bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing a Wearable Technology Intervention to Support Young Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Inclusive Postsecondary Academic Environments
Authors: Evmenova Anya S. , Graff Heidi J. , Genaro Motti Vivian , Giwa-Lawal Kudirat , Zheng Hui
Published: September 2018

In response to the increasing number of young adults with intellectual and development disability (IDD) in inclusive postsecondary settings, a wearable technology application was designed to support students’ learning, participation, and independence. This article describes the design research process leading to the development of the technology prototype. An app for a smart watch has been conceptualized, designed, and refined following the two initial phases of the Integrative Learning Design Framework (ILDF; Bannan-Ritland, 2003). The design principles that emerged from the study include multiple prompting and reward systems to encourage students’ self-regulation and positive behaviors. The findings identify ways wearable technology can support young adults with IDDs in inclusive college courses without overreliance on the support staff. Having major stakeholders involved in the design research process from the very beginning resulted in high levels of acceptance of the developed technology-based intervention prototype by the target population and by the support staff members. Plans for the next two phases of the ILDF, which are beyond the scope of this publication, are discussed.
Diffusion of Handwashing Knowledge and Water Treatment Practices From Mothers in an Antenatal Hygiene Promotion Program to Nonpregnant Friends and Relatives, Machinga District, Malawi
Authors: Rajasingham Anu , Routh Janell A. , Loharikar Anagha , Chemey Elly , Ayers Tracy , Gunda Andrews W. , Russo Elizabeth T. , Wood Siri , Quick Robert
Published: September 2018

Access to safe drinking water and improved hygiene are essential for preventing diarrheal diseases in low- and middle-income countries. Integrating water treatment and hygiene products into antenatal clinic care can motivate water treatment and handwashing among pregnant women. Free water hygiene kits (water storage containers, sodium hypochlorite water treatment solution, and soap) and refills of water treatment solution and soap were integrated into antenatal care and delivery services in Machinga District, Malawi, resulting in improved water treatment and hygiene practices in the home and increased maternal health service use. To determine whether water treatment and hygiene practices diffused from maternal health program participants to friends and relatives households in the same communities, we assessed the practices of 106 nonpregnant friends and relatives of these new mothers at baseline and 1-year follow-up. At follow-up, friends and relatives were more likely than at baseline to have water treatment products observable in the home (33.3% vs. 1.2%, p < 0.00001) and detectable free chlorine residual in their water, confirming water treatment (35.7% vs. 1.4%; p < 0.00001). Qualitative data from in-depth interviews also suggested that program participants helped motivate adoption of water treatment and hygiene behaviors among their friends and relatives.
Standardization of hippocampus volumetry using automated brain structure volumetry tool for an initial Alzheimer’s disease imaging biomarker
Authors: Abrigo Jill , Shi Lin , Luo Yishan , Chen Qianyun , Chu Winnie Chiu Wing , Mok Vincent Chung Tong ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: September 2018

Background

One significant barrier to incorporate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) imaging biomarkers into diagnostic criteria is the lack of standardized methods for biomarker quantification. The European Alzheimer’s Disease Consortium-Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (EADC-ADNI) Harmonization Protocol project provides the most authoritative guideline for hippocampal definition and has produced a manually segmented reference dataset for validation of automated methods.

Purpose

To validate automated hippocampal volumetry using AccuBrain™, against the EADC-ADNI dataset, and assess its diagnostic performance for differentiating AD and normal aging in an independent cohort.

Material and Methods

The EADC-ADNI reference dataset comprise of manually segmented hippocampal labels from 135 volumetric T1-weighted scans from various scanners. Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Pearson’s r were obtained for AccuBrain™ and FreeSurfer. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a separate cohort of 299 individuals (150 normal controls, 149 with AD) were obtained from the ADNI database and processed with AccuBrain™ to assess its diagnostic accuracy. Area under the curve (AUC) for total hippocampal volumes (HV) and hippocampal fraction (HF) were determined.

Results

Compared with EADC-ADNI dataset ground truths, AccuBrain™ had a mean DSC of 0.89/0.89/0.89, ICC of 0.94/0.96/0.95, and r of 0.95/0.96/0.95 for right/left/total HV. AccuBrain™ HV and HF had AUC of 0.76 and 0.80, respectively. Thresholds of ≤ 5.71 mL and ≤ 0.38% afforded 80% sensitivity for AD detection.

Conclusion

AccuBrain™ provides accurate automated hippocampus segmentation in accordance with the EADC-ADNI standard, with great potential value in assisting clinical diagnosis of AD.
Cyclophosphamide versus cyclosporine A therapy in steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome: a retrospective study with a mean 5-year follow-up
Authors: Liu Yanwei , Yang Ruikun , Yang Chen , Dong Shuhong , Zhu Ying , Zhao Mingdong , Yuan Fenglai , Gui Keke
Published: September 2018

Objective

To compare the clinical efficacy of cyclophosphamide (CTX) and cyclosporine A (CSA) in initial treatment of children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS).

