidae)
Authors: Lukić Marko , Delić Teo , Pavlek Martina , Deharveng Louis , Zagmajster Maja
Published: November 2019

One of the most striking features of obligate subterranean species is their narrow distribution ranges. These prevail not only at specific, but often also at generic level. However, some subterranean genera have continental scale and disjunct distribution, which challenges their monophyly and questions the scenarios of their origin and colonization. In our study, we investigated the subterranean collembolan genusVerhoeffiella, currently known from five remote karst regions of Europe. Four nuclear and one mitochondrial genes were assembled to reveal the evolutionary history of the genus. We tested the monophyly of the genus, explored its relationship with putative surface relatives, and its temporal patterns of molecular diversification. The phylogeny revealed a complex relationship ofVerhoeffiellawith surface speciesHeteromurus nitidusand partially disentangled the biogeographical question of its disjunct distribution. Further on, several lineages ofVerhoeffiellawere recognized in the Dinarides, showing highly underestimated diversity and, compared with the number of described species, a sevenfold increase in the number of MOTUs. The radiation is relatively recent, with the events triggering the diversification linked to the Messinian salinity crisis and Pleistocene climatic shifts. The combination of this extensive subterranean radiation and close evolutionary links with epigean relatives makesVerhoeffiellaan exceptional case within the subterranean fauna of temperate areas, which significantly contributes to our understanding of subterranean colonization and diversification patterns.
Isu Dan Penyelesaian Harta Al-Mafqud: Satu Pemerhatian (Issues and Solution to Al- Mafqud property: An Observation )
Authors: Wan Yusoff Wan Zahari , Sulaiman Muhammad Azwan , Wan Zahari Wan Ainaa Mardhiah
Published: November 2019

Al-mafqud property means the property of a lost person who can not be ascertained status either alive or dead. The question of al-mafqud property has a great implication on the ownership of the property as the property is frozen as a result of being unable to identify the status of its owner and the benefits resulting from this property are also frozen and barred from being enjoyed by its heirs. This situation has led to many problems that are so critical and extremely difficult to solve and harm the society and the nation as a whole. According to the Jabatan Kehakiman Syariah Malaysia (JKSM) and Amanah Raya Berhad, the value of this al-mafqud property reaches 10 billion. Thus, the efforts of the authoritative party should be taken seriously to find a solution to this al-mafqud property. One potential solution is to use a waqf instrument. However, some sharia and civil laws need to be scrutinized and need to be strengthened to assist in the settlement of al-mafqud property. This paper will discuss the potential and challenges of settlement of al-mafqud property through a wakaf instrument. The concept of waqf property whose owner is Allah swt can be the basis for the property of al-mafqud where the property can not be identified with its owner's status then it shall return to Allah swt after a certain legal process and managed by the Trustee, Mutawalli or Nazir who are appointed to benefit the whole society.
Persepsi dan Tahap Pengetahuan Peserta Dan Agen Takaful Terhadap Pelaksanaan Zakat Takaful: Kajian Di Shah Alam, Selangor (Perceptions and Knowledge Levels of Takaful Participants and Agencies towards Implementation of Takaful Zakat: A Study In Shah Alam, Selangor)
Authors: Jaafar Nur Amirah , Wahid Hairunnizam , Mohd Noor Mohd Ali
Published: November 2019

When it comes to zakat obligations, people only know certain types of zakat that are obligated to be issued. There are two types of zakat; zakat fitrah and zakat property. However, zakat’s division may vary according to the state's fatwa. In Selangor, Lembaga Zakat Selangor (LZS) is the body that governs the administration and implementation of Zakat. The breakdown of zakat property is Zakat on Income, Zakat on Business, Zakat on Savings, Zakat on Gold and Silver, Zakat on Investments and Shares, Zakat on KWSP, Zakat on Paddy, Zakat on Agriculture, Zakat on Wealth and Treasure, and the Zakat on Takaful. However, this study will only focus on Zakat Takaful. Under Zakat Takaful, there are several divisions which are Zakat Wang Takaful/Takaful Investment, Zakat on Maturity Policy, Takaful Compensation, Tabarruq Fund, Benefit of Total and Permanent Disability, and Compensation of Conventional Insurance Policy. Each of these sections has its calculation method which will be explained further. This study was conducted to identify the level of knowledge and acceptance of Takaful Muslim consumers on the implementation of Zakat Takaful that has been introduced by LZS. Besides, this study will also look at the knowledge of Takaful agents and their willingness to disseminate information of Zakat Takaful to their customers. This study was conducted by using the sampling method and descriptive data analysis. The study found that on average, respondents' knowledge on Zakat Takaful is low with a mean of 2.32. However, the mean for acceptance is 3.93 which is set at a high level thus showed a good acceptance of the survey respondents. Through this study, it can be concluded that knowledge and acceptance are both very important in achieving the objective of implementing Zakat Takaful. Knowledge by Takaful participants who are also assisted by agents who play the role of conveying knowledge of Zakat Takaful is directly perceived to have a more effective effect in addition to the behavior/attitude that forms the intention of Takaful participnts to accept the implementation and to pay Zakah Takaful. This study is also expected to be the push factor among the zakat agents to play a role in disseminating the right information about Zakat Takaful to their customers, which also can be regarded as one of the da'wah forms.
The Impact of Political, Legal and Economic Institutions on Family Takaful/ Life Insurance Consumption in OIC Countries
Authors: Mahaini Mohammad Ghaith , Noordin Kamaruzaman , Mohamad Mohammad Taqiuddin
Published: November 2019

