bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence of exposure of domestic pigs to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 in Nigeria
Authors: Meseko Clement , Globig Anja , Ijomanta Jeremiah , Joannis Tony , Nwosuh Chika , Shamaki David , Harder Timm , Hoffman Donata , Pohlmann Anne , Beer Martin , Mettenleiter Thomas , Starick Elke 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAvian influenza viruses (AIV) potentially transmit to swine as shown by experiments, where further reassortment may contribute to the generation of pandemic strains. Associated risks of AIV inter-species transmission are greater in countries like Nigeria with recurrent epidemics of highly pathogenic AI (HPAI) in poultry and significant pig population. Analysis of 129 tracheal swab specimens collected from apparently healthy pigs at slaughterhouse during presence of HPAI virus H5N1 in poultry in Nigeria for influenza A by RT-qPCR yielded 43 positive samples. Twenty-two could be determined by clade specific RT-qPCR as belonging to the H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1c and confirmed by partial hemagglutinin (HA) sequence analysis. In addition, 500 swine sera were screened for antibodies against influenza A virus nucleoprotein and H5 HA using competition ELISAs and hemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests. Serologically, 222 (44.4%) and 42 (8.4%) sera were positive for influenza A virus NP and H5 antibodies, respectively. Sera reacted to H5N1 and A/H1N1pdm09 strains by HI suggesting exposure of the Nigerian domestic pig population to these viruses. We report for the first time in Nigeria, exposure of domestic pigs to H5N1 virus. This poses potential public health and pandemic risk due to interspecies transmission of avian and human influenza viruses.
Facilitating Postsecondary Transition and Promoting Academic Success Through Language/Literacy-Based Self-Determination Strategies
Authors: Collins Ginger , Wolter Julie A. 
Published: April 2018

Purpose
As noted by Powell (2018), speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are an integral part of the overarching curriculum for all students in schools, and this holds true for adolescents who require transition planning. The purpose of this tutorial is to focus on transition planning for secondary school students with a language-based learning disability (LLD) and provide a case illustration for how SLPs may use self-determination strategies to facilitate postsecondary transition while promoting academic success.

Method
As students with LLD enter secondary school, they are expected to write and think at more complex levels than ever before to meet post-graduation workforce demands, yet the provision of needed language–literacy intervention services drastically declines. Teaching students with LLD self-determination skills, such as awareness of their own strengths and limitations, self-advocacy strategies, and self-regulation, is found to be related to positive post-school outcomes and can be readily integrated into transition planning by the SLP.

Conclusion
SLPs may ideally support secondary school student language–literacy needs in transition planning by using self-determination strategies to help access the curriculum and experience postsecondary success.
Readability of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Adult Audiologic Rehabilitation
Authors: Douglas Alana , Kelly-Campbell Rebecca J. 
Published: April 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the readability of published patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) designed for use in adult audiologic rehabilitation. The readability results were compared with the readability levels recommended for health information by health literacy experts.MethodReading grade levels were calculated using the Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level Formula (Flesch, 1948), Gunning Fog Index (Gunning, 1952), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (McLaughlin, 1969), and FORCAST (Caylor, Sticht, Fox, & Ford, 1973) readability formulas for 10 published PROMs. Descriptive statistics were computed across the different PROM sections: instructions, items, response scale, and overall contents of the measure directed toward respondents.ResultsThe majority of the PROM sections exceeded the 6th grade reading level recommended by health literacy experts, regardless of the formula applied. All PROM sections exceeded the 6th grade reading level when calculated according to the FORCAST formula, the most appropriate readability formula for use with a nonnarrative text format, such as PROMs.ConclusionsWhen developing or reevaluating PROMs designed for use in adult audiologic rehabilitation, researchers should consider ways to improve the readability of their measure, as poor readability may affect the validity of the empirical data collected using the PROM. Additionally, the adequate readability of audiologic PROMs is required if patient/family-centered care values are to be adhered to within the field of adult audiologic rehabilitation.
Illustrating a Supports-Based Approach Toward Friendship With Autistic Students
Authors: Vidal Verónica , Robertson Scott , DeThorne Laura 
Published: April 2018

