bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustained drug release using cobalt oxide nanowires for the preparation of polymer-free drug-eluting stents
Authors: Bedair Tarek M , Min Il Jae , Park Wooram , Joung Yoon Ki , Han Dong Keun
Published: September 2018

Polymer-based drug-eluting stents (DESs) represented attractive application for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases; however, polymer coating has caused serious adverse responses to tissues such as chronic inflammation due to acidic by-products. Therefore, polymer-free DESs have recently emerged as promising candidates for the treatment; however, burst release of drug(s) from the surface limited its applications. In this study, we focused on delivery of therapeutic drug from polymer-free (or -less) DESs through surface modification using cobalt oxide nanowires (Co3O4 NWs) to improve and control the drug release. The results demonstrated that Co3O4 NWs could be simply fabricated on cobalt–chromium substrate by ammonia-evaporation-induced method. The Co3O4 NWs were uniformly arrayed with diameters of 50–100 nm and lengths of 10 µm. It was found that Co3O4 NWs were comparatively stable without any delamination or change of the morphology under in vitro long-term stability using circulating system. Sirolimus was used as a model drug for studying in vitro release behavior under physiological conditions. The sirolimus release behavior from flat cobalt–chromium showed an initial burst (over 90%) after one day. On the other hand, Co3O4 NWs presented a sustained sirolimus release rate for up to seven days. Similarly, the polymer-less specimens on Co3O4 NWs substrates sustained sirolimus release for a longer-period of time when compared to flat Co–Cr substrates. In summary, the current approach of using Co3O4 NWs-based substrates might have a great potential to sustain drug release for drug-eluting implants and medical devices including stents.
Carrageenan hydrogel as a scaffold for skin-derived multipotent stromal cells delivery
Authors: Rode Michele Patricia , Batti Angulski Addeli Bez , Gomes Felipe Azevedo , da Silva Maiara Marques , Jeremias Talita da Silva , de Carvalho Rafael Guzella , Iucif Vieira Daniel Gonçalves , Oliveira Luiz Fernando Cappa , Fernandes Maia Lenize , Trentin Andrea Gonçalves , Hayashi Leila , de Miranda Kildare Rocha , de Aguiar Adriano Kopke , Rosa Rafael Diego , Calloni Giordano Wosgrau
Published: September 2018

Carrageenan is a thermoreversible polymer of natural origin widely used in food and pharmaceutical industry that presents a glycosaminoglycan-like structure. Herein, we show that kappa-type carrageenan extracted by a semi-refined process from the red seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii displayed both chemical and structural properties similar to a commercial carrageenan. Moreover, both extracted carrageenan hydrogel and commercial carrageenan hydrogel can serve as a scaffold for in vitro culture of human skin-derived multipotent stromal cells, demonstrating considerable potential as cell-carrier materials for cell delivery in tissue engineering. Skin-derived multipotent stromal cells cultured inside the carrageenan hydrogels showed a round shape morphology and maintained their growth and viability for at least one week in culture. Next, the effect of the extracted carrageenan hydrogel loaded with human skin-derived multipotent stromal cells was evaluated in a mouse model of full-thickness skin wound. Macroscopic and histological analyses revealed some pointed ameliorated features, such as reduced inflammatory process, faster initial recovery of wounded area, and improved extracellular matrix deposition. These results indicate that extracted carrageenan hydrogel can serve as a scaffold for in vitro growth and maintenance of human SD-MSCs, being also able to act as a delivery system of cells to wounded skin. Thus, evaluation of the properties discussed in this study contribute to a further understanding and specificities of the potential use of carrageenan hydrogel as a delivery system for several applications, further to skin wound healing.
The Differential Role of Narcissism in the Relations Between Childhood Sexual Abuse, Dissociation, and Self-Harm
Authors: Talmon Anat , Ginzburg Karni
Published: September 2018

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is considered a risk factor for self-harm behaviors. According to the anti-dissociation model of self-harm, the relation between CSA and self-harm is mediated by dissociation. However, inconclusive evidence supporting this model suggests that this association may be moderated by vulnerability factors. Grandiose and vulnerable narcissism represent distinct patterns of behaviors intended to deal with unmet needs of recognition. The aim of the study was to examine a model in which the relation between CSA and self-harm is mediated by dissociation, and the relation between dissociation and self-harm is moderated by grandiose narcissism and vulnerable narcissism. A battery of self-reported questionnaires including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Dissociative Experiences Scale, Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory, and Brief-Pathological Narcissism Inventory were filled out by 766 college/university students. Results indicated that self-harm was related to CSA through the mediation of dissociation. Moreover, the analyses yielded significant interactions of both vulnerable and grandiose narcissism with dissociation in predicting self-harm; the relation between dissociation and self-harm was significant among individuals with high levels of vulnerable narcissism, as well as among individuals with low levels of grandiose narcissism. These findings support the anti-dissociation model of self-harm. The findings also highlight the complex and ambiguous role of narcissism in the long-term adjustment of CSA survivors.
Communication and Technology: Ida Orlando’s Theory Applied
Authors: Gaudet Cynthia , Howett Maeve
Published: September 2018