Methods

Prospectively maintained databases were reviewed to retrospectively compare two cohorts with SRNS that received peroral administration of 2 to 2.5 mg/kg/d CTX for 3 to 6 months or 1 to 5 mg/kg/d CSA for 2 years until the primary analysis cut-off date during 2007 to 2011. The time to first on-study relapse of SRNS was the primary endpoint. The effective rate was the second endpoint.

Results

A total of 127 children with SRNS were included (CTX-treated cohort: n = 62; CSA-treated cohort: n = 65), with a mean 5-year follow-up. CTX-treated children showed a significantly delayed time to first on-study relapse of SRNS compared with CSA-treated children (hazard ratio 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.32–1.75). The relapse rate (rate/year) in CTX-treated children (1.1 ± 0.1) at the 24-month follow-up was significantly higher than that with CSA (0.4 ± 0.2). This difference persisted until the final follow-up.

Conclusions

CSA is associated with a significantly lower relapse rate and significantly higher effective rate compared with CTX, especially in children with minimal change disease.
ST3GAL5-Related Disorders: A Deficiency in Ganglioside Metabolism and a Genetic Cause of Intellectual Disability and Choreoathetosis
Authors: Gordon-Lipkin Eliza , Cohen Julie S. , Srivastava Siddharth , Soares Bruno P. , Levey Eric , Fatemi Ali
Published: September 2018

GM3 synthase deficiency is due to biallelic pathogenic variants in ST3GAL5, which encodes a sialyltransferase that synthesizes ganglioside GM3. Key features of this rare autosomal recessive condition include profound intellectual disability, failure to thrive and infantile onset epilepsy. We expand the phenotypic spectrum with 3 siblings who were found by whole exome sequencing to have a homozygous pathogenic variant in ST3GAL5, and we compare these cases to those previously described in the literature. The siblings had normal birth history, subsequent developmental stagnation, profound intellectual disability, choreoathetosis, failure to thrive, and visual and hearing impairment. Ichthyosis and self-injurious behavior are newly described in our patients and may influence clinical management. We conclude that GM3 synthase deficiency is a neurodevelopmental disorder with consistent features of profound intellectual disability, choreoathetosis, and deafness. Other phenotypic features have variable expressivity, including failure to thrive, epilepsy, regression, vision impairment, and skin findings. Our analysis demonstrates a broader phenotypic range of this potentially under-recognized disorder.
Postbuckling behavior of CNT-reinforced composite cylindrical shell surrounded by an elastic medium and subjected to combined mechanical loads in thermal environments
Authors: Hieu Pham Thanh , Van Tung Hoang
Published: September 2018

Cylindrical shells are usually buckled under complex and combined loading conditions. This article presents an analytical approach to investigate the buckling and postbuckling behaviors of cylindrical shells reinforced by single-walled carbon nanotubes, surrounded by an elastic medium, exposed to thermal environments, and subjected to combined axial compression and lateral pressure loads. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are imbedded into matrix phase by uniform distribution or functionally graded distribution along the thickness direction. The properties of constituents are assumed to be temperature dependent, and effective properties of CNT-reinforced composite (CNTRC) are determined by an extended rule of mixture. Governing equations are based on the classical shell theory (CST) taking von Karman–Donnell nonlinearity and surrounding elastic foundations into consideration. Three-term form of deflection is assumed to satisfy simply supported boundary conditions, and Galerkin method is applied to obtain nonlinear load–deflection relations from which buckling loads and postbuckling equilibrium paths are determined. Numerical examples are carried out to show the effects of CNT volume fraction, distribution types, thermal environments, preexisting nondestabilizing lateral pressure and axial compression loads, and elastic medium on the buckling and postbuckling behaviors of CNTRC cylindrical shells.
Melt shear flow behavior of flame-retardant polypropylene composites filled with microencapsulated red phosphorus
Authors: Liang Ji-Zhao , Zhu Bo , Pan Mao-Sen , Feng Jin-Qing
Published: September 2018

Melt shear flow behavior and melt shear viscosity are important characterization of processing properties for polymeric materials. The effects of microencapsulated red phosphorus (MRP) content and experimental conditions on the melt shear flow behavior of the polypropylene (PP) composites were investigated using a torque rheometer. It was found that the melt shear viscosity, the torque, and energy consumption at balance state of the composites increased nonlinearly with increasing MRP weight fraction while decreased slightly with increasing temperature, the maximum torque increased with increasing the roller speed, and the dependence of the melt shear viscosity and the energy consumption at balance state on temperature roughly obeyed the Arrhenius equation. These findings would provide useful data for processing these flame-retardant PP composites.
Understanding the impact of train run-throughs on railway switches using finite element analysis
Authors: Shih JY , Hemida H , Stewart E , Roberts C
Published: September 2018

