bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are assessment center behaviors' meanings consistent across exercises? A measurement invariance approach
Authors: Lee Jin , Connelly Brian S. , Goff Maynard , Hazucha Joy F.
Published: November 2017

To examine the appropriateness of a Multi‐Trait–Multi‐Method framework for testing construct validity of Assessment Centers (ACs) and get practical implications for the improved AC design, degree to which the AC dimension‐related performance behaviors consistently manifest across multiple AC rating situations was investigated. The present study used a large sample (N = 5,006) to apply a measurement invariance analysis. AC rating situations generally produced consistent factor loadings for items on AC dimensions, item residuals, dimension factor variances, and covariance between dimensions. The AC rating situation of interview tended to produce higher ratings and less item residuals. These findings support the consistency in constructs assessed across different AC rating situations, while some exercises may be better for teasing apart particular dimensions than others.
Risk factor management in a contemporary Australian population at increased cardiovascular disease risk
Authors: Campbell Duncan J. , Coller Jennifer M. , Gong Fei Fei , McGrady Michele , Prior David L. , Boffa Umberto , Shiel Louise , Liew Danny , Wolfe Rory , Owen Alice J. , Krum Henry , Reid Christopher M.
Published: November 2017

Background

Effective management of cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease risk factors offers longer, healthier lives and savings in healthcare.

Aim

To examine risk factor management in participants of the SCReening Evaluation of the Evolution of New Heart Failure study, a self‐selected population at increased cardiovascular disease risk recruited from members of a health insurance fund in Melbourne and Shepparton, Australia.

Methods

Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 60 years with one or more self‐reported ischaemic or other heart diseases, irregular or rapid heart rhythm, cerebrovascular disease, renal impairment or treatment for hypertension or diabetes for ≥2 years. Exclusion criteria were known heart failure or cardiac abnormality on echocardiography or other imaging. Medical history, clinical examination, full blood examination and biochemistry (without lipids and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c)) were performed for 3847 participants on enrolment, and blood pressure, lipids and HbA1c were measured 1–2 years after enrolment for 3203 participants.

Results

Despite 99% of 3294 participants with hypertension receiving antihypertensive medication, half had blood pressures >140/90 mmHg. Approximately 77% of participants were overweight or obese, with one third being obese. Additionally, 74% of participants at high cardiovascular disease risk had low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels ≥2 mmol/L, one third of diabetic participants had HbA1c >7%, 22% had an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73m2, and substantial proportions had under‐utilisation of antiplatelet therapy and anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation and were physically inactive.

Conclusions

This population demonstrated substantial potential to reduce cardiovascular and renal morbidity and mortality and healthcare costs through more effective management of modifiable risk factors.
Rapid phenotypic change in a native bird population following conversion of the Colorado Desert to agriculture
Authors: Mason Nicholas A. , Unitt Philip
Published: November 2017

Humans are modifying our planet's ecosystems with increasing frequency and intensity. Exploring population responses to anthropogenic modifications of natural habitat provides insights into how species persist in the Anthropocene. Here, we leverage natural history collections to document rapid phenotypic change within a native bird population following ~80 yr of agriculture in the Colorado Desert of southeastern California. By comparing spectrophotometric measurements of horned lark Eremophila alpestris specimens collected in the Imperial Valley from 1918 to 1934 to those collected from 1984 to 2014, we found that more recent birds have darker backs, napes, and crowns. This dorsal darkening may have resulted from a shift in selective pressures for camouflage induced by land use: previously, the lark population nested on light‐colored desert flats, whereas contemporary larks occupy darker soil associated with agricultural fields. Adaptation and/or introgression may have contributed to this instance of rapid phenotypic change following the rise of agriculture in the Imperial Valley.
Efficacy and safety of tofacitinib for moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kuo C.‐M. , Tung T.‐H. , Wang S.‐H. , Chi C.‐C.
Published: November 2017

The effects of tofacitinib in treating moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis were unclear. We aimed to assess the effects of tofacitinib in treating moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and EMBASE for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Four RCTs with 2724 participants were included. Compared to placebo, tofacitinib significantly improved psoriasis {≥75% reduction in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score: 5 mg BID: risk difference (RD) 0.32 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28–0.35], 10 mg BID: RD 0.51 (95% CI 0.43–0.58); ≥90% reduction in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score: 5 mg BID: RD 0.19 (95% CI 0.17–0.22), 10 mg BID: RD 0.36 (95% CI 0.31–0.42); Physician's Global Assessment 0/1: 5 mg BID: RD 0.31 (95% CI 0.27–0.35), 10 mg BID: RD 0.48 (95% CI 0.44–0.53)} and participants’ life quality [Dermatology Life Quality Index 0/1: 5 mg BID: RD 0.24 (95% CI 0.20–0.2), 10 mg BID: RD 0.36 (95% CI 0.33–0.40)]. Tofacitinib was associated with an increase in minor adverse events [upper respiratory tract infection: 5 mg BID: RD 0.02 (95% CI 0.00–0.03), 10 mg BID: RD 0.02 (95% CI 0.00–0.04); hypercholesterolaemia: 5 mg BID: RD 0.02 (95% CI 0.01–0.04), 10 mg BID: RD 0.02 (95% CI 0.01–0.04)]. In conclusion, tofacitinib may be a treatment option for moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis that is unresponsive to other therapies and patients who are intolerable to other therapies or prefer oral medications.
Thermal acclimation inArabidopsis lyrata: genotypic costs and transcriptional changes
Authors: Wos G. , Willi Y.
Published: November 2017