Today’s bedside nurse communicates with patients in an environment that incorporates a wide variety of technology, from simple instruments such as a penlight to complex devices including cellphones, interactive computers, and computerized intravenous pumps. This is an excellent time to examine communication between the nurse and patient in today’s fast-paced, technologically driven environment. Orlando’s theory of the dynamic nurse-patient relationship provides a theoretical framework for understanding that communication. The proposed model affords a visual demonstration to assist in teaching communication.
Factors That Influence Parental Uncertainty and Health-Related Quality of Life in Children With Cancer: A Framework
Authors: Eche Ijeoma Julie , Aronowitz Teri
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual-theoretical-empirical model addressing factors that influence the relation between parental uncertainty and health-related quality of life in children with cancer. The basic concepts identified and defined in the model include parental uncertainty, health-related quality of life, parental trait anxiety, parental depression, and perceived parental social support. The proposed relationships between the concepts are explained with explicit linkages to their empirical indicators. There is limited research in childhood cancer regarding the relation between parental uncertainty and health-related quality of life; therefore, the proposed model will help to better understand this relationship.
From Contract to Speculation: New Relations of Work and Production in Freelance Travel Journalism
Authors: Rosenkranz Tim
Published: September 2018

This qualitative case study of travel journalism in the USA explores how freelancers produce on speculation because publications do not contractually guarantee pay or advanced resources for travel. Freelance travel journalists therefore experience their work as an investment into an uncertain return in an undefined future. This article shows how such speculation manifests itself as a new productive process and relations of organisational externalisation in lean capitalism. Examining the changing obligations between freelancers and publications without assignment-contracts, this study argues that speculation presents the obfuscation of production. It externalises the risks of production onto the freelancer; reduces organisational control over production; and changes occupational norms and practices.
Experimental and theoretical investigation into simultaneous deburring of microchannel and cleaning of the cutting tool in micromilling
Authors: Malayath Ganesh , KN Jayachandran , Sidpara Ajay M , Deb Sankha
Published: September 2018

High material removal rate, high resolution and reproducibility of micromilling make it a suitable process for making microfeatures on different materials. However, existence of unwanted protrusions or surface irregularities on the machined surface known as burrs demands some post-processing to make it qualify for end use. In addition, clogging of materials on the flute surface increases the effective edge radius and tool loading during polymer machining. In the present work, a new strategy is demonstrated for simultaneous deburring of microchannel and cleaning of cutting tool during micromilling of polymethyl methacrylate. The performance of the process has been further evaluated by milling of microchannels in oxygen-free high conductivity copper workpiece. Burr formation, surface roughness and tool loading have been found to be significantly reduced by using the proposed method. A theoretical study of the process has also been carried out to understand the mechanism of the proposed method.
Metadata
Authors: Haynes David
Published: September 2018

The use and management of metadata raises many ethical and eventually political issues. The security revelations by Edward Snowden in 2014 demonstrate the key role that metadata plays in surveillance. Privacy has become a particularly hot topic in recent months and much of the debate has centred on the misuse of metadata from social media and the potentially invasive effect this has on individuals. Metadata also has a key role in delivering reliable sources of information, although this has to go hand in hand with user education and improved information literacy. Access to information is a fundamental right and the appropriate use of metadata can help improve access to health, agriculture and education as well as contributing to economic development. Metadata is a route to good governance, but it must also be handled appropriately to maintain information privacy, a fundamental human right.
Intestinal macrophages in mucosal immunity and their role in systemic lupus erythematosus disease
Authors: Pan F , Tang W , Zhou Z , Gilkeson G , Lang R , Jiang W
Published: September 2018

Monocytes play an important role in inducing host systemic immunity against invading pathogens and inflammatory responses. After activation, monocytes migrate to tissue sites, where they initiate both innate and adaptive immune responses, and become macrophages. Although mucosal macrophages produce inflammatory cytokines in response to pathogens, the perturbations in innate immune signaling pathway have been implicated in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this review, we focus on the role of human macrophages in intestinal innate immune responses, homeostasis, and SLE disease. We further discuss sex differences in the intestinal macrophages and their role in the physiology and pathogenesis of SLE.
Cognition in a Social Context: A Social-Interactionist Approach to Emergent Phenomena
Authors: Vlasceanu Madalina , Enz Karalyn , Coman Alin
Published: September 2018