This study aims at testing the impact of political, legal and economic institutions on life insurance/ family takaful consumption in OIC countries. Using a panel data covering 33 OIC countries for the years from 1990 till 2016, fixed effects and random effects models have been utilised. The empirical results suggest that for political institutions, more government effectiveness promotes consumption of life insurance in OIC countries. Additionally, the more unstable the country is, the more life insurance/family takaful is purchased perhaps as an attempt of individuals to mitigate the increased level of risks. Similarly, economic institutions, measured by both investment freedom and financial freedom, have a positive impact on life insurance consumption in OIC countries. However, results show that trade freedom index has a negative impact. Further, legal institutions do not seem to have any significant impact on life insurance consumption in OIC countries.
Galactomannan Is a Biomarker of Fosmanogepix (APX001) Efficacy in Treating Experimental Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Gebremariam Teclegiorgis , Alkhazraji Sondus , Gu Yiyou , Singh Shakti , Alqarihi Abdullah , Shaw Karen Joy , Ibrahim Ashraf S.
Published: November 2019

Galactomannan (GM) detection in biological samples has been shown to predict therapeutic response by azoles and polyenes. In a murine invasive pulmonary aspergillosis model, fosmanogepix or posaconazole treatment resulted in an ∼6- to 7-log reduction in conidial equivalents (CE)/g lung tissue after 96 h versus placebo.
No Amikacin, No Problem: a Successful Treatment Approach for Pediatric Otomastoiditis Due to Amikacin-Resistant Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Richter William J. , Cohen Keira A.
Published: November 2019

Pediatric otomastoiditis due to
Mycobacterium abscessus
can be a devastating infection that presents multiple treatment challenges. Van Wijk et al. report the use of a structured approach with a standardized regimen of intravenous (i.v.), topical, and oral antibiotics and surgical intervention for four pediatric patients with multidrug-resistant
Mycobacterium abscessus
otomastoiditis. Despite treatment-related adverse events, all four patients achieved sustained cure with this approach.
Cyanuric Acid Biodegradation via Biuret: Physiology, Taxonomy, and Geospatial Distribution
Authors: Aukema Kelly G. , Tassoulas Lambros J. , Robinson Serina L. , Konopatski Jessica F. , Bygd Madison D. , Wackett Lawrence P.
Published: November 2019

Cyanuric acid is produced naturally as a contaminant in urea fertilizer, and it is used as a chlorine stabilizer in swimming pools. Cyanuric acid-degrading bacteria are used commercially in removing cyanuric acid from pool water when it exceeds desired levels. The total volume of cyanuric acid produced annually exceeds 200 million kilograms, most of which enters the natural environment. In this context, it is important to have a global understanding of cyanuric acid biodegradation by microbial communities in natural and engineered systems. Current knowledge of cyanuric acid metabolism largely derives from studies on the enzymes from a single model organism,
Pseudomonas
sp. ADP. In this study, we obtained and studied new microbes and discovered a previously unknown cyanuric acid degradation pathway. The new pathway identified here was found to be much more prevalent than the pathway previously established for
Pseudomonas
sp. ADP. In addition, the types of environment, taxonomic prevalences, and geospatial distributions of the different cyanuric acid degradation pathways are described here.
The Mechanism of Bidirectional pH Taxis in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Tohidifar Payman , Plutz Matthew J. , Ordal George W. , Rao Christopher V.
Published: November 2019

Many bacteria can sense the pH in their environment and then use this information to direct their movement toward more favorable locations. In this study, we investigated the pH sensing mechanism in
Bacillus subtilis
. This bacterium preferentially migrates to neutral environments. It employs four chemoreceptors to sense pH. Two are involved in sensing acidic environments, and two are involved in sensing alkaline ones. To identify the mechanism for pH sensing, we constructed receptor chimeras of acid- and base-sensing chemoreceptors. By analyzing the responses of these chimeric receptors, we were able to identify four critical amino acid residues involved in pH sensing and propose a model for the pH sensing mechanism in
B. subtilis
.
Prospective Evaluation of Molecular Assays for Diagnosis of Vaginitis
Authors: Richter Sandra S. , Otiso Joshua , Goje Oluwatosin J. , Vogel Sherilynn , Aebly Jory , Keller George , Van Heule Hillary , Wehn Danielle , Stephens Amy L. , Zanotti Salena , Johnson Tricia , Leal Sixto M. , Procop Gary W.
Published: November 2019

Molecular tests to diagnose conditions involving the disruption of normal microbiota are difficult to optimize. Using Nugent-scored Gram stain (NS) as the reference standard, we evaluated the performance of 3 molecular assays for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and examined the impact of an incremental increase in bacterial targets.
Near-Atomic-Resolution Cryo-Electron Microscopy Structures of Cucumber Leaf Spot Virus and Red Clover Necrotic Mosaic Virus: Evolutionary Divergence at the Icosahedral Three-Fold Axes
Authors: Sherman Michael B. , Guenther Richard , Reade Ron , Rochon D’Ann , Sit Tim , Smith Thomas J.
Published: November 2019

