bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resolution of Acute Inflammation and the Role of Resolvins in Immunity, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology
Authors: Sansbury Brian E. , Spite Matthew
Published: June 2016

Acute inflammation is a host-protective response that is mounted in response to tissue injury and infection. Initiated and perpetuated by exogenous and endogenous mediators, acute inflammation must be resolved for tissue repair to proceed and for homeostasis to be restored. Resolution of inflammation is an actively regulated process governed by an array of mediators as diverse as those that initiate inflammation. Among these, resolvins have emerged as a genus of evolutionarily conserved proresolving mediators that act on specific cellular receptors to regulate leukocyte trafficking and blunt production of inflammatory mediators, while also promoting clearance of dead cells and tissue repair. Given that chronic unresolved inflammation is emerging as a central causative factor in the development of cardiovascular diseases, an understanding of the endogenous processes that govern normal resolution of acute inflammation is critical for determining why sterile maladaptive cardiovascular inflammation perpetuates. Here, we provide an overview of the process of resolution with a focus on the enzymatic biosynthesis and receptor-dependent actions of resolvins and related proresolving mediators in immunity, thrombosis, and vascular biology. We discuss how nutritional and current therapeutic approaches modulate resolution and propose that harnessing resolution concepts could potentially lead to the development of new approaches for treating chronic cardiovascular inflammation in a manner that is not host disruptive.
Inflammatory Disequilibrium in Stroke
Authors: Petrovic-Djergovic Danica , Goonewardena Sascha N. , Pinsky David J.
Published: June 2016

Over the past several decades, there have been substantial advances in our knowledge of the pathophysiology of stroke. Understanding the benefits of timely reperfusion has led to the development of thrombolytic therapy as the cornerstone of current management of ischemic stroke, but there remains much to be learned about mechanisms of neuronal ischemic and reperfusion injury and associated inflammation. For ischemic stroke, novel therapeutic targets have continued to remain elusive. When considering modern molecular biological techniques, advanced translational stroke models, and clinical studies, a consistent pattern emerges, implicating perturbation of the immune equilibrium by stroke in both central nervous system injury and repair responses. Stroke triggers activation of the neuroimmune axis, comprised of multiple cellular constituents of the immune system resident within the parenchyma of the brain, leptomeninges, and vascular beds, as well as through secretion of biological response modifiers and recruitment of immune effector cells. This neuroimmune activation can directly impact the initiation, propagation, and resolution phases of ischemic brain injury. To leverage a potential opportunity to modulate local and systemic immune responses to favorably affect the stroke disease curve, it is necessary to expand our mechanistic understanding of the neuroimmune axis in ischemic stroke. This review explores the frontiers of current knowledge of innate and adaptive immune responses in the brain and how these responses together shape the course of ischemic stroke.
Circadian Influence on Metabolism and Inflammation in Atherosclerosis
Authors: McAlpine Cameron S. , Swirski Filip K.
Published: June 2016

Many aspects of human health and disease display daily rhythmicity. The brain’s suprachiasmic nucleus, which interprets recurring external stimuli, and autonomous molecular networks in peripheral cells together, set our biological circadian clock. Disrupted or misaligned circadian rhythms promote multiple pathologies including chronic inflammatory and metabolic diseases such as atherosclerosis. Here, we discuss studies suggesting that circadian fluctuations in the vessel wall and in the circulation contribute to atherogenesis. Data from humans and mice indicate that an impaired molecular clock, disturbed sleep, and shifting light–dark patterns influence leukocyte and lipid supply in the circulation and alter cellular behavior in atherosclerotic lesions. We propose that a better understanding of both local and systemic circadian rhythms in atherosclerosis will enhance clinical management, treatment, and public health policy.
The entry-level occupational therapy clinical doctorate: The next education wave of change in Canada?
Authors: Brown Ted , Crabtree Jeffrey L. , Wells Joe , Mu Keli
Published: June 2016

Background.

Currently, Canada and the United States are the only two countries that mandate entry to the occupational therapy profession at the master’s level. There was a recommendation considered by the American Occupational Therapy Association that by 2025 all education programs would move to the clinical doctorate level. In August 2015, the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education made the formal decision that for now, the entry-level qualification for occupational therapists in the United States will remain at both the master’s and clinical doctorate levels.

Purpose.

This article presents an overview of the types of doctorates available, the pros and cons of moving to the clinical doctorate, and some potential questions that will need to be considered.

Key issues.

Is the next step in the educational progression of occupational therapy in Canada the entry-level clinical doctorate? What are the potential implications for the profession, our clients, and funders?

Implications.