The formation of collective memories, emotions, and beliefs is a fundamental characteristic of human communities. These emergent outcomes are thought to be the result of a dynamical system of communicative interactions among individuals. But despite recent psychological research on collective phenomena, no programmatic framework to explore the processes involved in their formation exists. Here, we propose a social-interactionist approach that bridges cognitive and social psychology to illuminate how microlevel cognitive phenomena give rise to large-scale social outcomes. It involves first establishing the boundary conditions of cognitive phenomena, then investigating how cognition is influenced by the social context in which it is manifested, and finally studying how dyadic-level influences propagate in social networks. This approach has the potential to (a) illuminate the large-scale consequences of well-established cognitive phenomena, (b) lead to interdisciplinary dialogues between psychology and the other social sciences, and (c) be more relevant for public policy than existing approaches.
Organizational Citizenship Behaviour Creating Competitive Advantage in Indian Health Care Industry: The Moderating Role of HR Practices
Authors: Ranjhan Sunil , Mallick Eeman
Published: September 2018

The present study aims to explore the role of organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) in creating competitive advantage for Indian health care organizations through the moderating role of HR practices. OCB, also termed as the ‘good soldier syndrome’, includes prosocial behaviours such as punctuality, helping others, innovation and volunteering, and it has been found to be critical for organizational effectiveness, creating competitive advantage for firms. The role of HRM is significant in building and sustaining these organizational capabilities through network building to enhance organizational productivity. A survey was conducted among 501 respondents from 15 health care organizations in India. Validity and reliability tests with established scales of OCB, competitive advantage and HR practices were also performed. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling. The results thus obtained have indicated a positive relation between OCB and competitive advantage significantly moderated by HR practices which have a buffering effect on the relationship between OCB and competitive advantage. The empirical findings strengthen the commitment for such initiatives in addressing the challenge of seamless organizational functioning in bringing harmony amidst diversity in the present organizational scenario creating competitive advantage for firms.
Does Bank Size and Funding Risk Effect Banks’ Stability? A Lesson from Pakistan
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Puah Chin-Hong
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this research is to address the two important questions. Does bank size effect bank stability? Does funding risk explain bank stability? For this purpose, we have obtained a balanced panel data from the banking sector of Pakistan. The sample data consist over five Islamic and nineteen conventional banks from 2007 to 2015. The results suggest that bank size has a negative effect on stability under Z-score model, while a positive relationship was found when stability is measured through risk-adjusted return on assets (RAROA) and risk-adjusted equity-to-asset ratio (RAEA). Moreover, funding risk has a positive relationship with bank stability under all three stability models. The results obtained from robustness check analysis confirm the strength of our findings, when inflation, financial development and GDP were used as controlled variables. Additionally, the impact of inflation and GDP on bank stability is negative, while a positive relationship is reported between bank stability and financial development under all three models. Overall, present research is a first attempt to empirically analyse the size–stability and funding risk–stability relationship in the banking sector of Pakistan.
Obtaining consent for non-psychiatric treatment of persons detained under mental health legislation in Australia and New Zealand: is there cross-jurisdictional consistency?
Authors: Daws Tessa
Published: September 2018

Objective:

It is increasingly recognised that persons with mental illness experience physical health issues at greater rates than the general population and that there are significant barriers to accessing appropriate treatment. One less obvious barrier to appropriate care may be the law. This review examines the legal regimes within Australia and New Zealand that regulate consent for medical and surgical treatment for persons detained under mental health legislation. The review begins with a brief overview of concepts of consent and capacity then examines the law with regards to consent for non-psychiatric treatment for persons detained in psychiatric facilities. The complexity and cross-jurisdictional consistency is considered and potential future directions and possibilities for reform are discussed.

Conclusion:

Examination of the different laws regarding consent for medical or surgical treatment for persons admitted to psychiatric facilities are complex and demonstrate lack of consistency across jurisdictions. Reform in this area might be considered to achieve greater consistency and clarity for both health professionals and consumers.
Theoretical and numerical analysis of acoustic emission guided waves released during crack propagation
Authors: Faisal Haider Mohammad , Giurgiutiu Victor
Published: September 2018

This article presents a theoretical and numerical analysis of guided wave released during an acoustic emission event using excitation potentials. Theoretical formulation showed that guided wave generated using excitation potentials follows the Rayleigh–Lamb equation. The numerical studies predict the out-of-plane displacement of acoustic emission guided wave on the plate surface at some distance away from the source. Parameter studies were performed to evaluate the effect of (1) pressure and shear potentials acting alone and in combination, (2) plate thickness, (3) source depth, (4) rise time, and (5) propagating distance away from the source. Numerical results showed that peak amplitude of S0 signal increases with increasing plate thickness, whereas the peak amplitude of A0 signal initially decreases and then increases with increasing plate thickness. Regarding the source depth, it was found that peak amplitude of S0 signal decreases and A0 signal increases with increasing source depth. Peak time showed a notable contribution to the low-frequency component of A0 signal. There were large losses in S0 and A0 peak signal amplitude over the propagation distance from 100 to 500 mm.
A computational approach based on a multiaxial fatigue criterion combining phase transformation and shakedown response for the fatigue life assessment of Nitinol stents
Authors: Scalet Giulia , Menna Costantino , Constantinescu Andrei , Auricchio Ferdinando
Published: September 2018

