bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Analysis and Optimization on Piezoelectric Properties of 0–3 Type Piezoelectric Cement-Based Materials with Interdigitated Electrodes
Authors: Luo Jianlin , You Chenglin , Zhang Shuai , Chung Kwok , Li Qiuyi , Hou Dongshuai , Zhang Chunwei
Published: March 2017

The health conditions of complicated concrete structures require intrinsic cement-based sensors with a fast sensing response and high accuracy. In this paper, static, modal, harmonic, and transient dynamic analyses for the 0–3 type piezoelectric cement-based material with interdigitated electrodes (IEPCM) wafer were investigated using the ANSYS finite element numerical approach. Optimal design of the IEPCM was further implemented with electrode distance (P), electrode width (W), and wafer density (H) as the main parameters. Analysis results show that the maximum stress and strain in the x-polarization direction of the IEPCM are 2.6 and 3.19 times higher than that in the y-direction, respectively; there exists no repetition frequency phenomenon for the IEPCM. These indicate 0–3 type IEPCM possesses good orthotropic features, and lateral driving capacity notwithstanding, a hysteresis effect exists. Allowing for the wafer width (Wp) of 1 mm, the optimal design of the IEPCM wafer arrives at the best physical values of H, W and P are 6.2, 0.73 and 1.02 mm respectively, whereas the corresponding optimal volume is 10.9 mm3.
Electrochemical Immunosensor for Detection of IgY in Food and Food Supplements
Authors: Gaetani Chiara , Ambrosi Emmanuele , Ugo Paolo , Moretto Ligia
Published: March 2017

Immunoglobulin Y is a water-soluble protein present in high concentration in hen serum and egg yolk. IgY has applications in many fields, e.g., from food stuff to the mass production of antibodies. In this work, we have implemented an electrochemical immunosensor for IgY based on templated nanoelectrodes ensembles. IgY is captured by the templating polycarbonate and reacted with anti-IgY labeled with horseradish peroxidase. In the presence of H2O2 and methylene blue as the redox mediator, an electrocatalytic current is generated which scales with IgY concentration in the sample. After optimizing the extracting procedure, the immunosensor was applied for analysis of fresh eggs and food integrators. The data obtained with the biosensor were validated by SDS-PAGE and Western blot measurements.
Long Term Spatiotemporal Variability in Rainfall Trends over the State of Jharkhand, India
Authors: Sharma Shonam , Singh Prasoon
Published: March 2017

The current study was conducted to examine the impact of climate change on rainfall in Jharkhand state of India. It deals with the analysis of the historical spatiotemporal variability of rainfall on the annual, seasonal and monthly scale in 18 districts of the state Jharkhand over a period of 102 years (1901–2002). Mann-Kendall trend test and Sen’s slope method were applied to detect trends and the magnitude of change over the time period of 102 years (1901–2002). Mann Whitney Pettit’s method and Cumulative deviations test were applied for detection of shift point in the series. The results obtained year 1951 to be the most probable shift point in annual rainfall. The trend analysis along with the percent change for the data series before (1901–1951) and after the shift point (1952–2002) was also done. A significant downward rainfall trend was found in annual, monsoon and winter rainfall over the period of 102 years. The maximum decrease was found for the Godda (19.77%) and minimum at Purbi Singhbum station (1.95%). Trend analysis before shift point, i.e., during 1901–1951 showed an upward trend in annual rainfall and after shift point (1952–2002) a downward trend. The trend analysis for entire Jharkhand demonstrated a significant downward trend in annual and monsoon rainfall with a decrease of 14.11% and 15.65% respectively. A downward trend in seasonal rainfall will have a more pronounced effect on agricultural activities in the area as it may affect the growth phase of the kharif crops (May–October) in the region.
On the Complexity Reduction of Coding WSS Vector Processes by Using a Sequence of Block Circulant Matrices
Authors: Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez Jesús , Zárraga-Rodríguez Marta , Insausti Xabier , Hogstad Bjørn
Published: March 2017

In the present paper, we obtain a result on the rate-distortion function (RDF) of wide sense stationary (WSS) vector processes that allows us to reduce the complexity of coding those processes. To achieve this result, we propose a sequence of block circulant matrices. In addition, we use the proposed sequence to reduce the complexity of filtering WSS vector processes.
In Situ Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Study of the Electrocatalytic Effect of PtFe/C Nanocatalyst on Ethanol Electro-Oxidation in Alkaline Medium
Authors: Gómez-Monsiváis A. , Velázquez-Hernández I. , Álvarez-Contreras L. , Guerra-Balcázar M. , Arriaga L. , Arjona N. , Ledesma-García J.
Published: March 2017