Members of the
Tombusviridae
family have nearly identical shells, and yet they package genomes that range from 4.6 kb (monopartite) to 5.3 kb (bipartite) in size. To understand how this genome flexibility occurs within a rigidly conserved shell, we determined the high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of cucumber leaf spot virus and red clover necrotic mosaic virus. In response to genomic size differences, it appears that the ssRNA binding (R) domain of the capsid diverged evolutionarily in order to recognize the different genomes. The next region, the “arm,” seems to have also coevolved with the R domain to allow particle assembly via interactions at the icosahedral 3-fold axes. In addition, there are differences at the icosahedral 3-fold axes with regard to metal binding that are likely important for transmission and the viral life cycle.
Quantitative Proteome Analysis of
Atg5
-Deficient Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts Reveals the Range of the Autophagy-Modulated Basal Cellular Proteome
Authors: Sharma Kiran Bala , Sharma Manish , Aggarwal Suruchi , Yadav Amit Kumar , Bhatnagar Shinjini , Vrati Sudhanshu , Kalia Manjula
Published: November 2019

Autophagy performs housekeeping functions for cells and maintains a functional mode by degrading damaged proteins and organelles and providing energy under starvation conditions. The process is tightly regulated by the evolutionarily conserved
Atg
genes, of which
Atg5
is one such crucial mediator. Here, we have done a comprehensive quantitative proteome analysis of mouse embryonic fibroblasts that lack a functional autophagy pathway (
Atg5
knockout). We observe that 14% of the identified cellular proteome is remodeled, and several proteins distributed across diverse cellular processes with functions in signaling, cell adhesion, development, and immunity show either higher or lower levels under autophagy-deficient conditions. These cells have lower levels of crucial immune proteins that are required to mount a protective inflammatory response. This study will serve as a valuable resource to determine the role of autophagy in modulating specific protein levels in cells.
Geochemistry and origin of zircon in chlorite schists of the Ronda peridotites (Betic Cordilleras, southern Spain)
Authors: Esteban J.J. , Cuevas J. , Tubía J.M.
Published: November 2019

This work deals with scarce chlorite schists scattered through the Ronda peridotites (Betic Cordilleras, Spain). These schists have unusually high zircon contents, which contrast with the usual lack of this mineral in ultramafic rocks. From field data and detailed petrographic, geochemical, and geothermometric studies, we focused on the origin of the zircon, a relevant issue for the interpretation of geochronological results. The chlorite schists appear as concordant sheets with granite dikes and as blackwall zones between dikes and serpentinized peridotites. As the intrusion age of the dikes and chlorite schist zircon crystallization (ca. 22 Ma) is slightly older than the age of serpentinization and related chlorite schist formation (ca. 19 Ma), we propose that the chlorite schists are tied to the intrusion of the granite dikes and the subsequent serpentinization of peridotites. Trace and rare earth elements alone are not indicative of the magmatic or hydrothermal origin of the zircon, but the combination of information about zircon morphology, melt inclusions, geothermometry, and the structural relationships between granite dikes and chlorite schists points to late magmatic melts for the zircon origin. We suggest that high-temperature melts saturated in F and Cl acted as Zr carriers under low-pH conditions. A change of the pH conditions, due to hydrothermal alkaline fluids incoming for the concomitant peridotite serpentinization, would have led to zircon crystallization and concentration at the apical zones of the dikes, and to rodingitization before the extensive observed chloritization.
Ages and geochemistry of Early Jurassic granitoids in the Lesser Xing’an–Zhangguangcai Ranges, NE China: Petrogenesis and tectonic implications
Authors: Ge Mao-Hui , Zhang Jin-Jiang , Li Long , Liu Kai
Published: November 2019

Early Jurassic granitoids are widespread in the Lesser Xing’an–Zhangguangcai Ranges, providing excellent targets to understand the late Paleozoic to early Mesozoic tectonic framework and evolution of Northeast China, especially the Jiamusi block and its related structural belts. In this paper, we present new geochronological, geochemical, and isotopic data from the granitoids in the Lesser Xing’an–Zhangguangcai Ranges to constrain the early Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the Mudanjiang Ocean between the Jiamusi and Songnen blocks. Our results show that the granitic intrusions in the Lesser Xing’an–Zhangguangcai Ranges are mainly composed of syenogranite, monzogranite, granodiorite, and tonalite, which have crystallization ages from 196 to 181 Ma. Their geochemical features indicate that these Jurassic intrusions are all high-K calc-alkaline I-type granites with metaluminous to weakly peraluminous compositions. These granitoids are characterized by enrichments in large ion lithophile elements (e.g., Ba, Th, U) and light rare earth elements and depletions in high field strength elements (e.g., Nb and Ta) and heavy rare earth elements, which are typical for continental arc–type granites. The sources of these granitoids were likely derived from juvenile Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic crustal materials (e.g., metabasaltic rocks). Integrated with data from regional coeval magmatism, metamorphism, metallogeny, and structure, our new data suggest that the granitoids in the Lesser Xing’an–Zhangguangcai Ranges were probably formed in an active continental margin setting, which fits well in our previous model of Early Jurassic westward subduction of the Mudanjiang Ocean between the Jiamusi and Songnen blocks.
Experiences of elderly patients regarding participation in their hospital discharge: a qualitative metasummary
Authors: Lilleheie Ingvild , Debesay Jonas , Bye Asta , Bergland Astrid
Published: November 2019

Background

Ageing patients are discharged from the hospital ‘quicker and sicker’ than before, and hospital discharge is a critical step in patient care. Older patients form a particularly vulnerable group due to multimorbidity and frailty. Patient participation in healthcare is influenced by government policy and an important part of quality improvement of care. There is need for greater insights into the complexity of patient participation for older patients in discharge processes based on aggregated knowledge.