Self-expanding stents made of Nitinol, a Nickel–Titanium shape memory alloy, are used in standard medical implants for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Despite the increasing success, clinical studies have reported stent failure after the deployment in the human body, thus undermining patient’s safety and life. This study aims to fill the gap of reliable assessment of the fatigue life of Nitinol stents. We propose a global computational design method for preclinical validation of Nitinol stents, which can be extended to patient-specific computations. The proposed methodology is composed of a mechanical finite element analysis and a fatigue analysis. The latter analysis is based on a novel multiaxial fatigue criterion of the Dang Van type, combining the shakedown response of the stent and the complexity of phase transformation taking place within the material. The method is implemented in the case of a carotid artery stent. The implant configuration as well as the applied cyclic loading are shown to affect material phase evolution as well as stent lifetime. The comparison with the results obtained by applying a strain-based constant-life diagram approach allows to critically discuss both fatigue criteria and to provide useful recommendations about their applicability.
Using Technology to Assess in the Music Classroom
Authors: Dunbar Laura
Published: September 2018

Because music teachers serve so many students, it is necessary to have some way of collecting and tracking data quickly. This article discusses several data collection tools for the music classroom.
Reassessing the Supreme Court: How Decisions and Negativity Bias Affect Legitimacy
Authors: Christenson Dino P. , Glick David M.
Published: September 2018

While the Supreme Court’s legitimacy is generally considered essential to its influence, scholars continue to debate whether the Court’s decisions affect individuals’ assessments of it. The last week of the 2013 term provides an unusual opportunity to evaluate these issues because the Court made a conservative decision concerning the Voting Rights Act (VRA) only one day before it made a liberal one about same-sex marriage. We use original panel data of individuals’ views throughout this period, including a wave collected on the day between the two decisions, to investigate the links among decisions and legitimacy. We find that diffuse support for the Court is sensitive to decisions in these two salient cases conditional on individuals’ ideological distance to the Court and their policy support. Moreover, the negative effects of an unfavorable decision are stronger than the positive effects of a favorable one.
Prevalence and Frequency of Online Sexual Activity by Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Byers E. Sandra , Nichols Shana
Published: September 2018

We examined the prevalence and frequency with which cognitively able adults (141 men, 190 women) with autism spectrum disorder (CA-ASD) engaged in a range of online sexual activities (OSAs). Participants completed an online survey that assessed their recent involvement in nonarousal (Information Seeking, Chatting), solitary-arousal (S-OSA), and partnered-arousal (P-OSA) online sexual activities. Almost two thirds had engaged in one or more OSA but, on average, had done so infrequently. There were only a few differences based on sex, age, and sexual identity. Significantly more men than women had engaged in Information Seeking and S-OSA and had done so more frequently. Individuals in their 20s were significantly more likely to have engaged in Information Seeking. Sexual-minority individuals were more likely to report engaging in P-OSA than were heterosexual individuals. These results are discussed in terms of their implications for sexuality education aimed at assisting adults with CA-ASD to establish a healthy and meaningful sexuality.
Study Design and Use of Inquiry Frameworks in Qualitative Research Published in Health Education & Behavior
Authors: Kegler Michelle C. , Raskind Ilana G. , Comeau Dawn L. , Griffith Derek M. , Cooper Hannah L. F. , Shelton Rachel C.
Published: September 2018

Qualitative methods help us understand context, explore new phenomena, identify new research questions, and uncover new models of change. To better understand how researchers in health education and health behavior use qualitative methods, we reviewed qualitative articles published in Health Education & Behavior from 2000 to 2015. We identified 48 articles that met our inclusion criteria and extracted information on the qualitative inquiry framework, use of theory, data collection methods, sampling strategy, general analysis approach, and reporting of results. Use of common qualitative inquiry frameworks was rare, with just one grounded theory study, five ethnographies, and one case study. No studies were framed using phenomenological or narrative inquiry approaches. Theory was used most commonly to select sensitizing constructs for analysis (41.7%) and to inform development of data collection instruments (27.1%). Interviews were the most common data collection method (66.7%), with focus groups next most common (39.6%). Sampling was typically purposive (87.5%), although often not labeled as such. Almost all (95.8%) the articles used quotes to illustrate themes and more than half (58.3%) used descriptors of magnitude (e.g., most, some) to report findings. The use of qualitative methods by health education and behavior researchers could be enriched with more intentional application of a broader range of inquiry frameworks. More deliberate application of a range of inquiry frameworks has the potential to broaden the types of research questions asked, application and generation of theory, study design, analytic strategies, and reporting of results.
Behavioral Mechanisms That Depend on Dopamine and Serotonin in Caenorhabditis elegans Interact With the Antipsychotics Risperidone and Aripiprazole
Authors: Osuna-Luque Jaime , Rodríguez-Ramos Ángel , Gámez-del-Estal María del Mar , Ruiz-Rubio Manuel
Published: September 2018

The neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin participate in specific behavioral neuromuscular mechanisms in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Dopamine is involved in the gentle touch response and serotonin in the pharyngeal pumping rate. In its genome, the worm presents genes encoding dopamine and serotonin receptors orthologous to those of human genes. Risperidone and aripiprazole are a class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics commonly used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability associated with autism. Risperidone is an antagonist of the dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. Aripiprazole functions as a partial agonist of the dopamine D2 receptor and as a partial agonist and antagonist of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A serotonin receptors, respectively. Our results show that risperidone and aripiprazole alter the touch response and pharyngeal pumping in wild-type worm animals. Furthermore, in the presence of the drugs, both behaviors change to varying degrees in dopamine ( dop-1, dop-2, and dop-3), serotonin ( ser-1), and tyramine ( ser-2) receptor-deficient mutants. This variation in response reveals specific targets for these antipsychotics in the nematode. Interestingly, their effect on behavior persisted to some extent in successive generations, indicating that they might induce epigenetic changes throughout development. Sodium butyrate, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, eliminated the consecutive generation effect of both drugs. In addition, these transgenerational effects were also abolished after the dauer stage. These observations suggest that risperidone and aripiprazole, in addition to interacting with specific receptors impairing the function of the nervous system of the nematode, may lead to the deposition of long-lasting epigenetic marks.
Obesity and Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation—An Exploratory Study
Authors: Obi Ogugua Ndili , Mazer Mark , Bangley Charles , Kassabo Zuheir , Saadah Khalid , Trainor Wayne , Stephens Kenneth , Rice Patricia L , Shaw Robert
Published: September 2018

Introduction:

Obesity is associated with increased risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure, prolonged duration on mechanical ventilation, and extended weaning periods.

Objective:

Pilot study to determine whether morbidly obese adult tracheotomized subjects (body mass index [BMI] ⩾ 40) can be more efficiently weaned from the ventilator by optimizing their positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) using either an esophageal balloon or the best achieved static effective compliance.

Methods:

We randomly assigned 25 morbidly obese adult tracheotomized subjects (median [interquartile range] BMI 53.4 [26.4]; range 40.4-113.8) to 1 of 2 methods of setting PEEP; using either titration guided by esophageal balloon to overcome negative transpulmonary pressure (Ptp) (goal Ptp 0-5 cmH2O) (ESO group) or titration to maximize static effective lung compliance (Cstat group). Our outcomes of interest were number of subjects weaned by day 30 and time to wean.

Results:

At day 30, there was no significant difference in percentage of subjects weaned. 8/13 subjects (62%) in the ESO Group were weaned vs. 9/12(75%) in the Cstat Group ( P = 0.67). Among the 17 subjects who weaned, median time to ventilator liberation was significantly shorter in the ESO group: 3.5 days vs Cstat group 14 days ( P = .01). Optimal PEEP in the ESO and Cstat groups was similar (ESO mean ± SD = 26.5 ± 5.7 cmH2O and Cstat 24.2 ± 7 cmH2O ( P = .38).

Conclusions:

Optimization of PEEP using esophageal balloon to achieve positive transpulmonary pressure did not change the proportion of patients weaned. Among patients who weaned, use of the esophageal balloon resulted in faster liberation from mechanical ventilation. There were no adverse consequences of the high PEEP (mean 25.4; range 13-37 cmH2O) used in our study. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at our institution (UMCIRB#10-0343) and registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02323009).
Interviewing older people about their experiences of emergency hospital admission: methodology in health services research
Authors: Thwaites Rachel , Glasby Jon , Le Mesurier Nick , Littlechild Rosemary
Published: September 2018

This essay makes the case for increased use of patient-centred methodologies, which involve patients and the public, in the area of emergency admissions research in the United Kingdom. Emergency admission research has rarely made use of the patient voice when attempting to find a rate of ‘inappropriate’ admission for older people, instead focusing on professional viewpoints and more abstract tools. We argue for the important insights that patients and their families bring to emergency admissions research and for the need to listen to and use these voices to find more holistic responses to the issue of unplanned admissions to hospital for those aged over 65. This area of health services research is highly complex, but without involving the patient viewpoint we risk not understanding the full story of events leading up to admission and what preventative measures might have helped, and therefore we also risk developing less effective, simplistic solutions. In the face of increasing challenges to the National Health Service’s ability to provide safe, effective and affordable care for older people, researchers need to listen to those with direct and longitudinal experience of their ill health and admission.
Evaluation of load–deformation behavior of reinforced concrete shear walls with continuous or lap-spliced bars in plastic hinge zone
Authors: Zhi Qing , Zhou Binbin , Zhu Zhangfeng , Guo Zhengxing
Published: September 2018