Train run-throughs on railway switches is a special issue, where a train passes through non-trailable railway switches in the wrong direction. This has the potential to cause severe damage and can lead to derailment. In order to understand the impact of train run-throughs on railway switches, a three-dimensional finite element model using explicit analysis has been developed. A detailed switch model has been developed that includes all key components: stretcher bars, supplementary drive and point operating equipment. The model was validated through a specifically designed experiment where switch run-throughs were emulated on a real switch; a good agreement was found between the experimental data and the model. The model has been used to make an assessment of the locking mechanisms. The forces in each component have been assessed and investigated, and the observations of failure location and component during run-through analysis are indicated. During a run-through, the supplementary drive rod and stretcher bar encounter a significant plastic deformation, and it is recommended that they should be redesigned in order to avoid plastic behaviour.
The Safe Recipient of SSC Transplantation Prepared by Heat Shock With Busulfan Treatment in Mice
Authors: Ma Wenzhi , Wang Jia , Gao Weijun , Jia Hua
Published: September 2018

Safety is the chief consideration in recipient preparation of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) transplantation in mammals, especially humans. In this study, we compared the safety of the SSC transplantation recipients that were prepared both by testes heat shock plus testes busulfan injection (heat shock+busulfan(t)) and by busulfan intraperitoneal injection (busulfan i.p.) only. Our results showed that heat shock+busulfan(t) treatment significantly ( p < 0.05) reduced mortality in mice and did not produce bone marrow cell toxicity. Furthermore, heat shock+busulfan(t) treatment directly damaged SSCs and exhausted almost all of the germ cells in the testis; the exhaustion of these cells is considered a key factor in the successful preparation of the recipients. Therefore, we used heat shock+busulfan(t) treatment to prepare recipients of SSC transplantation. Two months after SSC transplantation, the number and length of donor SSC-derived colonies in the testis of recipient in heat shock+busulfan(t) group was closed to that in busulfan i.p. group. Therefore, compared with busulfan i.p. treatment, heat shock+busulfan(t) treatment improved the safety of recipient preparation without reducing the efficiency of SSC transplantation. Two GFP-positive offspring were produced from 1 of the 20 recipients that had mated with female mice 72 days after SSC transplantation. In conclusion, heat shock with busulfan treatment is a safe method to prepare the recipient of SSC transplantation in mice.
Drivers of innovation in tourism: An econometric study
Authors: Divisekera Sarath , Nguyen Van K
Published: September 2018

This article analyzes the determinants of three types of innovation output—product, process, and organizational, generated by Australian tourism firms. It examines how collaboration, human capital, information technology, funding, firm, and market characteristics impact innovation outcomes. Of the inputs, collaboration for innovation is the one with a positive impact on the three types of innovation outputs. Human capital also contributes to the innovation process. However, its impacts are strongly felt only in the generation of product and organizational innovation. Information and communication technology is vital to the implementation of operational process and organizational innovations, while funding influences the implementation of new operational processes. Of firm and market characteristics, foreign ownership, degree of competition, and firm size have significant impacts on innovation intensity among firms.
Weight Loss and Resolution of Comorbidities After Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Review of Long-Term Results
Authors: Felsenreich D. M. , Langer F. B. , Prager G.
Published: September 2018

Background and Aims:

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has massively increased in numbers over the last decade and is the most frequently performed bariatric procedure worldwide today. The aim of this review is to evaluate SG in terms of weight loss and resolution of comorbidities, based on data gained from the latest long-term studies available.

Material and Methods:

This review includes the results of any long-term studies on SG available at this point as well as a selection of short- and mid-term studies.

Results:

There are only a handful of studies on sleeve gastrectomy with long-term follow-up available at this point. Conversion rates in these long-term studies amount to up to one-third of their cohorts; however, excess weight loss in patients maintaining their sleeve is over 50%. Results on the resolution of comorbidities vary among the studies available today.

Sleeve gastrectomy is a valid bariatric method but one has to be aware of its limitations.
Predicting state police officer alcohol consumption and use of tobacco
Authors: Copenhaver Allen , Tewksbury Richard
Published: September 2018

Criminal justice research has well documented the fact that law enforcement officers experience a significant amount of stress. Research also suggests law enforcement officers use tobacco (which is not healthy at any rate) and alcohol at rates exceeding those of other populations. Although several studies have documented the above across a wide variety of law enforcement populations, research has not previously explored the extent to which state police officers use tobacco and alcohol. Because no studies explore state law enforcement officer use of tobacco and alcohol, no studies exist that identify factors predictive of state police officer use of alcohol and tobacco. This study addresses these gaps in the literature by surveying all sworn state police officers of one state police agency. Policy recommendations, as they pertain to reducing state police officer use of alcohol and tobacco are discussed below.
Ruin dynamics: Architectural destruction and the production of sedentary space at the dawn of the Neolithic revolution
Authors: Hadad Rémi
Published: September 2018

Monumental architecture in Levantine sites such as Jerf el-Ahmar, Göbekli Tepe, or Jericho appears to play an important role in place-making practices and in the organization of a possibly hierarchical sociopolitical life at the very beginning of the Neolithic. This paper focuses on an underdeveloped aspect of this phenomenon: all these buildings were ritually destroyed in a highly spectacular and costly fashion. Their ruins were purposefully curated and accumulated. Far from being static remains, these structures are the meaningful result of the dynamic re-production of monumental space and of its inscription in the landscape. Understanding these actions calls for decentering the dominant vision of architectural valuation associated primarily with ideas of “creation” or “heritage.” Architectural destruction, I shall finally claim, may well be more significant than construction for understanding the Neolithic consolidation of sedentism in the Near East.
The Role of Trust and Automation in an Intelligence Analyst Decisional Guidance Paradigm
Authors: Neigel Alexis R. , Caylor Justine P. , Kase Sue E. , Vanni Michelle T. , Hoye Jefferson
Published: September 2018

