bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of nicotine vaping products used by participants in the 2016 ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey
Authors: O’Connor Richard J. , Fix Brian V. , McNeill Ann , Goniewicz Maciej L. , Bansal‐Travers Maansi , Heckman Bryan W. , Cummings K. Michael , Hitchman Sara , Borland Ron , Hammond David , Levy David , Gravely Shannon , Fong Geoffrey T.
Published: January 2019

Background and Aims

The regulatory environment for nicotine vaping products (NVPs) varies widely across countries and this will probably affect the devices used, nicotine content and usage, and hence the ability of NVPs to substitute for cigarettes. We aimed to describe the types of NVPs used by current vapers in four countries with varying regulatory and enforcement approaches toward the marketing and sale of NVPs.

Methods

Data are from wave 1 (July–November 2016) of the ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey (4CV1), conducted among a cohort of current and former smokers, and current NVP users (n = 5147 adults; ≥ 18 years) in Australia (AU), Canada (CA), England (EN) and the United States (US) reporting either current daily, weekly or occasional NVP use. Devices were described by type, brand, voltage variability and refill capacity. Refill solutions were described by flavour and nicotine content. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were conducted on the overall sample and stratified by country. A multinomial logistic regression examined factors associated with device preference across the whole sample.

Results

The types of NVPs used differed by pattern of use and country. Exclusive, daily vapers were more likely to use refillable pen‐shaped devices [odds ratio (OR) = 10.0] or refillable box‐shaped devices (OR = 5.4) than disposable cigalike devices, when compared with other (non‐daily/dual) users. Nearly all respondents reported using flavoured NVPs, fruit (28.3%) being the most common flavour. Refillable devices were the most popular: refillable box‐shaped devices were more commonly reported by vapers in AU (36.8%) and US (31.4%), whereas in EN (47.4%) and CA (29.7%), vapers more often reported using refillable pen‐style devices. Most users also reported that their products contained nicotine, even in CA (87.8%) and AU (91.2%), where vaping products containing nicotine were technically illegal.

Conclusions

In Australia, Canada, England and the United States in 2016, refillable nicotine vaping products were the most common type of nicotine vaping products used by daily vapers. Most daily vapers reported using flavoured e‐liquids/refills (with variance across countries) and most reported using products that contain nicotine, even where vaping products with nicotine were banned.
Heredity of interocular similarities in components of refraction: a population‐based twin study among 66‐ to 79‐year‐old female twins
Authors: Pärssinen Olavi , Kauppinen Markku , Halekoh Ulrich , Kaprio Jaakko , Rantanen Taina
Published: January 2019

Purpose

To examine genetic influences on interocular similarities in ocular refraction and components of refraction among elderly female twins.

Methods

Refraction was assessed in 94 monozygotic (MZ) and 74 dizygotic (DZ) female twins aged 66–78 years. Absolute values of interocular differences (Aniso variables) in spherical refraction (SR), refractive astigmatism (AST), spherical equivalent (SE), corneal refractive power (CR), corneal astigmatism (CAST), anterior chamber depth (ACD) and axial length (AL) were calculated. The differences between sisters in each of the Aniso variables were calculated and graded into two categories, best differentiating the groups, here isometropic and anisometropic values. The cut‐offs for grading as isometropic were AnisoSR < 0.75 D, AnisoAST < 0.5 D, AnisoSE < 1.0 D, AnisoCR < 0.5 D, AnisoCAST < 0.50 D, AnisoACD < 0.1 mm and AniosAL < 0.1 mm. Genetic influences on these traits were investigated by comparing the prevalence of isometropic and anisometropic differences between the MZ and DZ pairs in the Aniso variables and the interrelationships between the Aniso variables.

Results

When the Aniso variables were treated as continuous, no significant differences were found between the MZ and DZ subjects. When the proportions of isometropic intratwinpair interocular differences in the Aniso variables in the MZ and DZ cotwins were compared, the prevalences (MZ/DZ) were AnisoSR: 68%/60%; AnisoAST: 66%/57%; AnisoSE: 87%/68%; AnisoCR: 83%/78%; AnisoCAST: 69%/35%; AnisoACD: 77%/63%; and AnisoAL: 76%/60%. The differences were statistically significant for Aniso SE (p = 0.035, Fisher's exact test) and CAST (p = 0.007). The greater homogeneity in the interocular differences between the MZ sisters supports the assumption that isometropia of different elements of refraction is genetically influenced and tending to continue up to older ages. In cases where AnisoSE was <1.0 D, higher CR in one eye was associated with shorter AL (r = −0.398, p < 0.001), thereby contributing to emmetropization, irrespective of zygosity. In the cases of AnisoSE ≥1 D, no similar influence on emmetropization was observed. The difference between sisters in AnisoSE was associated with the intratwinpair difference in Aniso AL, but not with the intratwinpair differences in AnisoCR, irrespective of zygosity.

Conclusion

The higher prevalence of similarities in isometropia of the spherical equivalent and corneal astigmatism between the MZ pairs compared to DZ pairs is consistent with the view that genetic influences on the refractive elements of the eye, tending to isometropia, continue into older age. The interrelation between CR and AL tends to maintain isometropia of SE irrespective of zygosity.
Accommodation and near visual function in children with albinism
Authors: Karlén Eva , Milestad Lollo , Pansell Tony
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Albinism degrades visual function due to developmental disorders of the eye and visual pathways, larger refractive errors, absent binocularity and poor fixation control. Reading spectacles is commonly prescribed in our clinic and well tolerated. The purpose was to evaluate whether the accommodative response is typical or affected in comparison to a reference group.

