bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Um estudo bibliográfico sobre a contribuição do estágio para a formação de profissionais de administração
Authors: Pinheiro Lídia Sousa , Teixeira Maria Waldilene Sousa
Published: February 2020

A presente pesquisa aborda sobre a importância do estágio para os discentes e sua formação, apresentando a sua influência para a inserção dos mesmos no mercado de trabalho, e como essa vivencia pode proporcionar domínio teórico e prático, aonde irão se desenvolver profissionalmente e incrementar o aprendizado. O trabalho tem como objetivo geral, avaliar a importância do estágio para a formação do administrador, e como específico, mostrar a importância da atuação efetiva do estagiário nas organizações, verificar a contribuição das atividades de estágio para o desenvolvimento do discente (estagiário) e compreender a importância do estágio para a formação de competências, pela possibilidade de inserção do estagiário (discente) no mercado de trabalho, pelo contato com uma cultura organizacional. Relatar sobre as colaborações concedidas pela vivência do estágio e a integração entre a instituição de ensino e o mercado. Devido as mudanças externas se fazerem presente no dia a dia é necessário haver uma interação dos discentes com o meio profissional, para não haver nenhum tipo de impacto que poderá influenciar internamente. Para tal, desenvolveu-se um estudo exploratória, descritiva de abordagem qualitativa, utilizando a técnica de revisão bibliográfica em sites específicos como o Google, o Google Acadêmico, Scielo, dentre outros.
Association between physical activity and general health in teachers of the universities of medical sciences of Fars Province
Authors: Sobhanian S. , Khoshnam E. , Naderian M. , Barhagh HD.
Published: February 2020

El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar la asociación entre actividad física y salud general en profesores de las universidades de ciencias médicas de Fars (Irán). La muestra de este estudio analítico transversal estuvo compuesta por 244 profesores de las universidades de ciencias médicas de Fars (Irán) en 2018. El instrumento de recopilación de datos incluyó un cuestionario de tres secciones: 1) Características demográficas (edad, género e ingresos del hogar). 2) Cuestionario breve para la medición de la actividad física habitual en estudios epidemiológicos. 3) Cuestionario de salud general de Goldberg. El análisis de los datos se realizó con SPSS 16. Los resultados mostraron que no había relación estadística significativa entre la actividad física y las subescalas de salud general en la muestra estudiada. Se recomiendan estudios futuros sobre este tema con muestras más grandes y en otras regiones.

The aim of this study was to examine the association between physical activity and general health in faculty members of the Universities of Medical Sciences of Fars (Iran). The sample of this cross-sectional analytical study was composed of 244 faculty members of the Universities of Medical Sciences of Fars (Iran) in 2018. The data collection instrument included a three-section questionnaire: 1) Demographic characteristics (age, gender, and household income). 2) Short questionnaire for the measurement of habitual physical activity in epidemiological studies. 3) Goldberg General Health Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 16. The results showed that there was no significant statistical relationship between physical activity and general health subscales in the sample studied. Future studies about this topic with larger samples and in other regions are recommended.
Earthquake Forecast Verification for Northwestern Turkey
Authors: KARACA Hakan
Published: February 2020

Seismic events have a pattern of recurrence in magnitude, time and space. Considerable effort is being spent to identify seismic patterns and successfully predict future earthquakes by using the recognized patterns. As a result of these intensive efforts, a variety of methods has been proposed. As the knowledge and experience in the field accumulated in parallel to the variety of the methods proposed, it was deemed necessary to test the performance of some of the highlighted methods, especially considering the wide reception of methods utilizing spatially smoothed seismicity (SSS), pattern informatics (PI) and Relative Intensity (RI). The performance of these methods in the prediction of future earthquakes has been selected for investigation. The investigated area is the region bounded by 270-330 in longitudes and 39.80-410 in latitudes, well known for the North Anatolian Fault. The period of coverage has been selected such as to maximize the length with the minimum magnitude of completeness. As a result of such optimization, the period from 1973 to 2019 has been selected with minimum magnitude of completeness being determined as 3.8. In order to measure the relative performance of the methods, relative operating characteristic (ROC) analysis has been utilized. The method based on SSS has been adapted to the related ROC procedures, while the results of PI and RI methods are already suitable for the evaluation by ROC procedures.    After the analysis was completed, according to the ROC procedures, none of the methods were singled out in forecast performance. However, when the ratio of hits versus total alarms and the area covered by the alarms, PI method outperforms two other methods by its efficiency.
Characteristics of Wastes Produced by Polish Ferrous Alloys Casting Foundries between the Years 2010–2014
Authors: Skrzyński Mateusz
Published: February 2020