Trust in automation has been linked to a multitude of performance improvements and implicated in the reduction of human error, stress, and workload. In the present study, trust in automation was examined in an experiment measuring the efficacy of linguistic annotation schemes for decision support and human performance. An automated aid provided decisional guidance to assist in intelligence task performance. Four hundred and fifty-eight participants were randomly assigned to one of three annotation schemes and then subsequently performed three simulated intelligence analysis task. The results indicated that trust played a significant role in intelligence task performance, though a significant trust by annotation scheme interaction did not emerge. Specifically, an increase in trust accompanied an increase in performance across the task types. We conclude with a discussion of trust and automated annotation schemes, which has implications for the intelligence operations community.
Utilization of Electrodiagnostic Testing for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome by General Practitioners Prior to Hand Surgery Consultation
Authors: Colombo Joshua , Shah Smiresh
Published: September 2018

Background:Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral mononeuropathy and thus is frequently encountered by general practitioners (GPs). The aim of this study is to investigate the referral pattern of GPs with regard to electrodiagnostic (EDX) testing for suspected CTS prior to hand surgery consultation, as well as to investigate the results of EDX testing for suspected CTS when requested by GPs prior to evaluation by a hand surgeon. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients referred to our hand surgery clinic over a consecutive 2-year period for suspected CTS. Results: A total of 403 patients were referred to our hand surgery clinic from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017. Of the 403, 295 (73.2%) were referred by GPs. GPs obtained prereferral EDX testing in 198 (67.1%) of these patients. EDX testing confirmed their diagnosis in 177 patients (89.4%). There were 21 patients (10.6%) identified with normal EDX testing and a more likely diagnosis reached based on clinical examination. Conclusions: GPs make up the majority of our referrals for CTS, and they obtain EDX testing prior to consultation in two-thirds of referrals. GPs appear to accurately utilize EDX testing to confirm their diagnosis prior to referral and have a low rate of normal testing where symptoms are more readily explained by an alternative diagnosis.
Comparing the Acute Effects of Intermittent and Continuous Whole-Body Vibration Exposure on Neuromuscular and Functional Measures in Sarcopenia and Nonsarcopenic Elderly Women
Authors: Miller Ryan M. , Heishman Aaron D. , Freitas Eduardo D. S. , Bemben Michael G.
Published: September 2018

This investigation examined the acute effects of continuous whole-body vibration (CWBV) and intermittent whole-body vibration (IWBV) on neuromuscular and functional measures in women with sarcopenia and nonsarcopenic women. Continuous whole-body vibration was one 6-minute exposure, while IWBV consisted of six 60-second exposures to rest intervals (30 Hz, 2-4 mm amplitude). Factorial analyses revealed group × exposure × time interactions for jump height (JH; F = 10.8, P = .002), grip strength (GS; F = 15.5, P < .001), timed up and go test (F = 11.7, P = .002), and sit and reach test (S&R; F = 9.7, P = .004). Both JH and GS significantly improved post-WBV in women with sarcopenia ( P < .001), with post-IWBV significantly greater ( P < .001) than post-CWBV. Timed up and go test and S&R significantly improved post-IWBV in both the groups ( P < .001) with post-IWBV significantly better than post-CWBV ( P < .001). Bench press power at 20% one repetition maximum (1RM) revealed an exposure × time interaction (F = 4.6, P = .04) illuminating that IWBV significantly improved muscular power ( P < .001). Bench press power at 40% 1RM revealed group × exposure (F = 6.4, P = .016) and exposure × time interactions (F = 5.8, P = .022). Individuals with sarcopenia significantly increased power output ( P < .001) post-IWBV which was significantly greater than post-CWBV ( P = .037). Bench press power at 60% 1RM revealed an exposure × time interaction (F = 8.6, P = .006), indicating that power was significantly improved post-IWBV ( P = .027) and decreased post-CWBV. Berg Balance scale revealed a time main effect (F = 6.64, P = .015), and pain discomfort was significantly lower post-IWBV. These data indicate IWBV may provide a more efficacious exposure pattern in older women when compared to CWBV.
High-Intensity Interval Training Combined With Vibration and Dietary Restriction Improves Body Composition and Blood Lipids in Obese Adults: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Sañudo Borja , Muñoz Tamara , Davison Gareth W. , Lopez-Lluch Guillermo , del Pozo-Cruz Jesus
Published: September 2018

