bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Winter storm intensity, hazards, and property losses in the New York tristate area
Authors: Shimkus Cari E. , Ting Mingfang , Booth James F. , Adamo Susana B. , Madajewicz Malgosia , Kushnir Yochanan , Rieder Harald E.
Published: July 2017

Winter storms pose numerous hazards to the Northeast United States, including rain, snow, strong wind, and flooding. These hazards can cause millions of dollars in damages from one storm alone. This study investigates meteorological intensity and impacts of winter storms from 2001 to 2014 on coastal counties in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York and underscores the consequences of winter storms. The study selected 70 winter storms on the basis of station observations of surface wind strength, heavy precipitation, high storm tide, and snow extremes. Storm rankings differed between measures, suggesting that intensity is not easily defined with a single metric. Several storms fell into two or more categories (multiple‐category storms). Following storm selection, property damages were examined to determine which types lead to high losses. The analysis of hazards (or events) and associated damages using the Storm Events Database of the National Centers for Environmental Information indicates that multiple‐category storms were responsible for a greater portion of the damage. Flooding was responsible for the highest losses, but no discernible connection exists between the number of storms that afflict a county and the damage it faces. These results imply that losses may rely more on the incidence of specific hazards, infrastructure types, and property values, which vary throughout the region.
Understanding the degrees of freedom of sample variance by using Microsoft Excel
Authors: Ding Jian‐Hua , Jin Xian‐Wen , Shuai Ling‐Ying
Published: July 2017

In this article, the degrees of freedom of the sample variance are simulated by using the Visual Basic for Applications of Microsoft Excel 2010. The simulation file dynamically displays why the sample variance should be calculated by dividing the sum of squared deviations by n‐1 rather than n, which is helpful for students to grasp the meaning of degrees of freedom.
Barriers to vaccination in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Maldonado Angela Q. , Johnson David , Trofe‐Clark Jennifer
Published: July 2017

Vaccine‐preventable diseases remain at the forefront of challenges in the long‐term care of renal transplant recipients (RTR). Although global vaccination campaigns targeting patients with end‐stage renal disease or RTR are standard, rates of vaccination among renal transplant candidates and RTRs remain suboptimal. We highlight the multifactorial barriers leading to low vaccination rates in this vulnerable population.
Tuberculosis after kidney transplantation is associated with significantly impaired allograft function
Authors: Costa Silvana Daher , de Sandes‐Freitas Tainá Veras , Jacinto Camilla Neves , Martiniano Lorena Vasconcelos Mesquita , Amaral Yago Sucupira , Paes Fernando José Villar Nogueira , Sales Maria Luiza de Mattos Brito Oliveira , Esmeraldo Ronaldo de Matos , Daher Elizabeth de Francesco
Published: July 2017

Background

This study aimed to evaluate renal function before, during, and after the course of tuberculosis (TB) disease in kidney transplant recipients, and assess the risk factors for non‐recovery of baseline renal function.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, single‐center cohort study, including all patients with confirmed or presumed TB diagnosis after kidney transplant (n=34, 2.1%). Renal function was assessed by serum creatinine (Cr) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) adjusted for deaths and graft losses.

Results

A significant increase was seen in serum Cr during TB disease and treatment: 1.5 mg/dL at baseline (Crbase), 1.7 mg/dL at diagnosis (P<.001 vs. Crbase), and 2.4 mg/dL during the peak (P<.001 vs. Crbase). According to acute kidney injury (AKI) Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classification, 29 (85%) patients had AKI: 16 stage 1, 2 stage 2, and 11 stage 3. Three months after the end of the TB treatment, five patients (14.7%) had lost their graft and two others (5.9%) had died. The GFR was lower than the baseline (42.4 mL/min vs 51.6 mL/min, P=.007). In the univariate analysis, peak Cr (odds ratio [OR] 1.276, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.955‐1.705, P=.100), AKI KDIGO stages 2 or 3 (OR 4.958, 95% CI 1.062‐23.157, P=.042), severe disease (OR 5.700, 95% CI 1.147‐28.330, P=.033), and acute rejection (AR) episodes after TB diagnosis (OR 3.937, 95% CI 0.551‐28.116, P=.172) were associated with non‐recovery of baseline renal function. No variable was identified in the multivariable model.

Conclusion

Post‐transplantation TB was associated with a high incidence of AKI, and complete recovery of baseline renal function was not achieved after treatment. The severity of TB disease, AKI, and AR episodes that occurred after TB diagnosis are potential causes for this outcome.
Effects of intracameral ascorbic acid on the corneal endothelium of dogs undergoing phacoemulsification
Authors: M. Padua Ivan R. , P. Valdetaro Gisele , B. Lima Tiago , K. Kobashigawa Karina , E. S. Silva Paloma , Aldrovani Marcela , M. Padua Pedro P. , Laus Jose L.
Published: July 2017

Objective

Cataracts are the most common ocular disorder in dogs. Phacoemulsification is the preferred treatment method among ophthalmologists, but the cellularity of the endothelium must be considered for its success, as endothelial lesions may produce permanent corneal decompensation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of intracameral ascorbic acid, a known antioxidant, on the corneal endothelium of dogs undergoing phacoemulsification.