The balance of wastes originating from the foundry processes of ferrous alloys, prepared on the basis of data made available by the Polish Central Statistical Office, is presented in this paper. The kind and amount of individual foundry wastes subjected to management and storage by foundry plants were analysed. The problem of wastes between the years 2010–2016 is discussed on the national scale, as well as in individual regions or voivodeships. Altogether, 27,375.9 tons of waste from the group no. 10, of which non-ferrous metal and ferrous alloy wastes from foundry plants constituted 2%, were produced in Poland in 2010. This situation remained at a similar level over successive years, till 2014. The positive prognosis constitutes the fact that the amount of waste stored on dumping grounds belonging to foundry plants in Poland is gradually decreasing. This may be related to increasing costs of waste storage. During the tested years, the annual amount of gathered waste decreased from 4,796.6 thousand tons (in 2010) to 4,477.6 thousand tons (in 2014).
Foot Shape and Asymmetry in the Charcot Foot: Assessment Using the Foot Posture Index
Authors: Young Joshua
Published: February 2020

Background:

Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN), or the Charcot foot, is a complication usually associated with diabetes that frequently results in changes in foot shape and structure that have an effect on function and risk of ulceration. This study aimed to assess foot shape and asymmetry in CN using the Foot Posture Index (FPI-6).

Methods:

Case notes of patients with CN seen in a diabetic orthotic clinic were reviewed, and available FPI-6 data were analyzed. A comparison group of patients with diabetes without CN was also identified. Groups were compared according to published ranges of foot posture and asymmetry using the Fisher exact test.

Results:

Twenty-seven patients with CN with 28 affected feet and a comparison group of 27 patients with diabetes only were identified. There was large variation in FPI-6 scores in affected (1 to 12) and unaffected (–1 to 10) feet. Mean scores for affected feet (6.82) and unaffected feet (5.05) differed significantly (P = .005). Considering all FPI-6 scores as positive numbers to indicate mean absolute difference between affected and unaffected feet, CN-affected feet differed by a mean of 3.00 points from unaffected feet. Patients in the CN group were less likely to have asymmetry in the normal range than the comparison group (P = .0146).

Conclusions:

This study provides new data on foot shape after CN. Patients with CN have feet that are significantly asymmetrical, and the affected foot may be more pronated or supinated. Feet affected by CN are characterized by shape, which is more frequently outside the normal range. The FPI-6 may be suitable for more widespread use in assessment and outcome measurement.
Pernio-Induced Toe Pain in the Setting of Onychocryptosis: A Case Report
Authors: Logan Daniel , So Eric , Sundling Rebecca A.
Published: February 2020

Pernio is an inflammatory condition of the skin associated with cold exposure. The dermatologic manifestations may vary, and this entity is frequently misdiagnosed. Its association with systemic disease underscores the importance of accurate diagnosis. The authors describe a case report in which a patient who, after initially presenting with a complaint of pain and an ingrown toenail, was eventually diagnosed with pernio as well.
Adverse Effects of Coumestrol and Genistein on Mammary Morphogenesis and Future Milk Production Ability of Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Kumai Aogu , Tsugami Yusaku , Wakasa Haruka , Suzuki Norihiro , Suzuki Takahiro , Nishimura Takanori , Kobayashi Ken
Published: February 2020

Isoflavones are a class of flavonoids present in legumes and are called phytoestrogens because of their estrogen‐like activity. Endogenous estrogen is well known to regulate mammary gland morphogenesis during pregnancy. Each isoflavone also has different physiological activities. However, it is difficult to investigate the direct effect of each isoflavone in mammary morphogenesis in vivo because isoflavones are metabolized into different isoflavones by enteric bacteria. In this study, investigated are the direct influences of coumestrol, daidzein, and genistein on mammary structure development and future milk production ability of mammary epithelial cells (MECs) using in vitro culture models. Mouse MECs are cultured in Matrigel with basic fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor to induce ductal branching and alveolar formation, respectively. Coumestrol and genistein inhibit ductal branching and alveolar formation by affecting the proliferation and migration of MECs with the induction of apoptosis. Daidzein hardly influences mammary structure development. Furthermore, pretreatment with coumestrol adversely affects the induction of milk production ability of MECs. These results suggest that each isoflavone differentially influences mammary morphogenesis and future milk production by affecting MEC behaviors. These results also suggest that the culture models are effective to study mammary epithelial morphogenesis in vitro.
Life in a fragment: Evolution of foraging strategies of translocated collared brown lemurs, Eulemur collaris, over an 18‐year period
Authors: Donati Giuseppe , Campera Marco , Balestri Michela , Barresi Marta , Kesch Kristina , Ndremifidy Kelard , Rabenantoandro Jonhy , Racevska Elena , Randriatafika Faly , Ravaolahy Murielle , Ravoahangy Andriamandranto M. , Roma Marika , Rowe Fiona , Santini Luca , Serra Valentina , Zander Stacey L. , Tsagnangara Cedric , Vincelette Manon , Ramanamanjato Jean‐Baptiste
Published: February 2020

