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Coriolis mass flow metering technology is widely used within the Oil and Gas industry. There is now an increased focus on utilising the technology's ability to calculate fluid density in areas such as fluid contamination indication and feedback for process control loops. However, it is common for flow meters of this type to be installed within environments that are subject to severe variations in ambient conditions. One such condition, which this paper seeks to address is the effect that air temperature surrounding the meter body can have on the Coriolis meter's ability to correctly calculate fluid density, specifically in scenarios where there is a significant differential between the fluid temperature present within the meter internals and the surrounding ambient air temperature. This paper details an experimental program that was carried out at NEL where the ambient temperature surrounding a Coriolis meter was varied in a controlled manner while diagnostic data output from the meter were logged over time. Analysis of the data has allowed for the identification of repeatable drift in both the calculated fluid density and indicated fluid temperature process values output by the metering technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Previous research has shown children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) have lower cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) than typically developing (TD) children. This has been hypothesized to be due to an activity deficit, whereby poor motor functioning discourages children from participating in physical activities, but this hypothesis has not been directly tested. In this study, we use longitudinal data to measure the extent to which physical activity explains differences in CRF between children with and without motor coordination deficits.Design: Longitudinal observational study.Methods: The study sample is an open cohort of children, numbering 2278 at baseline (age 9-10), that was followed for up to 5 years (to age 13-14). Motor skills were assessed once over the study period. Children scoring at or below the 5th percentile (n=103) on the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Short Form were considered to have possible DCD (pDCD). CRF (estimated peak VO2) was estimated from performance on the Léger 20m shuttle run test, and physical activity was measured with the Participation Questionnaire. Both fitness and physical activity were measured up to 7 times over the study period.Results: Children with pDCD had significantly lower CRF than their TD peers at each time point. CRF declined for both groups, but this decline was steeper for children with pDCD. Physical activity explained only a small part of the difference in CRF.Conclusions: The activity deficit did not contribute to the persistent and gradually widening gap in CRF between children with and without possible DCD. Possible reasons for this and future directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by poor motor proficiency that interferes with a child''s activities of daily living. Activities that most young children engage in such as running, walking, and jumping are important for the proper development of fitness and overall health. However, children with DCD usually find these activities challenging. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to synthesize the recent available data on fitness and physical activity in children with DCD, and to understand the extent of the differences between children with DCD and their typically developing peers. Systematic searches of electronic databases and reference lists identified 40 peer-reviewed studies meeting the inclusion criteria. These studies were reviewed in terms of: (a) study design, (b) population, (c) assessment tools, (d) measures, and (e) fitness and physical activity outcomes. It has been demonstrated that body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength and endurance, anaerobic capacity, power, and physical activity have all been negatively associated, to various degrees, with poor motor proficiency. However, differences in flexibility were not conclusive as the results on this parameter are mixed. Studies’ limitations and the impact of results on future work are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neuro-developmental disorder characterized by poor fine and/or gross motor coordination. Children with DCD are hypothesized to be at increased risk for overweight and obesity from inactivity due to their motor coordination problems. Although previous studies have found evidence to support this hypothesis, their reliance on field-based measures, most notably body mass index (BMI), to determine body composition is problematic. Moreover, there has been no research to date that has examined whether THERE ARE differences in lean tissue mass between children with and without coordination. Differences in muscle mass, the main component of lean tissue, may be a contributing factor to both coordination problems and the development of overweight and obesity, but has only been indirectly examined at this time. In this study, whole-body air displacement using a dual chamber plethysmograph was used to estimate fat mass, fat free mass and body fat in children with probable DCD (pDCD) and a group of typically developing children. Consistent with previous research using field-based assessments of relative body weight, the results show that children with pDCD have much higher body fat than their peers, and that this difference increases with the severity of observed motor coordination difficulties. There was no difference in lean tissue mass between groups. The demonstration of an association between pDCD and body fat using a more sensitive measure of body composition, and evidence showing a dose-response in this relationship, further supports the hypothesis that DCD may be a risk factor for obesity in children. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Oxygen consumption at peak physical exertion (VO2 maximum) is the most widely used indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness. The purpose of this study was to compare two protocols for its estimation, cycle ergometer testing and the 20m shuttle run, among children with and without probable developmental coordination disorder (pDCD). The shuttle run test was conducted during regular school hours, usually in the gymnasium. Children were then invited to a lab to complete the cycle ergometer protocol. Children were categorized as possible cases of DCD using the Movement-ABC-2. The analysis was performed using cut-points at both the 5th (n =38) and 15th (n =51) percentiles. The average age of children in the study was 12 years (SD=0.5). Children with pDCD had poorer VO2 maximum when compared to typically developing children based on both the shuttle run and the cycle ergometer. The correlation between tests is in the moderate to high range (r =0.71, p <0.001); 0.78 for girls, and 0.73 for boys. The overall difference in correlations between typically developing children and children with pDCD based on the 15th percentile was 0.12 (p =0.27). For children with pDCD based on the 5th percentile however, the difference between groups was larger (difference in r =0.25), and was statistically significant (p =0.02). In multivariate analyses, there was no difference in the effect of the shuttle run results in predicting VO2 maximum obtained through the cycle ergometer test for children with pDCD compared to those without the condition. Regardless of the test, the patterns of association between children with pDCD and typically developing children were the same reinforcing the findings of previous field-based reports. Moderate to good correlations, at the 15th percentile cut-point, between tests suggests that the shuttle run test is a reliable substitute in this population when lab based assessments of VO2 maximum are not feasible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The litter layer plays an important role in the maintenance of tropical forests. The evaluation of parameters such as thickness or water content can reveal forest conditions that are of global relevance (for example carbon stock) or of local importance such as the conservation of nutrients in native forests or plantations. However, there is no specific instrument or protocol for quantitative collection of the litter layer. We developed an instrument composed of two parts that permits measurement and collection of the litter layer, following a simple protocol. The method was tested in two forest types and we verified the greater accuracy and ease of use of the instrument compared to two other commonly used litter collection methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Purpose: Physical activity (PA) is compromised in children and adolescents with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). The purpose of this study was to test a theoretical model linking DCD with 2 factors associated with increased risk for coronary vascular disease: (1) cardio-respiratory fitness (CF), and (2) relative body fat (BF), through physical activity. Methods: A cross-sectional design was implemented using 571 elementary school students (313 males, 258 females). Evaluation of body fat using bioelectric impedance, cardio-respiratory fitness using Léger 20-meter Shuttle Run, and physical activity level was determined using the Participation Questionnaire. The short-form version Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency was used to verify DCD. We tested to see how much of the association between DCD and factors associated with increased risk for coronary vascular disease (percentage body fat and cardio-respiratory fitness) using multivariate ordinary least squares regression analysis. Results: Regression modeling demonstrated that DCD was associated with increased body fat and low cardio-respiratory fitness. Physical activity was a significant mediator in the DCD-CF relationship. Physical activity was also a mediating factor in the DCD-BF relationship, albeit to a lesser extent. Conclusions: Developmental coordination disorder is related with factors associated with increased risk for coronary vascular disease, including decreased cardio-respiratory fitness and increased body fat through the mediating influence of physical activity in children. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To test a theoretical model linking developmental coordination disorder (DCD) to reduced physical activity (PA) through the mediating influence of generalized self-efficacy regarding PA. Study design: This was a cross-sectional investigation of students in grades 4 through 8 from 5 elementary schools in the Niagara region of Ontario, Canada (n=590). Motor proficiency was evaluated using the short-form Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency. Generalized self-efficacy was assessed using the Children''s Self-Perceptions of Adequacy in and Predilection for Physical Activity scale, and PA levels were evaluated using a 61-item Participation Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to test the influence of generalized self-efficacy on the relationship between DCD and PA. Results: In this sample, 7.5% (n=44) of the children met the requirements for probable DCD. The effect of DCD on PA was mediated by generalized self-efficacy. In this model, 28% of the variance in children''s PA was predicted by generalized self-efficacy and DCD. Conclusions: Our results suggest that children with DCD are less likely to be physically active and that generalized self-efficacy can account for a considerable proportion of this relationship. The implications for appropriate interventions to increase PA among children with DCD are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