Frost and heat events can be challenging for sessile organisms that cannot escape thermal extremes. However, adverse effects of thermal stress on fitness may be reduced by pre‐exposure to cold or heat, a process known as acclimation. To understand the ecological and evolutionary implications of acclimation, we investigated (1) the reduction in performance due to stress pre‐exposure, (2) the magnitude of increased leaf resistance to subsequent stress, (3) the costs of acclimation and (4) the genes differing in expression due to stress pre‐exposure. Plants ofArabidopsis lyratawere raised under three treatments of pre‐exposure: bouts of frost, bouts of heat or constant temperature. Resistance of leaves to subsequent frost and heat stress was then measured by electrolyte leakage.RNA‐seq analysis was performed to examine the genes differentially expressed between stress‐pre‐exposed and control plants. Pre‐exposure to stress during growth decreased plant size and increased leaf resistance to subsequent stress independent of whether pre‐exposure was to frost or heat. But the highest increase in leaf resistance to frost was found after pre‐exposure to frost (as a trend) and in leaf resistance to heat after pre‐exposure to heat. No evidence for costs of acclimation was detected.RNA‐sequencing suggested that acclimation by frost and heat pre‐exposure was caused by distinct mechanisms: modification of the chloroplast membrane and modification of the cell wall and membrane, respectively. Our results suggest that thermal resistance is a labile complex of traits, strongly affected by the previously experienced stress environment, with undetermined costs.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy and Dementia: What Is the Evidence?
Authors: Yang Yu‐Xiao
Published: November 2017

This editorial comments on the article by Gray et al.
Reproducibility of Brain MRI Segmentation Algorithms: Empirical Comparison of Local MAP PSTAPLE, FreeSurfer, and FSL‐FIRST
Authors: Velasco‐Annis Clemente , Akhondi‐Asl Alireza , Stamm Aymeric , Warfield Simon K.
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Segmentation of human brain structures is crucial for the volumetric quantification of brain disease. Advances in algorithmic approaches have led to automated techniques that save time compared to interactive methods. Recently, the utility and accuracy of template library fusion algorithms, such as Local MAP PSTAPLE (PSTAPLE), have been demonstrated but there is little guidance regarding its reproducibility compared to single template‐based algorithms such as FreeSurfer and FSL‐FIRST.

METHODS

Eight repeated magnetic resonance imagings of 20 subjects were segmented using FreeSurfer, FSL‐FIRST, and PSTAPLE. We reported the reproducibility of segmentation‐derived volume measurements for brain structures and calculated sample size estimates for detecting hypothetical rates of tissue atrophy given the observed variances.

RESULTS

PSTAPLE had the most reproducible volume measurements for hippocampus, putamen, thalamus, caudate, pallidum, amygdala, Accumbens area, and cortical regions. FreeSurfer was most reproducible for brainstem. PSTAPLE was the most accurate algorithm in terms of several metrics include Dice's coefficient. The sample size estimates showed that a study utilizing PSTAPLE would require tens to hundreds less subjects than the other algorithms for detecting atrophy rates typically observed in brain disease.

CONCLUSIONS

PSTAPLE is a useful tool for automatic human brain segmentation due to its precision and accuracy, which enable the detection of the size of the effect typically reported for neurological disorders with a substantially reduced sample size, in comparison to the other tools we assessed. This enables randomized controlled trials to be executed with reduced cost and duration, in turn, facilitating the assessment of new therapeutic interventions.
The CT‐Defined Hyperdense Arterial Sign as a Marker for Acute Intracerebral Large Vessel Occlusion
Authors: Lim Jaims , Magarik Jordan A. , Froehler Michael T.
Published: November 2017

Background and Purpose

To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the hyperdense artery sign (HAS) on thin‐slice non‐contrast computed tomography (NCCT), combined with brief clinical history, as an indicator for large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the setting of acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

Ninety‐nine LVO and 102 non‐LVO acute ischemic stroke patients were retrospectively identified from a prospective database at a single institution. After reviewing each patient's neurologic presentation based on his or her initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and neurologic evaluation, all thin (1 mm) and thick (5 mm) NCCT scans were reviewed for the HAS. Analysis of sensitivity and specificity was conducted to determine the utility of the HAS sign as a reliable marker for LVO in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Results

Of the 99 LVO stroke patients, 66 HASs were identified on NCCT. Of the 102 non‐LVO patients, 18 false‐positive HASs were identified. The sensitivity and specificity of the HAS, respectively, was 67% and 82%. By anatomic distribution, the sensitivity of identifying basilar artery occlusions was 75%, and the sensitivity of identifying middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1 branch occlusions was 76%. Among patients with an NIHSS > 10, the sensitivity was 79%; whereas sensitivity was 50% if NIHSS was ≤ 10.