While the drivers of primate persistence in forest fragments have been often considered at the population level, the strategies to persist in these habitats have been little investigated at the individual or group level. Considering the rapid variation of fragment characteristics over time, longitudinal data on primates living in fragmented habitats are necessary to understand the key elements for their persistence. Since translocated animals have to cope with unfamiliar areas and face unknown fluctuations in food abundance, they offer the opportunity to study the factors contributing to successful migration between fragments. Here, we illustrated the evolution of the foraging strategies of translocated collared brown lemurs (Eulemur collaris) over an 18‐year period in the Mandena Conservation Zone, south‐east Madagascar. Our aim was to explore the ability of these frugivorous lemurs to adjust to recently colonized fragmented forests. Although the lemurs remained mainly frugivorous throughout the study period, over the years we identified a reduction in the consumption of leaves and exotic/pioneer plant species. These adjustments were expected in frugivorous primates living in a degraded area, but we hypothesize that they may also reflect the initial need to cope with an unfamiliar environment after the translocation. Since fragmentation is often associated with the loss of large trees and native vegetation, we suggest that the availability of exotic and/or pioneer plant species can provide an easy‐to‐access, nonseasonal food resource and be a key factor for persistence during the initial stage of the recolonization.
Copeptin in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Goetze Jens P. , Støving René Klinkby
Published: February 2020

Objective

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is involved in the response to stress and in depression and anxiety. However, studies on ADH in anorexia nervosa (AN) show conflicting results. A major reason for this may be methodological challenges due to short half‐life of ADH in circulation and rapid degradation in vitro. To overcome these obstacles, copeptin, the C‐terminal fragment stemming from the ADH precursor, has been increasingly used as a stable clinical measure for ADH. Furthermore, copeptin has been recognized as a biomarker of insulin resistance in obesity.

Methods

We measured fasting copeptin in plasma from 25 normohydrated, stable women with AN (BMI 13.0 ± 2.0) and 25 age‐matched women.

Results

No difference in copeptin levels was found (6.8 ± 1.8 vs. 5.5 ± 0.5 pmol/L). Confirmatory, copeptin concentrations were correlated to insulin resistance assessed by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance.

Discussion

We report for the first time that copeptin level as a marker of ADH activity is not altered in fluid‐ and electrolyte‐stabilized patients with severe AN patients, indicating that ADH may not be crucial in the pathophysiological involvement of psychologic stress in AN.
Commercially Available CuO Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes Using Ammonia Borane as a Hydrogen Source
Authors: Du Jialei , Chen Jie , Xia Hehuan , Zhao Yiwei , Wang Fang , Liu Hong , Zhou Weijia , Wang Bin
Published: February 2020

Tandem ammonia borane dehydrogenation and nitroarenes hydrogenation has been reported as a novel strategy for the preparation of aromatic amines. However, the practical application of this strategy is subjected to the high‐cost and tedious preparation of supported noble metal nanocatalysts. The commercially available CuO powder is herein demonstrated to be a robust catalyst for hydrogenation of nitroarenes using ammonia borane as a hydrogen source under mild conditions. Numerous amines (even sterically hindered, halogenated, and diamines) could be obtained through this method. This monometallic catalyst is characteristic of support‐free, excellent chemoselectivity, low‐cost, and high recyclability, which will favor its future utilization in preparative reduction chemistry. Mechanistic studies are also carried out to clarify that diazene and azoxybenzene are key intermediates of this heterogeneous reduction.
Systematic Material Study Reveals TiNb2O7 as a Model Wide‐Bandgap Photoanode Material for Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Burns Eric. W. , Pergolesi Daniele , Schmidt Thomas J. , Lippert Thomas , Daramalla Venkateswarlu
Published: February 2020

This work reveals that photoanodes based on TiNb2O7 (TNO) powder show remarkable water‐oxidation properties including nearly ideal charge‐transfer and charge‐injection efficiencies. Furthermore, using a simplified photoanode construction and carefully surveying the structural and morphological characteristics of oriented and polycrystalline thin films and powder‐based samples revealed that the water‐splitting kinetics of TNO is negligibly effected by surface morphology; instead, internal grain boundaries likely play a driving role. The current powder‐based TNO photoanodes exhibit ideal water‐oxidation kinetics and oxidize water at minimal applied biases under illumination; consequently, TNO exhibits an early onset photocurrent voltage (0.4 V vs. RHE) that rivals that of other state‐of‐the‐art photoanode materials.
Validation of a subclassification for high‐risk prostate cancer in a prospective cohort
Authors: Butler Santino S. , Dee Edward C. , Lamba Nayan , Sha Sybil T. , Mahal Brandon A. , Whitbeck Amanda , Makkar Rishi , Wangoe Janet , Mouw Kent W. , Nguyen Paul L. , Muralidhar Vinayak
Published: February 2020

Background

A subgroup of men with favorable high‐risk prostate cancer (T1c with either a Gleason score of 4 + 4 = 8 and a prostate‐specific antigen [PSA] level <10 ng/mL or a Gleason score of 6 and a PSA level >20 ng/mL) has been associated with improved outcomes in comparison with other standard high‐risk patients. This study was designed to validate the prognostic utility of a subclassification for high‐risk disease with a prospectively collected data set.

