bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A double-blind randomized controlled trial of the local application of vancomycin versus ampicillin powder into the operative field for thoracic and/or lumbar fusions
Authors: Takeuchi Mikinobu , Wakao Norimitsu , Kamiya Mitsuhiro , Hirasawa Atsuhiko , Murotani Kenta , Takayasu Masakazu 
Published: August 2018

OBJECTIVERetrospective studies have reported that the local application of vancomycin (VCM) powder into the operative field decreases the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) in thoracic and/or lumbar fusion. Authors of the present study prospectively evaluated the effects of VCM in patients undergoing thoracic and/or lumbar fusion.METHODSIn this randomized double-blind trial, 230 patients undergoing thoracic and/or lumbar fusion were randomly assigned to the local administration of VCM (interventional group, 1 g) or ampicillin (AMP; control group, 1 g) into the surgical field. The primary outcome was SSI results within 1 year of surgery.RESULTSThe trial was prematurely stopped according to predetermined rules. The results showed one superficial infection (0.9%, Staphylococcus aureus) and one deep infection (0.9%, S. aureus) in the VCM group and two superficial infections (1.8%, Staphylococcus epidermidis and culture negative) and one deep infection (0.9%, methicillin-resistant S. aureus) in the AMP group. No significant differences in infection rates were observed between the groups (p = 0.8).CONCLUSIONSThis double-blind randomized controlled trial demonstrated that the local application of VCM or AMP powder into the operative field in short thoracic and/or lumbar fusion procedures resulted in a similar incidence of SSI.■ CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE Type of question: therapeutic; study design: randomized controlled trial; evidence: class III.Clinical trial registration no.: UMIN000009377 (umin.ac.jp/ctr)
Giant intracranial aneurysms of the posterior circulation and their relation to the brainstem: analysis of risk factors for neurological deficits
Authors: Lenga Pavlina , Hohaus Christian , Hong Bujung , Kursumovic Adisa , Maldaner Nicolai , Burkhardt Jan-Karl , Bijlenga Philippe , Rüfenacht Daniel A. , Schmidt Nils O. , Vajkoczy Peter , Dengler Julius 
Published: August 2018

OBJECTIVEGiant posterior circulation aneurysms (GPCirAs) usually cause substantial mass effect on the brainstem, which may lead to neurological deficits. So far, there has been no systematic investigation of factors associated with such deficits in GPCirA. The authors aim to examine the risk factors for cranial nerve deficit (CND), motor deficit, and disability in patients with GPCirA.METHODSUsing MR images obtained in 30 patients with unruptured GPCirA, the authors examined GPCirA volume, presence of hydrocephalus or partial thrombosis (PT) of the aneurysm, and the degree of brainstem displacement measured by the distance between the McRae line and the tip of the GPCirA (∆MT). They evaluated associations between these factors and neurological deficits.RESULTSThirty GPCirAs in 30 patients were included. The prevalence of CNDs was 50%. Patients with CNDs significantly differed from those without CNDs in terms of age (mean 51.0 years [SD 15.0 years] vs 69.0 years [SD 21.0 years], p = 0.01) and in ∆MT (median 50.7 mm [IQR 39.2–53.9 mm] vs 39.0 mm [IQR 32.3–45.9 mm], p = 0.02). The prevalence of motor deficits was 33.3%. Patients with motor deficits showed a larger ∆MT (median 50.5 mm [IQR 40.8–54.6 mm]) compared with those without (∆MT: median 39.1 mm [IQR 32.8–50.5 mm], p = 0.04). GPCirA volume was larger in patients with poor modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores (median 14.9 cm3 [IQR 8.6–18.7 cm3]) than in those with mRS scores of 0–2 (median 6.8 cm3 [IQR 4.4–11.7 cm3], p = 0.03). After adjusting for patient age and the occurrence of hydrocephalus or PT, the authors found that higher degrees of disability were significantly associated with aneurysm volume (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.0–1.3; p = 0.04), but not with ∆MT. The occurrence of CND or motor deficit was not associated with any of the examined variables. There was no