bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging Bogotá: Sustainable development, global philanthropy and the rise of urban solutionism
Authors: Montero Sergio
Published: December 2018

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is marked by the consolidation of sustainability as a key guiding principle and an emphasis on cities as a potential solution to global development problems. However, in the absence of an agreement on how to implement sustainable development in cities, a set of urban policy solutions and ‘best practices’ became the vehicles through which the sustainable development agenda is spreading worldwide. This article shows that the rapid circulation of Bogotá as a model of sustainable transport since the 2000s reflects an increasing focus of the international development apparatus on urban policy solutions as an arena to achieve global development impacts, what I call the ‘leveraging cities’ logic in this article. This logic emerges at a particular historical conjuncture characterised by: (1) the rising power of global philanthropy to set development agendas; (2) the generalisation of solutionism as a strategy of action among development and philanthropic organisations; and (3) the increasing attention on cities as solutions for global development problems, particularly around sustainability and climate change. By connecting urban policy mobilities debates with development studies this article seeks to unpack the emergence, and the limits, of ‘leveraging cities’ as a proliferating global development practice. These urban policy solutions are far from being a clear framework of action. Rather, their circulation becomes a ‘quick fix’ to frame the problem of sustainable development given the unwillingness of development and philanthropic organisations to intervene in the structural factors and multiple scales that produce environmental degradation and climate change.
Medical Tourism Experience: Conceptualization, Scale Development, and Validation
Authors: Ghosh Tathagata , Mandal Santanu
Published: December 2018

While travel for physical well-being has long been a practice, medical tourism is an emerging phenomenon characterized by medical care combined with holiday-making activities. The medical tourism industry has rapidly grown due to exponential growth in the number of medical tourists worldwide. Despite this upsurge in practice, less research attention has been devoted to exploring the experience and perceptions of medical tourists toward the wide range of services available to them at medical destinations. This article conceptualizes a construct called “medical tourism experience” and develops a scale that measures it. A rigorous scale development procedure is employed, and four studies are conducted. Seven dimensions of this construct are explored, namely, treatment quality, medical service quality, medical tourism expense, medical tourism infrastructure, destination appeal, destination culture, and ease of access. The results reveal considerable opportunity for marketers and policy makers to increase the attractiveness of medical destinations and gain sustainable competitive advantages.
Gendered Communication Styles in the News: An Algorithmic Comparative Study of Conflict Coverage
Authors: Tenenboim-Weinblatt Keren , Baden Christian
Published: December 2018

Over the past few decades, numerous studies have examined the question of whether women and men tend to use different communicative styles, strategies, and practices. In this study, we employed a high-resolution algorithmic approach to examine the role of gender in structuring conflict news discourse, focusing on a comparison between the texts produced by foreign and domestic women and men journalists in their coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Extracting recurrent semantic patterns from over 80,000 texts, we show that women and men journalists tend to interpret journalistic professionalism in slightly different ways: While women emphasize precision and professional distance, men focus more on certitude and providing orientation. Moreover, women journalists tend to give more centrality to various groups of people in their coverage. We discuss these findings in the context of scholarship on gender and language use, journalism, and conflict.
Supporting Students With Emotional or Behavioral Disorders: State of the Field
Authors: Mitchell Barbara S. , Kern Lee , Conroy Maureen A.
Published: December 2018

Emotional Disturbance (ED) is one category under which a student can be evaluated and determined eligible to receive special education and related services. Students who experience ED are at greater risk for a host of negative long-term outcomes that include poor social, behavioral, and academic achievement in school, which in turn may impact graduation and postsecondary outcomes. In this article, we provide historical context and current data to highlight contemporary issues surrounding the needs and education of students with ED. Specifically, we present child-count data and descriptions of students that are currently served in the ED category. We provide information about the frequency and types of disciplinary events students with ED experience and discuss associated secondary and postsecondary outcomes. We summarize positive achievements and continued challenges within the field. Finally, derived from the ongoing unmet needs of students with and at risk for ED, we recommend (a) revision of the current Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act terminology and eligibility criteria to a more comprehensive education-based definition; (b) regular universal screening for signs of social, emotional, and/or behavioral problems; (c) use of multitiered systems of support that offer preventive interventions to address the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of all students, particularly when they first emerge; and (d) integrated delivery models that allow greater access to related services to enhance the benefits of special education for students with ED.
Cosmopolitanism: Reflections at the Commemoration of Ulrich Beck, 30 October 2015
Authors: Bhabha Homi K.
Published: December 2018