Objective

The aim of this study was to review reported evidence concerning the experiences of older patients aged 65 years and above regarding their participation in the hospital discharge process.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative metasummary. Systematic searches of Medline, Embase, Cinahl, PsycINFO and SocINDEX were conducted. Data from 18 studies were included, based on specific selection criteria. All studies explored older patients’ experience of participation during the discharge process in hospital, but varied when it came to type of discharge and diagnosis. The data were categorised into themes by using thematic analysis.

Results

Our analysis indicated that participation in the discharge process varied among elderly patients. Five themes were identified: (1) complexity of the patients state of health, (2) management and hospital routines, (3) the norm and preference of returning home, (4) challenges of mutual communication and asymmetric relationships and (5) the significance of networks.

Conclusions

Collaboration between different levels in the health systems and user-friendly information between staff, patient and families are crucial. The complexity of patient participation for this patient group should be recognised to enhance user involvement during discharge from hospital. Interventions or follow-up studies of how healthcare professionals can improve their communication skills and address the tension between client-centred goals and organisational priorities are requested. Organisational structure may need to be restructured to ensure the participation of elderly patients.
Accelerometery as a measure of modifiable physical activity in high-risk elderly preoperative patients: a prospective observational pilot study
Authors: Grimes Lisa , Outtrim Joanne G , Griffin Simon J , Ercole Ari
Published: November 2019

Objectives

To use wrist-worn accelerometers (Axivity AX3) to establish normative physical activity (PA) and acceptability data for the high-risk elderly preoperative population, to assess whether PA could be modified by a prehabilitation intervention as part of routine care, to assess any correlation between accelerometer-measured PA and self-reported PA and to assess the acceptability of wearing wrist-worn accelerometers in this population.

Study design

Prospective, observational, pilot study.

Setting

Single National Health Service Hospital.

Participants

Frail patients≥65 years awaiting major surgery referred to a multidisciplinary preoperative clinic at which they received a routine intervention aimed at improving their PA. 35 patients were recruited. Average age 79.9 years (SD=5.6).

Primary outcomes

Normative PA data measured as a mean daily Euclidean norm minus one (ENMO) in milli-gravitational units (mg).

Secondary outcomes

Measure PA levels (mg) following a routine preoperative intervention. Determine correlation between patient-reported PA (measured using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly) and accelerometer-measured PA (mg). Assess acceptability of wearing a wrist-worn accelerometer measured using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) questionnaire and device wear time (hours).

Results

Median baseline daily PA was 14.3 mg(IQR 9.75–22.04) with an improvement in PA detected following the intervention (median ENMO post intervention 20.91 mg(IQR 14.83–27.53), p=0.022). There was no significant correlation between accelerometer-measured and self-reported PA (baselineρ=0.162 (p=0.4), post interventionρ=−0.144 (p=0.5)). We found high acceptability ratings (median score of 10/10 on VAS, IQR 8–10) and wear-time compliance (163.2 hours (IQR 150–167.5) preintervention and 166.1 hours (IQR 162.5–167) post intervention).

Conclusions

Accelerometery is acceptable to this population and increases in PA levels measured following an unoptimised routine clinical intervention which indicates that health behavioural change interventions may be successful during the preoperative period. Accelerometers may therefore be a useful tool to design and validate interventions for improving PA in this setting.

Trial registration number

NCT03737903.
Fever control interventions versus placebo, sham or no intervention in adults: a protocol for a systematic review with meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Sethi Naqash , Naqash Arushma Imran , Nielsen Niklas , Jakobsen Janus Christian
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Fever is an integral part of the inflammatory response and has therefore likely a physiological role in fighting infections. Nevertheless, whether fever in itself is beneficial or harmful in adults is unknown. This protocol for a systematic review aims at identifying the beneficial and harmful effects of fever control interventions in adults.

Methods and analysis

This protocol for a systematic review was conducted following the recommendations of Cochrane, GRADE and the eight-step assessment suggested by Jakobsen and colleagues for better validation of meta-analytical results in systematic reviews. We plan to include all relevant randomised clinical trials comparing any fever control intervention with placebo, sham or no intervention in adults. We plan to search CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, BIOSIS, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science Core Collection to identify relevant trials. Any eligible trial will be assessed and classified as either at high risk of bias or low risk of bias, and our primary conclusions will be based on trials at low risk of bias. We will perform our meta-analyses of the extracted data using Review Manager 5.3 and Trial Sequential Analysis. For all our outcomes, we will create a ‘Summary of Findings’ table based on GRADE assessments of the certainty of the evidence.