This article presents an analysis procedure for evaluation of load–deformation behavior of reinforced concrete shear walls with continuous or lap-spliced bar connections in plastic hinge zones under horizontal loads. For the shear walls with continuous bars, the lateral deformations caused by flexure, shear, and reinforcement slip are evaluated by considering their interaction. The flexural deformation is calculated by conventional fiber model. The shear mechanism is based on modified compression field theory with a softened smeared cracked reinforced concrete membrane element. Both the flexural and shear deformations are estimated separately in the plastic hinge and non-plastic hinge regions. In addition, an approach is proposed for analysis of plastic hinge length based on fracture energies of materials. For the shear walls with lap-spliced bars, due to its complicated behavior and mechanism, a simple way to deal with the lap splice is proposed. The equations regarding bond-slip of the lap splice with minimum spliced length are established and the stress and strain states of lap splices with different spliced lengths are analyzed on the basis of equilibrium of forces with a mean bond stress model. Finally, the validity of the proposed analysis procedure is confirmed by comparing the analytical results with previous experimental data.
Probabilistic fatigue life prediction for concrete bridges using Bayesian inference
Authors: Yuan Ming , Liu Yun , Yan Donghuang , Liu Yongming
Published: September 2018

A probabilistic fatigue life prediction framework for concrete bridges is proposed in this study that considers the stress history from the construction stage to the operation stage. The proposed fatigue analysis framework combines the fatigue crack growth-based material life prediction model and a nonlinear structural analysis method. A reliability analysis is proposed using the developed probabilistic model to consider various uncertainties associated with the fatigue damage. A Bayesian network is established to predict the fatigue life of a concrete bridge according to the proposed framework. The proposed methodology is demonstrated using an experimental example for fatigue life prediction of a concrete box-girder. Comparison with experimental data of fatigue life shows a satisfactory accuracy using the proposed methodology, and the ratio of the posterior predicted mean (updating time n = 8) to the test value decreases to 33%–1% in the current investigation.
How do we know what we don’t know? Exploring Deaf people’s experiences of supporting their Deaf family member living with dementia
Authors: Ferguson-Coleman Emma , Johnston Alice , Young Alys , Brown Fiona , de Sainte Croix Ruth , Redfern Paul
Published: September 2018

Deaf sign language users living with dementia and their carers, some of whom are Deaf, routinely face everyday barriers in accessing information, support (both formal and informal) and services. The familial care situation is further complicated given that most Deaf people will choose a life partner who is Deaf and most Deaf couples will have hearing children. This study focussed specifically on the everyday experiences of Deaf carers and the impact of caring for a loved one with dementia. Drawing on data from a wider consultation about dementia care, three Deaf carers were directly interviewed in British Sign Language by a Deaf researcher about their everyday experiences of care, support, and services. Thematic analysis focussed on: access is more than the provision of interpreters; effective care for the carers; and unknowing risk taking. Findings demonstrate the multifaceted effects of barriers to knowledge and information when the care partner is also Deaf, the urgent need for effective support for Deaf carers and unrecognised safeguarding concerns that are a result of lack of access to forms of basic knowledge about living with someone with dementia and potential coping strategies. Nonetheless, the participants demonstrated novel solutions and resilience in the face of these multiple challenges. Implications are drawn for future targeted services to supported Deaf carers of people affected by dementia.
Exosomes and Their MicroRNA Cargo: New Players in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Qing Liming , Chen Huanwen , Tang Juyu , Jia Xiaofeng
Published: September 2018

Peripheral nerve injury is a major clinical problem and often results in a poor functional recovery. Despite obvious clinical need, treatment strategies have been largely suboptimal. In the nervous system, exosomes, which are nanosized extracellular vesicles, play a critical role in mediating intercellular communication. More specifically, microRNA carried by exosomes are involved in various key processes such as nerve and vascular regeneration, and exosomes originating from Schwann cells, macrophages, and mesenchymal stem cells can promote peripheral nerve regeneration. In this review, the current knowledge of exosomes’ and their miRNA cargo’s role in peripheral nerve regeneration are summarized. The possible future roles of exosomes in therapy and the potential for microRNA-containing exosomes to treat peripheral nerve injuries are also discussed.
Time synchronization for long-chain-type wireless sensor networks
Authors: Chen Zhenping , Huang Yourui , Wang Zheng , Tao Feng
Published: September 2018