Animal studied

In all, 40 eyes from 20 dogs, males and females from 7 to 12 years of age, were assessed for mature cataracts.

Procedures

Two groups were formed (n = 20): Group 1 (G1) received a balanced salt solution (BSS), whereas Group 2 (G2) received sterile ascorbic acid diluted in a BSS, at a final concentration of 0.001 m ascorbic acid. The corneal endothelium was assessed via non‐contact specular microscopy at multiple time points before and after phacoemulsification. Cell density (cells/mm2) and area (mm2), corneal thickness (mm), hexagonality, and the coefficient of variation of cell size were all assessed. P values equal to or less than 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

With respect to the density of endothelial cells, both groups showed losses, but they were less severe in G2. There were no differences in corneal thickness. Hexagonality decreased significantly in the postoperative period in G1. Also in G1, the coefficient of variation of cell size increased significantly.

Conclusion

According to the results obtained, ascorbic acid minimizes cellular losses in the corneal endothelium.
Can malignant and inflammatory pleural effusions in dogs be distinguished using computed tomography?
Authors: Watton Thom C. , Lara‐Garcia Ana , Lamb Christopher R.
Published: July 2017

Computed tomography (CT) is the primary imaging modality used to investigate human patients with suspected malignant or inflammatory pleural effusion, but there is a lack of information about the clinical use of this test in dogs. To identify CT signs that could be used to distinguish pleural malignant neoplasia from pleuritis, a retrospective case‐control study was done based on dogs that had pleural effusion, pre‐ and postcontrast thoracic CT images, and cytological or histopathological diagnosis of malignant or inflammatory pleural effusion. There were 20 dogs with malignant pleural effusion (13 mesothelioma, 6 carcinoma; 1 lymphoma), and 32 dogs with pleuritis (18 pyothorax; 14 chylothorax). Compared to dogs with pleuritis, dogs with malignant pleural effusions were significantly older (median 8.5 years vs. 4.9 years,P= 0.001), more frequently had CT signs of pleural thickening (65% vs.34%,P= 0.05), tended to have thickening of the parietal pleura only (45% vs. 3%,P= 0.002) and had more marked pleural thickening (median 3 mm vs. 0 mm,P= 0.03). Computed tomography signs of thoracic wall invasion were observed only in dogs with malignant pleural effusions (P= 0.05). There were no significant differences in pleural fluid volume, distribution or attenuation, degree of pleural contrast accumulation, amount of pannus, or prevalence of mediastinal adenopathy. Although there was considerable overlap in findings in dogs with malignant pleural effusion and pleuritis, marked thickening affecting the parietal pleural alone and signs of thoracic wall invasion on CT support diagnosis of pleural malignant neoplasia, and may help prioritize further diagnostic testing.
On some properties of generalized Fibonacci and Lucas polynomials
Authors: Uçar Sümeyra
Published: July 2017

In this paper we investigate some properties of generalized Fibonacci and Lucas polynomials. We give some new identities using matrices and Laplace expansion for the generalized Fibonacci and Lucas polynomials. Also, we introduce new families of tridiagonal matrices whose successive determinants generate any subsequence of these polynomials.
N‐glycan content modulates kainate receptor functional properties
Authors: Vernon Claire G. , Copits Bryan A. , Stolz Jacob R. , Guzmán Yomayra F. , Swanson Geoffrey T.
Published: July 2017

Key points

Ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) subunits are N‐glycosylated at 4–12 sites, and Golgi processing produces mature receptors that contain high‐mannose, hybrid and complex oligosaccharides. N‐glycosylation is crucial for receptor biogenesis, influences receptor trafficking and provides a binding site for carbohydrate binding proteins.

Glycan moieties are large, polar and occasionally charged, and they are attached at sites along iGluRs that position them for involvement in the structural changes underlying gating.

Altering glycan content on kainate receptors (KARs), a subfamily of iGluRs, changes functional properties of the receptor, such as desensitization, recovery from desensitization and deactivation.

We report the first observation that the charged trisaccharide HNK‐1 is conjugated to native KARs, and we find that it substantially alters recombinant KAR functional properties.

Our results show that the molecular composition of N‐glycans can influence KAR biophysical properties, revealing a potential mechanism for fine‐tuning the function of these receptors.

Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) are tetrameric proteins with between four and 12 consensus sites for N‐glycosylation on each subunit, which potentially allows for a high degree of structural diversity conferred by this post‐translational modification. N‐glycosylation is required for proper folding of iGluRs in mammalian cells, although the impact of oligosaccharides on the function of successfully folded receptors is less clear. Glycan moieties are large, polar, occasionally charged and mediate many protein–protein interactions throughout the nervous system. Additionally, they are attached at sites along iGluR subunits that position them for involvement in the structural changes underlying gating. In the present study, we show that altering glycan content on kainate receptors (KARs) changes the functional properties of the receptors in a manner dependent on the identity of both the modified sugars and the subunit composition of the receptor to which they are attached. We also report that native KARs carry the complex capping oligosaccharide human natural killer‐1. Glycosylation patterns probably differ between cell types, across development or with pathologies, and thus our findings reveal a potential mechanism for context‐specific fine‐tuning of KAR function through diversity in glycan structure.
Effect of dietary salt intake on epithelial Na+ channels (ENaC) in vasopressin magnocellular neurosecretory neurons in the rat supraoptic nucleus
Authors: Sharma Kaustubh , Haque Masudul , Guidry Richard , Ueta Yoichi , Teruyama Ryoichi
Published: July 2017

Key points

A growing body of evidence suggests that epithelial Na+ channels (ENaCs) in the brain play a significant role in the regulation of blood pressure; however, the brain structures that mediate the effect are not well understood.