Methods

Twenty‐two children with albinism (median: 13.5 years) and 12 controls (median: 13 years) underwent a full optometric examination and an objective accommodation measurement (WAM‐5500 @ 6 Hz; Grand Seiko) in response to minus‐lens‐blur (−1, −2 and −3 D) and to a prolonged near viewing task (20 cm) for 5 min.

Results

Children with albinism displayed less accommodation to minus lens‐blur and during sustained near viewing (p < 0.001) compared to the reference group. Higher visual acuity correlates with a better accommodative response (r ≥ 0.5; p ≤ 0.04). The subjective and objective measures of accommodation did not correlate. The habitual reading distance was always closer than the point towards which the subjects with albinism seemed to accommodate according to the measurements at 20 cm.

Conclusion

Children with albinism benefits from reading spectacles due to a combination of close habitual reading distance and a poor accommodation. Objective recording of accommodation is not critical for a correct judgement of near visual function. Children already wearing reading spectacles were those with least accommodative response.
Christ
Authors: Sahinidou Ioanna
Published: January 2019

The model of God as creation’s ΟΙΚΟΣ or oikos opens up an ecological, panentheistic view of creation within God. God ‘εν’‐in whom the cosmos unfolds – echoes the trinitarian insight of relationality, immanent in God personalized in the oikonomia of creation. A holistic theology realizes that, together with all beings, we must live responsibly. This idea can evoke the religious sense that every being is valuable and that the whole forms a unity. No being can be known as inferior to another. A retrieved eco‐theological view of the scheme of things and our place in it can be a call to respect all life. To know the world neither anthropocentrically nor as isolated beings displaces humans as the central goal of creation and repositions them as partners in its process. New science helps us realize our cosmic interrelated being and a sense of the whole.
The Educational Programme
Authors: Markantonis Evangelos
Published: January 2019

The Orthodox tradition does not reject the material world, but takes on material elements from the creation, and through the divine worship it offers them eucharistically to God. Through this practice, it cultivates a different ethos for humanity: the ethos of respect toward the creation, restraint of egoistic overconsumption, and awareness of personal responsibility, not only for the protection and preservation of the environment, but also for the "salvation of the whole world." This paper discusses "The Use of Plants in the Worship of the Orthodox Church," an experiential educational programme that starts with a focus on the symbolic import of plants used in the worship of the church, but goes far beyond to include the significant role of the flora in the ecosystem. This programme focuses on understanding the relationship of the church with the material world as well as the relationship of the human person with herbal ecosystems and the problems that arise due to human intervention.
The Protection of the Environment as Applied to the Environmental Education Programme of the Holy Monastery of Chrysopigi, Crete
Authors: Theosemni Sister
Published: January 2019

The Holy Monastery of Chrysopigi in Chania, Crete (Greece), has been putting into action a wide‐ranging programme for the protection of the environment. There are various environmental activities, which are organized by the sisterhood for school and university students, and other groups of people. Hundreds of young people who participate can experience nature as they walk the stone paths to cave chapels for the Divine Liturgy, as they discover the springs, as they visit the workshops, as they plant trees and release birds in the monastic biotope, which is a refuge for wild birds, too. In addition, they are able to participate in the programmes being held in the Environmental Education Centre (EEC) of the Monastery. In the EEC, students have computer access to information concerning the protection of the environment. Their interest in further investigation and their sensitization about environmental issues are also nurtured through various activities.
Prospects for Ecumenical Ethical Witness
Authors: Iosso Christian , Stephens Darryl W. , Willer Roger A.
Published: January 2019

Ecumenical ethics is in need of a methodology for identifying when a common moral witness exists across communions, despite apparent dissimilarities. This essay illustrates, via the case of ecological witness, the promise of internally differentiated convergence as a conceptual catalyst for that identification. Differentiated convergence is linked here with a multidimensional account of ethics to enable close examination of the ecclesial documents of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), and the United Methodist Church (UMC) – three traditions whose diverse ethical approaches and positions historically have been sources of ecumenical disagreement and contention. This investigation results in (1) the demonstration of a convergent ecumenical witness on the issue of climate change and (2) a methodological contribution to ecumenical ethics.
The soluble fraction of soy protein peptic hydrolysate reduces cholesterol micellar solubility and uptake
Authors: Jia Hui , Tian Lingmin , Zhang Bingcheng , Fan Xin , Zhao Dayun
Published: January 2019

Previous studies have demonstrated that the undigested or insoluble high molecular fraction of soy protein exerts a lowering effect on serum cholesterol by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the intestinal tract. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between the soluble fraction of soy protein peptic hydrolysate and dietary mixed micelles (DMMs) for cholesterol micellar solubility and uptake. The collected soluble tofu peptic hydrolysate (STPH) components, generated from hard and lactone tofu were evaluated by two in vitro models and a Caco‐2 cell model after tofu soy protein was digested, thus simulating the gastrointestinal tract. The results showed that the administration of STPH effectively decreased the cholesterol solubility and uptake by 37.6% and 18.99%, respectively, as detected by the in vitro models and the Caco‐2 cell model. Current findings demonstrated the potential hypocholesterolaemic benefit of the STPH.
Estimation of filler macro‐dispersion in rubber matrix by radiometric stereo microscopy
Authors: OHSER J. , LACAYO‐PINEDA J. , PUTMAN M. , RACK A. , DOBROVOLSKIJ D.
Published: January 2019

