bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ceilinged Out: Gifted Preschoolers in Early Childhood Services
Authors: Wellisch Mimi
Published: May 2019

A relatively pervasive “silence” exists concerning giftedness in Australian preservice early childhood teacher courses. There is also a lack of research about educator attitudes to giftedness and programming in Australian early childhood services. This study, consisting of a survey and interviews, is intended to help to fill the research gap. A total of 184 early childhood educators were surveyed in relation to their knowledge and attitudes about giftedness, and 10 of those respondents were also interviewed. A purposive sample of eight parents whose gifted preschoolers had been recommended for early entry by a psychologist were also interviewed. Findings indicate that early childhood educators are at a loss in relation to gifted children’s intellectual, social, and emotional needs that are neither understood nor met according to their parents. Compulsory preservice coursework about giftedness is recommended.
Experimental and numerical impact models of protection fences
Authors: Tran Le Hoang Trung , Masuya Hiroshi , Nishita Yoichi , Ishii Taichi
Published: May 2019

The essential requirements for the protection of structures in mountainous areas against rockfalls have led to the development of various types of protection fences. Herein, we conducted impact tests on the protection fence by changing the heights of its posts and collision positions to evaluate adequately and precisely the absorbable capacity of the impact energy. In all experimental cases, the protection fence, which had a span of 5 m and posts with the heights of 2 and 3 m, exhibited an outstanding capacity for dissipating the impact energy of 50 kJ in accordance with a rational arrangement of energy absorbers, which caused the effective slipping of wire ropes. In addition, the simplest possible assumptions adopted in numerical simulations are presented clearly and in detail in terms of the choice of finite element shapes, constitutive laws, and contact conditions, so that the model of the numerical simulation can reproduce successfully the dynamic behavior of the protection fence. Furthermore, this numerical model can aid or replace the full-scale tests to attain an improved capacity for absorbing the energy of rockfall.
Met-Hemoglobin Is a Biomarker for Poor Oxygen Delivery in Infants Following Surgical Palliation
Authors: Swartz Michael F. , Makhija Pooja , Rubenstein Jeffrey , Henrichs Kelly F. , Powers Karen S. , Wang Hong Yue , Simon Bartholomew V. , Alfieris George M. , Blumberg Neil , Cholette Jill M.
Published: May 2019

Background:

Infants with cyanotic congenital heart disease demonstrate wide fluctuations in hemoglobin (Hb), oxygen saturation, and cardiac output following palliation. Methemoglobin (Met-Hb), the product of Hb oxidation, may represent a compensatory mechanism during hypoxia and may be utilized as a biomarker.

Methods:

Arterial and venous Met-Hb levels were obtained from infants requiring palliation. The primary outcome was to describe the relationship between Met-Hb and other indices of tissue oxygenation (venous saturation, estimated arteriovenous oxygen difference [Est AV-Diff], and lactate). Secondary outcomes were to determine the impact of elevated Met-Hb levels ≥1.0% and the effect of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion on Met-Hb levels.

Results:

Fifty infants and 465 Met-Hb values were studied. Venous Met-Hb levels were significantly higher than arterial levels (venous: 0.84% ± 0.36% vs arterial: 0.45% ± 0.18%; P < .001). Venous Met-Hb demonstrated a significant inverse relationship with venous oxygen saturation ( R = −0.6; P < .001) and Hb ( R = −0.3, P < .001) and a direct relationship with the Est AV-Diff ( R = 0.3, P < .001). A total of 129 (29.6%) venous Met-Hb values were elevated (≥1.0%) and were associated with significantly lower Hb and venous saturation levels and higher Est AV-Diff and lactate levels. Methemoglobin levels decreased significantly following 65 RBC transfusions (0.94 ± 0.40 vs 0.77 ± 0.34; P < .001). Linear mixed models demonstrated that higher venous Met-Hb levels were associated with lower measures of tissue oxygenation and not related to any preoperative clinical differences.

Conclusion:

Methemoglobin may be a clinically useful marker of tissue oxygenation in infants following surgical palliation.
Tenofovir and Severe Symptomatic Hypophosphatemia
Authors: Kichloo Asim , Chugh Savneek Singh , Gupta Sanjeev , Panday Jay , Goldar Ghazaleh
Published: May 2019

Tenofovir is a broadly used drug used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although the initial results of the clinical trials supported the renal safety of Tenofovir, clinical use of it has caused a low, albeit a significant, risk of renal damage either in the form of AKI or CKD. The pathophysiology has been linked to the effect of this medication on the proximal tubular cell. Although the exact mechanism is unknown, studies have suggested that Tenofovir accumulates in proximal tubular cells which are rich in mitochondria. It is both filtered in the glomerulus and actively secreted in the tubules for elimination and is excreted unchanged in the urine. Studies have shown an active transportation of 20-30% of this drug into the renal proximal tubule (PCT) cells via the organic anion transporters in the baso-lateral membrane (primarily hOAT1, and OAT3 to a lesser extent) and ultimate excretion of the drug into the tubular lumen via the transporters in the proximal tubular apical membrane MRP4 and MRP2 (multidrug resistance-associated proteins 2 & 4). Subsequently, the mitochondrial injury caused by Tenofovir can lead to the development of Fanconi’s syndrome which causes renal tubular acidosis, phosphaturia, aminoaciduria, glucosuria with normoglycemia, and tubular proteinuria. Here we present a case where Tenofovir treatment resulted in severe hypophosphatemia requiring hospitalization for parentral phosphate repletion.
Comparison of the use of a laximeter and a triaxial accelerometer for Anterolateral ligament injury diagnosis in ACL deficient knee
Authors: Neri Thomas , Lamotte Antoine , Bonanzinga Tommaso , Farizon Frederic , Philippot Remi
Published: May 2019