This is a tribute to Ulrich Beck and a rumination on his legacy in work on cosmopolitanism, translation, anxiety, and memory. Historical transitions and symbolic transmissions open up urgent questions about the connection between the structure of collective memory and the system of cosmopolitical thought. Public memory is embedded in an affective matrix of anxiety which is capable of creating the conciliatory conditions of political virtue and of fueling the terror of political passion. The vicious and sudden turn of cosmopolitan memory from reconciliation to revenge is less surprising if anxiety is seen as the translational moment that mediates relations between remembering and forgetting. Anxiety forces the discourse of cosmopolitan memory to confront its own alterity, negotiating a knife-edge balance between sympathy and antipathy. The ethics of cosmopolitanism is an anxious ethics of the past that refuses to die, confronting a future that will not wait to be born.
Introduction: Ulrich Beck: Risk as Indeterminate Modernity
Authors: Lash Scott
Published: December 2018

This serves as an introduction to this section on Beck and as a standalone essay. In it we see that the writers in this section understand Beck's risk as modernity itself. And in this context risk's reflexive modernity is understood as ‘indeterminate modernity’. The essay thematizes a radically subjectivist reading of Beck's risk. It sees reflexivity as opposed to the objectivism and positivism of Kant's (first) critique of pure reason, and instead in terms of the subjectivity of Kant's third aesthetic critique. Thus, Beck's subjectivist risk and indeterminate modernity focuses not on Kantian and positivist first-modernity ‘cause’ but instead on second and indeterminate-modernity ‘consequence’. This entails significant levels of (Kierkegaardian) anxiety on the part of individuals as well as the possibility of enhanced happiness. The latter is understood in terms of, again, the subjectivist psychology of Daniel Kahneman's behaviouralist economics. This is a substantivist (and not formalist) economics and dovetails with Weber's Methodenstreit between the substantivism of the Historical School and the formalism of neoclassical economics. The essay closes with a look at how this radically subjectivist and substantivist reflexivity is the basis for a panoply of non-normative institutions in Beck's vision of global cosmopolitanism.
As the states turned: Implications of the changing legal context of same-sex marriage on well-being
Authors: Ogolsky Brian G. , Monk J. Kale , Rice TeKisha M. , Oswald Ramona Faith
Published: December 2018

Using a minority stress framework, we examined changes in personal well-being among individuals in same-sex relationships during the transition to federal marriage recognition. Longitudinal panel data from 279 individuals were collected once before and at three time points after the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Obergefell vs. Hodges case that resulted in federal recognition of same-sex marriage. Prior to the ruling, levels of internalized homonegativity, isolation, and vicarious trauma were positively associated with psychological distress. Levels of felt stigma and vicarious trauma were negatively associated with life satisfaction. Following the ruling, trajectories of psychological distress decreased over time for individuals who experienced higher (vs. lower) initial levels of internalized homonegativity, isolation, and vicarious trauma. Trajectories of life satisfaction increased over time for individuals who experienced higher (vs. lower) initial levels of vicarious trauma. These changes occurred over and above the effects of state and local recognition and marital status.
Validation study of the Functional Assessment Scale for Acute Hamstring injuries in Spanish professional soccer players
Authors: Hernández-Sanchez Sergio , Korakakis Vasileios , Malliaropoulos Nikos , Moreno-Perez Víctor
Published: December 2018

Objective:

To cross-culturally adapt and validate the Functional Assessment Scale for acute hamstring injury for professional Spanish-speaking soccer players.

Design:

Clinical measurement study. Cross-cultural adaptation was conducted following international recommendations. Indicators of validity, reliability and responsiveness are provided.

Subjects:

The Spanish version of the Functional Assessment Scale for acute hamstring injury scale was administered to 165 participants: 45 professional soccer players with acute hamstring muscle injury diagnosis, 40 healthy subjects, 40 individuals at-risk for a hamstring muscle injury and 40 patients with injuries of the lower limb other than hamstring muscle injury.

Main measures:

The Functional Assessment Scale for acute hamstring injury.

Reference measures:

Spanish version of the Quality of Life Short-Form 36 questionnaire (SF-36) and the Lower Limb Functional Index (LLFI).