A new microscopic principle based on radiometric stereo microscopy is presented, which is designed for investigating macro‐dispersion of filler in rubber. The image acquisition is combined with a stereological method of estimating the volume‐weighted size distribution of the filler particles. Experimental results for carbon black filler in rubber obtained by radiometric stereo microscopy are compared with those from microtomography using synchrotron radiation, and, furthermore, a simulation study is used for evaluation. It turns out that using the new three‐dimensional microscopic method, the size distribution of the filler particles can be estimated from fresh cuts of rubber with high accuracy, and thus it is an interesting alternative to well‐established dark field microscopy.

Lay Description

Macro‐dispersion of globular filler particles in a rubber matrix is an important quantity that depends on manufacturing parameters and influences various rubber properties. Therefore, it must be carefully adjusted during the incorporation process and investigated by industrial quality control (ASTM D7723‐18). Quality control is usually based on freshly made planar sections so‐called fresh cuts through rubber specimen. After stress retention of the rubber one obtains a rough cutting surface in which the filler particles appear as imprints or bumps, called nodges. These nodges can be made visible by classical light microscopy under dark field (DFM) illumination. The systems disperGRADER+ or the disperGRADER Alpha View were specifically designed for rubber inspection. However, it has proved to be very difficult estimating the size distribution of the filler particles from the observed white spots in the DFM image. In any case it is still necessary to compute the size distribution of the filler particles from an estimated size distribution of the section profiles. The latter is numerically unstable, i.e. small errors of the estimated size distribution of the section profiles lead to large errors of the computed filler size distribution.

Applying DFM combined with filler dispersion estimation as described in ASTM D7723‐18 appears to be a fingerprint method only. For this reason, the new microscope nSPEC 3D was applied for rubber inspection. The principle used for surface imaging is based on radiometric stereo allowing for perfect three‐dimensional reconstruction of curved surfaces of fresh cuts. From this reconstruction it is possible to measure the height of particle nodges as well as their volumes. Furthermore, we present a new stereological method for estimating the filler size distribution from samples of the height and the volume of the nodges. Finally, microtomography with synchrotron radiation and computer simulation are applied to evaluate accuracy of the presented method.
Research, knowledge transfer, and innovation: The effect of Italian universities’ efficiency on local economic development 2006−2012
Authors: Agasisti Tommaso , Barra Cristian , Zotti Roberto
Published: January 2019

We test whether there is a link between the performance of universities, measured through a concept of efficiency, and the economic development of the regions in which they operate. Indicators of teaching, research, and third mission are considered as outputs. To handle endogeneity problems between the efficiency of universities and economic development, a system generalized method of moments and then an instrumental variable approach are used. Our findings reveal that the presence of efficient universities fosters local economic development. Knowledge spillovers occur to areas that are in close geographical proximity to efficient universities. Results are robust to different estimation strategies.
An Antiviral Factor Present in Plants of Chenopodium amaranticolor Locally Infected by Tobacco Necrosis Virus: 1. Extraction, Partial Purification Biological and Chemical Properties
Authors: FACCIOLI G. , CAPPONI R.
Published: January 2019

In leaves of Chenopodium amaranticolor locally infected by Tobacco necrosis virus (TNV), 3 days after inoculation an inhibitor of virus biosynthesis was present. Such antiviral factor (AVF) has been extracted, cleared with hydrated calcium phosphate and partially purified by DEAE‐column chromathography. AVF was also present in upper uninoculated leaves of plants inoculated on the lower leaves which acquired a partial systemic resistance against a TNV‐challenge inoculation.

AVF binds to Sepharose‐Concavalin‐A and is partially recovered from it by elution buffer containing 4 % α‐methyl‐D‐glucoside. AVF looses its antiviral activity when treated with alkaline phosphate, α‐glucosidase and pronase (under conditions suitable for proteolysis of glycoproteins), while it does not when treated with snake venom phosphodiesterase, β‐glucosidase, lipase and DNase. It seems, therefore to be a phosphorylated glycoprotein. Its production is inhibited by actinomycin D, and this lead to think that its formation depends on the same mechanism which is responsible for the synthesis of cellular RNA, DNA‐dependent.
Purification and Partial Characterization of Papaya Ringspot Virus
Authors: DE LA ROSA MERCEDES , LASTRA R.
Published: January 2019

A high incidence of papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) was found during a survey of viruses affecting papaya in Venezuela. The Venezuelan strain has a thermal inactivation point between 52 and 54° C, dilution end point of 10−4, and the longevity in vitro was 24 h. The modal length of 167 virus particles was 782 nm. The bouyant density of purified virus particles in CsCl was 1.323 g/cm3. The virus nucleic acid was identified as a single stranded RNA molecule. The molecular weight of the virus capsid protein was 28,000 daltons. Purification was carried out by chloroform — carbon tetrachloride, followed by precipitation with 6 % PEG. The virus was further purified in CsCl density gradient.
Demonstration of polysaccharide‐degrading enzymes in culture filtrates of the powdery mildew hyperparasite, Ampelomyces quisqualis
Authors: BEUTHER E. , PHILIPP W.-D. , GROSSMANN F.
Published: January 2019