Methods

This study identified 3033 men from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial who had been diagnosed from 1993 to 2001 with clinically localized prostate cancer—either intermediate‐risk disease (clinical stage T2b‐c, a Gleason score of 7, or a PSA level of 10 to 20 ng/mL) or high‐risk disease (clinical stage T3‐T4, a Gleason score of 8‐10, or a PSA level >20 ng/mL)—that was managed with radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for pathological T3 to T4 or N1 (pT3‐T4/pN1) disease. Fine and Gray competing risks regression was used to determine adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of prostate cancer–specific mortality (PCSM).

Results

The median follow‐up was 5.7 years. Patients with favorable high‐risk disease had lower 8‐year PCSM in comparison with patients with standard high‐risk disease (2.2% vs 10.8%; aHR, 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.09‐0.73; P = .01) but similar PCSM in comparison with patients with intermediate‐risk disease (2.2% vs 2.2%; aHR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.32‐2.54; P = .84). Among those who underwent surgery, those with favorable high‐risk disease had lower odds of pT3‐T4/pN1 disease than those with standard high‐risk disease (46.2% vs 63.3%; aOR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.27‐0.94; P = .03).

Conclusions

This study validates the prognostic utility of a subclassification for high‐risk disease in a prospectively collected patient cohort. Patients with favorable high‐risk disease have PCSM similar to that of patients with intermediate‐risk disease and significantly better than that of patients with standard high‐risk disease. Future trials are needed to assess possible de‐intensification of therapy for favorable high‐risk disease.
Near‐Infrared Photoactive Aza‐BODIPY: Thermally Robust and Photostable Photosensitizer and Efficient Electron Donor
Authors: Łapok Łukasz , Cieślar Igor , Pędziński Tomasz , Stadnicka Katarzyna M. , Nowakowska Maria
Published: February 2020

We report herein the synthesis of aza‐BODIPY substituted with strongly electron‐donating p‐(diphenylamino)phenyl substituents (p‐Ph2N−) at 3,5‐positions. The presence of p‐Ph2N− groups lowers the energy of the singlet excited state (Es) to 1.48 eV and induces NIR absorption with λabs at 789 nm in THF. The compound studied is weakly emissive with the emission band (λf) at 837 nm and with the singlet lifetime (τS) equal to 100 ps. Nanosecond laser photolysis experiments of the aza‐BODIPY in question revealed T1→Tn absorption spanning from ca. 350–550 nm with the triplet lifetime (τT) equal to 21 μs. By introducing a heavy atom (Br) into the structure of the aza‐BODIPY, we managed to turn it into a NIR operating photosensitizer. The photosensitized oxygenation of the model compound–diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF)‐proceedes via Type I and/or Type III mechanism without formation of singlet oxygen (1O2). As estimated by CV/DPV measurements, the p‐Ph2N− substituted aza‐BODIPYs studied exhibits oxidation processes at relatively low oxidation potentials (Eox1), pointing to the very good electron‐donating properties of these molecules. Extremely high photostability and thermal robustness up to approximately 300 °C are observed for the p‐Ph2N− substituted aza‐BODIPYs.
Uncovering sources of maternal variability: Inherited and environmental contributions to maternal phenotype
Authors: Lapp Hannah E. , Moore Celia L.
Published: February 2020

Intergenerational patterns of parental behavior, especially maternal behavior, have been observed across mammalian species including humans, non‐human primates, and rodents. These patterns are largely experience‐dependent as opposed to genetically induced, with experiences in early‐life serving an essential role in directing maternal behavior expressed later in life. Environmental conditions can also alter maternal behavior with consequences for offspring neurodevelopment and interactions with the next generation. Here, we describe effects of lineage during developmental environmental disruption using a limited bedding and nesting material manipulation during the first 2 weeks of life. Dams from three lineages were placed in environments containing either abundant nesting material or reduced nesting material. Environmental condition affected eight measures of maternal behavior and dam lineage affected 12 measures of maternal behavior during the first two postnatal weeks. Lineage, condition, and pup sex predicted pup body weight immediately following the manipulation, with lineage accounting for the largest portion of variance in body weight. Although from a limited sample, these data are the first to examine effects of lineage and environment simultaneously and suggest dam lineage may be a better predictor of maternal behavior than current environmental conditions with important implications for pup outcomes.
Producing and scrounging can have stabilizing effects at multiple levels of organization
Authors: Vickery William L.
Published: February 2020

This study shows, for the first time, that the evolution of a simple behavior, scrounging, at the individual level can have effects on populations, food chains, and community structure. In particular, the addition of scrounging in consumer populations can allow multiple consumers to coexist while exploiting a single prey. Also, scrounging in the top predator of a tritrophic food chain can stabilize interactions between the top predator, its prey, and its prey's prey. This occurs because the payoffs to scrounging for food in a population are negative frequency dependent, allowing scroungers to invade a population and to coexist with producers at a frequency which is density‐dependent. The presence of scroungers, who do not search for resources but simply use those found by others (producers) reduces the total amount of resource acquired by the group. As scrounging increases with group size, this leads to less resource acquired per individual as the group grows. Ultimately, this limits the size of the group, its impact on its prey, and its ability to outcompete other species. These effects can promote stability and thus increase species diversity. I will further suggest that prey may alter their spatial distribution such that scrounging will be profitable among their predators thus reducing predation rate on the prey.
Assessment and treatment of childhood epilepsy in Haiti
Authors: Crevier‐Sorbo Gabriel , Brunette‐Clément Tristan , Medawar Edgar , Mathieu Francois , Morgan Benjamin R. , Hachem Laureen , Fallah Aria , Weil Alexander G. , Ibrahim George M.
Published: February 2020

Objective

The global burden of pediatric epilepsy is disproportionately concentrated in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). However, little is known about the effectiveness of current treatment programs in this setting. We present the outcomes of children who were assessed and treated at the Clinique D'Épilepsie de Port‐au‐Prince (CLIDEP), the only pediatric epilepsy referral center in Haiti.