PurposeThe present clinical focus article describes and illustrates 3 key elements of a supports-based approach to enhancing friendship with autistic students.MethodIn comparison to the predominant skills-based approach, we highlight 3 key elements of a supports-based approach to social interaction for autistic children and youth. We then offer descriptive details of the activity-based music program as an illustrative example of a program that integrated all 3 elements of a supports-based approach. Specifically, we designed an activity-based music program to enhance social interaction among a 7-year-old autistic student and 4 of his nonautistic peers.ResultsWe focused on 3 key elements of a supports-based approach for enhancing peer interaction: (a) focusing on participation in a shared activity, (b) encouraging flexible use of multiple communicative resources, and (c) supporting egalitarian interaction.ConclusionA supports-based approach presents a theoretically distinct and viable alternative to a skills-based approach in the design of social supports for autistic students and their peers.
Multi‐mode broadband antenna for 2G/3G/LTE/5G wireless communication
Authors: Wu Rui , Chu Qing‐Xin 
Published: April 2018

A broadband dual‐polarised antenna for 2G/3G/LTE/5G wireless communication is proposed. A new resonant mode is induced with parasitic resonator loaded inside the loop radiator. Wide impedance bandwidth of 72.2% for VSWR<2 (1.69–3.6 GHz) is achieved with three controllable resonant modes. Stable gain and radiation patterns are obtained over the whole band.
Catching drifting pebbles
Authors: Liu Beibei , Ormel Chris W. 
Published: April 2018

Context.Coagulation theory predicts that micron-sized dust grains grow into pebbles, which drift inward towards the star when they reach sizes of mm−cm. When they cross the orbit of a planet, a fraction of these drifting pebbles will be accreted. In the pebble accretion mechanism, the combined effects of the planet’s gravitational attraction and gas drag greatly increase the accretion rate.Aims.We calculate the pebble accretion efficiencyε2D– the probability that a pebble is accreted by the planet – in the 2D limit (pebbles reside in the midplane). In particular, we investigate the dependence ofε2Don the planet eccentricity and its implications for planet formation models.Methods.We conduct N-body simulations to calculate the pebble accretion efficiency in both the local frame and the global frame. With the global method we investigate the pebble accretion efficiency when the planet is on an eccentric orbit.Results.We find that the local and the global methods generally give consistent results. However, the global method becomes more accurate when the planet is more massive than a few Earth masses or when the aerodynamic size (Stokes number) of the pebble is larger than 1. The efficiency increases with the planet’s eccentricity once the relative velocity between the pebble and the planet is determined by the planet’s eccentric velocity. At high eccentricities, however, the relative velocity becomes too high for pebble accretion. The efficiency then drops significantly and the accretion enters the ballistic regime. We present general expressions forε2D. Applying the obtained formula to the formation of a secondary planet, in resonance with an already-formed giant planet, we find that the embryo grows quickly due to its higher eccentricity.Conclusions.The maximumε2Dfor a planet on an eccentric orbit is several times higher than for a planet on a circular orbit, but this increase gives the planet an important headstart and boosts its following mass growth. The recipe forε2Dthat we have obtained is designed to be implemented into N-body codes to simulate the growth and evolution of planetary systems.
Distribution of Serpens South protostars revealed with ALMA
Authors: Plunkett Adele L. , Fernández-López Manuel , Arce Héctor G. , Busquet Gemma , Mardones Diego , Dunham Michael M. 
Published: April 2018