Conclusions

The HAS on thin‐slice NCCT has a reasonably high sensitivity and specificity for identifying LVO in acute ischemic stroke patients presenting with an NIHSS > 10 and suspected MCA M1 or basilar artery occlusion.
Using Electromagnetic Articulography to Measure Denture Micromovement during Chewing with and without Denture Adhesive
Authors: Hoke Phyllis , Tiede Mark , Grender Julie , Klukowska Malgorzata , Peters Jill , Carr Gregory
Published: November 2017

Purpose

To study the effects of denture adhesive upon denture micromovements in three dimensions during the chewing of hard, sticky, and tough food items observed using a novel method involving an electromagnetic articulograph (EMA) speech research system.

Materials and Methods

Ten volunteers (mean age 60.9 ± 10.4 years) with fair‐ or poor‐fitting complete maxillary dentures were enrolled. Chewing experiments were conducted using two treatments (adhesive or no‐adhesive control) and three foods: carrots (hard), raisins (sticky), and processed meat stick (tough). Denture micromovement was measured through a novel application of a Northern Digital Wave EMA System. Three‐dimensional denture position was captured during mastication using three sensors embedded into a replica denture for each subject. Following individual characterization of a “home” reference position, the Euclidean Distances from Home (DfH) were calculated for each recorded sample of the chewing experiments. The DfH at each sample represented the denture movement for that 1/100th of a second of the activity. The DfH data were then summarized as the mean DfH, the maximum DfH, and total distance traveled by the denture. Several thresholds were also analyzed, including the percent of time that the DfH ≥1.5 mm, ≥2.0 mm, and ≥2.5 mm.

Results

With adhesive treatment, the mean DfH of dentures during chewing was reduced by 26.8% for carrot, 30.3% for raisin, and 31.0% for meat stick, when compared with no‐adhesive treatment (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Similar results were also seen for the maximum DfH and total distance travelled endpoints across foods. For the threshold endpoints, adhesive treatment was associated with a statistically significant reduction in denture micromovements at all three thresholds across foods. At the threshold of DfH ≥ 1.5 mm, adhesive treatment was associated with a reduction in micromovement by 61.6%, 56.2%, and 70.0% with carrot, raisin, and meat stick, respectively (p ≤ 0.004 for all comparisons).

Conclusions

Observations of denture movement using the Wave EMA System were able to differentiate systematically between adhesive treatment and no‐adhesive treatment for denture micromovements during different chewing challenges. Use of adhesive was associated with statistically significant reductions in denture micromovements for hard, sticky, and tough foods as measured with both distance and threshold endpoints.
Faecal calcium excretion does not decrease during long‐term feeding of a low‐calcium diet in adult dogs
Authors: Schmitt S. , Mack J. , Kienzle E. , Alexander L. G. , Morris P. J. , Colyer A. , Dobenecker B.
Published: November 2017

According to a previous meta‐analysis, adult dogs do not notably increase calcium absorption from the gastrointestinal tract when calcium intake is decreased. This results in a negative calcium balance even with a moderate calcium reduction. In this study we wanted to verify (i) whether a negative calcium balance occurs at a calcium intake equivalent to NRC (2006) (Nutrient requirements of dogs and cats, 2006, The National Academies Press, Washington, DC) minimal requirements, and if so (ii) whether the negative calcium balance will persist for up to 6 months on a low‐calcium diet. After a pre‐feeding period of at least 18 weeks with calcium intake slightly exceeding maintenance requirements (200 mg/kg body weight0.75), 12 dogs (6 Beagles, 6 Foxhound crossbreds) were fed a low‐calcium diet for 28 weeks. One dog was removed from the trial for reasons unrelated to the study at week 23. Calcium intake amounted to 60 mg/kg body weight0.75 corresponding to the minimal requirement for maintenance in dogs (NRC, 2006 (Nutrient requirements of dogs and cats, 2006, The National Academies Press, Washington, DC)). Digestion trials were carried out at week 7, 14, 21 and 28 of the low calcium feeding period. At these time points, and at week 18 of the pre‐trial, blood samples were taken and analysed for calcium, ionised calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, vitamin D, serum crosslaps and bone alkaline phosphatase. Apparent calcium digestibility was negative throughout the study, suggesting a negative calcium balance. There was no systematic decrease in faecal calcium excretion. Serum calcium, ionised calcium and phosphorus remained within the reference range. Serum crosslaps increased continuously from baseline to week 28 of trial, with averages increasing from 0.102 ng/ml to 0.279 ng/ml, suggesting osteoclastic activity, indicative of calcium mobilisation from the skeleton. The study supports the theory of a lack of adaptation of intestinal calcium absorption from diets with relatively low calcium content in dogs. This agrees with clinical findings in dogs eating low‐calcium diet.
Light sensing by opsins and fungal ecology: NOP‐1 modulates entry into sexual reproduction in response to environmental cues
Authors: Wang Zheng , Wang Junrui , Li Ning , Li Jigang , Trail Frances , Dunlap Jay C. , Townsend Jeffrey P.
Published: November 2017