correlation between GPCirA volume and ∆MT (rs = 0.01, p = 0.96). The prevalence of neurological deficits did not differ between GPCirA at the basilar apex, the basilar trunk, the vertebrobasilar junction, or the vertebral artery.CONCLUSIONSIn this study, the neurological condition of the patients was associated only with GPCirA volume and not with the degree of brainstem displacement, the occurrence of PT or hydrocephalus, or the exact location of the GPCirA. These findings highlight the clinical relevance of GPCirA volume and suggest that factors such as brainstem displacement or PT should play less of a role when finding arguments for or against treatment of GPCirA.Clinical trial registration no.: NCT02066493 (clinicaltrials.gov)
Performance and Emission Characteristics of Thumba Oil Based Biodiesel on Diesel Engine: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Qayoom Shahid , Kanchan Sumit 
Published: August 2018

Nowadays, the whole world is facing the problems of lack of fossil fuels and the rise of emission level in automobiles like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide etc. In order to prevent the whole world from these problems, a number of research developments are taking place to change the concept of using only fossil fuels by displaying some new alternative fuels to the market so that this dependence on fossil fuels can be reduced. For most of the countries in the world, there are limitations of petroleum-based fuels. In other words, the petroleum-based reserves are limited to certain countries. Therefore, those countries which are totally dependent on import of crude oil have to go through many crises or intense difficulties. Hence it becomes very important to develop some alternative fuels, which could be easily obtained from many available resources like vegetables etc. Biodiesel is nowadays considered as the most effective, renewable and environmentally friendly fuel in place of diesel. While selecting the sources for extraction of biodiesel, the maximum focus is towards non-edible oils like Thumba, cotton, mahua oil etc., instead of edible oils like sunflower, palm, soybean oil etc., to reduce affecting food security. This review, therefore, displays various characteristics like performance and emission characteristics while using Thumba oil biodiesel in a diesel engine. Among highlights, this review covers properties of Thumba oil and Thumba oil treatment methods as well. In this review paper, researchers indicated that Thumba biodiesel reduces various pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), etc. related to diesel. It also covers that among all blends, preheated B20 Thumba biodiesel blend is having better emission and performance characteristics.
Minimum optimal trials and interval during measurement of maximal handgrip strength
Authors: Kim Joon Yub , Kwon Ki Bum , Song Seong Hun , Kwon Soon-Sun , Kang Byoung Youl , Kim Dong Hee 
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND: There are controversies regarding the optimal number of trials and intervals during required for testing of maximal handgrip strength. OBJECTIVES: To verify the minimum optimal number of trials (two versus three consecutive trials) and inter-effort interval (15, 30, 45 and 60-s) during the measurement of maximal handgrip strength. METHODS: One hundred healthy subjects, 51 males and 49 females, were enrolled. During the measurement of maximal handgrip strength, two consecutive trials were hypothesized to be the minimum necessary. We compared the maximal handgrip strengths between two and three consecutive trials at four different intervals (15, 30, 45, and 60-s). RESULTS: Irrespective of hand dominance, maximal handgrip strength was best measured with three consecutive trials rather than two at each interval (all [Formula: see text] 0.05 except 15-s intervals with the dominant hand). The values at 60-s interval (dominant hands: 40.6 kgf, non-dominant hands: 36.7 kgf) were significantly higher than at other intervals (all [Formula: see text] 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Three consecutive trials with a 60-s interval might be the minimum needed for optimal measurement of maximal handgrip strength.