Currently, the ethanol electro-oxidation reaction has attracted considerable attention in fuel cells because of new green ethanol synthetic methods based on biomass processes that have emerged. In this study, PtFe/C and Pt/C nanoparticles were synthesized by a chemical reduction method and tested in the ethanol electro-oxidation reaction. Furthermore, the electrocatalytic effect of the PtFe bimetallic catalyst was analyzed by in situ surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) coupled to an electrochemical cell. X-ray diffractograms showed typical face-centered cubic structures with crystallite sizes of 3.31 and 3.94 for Pt/C and PtFe/C, respectively. TEM micrographs revealed nanoparticle sizes of 2 ± 0.4 nm and 3 ± 0.6 nm for Pt/C and PtFe/C respectively. PtFe/C exhibited a Pt90Fe10 composition by both X-ray fluorescence and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. A better electrocatalytic activity as function of concentration was obtained through the incorporation of a small amount of Fe into the Pt lattice and the presence of Fe2+/Fe3+ (observed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy). According to SERS experiments, the presence of these iron species promotes the chemisorption of ethanol, the formation of formic acid as main product and renewal of the catalytic sites, resulting in current densities that were at least three fold higher than the values obtained for the Pt/C nanocatalyst.
On Long-Term Transmission Rights in the Nordic Electricity Markets
Authors: Spodniak Petr , Collan Mikael , Makkonen Mari
Published: March 2017

In vein with the new energy market rules drafted in the EU this paper presents and discusses two contract types for hedging the risks connected to long-term transmission rights, the financial transmission right (FTR) and the electricity price area differentials (EPAD) that are used in the Nordic electricity markets. The possibility to replicate the FTR contracts with a combination of EPAD contracts is presented and discussed. Based on historical evidence and empirical analysis of ten Nordic interconnectors and twenty bidding areas, we investigate the pricing accuracy of the replicated FTR contracts by quantifying ex-post forward risk premia. The results show that the majority of the studied FTR contain a negative risk premium, especially the monthly and the quarterly contracts. Reverse flow (unnatural) pricing was identified for two interconnectors. From a theoretical policy point of view the results imply that it may be possible to continue with the EPAD-based system by using EPAD Combos in the Nordic countries, even if FTR contracts would prevail elsewhere in the EU. In practice the pricing of bi-directional EPAD contracts is more complex and may not always be very efficient. The efficiency of the EPAD market structure should be discussed from various points of view before accepting their status quo as a replacement for FTRs in the Nordic electricity markets.
A Quasi-Mechanistic Mathematical Representation for Blood Viscosity
Authors: Hund Samuel , Kameneva Marina , Antaki James
Published: March 2017

Blood viscosity is a crucial element for any computation of flow fields in the vasculature or blood-wetted devices. Although blood is comprised of multiple elements, and its viscosity can vary widely depending on several factors, in practical applications, it is commonly assumed to be a homogeneous, Newtonian fluid with a nominal viscosity typically of 3.5 cP. Two quasi-mechanistic models for viscosity are presented here, built on the foundation of the Krieger model of suspensions, in which dependencies on shear rate, hematocrit, and plasma protein concentrations are explicitly represented. A 3-parameter Asymptotic Krieger model (AKM) exhibited excellent agreement with published Couette experiments over four decades of shear rate (0–1000 s-1, root mean square (RMS) error = 0.21 cP). A 5-parameter Modified Krieger Model (MKM5) also demonstrated a very good fit to the data (RMS error = 1.74 cP). These models avoid discontinuities exhibited by previous models with respect to hematocrit and shear rate. In summary, the quasi-mechanistic, Modified-Krieger Model presented here offers a reasonable compromise in complexity to provide flexibility to account for several factors that affect viscosity in practical applications, while assuring accuracy and stability.
The Role of the Transcriptional Response to DNA Replication Stress
Authors: Herlihy Anna , De Bruin Robertus
Published: March 2017

During DNA replication many factors can result in DNA replication stress. The DNA replication stress checkpoint prevents the accumulation of replication stress-induced DNA damage and the potential ensuing genome instability. A critical role for post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, in the replication stress checkpoint response has been well established. However, recent work has revealed an important role for transcription in the cellular response to DNA replication stress. In this review, we will provide an overview of current knowledge of the cellular response to DNA replication stress with a specific focus on the DNA replication stress checkpoint transcriptional response and its role in the prevention of replication stress-induced DNA damage.
Response of Gene Expression and Alternative Splicing to Distinct Growth Environments in Tomato
Authors: Wang Guixiang , Weng Lin , Li Meng , Xiao Han
Published: March 2017

Phenotypic plasticity is the phenomenon that one particular genotype produces different phenotypes under different environmental conditions, but its underlying molecular and genetic mechanisms are poorly understood. Plastic traits may be under the control of genes whose expression is modulated by environmental cues. In this study, we investigated phenotypic plasticity in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and its ancestral species S. pimpinellifolium by comparing the global gene expression of young seedlings grown under two distinct growth conditions. Our results show that more than 7000 genes exhibited differential expression in response to environmental changes from phytotron to a plastic greenhouse, and 98 environmentally sensitive genes displayed the same patterns of expression response across the two tomato species. We also found that growth conditions had a remarkable impact on transcriptome complexity, attributable to alternative splicing (AS), in which 665 splice variants showed differential expression in response to the environmental changes. Moreover, more splice variants and AS events per gene were detected in plastic greenhouse-grown seedlings than their phytotron counterparts, and these seedlings also had higher percentages of intron retention events. The identification of the conserved environmentally-sensitive genes and the splice variants in this study will be useful for further analysis of gene regulation of environmental response in tomato and other crops.
Autophagy Induced by Areca Nut Extract Contributes to Decreasing Cisplatin Toxicity in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells: Roles of Reactive Oxygen Species/AMPK Signaling
Authors: Xu Zhi , Huang Chun-Ming , Shao Zhe , Zhao Xiao-Ping , Wang Meng , Yan Ting-Lin , Zhou Xiao-Cheng , Jiang Er-Hui , Liu Ke , Shang Zheng-Jun
Published: March 2017