This study aimed to compare the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with additional whole-body vibration (WBV) on body composition and lipid profile in obese/overweight adults on a hypocaloric diet. Forty adults were randomly assigned to (a) HIIT and vibration and hypocaloric diet (HIITWBV, n = 13), (b) HIIT and diet (HIIT, n = 14), and (c) diet only (control [CON], n = 13). High-intensity interval training WBV participants trained 3 times per week for 8 weeks (6 sets × 1 minute of HIIT, cycling at 90% heart rate peak followed by 1 minute of interset vibration, at a frequency of 18 Hz increasing until 25 Hz with a peak-to-peak displacement of 4 mm. Training volume increased 1 set every 2 weeks until 10 sets). The HIIT group performed HIIT training followed by 2 minutes of passive recovery, while the CON continued with their daily activities combined with calorie restriction. Body composition (body fat and fat-free mass) and biochemical indices (glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides) were determined. Following 8 weeks, body fat was significantly reduced by 7.5% and both triglycerides and total cholesterol decreased in the HIITWBV group only (−16.5% and −11.7% respectively). This study suggests that HIIT in combination with WBV and a hypocaloric diet can improve overall lipid profile in overweight/obese individuals.
Temporal Aspects of the Chameleon Effect and Hospitality: The Link Between Mimicry, Its Impact, and Duration
Authors: Kulesza Wojciech , Dolinski Dariusz , Szczęsna Kinga , Kosim Mariola , Grzyb Tomasz
Published: September 2018

In an experiment conducted in natural settings (in a restaurant), we explore the uninvestigated link between mimicry, its impact on hospitality, and the time during which the mimicry takes place. Under particular experimental conditions, the waitress either did not verbally mimic the customer, mimicked the customer only at the initial stage of the interaction, only at the final stage of the interaction, or at both the initial and the final stage of the interaction. The tip left by the customer and its amount were the indicators of the hospitality experienced throughout the time spent in the restaurant. The outcome was that both indicators of noticeable hospitality were the highest where the verbal mimicry was applied twice.
High levels of healthcare utilization prior to diagnosis in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension support the feasibility of an early diagnosis algorithm: the SPHInX project
Authors: Bergemann Rito , Allsopp James , Jenner Harvey , Daniels Flora Ashley , Drage Edmund , Samyshkin Yevgeniy , Schmitt Claude , Wood Steven , Kiely David G. , Lawrie Allan
Published: September 2018

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (iPAH) is a rare progressive, life‐shortening disease, usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. We hypothesize that patients with iPAH exhibit patterns of health‐seeking behavior before diagnosis that will allow the development of earlier identification tools. The Sheffield Pulmonary Hypertension IndeX (SPHInX) project aims to develop a predictive algorithm based on routinely collected healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) data. This report focuses on the initial feasibility of the project, examining whether Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data from the National Health Service in England have sufficient richness to support the development of an early diagnosis algorithm. This is a two‐stage study. First, hospital interactions during 2009–2014 captured in HES data identified 127,815 adult patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) ICD‐10 codes, containing a probable iPAH cohort with incidence and demographics similar to the reported literature. HCRU was high in the three years before diagnosis. Second, to examine HCRU in patients with a confirmed iPAH diagnosis, we built the SPHInX dataset incorporating all patients investigated for suspected PH in the Sheffield Pulmonary Vascular Disease Unit during 2008–2016 (n = 6674). For the SPHInX dataset, data could be linked to HES in 98.6% of cases and patients with confirmed iPAH had similar levels of pre‐diagnosis HCRU. In conclusion, patients with probable iPAH identified using HES and patients with confirmed iPAH have high levels of HCRU for several years before diagnosis. Artificial intelligence models will now be used to develop the SPHInX algorithm to screen for undiagnosed iPAH in the general population.
An Integrative Model of Data-Based Decision Making for School Counseling
Authors: Poynton Timothy A. , Carey John C.
Published: September 2018

This article presents a model of data-based decision making based on five commonly used models from both within and outside the discipline of school counseling. This integrative model is tied explicitly to the ASCA National Model® concepts, terminology, and resources. It provides school counselors with a sequence to follow for engaging in data-based decision making. The article elaborates on and discusses facilitators and barriers to implementing data-based decision making in school counseling programs, as well as implications and future directions.
The Beliefs and Practices of School Counselors who Use Data to Implement Comprehensive School Counseling Programs
Authors: Young Anita , Kaffenberger Carol
Published: September 2018

School counselors are required to implement accountability strategies in order to increase student performance and contribute to closing the achievement gap. This study investigates the beliefs and practices of school counselors who have earned national recognition for implementing comprehensive school counseling programs based on identifying program goals and using data to close the achievement gap. The study asked Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) school counselors how they use data to inform program decisions and their beliefs about using data. The results suggest that school counselors who have earned RAMP understand the importance of using data to provide services to students and drive program evaluation and improvement. Participation in the RAMP process appears to have a positive impact on data practices and school counselors’ beliefs about the importance of using data.
Prediabetes and Diabetes Screening in Dental Care Settings: NHANES 2013 to 2016
Authors: Estrich C.G. , Araujo M.W.B. , Lipman R.D.
Published: September 2018

Introduction:

Early recognition of prediabetes may prevent progression to diabetes, yet not all adults are aware of their prediabetes risk. To reach all adults unaware of their risk, additional risk assessment strategies are warranted.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential scope of benefit from prediabetes risk assessment in the dental care setting and to identify characteristics of dental patients likely to unknowingly have prediabetes or diabetes.