Results:

Cronbach’s alpha (internal consistency) for the Spanish version of the Functional Assessment Scale for acute hamstring injury scale was >0.8. The intraclass correlation coefficient using the two-way random model (ICC2,1) (test–retest) was 0.993 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.991–0.995; P < 0.05). In the exploratory factor analysis, a one-factor solution explained 85% of the variance. Subjects with hamstring muscle injury scored significantly lower than the other groups in the Spanish version of the Functional Assessment Scale for acute hamstring injury scale ( P < 0.001). The Spanish version of the Functional Assessment Scale for acute hamstring injury scale score within the hamstring muscle injury group showed moderate and significant correlations with SF-36 physical components (Spearman’s rs > 0.6; P < 0.001), and LLFI score at baseline ( rs = 0.42; P < 0.01). The standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimum detectable change threshold (MDC95%) were 2.6 and 7.2 points, respectively. The responsiveness indicators have an effect size of 3.62, and the standardized response mean is 3.24.

Conclusion:

The Spanish version of the Functional Assessment Scale for acute hamstring injury scale showed satisfactory psychometric properties. It can be considered a reliable and valid instrument to assess the functional impact of acute hamstring muscle injury in professional Spanish-speaking football players.
Effect of smartphone application-supported self-rehabilitation for frozen shoulder: a prospective randomized control study
Authors: Choi Younggeun , Nam Jihoon , Yang Dongseok , Jung Whanik , Lee Hwa-Ryeong , Kim Sae Hoon
Published: December 2018

Objectives:

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of smartphone-assisted self-rehabilitation in patients with frozen shoulder.

Design:

A single-center, randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Orthopedic department of a university hospital.

Subjects:

A total of 84 patients with frozen shoulder were recruited.

Intervention:

Patients were randomly divided into two groups: a smartphone-assisted exercise group ( n = 42) and a conventional self-exercise group ( n = 42). The study was performed over three months, during which each group performed home-based rehabilitation.

Main measures:

Visual analogue scale for pain and passive shoulder range of motion were assessed at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment. Technology Acceptance Model–2 and Usefulness, Satisfaction, and Ease of Use scores were evaluated in the smartphone group.

Results:

Initial visual analogue scale for pain of the smartphone group was 6.0 ± 2.2 and ended up with 1.8 ± 2.5 after 12 weeks, whereas the self-exercise group showed 5.8 ± 2.3 for the baseline visual analogue scale for pain and 2.2 ± 1.7 at the end. Significant time-dependent improvements in all measured values were observed in both groups (all Ps < 0.001), but no significant intergroup difference was observed after 4, 8, or 12 weeks of treatment. In the smartphone group, Technology Acceptance Model–2 and Usefulness, Satisfaction, and Ease of Use scores showed high patient satisfaction with smartphone-assisted exercise.

Conclusion:

There was no difference between home-based exercise using a smartphone application and a conventional self-exercise program for the treatment of frozen shoulder in terms of visual analogue scale for pain and range of motions.
Comparison of two-view digital breast tomosynthesis to three-view digital mammography in a simulated screening setting
Authors: Kim Yoon-Jin , Sechopoulos Ioannis , Newell Mary S , Ho Christopher P , Holbrook Anna I , Fleming Margaret , Hamlin Marae B , Handa Priyanka , Braykov Nikolay , D’Orsi Carl J
Published: December 2018

Background

Although digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) may be an effective breast cancer screening modality, alternatives are important to explore as this technique presents some challenges for population screening implementation.

Purpose

To compare the detection performance of three-view (craniocaudal [CC] + mediolateral oblique [MLO] + mediolateral/lateromedial [ML/LM]) digital mammography (DM) to two-view (CC + MLO) DBT.

Material and Methods

In this institutional review board-approved study, recalled screening DBT exams from 3 March 2014 to 31 March 2015 with a ML/LM view acquired within 30 days were retrospectively reviewed for detection of breast cancer. Six radiologists blinded to outcomes evaluated two-view DBT, which included DM and tomosynthesis images, and three-view DM. Probability of malignancy and a BI-RADS score were assigned. Primary outcomes were area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and benign and malignant recall rates.

Results

The cohort included 121 cases: 37% were malignant and 63% were benign. Reader-averaged AUCs were 0.846 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.787–0.905) and 0.853 (95% CI = 0.802–0.904) for three-view DM and DBT, respectively. Benign and malignant recall rates were 53% and 74% for three-view DM and 52% and 75% for DBT, respectively. There was no difference in AUCs ( P = 0.692), and benign ( P = 1) and malignant ( P = 1) recall rates.