Understanding the genetic basis of the switch from asexual to sexual lifestyles in response to sometimes rapid environmental changes is one of the major challenges in fungal ecology. Light appears to play a critical role in the asexual–sexual switch—but fungal genomes harbour diverse light sensors. Fungal opsins are homologous to bacterial green‐light‐sensory rhodopsins, and their organismal functions in fungi have not been well understood. Three of these opsin‐like proteins were widely distributed across fungal genomes, but homologs of the Fusarium opsin‐like protein CarO were present only in plant‐associated fungi. Key amino acids, including potential retinal binding sites, functionally diverged on the phylogeny of opsins. This diversification of opsin‐like proteins could be correlated with life history‐associated differences among fungi in their expression and function during morphological development. In Neurospora crassa and related species, knockout of the opsin NOP‐1 led to a phenotype in the regulation of the asexual–sexual switch, modulating response to both light and oxygen conditions. Sexual development commenced early in ∆nop‐1 strains cultured in unsealed plates under constant blue and white light. Furthermore, comparative transcriptomics showed that the expression of nop‐1 is light‐dependent and that the ∆nop‐1 strain abundantly expresses genes involved in oxidative stress response, genes enriched in NAD/NADP binding sites, genes with functions in proton transmembrane movement and catalase activity, and genes involved in the homeostasis of protons. Based on these observations, we contend that light and oxidative stress regulate the switch via light‐responsive and ROS pathways in model fungus N. crassa and other fungi.
The emergence of language
Authors: Steedman Mark
Published: November 2017

This paper argues that the faculty of language comes essentially for free in evolutionary terms, by grace of a capacity shared with some evolutionarily quite distantly related animals for deliberatively planning action in the world. The reason humans have language of a kind that animals do not is because of a qualitative difference in the nature of human plans rather than anything unique to language.
Soybean mosaic virus: a successful potyvirus with a wide distribution but restricted natural host range
Authors: Hajimorad M. R. , Domier L. L. , Tolin S. A. , Whitham S. A. , Saghai Maroof M. A.
Published: November 2017

Taxonomy

Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) is a species within the genus Potyvirus, family Potyviridae, which includes almost one‐quarter of all known plant RNA viruses affecting agriculturally important plants. The Potyvirus genus is the largest of all genera of plant RNA viruses with 160 species.

Particle

The filamentous particles of SMV, typical of potyviruses, are about 7500 Å long and 120 Å in diameter with a central hole of about 15 Å in diameter. Coat protein residues are arranged in helices of about 34 Å pitch having slightly less than nine subunits per turn.

Genome

The SMV genome consists of a single‐stranded, positive‐sense, polyadenylated RNA of approximately 9.6 kb with a virus‐encoded protein (VPg) linked at the 5′ terminus. The genomic RNA contains a single large open reading frame (ORF). The polypeptide produced from the large ORF is processed proteolytically by three viral‐encoded proteinases to yield about 10 functional proteins. A small ORF, partially overlapping the P3 cistron, pipo, is encoded as a fusion protein in the N‐terminus of P3 (P3N + PIPO).

Biological properties

SMV's host range is restricted mostly to two plant species of a single genus: Glycine max (cultivated soybean) and G. soja (wild soybean). SMV is transmitted by aphids non‐persistently and by seeds. The variability of SMV is recognized by reactions on cultivars with dominant resistance (R) genes. Recessive resistance genes are not known.

Geographical distribution and economic importance

As a consequence of its seed transmissibility, SMV is present in all soybean‐growing areas of the world. SMV infections can reduce significantly seed quantity and quality (e.g. mottled seed coats, reduced seed size and viability, and altered chemical composition).

Control

The most effective means of managing losses from SMV are the planting of virus‐free seeds and cultivars containing single or multiple R genes.

Key attractions

The interactions of SMV with soybean genotypes containing different dominant R genes and an understanding of the functional role(s) of SMV‐encoded proteins in virulence, transmission and pathogenicity have been investigated intensively. The SMV–soybean pathosystem has become an excellent model for the examination of the genetics and genomics of a uniquely complex gene‐for‐gene resistance model in a crop of worldwide importance.
Differential effects of follistatin on porcine oocyte competence and cumulus cell gene expression in vitro
Authors: Guo Z , Islam MS , Liu D , Liu G , Lv L , Yang Y , Fu B , Wang L , Liu Z , He H , Wu H
Published: November 2017