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to compare the use of a laximeter and a triaxial accelerometer, for Anterolateral ligament injury diagnosis of in ACL deficient knee. We hypothesized that a triaxial accelerometer was more effective than a laximeter.

Methods:

A total of 11 cadaver knees were studied according to a new conservative dissection protocol without damage to the lateral structures. A GnRB® laximeter (Genourob, France) was used to determine anterior tibial translation (AP) of the tibia. Simultaneously, a KiRA® triaxial accelerometer (Kinetic Rapid Assessment) (OrthoKey, Italy) was used to determine two parameters: the AP translation and the Pivot Shift (PS). For each knee, 5 conditions were successively applied: intact knee (intact), knee with ALL (ALLsec) isolated section, knee with ALL and ACL section (ALL + ACLsec).

Results:

For the laximeter, the ACL and ALL sections led to a significant AP translation increase: + 2.1 mm for the ACL section, and + 0.9 mm for the ALL section. This difference was significant regardless of the level of force applied (p <0.05). For the triaxial accelerometer, the ACL and the ALL sections led to a significant AP translation increase: + 2.8 mm for ACL, and + 1.5 mm for ALL section. In contrast, for the PS, the increase was more consistent. There was a multiplier factor between the ACLsec condition and the ACL + ALLsec condition comparable to that between the intact condition and the ACLsec condition (P> 0.05).

Conclusion:

Whatever the device, the AP translation difference induced by the ALL injury, of the order of mm, remains too small to make the diagnosis of an ALL injury. The evaluation of the AP translation is therefore not a relevant to diagnostic an ALL injury. With greater increase, the evaluation of the rotatory laxity, through the PS test, is more relevant. In current practice, there is no clinical interest to use a laximeter or accelerometer on AP translation assessment to diagnosis an ALL injury in a deficient ACL knee. On the other hand, the use of a triaxial accelerometer to quantify the lateral tibial plateau acceleration in the pivot shift test appears to be relevant for detecting an ALL injury on a deficient ACL knee. These findings help provide clinical guidelines for more effective objective measures to diagnose ALL injury, and determine the most effective management for each patient.
Evaluation of matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation in combination with high tibial osteotomy: A prospective study
Authors: Parker David A , Giuffre Bruno , Macpherson Gavin , Coolican Myles RJ , Neri Thomas
Published: May 2019

Objectives:

Matrix Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI) has been reported to be an effective treatment for symptomatic cartilage defects with many studies finding improvements in pain and function. MACI in combination with HTO in the surgical management of varus malalignment with knee medial compartment cartilage loss improves clinical and MRI results beyond HTO alone.

Methods:

Twenty nine patients (n=31 knees) fulfilling HTO surgery inclusion criteria were prospectively enrolled and analysed in two groups: MACI+HTO (n=14); HTO-only (n=17). After a 12-months follow-up period, clinical scores (IKDC, KOOS and WOMAC) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) assessment were analysed. MRI was firstly performed to evaluate the semi-quantitative Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score. Delayed Gadolinium Enhanced MRI of cartilage (dGEMRIC) protocol measuring T1Gd relaxation times was then use to assess the regenerated cartilage quality.

Results:

While significant improvement in clinical scores was found in both groups, the MACI+HTO group only demonstrated greater improvement in the symptoms sub-scale of KOOS (p<0.05) compared to the HTO-only group (p=0.016). The mean MOCART scores of the MACI+HTO patients was 34.6±14.8 [15-70] and a complete cartilage defect filling was confirmed in only 14.3% (n=2). Analysis of dGEMRIC images revealed no significant differences and a high between-subject variability in change of dGEMRIC indices across the follow-up period between groups.

Conclusion:

All knees, regardless of treatment, had significant clinical improvements at one-year post surgery. MACI may have additional clinical benefit in self-reported symptoms in the short term. Clinical improvements in patient scores are not explained by MRI findings that showed a poor structure of the repaired tissue in the majority of cases, and are most likely related solely to the HTO. Combined MACI+HTO had additional questionable clinical benefit in self-reported symptoms for patients with varus malalignment and knee medial compartment OA. For orthopaedic surgeons who may be contemplating this procedure, the additional cost and morbidities associated with the MACI graft is not justified.
Dynamic anterior shoulder stabilization using the long head of the biceps tendon: a biomechanical study: DAS: a biomechanical study
Authors: Mehl J. , Imhoff F. , Obopilwe E. , Dyrna F. , Lädermann A. , Collin P. , Arciero R.A. , Beitzel K. , Mazzocca A.
Published: May 2019

Objectives

A new concept of dynamic anterior shoulder stabilization (DAS) combining Bankart repair with the additional sling effect of the long head of the biceps (LHB) tendon to treat anterior glenohumeral instability has recently been introduced. The purpose of this study was to biomechanically investigate the stabilizing effect of the DAS technique in comparison to standard Bankart repair in different defect models.