Ethics and dissemination

No formal approval or review of ethics is required for this systematic review as individual patient data will not be included. This systematic review has the potential to highlight (1) whether one should believe fever to be beneficial, harmful or neither in adults; (2) the existing knowledge gaps on this topic; and (3) whether the recommendations from guidelines and daily clinical practice are correct. These results will be disseminated through publication in a leading peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019134006
Multicentre randomised double-blind placebo controlled trial of combination vancomycin and cefazolin surgical antibiotic prophylaxis: the Australian surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (ASAP) trial
Authors: Peel Trisha , Astbury Sarah , Cheng Allen C , Paterson David , Buising Kirsty , Spelman Tim , Tran-Duy An , de Steiger Richard S
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Resistant Gram-positive organisms, such as methicillin-resistant staphylococci, account for a significant proportion of infections following joint replacement surgery. Current surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis guidelines recommend the use of first-generation or second-generation cephalosporin antibiotics, such as cefazolin. Cefazolin, however, does not prevent infections due to these resistant organisms; therefore, new prevention strategies need to be examined. One proposed strategy is to combine a glycopeptide antibiotic with cefazolin for prophylaxis. The clinical benefit and cost-effectiveness of this combination therapy compared with usual therapy, however, have not been established.

Methods and analysis

This randomised, double-blind, parallel, superiority, placebo-controlled, phase 4 trial will compare the incidence of all surgical site infections (SSIs) including superficial, deep and organ/space (prosthetic joint) infections, safety and cost-effectiveness of surgical prophylaxis with cefazolin plus vancomycin to that with cefazolin plus placebo. The study will be performed in patients undergoing joint replacement surgery. In the microbiological sub-studies, we will examine the incidence of SSIs in participants with preoperative staphylococci colonisation (Sub-Study 1) and incidence of VRE acquisition (Sub-Study 2). The trial will recruit 4450 participants over a 4-year period across 13 orthopaedic centres in Australia. The primary outcome is the incidence of SSI at 90 days post index surgery. Secondary outcomes include the incidence of SSI according to joint and microorganism and other healthcare associated infections. Safety endpoints include the incidence of acute kidney injury, hypersensitivity reactions and all-cause mortality. The primary and secondary analysis will be a modified intention-to-treat analysis consisting of all randomised participants who undergo eligible surgery. We will also perform a per-protocol analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol was reviewed and approved by The Alfred Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/18/Alfred/102) on 9 July 2018. Study findings will be disseminated in the printed media, and learnt forums.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12618000642280
Multimorbidity in Children and Youth Across the Life-course (MY LIFE): protocol of a Canadian prospective study
Authors: Ferro Mark A , Lipman Ellen L , Van Lieshout Ryan J , Gorter Jan Willem , Shanahan Lilly , Boyle Michael , Georgiades Kathy , Timmons Brian
Published: November 2019

Introduction

Multimorbidity, the co-occurrence of a chronic physical condition and mental disorder, affects a substantial number of children and youth and can lead to compromised quality of life, hardship for families, and an increased burden on the healthcare system. We are conducting a study to document the course of mental disorder in children and youth diagnosed with a chronic physical condition; identify predictors of child and youth multimorbidity; examine whether the effects of these predictors are moderated by relevant psychosocial and biological factors; explore potential inflammatory and stress biomarkers that mediate the onset of child and youth multimorbidity; and, assess whether multimorbidity in children and youth alters patterns of mental health service use.

Methods and analysis

Multimorbidity in Children and Youth Across the Life-course (MY LIFE) is a prospective study. Two hundred and fifty children and youth aged 2–16 years diagnosed with a chronic physical condition along with one parent will be recruited from the outpatient clinics at a paediatric tertiary care centre. Data will be collected using a multi-informant, multimethod design at four time-points (at recruitment, and at 6, 12 and 24 months postrecruitment). Parents will provide reports for all children/youth. In addition, youth ≥10 years will self-report. Mental disorder will be assessed using structured interviews. On completion of data collection, participant-reported data will be linked to provincial health records to identify mental health services use. Multilevel analyses (survival, proportional hazard, structural equation modelling) will be used to address MY LIFE objectives.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the University of Waterloo Human Research Ethics Board and the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board. Findings will be disseminated to key stakeholders using a number of outlets (peer-reviewed publications and conferences, lay informational pamphlets, social media).
Adult palliative care in the USA: information-seeking behaviour patterns
Authors: Cheng Brian T , Hauser Joshua M
Published: November 2019

Objective

Acceptance of palliative care (PC) in the USA has increased in recent decades with the growing number of recommendations for adoption from professional organisations. However, there are prevalent public misperceptions of PC that may prevent broader utilisation. This study seeks to identify the primary sources for PC information, which may help identify sources of misperception and improve PC messaging.

Methods

We analysed the 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), a representative survey of USA population knowledge regarding cancer-related information. This is the first iteration to include questions on PC. Prevalence of preferred PC information sources was estimated; multivariable logistic regression invoking stepwise variable selection was used to determine associations with information-seeking behaviour.

Results

Our study cohort consisted of 1127 American adults who were familiar with PC. Overall, 59.3% and 34.0% relied primarily on healthcare providers and internet or printed media, respectively. In stepwise regression models of seeking information from healthcare providers, predictors and their relative contributions to the multivariable model were higher education attainment (58.7%), age ≥60 years (21.5%) and female sex (15.0%). Higher income was the most robust predictor (35.1%) of reliance on internet and printed media for information, followed by being currently married (26.2%).