Methods:

Data from 10,472 adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2013 to 2014 and 2015 to 2016 were analyzed for associations among prediabetes/diabetes risk factors, health care use, and hemoglobin A1C levels according to chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression.

Results:

A total of 7.73% of US adults had seen a dentist but not a medical provider in the past 12 mo. The composition of this subpopulation was significantly different from that who saw a medical provider, in ways that might affect their diabetes risk. In addition, 31.27% of this subpopulation would be identified as being at high risk for prediabetes according to the CDC Prediabetes Screening Test (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), and 15.83% had hemoglobin A1C levels indicative of undiagnosed prediabetes or diabetes. Screening in a dental setting would have the highest odds of identifying someone unaware of his or her diabetes risk among those who were non-White, obese, or ≥45 y old.

Conclusion:

Extrapolation from this analysis indicates that screening for prediabetes at dental visits has the potential to alert an estimated 22.36 million adults of their risk for prediabetes or diabetes. Incorporating prediabetes or diabetes risk assessment into routine dental visits may enable 1) those with prediabetes to take action to decrease their risk of developing diabetes and 2) those with diabetes to engage in treatment to decrease their risk of diabetes-related complications.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

Screening for prediabetes and diabetes during dental visits has the potential to raise patients’ awareness of diabetes risk and prevent prediabetes from progressing to diabetes. For some patients, the dental visit may be the only point of contact with the health care system, which heightens the importance of including diabetes risk assessment for patient well-being.
Impact of bicycle highways on commuter mode choice: A scenario analysis
Authors: Rayaprolu Hema S , Llorca Carlos , Moeckel Rolf
Published: September 2018

The Dutch concept of ‘bicycle highways’ is increasingly being adopted by urban planners owing to rising environmental and health consciousness, and the growing popularity of electric bicycles. Bicycle highways differ from other types of cycling infrastructure in that they avoid intersections with motorised traffic, and are wide enough to allow for safe overtaking, thereby increasing cycling speeds. While many studies investigate the feasibility of constructing bicycle highways, few explore their effect on users’ travel preferences. In this context, our study aims to assess the potential impact of bicycle highways on commuter mode choice. We built a discrete choice model based on individual commute data from a national household travel survey, Mobilität in Deutschland 2008. The model was estimated in a logit modelling framework using Biogeme. We estimated multinomial logit and nested logit models and found nested logit to be more appropriate. The model estimates were then applied to forecast mode shares in scenarios with the pilot bicycle highway proposed in the Munich region. The variation in mode shares across scenarios with increasing average cycling speeds was analysed in areas with varying proximity to the infrastructure. The results suggest that bicycle highways reduce motorised travel and increase cycling. The effect is stronger as proximity to the corridor increases. The analysis helps to quantify the potential impact of bicycle highways on commuter mode choice even without considering further benefits beyond travel time reductions, such as increased safety, convenience, comfort, and reduced risks due to fewer interactions with motorised traffic.
Sex Differences in Telomere Length Are Not Mediated by Sex Steroid Hormones or Body Size in Early Adolescence
Authors: Axson Eleanor L. , Peterson Karen E. , Tellez-Rojo Martha M. , Goodrich Jaclyn M. , Meeker John , Mercado-García Adriana , Solano Maritsa , Needham Belinda L.
Published: September 2018

Telomere length is a biomarker of cell aging that is hypothesized to contribute to women’s greater longevity. Although most previous studies have found no sex difference in telomere length at birth, it is well established that females have longer average telomere length than males during adulthood. Proposed biological mechanisms underlying sex differences in adult telomere length include differences in sex steroid hormones and body size, which emerge during the pubertal transition. The purpose of this study was to examine the total effect of sex on telomere length during early adolescence and to examine estradiol, total testosterone, and body surface area (BSA; a measure of body size) as potential mediators of sex differences in telomere length. Data were from a population-based sample of 126 female and 109 male Hispanic adolescents aged 8 to 14 years from the Early Life Exposures in Mexico to ENvironmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) study. Relative telomere length (T/S ratio) was measured by the quantitative polymerase chain reaction method; sex steroid hormones were measured using an automated chemiluminescent immunoassay, and BSA was calculated using measured height and weight. Adjusting for age and pubertal status, we found that girls had significantly longer telomeres than boys (β = .13; P < .01), but there were no significant indirect effects of sex on telomere length through any of the proposed mediators. We conclude that sex differences in telomere length are evident during early adolescence but are not explained by cross-sectional differences in sex steroid hormones or body size.
Cobalt hematoporphyrin inhibits CLEC-2–podoplanin interaction, tumor metastasis, and arterial/venous thrombosis in mice
Authors: Tsukiji Nagaharu , Osada Makoto , Sasaki Tomoyuki , Shirai Toshiaki , Satoh Kaneo , Inoue Osamu , Umetani Norihiko , Mochizuki Chihiro , Saito Tamio , Kojima Soichi , Shinmori Hideyuki , Ozaki Yukio , Suzuki-Inoue Katsue
Published: September 2018