Contents

Several oocyte‐derived genes/proteins are essential to early embryonic development. The expression and stability of these proteins are influenced by the autocrine/paracrine activity of factors released by oocytes and cumulus cells. This study investigated the paracrine and autocrine activity of follistatin (FS), which is secreted by oocytes and cumulus cells as part of porcine embryogenesis. Immunohistochemical (IHC) localization of follistatin was conducted on 100 randomly selected early‐ and late‐cleaving two‐cell embryos. Dissociated cumulus cells were treated with various doses of follistatin for determination of the follistatin gene (FST) mRNA expression levels by quantitative real‐time PCR analysis. Microinjection of siRNA induced a downregulation of FST mRNA during embryonic development, thereby decreasing the proportion embryos developing to the blastocyst stage (19.33%). Immunolocalization analysis showed enhanced staining for follistatin in early‐cleavage stage embryos. Quantitative real‐time PCR indicated a significantly lower FST transcript level in cumulus cells after application of the highest dose of follistatin (100 ng/ml). Exogenous follistatin treatment of in vitro maturation embryos resulted in statistically significant dose‐dependent changes during development. Application of the highest concentration (100 ng/ml) of follistatin decreased the maturation rate of the oocytes. On the other hand, the application of 10 ng/ml follistatin resulted in an increase in the number of embryos. The observed differential effect of exogenous follistatin might be due to maternal FST and autocrine/paracrine factors secreted by cumulus cells.
Cytological endometritis diagnosed at artificial insemination in repeat breeder dairy cows
Authors: Bogado Pascottini O , Hostens M , Opsomer G
Published: November 2017

Contents

This study aimed to (i) assess the prevalence of cytological endometritis (CYTO) diagnosed at artificial insemination (AI); (ii) evaluate the effect of CYTO on the pregnancy outcome of the same AI sample; and (iii) determine the risk factors associated with CYTO diagnosed at AI in repeat breeder (RB) dairy cows. We analysed the productive and reproductive performances of 146 RB Holstein‐Friesian cows. To obtain a CYTO sample at AI, we used the cytotape technique. Generalized mixed effect models were computed to find the risk factors associated with the pregnancy and CYTO outcome. Based on ≥1% PMN cut‐off point, the CYTO prevalence at AI in RB cows was 25.3%. The overall pregnancy at AI was 44.2%. The conception rate in CYTO‐positive (n = 37) RB cows was 29.7% versus 49.5% for CYTO‐negative (n = 109) cows. A RB cow diagnosed CYTO positive at AI had 0.47 [odds ratio (OR)] odds to become pregnant in comparison with a CYTO‐negative cow. Cows that produced more milk than their counterparts in this study had increased odds (OR = 1.01) to be CYTO positive at AI. A novel risk factor positively associated with CYTO diagnosed at AI in RB cows was the level of daily milk urea (OR = 1.11). To conclude, CYTO at the moment of AI had a significantly negative effect on the pregnancy outcome in RB dairy cows. However, as only one of fourth of RB cows is affected with CYTO at AI, it may not be considered a key element associated with the RB syndrome.
Occupational Mobility during South Africa's Industrial Take‐Off
Authors: Cilliers Jeanne , Fourie Johan
Published: November 2017

In the absence of historical income or education data, the change in occupations over time can be used as a measure of mobility. This paper investigates intergenerational occupational mobility using a novel genealogical dataset for settler South Africa, spanning its transition from an agricultural to an early industrialised society (1800‐1909). We identify fathers and sons for whom we have complete information on occupational attainment. We follow a two‐generation discrete approach to measure changes in both absolute and relative mobility over time. Consistent with qualitative evidence of a shift away from agriculture as the economy's dominant sector, we see the farming class shrinking and the skilled and professional classes growing. Controlling for changes in the structure of the labour market over time, we find increasing mobility, becoming significant after the discovery of minerals in 1868. We find this mobility particularly for semi‐skilled workers but virtually no improved mobility for sons of farmers. We also test hypotheses related to the mobility prospects for first‐born sons and sons of immigrants.
DNA‐based testing in lung transplant recipients with suspected non‐viral lower respiratory tract infection: A prospective observational study
Authors: Drick Nora , Seeliger Benjamin , Greer Mark , Bollmann Benjamin A. , Ziesing Stefan , Welte Tobias , Gottlieb Jens
Published: November 2017

Background

Non‐viral lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are common among lung transplant (LTx) recipients with increased mortality. Early pathogen identification is crucial to guide therapy and avoid adverse events. Results from cultures may require up to 72 hours. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR) may allow faster pathogen identification, but its utility in LTx recipients with suspected non‐viral LRTI remains unclear.

Methods

In a prospective open‐label observational trial, LTx recipients presenting with suspected LRTI received bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Samples were simultaneously analyzed by multiplex PCR (Curetis P55 Pneumonia) and cultures for pathogen identification. Time to result notification for PCR and cultures and time to final diagnosis were recorded. Definition of non‐viral LRTI was isolation of a lung‐pathogenic non‐viral pathogen by either method.

Results

Forty‐eight patients were included, with 32 (67%) having a lung‐pathogenic isolate by conventional cultures. In 17/32 pathogen identification was identical on PCR, in 12/32 (37%) PCR returned negative, and in 3/32 (10%) PCR and culture identified different pathogens. Sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals for pathogen isolation for PCR were 66% (47‐81) and 100% (79‐100), respectively. The positive predictive value for PCR was 100% (84‐100) and the negative predictive value was 59% (39‐78). PCR results were available after 21.2 hours (interquartile range [IQR] 19.3‐65.7) vs 23 hours (IQR 21.1‐67.4) from cultures (P < .0001). The time to final diagnosis of non‐viral LRTI was 22.9 hours (20.4‐37.5).