Chewing areca nut is closely associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The current study aimed to investigate potential associations between areca nut extract (ANE) and cisplatin toxicity in OSCC cells. OSCC cells (Cal-27 and Scc-9) viability and apoptosis were analyzed after treatment with ANE and/or cisplatin. The expressions of proteins associated with autophagy and the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling network were evaluated. We revealed that advanced OSCC patients with areca nut chewing habits presented higher LC3 expression and poorer prognosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated autophagy was induced after pro-longed treatment of ANE (six days, 3 μg). Cisplatin toxicity (IC50, 48 h) was decreased in OSCC cells after ANE treatment (six days, 3 μg). Cisplatin toxicity could be enhanced by reversed autophagy by pretreatment of 3-methyladenine (3-MA), N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), or Compound C. Cleaved-Poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (cl-PARP) and cleaved-caspase 3 (cl-caspase 3) were downregulated in ANE-treated OSCC cells in the presence of cisplatin, which was also reversed by NAC and Compound C. Collectively, ANE could decrease cisplatin toxicity of OSCC by inducing autophagy, which involves the ROS and AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
Effects of Ranibizumab and Aflibercept on Human Müller Cells and Photoreceptors under Stress Conditions
Authors: Shen Weiyong , Yau Belinda , Lee So-Ra , Zhu Ling , Yam Michelle , Gillies Mark
Published: March 2017

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy has revolutionized the treatment of retinal vascular diseases. However, constitutive VEGF also acts as a trophic factor on retinal nonvascular cells. We have studied the effects of aflibercept and ranibizumab on human Müller cells and photoreceptors exposed to starvation media containing various concentrations of glucose, with or without CoCl2-induced hypoxia. Cell survival was assessed by calcein-AM cell viability assays. Expression of heat shock proteins (Hsp) and redox proteins thioredoxin 1 and 2 (TRX1, TRX2) was studied by Western blots. The production of neurotrophic factors in Müller cells and interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP) in photoreceptors was measured by enzymelinked immunosorbent assays. Aflibercept and ranibizumab did not affect the viability of both types of cells. Neither aflibercept nor ranibizumab affected the production of neurotrophic factors or expression of Hsp60 and Hsp90 in Müller cells. However, aflibercept but not ranibizumab affected the expression of Hsp60, Hsp9, TRX1 and TRX2 in photoreceptors. Aflibercept and ranibizumab both inhibited the production of IRBP in photoreceptors, aflibercept more so than ranibizumab. Our data indicates that the potential influence of aflibercept and ranibizumab on photoreceptors should be specifically monitored in clinical studies.
Involvement of Astrocytes in Mediating the Central Effects of Ghrelin
Authors: Frago Laura , Chowen Julie
Published: March 2017

Although astrocytes are the most abundant cells in the mammalian brain, much remains to be learned about their molecular and functional features. Astrocytes express receptors for numerous hormones and metabolic factors, including the appetite-promoting hormone ghrelin. The metabolic effects of ghrelin are largely opposite to those of leptin, as it stimulates food intake and decreases energy expenditure. Ghrelin is also involved in glucose-sensing and glucose homeostasis. The widespread expression of the ghrelin receptor in the central nervous system suggests that this hormone is not only involved in metabolism, but also in other essential functions in the brain. In fact, ghrelin has been shown to promote cell survival and neuroprotection, with some studies exploring the use of ghrelin as a therapeutic agent against metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we highlight the possible role of glial cells as mediators of ghrelin’s actions within the brain.
Expression of Autophagy-Related Proteins in Different Types of Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Kim Hye , Kim Eun-Sol , Koo Ja
Published: March 2017