Key Points

Co-HP binds to CLEC-2 at N120 and K211, novel binding sites for podoplanin, and inhibits their interaction. Co-HP prevents hematogenous tumor metastasis and arterial/venous thrombosis in mice, without a significant increase in bleeding time.
Feasibility study of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for anxiety disorders in a Japanese setting
Authors: Sado Mitsuhiro , Park Sunre , Ninomiya Akira , Sato Yasuko , Fujisawa Daisuke , Shirahase Joichiro , Mimura Masaru
Published: September 2018

Objective

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) could be a treatment option for anxiety disorders. Although its effectiveness under conditions of low pharmacotherapy rates has been demonstrated, its effectiveness under condition of high pharmacotherapy rate is still unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate effectiveness of MBCT under the context of high pharmacotherapy rates.

Results

A single arm with pre-post comparison design was adopted. Those who had any diagnosis of anxiety disorders, between the ages of 20 and 74, were included. Participants attended 8 weekly 2-hour-long sessions followed by 2 monthly boosters. Evaluation was conducted at baseline, in the middle, at end of the intervention, and at follow-up. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)-state was set as the primary outcome. Pre-post analyses with mixed-effect models repeated measures were conducted. Fourteen patients were involved. The mean age was 45.0, and 71.4% were female. The mean change in the STAI-state at every point showed statistically significant improvement. The STAI-trait also showed improvement at a high significance level from the very early stages. The participants showed significant improvement at least one point in some other secondary outcomes.

Trial registration Retrospectively registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network on 1st August 2013 (ID: UMIN000011347)
Chlorhexidine-coated surgical gloves influence the bacterial flora of hands over a period of 3 hours
Authors: Suchomel Miranda , Brillmann Markus , Assadian Ojan , Ousey Karen J. , Presterl Elisabeth
Published: September 2018

Background

The risk of SSI increases in the presence of foreign materials and may be caused by organisms with low pathogenicity, such as skin flora derived from hands of surgical team members in the event of a glove breach. Previously, we were able to demonstrate that a novel antimicrobial surgical glove coated chlorhexidine-digluconate as the active ingredient on its inner surface was able to suppress surgeons’ hand flora during operative procedures by a magnitude of 1.7 log10 cfu/mL. Because of the clinical design of that study, we were not able to measure the full magnitude of the possible antibacterial suppression effect of antimicrobial gloves over a full 3 h period.

Methods

The experimental procedure followed the method for assessment of the 3-h effects of a surgical hand rub’s efficacy to reduce the release of hand flora as described in the European Norm EN 12791. Healthy volunteers tested either an antimicrobial surgical glove or non-antimicrobial surgical latex gloves in a standardized laboratory-based experiment over a wear time of 3 h.

Results

Wearing antimicrobial surgical glove after a surgical hand rub with 60% (v/v) n-propanol resulted in the highest 3-h reduction factor of 2.67 log10. Non-antimicrobial surgical gloves demonstrated significantly lower (p ≤ 0.01) 3-h reduction factors at 1.96 log10 and 1.68 log10, respectively. Antibacterial surgical gloves are able to maintain a sustainable bacterial reduction on finger tips in a magnitude of almost 3 log10 (log10 2.67 cfu) over 3 h wear time.

Conclusion

It was demonstrated that wear of an antibacterial surgical glove coated with chlorhexidine-digluconate is able to suppress resident hand flora significantly over a period of 3-h.
A policy for the size of individual unemployment accounts
Authors: Castro Rubén , Weber Michael , Reyes Gonzalo
Published: September 2018

Individual unemployment accounts (IUAs) attenuate the moral hazard attached to unemployment insurance. However, the available literature provides no policy recommendation about what percentage of the contributions should go to IUAs. We propose criteria of actuarial neutrality and use a simple job search model to argue that a sizable proportion of the contributions could go to IUAs without changing benefits and contribution rates, and therefore not negatively affecting well-being. We derive this result from a model, first, and then use simulations to show that it also holds in more realistic settings and different labor market dynamics.
Prognostic significance of cell cycle-associated proteins p16, pRB, cyclin D1 and p53 in resected oropharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Plath Michaela , Broglie Martina A. , Förbs Diana , Stoeckli Sandro J. , Jochum Wolfram
Published: September 2018

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has an improved outcome and may allow for treatment de-escalation. High-risk HPV (HR-HPV) infection is associated with deregulated expression of the cell cycle-associated proteins p16INK4, pRB, cyclin D1 and p53. The objective of this study was to assess cell cycle proteins as potential surrogate markers for HR-HPV DNA testing to identify OPSCC with favorable prognosis after resection.