Because vasopressin (VP) neurons play a pivotal role in coordinating neuroendocrine and autonomic responses to maintain cardiovascular homeostasis, a basic understanding of the regulation and activity of ENaC in VP neurons is of great interest.

We show that high dietary salt intake caused an increase in the expression and activity of ENaC which resulted in the steady state depolarization of VP neurons.

The results help us understand one of the mechanisms underlying how dietary salt intake affects the activity of VP neurons via ENaC activity.

All three epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) subunits (α, β and γ) are located in vasopressin (VP) magnocellular neurons in the hypothalamic supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular nuclei. Our previous study demonstrated that ENaC mediates a Na+ leak current that affects the steady state membrane potential in VP neurons. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of dietary salt intake on ENaC regulation and activity in VP neurons. High dietary salt intake for 7 days caused an increase in expression of β‐ and γENaC subunits in the SON and the translocation of αENaC immunoreactivity towards the plasma membrane. Patch clamp experiments on hypothalamic slices showed that the mean amplitude of the putative ENaC currents was significantly greater in VP neurons from animals that were fed a high salt diet compared with controls. The enhanced ENaC current contributed to the more depolarized basal membrane potential observed in VP neurons in the high salt diet group. These findings indicate that high dietary NaCl intake enhances the expression and activity of ENaCs, which augments synaptic drive by depolarizing the basal membrane potential close to the action potential threshold during hormonal demand. However, ENaCs appear to have only a minor role in the regulation of the firing activity of VP neurons in the absence of synaptic inputs as neither the mean intraburst frequency, burst duration, nor interspike interval variability of phasic bursting activity was affected. Moreover, ENaC activity did not affect the initiation, sustention, or termination of the phasic bursting generated in an intrinsic manner without synaptic inputs.
Robust Stability Analysis of Distributed-Order Linear Time-Invariant Systems With Uncertain Order Weight Functions and Uncertain Dynamic Matrices
Authors: Taghavian Hamed , Saleh Tavazoei Mohammad
Published: July 2017

Bounded-input bounded-output (BIBO) stability of distributed-order linear time-invariant (LTI) systems with uncertain order weight functions and uncertain dynamic matrices is investigated in this paper. The order weight function in these uncertain systems is assumed to be totally unknown lying between two known positive bounds. First, some properties of stability boundaries of fractional distributed-order systems with respect to location of eigenvalues of dynamic matrix are proved. Then, on the basis of these properties, it is shown that the stability boundary of distributed-order systems with the aforementioned uncertain order weight functions is located in a certain region on the complex plane defined by the upper and lower bounds of the order weight function. Thereby, sufficient conditions are obtained to ensure robust stability in distributed-order LTI systems with uncertain order weight functions and uncertain dynamic matrices. Numerical examples are presented to verify the obtained results.
Numerical Evaluation of the Size-Dependent Elastic Properties of Cellular Polymers
Authors: Chandrashekar Gurudutt , Han Chung-Souk
Published: July 2017

Several experimental studies have revealed that the size-dependent deformation in polymers at nano- to micro-meter length scales is significantly associated with elastic deformation. Such size-dependent deformation in polymers is expected to affect the in-plane macroscopic elastic properties of cellular polymers with micrometer-sized cells. A finite element (FE) formulation of a higher-order elasticity theory is applied to evaluate the in-plane macroscopic elastic properties of different polymer cellular geometries by varying the cell size from the macroscopic to micron length scale. For a given relative density of the cellular solid, a reduction in the cell size from the macroscopic to micron length scale resulted in geometry-specific variations in the in-plane macroscopic elastic moduli and Poisson's ratios. Furthermore, an increase in the relative density for a given cell size revealed variations in the size dependence of the elastic properties. The size dependence of elastic properties is interpreted based on the influence of rotation gradients with varying cell size of the cellular solid. Also, the evaluated size-dependent elastic properties are compared with the available analytical solutions from the literature.
Linear Parameter-Varying Model of an Electro-Hydraulic Variable Valve Actuator for Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Li Huan , Huang Ying , Zhu Guoming , Lou Zheng
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a novel linear parameter-varying (LPV) model of an electro-hydraulic variable valve actuator (EHVVA) for internal combustion engines that is capable of continuously varying valve timing with dual-lift. The dual-lift is realized mechanically through a hydraulic lift control sleeve; valve opening (VO) terminal and closing seating velocities are regulated using a top or bottom snubber; and opening and closing timings, as well as lift profile area, are controlled by the valve actuation timing and hydraulic supply pressure. First, nonlinear mathematical system model is developed based on the Newton's law, orifice flow equation, and fluid constitutive law, where the fluid dynamics of the actuation solenoid valve, actuation piston, passages, and orifices, that influence the engine valve profile, are considered in detail. Second, to have an LPV control-oriented model, the order of nonlinear model is reduced and subsequently transformed into an LPV model with minimal deviation by carefully considering the system nonlinearities, time delay, and time-varying parameters. Calibration and validation experiments for both nonlinear and LPV models were performed on the test bench under different operational conditions. The key time-varying parameters, the time constant of the actuation piston top pressure and the discharge coefficient, are highly nonlinear as functions of temperature-sensitive fluid viscosity and are determined using the test data through the least-squares optimization. With the identified and calibrated model parameters, simulation results of both nonlinear and LPV models are in good agreement with the experimental ones under different operational conditions.
Slip Analysis for a Wheeled Mobile Manipulator
Authors: Song Tao , Xi Fengfeng (Jeff) , Guo Shuai , Tu Xiaowei , Li Xianhua
Published: July 2017