Conclusions

Overall, American adults rely on healthcare providers and media for PC information, with significant sociodemographic differences in information-seeking behaviour. These findings may be used to inform strategies to promote accurate PC awareness.
Digital subtraction cerebral angiography after negative computed tomography angiography findings in non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Catapano Joshua S , Lang Michael J , Koester Stefan W , Wang Derrick J , DiDomenico Joseph D , Fredrickson Vance L , Cole Tyler S , Lee Jonathan , Lawton Michael T , Ducruet Andrew F , Albuquerque Felipe C
Published: November 2019

Background

CT angiography (CTA) is widely used for the detection of vascular lesions in patients with non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (ntSAH); however, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Our aim was to analyze the diagnostic yield of DSA after negative high-resolution CTA findings.

Methods

Records of patients with a CTA-negative ntSAH at a single institution from 2014 to 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. ntSAH patterns were categorized as cortical, perimesencephalic, or diffuse. Subsequent DSA findings were compared across the three cohorts.

Results

A total of 186 patients had CTA-negative ntSAH. The ntSAH pattern was identified as cortical (n=77, 41.4%), diffuse (n=60, 32.3%), or perimesencephalic (n=49, 26.3%). In eight patients (4%), DSA revealed a vascular lesion (one cervical arteriovenous fistula and seven atypical aneurysms) after negative CTA findings. All eight patients with positive DSA findings had diffuse SAH (13% of patients with a diffuse pattern). The seven aneurysms included four blister or dissecting (two basilar artery, one superior cerebellar artery, and one dorsal wall internal carotid artery), two fusiform (one posterior communicating artery and one anterior spinal artery), and one saccular aneurysm (middle cerebral artery).

Conclusion

DSA identified a causative lesion in 4% of patients with CTA-negative ntSAH, but only in patients with diffuse ntSAH. Most of the lesions detected were atypical aneurysms and were found on delayed angiograms. These results suggest that DSA can help to diagnose CTA-negative ntSAH caused by unusual aneurysms, and repeat DSA may be needed only for patients with diffuse ntSAH.
Platelet-rich emboli are associated with von Willebrand factor levels and have poorer revascularization outcomes
Authors: Douglas Andrew , Fitzgerald Seán , Mereuta Oana Madalina , Rossi Rosanna , O'Leary Sean , Pandit Abhay , McCarthy Ray , Gilvarry Michael , Holmegaard Lukas , Abrahamsson Margareta , Jerndal Mikael , Dehlfors Niclas , Brennan Paul , Power Sarah , O'Hare Alan , Griffin Emma , Kallmes David F , Brinjikji Waleed , Szikora István , Tatlisumak Turgut , Rentzos Alexandros , Thornton John , Doyle Karen
Published: November 2019

Background and aims

Platelets and von Willebrand factor (vWF) are key factors in thrombosis and thus are likely key components of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) emboli. We aimed to characterize platelet and vWF levels in AIS emboli and to assess associations between their expression levels and clinical and procedural information.

Materials and method

Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of emboli collected as part of the multi-institutional RESTORE registry was performed. The composition of the emboli was quantified using Orbit Image Analysis machine learning software. Correlations between clot components and clinical and procedural information were assessed using the χ2test.

Results

Ninety-one emboli samples retrieved from 63 patients were analyzed in the study. The mean platelet (CD42b) content of the clots was 33.9% and the mean vWF content of the clots was 29.8%. There was a positive correlation between platelet and vWF levels (ρ=0.564, p<0.001*, n=91). There was an inverse correlation between both platelets and vWF levels and percentage of red blood cells (RBCs) in the emboli (CD42b vs RBC: ρ=−0.535, p<0.001*, n=91; vWF vs RBC: ρ=−0.366, p<0.001*, n=91). Eighty-one percent of patients in the low platelet group had a good revascularization outcome (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2c/3) compared with 58% in the high platelet group (χ2=5.856, p=0.016).

Conclusion

Platelet and vWF levels in AIS emboli correlate with each other and both have an inverse relationship with RBC composition. Patients with platelet-rich clots have poorer revascularization outcomes.
Preference of veterinarians to select an udder health programme for milk producers
Authors: Vissio Claudina , Richardet Melina , Chaves Javier , Larriestra Alejandro
Published: November 2019

Background

This investigation was carried out to gain more insight about the preference of veterinarians on the implementation of an udder health programme (UHP) in a dairy farm.

Methods

A choice experiment was designed to elicit the preferences of the participants. The study population consisted of 36 veterinarians from Argentina specialised on milk quality. The choice experiment offered several UHPs, which were combinations of some of the interventions included in the so‐called five‐point plan. To reduce bias among the participants, the UHPs offered were unlabelled and considered two farm contexts: one was on a pasture system and the other was on a dry‐lot with pasture access system. The basic criteria (the so‐called attribute) to describe veterinarians’ preferences for each UHP proposed were efficacy on clinical mastitis (CM) and bulk milk somatic cell count (BMSCC) reduction, cost and technical support. The data collected were analysed using conjoint analysis.