Conclusion

In this retrospective initial study, the detection performance of two-view DBT and three-view DM were statistically equivalent. Future studies should determine whether three-view DM is a viable alternative to DBT for screening, given its cost and work-flow.
Bicycle–metro integration for the ‘last mile’: Visualizing cycling in Shanghai
Authors: Zhang Ze , Qian Chen , Bian Yiyang
Published: December 2018

Bicycle-metro integration is theoretically considered to be an effective solution for improving public transportation efficiency of “last mile” between home and metro station in cities. However, this proposition has not been fully proved in practice. In recent years, the emerging dockless bike-sharing system makes it possible to examine the spatial integration between flexible bicycle traffic and rail transit. This study mapped the bicycle traffic on an equal population cartogram of Shanghai to distinguish overall patterns within the center of Shanghai. The research result indicates the sharing bike usage frequency from metro station to outlying area is gradual declining, which demonstrates that bicycle-metro integration has already become the basic model for daily transport in Shanghai.
Biogeomorphic feedbacks and the ecosystem engineering of recently deglaciated terrain
Authors: Miller Hannah R , Lane Stuart N
Published: December 2018

Matthews’ 1992 geoecological model of vegetation succession within glacial forefields describes how following deglaciation the landscape evolves over time as the result of both biotic and abiotic factors, with the importance of each depending on the level of environmental stress within the system. We focus in this paper on how new understandings of abiotic factors and the potential for biogeomorphic feedbacks between abiotic and biotic factors makes further development of this model important. Disturbance and water dynamics are two abiotic factors that have been shown to create stress gradients that can drive early ecosystem succession. The subsequent establishment of microbial communities and vegetation can then result in biogeomorphic feedbacks via ecosystem engineering that influence the role of disturbance and water dynamics within the system. Microbes can act as ecosystem engineers by supplying nutrients (via remineralization of organic matter and nitrogen fixation), enhancing soil development, either decreasing (encouraging weathering) or increasing (binding sediment grains) geomorphic stability, and helping retain soil moisture. Vegetation can act as an ecosystem engineer by fixing nitrogen, enhancing soil development, modifying microbial community structure, creating seed banks, and increasing geomorphic stability. The feedbacks between vegetation and water dynamics in glacial forefields are still poorly studied. We propose a synthesized model of ecosystem succession within glacial forefields that combines Matthews’ initial geoecological model and Corenblit's model to illustrate how gradients in environmental stress combined with successional time drive the balance between abiotic and biotic factors and ultimately determine the successional stage and potential for biogeomorphic feedbacks.
Evolving practices and professional identity: How the new ways we work can reshape us as professionals and a profession
Authors: Fraser-Arnott Melissa Ann
Published: December 2018

Professional identities provide a lens through which to understand ourselves and our professional community. Individual practitioners may find that shifts in their own professional identities lead them to redefine their profession and those moving into new types of roles or engaging in new tasks may strive to alter the direction of the profession at large. This paper’s first objective is to provide insights into how professional identity development occurs and how the emergence of a new or unusual take on the library and information science profession based on professional experiences working in non-traditional roles can be seen as both an opportunity and a threat to the library and information science profession, using the experience of library and information science graduates working in non-library roles as a lens. The second objective is to translate the experiences of library and information science graduates working in non-traditional roles into recommendations for promoting diversity in the definition of the profession.
Are Older Adults Unique? Examining Presenting Issues and Changes in Therapy Across the Life Span
Authors: Sabey Allen K. , Jensen Jakob , Major Samuel , Zinbarg Richard , Pinsof William
Published: December 2018

With the urgent need to increase and improve mental health care of the growing population of older adults in the United States, clinical research is warranted to further the knowledge and improve the relevant training for mental health professionals working with older adults. This study drew from two diverse clinical samples of adults ages 18 years to 80 years to examine whether and how initial clinical presentations and changes over time in individual, family-of-origin, and relational measures differed across the life span. Results indicated a variety of linear and curvilinear associations between individual, family-of-origin, and relational measures at intake and age, with some moderation by gender. There were no significant results between the amount of change on those measures and age, indicating that older adults may change in similar fashion to middle-aged and younger adults in psychotherapy. Relevant clinical implications are provided.
Parents as Mentors: Addressing Contemporary Childrearing through a Servant Leadership Philosophy and the Application of Mentorship Mottos
Authors: Veas Gabe , Veas Karina
Published: December 2018

The motivations of parents within an ominously competitive society can be mediated through a servant leadership philosophy in order to nourish a supportive ecosystem within the home and community context for children. The ancient motif of the shepherd will be explored as a lens to understand mentoring, along with practical steps assisting parents to mentor by implementing mentorship mottos that emphasize embodying integrity, promoting an emboldened lifestyle, modeling education, and providing meaningful recognition.
Themes for Christian Education and Formation in a British, Postmodern, Secular Context
Authors: Latz Deirdre Brower
Published: December 2018