Methods

A 10‐year retrospective review of children consecutively assessed and treated at CLIDEP was performed. The primary outcome was seizure control following treatment for epilepsy. The secondary outcome was an accurate determination of the diagnosis of epilepsy. A data‐driven principle component regression (PCR) analysis was used to identify variables associated with outcomes of interest.

Results

Of the 812 children referred for evaluation, most children (82%) underwent electroencephalography to investigate a possible epilepsy diagnosis. Very few children (7%) underwent cranial imaging. Although many patients were lost to follow‐up (24%), most children who returned to clinic had less frequent seizures (51%) and compliance with medication was relatively high (79%). Using PCR, we identified a patient phenotype that was strongly associated with poor seizure control which had strong contributions from abnormal neurological examination, higher number of antiepileptic drugs, comorbid diagnoses, epileptic encephalopathy or epilepsy syndrome, and developmental delay. Head circumference also contributed to epilepsy outcomes in Haiti with smaller head sizes being associated with a poor seizure outcome. A dissociable phenotype of febrile seizures, suspected structural abnormality, epileptic encephalopathy or epilepsy syndrome, and higher seizure frequency was associated with a diagnosis of epilepsy.

Significance

We describe the current landscape of childhood epilepsy in Haiti with an emphasis on diagnosis, treatment and outcomes. The findings provide evidence for the effectiveness of programs aimed at the diagnosis and management of epilepsy in LMICs and may inform the allocation of resources and create more effective referral structures.
Assessing basin storage: Comparison of hydrometric‐ and tracer‐based indices of dynamic and total storage
Authors: Cooke Ciara D. , Buttle James M.
Published: February 2020

Storage is a fundamental but elusive component of drainage basin function, influencing synchronization between precipitation input and streamflow output and mediating basin sensitivity to climate and land use/land cover (LULC) change. We compare hydrometric and isotopic approaches to estimate indices of dynamic and total basin storage, respectively, and assess inter‐basin differences in these indices across the Oak Ridges Moraine (ORM) region of southern Ontario, Canada. Dynamic storage indices for the 20 study basins included the ratio of baseflow to total streamflow (baseflow index BFI), Q
99 flow and flow duration curve (FDC) slope. Ratios of the standard deviation of the streamflow stable isotope signal relative to that of precipitation were determined for each basin from a 1 year bi‐weekly sampling program and used as indicators of total storage. Smaller ratios imply longer water travel times, smaller young water fractions (F
yw, < ~2–3 months in age) in streamflow and greater basin storage. Ratios were inversely related to BFI and Q
99, and positively related to FDC slope, suggesting longer travel times and smaller F
yw for basins with stable baseflow‐dominated streamflow regimes. Inter‐basin differences in all indices reflected topographic, hydrogeologic and LULC controls on storage, which was greatest in steep, forest‐covered headwaters underlain by permeable deposits with thick and relatively uniform unsaturated zones. Nevertheless, differential sensitivity of indices to controls on storage indicates the value of using several indices to capture more completely how basin characteristics influence storage. Regression relationships between storage indices and basin characteristics provided reasonable predictions of aspects of the streamflow regime of test basins in the ORM region. Such relationships and the underlying knowledge of controls on basin storage in this landscape provide the foundation for initial predictions of relative differences in streamflow response to regional changes in climate and LULC.
Bone mineral density, mechanical properties, and trabecular orientation of cancellous bone within humeral heads affected by advanced shoulder arthropathy
Authors: Zdravkovic Vilijam , Kaufmann Rolf , Neels Antonia , Dommann Alex , Hofmann Jürgen , Jost Bernhard
Published: February 2020