Further discourse and investigation of this issue is needed.
Why Do States Extend Rights to Immigrants? Institutional Settings and Historical Legacies Across 44 Countries Worldwide
Authors: Koopmans Ruud , Michalowski Ines
Published: June 2016

In this article, we first test theories on immigrant rights across 29 countries from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, East Asia, Oceania, and the Americas, using our Indicators of Citizenship Rights for Immigrants (ICRI) data set. We focus on trajectories of nationhood and current institutional features to explain cross-national difference. We find that former colonial powers, former colonies that developed as settler countries, as well as democracies have been more likely to extend rights to immigrants. Strikingly, once we account for involvement in colonialism, we find no difference between supposedly “civic-nationalist” early nation-states and supposedly “ethnic-nationalist” latecomer nations, refuting a widely held belief in the literature on citizenship. We find no effect of a country’s degree of political globalization. We replicate these findings on a sample of 35 mainly European countries, using the migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX).
Cultural adaptations of the Strengthening Families Programme 10-14 in the US Pacific Northwest: A qualitative evaluation
Authors: Roulette Jennifer W , Hill Laura G , Diversi Marcelo , Overath Renee
Published: June 2016

Objective:

Most reports of adaptations to evidence-based prevention programmes for delivery to specific cultural groups describe formal adaptation procedures. In this paper, we report on how practitioners identify and manage issues of perceived cultural mismatch when delivering a scripted, evidence-based intervention.

Design:

We used grounded systems theory methodology to plan, conduct and interpret facilitator narratives.

Method:

Interviews and focus groups with 16 facilitators who delivered the Strengthening Families Programme 10-14, a widely disseminated intervention targeting families with young adolescents, to Latino and American Indian families in the Pacific Northwest region of the USA.

Setting:

Interviews and focus groups were conducted at programme facilitators’ worksites or other location of their choice.

Results:

Facilitators described important cultural adaptations related to programme format and timing, family composition and dynamics, acculturation challenges and language. Nearly all adaptations reported were consistent with the programme’s stated goals and were designed to retain families or clarify programme concepts.

Conclusion:

We recommend training practitioners in the importance and understanding of programme logic models and in culturally sensitive approaches to programme adaptation, including an awareness of differences between assimilation and acculturation.
Effects of layer shift and yarn path variability on mechanical properties of a twill weave composite
Authors: Matveev MY , Long AC , Brown LP , Jones IA
Published: June 2016

Experimental and numerical analyses of a woven composite were performed in order to assess the effect of yarn path and layer shift variability on properties of the composite. Analysis of the geometry of a 12 K carbon fibre 2 × 2 twill weave at the meso- and macro-scales showed the prevalence of the yarn path variations at the macro-scale over the meso-scale variations. Numerical analysis of yarn path variability showed that it is responsible for a Young’s modulus reduction of 0.5% and CoV of 1% which makes this type of variability in the selected reinforcement almost insignificant for an elastic analysis. Finite element analysis of damage propagation in laminates with layer shift showed good agreement with the experiments. Both numerical analysis and experiments showed that layer shift has a strong effect on the shape of the stress–strain curve. In particular, laminates with no layer shift tend to exhibit a kink in the stress–strain curve which was attributed solely to the layer configuration.
Chemical imaging of secondary cell wall development in cotton fibers using a mid-infrared focal-plane array detector
Authors: Santiago Cintrón Michael , Fortier Chanel , Hinchliffe Doug J , Rodgers James E
Published: June 2016

Market demands for cotton varieties with improved fiber properties also call for the development of fast, reliable analytical methods for monitoring fiber development and measuring their properties. Currently, cotton breeders rely on instrumentation that can require significant amounts of sample, which complicates fiber development studies. Herein, we explored the use of high-resolution, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) microscopy to examine cotton fiber secondary cell wall development in single fibers. Notably, there was a marked intensity increase for the C-O bending region near 1015 cm–1 and the C-H stretch at 2900 cm–1. These changes agree with those observed with macroscopic FT-IR tests. Chemical distribution maps and principal component analysis plots visually depict these spectral changes. Our results suggest the FT-IR microscopy can potentially be utilized as a tool to monitor and assess important fiber properties, such as cotton maturity, during fiber development.
Exercise intensity dependent relevance of protective textile properties for human thermo-physiology
Authors: Fontana Piero , Saiani Fabio , Grütter Marc , Croset Jean-Philippe , Capt André , Camenzind Martin , Morrissey Matthew , Rossi René M , Annaheim Simon
Published: June 2016

During firefighting, thermoregulation is challenged due to a combination of harsh environmental conditions, high metabolic rates and personal protective clothing (PPC). Consequently, investigations of thermoregulation in firefighters should not only consider climate and exercise intensity, but technical properties of textiles too. Therefore, laboratory textile performance simulations may provide additional insights into textile-dependent thermoregulatory responses to exercise. In order to investigate the thermo-physiological relevance of textile properties and to test how different garments affect thermoregulation at different exercise intensities, we analyzed the results of a standard laboratory test and human subject trials by relating functional properties of textiles to thermo-physiological responses.

Ten professional, healthy, male firefighters (age: 43 ± 6 y, weight: 84.3 ± 10.3kg, height: 1.79 ± 0.05m) performed low and moderate intensity exercise wearing garments previously evaluated with a sweating torso system to characterize thermal and evaporative properties.