Methods

Tissue microarray cores of 313 surgically treated OPSCC were stained for p16INK4a, pRB, cyclin D1 and p53 using immunohistochemistry. Protein expression was scored as high or low based on the proportion of positive carcinoma cells. Tumor samples were analysed for HR-HPV DNA with polymerase chain reaction-based testing. Associations between cell cycle protein expression and HR-HPV DNA status were evaluated by calculating sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and diagnostic odds ratios (DOR). Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis were applied to evaluate associations between cell cycle protein expression and patient outcome.

Results

High expression of p16INK4a, cyclin D1, pRB and p53 in tumor cells were observed in 51.8%, 51.4%, 41.9% and 33.5% of OPSCC, respectively. HR-HPV DNA positive were 158/313 (50.5%) tumor samples (HPV16: 147, HPV18: 1, HPV33: 5, HPV35: 2, HPV56: 2, and HPV59: 1). P16INK4a showed a higher DOR to predict HR-HPV DNA positivity than pRB, cyclin D1 and p53. Both the p16INK4a/pRB and the p16INK4a/pRB/cyclin D1/p53 signatures had lower DOR than p16INK4a alone. Improved 5-year overall and disease-specific survival were associated with HR-HPV DNA positivity, high p16INK4a, low pRB, low cyclin D1, and low p53 expression. Associations with improved outcome were also observed for the marker combinations high p16INK4a/positive HR-HPV DNA, high p16INK4a/low pRB and high p16INK4a/low pRB/low cyclin D1/low p53. In a multivariate analysis adjusted for age, smoking history, pT and pN category, high p16INK4a expression showed the lowest hazard ratio for death.

Conclusions

High p16INK4a expression is a reliable marker for survival prognostication in surgically treated OPSCC patients. Protein signatures including the pRB, cyclin D1 and p53 proteins do not further increase the prognostic performance of p16INK4a as a single marker.
Optimizing production of a biopesticide protectant by black yeast
Authors: Saleh Hany , Abdelrazak Ahmed , Elsayed Ashraf , El-Shishtawy Hisham , Osman Yehia
Published: September 2018

Natural protection of the Bacillus thuringiensis-based biopesticides from inactivation by the UV component of the cosmic rays constitutes a big challenge to environmentalists, health concerned groups, and industry. Melanin pigment produced by a variety of microbes has the capabilities of protecting these types of biopesticides. A black melanin produced by a locally isolated strain of the yeast Hortaea werneckii EGYNDA08 possesses the qualities of a sun protectant agent. This UV bio-protectant increased the killing potency of a locally isolated B. thuringiensis subsp. aegypti (Bt-C18)-based biopesticide ninefold upon feeding the first instar larvae of the cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littrolis. This black melanin was extracted, characterized, and exposed to different optimization process for the purpose of enhancing its productivity. The optimization process employed medium engineering techniques to generate a suitable cheap production medium not only at bench-scale level but also at the bioreactor level. These optimization techniques have led to increase the melanin produced by the local isolate of Hortaea werneckii EGYNDA08 up to 228 mg/l compared to 8 mg/l prior to optimization. This study concluded that black yeast melanin could be used at a wide range as a potential green alternative for the conventional chemically based sunscreens that currently used to protect biopesticides from inactivation by the cosmic rays.
Detection of a fracture zone using microtremor array measurement
Authors: Wu Cheng-Feng , Huang Huey-Chu
Published: September 2018

We have conducted microtremor array measurements to estimate shallow S-wave velocity ([Formula: see text]) structures at two sites (the 921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan and the Taiwan Provincial Consultative Council) located near surface ruptures of the Chelungpu Fault. Ten stations, consisting of three different-aperture triangles and a central station, are adopted for each array deployment. Using the array data, we calculate dispersion curves of Rayleigh waves using the frequency-wavenumber spectrum method and then estimate [Formula: see text] structures by the surface-wave inversion technique. The obtained 2D [Formula: see text] profiles could clearly show compressive and flexural deformation structures with the surface ruptures located at relatively weak (low [Formula: see text]) zones. This indicates compressive buckling as the most likely mechanism for surface rupturing along these low [Formula: see text] zones. Importantly, this study successfully depicts strata disturbances in a fault fracture zone using microtremor array measurements and forward numerical modeling of trishear fault-propagation folds.
A semianalytical approach to calculate the reflected wave of an eccentric source in a borehole
Authors: Xu Feilong , Hu Hengshan
Published: September 2018

The acoustic field in a borehole is usually simulated under axisymmetric conditions. When the acoustic source deviates from the borehole axis, the field loses the axial symmetry property. We have developed a semianalytical approach to calculate the acoustic field excited by an eccentric source of limited size. The eccentric source is first decomposed into infinitely long multipole cylinder sources whose center axes pass through the eccentric point. Then, by applying the continuity of displacement and stress on the interfaces, we derive reflection coefficients by the generalized reflection and transmission coefficient method. Finally, the reflected wave is obtained after dual inverse Fourier transforms with respect to time and wavenumber. Numerical tests based on the reciprocity theorem are performed to validate this approach. The results indicate that the simulation error in every reciprocal model is negligible even if the eccentric distance of the acoustic source reaches two thirds of the radius of the borehole wall. We apply this semianalytical approach to simulate the reflected wave of an eccentric directional beam in a cased borehole.