In culture filtrates of twelve isolates of the hyperparasite of powdery mildew, Ampelomyces
quisqualis, the presence of β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase, β‐1 → 3‐ and α‐1 → 4‐glucanase could be demonstrated. Chitinase was produced by only one isolate. In no case chitosanase, β‐1 → 6‐, and α‐1 → 3‐glucanases could be detected. The importance of extracellular polysaccharide‐degrading enzymes with regard to the parasitization of the host is discussed.
Rhynchosporosides Binding by Barley Proteins
Authors: MAZARS C. , AURIOL P. , RAFENOMANANJARA D.
Published: January 2019

Rhynchosporium secalis (Oud.) Davis, the causal agent of barley leaf scald produces a toxic glucoside family of α‐1‐0‐propanediol, the rhynchosporosides. By means of studies of in vivo and in vitro binding of these phytotoxins with membrane proteins we showed the physiological reality of the linkage of the rhynchosporosides with host proteins receptors. In this disease, this association mechanism is closely related to the host reaction towards the fungus since the greater the toxins binding the more the plants are susceptible to the parasite.
Induced Resistance to Viral Infection and Soluble Protein Alterations in Cucumber and Cowpea Plants
Authors: COUTTS R. H. A. , WAGIH E. E.
Published: January 2019

The formation of tobacco necrosis virus‐elicited local lesions led to a localized “resistance” in cowpea leaves and cucumber cotyledons with an “acquired systemic resistance” induced in cucumber first leaves, following homogolous challenge. The “resistance” was against symptom expression rather than against virus multiplication. A similar “resistance” in both species could be elicited by spraying healthy tissue with polyacrylic acid 4 days before inoculation or osmotically‐stressing cowpea leaves 24 h before inoculation.

Virus‐elicited necrosis resulted in reproducible alterations to the soluble protein profile of both species. Apparently novel host proteins, termed the α and β fractions in cowpea leaves and the γ fraction in cucumber tissue were induced during necrosis, and quantitatively reduced by concomitant actinomycin D treatment. Tissue of both species showing “resistance” contained either small amounts or more often none of the apparently novel fractions and any direct involvement in “resistance” is thought unlikely. It is proposed that the tissue exhibiting a degree of “resistance” to virus inoculation has an altered susceptibility to infection. This altered susceptibility appears to be engendered by treatments (e.g. PA spraying, osmotic stressing or previous inoculations on the same plants) that reduce the turgidity of the cells to be challenged.
Toxin Production by Rhynchosporinm oryzae
Authors: SINGH S. AMU , SEN GUPTA P. K.
Published: January 2019

Cell free culture filtrates from isolates of Rhynchosporium oryzae contained a toxin which caused flaccidity, chlorosis and wilting of leaves of rice seedlings and also retardation of root and shoot growth. There was a positive correlation between the pathogenicity of an isolate and its toxin production as assayed by both phytotoxicity on rice seedlings as well as effect on root and shoot elongation. Rice cultivars resistant to the pathogen were much less sensitive to the toxin than the susceptible cultivars. Toxin production paralleled growth of the isolates and the toxic effect of the culture filtrate was reduced, but not lost by heating by autoclaving.
Effect of amino acid deficiency on precaecal amino acid digestibility in broiler chickens
Authors: Siegert Wolfgang , Ganzer Christian , Kluth Holger , Rodehutscord Markus
Published: January 2019

In this study, we determined whether deficient dietary amino acid (AA) concentrations influence the precaecal (pc) AA digestibility when determined using the regression approach. We mixed two basal diets. Basal diet 1 was deficient in essential AAs, whereas adequate AA concentrations were ensured in basal diet 2 by adding free AAs. Rapeseed cake and full‐fat soya beans as test ingredients were included in the basal diets at levels of 100 and 200, and 150 and 300 g/kg, respectively, at the expense of maize starch. Each diet was tested with six replicates of 10 broiler chickens each. The feed intake of the chickens that were fed diets based on basal diet 2 was similar, whereas the feed intake of the chickens that were fed diets based on basal diet 1 differed considerably. The numerical differences in pc AA digestibility determined with basal diet 1 or 2 ranged from 2.6 percentage points to 20.8 percentage points in rapeseed cake and from 0.5 percentage points to 15.2 percentage points in soya beans. Across all measured AAs, the average differences were 10.1 percentage points and 5.4 percentage points in rapeseed cake and soya beans, respectively. The differences in the estimated pc AA digestibility between the basal diets were probably caused by different basal endogenous AA losses in the digesta between treatments as a consequence of different feed intake. Adequate AA concentrations and test ingredient levels that are specifically adjusted to avoid a negative effect on feed intake are recommended for future studies.
Association Between Rural Residence and Nonfatal Suicidal Behavior Among California Adults: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Margerison Claire E. , Goldman‐Mellor Sidra
Published: January 2019

Objective

Suicide mortality rates in rural areas of the United States are twice that of rates in urban areas, and identifying which factors—eg, higher rates of suicidal distress, lower rates of help‐seeking behaviors, or greater access to firearms—contribute to this rural/urban disparity could help target interventions.