Conclusion

In LTx recipients with suspected non‐viral LRTI, multiplex PCR had a lower sensitivity than cultures. Results were available 2 hours earlier.
Retromer and the cation‐independent mannose 6‐phosphate receptor—Time for a trial separation?
Authors: Seaman Matthew N. J.
Published: November 2017

The retromer cargo‐selective complex (CSC) comprising Vps35, Vps29 and Vps26 mediates the endosome‐to‐Golgi retrieval of the cation‐independent mannose 6‐phosphate receptor (CIMPR). Or does it? Recently published data have questioned the validity of this long‐established theory. Here, the evidence for and against a role for the retromer CSC in CIMPR endosome‐to‐Golgi retrieval is examined in the light of the new data that the SNX‐BAR dimer is actually responsible for CIMPR retrieval.
Dose capping of plerixafor in patients weighing more than 100 kg at one vial led to successful mobilization outcomes and significant cost savings
Authors: Park Gabriel , Shayani Sepideh , Stiller Tracey , Wang Shirong , Yuan Shan
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Plerixafor is frequently used as an adjunct agent to improve mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells in many clinical settings. However, its high cost (>$8000 per single‐use 24‐mg vial) is a significant concern. The manufacturer‐recommended dose is 0.24 mg/kg. Therefore, patients weighing more than 100 kg would require a second vial, thus doubling the drug cost per dose. We implemented a policy of capping the dose of plerixafor at 24 mg, or one vial, for patients weighing more than 100 kg. This retrospective study compares the mobilization of patients more than 100 kg who received capped doses, with historical control patients who received full, uncapped doses.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Consecutive, eligible patients weighing more than 100 kg who received capped (n = 47) and full doses of plerixafor (n = 40) were identified. Plerixafor was given up‐front, as a rescue agent due to suboptimal mobilization, or during remobilization. Baseline characteristics and mobilization data were collected and compared.

RESULTS

Patients in the two groups showed comparable baseline characteristics. They collected similar total numbers of CD34+ cells/kg (median, 4.08 × 106 vs. 3.36 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg; p = 0.86) and achieved comparable collection success rates as defined by collecting more than 2.0 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg (98% vs. 90%, p = 0.21). However, patients who received capped doses required only half of the number of vials of plerixafor (median, 3 vials vs. 6 vials; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Dose capping plerixafor at 24 mg for patients more than 100 kg is a cost‐effective strategy, which achieved comparable mobilization outcomes and reduced the total number of vials of plerixafor used by half.
Factors affecting patient‐reported outcomes after red blood cell transfusion in medical patients
Authors: Chan Ka Lok Luke , Mak Wai Man Vivien , Tam Yat Hung , Lee Kwok Kuen Harold
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

Physical variables like mortality or cardiac events were used to evaluate the requirement of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion. However, patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) of blood transfusion recipients were seldom assessed. The health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients before and after RBC transfusion was compared in this study.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The study period was February to June 2016. Standardized generic and anemia symptom‐specific HRQoL instruments were administered to patients receiving RBC transfusion in the medical unit of a single center. The primary outcome was the change in HRQoL scores on Days 1 and 7 posttransfusion from baseline values on the day of transfusion (Day 0). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to study the effect of transfusion strategy and other factors on PRO.

RESULTS

The analysis included 99 general medical patients. The median (interquartile range) pretransfusion hemoglobin level was 72 (66‐78) g/L. Two or more units of RBCs were prescribed to 45 patients (45%) on Day 0. Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Anemia Subscale improved significantly on Days 1 and 7 by effect sizes of 0.41 and 0.38, respectively (p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that lower baseline HRQoL scores were associated with better PRO on both Day 1 and Day 7 (p < 0.001). Transfusion trigger and number of RBC units transfused did not affect the change in HRQoL.

CONCLUSION

Worse pretransfusion HRQoL is a predictor of improvement in PRO after blood transfusion. There is no evidence that a restrictive transfusion or single‐unit policy jeopardizes PRO.
Risk factors for tibial damage associated with the modified Maquet technique in 174 stifles
Authors: Lefebvre Michael D. , Broux Olivier R. , Barthélémy Nicolas P. , Hamon Martin , Moyse Evelyne V. , Bouvy Bernard M. , Balligand Marc H.
Published: November 2017

Objective

To identify risk factors for tibial damage associated with the modified Maquet technique (MMT) in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Sample population

One hundred and seventy‐four stifles from 147 client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Medical records of dogs diagnosed with CCL disease and treated with the current version of MMT were reviewed. Dogs were included if immediate postoperative radiographs were available. Cortical hinge fracture or fissure, tibial tuberosity fracture, and diaphyseal fractures of the tibia were recorded. Age, body weight (BW), thickness of the tibial cortical hinge, and angle of opening of the osteotomy were tested as potential risk factors for tibial damage by univariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Tibial damage included intraoperative tibial fissures in 37% of MMTs, intraoperative fractures of the cortical hinge in 3.4% of MMTs, postoperative tibial fractures in 14% of MMTs. Risk factors for intraoperative fissure included BW (P = .0153) and thickness of cortical hinge (P = .0006). The angle of opening of the osteotomy was identified as a risk factor for intraoperative cortical hinge fracture (P = .0034), angles below 11° being preventive. No risk factor was identified for postoperative fracture.