Methods

Twenty-four fresh frozen cadaver shoulders (average ± SD: age 60.1 ± 8.6 years) were mounted in a shoulder-testing system allowing 6 degrees of freedom. According to cross sectional area ratios the rotator cuff muscles and the LHB tendon were loaded with 40 N and 10 N, respectively. Glenohumeral translation was tested in 60° abduction and 60° external rotation (ABER position) while forces of 20 N, 30 N and 40 N were applied. The translation was measured using a 3D-digitizer and the total translation and the relative translation in relation to the native starting position were determined. Maximal external and internal rotation after application of 1.5 Nm torque to the humerus were measured. All specimens went through for 4 different conditions (Intact, defect, isolated Bankart repair, DAS) and were randomized to 3 different defect groups (Isolated Bankart lesion; 10% anterior glenoid defect; 20% anterior glenoid defect).

Results

Both surgical techniques resulted in decreased anterior glenohumeral translation in comparison to the defect conditions in all defect groups. In comparison with isolated Bankart repair DAS showed significant less relative anterior translation in 10% glenoid defects (30 N: 2.6 ± 3.4 mm vs. 5.3 ± 4.2 mm; p=0.044) and in 20% glenoid defects (40 N: 2.1 ± 6.6 mm vs. 6.0 ± 5.7 mm; p=0.035). However, in 20% defects DAS led to a relevant posterior and inferior shift of the humeral head in ABER position and to a relevant increase of inferior glenohumeral translation. Both surgical techniques did not limit the rotational range of motion.

Conclusion

In the context of minor glenoid bone defects the DAS technique demonstrates superior results in comparison to isolated Bankart repair.
Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of interstitial supraspinatus lesions: A randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial: PRP for Interstitial Supraspinatus Lesions
Authors: Schwitzguebel Adrien J , Kolo Frank C. , Tirefort Jérome , Kourhani Abed , Nowak Alexandra , Gremeaux Vincent , Saffarini Mo , Lädermann Alexandre
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To determine whether platelet rich plasma (PRP) infiltrations are superior to saline solution infiltrations (placebo), when injected under ultrasound guidance within isolated interstitial supraspinatus tears, at improving healing, pain and function.

Methods

In this single-centre, double-blinded, randomized control trial, 84 adults, diagnosed with symptomatic isolated interstitial tears of the supraspinatus, confirmed by their magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) were randomized to PRP or saline injections. Each patient received 2 injections at 1 month interval. The primary outcome was the change in lesion volume calculated on MRA, at 7months. The secondary outcomes were improvements in shoulder pain and clinical scores at >12months.

Results

Pre-operative patient characteristics did not differ between the two groups. At 7 months, there were no significant differences between the PRP and control groups in terms of decrease in lesion size (-0.3±23.6mm3 vs -8.1±84.7mm3; p=0.18), reduction of pain on Visual Analogic Scale (2.3±3.0 vs 2±3.0; p=0.59), improvement of Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (16.7±20 vs 14.2±29.0; p=0.65), Constant score (8.6±13.0 vs 10.6±19.0; p=0.60), or American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (19.5±20.0 vs 21.9±28.0; p=0.67) scores. Adverse effects (frozen shoulders and extension of lesion to bursal or articular surface) were significantly more frequent in the PRP group compared to the control group (54% vs 26%, p=0.02).

Conclusion

PRP injections within interstitial supraspinatus tears did not improve tendon healing nor clinical scores compared to saline injections, and were associated with more adverse events. These findings confirm that PRP is of little benefit in the treatment of rotator cuff tears.
Electronic Health Records as Valuable Data Sources in the Health Care Quality Improvement Process
Authors: Wikström Katja , Toivakka Maija , Rautiainen Päivi , Tirkkonen Hilkka , Repo Teppo , Laatikainen Tiina
Published: May 2019

Background:

In North Karelia, Finland, the regional electronic health records (EHRs) enable flexible data retrieval and area-level analyses. The aim of this study was to assess the early detection of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in the region and to evaluate the performed activities in order to improve the processes between the years 2012 and 2017.

Methods:

Patients with T2D were identified from the EHRs using the ICD-10 codes registered during any visit to either primary or specialized care. The prevalence of T2D was calculated for the years 2012, 2015, and 2017 on the municipality level. The number of people found in the EHRs with diabetes was compared with the number found in the national register of medication reimbursement rights.