The mechanical properties of cancellous bone in the humeral head are increasingly interesting due to the increased popularity of stemless prosthetic fixation in the cancellous bone of the metaphysis. Age or pathology‐related systemic osteoporosis, inactivity, or pathology of the shoulder joint may influence the primary bonding of implants that rely on good cancellous bone quality. We assessed the bone mineral density (BMD) and anisotropy using micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) (0.04 mm voxel size) and correlated the results with indentation load/displacement response. Resected parts of humeral heads (from patients undergoing total shoulder replacement, n = 18) were used as probes. The region of interest was defined as 2 mm medial from the resection plane, presuming that it mirrored the bone quality lateral to the resection plane. The indentation tests were performed with a large probe (diameter 10 mm) in a single destructive loading procedure. The BMD and trabecular orientation were determined by micro‐CT. Our results showed a correlation between the BMD and the slope of the load/displacement curve. Furthermore, the trabeculae were predominantly oriented orthogonal to the joint surface. In conclusion, the predominant factor determining the bone quality and mechanical resistance to pressure appears to be the BMD, while trabecular orientation could not be related to load/displacement response. Statement of clinical significance: Bone quality predominately determines the mechanical properties of cancellous bone. This might be crucial when prosthetic implants need to be anchored in metaphyseal bone. Therefore, clinical decision‐making processes should also include local BMD measurements.
Compatibilization of polypropylene/poly(glycolic acid) blend with maleated poe/attapulgite hybrid compatibilizer: Evaluation of mechanical, thermal, rheological, and morphological characteristics
Authors: Yang Haicun , Cai Zinan , Liu Haotian , Cao Zheng , Xia Yanping , Ma Wenzhong , Gong Fanghong , Tao Guoliang , Liu Chunlin
Published: February 2020

In this work, the compatibilization effects of hybrid maleated POE/attapulgite hybrid compatibilizer (M‐POE/ATP) on the immiscible polypropylene/poly(glycolic acid) (PP/PGA) blends was investigated. The hybrid compatibilizer integrating strengthening, toughening and compatibilization functions was prepared via one‐step reactive extrusion using peroxidated ATP as the initiator. Then, the effects of compatibilizer dosage on the mechanical, thermal, rheological and morphological characteristics of blends were evaluated in detail. It was found that the hybrid compatibilizer resulted in the significantly enhanced compatibility and mechanical performance. Increased amount of compatibilizer content fractionated and almost wholly suppressed the crystallization process of PGA. The compatibilized blends showed higher thermal stability than pure PGA, and lower storage modulus and complex viscosity at higher shearing frequency. PGA in the blends presented a much lower degradation rate, which lead to the higher strength retention of 81% for the blend with 4 wt% of compatibilizer in buffer solution after 35 days.
The Core Vocabulary: The Foundation of Proficient Comprehension
Authors: Hiebert Elfrieda H.
Published: February 2020

A group of words, labeled the core vocabulary, can be expected to be prominent across all texts. Scholarship made possible by digital databases of words and new analytic systems has shown that approximately 2,500 morphological families account for most of the words in texts—an average of 91.5% of all words in the Common Core State Standards exemplars from kindergarten through College and Career Ready. The rare vocabulary of texts is so extensive and varied that, without a foundation in the core vocabulary, students are likely to struggle with the meanings of rare words. Words are in the core vocabulary because they represent critical concepts, are part of morphological or word families that share a root word, and are often versatile in their meaning and function. The author describes the semantic, morphological, and multiple‐meaning knowledge represented by these 2,500 word families and ways in which teachers can foster these proficiencies.
Optimal orientation of fibre composites for strength based on Hashin’s criteria optimality conditions
Authors: Ferreira Rafael T. L. , Ashcroft Ian A.
Published: February 2020

The Hashin’s strength criteria are usually employed in first ply failure and damage-onset analysis of fibre-reinforced composites. This work presents optimality conditions of local material orientations for these criteria, in terms of principal stresses and material strength parameters. Each criterion (matrix tensile/compressive, fibre tensile/compressive modes) has its conditions separately derived, analytically, based on a fixed stress field assumption. The conditions found show that orientations which coincide and do not coincide with principal stress directions may minimise local failure indices. These solutions are employed in a proposed algorithm, named HA-OCM (Hashin Optimality Criteria Method), which selectively satisfies the matrix failure modes (either tensile or compressive), iteratively and finite element-wise in composites. It is demonstrated that the HA-OCM is able to design single-layer plane structures with improved failure loads in comparison with designs following only maximum (in absolute) principal stress orientations. Results show that the material orientations have a trend to end up either aligned or at 90° with maximum in absolute principal stress directions. Global optima for compliance are, however, not guaranteed. To give an idea of gains in terms of failure loads, some HA-OCM designs show improvements of 71% and 140%, for example, in comparison with principal stress design.
High-Level Expression of Alkaline Phosphatase by Adeno-Associated Virus Vector Ameliorates Pathological Bone Structure in a Hypophosphatasia Mouse Model
Authors: Nakamura-Takahashi Aki , Tanase Toshiki , Matsunaga Satoru , Shintani Seikou , Abe Shinichi , Nitahara-Kasahara Yuko , Watanabe Atsushi , Hirai Yukihiko , Okada Takashi , Yamaguchi Akira , Kasahara Masataka
Published: February 2020