Conclusion

Based on these results, preventive measures against tibial damage associated with MMT should include: a thickness of cortical hinge based on the equation related to the BW; a length of osteotomy adjusted to the amount of TTA with an osteotomy angle below 10°; and slow advancement of the tibial tuberosity.
Investigating the Opinions of Teachers on the Processes of Vocational Counselling, Training and Employment of Special Needs Students
Authors: Özbek Ahmet Bilal , Girli Alev , Öztürk Halil
Published: November 2017

The statistics of the Ministry of National Education (MEB) show that the number of students who are pursuing their education in general education environments in scope of inclusion programs is increasing every year. It is observed that the number of special needs students who continue their secondary education after primary education is increasing with the regulation that makes it mandatory to have 12 years of education. While directing special needs (SN) students towards secondary education, families and experts prefer vocational high schools where these students can learn functional skills. This is why the opinions of teachers who work at vocational high schools are important. The purpose of this study is to investigate the opinions of technical teachers working at vocational high schools, school counsellors, culture course teachers and special education teachers providing support education to students on the processes of vocational counselling, training and employment of special needs students. Towards this purpose, semi-structured interviews were held with a total of 59 teachers using a form prepared by the researchers. The findings indicated that the opinions of technical teachers at vocational high schools on inclusion and continuation of SN students in vocational high schools were more negative in comparison to those of culture course teachers and school counsellors, and there were significant shortcomings in the professional training of SN students. It was also seen that special needs teachers were not sufficiently informed about the job prospects and employment of SN students, and they used limited opportunities for their students.
Investigation of the Sense Responsibility and Lifestyles of Sport-Scientific Faculty Students
Authors: Ugurlu Fatih Mehmet
Published: November 2017

This study was conducted to determine the levels of perception of aphasia (alexithymia) and loneliness in university students. The model of the research is descriptive and cross-sectional. It was held between February 1 and May 31, 2017. Survey form was used as data collection tool in the research. The questionnaire consists of personal information consisting of 8 questions, Toronto Alexithymia (TAS) scale consisting of 26 questions and UCLA loneliness scale consisting of 20 questions. The Toronto Alexithymia scale (TAS) scale is a self-reported scale consisting of 26 questions and 4 subscales to scale the alexithymic characteristics of individuals. The scale was developed by Taylar and Bagby (1988), first used by Dereboy (1990) in the expertise thesis and adapted to Turkish by Varol (1998). Scale sub-dimensions and Cronbach's Alpha coefficients obtained in this study are given respectively. 0.752 for the imagination, 0,752 for the constraint sub-dimension in the case of dreams, 0,761 for the sub-dimension of difficulty in distinguishing and recognizing feelings and physical senses, 0,718 for the sub-dimension of recognizing, recognizing and talking about emotion, and cognitive structure sub- was found to be 0.784. The scale was developed by Russell and colleagues and reorganized by Russell et al. (1980). The Turkish reliability and validity study of the scale was conducted by Yaparel (1984). The scale is one-dimensional. In this study, Cronbach's Alpha coefficient for the UCLA scale was 0,782. The universe of the research is constituted by students from the Department of Teaching, Coaching Department, Management Department and Recreation Department of the Faculty of Sports Sciences of Fırat University in 2016-2017. The sample of the research consists of 350 students who are educated in these sections. A simple coincidental voluntary sampling method was used in the selection of the sample. In the reliability of the sample, sample size calculation formula prepared by Yazıcıoglu and Erdogan (2004) was used. The data were analyzed in the SPSS 16 packet program. In the analysis of the data, descriptive statistics, t test, anova test and correlation analysis were used.
Exploring the Personal, Social and Occupational Elements of Teacher Professional Development
Authors: McComb Vivien , Eather Narelle
Published: November 2017

In a neoliberal political context, educational reform is seen as largely dependent on the individual teacher and his or her ability to continue developing and improving his or her practice with the ultimate goal of improving student outcomes. Professional development (PD) is therefore reliant on teachers to embrace new models of practice, to engage with these new approaches, to correctly interpret the PD ideas for application to the teaching and learning process, and ultimately implement new models and ideas in their classrooms (Huber & Hiltmann, 2011). This paper seeks to examine more closely three aspects of PD that have been found in the research literature to have a significant impact on the effectiveness of PD programs, because of their focus on, and consideration of the individual teacher. Aligning with Fraser, Kennedy, Reid, and McKinney (2007), successful PD programs that have a distinct focus on the personal, social and occupational aspects of teacher development will be discussed.
Implementation of a pediatric behavioral staffing algorithm in an acute hospital: a best practice implementation project
Authors: O’Connor Tamara
Published: November 2017

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background:

A progressive decline in acute psychiatric facility beds has led to a steadily increasing number of pediatric psychiatric patients hospitalized on acute care medical-surgical units. Clinical nurses in this environment feel ill-equipped to provide quality behavioral health care.