Context. Clusters are common sites of star formation, whose members display varying degrees of mass segregation. The cause may be primordial or dynamical, or a combination both. If mass segregation were to be observed in a very young protostellar cluster, then the primordial case can be assumed more likely for that region.
Aims. We investigated the masses and spatial distributions of pre-stellar and protostellar candidates in the young, low-mass star forming region Serpens South, where active star formation is known to occur along a predominant filamentary structure. Previous observations used to study these distributions have been limited by two important observational factors: (1) sensitivity limits that leave the lowest-mass sources undetected or (2) resolution limits that cannot distinguish binaries and/or cluster members in close proximity.
Methods. Recent millimeter-wavelength interferometry observations can now uncover faint and/or compact sources in order to study a more complete population of protostars, especially in nearby (D < 500 pc) clusters. Here we present ALMA observations of 1 mm (Band 6) continuum in a 3 × 2 arcmin region at the center of Serpens South. Our angular resolution of ~1′′ is equivalent to ~400 au, corresponding to scales of envelopes and/or disks of protostellar sources.
Results. We detect 52 sources with 1 mm continuum, and we measure masses of 0.002–0.9 solar masses corresponding to gas and dust in the disk and/or envelope of the protostellar system. For the deeply embedded (youngest) sources with no IR counterparts, we find evidence of mass segregation and clustering according to: the minimum spanning tree method, distribution of projected separations between unique sources, and concentration of higher-mass sources near to the dense gas at the cluster center.
Conclusions. The mass segregation of the mm sources is likely primordial rather than dynamical given the young age of this cluster, compared with segregation time. This is the first case to show this for mm sources in a low-mass protostellar cluster environment.
Anti-melanogenic effects of resorcinol are mediated by suppression of cAMP signaling and activation of p38 MAPK signaling
Authors: Kang Mingyeong , Park See-Hyoung , Oh Sae Woong , Lee Seung Eun , Yoo Ju Ah , Nho Youn Hwa , Lee Sukyeon , Han Byung Seok , Cho Jae Youl , Lee Jongsung 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
In this study, we investigated the inhibitory mechanisms of resorcinol in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells. We found that resorcinol reduced both the melanin content and tyrosinase activity in these cells. In addition, resorcinol suppressed the expression of melanogenic gene microphthalmia-associated transcriptional factor (MITF) and its downstream target genes tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, and TRP-2. In addition, we found that resorcinol reduced intracellular cAMP levels and protein kinase A (PKA) activity, and increased phosphorylation of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Resorcinol was also found to directly inhibit tyrosinase activity. However, resorcinol-induced decrease in melanin content, tyrosinase activity, and tyrosinase protein levels were attenuated by SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor. Taken together, these data indicate that anti-melanogenic activity of resorcinol is be mediated through the inhibition of cAMP signaling and activation of p38 MAPK, indicating that resorcinol may be a possible ameliorating agent in the treatment of hyperpigmentation skin disorders.
Inactive Matrix Gla Protein, Arterial Stiffness, and Endothelial Function in African American Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Fain Mary Ellen , Kapuku Gaston K , Paulson William D , Williams Celestine F , Raed Anas , Dong Yanbin , Knapen Marjo H J , Vermeer Cees , Pollock Norman K 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is a vascular calcification inhibitor dependent upon vitamin K for activation. Evidence suggests that elevated plasma inactive MGP levels (desphospho-uncarboxylated MGP, dp-ucMGP; indicating poorer vascular vitamin K status) are associated with greater cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Despite African Americans experiencing highest rates of kidney failure and CVD events, relationships between dp-ucMGP and CVD risk markers have not been examined in this population. We investigated vascular vitamin K status (via plasma dp-ucMGP) between African American hemodialysis (HD) patients and healthy controls, and the associations of dp-ucMGP with arterial stiffness and endothelial function in HD patients only.

METHODS
In 37 African American HD patients and 37 age- and race-matched controls, plasma dp-ucMGP was measured by enzyme immunoassay as a marker of vascular vitamin K status. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV; arterial stiffness measurement) and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD; endothelial function measurement) were assessed by applanation tonometry and ultrasound, respectively, in HD patients only.