Monitoring the improvement of muscle performance using isokinetic dynamometry: A comparative analysis based on the full range of motion vs. the valid isokinetic sector
Authors: Ozdemir Cigdem , Ozgünen Kerem , Sarpel Tunay , Günaştı Ozgur , Bıldırcın Caglar , Coşkun Funda , Kurdak S. Sadi 
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND: Isokinetic dynamometers measure moment and calculate work and power values, which are generally used to interpret muscle performance. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the differences of peak moment (PM), work, and power between FRoM and calculated valid isokinetic sector (VIS) data to define the possibility of the misinterpretation of isokinetic dynamometer data. METHODS: Fourteen professional male soccer players who had ACL reconstruction were recruited to the muscle strengthening program which was conducted four days a week for six weeks with increasing training intensity each week. Isokinetic muscle peak moment, work, and power of knee extensors and flexors were measured at angular velocities of 60, 120, 180 and 240[Formula: see text]/s. RESULTS: The results of the standard full-RoM (FRoM) report were compared with the calculated VIS data. Analyses of the FRoM data showed that PM, work, and power values for both extensor and flexor muscle groups improved significantly. However, a comparison of FRoM and VIS data showed significant differences for the work and power values at 120, 180 and 240[Formula: see text]/s. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of FRoM isokinetic data may cause improper interpretations in muscle performance, particularly for contractions with higher angular velocities.
Influence of traditional and cluster set plyometric warm-ups on reactive strength index and leg stiffness in male rugby players
Authors: Kurt Cem , Kafkas M. Emin , Kurtdere İmren , Selalmaz Okan 
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND: Cluster set plyometrics (CSP) promise greater muscular performance than traditional set plyometrics (TSP). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the influence of TSP and CSP warm-ups via bounce drop jump (BDJ) on reactive strength index (RSI), leg stiffness (K[Formula: see text]), ground contact time (CT), and jump height (JH). METHODS: Thirteen male rugby players (age, 20.92 [Formula: see text] 2.25 years; body mass, 82.88 [Formula: see text] 9.22 kg; rugby experience, 3.61 [Formula: see text] 3.04 years; training volume, 10.69 [Formula: see text] 3.75 h/week) were recruited for this study from two rugby clubs competing in the Second League in Turkey. The players completed 3 different set configurations of equal jump volume 72 h apart in a randomized, balanced order. The sets configurations were TSP (2 [Formula: see text] 10 jump with 90 s interval), CSP-1 (4 [Formula: see text] 5 jump with 30 s interval), and CSP-2 (10 [Formula: see text] 2 jump with 10 s interval). Pre and post values of RSI, K[Formula: see text], CT, and JH on each session were determined via the Myotest Pro system. RESULTS: Statistically significant changes were not found between pre- and post-values of RSI, K[Formula: see text], CT, and JH in each session, either positive or negative ([Formula: see text] 0.05), as well as among the three different set configurations in any of the outcome variables according to post-results ([Formula: see text] 0.05). These findings indicated that low-volume TSP and CSP bounce drop jump had no effect on RSI, K[Formula: see text], CT, and JH in male rugby players. CONCLUSIONS: Set configurations, jump volume, and intensity applied in this study may be too low to change muscle-tendon complex (MTC) stiffness and produce a post-activation potentiation (PAP) effect. Further research, with larger samples, is needed to determine which set configurations, jump volume ([Formula: see text] 20 jumps/session), and intensity (box height [Formula: see text] 30 cm) are the best option for enhancement of RSI, K[Formula: see text], CT, and JH.
The effect of familiarization on squats done with a robotic exoskeleton
Authors: Daunis M.K. , Bayers T.A. , Bai L. , Vargas L.J. , Symons T.B. , Caruso J.F. 
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND: Validity may refer to the inter-workout similarity of data from novel hardware to a device deemed the “gold standard”. The degree of familiarization to novel hardware may impact subsequent validity outcomes produced from repeated workouts. OBJECTIVE: To compare physiological, performance and perceptual variables to squats done with a barbell to those done with an exoskeleton intended as hardware for manned space flights. METHODS: Subjects made four laboratory visits. They did two familiarization sessions on the exoskeleton, followed by two workouts in which the sequence of the exercise hardware examined was determined by a coin flip. Per workout they did four repetitions each against four loads (23, 34, 45 and 57 kg) separated by 90-second rests. For the final two visits the same dependent variables were obtained before, during and after workouts. Z-scores identified outliers that were eliminated from further analyses. Dependent variables were compared with paired t-tests, Cohen’s d effect size, Bland-Altman plots and Pearson product moment correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Less than 1% of our data were outliers. Values for our dependent variables generally exhibited considerable inter-workout similarity. CONCLUSIONS: Exoskeleton findings were similar to those from a barbell and warrant continued inquiry, such as with microgravity simulation in human subjects.