Aims/objectives:

This project aimed to improve continuity of care as well as staff and patient safety in pediatric acute and transitional care units. The specific objectives related to implementation of a resource allocation algorithm for staffing behavioral health admissions and consistent use of an interdisciplinary psychiatric huddle.

Methods:

This project used the Joanna Briggs Institute's Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (PACES) and Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) audit tool for promoting health practice change. A baseline medical record audit was conducted which was followed by charge nurse education on the resource allocation algorithm and huddle initiation. Three follow-up audits measured compliance with best practice criteria for assessing and managing care of behavioral pediatric patients.

Results:

Compliance with comprehensively assessing children with challenging behaviors who were hospitalized in acute care units achieved 100% for the first three months following algorithm implementation. Nurses reached 100% compliance with initiating psychiatric huddles. All audits for individualized care plans, which included family or carer involvement, were fully compliant.

Conclusions:

Use of a resource allocation algorithm for individualizing care of pediatric behavioral patients enhanced quality of care through a standardized process which enabled acute care nurses to better meet the safety needs of this patient population. Early signs of sustaining improvements were promising for hard-wiring workflows. Future plans include adoption of the algorithm and huddle by all in-patient areas in the children's hospital.
Digital technologies in occupational therapy and physiotherapy undergraduate and postgraduate education: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Olivier Benita , Verdonck Michele , Casteleijn Daleen
Published: November 2017

Review question and objective:

How have digital technologies been used in occupational therapy and physiotherapy undergraduate and postgraduate education?

Specifically, the objective of this scoping review is to present an overview of research on the use of digital technologies in terms of type of digital technology used, pedagogy associated with the use of digital technology, subject/topic/area of application, experiences/perception of digital technology used, outcomes of the digital technology used and challenges to the use of digital technologies in occupational therapy and physiotherapy undergraduate and postgraduate education.
Stability and Stabilization of a Class of Fractional-Order Nonlinear Systems for 1 < α < 2
Authors: Huang Sunhua , Wang Bin
Published: November 2017

This study is interested in the stability and stabilization of a class of fractional-order nonlinear systems with Caputo derivatives. Based on the properties of the Laplace transform, Mittag-Leffler function, Jordan decomposition, and Grönwall's inequality, some sufficient conditions that ensure local stability and stabilization of a class of fractional-order nonlinear systems under the Caputo derivative with 1<α<2 are presented. Finally, typical instances, including the fractional-order three-dimensional (3D) nonlinear system and the fractional-order four-dimensional (4D) nonlinear hyperchaos, are implemented to demonstrate the feasibility and validity of the proposed method.
MIMO First and Second Order Discrete Sliding Mode Controls of Uncertain Linear Systems Under Implementation Imprecisions
Authors: Amini Mohammad Reza , Shahbakhti Mahdi , Pan Selina
Published: November 2017

The performance of a conventional model-based controller significantly depends on the accuracy of the modeled dynamics. The model of a plant’s dynamics is subjected to errors in estimating the numerical values of the physical parameters, and variations over operating environment conditions and time. These errors and variations in the parameters of a model are the major sources of uncertainty within the controller structure. Digital implementation of controller software on an actual electronic control unit (ECU) introduces another layer of uncertainty at the controller inputs/outputs. The implementation uncertainties are mostly due to data sampling and quantization via the analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) unit. The failure to address the model and ADC uncertainties during the early stages of a controller design cycle results in a costly and time consuming verification and validation (V&V) process. In this paper, new formulations of the first and second order discrete sliding mode controllers (DSMC) are presented for a general class of uncertain linear systems. The knowledge of the ADC imprecisions is incorporated into the proposed DSMCs via an online ADC uncertainty prediction mechanism to improve the controller robustness characteristics. Moreover, the DSMCs are equipped with adaptation laws to remove two different types of modeling uncertainties (multiplicative and additive) from the parameters of the linear system model. The proposed adaptive DSMCs are evaluated on a DC motor speed control problem in real-time using a processor-in-the-loop (PIL) setup with an actual ECU. The results show that the proposed SISO and MIMO second order DSMCs improve the conventional SISO first order DSMC tracking performance by 69% and 84%, respectively. Moreover, the proposed adaptation mechanism is able to remove the uncertainties in the model by up to 90%.
Energy and Robustness Evaluation for Dual-Mode Model Predictive Control of HVAC Systems
Authors: Cai Zicheng , Ul Haq Asad , Djurdjanovic Dragan
Published: November 2017

This paper presents an evaluation of energy efficiency and robustness to disturbances for a discrete-time dual-mode model predictive controller (DMMPC) of a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The recently introduced controller only requires finite number of iterations for the underlying model predictive controller optimization to achieve guaranteed stability under the assumption of an error free controllable system. A nonlinear model for the air handling unit of a generic multi-zone HVAC system is used for simulation and evaluation of control performance. Energy consumption is computed from simulation results, while the robustness conclusions are drawn from analyses of the results in the presence of process noise and modeling uncertainties. The energy and robustness performance of the dual-mode controller is compared with a traditional PID control structure, showing the superiority of the newly proposed controller.