Functional properties of PPC and the control garment differed markedly. Consequently, skin temperature was higher using PPC at both exercise intensities (low: 36.27 ± 0.32 versus 36.75 ± 0.15℃, P < 0.05; moderate: 36.53 ± 0.34 versus 37.18 ± 0.23℃, P < 0.001), while core body temperature was only higher for PPC at moderate (37.54 ± 0.24 versus 37.83 ± 0.27℃, P < 0.05), but not low-intensity exercise (37.26 ± 0.21 versus 37.21 ± 0.19, P = 0.685).

Differences in thermal and evaporative properties between textiles are reflected in thermo-physiological responses during human subject trials. However, an appropriate exercise intensity has to be chosen in order to challenge textile performance during exercise tests.
Fracture analysis of a single polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fiber in rigid-fixing and flexible-fixing chopping processes
Authors: Lu Longsheng , Hou Zhaorui , Zhang Feixiang , Xie Yingxi , Tang Yong
Published: June 2016

Chopping is an efficient way to produce short carbon fiber (CF). Generally, there are two types of fixing constraints available in the chopping process: rigid-fixing and flexible-fixing. Simplified experiments were performed using glass and rubber as the fixing constraints in cutting a single polyacrylonitrile-based CF to reveal the influence of the fixing constraints in CF chopping. The cutting forces and the bending angles with different fixing constraints were analyzed. Furthermore, the failure surface of the CF was observed. Due to an additional bending effect in the flexible-fixing cutting, the failure surface of the CF was rough, and the cutting-off force was approximately 5% of the force in rigid-fixing cutting. Therefore, flexible-fixing cutting is a suitable way to decrease the cutting-off force in CF chopping. Moreover, it was concluded that the fiber fracture in rigid-fixing cutting is caused by compression, whereas in flexible-fixing cutting, it results from bending. We hope our work is beneficial to the design of the chopping procedure for short CF.
All-fabric interconnection and one-stop production process for electronic textile sensors
Authors: Roh Jung-Sim
Published: June 2016

This study developed and tested the development of an all-fabric interconnection and one-stop production process for electronic textiles that are combined with electronic technologies on textiles. Primarily, this is a one-stop production method for electronic textiles consisting of multilayer structured fabrics for implementation of electronic functions in which (1) precise circuit patterns are formed, (2) conductive materials or conductive circuits on each fabric layer are electrically connected, and (3) individual fabric layers are fixed to the base layer through embroidery, while fabric layers are layered one by one using a commercial computer numeric control embroidery machine. Since the multilayer fabric structured electronic textiles constructed have different layers of conductive materials connected electrically, quickly durably, and reliably through embroidery, (1) the electrically connected parts are not likely to be broken by external forces, (2) all parts to be connected to external devices are formed on one piece of fabric so that the work to connect the textiles to an external device is simple, and (3) workability and productivity are improved so that manufacturing costs can be reduced and the textiles can be mass produced. Therefore, this one-stop method using commercial machinery has great potential as a highly useful technology that can be implemented on an industrial scale.
Numerical prediction and experimental analysis of ends-together yarn splicing
Authors: Osman Akil , De Meulemeester Simon , Malengier Benny , Degroote Joris , Vierendeels Jan
Published: June 2016

Pneumatic yarn splicing is a technical process for joining two yarn ends together. The process involves injecting compressed air into a splicing chamber. The inlet pressure and chamber slope determine the main parameters affecting this process. In this paper, large eddy simulation of the flow field in four selected splicing chambers is carried out. The chambers are used for splicing ends-together yarns. The results of these simulations are analyzed to investigate first the effects of the inlet pressure. Secondly, the effects of the geometry of the chambers on the flow field inside the splicing chambers are determined. These effects are studied and analyzed to interpret the experimental results, which have been obtained using the same splicing chambers. This provides further insight into the parameters that are important in order to obtain good splicing characteristics. It is demonstrated that the volume of the splicing chamber and the location of the air inlet channel play crucial roles in the splicing of the end-together yarns. The root mean square values of the velocity magnitude inside a splicing chamber have predictive values for the retained splice strength. The results provide solid evidence on the effectiveness of the computational fluid dynamics technology to study pneumatic splicing and optimize the geometry of an ends-together splicing chamber.
Comparison of polylactic acid/polycaprolactone membrane-coated composite meshes for repairing pelvic floor defects fabricated by two processing methods
Authors: Lu Yao , Zhang Pei-hua
Published: June 2016