RESULTS
Mean dp-ucMGP levels were 5.6 times higher in HD patients vs. controls (2,139 ± 1,102 vs. 382 ± 181 pmol/l, P &lt; 0.01). Multiple linear regression, adjusting for age, sex, dialysis vintage, diabetes mellitus, CVD history, body mass index, and blood pressure, revealed that dp-ucMGP was independently related to PWV (standardized β = 0.49) and FMD (standardized β = −0.53) (both P &lt; 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest that the higher plasma dp-ucMGP concentrations found in African American HD patients may be associated with greater arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction.
Gestational Age is Dimensionally Associated with Structural Brain Network Abnormalities Across Development
Authors: Nassar Rula , Kaczkurkin Antonia N , Xia Cedric Huchuan , Sotiras Aristeidis , Pehlivanova Marieta , Moore Tyler M , Garcia de La Garza Angel , Roalf David R , Rosen Adon F G , Lorch Scott A , Ruparel Kosha , Shinohara Russell T , Davatzikos Christos , Gur Ruben C , Gur Raquel E , Satterthwaite Theodore D 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPrematurity is associated with diverse developmental abnormalities, yet few studies relate cognitive and neurostructural deficits to a dimensional measure of prematurity. Leveraging a large sample of children, adolescents, and young adults (age 8–22 years) studied as part of the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort, we examined how variation in gestational age impacted cognition and brain structure later in development. Participants included 72 preterm youth born before 37 weeks’ gestation and 206 youth who were born at term (37 weeks or later). Using a previously-validated factor analysis, cognitive performance was assessed in three domains: (1) executive function and complex reasoning, (2) social cognition, and (3) episodic memory. All participants completed T1-weighted neuroimaging at 3 T to measure brain volume. Structural covariance networks were delineated using non-negative matrix factorization, an advanced multivariate analysis technique. Lower gestational age was associated with both deficits in executive function and reduced volume within 11 of 26 structural covariance networks, which included orbitofrontal, temporal, and parietal cortices as well as subcortical regions including the hippocampus. Notably, the relationship between lower gestational age and executive dysfunction was accounted for in part by structural network deficits. Together, these findings emphasize the durable impact of prematurity on cognition and brain structure, which persists across development.
Study of lymphoedema of non-filarial origin in the northwest region of Cameroon: spatial distribution, profiling of cases and socio-economic aspects of podoconiosis
Authors: Wanji Samuel , Kengne-Ouafo Jonas A , Deribe Kebede , Tembei Ayok M , Njouendou Abdel Jelil , Tayong Dizzel Bita , Sofeu-Feugaing David D , Datchoua-Poutcheu Fabrice R , Cano Jorge , Giorgi Emanuele , Longang-Tchounkeu Yolande F , Enyong Peter A , Newport Melanie J , Davey Gail 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Background
Although podoconiosis is endemic in Cameroon, little is known about its epidemiology and spatial distribution.

Methods
This cross-sectional, population-based study enrolled all adults (≥15 y) residing in the districts of the northwest region of Cameroon for 10 or more years. Participants were interviewed and had a physical examination. The study outcomes were prevalence estimates of lymphoedema and podoconiosis. House-to-house screening was conducted by Community Health Implementers (CHIs). CHIs registered all individuals with lymphoedema and collected additional individual and household-related information. A panel of experts re-examined and validated all lymphoedema cases registered by CHIs.

Results
Of the 439 781 individuals registered, 214 195 were adults (≥15 y old) and had lived in the districts of the region for more than 10 y. A total of 2143 lymphoedema cases were identified by CHIs, giving a prevalence of lymphoedema of 1.0% (2143/214 195; 95% CI, 0.96–1.04). After review by experts, podoconiosis prevalence in the study area was 0.48% (1049/214 195; 95% CI, 0.46–0.52). The prevalence of podoconiosis varied by health district, from 0.16% in Oku to 1.92% in Bafut (p&lt;0.05). A total of 374 patients were recruited by stratified random sampling from the validated CHIs’ register to assess the clinical features and socio-economic aspects of the disease. Patients reportedly were said to have first noticed swelling at an average age of 41.9±19.1 (range: 6–90 y). Most patients (86.1%; 315/366) complained of their legs suddenly becoming hot, red and painful. The majority (96.5%; 361/374) of the interviewees said they had worn shoes occasionally at some point in their life. The reported mean age at first shoe wearing was 14.2±10.1 (±SD,range 1–77 y). A high proportion (82.8%; 309/374) of the participants wore shoes at the time of interview. Of those wearing shoes, only 21.7% (67/309) were wearing protective shoes.