Results:

In 2012, the age-adjusted prevalence of T2D in North Karelia varied considerably between municipalities (5.5%-8.6%). These differences indicate variation in the processes of early diagnosis. The findings were discussed in the regional network of health professionals treating patients with T2D, resulting in sharing experiences and best practices. In 2017, the differences had notably diminished, and in most municipalities, the prevalence exceeded 8%. The regional differences in the prevalence and their downward trend were observed both in the EHRs and in the medication reimbursement rights register.

Conclusion:

Clear differences in the prevalence of T2D were detected between municipalities. After visualizing these differences and providing information for the professionals, the early detection of T2D improved and the regional differences decreased. The EHRs are a valuable data source for knowledge-based management and quality improvement.
Consequences of Lack of Neonatal Breastfeeding in Infants Hospitalized for Diarrhea at an Urban Hospital, Bangladesh: A Case Control Design
Authors: Shahid Abu S. M. S. B. , Ahmed Tahmeed , Kabir Senjuti , Huq K. A. T. M. Ehsanul , Shahunja K. M. , Faruque Abu Syeed Golam , Rahman Md Moshiur , Islam Md Munirul , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer
Published: May 2019

Background. Exclusive breastfeeding is important for immunity and lack of breastfeeding during the neonatal age impedes that. Our aim was to assess the consequences of lack of breastfeeding on infants with diarrhea in the neonatal period. Methods. In this design, infants from DDSS (Diarrheal Disease Surveillance System) from 2009 to 2013 were studied. Those who did not have breastfeeding or had cessation of breastfeeding at the neonatal age constituted the cases, whereas infants who continued breastfeeding since birth or for at least 6 months since birth constituted the controls. Results. The cases more often presented at a younger age, had an illiterate mother, frequently presented with complicated diarrhea, had severe wasting, and had abnormal mental status compared with the controls. In logistic regression, after adjusting for potential confounders, infants who lacked breastfeeding at the neonatal period had an independent association with dehydrating diarrhea. Conclusions. The results of our analyses suggest that infants with diarrhea who did not have breastfeeding at the neonatal age are prone to develop some or severe dehydration.
Factors Associated with Dental Root Caries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhang J. , Sardana D. , Wong M.C.M. , Leung K.C.M. , Lo E.C.M.
Published: May 2019

Objectives:

The objectives of this review were to identify the factors associated with root caries and to describe their relationship with the presence and extent of root caries.

Methods:

A search was carried out on the PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Scopus databases for articles published between January 1990 and October 2018. Information was extracted on the factors associated with the presence or extent of decayed or filled root surfaces and/or decayed root surfaces. Factors were sorted into 6 categories: social-demographic background, general health, health behaviors, fluoride exposure, oral health habits, and oral health condition.

Results:

The quality of the 127 identified relevant papers was assessed, and those of low methodological quality were excluded. Finally, 44 articles reporting on 40 cross-sectional studies were included. The total sample size comprised 78,183 participants from different countries around the world. Positive correlations were detected between root caries and age, gingival recession, and use of tobacco, while negative correlations were found for social position, use of fluoride toothpaste, and oral hygiene status. Mixed findings were reported for association with the number of teeth and dental visit behaviors.

Conclusion:

This systematic review found a number of factors in different categories to be associated with root caries. People who are older, of lower socioeconomic status, or tobacco users and those with more gingival recession and poorer oral hygiene have higher risk of root caries.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

This systematic review found a number of factors associated with root caries, including age, social position, exposure to fluoride, and oral hygiene status. This information helps dental public health workers and clinicians identify the groups at high risk of caries and the factors to act on for more effective prevention and management of root caries (e.g., use fluoride toothpaste and improve oral hygiene).
On coming into animal presence with photovoice
Authors: Margulies Jared D
Published: May 2019

Methodological advancement within more-than-human geography lags behind its theorization. As an intervention into the promise of visual methods for enlivening more-than-human geographies, I describe working with a photographic practice for exploring geographies of encounter between humans, the animals they care for, and wild animals. This is presented through discussing a collaborative project employing photovoice to explore wildlife conservation politics in a landscape where both humans and animals have the capacity to kill, and be killed, by one another. Through engaging with photographs and text produced over the course of six months by six individuals living in close proximity to Bandipur National Park in Karnataka, India, I explore entangled relations between humans and animals and the production of more-than-human hierarchies. I consider the potential of a visual method for practicing more-than-human geographies as an exploration of affective encounters. This paper contributes to on-going discussions and debates on decolonizing more-than-human geographies. More specifically, I suggest photovoice as one means by which more-than-human geographies can remain critically engaged with and speak out against enactments of injustice and violent legacies of colonialism that reach across species divides.
A pilot study examining Toronto-area family physician perspectives on thyroid neoplasm evaluation
Authors: Kundra Arjun , Goldstein David P. , Wintemute Kimberly , Ghai Sangeet , Tsang Richard W. , Gupta Karuna , Mutasingwa Donatus R. , Weissberger Jeff , Huszti Ella , Brown Patrick , Jiang Huan , Sawka Anna M.
Published: May 2019

Objective

The incidence of thyroid cancer (TC) is known to be very high in the Greater Toronto Area of Ontario, Canada. We performed a pilot survey study examining Toronto-area family physician (FP) perspectives on thyroid neoplasm evaluation (i.e. thyroid nodules [TNs] or thyroid cancer [TC]) in this region, to explore for potential factors leading to overdiagnosis.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional mail-out written survey of a random sample of 300 FPs in active practice in the Greater Toronto Area (Markham and Brampton).