In view of the requirement on time synchronization for a kind of typical wireless sensor networks with long-chain-type topologies, taking into account the three-dimensional network model currently used by the localization algorithms, one feasible time synchronization algorithm is proposed in this article. Under the three-dimensional topology, nodes in the wireless sensor networks are divided into three kinds: the sensing nodes, the relay nodes, and the measured nodes. By analyzing the distribution characteristics of these three kinds of nodes, with the introduction of the pairwise broadcast synchronization and the series multi-hop synchronization protocol, the estimation of the clock offset and the clock skew of all the nodes in the wireless sensor networks are performed by virtue of the joint maximum likelihood and the least-squares method, thus the time synchronization of the wireless sensor networks with long-chain-type topology is solved. Moreover, the sink node evaluates the network periodically and adjusts the synchronizing cycle based on the difference between the network synchronization error and the given synchronization accuracy. The feasibility and effectiveness of this scheme are analyzed by simulations from the synchronization accuracy, the number of synchronization message, and the synchronizing cycle points of view.
Initial experience with precipitating hydrophobic injectable liquid in cerebral arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Sirakov Stanimir S , Sirakov Alexander , Minkin Krasimir , Hristov Hristo , Ninov Kristian , Penkov Marin , Karakostov Vasil , Orlov Kirill , Gorbatykh Anton , Kislitsin Dmitry , Raychev Radoslav
Published: September 2018

Background

Precipitating hydrophobic injectable liquid is a newly introduced liquid embolic agent for endovascular embolization with some technical advantages over other liquid embolic agents. We present our initial experience with precipitating hydrophobic injectable liquid in the endovascular treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations.

Methods

From October 2015 to January 2018, 27 patients harboring cerebral arteriovenous malformations underwent endovascular embolization with precipitating hydrophobic injectable liquid 25. Clinical features, angiographic results, procedural details, complications, and follow-up details were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Twenty-seven patients with cerebral arteriovenous malformations were included. Total obliteration in one endovascular session was confirmed for 14/27 (52%) patients. Partial embolization was attained in 13 patients (48%) in whom staged treatment with following radiosurgery or surgery was planned. No mortality was recorded in this series. Complications during or after the embolization occurred in six of 27 (22.2%) patients.

Conclusion

In our initial experience, precipitating hydrophobic injectable liquid has acceptable clinical outcome comparable to other liquid embolic agents. Although this is the largest reported study in arteriovenous malformation treatment with precipitating hydrophobic injectable liquid, further studies are needed to validate its safety and efficacy.
Flexible point cloud matching method based on three-dimensional image feature points
Authors: Cui Haihua , Liao Wenhe , Cheng Xiaosheng , Dai Ning , Guo Changye
Published: September 2018

Flexible and robust point cloud matching is important for three-dimensional surface measurement. This article proposes a new matching method based on three-dimensional image feature points. First, an intrinsic shape signature algorithm is used to detect the key shape feature points, using a weighted three-dimensional occupational histogram of the data points within the angular space, which is a view-independent representation of the three-dimensional shape. Then, the point feature histogram is used to represent the underlying surface model properties at a point whose computation is based on the combination of certain geometrical relations between the point’s nearest k-neighbors. The two-view point clouds are robustly matched using the proposed double neighborhood constraint of minimizing the sum of the Euclidean distances between the local neighbors of the point and feature point. The proposed optimization method is immune to noise, reduces the search range for matching points, and improves the correct feature point matching rate for a weak surface texture. The matching accuracy and stability of the proposed method are verified using experiments. This method can be used for a flat surface with weak features and in other applications. The method has a larger application range than the traditional methods.
Elasto-plastic analysis of the contact region between a rigid ellipsoid and a semi-flat surface
Authors: Li Pengyang , Zhou Lingxia , Cui Fangyuan , Wang Quandai , Guo Meiling , Zhai Yanfei , Li Yan , Hua Dengxin
Published: September 2018

When the load acting on a mechanical structure is greater than the yield strength of the material, the contact surface will undergo plastic deformation. Cumulative plastic deformation has an important influence on the lifespan of mechanical parts. This article presents a three-dimensional semi-analytical model based on the conjugate gradient method and fast Fourier transform algorithm, with the aim of studying the characteristic parameters of the contact region between a rigid ellipsoid and elasto-plastic half-space. Moreover, normal forces and tangential traction were considered, as well as the contact pressure resulting from various sliding speeds and friction coefficients. The contact pressure, effective plastic strain, von Mises stress, and residual stress were measured and shown to increase with increasing sliding velocity. Finally, when the friction coefficient, contact pressure, and effective plastic strain are increased, the von Mises stress is also shown to increase, whereas the residual stress decreases.
A deep feature extraction method for bearing fault diagnosis based on empirical mode decomposition and kernel function
Authors: Wang Fengtao , Deng Gang , Liu Chenxi , Su Wensheng , Han Qingkai , Li Hongkun
Published: September 2018