Conclusion
This study provides an insight into the geographical distribution and epidemiology of podoconiosis in the North West region of Cameroon, yet management is limited. Evidence-informed targeted interventions are needed to manage people with lymphoedema.
Using drug knowledgebase information to distinguish between look-alike-sound-alike drugs
Authors: Cheng Christine M , Salazar Alejandra , Amato Mary G , Lambert Bruce L , Volk Lynn A , Schiff Gordon D 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo extract drug indications from a commercial drug knowledgebase and determine to what extent drug indications can discriminate between look-alike-sound-alike (LASA) drugs.MethodsWe extracted drug indications disease concepts from the MedKnowledge Indications module from First Databank Inc. (South San Francisco, CA) and associated them with drugs on the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) list of commonly confused drug names. We used high-level concepts (rather than granular concepts) to represent the general indications for each drug. Two pharmacists reviewed each drug’s association with its high-level indications concepts for accuracy and clinical relevance. We compared the high-level indications for each commonly confused drug pair and categorized each pair as having a complete overlap, partial overlap or no overlap in high-level indications.ResultsOf 278 LASA drug pairs, 165 (59%) had no overlap and 58 (21%) had partial overlap in high-level indications. Fifty-five pairs (20%) had complete overlap in high-level indications; nearly half of these were comprised of drugs with the same active ingredient and route of administration (e.g., Adderall, Adderall XR).ConclusionsDrug indications data from a drug knowledgebase can discriminate between many LASA drugs.
Changes in Jewish Attitudes Towards the Arabic Language During the Nineteenth–Twentieth Centuries
Authors: Shraybom-Shivtiel Shlomit 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The changing attitudes of the Jewish population in Palestine, later The State of Israel, toward the Arabic language was affected by the historical and social changes that occurred in the Middle East and the changing relations between Jews and Arabs. From the beginning of the revival of the Jewish community in Palestine in the nineteenth century until the end of the twentieth century, one can perceive quite a sharp decline in the Jewish public’s attitude toward Arabic. From being an essential instrument for accommodation in the region and later an important source for the revival of Hebrew, up to a being a channel of hope for dialogue between Jews and Arabs, it eventually became amongst the Jewish Israeli public a language to be taught mainly for governmental needs. Still, appeals by Israeli intellectuals reverberated, calling for the teaching of Arabic for a better understanding of the Arab neighbours and the Middle East.
Economic Impact of Aging on the Initial Spine Care of Patients With Acute Spine Trauma: From Bedside to Teller
Authors: Furlan Julio C , Fehlings Michael G , Craven B Catharine 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Aging of the population has prompted an escalation of service utilization and costs in many jurisdictions including North America. However, relatively little is known on the economic impact of old age on the management of acute spine trauma (AST).

OBJECTIVE
To examine the potential effects of age on the service utilization and costs of the management of patients with acute spine trauma.

METHODS
This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with AST admitted to an acute spine care unit of a Canadian quaternary university hospital between February, 2002 and September, 2007. The study population was grouped into elderly (≥65 yr) and younger individuals. All costing data were converted and updated to US dollars in June/2017.

RESULTS
There were 55 women and 91 men with AST (age range: 16-92 yr, mean age of 49.9 yr) of whom 37 were elderly. The mean total hospital costs for initial admission after AST in the elderly (USD $19 338 ± $4892) were significantly greater than among younger individuals (USD $13 775 ± $1344). However, elderly people had significantly lower per diem total, fixed, direct, and indirect costs for AST than younger individuals. Both groups were comparable regarding the proportion of services utilized in the acute care hospital.

CONCLUSION
Given the escalating demand for surgical and nonsurgical spine treatment in the age of aging population, the timely results of this study underline key aspects of the economic impact of the spine care of the elderly. Further investigations are needed to fulfill significant knowledge gaps on the economics of caring for elderly with AST.