Results

The overall response rate was 22.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 18.0, 27.4% (67/300); the effective response rate was 19.9, 95% CI 15.7, 24.9% (58/291), after excluding 6 FPs that reported TN evaluation was outside their scope of practice and three FPs with an invalid mailing address. There were no missing responses to questions. The demographic characteristics were as follows: 58.6% (34/58) from Markham, 55.2% (32/58) were female, 58.6% (34/58) were in practice > 10 years, and 32.8% (19/58) affiliated with a University. All FPs reported easy access to thyroid ultrasound (TUS). About half of FPs were concerned about overdiagnosis of TC and most did not believe that there was any TC survival advantage with routine screening TUS. Although appropriate indications for TUS were endorsed by most respondents (e.g. palpable TN, incidental TN on other imaging), inappropriate recommendations were observed in a third of FPs (19/57) who recommended TUS for abnormal thyroid blood tests about half of FPs (30/56) who endorsed biopsy of sub-centimeter nodules. About half of FPs (31/58) reported that their patients sometimes request medically unnecessary TUS.

Conclusion

There are likely multiple complex factors leading to potential overdiagnosis of TC in primary care, including some physicians’ knowledge gaps about appropriate indications for TN investigations as well as patients’ requests and expectations.
A Controlled Evaluation of Lithium in the Premenstrual Tension Syndrome
Authors: Singer K. , Cheng R. , Schou M.
Published: May 2019

Good results with the use of lithium salts in the premenstrual tension syndrome have been reported (Sletten and Gershon, 1966); these observations await confirmation. The value of lithium is suggested by its known capacity to affect water and electrolyte balance implicated in the pathophysiology of the syndrome, and by its efficacy in psychiatric disorders characterized by periodicity. We therefore undertook a controlled study on the efficacy of lithium in the syndrome.
Mental Disorder and Season of Birth: A National Sample Compared with the General Population
Authors: Hare Edward , Price John S. , Slater Eliot
Published: May 2019

Where preventable causes of a disorder are unknown, the epidemiologist will be concerned to search for an association between an environmental factor and some attribute of the disorder, commonly its incidence. In choosing what environmental factors to study, the epidemiologist will be attracted, firstly to those which on current hypotheses seem likely to have a causal role, and secondly to those for which the necessary data are easily collected. No doubt it is for the second of these reasons that studies have been made on the relation between schizophrenia and season of birth: the date of birth of a patient is rarely unknown, and the information, which may be accepted as being accurate in the great majority of instances, is routinely recorded in the case notes of most hospitals and clinics. All that the investigator has to do (it would seem) is to count the numbers of patients born in the different seasons of the year and compare these with the numbers to be expected from the season-of-birth distribution of the general population.
Creatine Phosphokinase and Psychiatric Illness
Authors: Cunningham Lynn A. , Rich Charles L. , Woodruff Robert A. , Olney John W.
Published: May 2019

Since Schiavone and Kaldor (16) reported the incidental finding of increased creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) in patients with schizophrenia a number of studies of the enzyme have appeared in the literature. Bengzonet al. (2), reported among a group of 30 schizophrenics, CPK elevations, which returned to normal during the course of treatment with phenothiazines. These authors investigated a second group of 60 untreated patients who were ‘acutely psychotic’ and found abnormally high CPK levels in half of them. However no mention was made of diagnostic criteria, nor of attempts to control for extraneous circumstances known to elevate the enzyme.
The mental health professional at the feet of the Ebola virus: individual treatment and global mental challenges
Authors: Cénat Jude Mary , Balayulu-Makila Oléa , Derivois Daniel , Felix Nereah , Mukunzi Joana N. , Bukaka Jacqueline , Birangui Jean-Pierre , Rousseau Cécile
Published: May 2019

Mental health professionals form an important component of the response teams currently working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to treat what is historically the second-largest Ebola outbreak. They provide psychological treatment to patients under extraordinary conditions, helping them cope with anxiety and the daily death of other patients.

Declaration of interest

None.
Comparison of Provided and Elicited Grid Content in the Grid Test of Schizophrenic Thought Disorder
Authors: McFadyen M. , Foulds G. A.
Published: May 2019

Within a framework of Kelly's Personal Construct Theory (Kelly, 1955; Bannister, 1962a), Bannister (1960, 1962b) considers thought-process disorder (formal thought disorder) to be a loosening of the associations between the constructs of the patient's conceptual system, and an instability over time of whatever pattern of association remains. The disorder appears to be maximal in that construct subsystem which subsumes discriminations relating to psychological attributes (Bannister and Salmon, 1966; McPherson and Buckley, 1970).
Synthesis of Phosphaphenalenium Salts via P–C Reductive Elimination at a Ru(II) Center and Their Fluorescence Properties
Authors: Kato Takahiro , Kuwabara Takuya , Minami Yasunori , Hiyama Tamejiro , Ishii Youichi
Published: May 2019