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a systemic skeletal disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNALP). We recently reported that survival of HPP model mice can be prolonged using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector expressing bone-targeted TNALP with deca-aspartate at the C terminus (TNALP-D10); however, abnormal bone structure and hypomineralization remained in the treated mice. Here, to develop a more effective and clinically applicable approach, we assessed whether transfection with TNALP-D10 expressing virus vector at a higher dose than previously used would ameliorate bone structure defects. We constructed a self-complementary AAV8 vector expressing TNALP driven by the chicken beta-actin (CBA) promoter (scAAV8-CB-TNALP-D10). The vector was injected into both quadriceps femoris muscles of newborn HPP mice at a dose of 4.5 × 1012 vector genome (v.g.)/body, resulting in 20 U/mL of serum ALP activity. The 4.5 × 1012 v.g./body-treated HPP mice grew normally and displayed improved bone structure at the knee joints in X-ray images. Micro-CT analysis showed normal trabecular bone structure and mineralization. The mechanical properties of the femur were also recovered. Histological analysis of the femurs demonstrated that ALP replacement levels were sufficient to promote normal, growth plate cartilage arrangement. These results suggest that AAV vector-mediated high-dose TNALP-D10 therapy is a promising option for improving the quality of life (QOL) of patients with the infantile form of HPP.
Facilitators and barriers for performing comprehensive medication reviews and follow-up by multiprofessional teams in older hospitalised patients
Authors: Kempen Thomas Gerardus Hendrik , Kälvemark Amanda , Sawires Maria , Stewart Derek , Gillespie Ulrika
Published: February 2020

Purpose

There is a lack of knowledge about factors that influence the performance of comprehensive medication reviews (CMRs) by multiprofessional teams in hospital practice. This study aimed to explore the facilitators and barriers for performing CMRs and post-discharge follow-up in older hospitalised patients from the healthcare professional perspective.

Methods

Physicians and ward-based pharmacists were recruited from an ongoing trial at four hospitals in Sweden. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 physicians and 7 pharmacists. Interview topics were working processes, resources, competences, medication-related problems, intervention effects and collaboration. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Identified subthemes were categorised as facilitators or barriers and grouped into overarching main themes.

Results

In total, 21 facilitators and 25 barriers were identified across all CFIR domains and grouped in 6 main themes: (a) CMRs and follow-up are needed, but not in all patients; (b) there is a general belief in positive effects; (c) lack of resources is an issue, although the performance of CMRs may save time; (d) pharmacists’ knowledge and skills are valuable, but they need more clinical competence; (e) compatibility with hospital practice is challenging, and roles and responsibilities are unclear and (f) personal contact at the ward is essential for physician-pharmacist collaboration.

Conclusion

Multiple facilitators and barriers for performing CMRs and post-discharge follow-up in older hospitalised patients exist. These factors should be addressed in future initiatives with similar interventions by multiprofessional teams to ensure successful implementation and performance in hospital practice.
The impact of patient characteristics on enzalutamide pharmacokinetics and how this relates to treatment toxicity and efficacy in metastatic prostate cancer patients
Authors: Benoist Guillemette E. , van Oort Inge M. , Burger David M. , Mehra Niven , van Erp Nielka P.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of patient characteristics, age and body mass index (BMI), on pharmacokinetics of enzalutamide, and to study the relationships between drug exposure and enzalutamide efficacy and toxicity, in mCRPC patients.

Methods

Data were collected in a longitudinal cohort study (ANDROPS) and a prospective observational study (ILUMINATE), both in mCRPC patients treated with enzalutamide. To investigate the influence of age and BMI on exposure, enzalutamide and N-desmethylenzalutamide levels were compared by ANOVA. To investigate the relation of exposure versus time to progression (TTP), the sum plasma levels were divided into quartiles and compared by Kaplan–Meier analysis. To assess the relation of exposure with fatigue, plasma levels in patients experiencing fatigue vs. no fatigue were compared by and independent t test.

Results

Data of 68 mCRPC patients were included for analysis. Plasma levels were not different for age or BMI. No difference in TTP between both studies was observed (383 days (95% CI 287–859), and 567 days (95% CI 351–NR), p = 0.36). Kaplan–Meier analysis of quartiles of sum levels showed no difference for TTP. Fatigue was reported by 22 patients, no difference in sum plasma levels was observed between patients with and without fatigue.

Conclusions

We observed that age and BMI did not influence systemic exposure in patients treated with enzalutamide. No relation of exposure with efficacy or fatigue was observed. Further research using enzalutamide at a lower dose is needed to understand the relation of enzalutamide exposure and fatigue.
Dose reduction for CT coronary calcium scoring with a calcium-aware image reconstruction technique: a phantom study
Authors: Booij Ronald , van der Werf Niels R. , Budde Ricardo P. J. , Bos Daniel , van Straten Marcel
Published: February 2020

Objective

To assess the dose reduction potential of a calcium-aware reconstruction technique, which aims at tube voltage-independent computed tomography (CT) numbers for calcium.

Methods and materials

A cardiothoracic phantom, mimicking three different patient sizes, was scanned with two calcium inserts (named D100 and CCI), containing calcifications varying in size and density. Tube voltage was varied both manually (range 70–150 and Sn100 kVp) and automatically. Tube current was automatically adapted to maintain reference image quality defined at 120 kVp. Data was reconstructed with the standard reconstruction technique (kernel Qr36) and the calcium-aware reconstruction technique (kernel Sa36). We assessed the radiation dose reduction potential (volumetric CT dose index values (CTDIvol)), noise (standard deviation (SD)), mean CT number (HU) of each calcification, and Agatston scores for varying kVp. Results were compared with the reference acquired at 120 kVp and reconstructed with Qr36.