Applying mesh to reconstruct the pelvic floor is a new surgery method developed in recent years. The composite mesh property is expected to reach perfection by taking advantage of absorbable material and non-absorbable material. This work adopts the dipping method and the electrospinning method to produce polylactic acid/polycaprolactone (weight ratio = 7/3) membrane-coated composite meshes (D-PP1, D-PP2, E-PP1, E-PP2). The effect of coating methods on the mesh structure, such as thickness and weight, is first measured. The electrospinning membrane is tested for only around 3% of the mesh weight, while the dipping membrane is tested for more than 30%. The composite meshes then experience mechanical testing, including tensile strength, bursting strength and flexibility. The coating process is demonstrated to increase elongation at the break in tensile testing: E-PP1 (76.7%) > D-PP1(60%) > PP-1(41.2%); D-PP2 (143.3%) > E-PP2(112.3%) > PP-2(56.7%). It also strengthens the bursting strength: D-PP1 (179.8 N) > E-PP1(157.3 N) > PP-1(149.8 N); D-PP2 (183 N) > E-PP2(174.8 N) > PP-2(154.3 N). However, the dipping method shows weaken composite mesh flexibility, with larger initial modulus for D-PP1 and D-PP2 meshes. Hydrophilicity is represented by the water contact angle and absorption rate. Even though the result of the hydrophobic surface on the composite mesh is reported to easily cause shrinkage, the polypropylene mesh base in this study is considered to prevent this phenomenon. E-PP1 mesh degrades in 20 weeks; D-PP2 mesh degrades in 34 weeks with an induction period of 20 weeks. The optical density value tested, measuring biocompatibility, proves the non-toxicity of both E-PP1 and D-PP2 meshes.
Eco-financing for low-carbon buildings and cities: Value and limits
Authors: van der Heijden Jeroen
Published: June 2016

Building owners and governments face constraints in financing the transformation and development of low-carbon buildings and cities. Banks and other finance providers are often risk averse and unwilling to provide funds for such development and transformation. For some time now, governments and non-governmental organisations have experimented with novel forms of financing for low-carbon developments and transformations – often referred to as ‘eco-financing’. This article studies six such governance instruments from Australia, the Netherlands and the USA to better understand their value and limits.
Pragmatism, Ontology, and Philosophy of the Social Sciences in Practice
Authors: Lohse Simon
Published: June 2016

In this article, I will discuss two prominent views on the relevance and irrelevance of ontological investigations for the social sciences, namely, ontological foundationalism and anti-ontological pragmatism. I will argue that both views are unsatisfactory. The subsequent part of the article will introduce an alternative role for ontological projects in the philosophy of the social sciences that fares better in this respect by paying attention to the ontological assumptions of actual social scientific theories, models, and related explanatory practices. I will illustrate and support this alternative through discussion of three concrete cases.
Alpha-fetoprotein as a prognostic marker in acute liver failure: a pilot study
Authors: Varshney Anshul , Gupta Rohit , Verma Sanjiv K , Ahmad Sohaib
Published: June 2016

Prognostic markers of acute liver failure (ALF) are based on clinical, laboratory or radiological parameters. Most of the biochemical markers are based on hepatic degeneration. We studied the impact of serial serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, a marker of liver regeneration, on the outcome of the patients with ALF. AFP levels were estimated on days 1 and 3 of hospitalisation of 32 patients with ALF and the ratio (AFP day3/day1) was calculated. All subjects were categorised as group A (expired) or group B (survived). The AFP ratio was 0.84  +  0.15 in group A (n = 20) versus 1.55  +  0.70 in group B (n = 10); P < 0.001. However, the absolute initial AFP values were not associated with the outcome, favourable or unfavourable. We conclude that AFP levels change dynamically during ALF and have the potential to be used as a predictor of outcome in isolation or in combination with well-established prognostic markers.
Medical traditions and chronic disease in Ethiopia: a story of wax and gold?
Authors: Levene Dan , Phillips David IW , Alemu Shitaye
Published: June 2016

Effective medical care for non-communicable diseases (NCD) remains lamentably poor in Ethiopia and many low-income countries. Consequently, where modern medicine does not reach or is rejected, traditional treatments prevail. These are fragmented and esoteric by nature, and their understanding of illness is so fundamentally different that confusion proliferates when attempts are made to introduce modern medical care. Ethiopia is host to a variety of longstanding medical belief systems that coexist and function together, where modern medicine is often viewed as just another choice. This multiplicity of approaches to illness is accompanied by the Ethiopian custom of weaving layers of meaning, often contradictory, into speech and conversation – sometimes referred to as ‘wax and gold’, the ‘wax’ being the literal and the ‘gold’ the deeper, even hidden, meaning or significance. We argue that engagement with traditional belief systems and understanding these subtleties of meaning could assist in more effective NCD care.
Changing clinical profile and factors associated with liver enzyme abnormalities among HIV-infected persons
Authors: Mohite Ashok R , Gambhire Pravir A , Pawar Sunil V , Jain Samit S , Contractor Qais Q , Rathi Pravin M
Published: June 2016

The spectrum of liver disease among HIV-infected patients is changing. In the era of antiretroviral therapy, opportunistic infections are diminishing and deranged liver function appears to be due usually to drug-induced liver injury, alcohol, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or chronic hepatitis B. To test this hypothesis, 98 HIV-positive patients with deranged liver function were compared with matched HIV-positive patients with normal liver function and likewise matched HIV-negative patients with normal liver function tests.
Is West Nile Virus infection associated with myasthenia gravis?
Authors: Altay Fatma Aybala , Güven Hayat , Şentürk Gönül Çiçek , Ferik Sevgi , Şencan İrfan , Çomoğlu Selçuk
Published: June 2016

Background

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease which is characterised by disruption of signal transmission at neuromuscular junction. We aimed to search about a newly reported association between MG and West Nile Virus (WNV) infection.