Rare examples of P–C reductive elimination at a Ru(II) center to form phosphonium salts have been developed. A five-membered phospharuthenacycle derived from P(1-Naph)Ph2 and [(η6-C6Me6)RuCl2]2 is converted to η4-phosphaphenalenium complexes [(η6-C6Me6)Ru(η4-phosphaphenalenium)][BArF4] via alkyne insertion followed by P–C reductive elimination. This reaction sequence including P–C reductive elimination is applicable to various dialkyl and diarylalkynes, although the η4-phosphaphenalenium complexes with electron-rich aryl groups are not stable enough to be isolated. The reaction of the η4-phosphaphenalenium complexes with I2, CO or CuCl2 resulted in the liberation of the phosphaphenalenium salts. In contrast to the highly distorted phosphacycle in the Ru complex, the phosphaphenalenium cations have nearly planar π-conjugated structure, and their BArF4 salts display green to yellow and blue to green fluorescence in solution and in the solid state, respectively, depending on the substituents on the phenalene skeleton. Because of the cationic character of the phosphacycle as well as their large counteranion, π–π stacking of the phosphacycles in the crystalline state is effectively suppressed, leading to emission with shorter wavelength in the solid state than in solution. Electronic structures of phosphaphenalenium ions as well as effects of substituents were investigated by TD-DFT calculations.
Financing Agriculture in Nigeria through Agricultural Extension Services of Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs)
Authors: Inegbedion Henry , Obadiaru Eseosa , Obasaju Barnabas , Asaleye Abiola , Lawal Adedoyin
Published: May 2019

The ADPs were designed in response to a fall in agricultural productivity and hence a concern to sustain domestic food supplies. The study examined “Financing Agriculture in Nigeria through Agricultural Extension Services of Agricultural Development Programmes.” It sought to ascertain the extent to which agricultural extension services of the agricultural development programmes have impacted the financing of agriculture in six selected local government areas in Edo South senatorial district, Nigeria using a sample of 120 respondents. Stratified random sampling was used to select the respondents. Interview schedule served as the research instrument. The research data were analyzed using t-test and Pearson correlation, which served as the inferential statistics. The research findings showed that the extension services of ADP have impacted significantly on crop development in the selected communities but have not had significant impact on employment creation and the development of infrastructural facilities. The study also revealed that there was no significant difference between the implementation of the projects in the selected communities, as revealed by the correlation test. On the basis of the research findings, the need for a complete redesign of the project to ensure that it achieves its stated goals as well as ensure proper monitoring of its implementation were suggested, among others.
Comparative study of in vitro antimicrobial potential and phytochemicals of some medical plants
Authors: Nwonuma Charles O. , Adelani-Akande Tabitha A. , Osemwegie Omorefosa O. , Olaniran Abiola F. , Adeyemo Toluwani A.
Published: May 2019

Background: Plants in traditional healthcare services in West Africa were selected based on ethnobotanical data for this study. Aqueous and ethanol extracts from these plants’ parts were comparatively screened for phytochemicals and in vitro antimicrobial activity.

Methods: The antimicrobial activity of five medicinal plants’ extracts (aqueous and ethanol) were evaluated against Proteus mirabilis (LHC201), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (LHC181) and Aspergillus fumigates (LUML56) using the agar-well diffusion protocol. Retailed chloramphenicol and griseofulvin were used as positive controls respectively. Phytochemicals and percentage yield were determined by modified standard methods.

Results: The target bacteria showed varied degrees of susceptibility to both aqueous and ethanol extracts. A. fumigates was insensitive to the treatments. The ethanol extracts of the sampled plants’ parts showed better inhibitory performance against the target bacteria compared to aqueous extracts. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of Aframomum melegueta, Moringa oleifera and Cola nitida showed marginal difference in inhibitory activity with higher inhibition zones observed for the ethanol extracts of A. melegueta seed and M. oleifera pod against the target bacteria. Phytochemicals composition and density observed in extractants and plants’ parts also varied. Phenols were detected in both the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C. nitida and C. acuminata, but appeared relatively richer in extracts of A. melegueta seeds and C. albidium fruits. C. nitida, C. acuminate and A. melegueta extracts were positive for flavonoids which were undetected in C. albidium fruits, M. oleifera seeds and pod extracts. No single extract had all the phytochemicals assayed.