Results

Automatic selection of the optimal tube voltage resulted in a CTDIvol reduction of 22%, 15%, and 12% compared with the reference for the small, medium, and large phantom, respectively. CT numbers differed up to 64% for the standard reconstruction and 11% for the calcium-aware reconstruction. Similarly, Agatston scores deviated up to 40% and 8% for the standard and calcium-aware reconstruction technique, respectively.

Conclusion

CT numbers remained consistent with comparable calcium scores when the calcium-aware image reconstruction technique was applied with varying tube voltage. Less consistency was observed in small calcifications with low density. Automatic reduction of tube voltage resulted in a dose reduction of up to 22%.

Key Points

• The calcium-aware image reconstruction technique allows for consistent CT numbers when varying the tube voltage.

• Automatic reduction of tube voltage results in a reduced radiation exposure of up to 22%.

• This study stresses the known limitations of the current Agatston score technique.
Randomized Multiresolution Scanning in Focal and Fast E/MEG Sensing of Brain Activity with a Variable Depth
Authors: Rezaei A. , Koulouri A. , Pursiainen S.
Published: February 2020

We focus on electro-/magnetoencephalography imaging of the neural activity and, in particular, finding a robust estimate for the primary current distribution via the hierarchical Bayesian model (HBM). Our aim is to develop a reasonably fast maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation technique which would be applicable for both superficial and deep areas without specific a priori knowledge of the number or location of the activity. To enable source distinguishability for any depth, we introduce a randomized multiresolution scanning (RAMUS) approach in which the MAP estimate of the brain activity is varied during the reconstruction process. RAMUS aims to provide a robust and accurate imaging outcome for the whole brain, while maintaining the computational cost on an appropriate level. The inverse gamma (IG) distribution is applied as the primary hyperprior in order to achieve an optimal performance for the deep part of the brain. In this proof-of-the-concept study, we consider the detection of simultaneous thalamic and somatosensory activity via numerically simulated data modeling the 14-20 ms post-stimulus somatosensory evoked potential and field response to electrical wrist stimulation. Both a spherical and realistic model are utilized to analyze the source reconstruction discrepancies. In the numerically examined case, RAMUS was observed to enhance the visibility of deep components and also marginalizing the random effects of the discretization and optimization without a remarkable computation cost. A robust and accurate MAP estimate for the primary current density was obtained in both superficial and deep parts of the brain.
Using Smartphones as Experimental Tools—a Follow-up: Cognitive Effects by Video Analysis and Reduction of Cognitive Load by Multiple Representations
Authors: Hochberg Katrin , Becker Sebastian , Louis Malte , Klein Pascal , Kuhn Jochen
Published: February 2020

Mobile devices (smartphones or tablets) as experimental tools (METs) offer inspiring possibilities for science education, but until now, there has been little research studying this approach. Previous research indicated that METs have positive effects on students’ interest and curiosity. The present investigation focuses on potential cognitive effects of METs using video analyses on tablets to investigate pendulum movements and an instruction that has been used before to study effects of smartphones’ acceleration sensors. In a quasi-experimental repeated-measurement design, a treatment group uses METs (TG, NTG = 23) and a control group works with traditional experimental tools (CG, NCG = 28) to study the effects on interest, curiosity, and learning achievement. Moreover, various control variables were taken into account. We suppose that pupils in the TG have a lower extraneous cognitive load and higher learning achievement than those in the CG working with traditional experimental tools. ANCOVAs showed significantly higher levels of learning achievement in the TG (medium effect size). No differences were found for interest, curiosity, or cognitive load. This might be due to a smaller material context provided by tablets, in comparison to smartphones, as more pupils possess and are familiar with smartphones than with tablets. Another reason for the unchanged interest might be the composition of the sample: While previous research showed that especially originally less-interested students profited most from using METs, the current sample contained only specialized courses, i.e., students with a high original interest, for whom the effect of METs on their interest is presumably smaller.
Impact of a Reform Towards Shared Parental Leave on Continued Fertility in Norway and Sweden
Authors: Duvander Ann-Zofie , Lappegard Trude , Johansson Mats
Published: February 2020

It has been argued that a generous family policy aimed at a gender-equal division of childcare and economic responsibility will have a positive impact on childbearing. In this study, we investigate whether fathers’ parental leave use is related to continued childbearing and whether there has been a policy effect on fertility behavior due to the introduction of the father’s quota in Norway and Sweden. Fathers’ parental leave use may affect fertility by easing women’s work burden at home and thus enhancing the degree of compatibility between childrearing and female employment, and it may increase fathers’ interest in children and childcare. To distinguish causality from selection in the effects observed, we use the natural experiment of the introduction of the father’s quotas. The results indicate that the reforms did not influence fertility in Norway but that Swedish couples with a lower income had a temporary higher third-birth risk. Fathers in this group showed the greatest increase in leave use after the reform.