To avoid catastrophic failures in rotating machines, it is of great significance to continuously monitor and diagnose the running state of rolling bearings. In this article, a deep feature extraction method for rolling bearing fault diagnosis based on empirical mode decomposition and kernel function is proposed. First, the vibration signals under different states of rolling bearing are decomposed by empirical mode decomposition. Second, to extract more representative high-level features, the obtained intrinsic mode functions are preprocessed with singular value decomposition to acquire singular value parameters, which are regarded as the inputs of the proposed stacked kernel sparse autoencoder network. The proposed method does not depend on prior knowledge of fault diagnosis and even does not need the signal denoising processing, simplifying the traditional process of feature extraction of rolling bearing fault diagnosis. To validate the superiority of the proposed diagnosis network, experiments and comparisons have been made as well. The achieved results demonstrated that the proposed empirical mode decomposition and stacked kernel sparse autoencoder–based diagnosis method has a superior performance in rolling bearing fault diagnosis.
Improved design of roller linear guide for heavy load based on finite element method and measurement
Authors: Song Xianchun , Chen Hongjian , Jiang Hongkui , Xu Xiangrong , Li Yanfeng , Zhang Yingshang
Published: September 2018

Roller linear guides are key components in machine tool. The accuracy and efficiency of a machine toll are determined by the stiffness and friction torque of roller guide. This study proposes an improved design method for roller guide. The influences of the rollers profile on stiffness, stress distribution of roller linear guide are analyzed using finite element simulation. In this work, the design of the roller, slider, and the overall structure is modified. Moreover, experimental investigations on noise and sliding friction of roller linear guide are compared to validate the proposed design method. It seems that the proposed design can improve the dynamical performance of the roller linear guide.
From the Fundamental Attribution Error to the Truly Fundamental Attribution Error and Beyond: My Research Journey
Authors: Ross Lee
Published: September 2018

This essay traces continuities and changes in focus of research and theory in my career. I describe early work on insensitivity to role-conferred advantages in self-presentation (and the personal experiences that prompted that work) and the subsequent identification and naming of the “fundamental attribution error.” I next describe my work on the role that construal processes play in determining responses to various decision-making and attributional contexts. That work, in turn, culminated in identification and exploration of what I now deem the truly “fundamental attribution error”: the illusion of superior personal objectivity and its various consequences for interpersonal and intergroup interactions. I conclude with the lessons I have drawn from my applied work on conflict resolution.
‘Do our lives matter?’ Music, poetry, and Freedom School
Authors: Shimshon-Santo Amy
Published: September 2018

This article presents synergies between arts education, political consciousness raising, and leadership development for youth, and suggests roles for the arts in community organizing for personal and social change. Arts education is seen as a strategy to unleash creativity, affirm cultural assets, cultivate multiple literacies, critique oppressive social practices, and ignite freedoms. Rooted in the US civil rights movement of the 1960s, Freedom Schools became a national network committed to youth development. The case study, set in the Freedom School of South Los Angeles, introduces readers to geographical, cultural, and institutional contexts for the work; outlines a critical methodology for participatory action research; and shares transformational autoethnographies of teaching and learning in arts education classrooms. It is grounded in intersectional feminist methodologies, and is aimed at educators, artists, urbanists, and cultural studies practitioners. The work invested in youth voice and professional development of novice teachers by activating creativity and intergenerational mentorship to reimagine alternative futures. Short term project outcomes are conveyed, alongside longer-term implications for systemic change that values the lives of black and brown youth, families, and communities.
‘The prison don’t talk to you about getting out of prison’: On why prisons in England and Wales fail to rehabilitate prisoners
Authors: Bullock Karen , Bunce Annie
Published: September 2018

The position of rehabilitation in prisons in England and Wales has long been debated. Yet studies which consider how prisoners experience rehabilitative practices and processes are rare. Drawing on prisoners’ accounts, this article considers their perceptions and lived experiences of the ways in which rehabilitation is influenced by the nature of organizational support for rehabilitation; the characteristics of interventions implemented to support rehabilitation; and the complexion of the prison climate. We find the perception of an institutional failure to take responsibility for rehabilitation. Rehabilitative interventions – notably Offender Management Programmes (OMPS) and work placements – are perceived to be self-serving in rationale. They are experienced as ill-resourced, superficial in approach and unlikely to engender change. The prison climate, characterized by a lack of interest among correctional staff, lack of empathy and concern, and mixed – but often impersonal and sometimes antagonistic – relationships between prison staff and prisoners, further disrupts any ethos of rehabilitation. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.