Method

Using 2015‐2016 data on adult respondents to the California Health Interview Survey (n = 40,041), we examined associations between residence in a rural (vs nonrural) census tract and nonfatal suicidal ideation and attempt.

Results

We found that living in a rural area was not associated with nonfatal suicidal behavior (OR for past‐year suicidal ideation = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.63‐1.20; OR for past‐year suicide attempt = 0.55, CI: 0.20‐1.48). Women living in rural areas had higher odds of lifetime suicidal ideation compared to women living in nonrural areas, but this difference was not significant (OR = 1.17, CI: 0.94‐1.44). We also found that, among individuals reporting suicidal behavior, there were few rural/nonrural differences in perceived need for treatment, such as seeing a physician or taking a prescription for mental health problems.

Conclusions

Our results do not suggest higher suicidal distress or lower treatment‐seeking behaviors as explanations for the rural/urban disparity in suicide mortality rates. Further attention is needed to the unique risk factors driving suicidality in rural areas, as well as exploring heterogeneity in these factors across different rural contexts.
Interferon‐free therapy as the cause of white matter tracts and cerebral perfusion recovery in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Bladowska Joanna , Pawłowski Tomasz , Fleischer‐Stępniewska Katarzyna , Knysz Brygida , Małyszczak Krzysztof , Żelwetro Agnieszka , Rymer Weronika , Inglot Małgorzata , Waliszewska‐Prosół Marta , Ejma Maria , Podgórski Przemysław , Zimny Anna , Sąsiadek Marek
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this study was to assess cerebral microstructural and perfusion changes in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection before and after interferon‐free therapy, using advanced magnetic resonance (MR) techniques. Eleven HCV‐positive patients underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and perfusion‐weighted imaging (PWI) using a 1.5T MR unit, before and 24 weeks after completion of interferon‐free therapy. DTI fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were obtained from 14 white matter tracts. PWI values of relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) and relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were assessed from 8 areas, including basal ganglia, and cortical and white matter locations. In HCV‐positive patients therapy with ombitasvir, paritaprevir boosted with ritonavir and dasabuvir, with or without ribavirin, was scheduled. Cognitive tests were used to assess cognitive function. We found increased FA values after interferon‐free therapy compared to values obtained before treatment in HCV patients in almost all white matter tracts. We also observed elevated rCBV values in basal ganglia after therapy. There were significant correlations between improvement in the score of cognitive tests and increased FA values in both inferior fronto‐occipital fascicles and left posterior cingulum after treatment. Liver fibrosis regression in elastography, APRI and improvement in cognitive tests were observed. This is the first report of interferon‐free therapy as the cause of white matter tracts recovery as well as cerebral perfusion improvement in HCV‐infected patients, indicating better functioning of frontal lobes after interferon‐free treatment.
Reducing large net foreign liabilities
Authors: Fidora Michael , Schmitz Martin , Tcheng Céline
Published: January 2019

In light of persistently large net foreign liability (NFL) positions in several euro area countries, we analyze 138 episodes of sizeable NFL reductions for a broad sample of advanced and emerging economies. We provide stylized facts on the channels through which NFLs were reduced and estimate factors that make episodes “stable”, that is, sustained over the medium term. Our findings show that while GDP growth and valuation effects contribute most to NFL reductions overall, stable reduction episodes also require positive transaction effects (i.e., current account surpluses), in particular in advanced economies. Considering the different components of a country's external balance sheet, we observe that reduction episodes were almost exclusively driven by a decline in gross external liabilities in emerging economies, while in advanced economies also gross external asset accumulation contributed significantly, in particular in stable episodes. Our econometric analysis shows that NFL reductions are more likely to be sustained if a country records strong average real GDP growth during an episode and exits the episode with a larger current account surplus that consists of a combination of relatively high exports, low imports and low net factor income payments. Moreover, we find evidence that nominal effective exchange rate depreciation during an episode is helpful for achieving episode stability in the short run, while IMF programs and sovereign debt restructurings also contribute to longer term stability.
The first reported case of drug‐induced hemolytic anemia caused by dimethyl fumarate in a patient with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Quintanilla‐Bordás Carlos , Castro‐Izaguirre Emma , Carcelén‐Gadea María , Marín María
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Drug‐induced hemolytic anemia is a rare and potentially fatal complication of drug treatment. Specific laboratory tests are crucial to confirm the diagnosis.

CASE REPORT

A 38‐year‐old woman on treatment with dimethyl fumarate for multiple sclerosis presented with a 7‐day history of weakness and fatigue. Laboratory tests revealed profound hemolytic anemia with hemoglobin levels of 4.7 g/dL (reference, 12.5–16.0), decreased haptoglobin, increased reticulocyte count, and increased indirect bilirubin. A first direct antiglobulin test was negative. The patient was started on prednisone 1 mg/kg/day, and dimethyl fumarate was withdrawn. A blood sample was drawn on Day 7 and sent to a reference laboratory. A direct antiglobulin test performed 7 days later was positive. Furthermore, an indirect antiglobulin test was positive only in the presence of the drug.