Thyroid cancer is common type of malignant tumor in humans, and the autophagy status of such tumors may vary according to subtype. This study aimed to investigate the expression and implications of the major autophagy-related molecules light chain (LC) 3A, LC3B, p62, and BNIP-3 in human thyroid carcinoma. Tissue microarrays were constructed from 555 thyroid cancers (papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC): 342; follicular carcinoma (FC): 112; medullary carcinoma (MC): 70; poorly differentiated carcinoma (PDC): 23; and anaplastic carcinoma (AC): 8) and 152 follicular adenomas (FAs). Expression of autophagy-related molecules (LC3A, LC3B, p62, and BNIP-3) was detected immunohistochemically, and the results were analyzed via comparison with clinicopathologic parameters. Tumoral LC3A and LC3B expressions were the highest in MC (p < 0.001), whereas stromal LC3A expression was higher in AC and PTC (p < 0.001). BNIP-3 expression was absent in MC and AC (p = 0.013). Tumoral LC3A, LC3B, and p62 expressions were higher in conventional type PTC, compared with those in the follicular variant. PTC with the BRAF V600E mutation exhibited higher expression of all autophagy-related proteins relative to PTC without this mutation (p < 0.05). BNIP-3 negativity was associated with capsular invasion in FC (p = 0.001), and p62 negativity was associated with lymph node metastasis in MC (p = 0.006). In a univariate analysis, LC3B negativity was associated with shorter disease-free survival in PTC with the BRAF V600E mutation (p = 0.024). We conclude that the expression of autophagy-related proteins differs according to thyroid cancer subtype.
Pre-Exposure Gene Expression in Baboons with and without Pancytopenia after Radiation Exposure
Authors: Port Matthias , Hérodin Francis , Valente Marco , Drouet Michel , Ullmann Reinhard , Majewski Matthäus , Abend Michael
Published: March 2017

Radiosensitivity differs in humans and likely among primates. The reasons are not well known. We examined pre-exposure gene expression in baboons (n = 17) who developed haematologic acute radiation syndrome (HARS) without pancytopenia or a more aggravated HARS with pancytopenia after irradiation. We evaluated gene expression in a two stage study design where stage I comprised a whole genome screen for messenger RNAs (mRNA) (microarray) and detection of 667 microRNAs (miRNA) (real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) platform). Twenty candidate mRNAs and nine miRNAs were selected for validation in stage II (qRT-PCR). None of the mRNA species could be confirmed during the validation step, but six of the nine selected candidate miRNA remained significantly different during validation. In particular, miR-425-5p (receiver operating characteristic = 0.98; p = 0.0003) showed nearly complete discrimination between HARS groups with and without pancytopenia. Target gene searches of miR-425-5p identified new potential mRNAs and associated biological processes linked with radiosensitivity. We found that one miRNA species examined in pre-exposure blood samples was associated with HARS characterized by pancytopenia and identified new target mRNAs that might reflect differences in radiosensitivity of irradiated normal tissue.
Journal of Composites Science: A New Journal for Composite Materials, Structures and Experiments
Authors: Tornabene Francesco
Published: March 2017

The Journal of Composites Science is a new, online, open access journal, which aims to focus on advanced technology and the development of composites and composite structures.[...]
Chitosan-Based Multifunctional Platforms for Local Delivery of Therapeutics
Authors: Hong Seong-Chul , Yoo Seung-Yup , Kim Hyeongmin , Lee Jaehwi
Published: March 2017

Chitosan has been widely used as a key biomaterial for the development of drug delivery systems intended to be administered via oral and parenteral routes. In particular, chitosan-based microparticles are the most frequently employed delivery system, along with specialized systems such as hydrogels, nanoparticles and thin films. Based on the progress made in chitosan-based drug delivery systems, the usefulness of chitosan has further expanded to anti-cancer chemoembolization, tissue engineering, and stem cell research. For instance, chitosan has been used to develop embolic materials designed to efficiently occlude the blood vessels by which the oxygen and nutrients are supplied. Indeed, it has been reported to be a promising embolic material. For better anti-cancer effect, embolic materials that can locally release anti-cancer drugs were proposed. In addition, a complex of radioactive materials and chitosan to be locally injected into the liver has been investigated as an efficient therapeutic tool for hepatocellular carcinoma. In line with this, a number of attempts have been explored to use chitosan-based carriers for the delivery of various agents, especially to the site of interest. Thus, in this work, studies where chitosan-based drug delivery systems have successfully been used for local delivery will be presented along with future perspectives.
Investigation of the Weld Properties of Dissimilar S32205 Duplex Stainless Steel with AISI 304 Steel Joints Produced by Arc Stud Welding
Authors: Başyiğit Aziz , Kurt Adem
Published: March 2017

UNS S32205 duplex stainless steel plates with a thickness of 3 mm are arc stud welded by M8 × 40 mm AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel studs with constant stud lifts in order to investigate the effects of welding arc voltages on mechanical and microstructural behaviors of the joints. As the welding arc voltage increases starting from 140 V, the tensile strength of the weldment also increases but the higher arc values results in more spatters around the weld seam up to 180 V. Conversely, the lower arc voltages causes poor tensile strength values to weldments. Tensile tests proved that all of the samples are split from each other in the welding zone but deformation occurs in duplex plates during the tensile testing of weldments so that the elongation values are not practically notable. The satisfactory tensile strength and bending values are determined by applying 180 volts of welding arc voltage according to ISO 14555 standard. Peak values of micro hardness occurred in weld metal most probably as a consequence of increasing heat input decreasing the delta ferrite ratios. As the arc voltage increases, the width of the heat affected zone increases. Coarsening of delta-ferrite and austenite grains was observed in the weld metal peak temperature zone but it especially becomes visible closer to the duplex side in all samples. The large voids and unwelded zones up to approximately 1 mm by length are observed by macro-structure inspections. Besides visual tests and micro-structural surveys; bending and microhardness tests with radiographic inspection were applied to samples for maintaining the correct welding parameters in obtaining well-qualified weldments of these two distinct groups of stainless steel materials.
Glycerol as Precursor of Organoselanyl and Organotellanyl Alkynes
Authors: Lenardão Eder , Borges Elton , Stach Guilherme , Soares Liane , Alves Diego , Schumacher Ricardo , Bagnoli Luana , Marini Francesca , Perin Gelson
Published: March 2017