The cultural situation of the church in the United Kingdom is useful for framing questions emerging more broadly for the western church and discipleship formation. After briefly considering secularism, the paper considers themes of discipleship. This is accompanied by an argument for schools of discipleship and radical formation. The outworking of this in a particular setting in higher education describes some of the tensions inherent in practicing Christian theology in public and increasingly secular settings.
Response to “Embracing Postcolonialism: The Future of Christian Education” by Mark A. Maddix
Authors: Short Sharon Warkentin
Published: December 2018

The commitment of postcolonial studies to honor the perspectives of oppressed and marginalized groups is commendable. However, allowing the contemporary context of any group to determine the meaning of a Scripture passage is suspect. The context of the composition of the text, rather than the context of the reader, should guide interpretation.
Registered Reports: Genre Evolution and the Research Article
Authors: Mehlenbacher Ashley Rose
Published: December 2018

The research article is a staple genre in the economy of scientific research, and although research articles have received considerable treatment in genre scholarship, little attention has been given to the important development of Registered Reports. Registered Reports are an emerging, hybrid genre that proceeds through a two-stage model of peer review. This article charts the emergence of Registered Reports and explores how this new form intervenes in the evolution of the research article genre by replacing the central topoi of novelty with methodological rigor. Specifically, I investigate this discursive and publishing phenomenon by describing current conversations about challenges in replicating research studies, the rhetorical exigence those conversations create, and how Registered Reports respond to this exigence. Then, to better understand this emerging form, I present an empirical study of the genre itself by closely examining four articles published under the Registered Report model from the journal Royal Society Open Science and then investigating the genre hybridity by examining 32 protocols (Stage 1 Registered Reports) and 77 completed (Stage 2 Registered Reports) from a range of journals in the life and psychological sciences. Findings from this study suggest Registered Reports mark a notable intervention in the research article genre for life and psychological sciences, centering the reporting of science in serious methodological debates.
“I Think When I Speak, I Don’t Sound Like That”: The Influence of Social Positioning on Rhetorical Skill Development in Science
Authors: Falconer Heather M.
Published: December 2018

Negotiating membership within a disciplinary community is as much an exercise in rhetorical facility as it is content expertise. Where individuals reside in the hierarchy of membership is determined by not only what they talk and write about, but how. Yet, there are many factors that can impact newcomers’ acculturation into a disciplinary community on a rhetorical level. In this article, I use positioning theory and intersectional identity to examine how Anne, a woman of color participating in undergraduate research in science, learned to read and write as a scientist and the ways her social position as a woman, person of color, and low-income and first-generation student influenced her perception and adoption of the discourse as her own. I argue that social positioning influences students’ views of scientific discourse and affects their rhetorical skill development as scientific writers. Because recognition as a group insider is heavily influenced by discourse, this research has potential implications for those interested in retention and persistence of women of color in STEM, as well as for those interested in changing learning cultures and incorporating writing instruction into disciplinary arenas.
Facial Cosmetic Surgery Training in American Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Programs
Authors: Diepenbrock Ryan M. , Suihkonen Rian W.
Published: December 2018

Facial cosmetic surgery is rapidly being incorporated into the contemporary oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) practice. The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), the accreditation body for American Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residencies, mandates a minimum requirement in 4 major categories. Facial cosmetic surgery procedures are included in the “Facial Cosmetic and Reconstruction” category. This requirement stipulates that each graduating resident must complete at least 20 facial cosmetic and/or facial reconstructive procedures. We hypothesized that some OMS programs meet and exceed the minimum graduation requirement set forth by the CODA in the facial cosmetic and reconstruction category solely with cosmetic procedures. We also speculated that some OMS programs surpassed the minimal graduation requirements of medical specialties most commonly associated with performing facial cosmetic procedures. Finally, the research was intended to investigate whether there was a difference, in terms of cosmetic surgery experience, between 4-year OMS certificate programs and OMS programs with an incorporated medical degree (dual degree or 6-year program). Surveys were sent to all 102 CODA-accredited OMS programs. These data were analyzed to evaluate the total number of facial cosmetic procedures completed at each institution over a 5-year period and the average number of facial cosmetic surgery procedures per chief resident. In addition, a comparison was made between single and dual degree programs. Finally, these numbers were compared with medical residencies/fellowship accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Twenty-two of 102 programs returned the survey. Over the 5-year period (2011-2016), accredited OMS programs completed an average of 211 facial cosmetic procedures ranging from zero procedures to 1073. Genioplasties and rhinoplasties were the most common facial cosmetic surgery procedures tallied. Four-year OMS programs completed 20.3 procedures per chief resident while dual degree programs completed 9.7 cases on average. OMS programs with the largest volume of cases reached and exceeded many of the minimum procedure requirements set forth by plastic and reconstructive surgery residency programs and American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Fellowships. With the vast differences among training requirements, it is challenging to assess what is a reasonable number of procedures to ensure a surgeon is comfortable and, more importantly, competent and proficient. When compared with the variability of requirements from medical specialties that commonly perform facial cosmetic procedures, the data support that comprehensive experience in facial cosmetic surgery is attainable within American Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residencies.
Attitudes Toward Dating Violence in Early and Late Adolescents in Concepción, Chile
Authors: Valdivia-Peralta Maruzzella , Paino Mercedes , Fonseca-Pedrero Eduardo , González-Bravo Luis
Published: December 2018