RESULTS

The patient did not receive a blood transfusion, recovered clinically during the following days, and was discharged on Day 7. On Day 36, the patient's RBCs had normalized. She was changed to another disease‐modifying treatment for her multiple sclerosis, and at 10‐month follow‐up she remained stable without any notable adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

This case describes the first report of a dimethyl fumarate–induced hemolytic anemia. Laboratory results should always be interpreted within the clinical context. Specific laboratory expertise is often needed, given the complexity of the field.
Mapping the entire nerve architecture of the cat cornea
Authors: He Jiucheng , Pham Thang Luong , Bazan Haydee E. P.
Published: January 2019

Objective

To provide a complete nerve architecture and neuropeptide distribution in the cat cornea.

Animals studied

Two adult domestic cats.

Procedure

The cat corneas were stained with protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 antibody—a pan marker for nerve fibers—and then divided into four quarters and double labeled with calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) or substance P (SP) antibodies. Relative corneal nerve fiber densities and nerve terminals were evaluated in whole mount images by computer‐assisted analysis.

Results

An average of 21.5 ± 2.1 thick stromal nerves enters the cornea around the limbus where they split into many branches going up to the anterior stroma. Some branches link to each other, but most of them penetrate the basement membrane in the periphery to give origin to subbasal bundles, which run centripetally and merge to form a whirl‐like structure (vortex) at the center. These nerve bundles send out many fine terminals that innervate the epithelial cells. Subbasal nerve density and nerve terminals were greater in the center than in the periphery of the cornea. Additionally, CGRP‐positive central epithelial nerve fibers and terminals were more abundant than SP‐positive nerves and terminals.

Conclusion

The architecture of cat corneal nerves shows similarities to human and mouse cornea innervation. This study provides useful data for researchers who use the cat model to assess corneal nerve pathological alterations, as well as in the veterinary field where corneal opacities, ulcerations, and infections damage the nerves and decrease sensitivity.
Ophthalmic findings in a captive population of Panamanian golden frogs: Atelopus zeteki
Authors: Pelych Lindsey N. , Shellabarger Wynona , Vassallo Mark , Noland Erica , Sledge Dodd , Aquino Susette E.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The aim of this study was to describe normal ocular morphology and establish parameters for select diagnostics in a population of Panamanian Golden Frogs (PGF) Atelopus zeteki maintained at the Detroit Zoo.

Method

A total of 22 toads free of ocular disease were included in this study. Ophthalmic diagnostic tests included as follows: endodontic absorbent paper point tear test (EAPPTT), assessment of intraocular pressures (IOP), Rose Bengal stain, palpebral fissure width, blink rate and corneal cultures. Histology was performed on stored postmortem samples.

Results

Panamanian Golden Frogs have a distinct brow ridge and mobile third eyelid. Biomicroscopy revealed avascular, convex corneas with a shallow anterior chamber. Iris color ranged from yellow to green with dark pigmentation of the peripheral iris. Pupil shape was round. Posterior segment and fundus could not be visualized. Total number of blinks observed over a 10‐minute period was one. Mean EAPPTT was 2 ± 1 mm and 3 ± 1 mm in males and females, respectively (P). Mean IOP using rebound tonometry in horizontal and vertical restraint positions were 21.6 ± 2.28 mm Hg and 17.45 ± 3.66 mm Hg, 21.85 ± 2.7 mm Hg and 17.5 ± 3.93 mm Hg in males and females, respectively. Mean palpebral fissure width was 5.02 ± 0.46 mm and 6.12 ± 0.39 mm in males and females, respectively (P). Enterococcus faecalis was isolated from one clinically normal toad.

Conclusions

Tear production and blink rate were low and not significantly different between males and females. Intraocular pressure was significantly greater in male toads (P value <0.01). Females had a significantly larger palpebral fissure width when compared to males (P value <0.01) 5819. The ophthalmic parameters established in this study can aid in the evaluation and diagnosis of eye diseases in PGF.
Examining the Impact of Knowledge Translation Interventions on Uptake of Evidence‐Based Practices by Care Aides in Continuing Care
Authors: Tworek Kimberly B. , Ickert Carla , Bakal Jeffrey , Eliasziw Misha , Wagg Adrian S. , Jones C. Allyson , Slaughter Susan E.
Published: January 2019

Background

Dissemination of evidence‐based practices has been a long‐standing challenge for healthcare providers and policy makers. Research has increasingly focused on effective knowledge translation (KT) in healthcare settings.

Aims

This study examined the effectiveness of two KT interventions, informal walkabouts and documentation information sessions, in supporting care aide adoption of new evidence‐based practices in continuing care.

Methods

The Sustaining Transfers through Affordable Research Translation (START) study examined sustainability of a new practice, the sit‐to‐stand activity completed with residents in 23 continuing care facilities in Alberta, Canada. At each facility, two informal walkabouts and two documentation information sessions were conducted with care aides during the first 4 months. To assess their effect, uptake of the sit‐to‐stand activity was compared 4 days prior to and 4 days after each intervention, as well as the entire first and fourth months of the study were compared. Data were analyzed using mixed linear regression models created to estimate the changes in uptake.