Herein we describe the synthesis of organoselanyl and organotellanyl alkynes by the addition of lithium alkynylchalcogenolate (Se and Te) to tosyl solketal, easily obtained from glycerol. The alkynylchalcogenolate anions were generated in situ and added to tosyl solketal in short reaction times, furnishing in all cases the respective products of substitution in good yields. Some of the prepared compounds were deprotected using an acidic resin to afford new water-soluble 3-organotellanylpropane-1,2-diols. The synthetic versatility of the new chalcogenyl alkynes was demonstrated in the iodocyclization of 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolanylmethyl(2-methoxyphenylethynyl)selane 3f, which afforded 3-iodo-2-(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolanylmethyl) selenanylbenzo[b]furan in 85% yield, opening a new way to access water-soluble Se-functionalized benzo[b]furanes.
A Geographic Information System (GIS)-Based Analysis of Social Capital Data: Landscape Factors That Correlate with Trust
Authors: Rahimi Sohrab , Martin Michael , Obeysekere Eric , Hellmann Daniel , Liu Xi , Andris Clio
Published: March 2017

The field of community sociology has yielded rich insights on how neighborhoods and individuals foster social capital and reap the benefits of interpersonal relationships and institutions alike. Traditionally, institutions and cultural factors have been lauded as catalysts of community social life and cohesion. Yet, the built environment and configuration of the landscape, including infrastructure, amenities and population density, may also contribute to community social capital. In this article, we embedded zip code-level responses from Harvard University’s Saguaro Seminar’s 2006 Social Capital Community Benchmark Survey with a geographic information system. Specifically, we correlated responses on residents’ general trust, trust of one’s neighbors, and trust of members of other racial groups with local urban environmental factors and infrastructural indicators such as housing and street conditions, land use, city form, amenity access (e.g., libraries and schools), home vacancy rates, and home value. We conducted these tests at the national level and for Rochester, NY, due to its many survey responses. We found that housing vacancies drive down levels of social trust, as captured by homeownership rates and tenure, yielding higher levels of social trust, and that certain urban facilities correlate with high trust among neighbors. Results can inform urban planners on the amenities that support sustainable community ties.
Transmission Algorithm with QoS Considerations for a Sustainable MPEG Streaming Service
Authors: Kim Sang-Hyong , Yoo Kwan-Jong , Won Yoojae
Published: March 2017

With the proliferation of heterogeneous networks, there is a need to provide multimedia stream services in a sustainable manner. It is especially critical to maintain the Quality of Service (QoS) standards. Existing multimedia streaming services have been studied to guarantee QoS on the receiving side. QoS has not been ensured due to the fact that the loss of streaming data to be transmitted has not been considered in network conditions. With an algorithm that considers the QoS and can reduce the overhead of the network, it will be possible to reduce the transmission error and wastage of communication network resources. In this paper, we propose a scheme that improves the reliability of multimedia transmissions by using an adaptive algorithm that switches between UDP (User Datagram Protocol) and TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) based on the size of the data. In addition, we present a method that retransmits essential portions of the multimedia data, thus improving transmission efficiency. We simulate an MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) stream service and evaluate the performance of the proposed adaptive MPEG stream service.
A Centrally Generated Primary Care Physician Audit Report Does Not Improve Colonoscopy Uptake After a Positive Result on a Fecal Occult Blood Test in Ontario’s Coloncancercheck Program
Authors: Stock D. , Rabeneck L. , Baxter N.N. , Paszat L.F. , Sutradhar R. , Yun L. , Tinmouth J.
Published: March 2017

Background: Timely follow-up of fecal occult blood screening with colonoscopy is essential for achieving colorectal cancer mortality reduction. In the present study, we evaluated the effectiveness of centrally generated, physician-targeted audit and feedback to improve colonoscopy uptake after a positive fecal occult blood test (fobt) result within Ontario’s population-wide ColonCancerCheck Program. Methods: This prospective cohort study used data sets from Ontario’s ColonCancerCheck Program (2008–2011) that were linked to provincial administrative health databases. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the effect of centralized, physician-targeted audit and feedback on colonoscopy uptake in an Ontario-wide fobt-positive cohort. Results: A mailed physician audit and feedback report identifying individuals outstanding for colonoscopy for 3 or more months after a positive fobt result did not increase the likelihood of colonoscopy uptake (hazard ratio: 0.95; 95% confidence interval: 0.79 to 1.13). Duration of positive fobt status was strongly inversely associated with the hazard of follow-up colonoscopy (p for linear trend: <0.001). Conclusions: In a large population-wide setting, centralized tracking in the form of physician-targeted mailed audit and feedback reports does not improve colonoscopy uptake for screening participants with a positive fobt result outstanding for 3 or more months. Mailed physician-targeted screening audit and feedback reports alone are unlikely to improve compliance with follow-up colonoscopy in Ontario. Other interventions such as physician audits or automatic referrals, demonstrated to be effective in other jurisdictions, might be warranted.
Socioeconomic and Demographic Disparities in Caregiving Intensity and Quality of Life in Informal Caregivers: A First Look at the National Study of Caregiving
Authors: Cohen Steven A. , Cook Sarah K. , Sando Trisha A. , Brown Monique J. , Longo Daniel R.
Published: March 2017