Methods

We searched WNV IgG by ELISA in serum samples of 50 available MG patients and 38 controls.

Results

None of the samples gave positive results for past WNV infection.

Conclusion

No evidence of past WNV infection was found in our study population of MG patients. This may have been because MG has been showed to be related with neuroinvasive WNV, which none of our study subjects seem to have had based on their stories. New multicentre studies focusing on immunological mechanisms and held with larger groups or especially neuroinvasive disease patients can cast light onto the answer of this question.
Exploring the acculturation profiles and adaptation of children in multiethnic families in South Korea
Authors: Cho Rosa Minhyo
Published: June 2016

Using a latent class analysis approach, this paper examined the acculturation profiles of children in multiethnic families in South Korea and explored whether youth’s psychological and educational adaptation varied across these profiles. The study utilized a nationally representative face-to-face survey of 2,811 native-born multiethnic youth (ages 9–15) and identified four styles of acculturation: assimilated; linguistically assimilated but psychologically diffused; integrated; and marginalized. Accounting for socio-demographic background and factors associated with acculturative stress, logistic regressions revealed that, compared to assimilated youth, marginalized youth exhibited significantly higher odds of self-reported depressive symptoms, difficulty in school work and low educational aspirations; linguistically assimilated but psychologically diffused youth were more likely to express difficulty in school work; while integrated youth did not manifest higher odds of adaptive problems. The importance of considering the context of acculturation and its implications for youth adaptation is highlighted. Limitations as well as policy implications are further discussed.
Analysis of methane recovery through CO2–N2 mixed gas injection considering gas diffusion phenomenon in coal seam
Authors: Seomoon Hyeok , Lee Minkyu , Sung Wonmo
Published: June 2016

When enhancing coalbed methane recovery using CO2 or N2 injection, injected gas flows into coal matrix by diffusion. Gas diffusion velocity varies, depending on gas molecular size and pore geometry which causes different sorption rates of the gas in coal seam. In this aspect, this study provides the fundamental reason for the reduction in gas permeability through cleats and methane recovery during enhanced coalbed methane (ECBM) processes. This reduction occurs not only because of the sorption affinity as reported in previous works, but also because of the characteristics of gas diffusional flow which this study attempted to examine experimentally. From the results obtained by diffusional flow experiment, diffusion coefficient is no longer increased at high pressure. Although CO2 injection rate is very high, a large amount of CO2 moves through cleat instead of adsorbed in matrix, which causes early CO2 breakthrough. In ECBM, N2 mostly acts as a displacing agent of methane, because co-diffusion of N2 with methane is more dominant than counter-diffusion owing to its extremely low adsorption affinity. On the other hand, CO2 is rapidly adsorbed due to its fast increasing rate of diffusion coefficient with pressure increase. Consequently, CO2 permeability is greatly reduced at the beginning of injection and ultimately becomes the lowest value at the maximum adsorption pressure. Also, delayed methane recovery by fast diffusion and high adsorption affinity of CO2 occurs accordingly. This study confirms that the CO2–N2 mixed gas injection is advisable comparing to only injecting CO2 to pursue the prevention of CO2 injectivity reduction and enhanced methane recovery, simultaneously.
Parameters controlling high-yield coalbed methane vertical wells in the B3 area, Xishan coal field, Shanxi, China
Authors: Xia Peng , Zeng Fangui , Song Xiaoxia
Published: June 2016

Whether a coalbed methane well achieves high yield is dominated by various parameters, and the controls of parameters on gas production usually have been analyzed by mathematical methods. However, no related research was conducted in the Xishan coal field. Geological characteristics of the coal reservoir in the B3 area, Xishan coal field, were analyzed. In this study, the B3 area was divided into the west and east subareas according to the different effects of burial depth on gas content. Geological, engineering, and draining parameters were extracted to compare with gas production. The results show that, in both subareas, draining parameters play the most important role in controlling gas production. Among geological parameters, gas content and permeability have much more significant effects on gas production. In shallow buried subarea (the east subarea), the effects of resistivity and the difference of stop pressure and drop pressure (Ps–Pd) on gas production are much notable than other parameters, which reflects permeability is a dominating factor for controlling well productivity. Regions with low resistivity, high Ps–Pd, and high water level are favorable regions for gas development in shallow buried subarea. However, water production and gas content determine the well productivity in deep buried subarea (the west subarea), in which, high gas content and water production, low water level are much helpful for producing gas.
Using a Non-Fit Message Helps to De-Intensify Negative Reactions to Tough Advice
Authors: Fridman Ilona , Scherr Karen A. , Glare Paul A. , Higgins E. Tory
Published: June 2016