A method is presented for slip analysis of a wheeled mobile manipulator. The said system consists of an industrial manipulator mounted on a mobile platform performing aircraft manufacturing tasks. Unlike tracked/legged mobile robots that may slip when negotiating slopes or climbing stairs, a wheeled mobile manipulator may slip resulting from the manipulator movement or the forces from the end-effector during fastening. Slip analysis is crucial to ensure pose accuracy for operation. In this study, first a universal friction constraint is used to derive the slip condition of the system. Three cases are considered, with the first case considering the reaction force in relation to the stand-off distance between the mobile manipulator and the workpiece. The second case deals with the joint speeds to investigate the effect of coupling terms including centrifugal forces and gyroscopic moments on slip. The third case deals with the joint accelerations to investigate the effect of inertia forces and moments on slip. Simulations and experiments are carried out to verify the proposed method.
Rail Flaw Detection Technologies for Safer, Reliable Transportation: A Review
Authors: Alahakoon Sanath , Sun Yan Quan , Spiryagin Maksym , Cole Colin
Published: July 2017

This paper delivers an in-depth review of the state-of-the-art technologies relevant to rail flaw detection giving emphasis to their use in detection of rail flaw defects at practical inspection vehicle speeds. The review not only looks at the research being carried out but also investigates the commercial products available for rail flaw detection. It continues further to identify the methods suitable to be adopted in a moving vehicle rail flaw detection system. Even though rail flaw detection has been a well-researched area for decades, an in-depth review summarizing all available technologies together with an assessment of their capabilities has not been published in the recent past according to the knowledge of the authors. As such, it is believed that this review paper will be a good source of information for future researchers in this area.
Free Vibration of Thin Shallow Elliptical Shells
Authors: Bryan April
Published: July 2017

This research presents a study of the free vibration of thin, shallow elliptical shells. The equations of motion for the elliptical shell, which are developed from Love's equations, are coupled and nonlinear. In this research, a new approach is introduced to uncouple the transverse motion of the shallow elliptical shell from the surface coordinates. Through the substitution of the strain-compatibility equation into the differential equations of motion in terms of strain, an explicit relationship between the curvilinear surface strains and transverse strain is determined. This latter relationship is then utilized to uncouple the spatial differential equation for transverse motion from that of the surface coordinates. The approach introduced provides a more explicit relationship between the surface and transverse coordinates than could be obtained through use of the Airy stress function. Angular and radial Mathieu equations are used to obtain solutions to the spatial differential equation of motion. Since the recursive relationships that are derived from the Mathieu equations lead to an infinite number of roots, not all of which are physically meaningful, the solution to the eigenvalue problem is used to determine the mode shapes and eigenfrequencies of the shallow elliptical shell. The results of examples demonstrate that the eigenfrequencies of the thin shallow elliptical shell are directly proportional to the curvature of the shell and inversely proportional to the shell's eccentricity.
A new species of Schizogyniidae (Mesostigmata, Celaenopsoidea) associated with beetles from China
Authors: Zhang Xin-Feng , Yi Tian-Ci , Guo Jian-Jun , Jin Dao-Chao
Published: July 2017

Paraschizogynium plumachela sp. nov., collected from passalid, tiger, and stag beetles (Coleoptera: Passalidae, Carabidae: Cicindelinae, Lucanidae) in China, is described. This is the second species of the genus Paraschizogynium Hunter & Rosario, 1987, and the first record of Schizogyniidae from China. The genus is redefined based on this new species. Paraschizogynium plumachela sp. nov. can be separated from Paraschizogynium odontokeri Hunter & Rosario, 1987 by having an entire dorsal shield covering most of the dorsum, setae Z5 at least four times as long as setae s2, latigynal shields abutting each other anteriorly and each bearing two pairs of setae, a triangular mesogynal shield, two pairs of simple setae on integument of posterior margin of venter, three types of excrescences (one weakly sclerotized finger-like, one membranous feather-like and one coral-like) sub-distal on movable digit, deutosternal groove with four rows of fine denticles in female and three rows in male, and male hypostome dimorphic (hypostomal setae hp1 large, thumb-like, with one pair of seta-like spurs at base; hp2 tiny; hp3 hyaline, lobe-like).
Sparse dictionary for synthetic transmit aperture medical ultrasound imaging
Authors: Wang Ping , Jiang Jin-yang , Li Na , Luo Han-wu , Li Fang , Cui Shi-gang
Published: July 2017