Informal caregiving is an integral component of the health care system, saving the national economy more than $522 billion annually. The current study examined how the association between caregiving intensity and caregiver quality of life varies by sociodemographic factors through a secondary analysis of the National Study of Caregiving. Generalized linear models assessed the associations among four aspects of caregiving intensity, three aspects of caregiver quality of life, and key sociodemographic factors. Compared to White individuals, Black individuals had higher levels of overall caregiving intensity (β = 0.293, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.140, 0.447]), number of instrumental activities of daily living performed (β = 0.060, 95% CI [0.030, 0.090]), and hours spent caregiving per month (β = 0.025, 95% CI [0.002, 0.049]), yet experienced significantly fewer negative impacts on quality of life. Understanding how informal caregiving affects caregiver quality of life is critical to inform public health policies and programs designed to support caregivers and protect this critical component of the U.S. health care system. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 43
(6), 17–24.]
Custom-Molded Foot-Orthosis Intervention and Multisegment Medial Foot Kinematics During Walking
Authors: Cobb Stephen C. , Tis Laurie L. , Johnson Jeffrey T. , Wang Yong “Tai” , Geil Mark D.
Published: March 2017

Context: Foot-orthosis (FO) intervention to prevent and treat numerous lower extremity injuries is widely accepted clinically. However, the results of quantitative gait analyses have been equivocal. The foot models used, participants receiving intervention, and orthoses used might contribute to the variability.

Objective: To investigate the effect of a custom-molded FO intervention on multisegment medial foot kinematics during walking in participants with low-mobile foot posture.

Design: Crossover study.

Setting: University biomechanics and ergonomics laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants: Sixteen participants with low-mobile foot posture (7 men, 9 women) were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 FO groups.

Intervention(s): After a 2-week period to break in the FOs, individuals participated in a gait analysis that consisted of 5 successful walking trials (1.3 to 1.4 m/s) during no-FO and FO conditions.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Three-dimensional displacements during 4 subphases of stance (loading response, mid-stance, terminal stance, preswing) were computed for each multisegment foot model articulation.

Results: Repeated-measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) revealed that rearfoot complex dorsiflexion displacement during midstance was greater in the FO than the no-FO condition (F1,14 = 5.24, P = .04, partial η2 = 0.27). Terminal stance repeated-measures ANOVA results revealed insert-by-insert condition interactions for the first metatarsophalangeal joint complex (F1,14 = 7.87, P = .01, partial η2 = 0.36). However, additional follow-up analysis did not reveal differences between the no-FO and FO conditions for the balanced traditional orthosis (F1,14 = 4.32, P = .08, partial η2 = 0.38) or full-contact orthosis (F1,14 = 4.10, P = .08, partial η2 = 0.37).

Conclusions: Greater rearfoot complex dorsiflexion during midstance associated with FO intervention may represent improved foot kinematics in people with low-mobile foot postures. Furthermore, FO intervention might partially correct dys-functional kinematic patterns associated with low-mobile foot postures.
Age, Sex, and Setting Factors and Labor Force in Athletic Training
Authors: Kahanov Leamor , Eberman Lindsey E.
Published: March 2017

Context: Occupation or occupational setting shifts might be occurring in the athletic training profession, and differences between sexes might exist; however, little evidence exists to confirm this supposition.

Objective: To evaluate trends in male and female athletic training employment patterns in terms of age and occupational setting.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: We requested demographic data from the National Athletic Trainers' Association (October 27, 2009) and obtained frequency totals of members by sex across the occupational life span by occupational setting.

Patients or Other Participants: Our sample included 18 571 athletic trainers employed in the 3 largest classifications of occupational settings within the profession: college or university, clinical, and secondary school.

Main Outcome Measure(s): We calculated frequencies and percentages to determine demographic and descriptive data. We analyzed the data using an analysis of variance to identify the differences between sexes across age and setting.

Results: We observed trends in occupational setting and sex across ages 22 to 67 years. We identified differences between sexes across the ages 22 to 67 years (F1,18 569 = 110 818.080, P < .001, η2 = .068) and across occupational settings (F1,18 569 = 61.908, P < .001, η2 = .003), noting a marked decline in female athletic trainers in the workforce beginning around age 28 years and an increase in male athletic trainers in the secondary school setting beginning around their middle to late 40s. We observed differences at the intercept between setting and sex (F1,18 569 = 63 529.344, P < .001, η2 = .845), which were greater when observed across the ages (F1,18 569 = 23 566 787.642, P < .001, η2 = .939).