Conclusions: Screened extracts of medicinal plants’ parts used for this study showed promise antibacterial and resource for developing safer pharmaceutics. Optimization of the antibacterial potential of the extracts for commercial exploitation requires further studies. This study has provided information on the antibacterial property of C. albidum fruits which was hitherto underutilized for traditional medicine purpose.
Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment: Impact on the Physicochemical and Thermal Properties of Pyridoxine HCl
Authors: Nayak Gopal , Trivedi Mahendra Kumar , Branton Alice , Trivedi Dahryn , Jana Snehasis
Published: May 2019

Pyridoxine HCl plays an important role in the human body as a coenzyme in the synthesis process of amino acids and neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, aminolevulinic acid, sphingolipids, etc. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment on the various physicochemical and thermal properties of pyridoxine HCl using various analytical techniques such. The study plan involved dividing the pyridoxine HCl sample into two parts, in which, the first part was not given any treatment (control sample), while the second part was provided the Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Gopal Nayak and named as the Biofield Energy Treated pyridoxine. The particle size values of the treated pyridoxine was altered by -19.51% (d10), -11.92% (d50), 2.46% (d90), and -2.44% {D(4,3)}; whereas, the surface area was significantly increased by 18.92%, compared to the control sample. The powder X-ray diffraction data showed the remarkable increase in the peak intensities and crystallite sizes of the treated pyridoxine in the range from 8.81% to 21.57% and 9.64% to 17.85%, respectively compared to the control sample. Moreover, the treated pyridoxine also showed an increase in the average crystallite size by 13.69%, compared to the control sample. The total weight loss of the treated pyridoxine was significantly reduced by 13.35% during the thermal degradation; however, the residue weight was increased by 29.48% after degradation, in comparison to the control sample. The maximum thermal degradation temperature of the treated pyridoxine corresponding to 1st and 2nd peak was altered by 4.37% and 2.24%, respectively than the control sample. The latent heat of fusion of the treated pyridoxine was significantly increased by 5.89% compared to the control sample. Hence, it was assumed that the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment might form a new polymorph of pyridoxine HCl that might be helpful in designing more efficacious pharmaceutical/nutraceutical product due to its better solubility, absorption, bioavailability, and thermal stability than the untreated sample.
3D nanofabrication using controlled-acceleration-voltage electron beam lithography with nanoimprinting technology
Authors: Unno Noriyuki , Taniguchi Jun
Published: May 2019

Nanostructures have unique characteristics, such as large specific surface areas, that provide a wide range of engineering applications, such as electronics, optics, biotics, and thermal and fluid dynamics. They can be used to downsize many engineering products; therefore, new nanofabrication techniques are strongly needed to meet this demand. A simple fabrication process with high throughput is necessary for low-cost nanostructures. In recent years, three-dimensional (3D) nanostructures have attracted much attention because they dramatically opened up new fields for applications. However, conventional techniques for fabricating 3D nanostructures contain many complex processes, such as multiple patterning lithography, metal deposition, lift-off, etching, and chemical-mechanical polishing. This paper focuses on controlled-acceleration-voltage electron beam lithography (CAV-EBL), which can fabricate 3D nanostructures in one shot. The applications of 3D nanostructures are introduced, and the conventional 3D patterning technique is compared with CAV-EBL and various 3D patterning techniques using CAV-EBL with nanoimprinting technology. Finally, the outlook for next-generation devices that can be fabricated by CAV-EBL is presented.
On the Relationship between Primal/Dual Cell Complexes of the Cell Method and Primal/Dual Vector Spaces: an Application to the Cantilever Elastic Beam with Elastic Inclusion
Authors: Ferretti Elena
Published: May 2019

The Cell Method (CM) is an algebraic numerical method based on the use of global variables: the configuration, source and energetic global variables. The configuration variables with their topological equations, on the one hand, and the source variables with their topological equations, on the other hand, define two vector spaces that are a bialgebra and its dual algebra. The operators of these topological equations are generated by the outer product of the geometric algebra, for the primal vector space, and by the dual product of the dual algebra, for the dual vector space. The topological equations in the primal cell complex are coboundary processes on even exterior discrete p−forms, whereas the topological equations in the dual cell complex are coboundary processes on odd exterior discrete p−forms. Being expressed by coboundary processes in two different vector spaces, compatibility and equilibrium can be enforced at the same time, with compatibility enforced on the primal cell complex and equilibrium enforced on the dual cell complex. By way of example, in the present paper compatibility and equilibrium are enforced on a cantilever elastic beam with elastic inclusion. In effect, the CM shows its maximum potentialities right in domains made of several materials, as, being an algebraic approach, can treat any kind of discontinuities of the domain easily.
Dynamic and Sound Radiation Characteristics of Rectangular Thin Plates with General Boundary Conditions
Authors: Du Yuan , Li Haichao , Gong Qingtao , Pang Fuzhen , Sun Liping
Published: May 2019

Based on the classical Kirchhoff hypothesis, the dynamic response and sound radiation of rectangular thin plates with general boundary conditions are studied. The transverse displacements of plate are represented by a double Fourier cosine series and three supplementary functions. The potential discontinuity associated with the original governing equation can be transferred to auxiliary series functions. All kinds of boundary conditions can be easily achieved by varying stiffness value of springs on each edge. The natural frequencies and vibration response of the plates are obtained by means of the Rayleigh–Ritz method. Sound radiation characteristics of the plate are derived using Rayleigh integral formula. Current method works well when handling dynamic response and sound radiation of plates with general boundary conditions. The accuracy and reliability of current method are confirmed by comparing with related literature and FEM. The non-dimensional frequency parameters of the rectangular plates with different boundary conditions and aspect ratios are presented in the paper, which may be useful for future researchers.Meanwhile, some interesting points are foundwhen analyzing acoustic radiation characteristics of plates.
AngularQA: Protein Model Quality Assessment with LSTM Networks
Authors: Conover Matthew , Staples Max , Si Dong , Sun Miao , Cao Renzhi
Published: May 2019