It is possible to recover a signal below the Nyquist sampling limit using a compressive sensing technique in ultrasound imaging. However, the reconstruction enabled by common sparse transform approaches does not achieve satisfactory results. Considering the ultrasound echo signal's features of attenuation, repetition, and superposition, a sparse dictionary with the emission pulse signal is proposed. Sparse coefficients in the proposed dictionary have high sparsity. Images reconstructed with this dictionary were compared with those obtained with the three other common transforms, namely, discrete Fourier transform, discrete cosine transform, and discrete wavelet transform. The performance of the proposed dictionary was analyzed via a simulation and experimental data. The mean absolute error (MAE) was used to quantify the quality of the reconstructions. Experimental results indicate that the MAE associated with the proposed dictionary was always the smallest, the reconstruction time required was the shortest, and the lateral resolution and contrast of the reconstructed images were also the closest to the original images. The proposed sparse dictionary performed better than the other three sparse transforms. With the same sampling rate, the proposed dictionary achieved excellent reconstruction quality.
The effect of transducer directivity on time reversal focusing
Authors: Anderson Brian E. , Clemens Miles , Willardson Matthew L.
Published: July 2017

This letter explores the effect of the directivity of a source on time reversal acoustic focusing of energy. A single loudspeaker produces an airborne focus of sound in a reverberation chamber and in a classroom. Individual foci are created at microphone positions that surround the loudspeaker. The primary axis of the loudspeaker is then rotated and experiments are repeated to average out the room response. Focal amplitude, temporal quality of the foci, and spatial focusing quality are compared to determine the optimal angle to aim a directional source axis relative to the desired focal position.
Differences in the Load–Velocity Profile Between 4 Bench-Press Variants
Authors: García-Ramos Amador , Pestaña-Melero Francisco Luis , Pérez-Castilla Alejandro , Rojas Francisco Javier , Haff Guy Gregory
Published: July 2017

Purpose: To compare the load–velocity relationship between 4 variants of the bench-press (BP) exercise. Methods: The full load–velocity relationship of 30 men was evaluated by means of an incremental loading test starting at 17 kg and progressing to the individual 1-repetition maximum (1RM) in 4 BP variants: concentric-only BP, concentric-only BP throw (BPT), eccentric-concentric BP, and eccentric-concentric BPT. Results: A strong and fairly linear relationship between mean velocity (MV) and %1RM was observed for the 4 BP variants (r2 > .96 for pooled data and r2 > .98 for individual data). The MV associated with each %1RM was significantly higher in the eccentric-concentric technique than in the concentric-only technique. The only significant difference between the BP and BPT variants was the higher MV with the light to moderate loads (20–70%1RM) in the BPT using the concentric-only technique. MV was significantly and positively correlated between the 4 BP variants (r = .44–.76), which suggests that the subjects with higher velocities for each %1RM in 1 BP variant also tend to have higher velocities for each %1RM in the 3 other BP variants. Conclusions: These results highlight the need for obtaining specific equations for each BP variant and the existence of individual load–velocity profiles.
Variation of Age-Related Changes in Endurance Performance Between Modes of Locomotion in Men: An Analysis of Master World Records
Authors: Lepers Romuald , Stapley Paul J. , Cattagni Thomas
Published: July 2017

Background: Age-related declines in sport performance are characteristic of all endurance and sprinting disciplines. However, it is not known if the mode of locomotion (ie, swimming, cycling or running) influences the age-related decline in sport performance in sprinting and endurance events. Methods: To examine the age-related decline in 3 different modes of locomotion (ie, swimming, cycling, and running) for endurance and sprint events, the world-best performances achieved for men in the age groups 18–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75–79, and 80–84 y were compared in swimming (1500 and 50 m), cycling (1 h and 200 m), and running (10 and 100 m). Each performance was considered as an average speed (throughout the distance), and the age-related decline in performance was expressed as a percentage of the world record (regardless of age group) for that discipline. Results: The age-related decline in 1-h track cycling is less pronounced than in 1500-m swimming and 10-km running after 60 y. In contrast, the age-related decline was similar among the 3 locomotion modes for the sprinting events. Conclusion: The data show that the maintenance of high performance in cycling persists longer into old age than in running and swimming.
Evidence of Reliability and Validity for the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence in Spanish Children
Authors: Estevan Isaac , Molina-García Javier , Abbott Gavin , Bowe Steve J. , Castillo Isabel , Barnett Lisa M.
Published: July 2017