Results

UHP cost and UHP efficacy on BMSCC and CM had a significant influence on veterinarians’ ranking decisions under both dairy production contexts. The efficacy on CM was the most important attribute to prefer a particular UHP, while technical assistance was the least important attribute considered. The attributes related to efficacy on both BMSCC and CM explained over 60 per cent of the total importance of all attributes.

Conclusion

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research in South America focused on studying veterinarians’ preferences to suggest a UHP. The cost and efficacy attributes were the veterinarians’ top priority attributes to decide the best UHP.
Emergent GUP from modified Hawking radiation in Einstein–NED theory
Authors: Mehdipour S. Hamid
Published: November 2019

We present a general procedure for constructing exact black hole (BH) solutions with a magnetic charge in the context of nonlinear electrodynamics (NED) theory as well as in the coherent state approach to noncommutative geometry (NCG). In this framework, the Lagrangian density for a noncommutative Hayward BH is obtained and the weak energy condition is satisfied. The noncommutative Hayward solution depends on two kind of charges, without which the Schwarzschild solution is applicable. Moreover, to find a link between the BH evaporation and uncertainty relations, we may calculate the Hawking temperature and find the effect of the Lagrangian density of BHs on the Hawking radiation. Therefore, a generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) emerges from the modified Hawking temperature in Einstein–NED theory. The origin of this GUP is the combined influence of a nonlinear magnetic source and an intrinsic property of the manifold associated with a fictitious charge. Finally, we find that there is an upper bound on the Lagrangian uncertainty of the BHs that is caused by the NED field and (or) the fictitious charge.
Machinability study of aircraft series aluminium alloys 7075-T6 and 7050-T7451
Authors: Yeganefar Ali , Niknam Seyed Ali , Songmene Victor
Published: November 2019

The aluminium alloy 7050-T7451 is generally considered as the principal choice in aeronautical applications demanding adequate strength, stress corrosion cracking resistance, and toughness. Surprisingly, despite extensive research works on machining and machinability of aluminium alloys, including aluminium alloy 7075-T6, limited information was found on machining and machinability evaluation of 7050-T7451, which belongs to a similar family as 7075-T6. To remedy the lack of knowledge determined, dry ball-end milling operations were performed with coated end milling tools on both materials. Experimental characterization and cutting force measurements were performed to measure/evaluate the cutting forces, burr formation morphology, insert performance (wear/breakage), and surface quality attributes. According to experimental studies, 7050-T7451 was found more machinable than 7075-T6. Less burr formation and better surface quality were observed on 7075-T6. Machining attributes are influenced by different experimental factors. However, other machinability attributes, including residual stress, vibration modes, as well as particle emission, must be studied under various lubrication modes and machining operations in subsequent studies. This also recalls further studies on simultaneous multiple response optimization.
Molecular states from $$\varSigma ^{(*)}_c{\bar{D}}^{(*)}-\varLambda _c{\bar{D}}^{(*)}$$ interaction
Authors: He Jun , Chen Dian-Yong
Published: November 2019

In this work, we systemically investigate the molecular states from the $$\varSigma ^{(*)}_c{\bar{D}}^{(*)}-\varLambda _c{\bar{D}}^{(*)}$$Σc(∗)D¯(∗)-ΛcD¯(∗) interaction with the help of the Lagrangians with heavy quark and chiral symmetries in a quasipotential Bethe–Salpeter equation (qBSE) approach. The molecular states are produced from isodoublet (I=1/2) $$\varSigma _c{\bar{D}}$$ΣcD¯ interaction with spin parity $$J^P=1/2^-$$JP=1/2- and $$\varSigma _c{\bar{D}}^*$$ΣcD¯∗ interaction with $$1/2^-$$1/2- and $$ 3/2^-$$3/2-. Their masses and widths are consistent with the $$P_c(4312)$$Pc(4312), $$P_c(4440)$$Pc(4440) and $$P_c(4457)$$Pc(4457) observed at LHCb. The states, $$\varSigma _c^*{\bar{D}}^*(1/2^-)$$Σc∗D¯∗(1/2-), $$\varSigma _c^*{\bar{D}}^*(3/2^-)$$Σc∗D¯∗(3/2-) and $$\varSigma ^*_c{\bar{D}}(3/2^-)$$Σc∗D¯(3/2-), are also produced with the same parameters. The isodoublet $$\varSigma _c^*{\bar{D}}^*$$Σc∗D¯∗ interaction with $$5/2^-$$5/2-, as well as the isoquartet (I=3/2) $$\varSigma _c{\bar{D}}^*$$ΣcD¯∗ interactions with $$1/2^-$$1/2- and $$3/2^-$$3/2-, $$\varSigma _c^*{\bar{D}}^*$$Σc∗D¯∗ interaction with $$3/2^-$$3/2- and $$5/2^-$$5/2-, are also attractive while very large cutoff is required to produce a molecular state. We also investigate the origin of the widths of these molecular states in the same qBSE frame. The $$\varLambda {\bar{D}}^*$$ΛD¯∗ channel is dominant in the decays of the states, $$\varSigma _c{\bar{D}}^*(1/2^-)$$ΣcD¯∗(1/2-), $$\varSigma _c{\bar{D}}^*(3/2^-)$$ΣcD¯∗(3/2-), $$\varSigma _c^*{\bar{D}}(3/2^-)$$Σc∗D¯(3/2-), and $$\varSigma _c{\bar{D}}(1/2^-)$$ΣcD¯(1/2-). The $$\varSigma ^*_c{\bar{D}}^*(1/2^-)$$Σc∗D¯∗(1/2-) state has large coupling to $$\varSigma _c{\bar{D}}$$ΣcD¯ channel while the $$\varSigma _c{\bar{D}}^*$$ΣcD¯∗, $$\varSigma ^*_c{\bar{D}}$$Σc∗D¯ and $$\varLambda _c{\bar{D}}^*$$ΛcD¯∗ channels provide similar contributions to the width of the $$\varSigma ^*_c{\bar{D}}^*(3/2^-)$$Σc∗D¯∗(3/2-) state. These results will be helpful to understand the current LHCb experimental results, and the three predicted states and the decay pattern of these hidden-charmed molecular pentaquarks can be checked in future experiments.
A theoretical approach to conductivity
Authors: Saglam Ugur , Ulutas Kemal , Parim Yagmur , Yakut Sahin , Deger Deniz
Published: November 2019