Quality Assessment (QA) plays an important role in protein structure prediction. Traditional multimodel QA method usually suffer from searching databases or comparing with other models for making predictions, which usually fail when the poor quality models dominate the model pool. We propose a novel protein single-model QA method which is built on a new representation that converts raw atom information into a series of carbon-alpha (Cα) atoms with side-chain information, defined by their dihedral angles and bond lengths to the prior residue. An LSTM network is used to predict the quality by treating each amino acid as a time-step and consider the final value returned by the LSTM cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time anyone has attempted to use an LSTM model on the QA problem; furthermore, we use a new representation which has not been studied for QA. In addition to angles, we make use of sequence properties like secondary structure parsed from protein structure at each time-step without using any database, which is different than all existed QA methods. Our model achieves an overall correlation of 0.651 on the CASP12 testing dataset. Our experiment points out new directions for QA problem and our method could be widely used for protein structure prediction problem. The software is freely available at GitHub: https://github.com/caorenzhi/AngularQA
Regulatory sciences and translational pharmacogenetics: amitriptyline as a case in point
Authors: Mifsud Buhagiar Luana , Micallef Benjamin , Borg John Joseph , Vella Helen , Serracino Inglott Anthony , LaFerla Godfrey
Published: May 2019

Regulatory developments and clinical implementation, or the lack thereof, are primary clinchers, in the enduring endeavors to realize the translational quality of pharmacogenetics. Here, we present the case of amitriptyline, an established drug with pharmacogenetic implications. The integration of pharmacogenetic information in the official product literature and throughout the evaluation of safety concerns is considered. In our opinion, apart from emboldening genomic research in drug development and the valid pursuit towards global harmonization in the field, it is rational to look into the applicability of the data we have today.
Synthesis of pyrazolopyridine and pyrazoloquinoline derivatives by one-pot, three-component reactions of arylglyoxals, 3-methyl-1-aryl-1H-pyrazol-5-amines and cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds in the presence of tetrapropylammonium bromide
Authors: Marjani Ahmad Poursattar , Khalafy Jabbar , Akbarzadeh Somayeh
Published: May 2019

Pyrazolopyridine and pyrazoloquinoline derivatives were obtained by a one-pot, three-component reaction of arylglyoxals, 3-methyl-1-aryl-1H-pyrazol-5-amines and cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds in the presence of tetrapropylammonium bromide at 80°C in water through Knoevenagel and Micheal reactions, followed by intramolecular condensation, unexpected dearoylation and oxidation. Mild reaction conditions, high yields, simplicity of work up procedure, starting materials availability and clean product formation are some of the main advantages of this synthetic strategy.
Sleeping beauties in materials science: unlocking the value of xylarium specimens in the search for timbers of the future
Authors: Deklerck Victor , De Mil Tom , Kondjo Patrick , Beeckman Hans , Van Acker Joris , Van den Bulcke Jan
Published: May 2019

Wood ranks among the most valued resources in construction, for joinery and furniture. Rather than increasing the pressure on a limited number of species, we need to move towards a fit for purpose approach where the basis for selection of a material is a solid knowledge of its relevant properties. Therefore, knowledge about wood technological characteristics of a vast range of wood species is needed. Here, we exploit the potential of xylarium samples by mapping wood density and dimensional stability, using digital image correlation (DIC) on non-standardised samples, of 53 different tropical wood species from the Congo Basin. Furthermore, we attempt to link the results with quantitative anatomical features of the different species tested. DIC proved successful compared to standard calliper measurements on reference samples (R2-radial = 0.94, R2-tangential = 0.96). Vessel properties play a larger role towards explaining dimensional stability compared to wood density. Fibre wall thickness is positively related to wood density and volumetric swelling. We are able to differentiate between species and sample groups with similar behaviour, partially explained by their anatomical structure. Selecting species based on the required properties for the targeted end use as such can unlock the potential of currently unknown species.
First things first: The pragmatics of “natural order”
Authors: Horn Laurence
Published: May 2019

Classical rhetoricians dating back to Aristotle sought to define the principles of natural order that determine priority in sequences, especially in linguistic representations. Among the principles with the widest predictive power for the ancients and their modern heirs are those stating that A can be prior to B “with respect to temporal order”, that A can be prior to B with respect to what is “known or less informative” than what comes later, and that A can be prior to B with respect to what is “better” or “more worthy”. But when and how do these ordering principles influence the form of linguistic sequences, and how are conflicts between the principles resolved? What determines the priority between the principles of priority? What makes “natural order” natural? Drawing on over two millennia of scholarship, we explore the pragmatic motivation for the primary ordering principles, and in particular for those affecting the order of logically symmetric but rhetorically asymmetric conjunctions.