Sometimes physicians need to provide patients with potentially upsetting advice. For example, physicians may recommend hospice for a terminally ill patient because it best meets their needs, but the patient and their family dislike this advised option. We explore whether regulatory non-fit could be used to improve these types of situations. Across five studies in which participants imagined receiving upsetting advice from a physician, we demonstrate that regulatory non-fit between the form of the physician’s advice (emphasizing gains vs. avoiding losses) and the participants’ motivational orientation (promotion vs. prevention) improves participants’ evaluation of an initially disliked option. Regulatory non-fit de-intensifies participants’ initial attitudes by making them less confident in their initial judgments and motivating them to think more thoroughly about the arguments presented. Furthermore, consistent with previous research on regulatory fit, we showed that the mechanism of regulatory non-fit differs as a function of participants’ cognitive involvement in the evaluation of the option.
Cohort-sequential study of conflict inhibition during middle childhood
Authors: Rollins Leslie , Riggins Tracy
Published: June 2016

This longitudinal study examined developmental changes in conflict inhibition and error correction in three cohorts of children (5, 7, and 9 years of age). At each point of assessment, children completed three levels of Luria’s tapping task (1980), which requires the inhibition of a dominant response and maintenance of task rules in working memory. Findings suggest that both conflict inhibition and error detection and correction improve significantly during middle childhood. When cognitive demands were high, conflict inhibition, as shown by initial response accuracy, improved steadily across middle childhood. In contrast, the ability to detect and correct for errors improved between 5 and 6 years of age. Further, variability in conflict inhibition decreased with age and individual differences in conflict inhibition were stable across the 1-year period in the 7- and 9-year-old cohorts, but not 5-year-old cohort. These findings are discussed in relation to previous research on the development of inhibition.
State, scale and networks in the liberalisation of India’s land
Authors: Sud Nikita
Published: June 2016

As states concentrate their developmental capacities in space, the sub-national scale has emerged as a focal point of policy-making in India. The rescaled spatiality of the state is being inscribed on land. Land is the primary resource available to sub-national states to attract private investment in post-reform contexts. Yet, the promulgation of innovative policies is only the start of the space-state relationship. This paper follows rescaled state policy through to its reception and appropriation by business, community and family networks that operate in the real estate industry, which is a major land user. Dynamic multi-dimensional spatial relations involving scales and networks do not engage with a staid, centralised, formal state. Instead, real estate firms work with a state that is itself networked, and that straddles formality and informality, as well as shadows. India’s land economy is animated in this teeming space of state, scale and networks.
Patterns of the superficial veins of the cubital fossa: A meta-analysis
Authors: Yammine Kaissar , Erić Mirela
Published: June 2016

Background

The aim of this systematic review is to quantitatively synthesize evidence on the prevalence of superficial vein patterns in the cubital region.

Method

A systematic literature search was conducted through a number of electronic databases. We identified 27 studies, including 9924 arms, which met the inclusion criteria.

Results

Meta-analysis showed that “N” shaped arrangement type was the commonest pattern (≈44–60%) followed by “M” shaped arrangement (≈20–25%). The prevalence of “M” type and “M”-like type was significantly higher in males, whereas females showed a significant predominance of “I” or “O” type. No significant differences in various pattern types were found for laterality. The frequency of “M” type is significantly lesser in Indian and Japanese populations, but they have significantly higher frequency of “N” type. In Malay population, “I” or “O” type was significantly higher, while the brachial CV was poorly developed or missing significantly in Indian population.

Conclusion

This evidence-based clinical anatomy review contributes to our anatomical knowledge regarding the true prevalence of pattern types of the superficial veins in cubital region in humans and, subsequently, might help in performing safer venous access and more direct approaches to these veins, especially under emergency conditions.
Hand rejuvenation: Combining dorsal veins foam sclerotherapy and calcium hydroxylapatite filler injections
Authors: Lim Adrian , Mulcahy Anthea
Published: June 2016

Background

The hands are an important aesthetic feature that can reveal aging through surface pigmentary changes, loss of skin thickness and ectatic dorsal hand veins. Techniques addressing these changes already exists but are not routinely combined for optimum results.

Objective

The combination techniques of dorsal hand veins sclerotherapy and sub-dermal filler injections are described.

Methods

The dorsal hand veins are treated with sclerotherapy (0.5% Sodium tetradecyl sulphate). This is then followed by subdermal injection of 0.75 mL–1.5 mL calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse, Merz) per hand, in conjunction with tumescent anaesthetic. The dorsal hands should be gently massaged for 2 min (per hand), twice a day for two days. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated after one month for further improvement.