Conclusions: We identified differences between sexes across settings and ages in addition to an overall decrease in the workforce among all professionals. A marked decline in female athletic trainers occurred at age 28 years, yet the male population increased at the secondary school level, suggesting a setting shift. Burnout, fatigue, pay scale, and a misunderstanding of professional culture and job duties might influence the exodus or shift in athletic training.
Osteochondral Avulsion Fracture of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Femoral Origin in a 10-Year-Old Child: A Case Report
Authors: Bengtson Hans , Giangarra Charles
Published: March 2017

Objective: To describe the case of a 10-year-old football player who sustained a comminuted osteochondral avulsion fracture of the femoral origin of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) via a low-energy mechanism.

Background: In children, both purely cartilaginous and osteochondral avulsion fractures have been described; most such ACL avulsions are from the tibial eminence. In the few previous case reports describing femoral osteochondral avulsion fractures, high-energy injury mechanisms were typically responsible and resulted in a single fracture fragment.

Differential Diagnosis: Femoral osteochondral avulsion fracture at the ACL origin, femoral cartilaginous avulsion fracture at the ACL origin, midsubstance ACL tear, meniscal tear.

Treatment: Sutures and a button were used to repair the comminuted fragments. Postoperatively, a modified ACL reconstruction rehabilitation program was instituted.

Uniqueness: Most injuries of this nature in youngsters are caused by a high-energy mechanism of injury, result in an osteochondral avulsion fracture of the tibial eminence, and involve a single fracture fragment.

Conclusions: Although they occur infrequently, ACL femoral avulsion fractures in children can result from a low-energy injury mechanism. Identifying the mechanism of injury, performing a thorough physical examination, and obtaining appropriate diagnostic studies will enable the correct treatment to be implemented, with the goal of safely returning the athlete to play.
Evidence-Based Practice and the Recognition and Treatment of Exertional Heat Stroke, Part I: A Perspective From the Athletic Training Educator
Authors: Mazerolle Stephanie M. , Ruiz Roberto C. , Casa Douglas J. , Pagnotta Kelly D. , Pinkus Danielle E. , Armstrong Lawrence E. , Maresh Carl M.
Published: March 2017

Context: Athletic trainers (ATs) know to diagnose exertional heat stroke (EHS) via rectal thermometry (Tre) and to treat EHS via cold-water immersion (CWI) but do not implement these recommendations in clinical practice.

Objective: To gain an understanding of educational techniques used to deliver content regarding EHS.

Design: Qualitative study.

Setting: In-person focus groups at the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Annual Meeting in June 2009 and 2 follow-up telephone interviews to confirm emergent themes.

Patients or Other Participants: Thirteen AT educators (11 men, 2 women) from programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, with an average of 22 ± 9 years of clinical experience and 16 ± 10 years of experience as educators. Five NATA districts were represented.

Data Collection and Analysis: Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Peer review and data source triangulation also were conducted to establish trustworthiness.

Results: Four themes emerged from the analysis: educational techniques, educational competencies, previous educational training, and privacy/public opinion. Educational techniques highlighted the lack of hands-on training for Tre and CWI. Educational competencies referred to the omission of Tre and CWI as psychomotor skills. Previous educational training addressed educators not having the skills or comfort with the skills necessary to properly educate students. Privacy/public opinion comprised external inputs from various groups (parents and coaches), legal considerations, and social bias.

Conclusions: Educators supplied students with the appropriate didactic knowledge about EHS, but their lack of training and misgivings about Tre prevented them from allowing students to gain competence with this skill. Until the NATA competencies state the need to teach Tre and CWI and until educators are provided with their own learning opportunities, evidence-based practice regarding EHS will be lacking.
Electrode Type and Placement Configuration for Quadriceps Activation Evaluation
Authors: Pietrosimone Brian G. , Selkow Noelle M. , Ingersoll Christopher D. , Hart Joseph M. , Saliba Susan A.
Published: March 2017

Context: The ability to accurately estimate quadriceps voluntary activation is an important tool for assessing neuromuscular function after a variety of knee injuries. Different techniques have been used to assess quadriceps volitional activation, including various stimulating electrode types and electrode configurations, yet the optimal electrode types and configurations for depolarizing motor units in the attempt to assess muscle activation are unknown.

Objective: To determine whether stimulating electrode type and configuration affect quadriceps central activation ratio (CAR) and percentage-of-activation measurements in healthy participants.

Design: Crossover study.

Setting: Research laboratory.

Patients and Other Participants: Twenty participants (13 men, 7 women; age = 26 ± 5.3 years, height = 173.85 ± 7.3 cm, mass = 77.37 ± 16 kg) volunteered.

Intervention(s): All participants performed 4 counter-balanced muscle activation tests incorporating 2 different electrode types (self-adhesive, carbon-impregnated) and 2 electrode configurations (vastus, rectus).

Main Outcome Measure(s): Quadriceps activation was calculated with the CAR and percentage-of-activation equations, which were derived from superimposed burst and resting torque measurements.