: PurposeTo validate the Children's Self-Perceptions of Adequacy in, and Predilection for Physical Activity (CSAPPA) scale as a proxy for the BOTMP test in diagnosing DCD.: MethodsA sample of 209 children (M = 121; F = 87) consented to the BOTMP test, CSAPPA scale, Participation Questionnaire, Le´ger 20-meter Shuttle Run, and body fat using bioelectric impedance. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and Kappa statistic were used to validate the CSAPPA scale as a predictor for significant clumsiness on the BOTMP test.: ResultsPrevalence of DCD was .09 ± .03 of both males and females, all previously undiagnosed. A positive cutoff of < 47 and < 53 for DCD on the CSAPPA scale was identified in male and females, respectively. Both gender cut-offs demonstrated significant agreement (p < .01) with a positive BOTMP test. Males' results indicated a sensitivity and specificity values of .90 (CI = .18) and .89 (CI = .22). Likewise, the female subject cutoff demonstrated high sensitivity [.88 (CI = .05)] and specificity [75 (CI = .09)]. Gender specific analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that students identified as clumsy were not significantly different in age or height from their peers, but demonstrated significantly (p < .01) lower self-efficacy, aerobic fitness, and had significantly (p < .01) higher relative body fat. These results held true for both genders.: ConclusionsThese findings are consistent with the characteristics of children with DCD. These results suggest that the CSAPPA scale is a promising instrument for use in screening children for developmental coordination disorder. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Viral therapies for cancer therapy have many potential positive attributes. These include the ability to specifically infect targeted cells, specifically express toxic or immune-enhancing genes, and the ability to specifically replicate within a tumor cell. Despite these biological advantages, efficacy to date has been limited. A recent report demonstrates that the Sindbis virus has remarkable properties in three challenging areas of gene therapy – specificity, efficacy and delivery, suggesting that Sindbis has the potential to become an important gene therapy vector for cancer therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cell-based delivery of cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) could represent a new platform for intracellular peptide delivery to local tissues. Expressed CPPs, coupled to a secretory signal peptide (SP), can support intercellular transport. However, low secretion efficiency, which may correlate with the positive charge of most CPPs, has emerged as one of the main impediments for efficient intercellular transport. We have reported that a modified Tat-based CPP (Tatm) with reduced positive charge is secreted efficiently, but its transduction activity was greatly reduced. We now show that a triple repeat of Tatm (Tatm3x) with an elongated α-helical amphipathic structure enhances transduction activity and simultaneously retains its secretion efficacy, although passage through the secretory pathway reduces its cell-penetrating activity. SP-Tatm3x supports intercellular transport of fused fluorescent proteins, as well as cell entry and function of a pro-apoptotic peptide. In addition, SP-Tatm3x largely escapes RNA inhibition, which is identified as another potential impediment to CPP-mediated intercellular transport. Expression of SP-Tatm3x in heparan sulfate proteoglycan-negative cells further improves its transduction activity. These results demonstrate the feasibility of intercellular transport of proteins, but further work is needed to better understand the reduction of cell-penetrating activity associated with secretion of CPP-fusion proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Quality education in transfusion medicine is key to delivering a safe and cost-effective blood service, yet postgraduate residency programs are lacking in many resource-limited countries and regions. The first formal, accredited, postgraduate training program in transfusion medicine aimed at medical doctors was developed and implemented at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in 2008. In the context of high demand and limited resources, ensuring sustainability of postgraduate training programs is essential. Study design and methods: A formal qualitative and semi-quantitative research approach was followed to determine and test the factors considered important in program sustainability, and consisted of a literature survey, followed by semi-structured interviews and a Delphi survey. Results: Fifty-five factors were identified from the semi-structured interviews. During the Delphi survey, consensus was reached on 41 and stability declared on a further 13. These factors formed the basis of a structured model informing the sustainability aspects of a postgraduate program in transfusion medicine. Conclusion: Literature on program sustainability in the field of transfusion medicine is very limited. This study identified the key factors essential to the long-term viability of a postgraduate program in transfusion medicine and should find broad applicability in other resource-limited countries and regions. It is envisaged that this will enable such programs to reach a state of self-sufficiency while not being overly reliant on external funding and support. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Education in transfusion medicine, aimed at clinical transfusion practice, is limited in most South African pre- and postgraduate medical training programs. A number of local and global factors impact on the need for and provision of transfusion medicine education programs in South Africa, which are discussed in this paper. A perspective is provided on the effects of issues such as global versus local training need, blood safety, appropriate use of blood in resource-restrained environments, the presence or absence of national blood policies, standardization of training, medical migration and workforce diversity. Harnessing support for the development of training programs for medical doctors and new opportunities for developing a career in transfusion medicine are discussed. Commentary is also provided on online learning, social networking and integration of modern paradigms of learning, such as screencasting and online learning, into teaching programs. This article should provide anyone in medical education or program development, in particular in the field of transfusion medicine, with an indication of the factors that should be considered when embarking on such an endeavor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Body fat negatively affected the MABC-2 score for balance, while manual dexterity and aiming/catching were not influenced. [•] Three individual balance items (2-board balance, walking toe-heel, zig-zag hopping) were significantly influenced by relative body fat. [•] After adjusting for activity level and DCD status, only 2-board balance and zig-zag hopping were significant influenced by relative body fat. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Assessed through accelerometry, boys with DCD spent significantly less time in MVPA. [•] Boys with DCD also had poorer physical activity cognitions, particularly attitude and PBC. [•] Attitude and subjective norm were partial mediators to the relationship between DCD and their MVPA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: To examine whether differences in participation in active play (PAP) can account for gender differences in the relationship between Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) and body weight/fat (BMI and percentage fat) in youth. Methods: A cross-sectional investigation of students in grades four through eight (n =590). Height, weight (BMI), and percentage body fat using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA; RJL Systems, MI) were collected. Motor proficiency and physical activity levels were also evaluated. Results: We found gender specific patterns in the relationship between PAP, DCD, and BMI and body fat. Among boys with DCD, greater participation in active play is associated with higher BMI and percentage body fat. For girls with the disorder, the opposite relationship is observed. Conclusions: Participation in active play moderates the association between DCD, gender and body weight. Three possible explanations for why PAP is associated with higher BMI and percentage body fat in boys with DCD are provided. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The four-step preparation of a new monomer, 1,2,3-tris(4-cyanatophenoxy)-,3′,5,5-tris-phenoxy-2λ5,4λ5,6λ5-[1,3,5,2,4,6]-triazatriphosphinine, is reported. Characterization of the monomer is undertaken using spectroscopic and chromatographic methods and elemental analysis and the data are in agreement with the proposed structure (as a mixture of isomers). The thermal polymerization of the monomer and its behaviour within selected blends containing 2,2-bis(4-cyanatophenyl)propane (AroCy B10) are studied using differential scanning calorimetry. The blends appear to melt sharply at ca. 80 °C onset of polymerization (corresponding to the melting point of the commercial dicyanate) before commencing polymerization directly thereafter. Typical exothermic peak maxima at ca. 135 °C are observed, whilst the cure is apparently concluded by 200 °C under the scanning conditions. On rescan, the cured samples display glass transition values in the region of 160–190 °C, depending on composition with the higher values reflecting increasing amounts of the new material. The cured polycyanurate of the tricyclophosphazene is also analysed using thermogravimetric analysis and displays a mass loss of 5% at approximately 381 °C in air and 366 °C in nitrogen. When 1,2,3-tris(4-cyanatophenoxy)-,3′,5,5-tris-phenoxy-2λ5,4λ5,6λ5-[1,3,5,2,4,6]-triazatriphosphinine is combined with AroCy B10, the cured copolymers (containing between 10 and 30 wt% of the tricyclophosphazene) show disappointing thermal stability with a progressive reduction in the onset of degradation with increasing phosphazine content; this may be a result of incomplete cure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]