Results

The techniques of sclerotherapy and filler injections complement each other well in hand rejuvenation. Calcium hydroxylapatite is safe and effective for hands and associated with high patient satisfaction. In suitable patients, the reduction in ectatic veins from sclerotherapy results in a longstanding improvement that complements volume restoration with fillers.

Conclusion

Aging hands with ectatic dorsal hand veins and skin atrophy/wrinkling not fully responsive to filler correction alone can further improve with the combination of sclerotherapy and filler injections.
Assessing the impact of ‘farming with dyslexia’ on local rural economies
Authors: Smith Robert , Conley Gillian , Smith Anne MJ , McElwee Gerard
Published: June 2016

This viewpoint article discusses the contemporary yet hidden issue of ‘Farming with Dyslexia’. Of interest to policy analysts, researchers, and practitioners, the purpose of this discussion is to raise awareness of dyslexia at a time when there is increasing bureaucratisation of official farming support services. We discuss the issue from the perspective of local economic development and regeneration, as well as considering issues of economic empowerment within the context of wider social, political and economic change. With increasing pressure on farmers to become more entrepreneurial, navigating the effects of dyslexia on their daily farming routines and ultimately their often economically fragile fortunes demands that more attention is paid to the educational and social architecture that supports these rural communities.
Are we there yet?-Transport for Tongue Limited – A case study of a not-for-profit company in North West Sutherland
Authors: Wyper Janette , Whittam Geoff , de Ruyter Alex
Published: June 2016

This paper explores an under-researched area namely the provision of ‘public transport’ in remote and hard to access areas. The case study approach utilises social capital theory to analyse how a social enterprise has been able to provide a much needed service in the Highlands of Scotland in a situation where private sector provision is at best limited and typically non-existent. The paper highlights the issues faced by many third-sector organisations within rural communities, namely resource acquisition with an emphasis on funding, securing personnel with the right skills set, volunteer burn-out, sustainability and growth. The paper concludes by highlighting an apparent dilemma for the organisation does it scale-up, with all the potential challenges this would imply or does it consolidate?
The Effectiveness of Vertical Perspective and Pursuit Eye Movements for Disambiguating Motion Parallax Transformations
Authors: Rogers Brian
Published: June 2016

In the kinetic depth effect, the direction of the perceived depth and the direction of apparent rotation of a 3-D structure are linked, and typically ambiguous, whereas depth from motion parallax during both observer- and object-movement is stable and unambiguous. Rogers and Rogers demonstrated that the vertical perspective transformations play an important role in disambiguating the direction of the perceived depth in parallax-defined surfaces but more recently Nawrot et al. have proposed that pursuit eye movements provide the crucial disambiguating information. Theoretical considerations suggest that pursuit eye movements could not, in principle, provide the necessary information because 3-D objects as surfaces may rotate during observer- or object-movement. The empirical evidence presented here shows that vertical perspective transformations are sufficient for the unambiguous perception of parallax depth whereas pursuit eye movements are not necessary and may not even be sufficient.
Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing-like attacks in a pediatric patient found to have a pontine capillary telangiectasia and developmental venous anomaly: A case report exploring the root of the problem
Authors: Liapounova Natalia A , VanderPluym Juliana H , Bhargava Ravi , Kolski Hanna H
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT)-like attacks are rarely reported in the pediatric population and may remain undiagnosed and under-investigated as a result.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 15–year-old male with intermittent, episodic, right-sided brief headaches most in keeping with SUNCT, initially diagnosed as paroxysmal hemicrania, but with no response to indomethacin. The pain was likewise not responsive to typical migraine treatments or steroids.

Management and outcome

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a right pontine capillary telangiectasia with an associated developmental venous anomaly that was adjacent to the root of the right trigeminal nerve. Differential diagnosis included first division trigeminal neuralgia with autonomic features. The patient’s pain was partially alleviated by oxygen administration and responded well to carbamazepine; he remained pain free on carbamazepine a year later.

Conclusion

This case highlights the diagnostic dilemma of differentiating SUNCT from trigeminal neuralgia with autonomic features, both of which are rare diagnoses in pediatric patients, and the importance of appropriate neuroimaging to rule out secondary causes in patients presenting with trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, recognizing that abnormalities identified on neuroimaging, such as vessels adjacent to the trigeminal nerve, may not be causative findings.
Comparison Between Single- and Double-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With 6- to 8-Stranded Hamstring Autograft
Authors: Liu Yulei , Cui Guoqing , Yan Hui , Yang Yuping , Ao Yingfang
Published: June 2016

Background:

Whether double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with 6- to 8-stranded hamstring autograft (HG) is better than single-bundle (SB) ACL reconstruction remains debatable, as long-term follow-up data are lacking.

Purpose:

To prospectively investigate and compare the long-term results of DB and SB ACL reconstruction with a 6- to 8-stranded HG.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled clinical trial; Level of evidence: 1.