Perceived motor competence is a subdomain of perceived physical competence that is related to the practice of physical activity and motor skills. The Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence (PMSC) assesses perceived motor competence (locomotor, object control, and active play skills) in children. The purpose of the present study was twofold: first, to translate the PMSC into Spanish and to test the reliability (internal consistency and test-retest) and construct validity of the aforementioned scale in a Spanish sample; second, to analyze children’s perception of motor competence according to gender. Two hundred and forty-seven typically developed children (51% boys) between 5 and 11 years old participated in the study. Internal consistency reliability was acceptable. Children’s test-retest reliability was between high and excellent. A Bayesian Structural Equation approach showed the original hypothesized three-factor model was a poor fit, but a two-factor model (i.e., locomotion and object control) was an adequate fit. Boys reported higher perception in the object control and overall motor competence, but similar perception in locomotor skills to girls. The PMSC can provide a useful way to study the nature and impact of motor competence perception in young children of Spanish-speaking communities.
Online Movement Monitoring Modulates Feedback Processing in Motor Learning: An Analysis of Event-Related Potentials
Authors: Joch Michael , Hegele Mathias , Maurer Heiko , Müller Hermann , Maurer Lisa K.
Published: July 2017

Motor learning can be monitored by observing the development of neural correlates of error processing. Among these neural correlates, the error- and feedback-related negativity (Ne/ERN and FRN) represent error processing mechanisms. While the Ne/ERN is more related to error prediction, the FRN is found after an error is manifested. The questions the current study strives to answer are: What information is needed by the system to make error predictions and how is this represented by the Ne/ERN and FRN in a complex motor task? We reduced the information and increased the difficulty level for the prediction in a semivirtual throwing task and found no Ne/ERN but a large FRN when the action result was finally observed (hitting or missing a target). We assume that uncertainty for error prediction was too high (either due to insufficient information or due to lacking prerequisites for prediction), such that error processing had to be mainly based on feedback. The finding is in line with the reinforcement theory of learning, after which Ne/ERN and FRN should behave complementary.
Influence of Body Composition on Functional Movement Screen™ Scores in College Football Players
Authors: Nicolozakes Constantine P. , Schneider Daniel K. , Roewer Benjamin D. , Borchers James R. , Hewett Timothy E.
Published: July 2017

Context: The functional movement screen (FMS™) is used to identify movement asymmetries and deficiencies. While obesity has been reported to impede movement, the correlation between body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BF%), and FMS™ in athletes is unknown. Objective: To determine if there is a relationship between BMI, BF%, and FMS™ scores in a sample of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I football athletes. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Biodynamics laboratory. Participants: A total of 38 male freshman football players (18.0 [0.7] y, 185.3 [5.5] cm, and 103.9 [20.3] kg). Interventions: Height, weight, and BF% were collected, and subjects underwent the FMS™ conducted by a certified athletic trainer. Main Outcome Measures: The dependent variables were BMI, BF%, composite FMS™ score, and 7 individual FMS™ test scores. Subjects were grouped as normal BMI (BMI < 30 kg/m2) or obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). A composite FMS™ score of ≤14 and an individual FMS™ score of ≤1 were classified as cutoffs for poor movement performance. Results: A negative correlation between composite FMS™ score and BMI approached significance (P = .07, ρ = .296). A negative correlation between composite FMS™ score and BF% was significant (P = .01, ρ = −.449). There was a significant difference in the number of obese subjects scoring below the composite FMS™ cutoff (χ2 = 5.179, P = .02) and the individual FMS™ cutoff on the deep squat (χ2 = 6.341, P = .01), hurdle step (χ2 = 9.870, P = .002), and in-line lunge (χ2 = 5.584, P = .02) when compared with normal BMI subjects. Conclusions: Increased BF% and BMI relate to lower composite FMS™ and individual FMS™ test scores, indicating potentially poor movement patterns in larger National Collegiate Athletic Association football athletes. Future research should focus on examining lower extremity–specific FMS™ tasks individually from composite FMS™ scores.
Effects of Trial Duration on Intrasession Reliability of Single Leg Balance Testing on Stable and Unstable Surfaces
Authors: Riemann Bryan L. , Piersol Kelsey , Davies George J.
Published: July 2017

Context: Single leg balance testing is a commonly used tool in sports medicine; however, there has been no consensus on trial duration needed to obtain reliable measures. Objective: This investigation sought to determine the minimum trial duration required to obtain the highest intrasession single and average trial reliability for single leg balance testing on stable and unstable surfaces using dominant and nondominant limbs. Design: Intrasession reliability.Setting:Biomechanics laboratory. Participants: 70 healthy (35 men, 35 women), physically active young adults aged 22.8 ± 2.8 y divided into 3 subgroups (n = 10, 30, 30) across a 3-phase study. Methods:3 phases of single leg balance testing were performed. For phase 1, the duration of time each participant could maintain posture on each limb/surface were computed. Phase 2 considered performance for 6 cumulative time intervals (5s, 10s, 15s, 20s, 25s, 30s). Phase 3 served to solidify results of phase 2 by computing reliability of 15s trials. Main outcome measures: Overall stability index of the center of pressure and platform tilt. Results: Intraclass correlation coefficients for phase 2 ranged from .74 (5s interval for nondominant limb on unstable surface) to .94 (20s interval for nondominant limb on stable surface). Phase 3 intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from .66 to .78 for single trial and .85 to .92 for 3 trial average with coefficients of variation ranging from 23.9% to 40.4% for single trial and 13.8% to 23.0% for 3 trial average. Conclusions:These results ultimately suggest 15s as the optimal trial duration to provide reliable measures while reducing compensatory event occurrence.
Ecological Modernization and the 2014 NHL Sustainability Report
Authors: johnson jay , Ali Adam Ehsan
Published: July 2017