In amorphous semiconductors and insulators, the using conductivity formulas are semi-empirical and have no satisfying physical explanations. A conductivity equation has been derived by Debye for the response of ideal materials which is rarely observed in practice, but a general conductivity equation which includes the previous empirical equations via a correct choice of arbitrary parameters and moreover totally theoretical derivation had to be generated. Hence, to determine the motion of electrons in the amorphous environment, we defined the equation of motion including viscous forces as a function of coordinates, their derivatives and time variables. We developed a fractional form of this equation over these three variables and finally obtained the most generalized equation of motion, which counts the overall interactions by a fractional form as a variation of two variable. The improved formula, called the stretched Havriliak–Negami equation, has the same form and behavior as the semi-empirical equation and reducible to the Cole–Cole and Cole–Davidson-type of conductivity.
A Dynamic Routing Framework for Shared Mobility Services
Authors: Guan Yue , Annaswamy Anuradha M. , Tseng H. Eric
Published: November 2019

Travel time in urban centers is a significant contributor to the quality of living of its citizens. Mobility on Demand (MoD) services such as Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the transportation infrastructure, enabling new solutions for passengers. Shared MoD services have shown that a continuum of solutions can be provided between the traditional private transport for an individual and the public mass transit-based transport, by making use of the underlying cyber-physical substrate that provides advanced, distributed, and networked computational and communicational support. In this article, we propose a novel shared mobility service using a dynamic framework. This framework generates a dynamic route for multi-passenger transport, optimized to reduce time costs for both the shuttle and the passengers and is designed using a new concept of a space window. This concept introduces a degree of freedom that helps reduce the cost of the system involved in designing the optimal route. A specific algorithm based on the Alternating Minimization approach is proposed. Its analytical properties are characterized. Detailed computational experiments are carried out to demonstrate the advantages of the proposed approach and are shown to result in an order of magnitude improvement in the computational efficiency with minimal optimality gap when compared to a standard Mixed Integer Quadratically Constrained Programming-based algorithm.
TruckSTM
Authors: Mukherjee Subhojeet , Van Etten Jeffrey C. , Samyukta Namburi Rani , Walker Jacob , Ray Indrakshi , Ray Indrajit
Published: November 2019

Embedded computing devices play an integral role in the mechanical operations of modern-day vehicles. These devices exchange information containing critical vehicle parameters that reflect the current state of operations. Such information can be captured for various purposes, such as diagnostics, fleet management, and analytics. Although monitoring individual parameters can be useful for some applications, monitoring distinct combinations of parameters can reveal more complex and higher-level states that may give useful information. Existing monitoring systems either lack user configurability and control or present simple user interfaces that make it difficult to monitor and collate different parameters to observe high-level vehicle states. In this work, we present TruckSTM, a novel application that realizes user-defined states from messages seen in the embedded networks of medium and heavy duty vehicles and displays state transitions on an interactive user interface. We begin by symbolically formulating some of the in-vehicle networking concepts and formally defining the concept of operational states and state transitions. We then elaborate on the operations performed by TruckSTM in mapping network-obtained vehicle parameters to states that can be defined in standard JSON format. Finally, we evaluate TruckSTM’s asymptotic performance and present the results for the worst-case scenario and demonstrate that in a real world scenario such high level state visualization constraints of an operational truck.
Agency of Autistic Children in Technology Research—A Critical Literature Review
Authors: Spiel Katta , Frauenberger Christopher , Keyes Os , Fitzpatrick Geraldine
Published: November 2019

Autistic children are increasingly a focus of technology research within the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) community. We provide a critical review of the purposes of these technologies and how they discursively conceptualise the agency of autistic children. Through our analysis, we establish six categories of these purposes: behaviour analysis, assistive technologies, education, social skills, therapy and well-being. Further, our discussion of these purposes shows how the technologies embody normative expectations of a neurotypical society, which predominantly views autism as a medical deficit in need of ‘correction’. Autistic children—purportedly the beneficiaries of these technologies—thus become a secondary audience to the largely externally defined purposes. We identify a lack of design for technologies that are geared towards the interests, needs and desires of autistic children. To move HCI’s research into autism beyond this, we provide guidance on how to consider agency in use and explicitly allow for appropriation beyond externally driven goals.