Methods:

A total of 80 patients with chronic ACL rupture were randomized to SB or DB ACL reconstruction with a 6- to 8-stranded HG. In the SB group, both the semitendinosus tendon (ST) and the gracilis tendon (GT) were prepared in 3 or 4 strands, with a total of 6 to 8 strands. In the DB group, the ST was prepared in 3 or 4 strands used for the anteromedial bundle, and the GT was prepared in the same manner for the posterolateral bundle. Each graft was fixed with an EndoButton, a bioabsorbable interference screw, and a staple. Outcome assessment was performed by a blinded independent observer using International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Tegner, and Lysholm scores, as well as range of motion (ROM), Lachman test, pivot-shift test, KT-2000 arthrometer side-to-side difference, and return-to-sport data.

Results:

A total of 68 patients (DB group, 34; SB group, 34) were observed for a mean of 80 months (range, 74-86 months). There were 2 traumatic instability failures and two 5° extension restrictions in the DB group, while no failures or 5° extension restrictions were observed in the SB group. The mean Lysholm, Tegner, and IKDC scores improved significantly in both groups compared with preoperation scores ( P < .05). No patient had a positive Lachman test result. No significant differences were found between groups in functional scores, incidence of pivot shift, ROM, Lachman test, KT-2000 arthrometer anterior laxity, or time and level of return to sport.

Conclusion:

Both SB and DB ACL reconstruction with 6- to 8-stranded HG showed satisfactory results in subjective scores and anteroposterior and rotational stability over a nearly 7-year follow-up; neither technique was superior.
Enhancement of ovalbumin-specific Th1, Th2, and Th17 immune responses by amorphous silica nanoparticles
Authors: Toda Tsuguto , Yoshino Shin
Published: June 2016

Nanomaterials present in cosmetics and food additives are used for industrial applications. However, their safety profile is unclear. Amorphous silica nanoparticles (nSPs) are a widely used nanomaterial and have been shown to induce inflammatory cytokines following intratracheal administration in mice. The current study investigated the adjuvant effect of nSP30 (nSP with a diameter of 33 nm) on T helper (Th)1, Th2, and Th17 immune responses as well as immunoglobulin (Ig) levels in mice. BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally administered ovalbumin (OVA) with or without varying doses and varying sizes of nSPs. The adjuvant effect of nSPs was investigated by measuring OVA-specific IgG antibodies in sera, OVA-specific proliferative responses of splenocytes, and the production of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines. Aluminum hydroxide was used as a positive adjuvant control. Anti-OVA IgG production, splenocyte proliferative responses, and secretion of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-17 were increased significantly in mice receiving a combined injection of nSP30 (30 or 300 µg) with OVA compared with OVA alone or a combined injection with nSP30 (3 µg). The responses were nSP30 dose-dependent. When different sized nSPs were used (with 30, 100, and 1000 nm diameters), the responses to OVA were enhanced and were size-dependent. The smaller sized nSP particles had a greater adjuvant effect. nSPs appear to exert a size-dependent adjuvant effect for Th1, Th2, and Th17 immune responses. Understanding the mechanisms of nSP adjuvanticity might lead to the development of novel vaccine adjuvants and therapies for allergic diseases caused by environmental factors.
Comparative pulmonary toxicity of inhaled metalworking fluids in rats and mice
Authors: Ryan Kristen R , Cesta Mark F , Herbert Ronald , Brix Amy , Cora Michelle , Witt Kristine , Kissling Grace , Morgan Daniel L
Published: June 2016

Metalworking fluids (MWFs) are complex formulations designed for effective lubricating, cooling, and cleaning tools and parts during machining operations. Adverse health effects such as respiratory symptoms, dermatitis, and cancer have been reported in workers exposed to MWFs. Several constituents of MWFs have been implicated in toxicity and have been removed from the formulations over the years. However, animal studies with newer MWFs demonstrate that they continue to pose a health risk. This investigation examines the hypothesis that unrecognized health hazards exist in currently marketed MWF formulations that are presumed to be safe based on hazard assessments of individual ingredients. In vivo 13-week inhalation studies were designed to characterize and compare the potential toxicity of four MWFs: Trim VX, Cimstar 3800, Trim SC210, and Syntilo 1023. Male and female Wistar Han rats or Fischer 344N/Tac rats and B6C3F1/N mice were exposed to MWFs via whole-body inhalation at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, or 400 mg/m3 for 13 weeks, after which, survival, body and organ weights, hematology and clinical chemistry, histopathology, and genotoxicity were assessed following exposure. Although high concentrations were used, survival was not affected and toxicity was primarily within the respiratory tract of male and female rats and mice. Minor variances in toxicity were attributed to differences among species as well as in the chemical components of each MWF. Pulmonary fibrosis was present only in rats and mice exposed to Trim VX. These data confirm that newer MWFs have the potential to cause respiratory toxicity in workers who are repeatedly exposed via inhalation.