Results

Data were collected from 227 residents. After controlling for age, sex, dementia, and mobility, a 5.3% (p = .09) increase in uptake of the mobility activity was observed during the day shift and 6.1% (p = .007) increase in uptake of the mobility activity during the evening shift. Site size had a significant effect on the outcome with medium‐sized facilities showing a 12.6% (SE = .07) increase over small sites and a 18.2% (SE = .05) increase over large sites. These results suggest that repeated KT interventions and sufficient time are key variables in the successful implementation of new practices.

Linking Evidence to Action

Consideration of time, repetition, and facility‐specific variables such as size may generate simple, cost‐effective KT interventions in healthcare settings.
ATM Transaction Status Feature Analysis and Anomaly Detection
Authors: Zeng Yunhui , Zhang Ziyi , Guo Hongfei , Chen Yilin , Shen Shiyue , Zhu Longfei , Yu Bingjie
Published: January 2019

In this paper, based on ATM transaction status analysis and anomaly detection problem, by analyzing the transaction statistics of a bank ATM application system, the characteristic parameters of ATM transaction status are extracted and analyzed, then a set of targets are designed. An abnormal monitoring scheme that can promptly and accurately alarm the four abnormal situations in which the trading volume is steep, the transaction failure rate is increased, the transaction processing is slow, and the transaction response time is too long. Firstly, the transaction data is divided to distinguish between working days, non-working days, trading volume troughs, and normal trading periods, to avoid data interference between different time periods and to take into account the data discontinuity. The characteristics of the anomaly data were identified by K-Means Clustering Analysis. Then the data is analyzed by B-P Neural Network method, the change rule of ATM transaction status with time is obtained. According to this rule, the ATM transaction status is judged, and the abnormal situation is alarmed in time. Finally, this paper increases the amount and type of data collected, then increases the influencing factors such as ATM popularity, holidays, transaction types into the model, uses the existing transaction data before and after the Spring Festival to verify, in order to obtain a more realistic monitoring and early warning program. The transaction status anomaly monitoring scheme designed in this paper not only can correctly judge but also timely alarm the financial aid equipment failure scenarios, so that the security of the financial self-service equipment trading system is guaranteed.
Energy Consumption and Carbon Emissions in an Academic Institution in Greece: Can It Become Carbon Neutral?
Authors: Vourdoubas John
Published: January 2019

Investigation of energy consumption and carbon emissions in an Academic Institute located in Crete, Greece has been implemented. The possibility of using sustainable energy technologies for covering all its energy needs has been examined. It has been found that the main energy source used was electricity while renewable energies had a small share in the total energy mix. The specific energy consumption has been estimated at 164.96 KWh/m2 and the annual CO2 emissions at 110.64 kgCO2/m2. The combined use of solar thermal energy, solar photovoltaic energy and ground source heat pumps could cover all the annual energy requirements in the Academic Institute zeroing its net carbon emissions. These energy technologies are mature, reliable and commercially used while solar energy is abundant in Crete, Greece. Solar electricity can generate all the electricity required annually with net metering regulations. The investment cost of the required sustainable energy systems to zero the net carbon emissions has been calculated at 184.32 € per m2 of its covered surface. It is concluded that if some financial support in the energy investments will be offered then the Academic Institute would become carbon neutral.
On refinements of Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities for Riemann-Liouville fractional integral operators
Authors: Budak Hüseyin
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we first establish weighted versions of Hermite-Hadamard typeinequalities for Riemann-Liouville fractional integral operators utilizingweighted function. Then we obtain some refinements of these inequalities. Theresults obtained in this study would provide generalization of inequalitiesproved in earlier works.
Optimal Control for Partially Observed Nonlinear Interval Systems
Authors: Dabbous T. E.
Published: January 2019

In this paper, we consider the optimal control problem for a class of systems governed by nonlinear time-varying partially observed interval differential equations. The control process is assumed to be governed by linear time varying interval differential equation driven by the observed process. Using the fact that the state, observation, and control processes possess lower and upper bounds, we have developed sets of (ordinary) differential equations that describe the behavior of the bounds of these processes. Using these differential equations, the interval control problem can be transformed into an equivalent ordinary control problem in which interval mathematics and extension principle of Moore are not required. Using variational arguments, we have developed the necessary conditions of optimality for the equivalent (ordinary) control problem. Finally, we present some numerical simulations to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Robust Adaptive Control of PEMFC Air Supply System Based on Radical Basis Function Neural Network
Authors: Wang Yun-Long , Wang Yong-Fu , Zhang Hua-Kai
Published: January 2019

This technical brief emphasizes on the control of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) air supply system. The control objective is to improve the net power output through adjusting the oxygen excess ratio within a reasonable range. In view of the problem that the PEMFC air supply system is difficult to achieve accurate modeling and stable control, a robust adaptive controller is proposed by utilizing exact linearization and radical basis function (RBF) neural network (RBFNN) system. This controller does not need the complete structure and parameters of PEMFC system. The unmodeled dynamics of PEMFC system can be approximated by RBFNN in which the adaptive learning law can be derived based on Lyapunov theory, and the external disturbance as well as the approximation error of RBFNN can be attenuated through robust control. The stability analysis shows that the system tracking error is uniformly ultimately bounded. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of controller are validated by hardware-in-loop (HIL) experiment.
Faster and Slower Posttraining Recovery in Futsal: Multifactorial Classification of Recovery Profiles
Authors: Wilke Carolina F. , Fernandes Felipe Augusto P. , Martins Flávio Vinícius C. , Lacerda Anísio M. , Nakamura Fabio Y. , Wanner Samuel P. , Duffield Rob
Published: January 2019