In December 2015, the National Hockey League (NHL) was invited to present on a special sport panel showcasing the green leaders of the sport industry, which was hosted as part of the COP 21 United Nations climate change talks in Paris. The NHL has won numerous awards for its environmental initiatives over the last number of years, arguably the most important of which was the release of its 2014 Sustainability Report (SR), where it highlighted its carbon footprint, water and energy use, as well as its numerous environmental projects. Utilizing the concept of ecological modernization (EM), this paper presents a detailed analysis of the NHL SR in order to explore how environmental advocacy, citizenship, and initiative is produced and shaped by the professional sporting industry.
Anishinaabekweg Dibaajimowinan (Stories) of Decolonization Through Running
Authors: McGuire-Adams Tricia D. , Giles Audrey R.
Published: July 2017

Indigenous women’s perspectives on physical activity and the ways in which it fosters decolonization have yet to be considered from an Indigenous feminist perspective. Therefore, in this paper, we present four Anishinaabekweg (that is, Anishinaabeg women’s) dibaajimowinan (personal stories) of physical activity, specifically running, and their views on its contribution to decolonization. This study used an Anishinaabeg research paradigm, storytelling, and Anishinaabeg informed thematic analysis. Findings from the dibaajimowinan revealed three themes: running as ceremony and healing; the significance of running as a group; and running for health and personal goals. The dibaajimowinan from the Anishinaabekweg runners show how decolonization through physical activity can occur, which is an important addition to the field of sociology of sport.
Examining Stage of Change Differences in NCAA Student-Athletes’ Readiness for Psychological Skills Training
Authors: Gnacinski Stacy L. , Massey William V. , Hess Courtney W. , Nai Mellanie M. , Arvinen-Barrow Monna , Meyer Barbara B.
Published: July 2017

To enhance the specificity of psychological skills training (PST) interventions, the purpose of the current study was to examine stage of change and gender differences in the combination of transtheoretical model (TTM) constructs (i.e., decisional balance pros and cons, self-efficacy, cognitive and behavioral processes of change) among collegiate student-athletes. Participants (N = 602) completed all TTM measures, and a factorial multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was conducted to examine the effects of stage of change and gender on the combination of TTM constructs. No significant interaction effect was identified, yet significant main effects of stage of change and gender were identified. Post hoc tests revealed unique linear combinations of decisional balance, self-efficacy, and processes of change for each stage of change contrast. Taken together, study findings may be used to enhance the specificity of behavior change interventions when delivering PST programs to both male and female collegiate student-athletes.
Necrotising enterocolitis after supraventricular tachycardia: an unusual precursor to a common problem
Authors: Saini Jennie , Moore Aideen , Hodgson Kate
Published: July 2017

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is the most common neonatal arrhythmia. Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is a disease with multifactorial aetiology, most common in preterm infants. There are three previous case reports in the literature of NEC following neonatal SVT. We present two cases of late preterm infants with NEC, characterised by pneumatosis on abdominal X-ray and ultrasound, following recurrent SVT without haemodynamic instability. The infants were successfully treated with antibiotic therapy and bowel rest.
Increased risk for thionamide-induced agranulocytosis in elderly patients: a case presentation and literature review
Authors: Bukhari Sumera , Khan Muhammad , Kumar Naresh , Mohan Vinuta
Published: July 2017

Thionamides, such as methimazole and propylthiouracil, are used for the management of hyperthyroidism. Agranulocytosis is a rare adverse effect of thionamides and elderly patients are especially vulnerable. Here we discuss a case of an 80-year-old woman who developed agranulocytosis and pneumonia approximately 4 weeks after starting low dose methimazole therapy. Despite aggressive treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics and granulocyte colony stimulating factor, she developed multiorgan failure and died. Our goals are to identify risk factors common to elderly patients and hopefully improve outcomes in this population when prescribed thionamides.
Trends in bidi and cigarette smoking in India from 1998 to 2015, by age, gender and education
Authors: Mishra Sujata , Joseph Renu Ann , Gupta Prakash C , Pezzack Brendon , Ram Faujdar , Sinha Dhirendra N , Dikshit Rajesh , Patra Jayadeep , Jha Prabhat
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Smoking of cigarettes or bidis (small, locally manufactured smoked tobacco) in India has likely changed over the last decade. We sought to document trends in smoking prevalence among Indians aged 15–69 years between 1998 and 2015.

Design

Comparison of 3 nationally representative surveys representing 99% of India's population; the Special Fertility and Mortality Survey (1998), the Sample Registration System Baseline Survey (2004) and the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (2010).

Setting

India.