TEACHING AND RESEARCH ON SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES VIENNA–FH CAMPUS WIEN
Authors: Aichholzer Martin , Fischer Henriette , Hölzl Christian , Österreicher Doris , Pfleger Marc-Patrick , Spitzenberger Edmund , Vill Markus , Ploch Anna 
Published: August 2018

INTRODUCTION The University of Applied Sciences in Vienna has offered university degree programs in the field of construction for more than twenty years and has thus gained great expertise in developing its curriculum. Founded in 1996, the department of Building and Design consists of six university degree programs. A major strength of the department is the possibility to adapt to recent challenges in a timely manner. As shown in Figure 1, in the winter term 2008/2009, the master's degree program, Sustainability in the Construction Industry, was held for the first time; it was transformed into the master's degree program, Architecture—Green Building, in 2016. In 2013/14 the bachelor's degree program, Architecture—Green Building, started with the first students graduating in 2016. For ten years the department has focused on sustainability within the building, planning and designing processes.
Nucleotide Composition of Human Ig Nontemplated Regions Depends on Trimming of the Flanking Gene Segments, and Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase Favors Adding Cytosine, Not Guanosine, in Most VDJ Rearrangements
Authors: Funck Tina , Barnkob Mike Bogetofte , Holm Nanna , Ohm-Laursen Line , Mehlum Camilla Slot , Möller Sören , Barington Torben 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
The formation of nontemplated (N) regions during Ig gene rearrangement is a major contributor to Ab diversity. To gain insights into the mechanisms behind this, we studied the nucleotide composition of N regions within 29,962 unique human VHDJH rearrangements and 8728 unique human DJH rearrangements containing exactly one identifiable D gene segment and thus two N regions, N1 and N2. We found a distinct decreasing content of cytosine (C) and increasing content of guanine (G) across each N region, suggesting that N regions are typically generated by concatenation of two 3′ overhangs synthesized by addition of nucleoside triphosphates with a preference for dCTP. This challenges the general assumption that the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase favors dGTP in vivo. Furthermore, we found that the G and C gradients depended strongly on whether the germline gene segments were trimmed or not. Our data show that C-enriched N addition preferentially happens at trimmed 3′ ends of VH, D, and JH gene segments, indicating a dependency of the transferase mechanism upon the nuclease mechanism.
Metacognitive awareness and visualisation in the imagination: The case of the invisible circles
Authors: Jagals Divan , Van der Walt Martha 
Published: August 2018

Awareness of one’s own strengths and weaknesses during visualisation is often initiated by the imagination – the faculty for intuitively visualising and modelling an object. Towards exploring the role of metacognitive awareness and imagination in facilitating visualisation in solving a mathematics task, four secondary schools in the North West province of South Africa were selected for instrumental case studies. Understanding how mathematical objects are modelled in the mind may explain the transfer of the mathematical ideas between metacognitive awareness and the rigour of the imaginer’s mental images. From each school, a top achiever in mathematics was invited to an individual interview (n = 4) and was video-recorded while solving a mathematics word problem. Participants also had to identify metacognitive statements from a sample of statement cards (n = 15) which provided them the necessary vocabulary to express their thinking during the interview. During their attempts, participants were asked questions about what they were thinking, what they did and why they did what they had done. Analysis with a priori coding suggests the three types of imagination consistent with the metacognitive awareness and visualisation include initiating, conceiving and transformative imaginations. These results indicate the tenets by which metacognitive awareness and visualisation are conceptually related with the imagination as a faculty of self-directedness. Based on these findings, a renewed understanding of the role of metacognition and imagination in mathematics tasks is revealed and discussed in terms of the tenets of metacognitive awareness and imagination. These tenets advance the rational debate about mathematics to promote a more imaginative mathematics.