Results: No differences were found between conditions for CAR and percentage-of-activation measurements, whereas resting twitch torque was higher in the rectus configuration for both self-adhesive (216 ± 66.98 Nm) and carbon-impregnated (209.1 ± 68.22 Nm) electrodes than in the vastus configuration (209.5 ± 65.5 Nm and 204 ± 62.7 Nm, respectively) for these electrode types (F1,19 = 4.87, P = .04). In addition, resting twitch torque was greater for both electrode configurations with self-adhesive electrodes than with carbon-impregnated electrodes (F1,19 = 9.33, P = .007). Bland-Altman plots revealed acceptable mean differences for agreement between electrode type and configuration for CAR and percentage of activation, but limits of agreement were wide.

Conclusions: Although these electrode configurations and types might not necessarily be able to be used interchangeably, differences in electrode type and configuration did not seem to affect CAR and percentage-of-activation outcome measures.
Injuries in Portuguese Youth Soccer Players During Training and Match Play
Authors: Brito João , Malina Robert M. , Seabra André , Massada José L. , Soares José M. , Krustrup Peter , Rebelo António
Published: March 2017

Context:

Epidemiologic information on the incidence of youth soccer injuries in southern Europe is limited.

Objective:

To compare the incidence, type, location, and severity of injuries sustained by male subelite youth soccer players over the 2008–2009 season.

Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Setting:

Twenty-eight Portuguese male youth soccer teams.

Patients or Other Participants:

A total of 674 youth male subelite soccer players in 4 age groups: 179 U-13 (age range, 11–12 years), 169 U-15 (age range, 13–14 years), 165 U-17 (age range, 15–16 years), and 161 U-19 (age range, 17–18 years).

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Injuries that led to participation time missed from training and match play prospectively reported by medical or coaching staff of the clubs.

Results:

In total, 199 injuries reported in 191 players accounted for 14.6 ± 13.0 days of absence from practice. The incidence was 1.2 injuries per 1000 hours of exposure to soccer (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.8, 1.6), with a 4.2-fold higher incidence during match play (4.7 injuries per 1000 hours of exposure; 95% CI = 3.0, 6.5) than during training (0.9 injuries per 1000 hours of exposure; 95% CI = 0.6, 1.3) (F1,673 = 17.592, P < .001). The overall incidence of injury did not increase with age (F1,673 = 1.299, P = .30), and the incidence of injury during matches (F1,673 = 2.037, P = .14) and training (F1,673 = 0.927, P = .44) did not differ among age groups. Collisions accounted for 57% (n = 113) of all injuries, but participation time missed due to traumatic injury did not differ among age groups (F3,110 = 1.044, P = .38). Most injuries (86%, n = 172) involved the lower extremity. The thigh was the most affected region (30%, n = 60) in all age groups. Muscle strains were the most common injuries among the U-19 (34%, n = 26), U-17 (30%, n = 17), and U-15 (34%, n = 14) age groups, whereas contusions and tendon injuries were the most common injuries in U-13 players (both 32%, n = 8). The relative risk of injury slightly increased with the age of the competitors.

Conclusions:

The higher incidence of injury during matches than training highlights the need for education and prevention programs in youth soccer. These programs should focus on coach education aimed at improving skills, techniques, and fair play during competitions with the goal of reducing injuries.
An Assessment of Burnout in Graduate Assistant Certified Athletic Trainers
Authors: Mazerolle Stephanie M. , Monsma Eva , Dixon Colin , Mensch James
Published: March 2017

Context:

Graduate assistant athletic trainers (GAATs) must balance the demands of clinical care and the academic load of graduate-level students.

Objective:

To examine burnout among GAATs with clinical assistantships at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I institutions and to identify the personal and situational variables that are related to burnout.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Division I universities offering graduate assistantship programs.

Patients or Other Participants:

Two hundred one GAATs enrolled at NCAA Division I universities with graduate assistantship positions.

Main Outcome Measures(s):

The Athletic Training Burnout Inventory, which assesses stress and burnout among ATs through 4 constructs: emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, administrative responsibility, time commitment, and organizational support. The 6-point Likert scale is anchored by 1 (never true) and 6 (always true).

Results:

The GAATs who traveled with athletic teams (4.051 ± 0.895) and those who provided classroom instruction (4.333 ± 1.16) reported higher levels of stress due to time commitment than those who did not travel (3.713 ± 1.22) or teach (3.923 ± 0.929). We also found a difference in administrative responsibility across clinical settings (F6,194  =  3.507, P  =  .003). The results showed that GAATs in NCAA Division I clinical settings (44.55 ± 13.17 hours) worked more hours than those in NCAA Division III clinical settings (33.69 ± 12.07 hours) and those in high school settings (30.51 ± 9.934 hours).

Conclusions:

Graduate assistant ATs are at risk for burnout because of the time necessary to complete their clinical and academic responsibilities and their additional administrative responsibilities. Graduate assistants who work in the Division I clinical setting are at greater risk for burnout than those in the secondary school setting because of the large number of hours required.