Participants

About 14 million residents from 2.5 million homes, representative of India.

Main outcome measures

Age-standardised smoking prevalence and projected absolute numbers of smokers in 2015. Trends were stratified by type of tobacco smoked, age, gender and education level.

Findings

The age-standardised prevalence of any smoking in men at ages 15–69 years fell from about 27% in 1998 to 24% in 2010, but rose at ages 15–29 years. During this period, cigarette smoking in men became about twofold more prevalent at ages 15–69 years and fourfold more prevalent at ages 15–29 years. By contrast, bidi smoking among men at ages 15–69 years fell modestly. The age-standardised prevalence of any smoking in women at these ages was 2.7% in 2010. The smoking prevalence in women born after 1960 was about half of the prevalence in women born before 1950. By contrast, the intergenerational changes in smoking prevalence in men were much smaller. The absolute numbers of men smoking any type of tobacco at ages 15–69 years rose by about 29 million or 36% in relative terms from 79 million in 1998 to 108 million in 2015. This represents an average increase of about 1.7 million male smokers every year. By 2015, there were roughly equal numbers of men smoking cigarettes or bidis. About 11 million women aged 15–69 smoked in 2015. Among illiterate men, the prevalence of smoking rose (most sharply for cigarettes) but fell modestly among men with grade 10 or more education. The ex-smoking prevalence in men at ages 45–59 years rose modestly but was low: only 5% nationally with about 4 current smokers for every former smoker.

Conclusions

Despite modest decreases in smoking prevalence, the absolute numbers of male smokers aged 15–69 years has increased substantially over the last 15 years. Cigarettes are displacing bidi smoking, most notably among young adult men and illiterate men. Tobacco control policies need to adapt to these changes, most notably with higher taxation on tobacco products, so as to raise the currently low levels of adult smoking cessation.
Trends in global clinical trial registration: an analysis of numbers of registered clinical trials in different parts of the world from 2004 to 2013
Authors: Viergever Roderik F , Li Keyang
Published: July 2017

Objectives

To analyse developments (and their causes) in the number and proportion of clinical trials that were registered in different parts of the world after the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) announced in 2004 that it would require registration of clinical trials as a condition for publication.

Setting

The International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP).

Design

The ICTRP database was searched for all clinical trials that were registered up to 31 December 2013.

Results

The ICTRP database contained data on 186 523 interventional clinical trials. The annual number of registered clinical trials increased from 3294 in 2004 to 23 384 in 2013. Relative to the number of clinical trial research publications, the global number of registered clinical trials increased fivefold between 2004 and 2013, rising particularly strongly between 2004 and 2005. In certain regions, especially Asia, the annual number of registered trials increased more gradually and continued to increase up to 2013. In India and Japan, two countries with marked but more gradual increases, these increases only happened after several local measures were implemented that encouraged and enforced registration. In most regions, there was a trend toward trials being registered at local registries.

Conclusions

Clinical trial registration has greatly improved transparency in clinical trial research. However, these improvements have not taken place equally in all parts of the world. Achieving compliance with registration requires a coalescence of global and local measures, and remains a key challenge in many countries. Poor quality of registered trial data and the inaccessibility of trial protocols, results and participant-level data further undermine the potential benefits of clinical trial registration. National and regional registries and the ICTRP have played a leading role in achieving the successes of trial registration to date and should be supported in addressing these challenges in the future.
Effect of corticosteroid administration on neurologically deceased organ donors and transplant recipients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: D'Aragon Frédérick , Belley-Cote Emilie , Agarwal Arnav , Frenette Anne-Julie , Lamontagne Francois , Guyatt Gordon , Dhanani Sonny , Meade Maureen O
Published: July 2017

Objectives

This review investigates the impact of corticosteroids on donation rates and transplant outcomes in light of findings from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and to highlight the sources of uncertainty in this unresolved donor management issue.

Data sources

We searched electronic databases, trial registries and conference proceedings for RCTs evaluating corticosteroid therapy in neurologically deceased donors.

Study selection and data extraction

Independent reviewers assessed eligibility, evaluated risk of bias and abstracted data, including donor haemodynamic data, number of organs recovered and transplant outcomes. Where possible, we pooled results. For each outcome, we assessed the overall quality of evidence using The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology.

Data synthesis

Eleven RCTs with different corticosteroid regimens were included. Most trials assessed a once-daily infusion of methylprednisolone. Aside from one study showing improved liver graft function, no individual study or pooled analysis showed benefit of corticosteroids for any outcome: vasopressor use (three trials; relative risk (RR) 0.96; 95% CI 0.89 to 1.05), multiple organs recovered (two trials; RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.61 to 1.11), acute graft rejection (three trials; RR 0.91; 95% CI 0.60 to 1.39) or graft dysfunction (eight trials; RR 1.01; 95% CI 0.83 to 1.24). Two trials investigated adverse effects and found similar rates between groups. Quality of evidence was moderate or low for all outcomes.

Conclusion

Current clinical trials are limited in numbers and size to identify benefits or harms of corticosteroid therapy for deceased organ donors. In the face of these results, administering or withholding steroids both appear reasonable courses of action.