Use of Library Resources in Private Secondary Schools in Esan North East Local Government Area, Edo State
Authors: Solomon Anthony Oboite 
Published: August 2018

The content of this article was incorrect, this was amended on 10 August 2018. This research work x-rayed the use of library resources in secondary schools in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State. The research instrument was the questionnaire; and 195 copies of it were administered, while 190 were retrieved and analyzed. Having adopted the descriptive survey research method, the research found out that the library resources available in the secondary school libraries are monographs (textbooks), dictionaries, atlases, magazines newspapers, CD-ROM, audio-visuals and fictions (storybooks, novels, cartoons); of the available library resources, those mainly used by students are monographs (textbooks), dictionaries, newspapers, atlases. Also the research found out that improvement in academic performance, life-long learning skills, information seeking skills, self-study skills are some of the effects the use of school libraries has on the students. The research recommended that school students should be enlightened on the importance of the library, and the organized private sector should partner with schools to sponsor library projects as part of their corporate social responsibilities.Keywords: Library resources, Secondary schools, Use of library, School library
Randomized Controlled Trial to Improve Self-Efficacy in People With Multiple Sclerosis: The Community Reintegration for Socially Isolated Patients (CRISP) Program
Authors: Kalina J. Tamar , Hinojosa Jim , Strober Lauren , Bacon Joshua , Donnelly Seamus , Goverover Yael 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. We examined the efficacy of a 12-wk educational socialization program, Community Reintegration for Socially Isolated Patients (CRISP), in improving self-efficacy for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). We also examined whether participants in the experimental group with increased self-efficacy experienced reduced loneliness and depression.
METHOD. This randomized controlled group design included 91 participants with MS (experimental group, n = 51; control group, n = 40). Participants were between ages 20 and 68 yr, and the majority experienced a relapsing–remitting MS course (86%) and mild to moderate disability. Participants completed baseline and posttreatment assessments, including questionnaires assessing self-efficacy, loneliness, and depression.
RESULTS. Experimental group participants significantly improved in self-efficacy compared with control group participants. Experimental group participants who demonstrated improved self-efficacy reported reduced perceptions of loneliness but not depressive symptoms.
CONCLUSION. CRISP is a promising intervention to improve self-efficacy for people with MS. However, results need to be treated with caution given the study’s limitations.
Early Intervention in Mental Health for Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Read Halley , Roush Sean , Downing Donna 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this systematic review was to describe the evidence for the effectiveness of early intervention to improve and maintain performance in occupations for youths with or at risk for serious mental illness (SMI).
METHOD. Titles and abstracts of 670 articles were reviewed, 234 were retrieved for full review, and 30 met inclusion criteria.
RESULTS. Moderate to strong evidence supports cognitive remediation (CR) and mixed evidence supports cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) as an adjunct modality to improve general functioning. Moderate to strong evidence supports use of supported employment and supported education (SE/E) to improve social and occupational outcomes in employment and academics. Strong evidence supports family psychoeducation (FPE) to prevent relapse and rehospitalization and improve problem-solving skills and general functioning.
CONCLUSION. Occupational therapy practitioners should integrate CR, SE/E, and FPE into early intervention with youth with or at risk for SMI. In addition, CBT is an effective modality for use with this population.
Effectiveness of Interventions for Weight Loss for People With Serious Mental Illness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Brown Catana , Geiszler Lydia C. , Lewis Kelsie J. , Arbesman Marian 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
OBJECTIVE. We examined the effectiveness of weight loss interventions in community-based settings for people with serious mental illness (SMI).
METHOD. Four databases were searched for randomized controlled trials published in 2008 or later that met the criteria for the research question and used weight loss as an outcome measure. Data were extracted, and weight loss was analyzed using a meta-analysis. Similarities and differences in interventions were analyzed qualitatively.
RESULTS. Seventeen studies and a total of 1,874 participants with various diagnoses of SMI were included in the meta-analysis. The various lifestyle-focused interventions had a significant effect on weight loss with an overall effect size of −0.308 (p &lt; .001).
CONCLUSION. Community-based interventions for people with SMI are effective for weight loss. Occupational therapists can be involved in the provision of weight loss interventions and in the development and study of intervention components that are most effective.