Purpose: To investigate the existence of faster vs slower recovery profiles in futsal and factors distinguishing them. Methods: 22 male futsal players were evaluated in countermovement jump, 10-m sprint, creatine kinase, total quality of recovery (TQR), and Brunel Mood Scale (fatigue and vigor) before and immediately and 3, 24, and 48 h posttraining. Hierarchical cluster analysis allocated players to different recovery profiles using the area under the curve (AUC) of the percentage differences from baseline. One-way ANOVA compared the time course of each variable and players’ characteristics between clusters. Results: Three clusters were identified and labeled faster recovery (FR), slower physiological recovery (SLphy), and slower perceptual recovery (SLperc). FR presented better AUC in 10-m sprint than SLphy (P = .001) and SLperc (P = .008), as well as better TQR SLphy (P = .018) and SLperc (P = .026). SLperc showed better AUC in countermovement jump than SLphy (P = .014) but presented worse fatigue AUC than SLphy (P = .014) and FR (P = .008). AUC of creatine kinase was worse in SLphy than in FR (P = .001) and SLperc (P < .001). The SLphy players were younger than SLperc players (P = .027), whereas FR were slower 10-m sprinters than SLphy players (P = .003) and SLperc (P = .013) and tended to have higher maximal oxygen consumption than SLphy (effect size =1.13). Conclusion: Different posttraining recovery profiles exist in futsal players, possibly influenced by their physical abilities and age/experience.
Weak magnetic fields alter stem cell–mediated growth
Authors: Van Huizen Alanna V. , Morton Jacob M. , Kinsey Luke J. , Von Kannon Donald G. , Saad Marwa A. , Birkholz Taylor R. , Czajka Jordan M. , Cyrus Julian , Barnes Frank S. , Beane Wendy S.
Published: January 2019

Weak magnetic fields affect reactive oxygen species levels, stem cell proliferation/differentiation, and new tissue growth.
Pooled Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Tribendimidine for the Treatment of
Opisthorchis viverrini
Infections
Authors: Meister Isabel , Assawasuwannakit Piyanan , Vanobberghen Fiona , Penny Melissa A. , Odermatt Peter , Sayasone Somphou , Huwyler Jörg , Tarning Joel , Keiser Jennifer
Published: January 2019

Opisthorchiasis, caused by the foodborne trematode
Opisthorchis viverrini
, affects more than 8 million people in Southeast Asia. In the framework of a phase 2b clinical trial conducted in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, pharmacokinetic samples were obtained from 125 adult and adolescent
O. viverrini
-infected patients treated with 400 mg tribendimidine following the design of a sparse sampling scheme at 20 min and 2, 7.75, 8, and 30 h after treatment using dried blood spot sampling.
In Vitro
Mechanistic Study of the Distribution of Lascufloxacin into Epithelial Lining Fluid
Authors: Ohya Kouhei , Takano Junichi , Manita Shigeru
Published: January 2019

The present study aimed to clarify the mechanism underlying the high distribution of lascufloxacin in epithelial lining fluid (ELF). Involvement of transporters was examined by transcellular transport across Calu-3 and transporter-overexpressing cells; the binding of lascufloxacin to ELF components was examined by an organic solvent-water partitioning system that employed pulmonary surfactant and phospholipids.
Association between diabetic retinopathy and incident cognitive impairment
Authors: Gupta Preeti , Gan Alfred Tau Liang , Man Ryan Eyn Kidd , Fenwick Eva K , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Mitchell Paul , Cheung Carol Y , Cheung Ning , Wong Tien Yin , Cheng Ching-Yu , Lamoureux Ecosse Luc
Published: January 2019

Background/Aim

The relationship between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and cognitive impairment (CI) is unclear due to equivocal findings from cross-sectional studies and a lack of long-term data. In this population-based cohort study, we investigated the longitudinal association between the severity of DR and the incidence of CI.

Methods

682 participants with diabetes, gradable retinal photographs and no CI at baseline 2004–2011) and complete relevant data at follow-up 2010–2016 from the Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Disease Study were included. CI was assessed using the validated Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT), defined as scores of ≤6 and ≤8 for those with 0–6 and >6 years of formal education, respectively. Six-year incident CI was defined as having no CI at baseline but present at the follow-up visit.

Results

Of the 682 included participants, 483 (70.8%) had no DR and 199 (29.2%) had any DR. Of those with DR, 142 (20.8%) had minimal/mild DR and 57 (8.4%) had moderate or worse DR at baseline. At the follow-up visit, 40 (5.9%) participants had incident CI based on AMT. In multivariate analysis compared with participants without DR, those with any DR had more than twofold increased odds of incident CI (OR (95% CI): 2.32 (1.07 to 5.03)). Participants with moderate or worse DR had threefold increased odds of developing CI (3.41 (1.06 to 11.00)), compared with those with no DR.

Conclusions

DR, particularly at the more severe stages, is associated with increased risk of developing CI, independent of vision and other risk factors.