This study compares attitudes toward teen relationship (or dating) violence (TRV) between early and late adolescents in the province of Concepción, Chile. The sample consisted of 770 adolescents, aged between 11 and 19 with an average age of 14.8 years old, of which 389 were female (50.5%) and 381 were male (49.5%). An adapted version of the Scale of Attitudes Towards Intimate Violence was used. Results found greater justifying attitudes toward violence in early adolescents than in late adolescents, in 6 of 12 items of the scale, with a statistical significance of p ≤ .001 in 4 items and in the overall score, and p ≤ .05 in 2 items. In the comparison according to sex, male adolescents tended to justify violence more than female adolescents did in one item ( p ≤ .001). In dating/no dating comparison, statistically significant differences were found in just 2 items, in favor of those who are not in a relationship ( p ≤ .05). These results are analyzed and discussed in relation to previous literature. Finally, orientations to future interventions are proposed, and it is suggested that aspects related to sampling and possible modulating variables such as cognitive development and moral development be considered for future investigations.
Apolipoprotein E Polymorphisms and Parkinson Disease With or Without Dementia: A Meta-Analysis Including 6453 Participants
Authors: Sun Ruoyi , Yang Simin , Zheng Bing , Liu Jianping , Ma Xiaowei
Published: December 2018

A large number of case–control studies have investigated the association of apolipoprotein E ( APOE) polymorphisms with Parkinson disease (PD) and Parkinson disease dementia (PDD), with inconsistent results. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the relationship between APOE polymorphisms and PD/PDD risk. We searched for published studies in PubMed, Web of Science, WanFang Data (in Chinese), and CNKI (in Chinese) from inception to June 2017. Case–control studies reporting part or complete APOE genotype and allele frequency data were included. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using RevMan 5.3 software. A total of 39 studies involving 6453 cases with PD, with 461 cases with PDD, and 6855 controls were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that the APOE ε3 allele was a protective factor for PD (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.81-0.99; P = .04), whereas no significant differences in PD risk among all cases compared to controls were found for APOE ε2 and ε4. In Asian subgroups, the APOE ε4 allele was shown to be a risk factor for PD (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.01-1.46; P = .04). Additionally, APOE polymorphisms were significantly associated with PDD risk in the entire case group (ε3: OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.58-0.89, P = .003; ε4: OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.12-1.88, P = .004) and in Asian subgroups.
Handling performance of tractor-semitrailers equipped with hydraulically interconnected suspension
Authors: Liu Qijia , Zhang Nong , Feng Fuyong , Zhou Min
Published: December 2018

This paper focuses on the contribution of a hydraulically interconnected suspension on the handling performance of a tractor-semitrailer. A hydraulically interconnected suspension model is integrated with a traditional tractor-semitrailer suspension for the purpose of study, and the hydraulically interconnected suspension system is first investigated through the bench test simulation to study its nonlinear and damping characteristic. Then a static rollover test, a steady-state circular test, a pulse steer input test, a pulse road input test and a random road input test are simulated in order to fully investigate the performance of a tractor-semitrailer with hydraulically interconnected suspension. The comparison analyses are conducted among two vehicles which are a fully loaded tractor-semitrailer without hydraulically interconnected suspension, an unloaded tractor-semitrailer without hydraulically interconnected suspension, a fully loaded tractor-semitrailer with hydraulically interconnected suspension and an unloaded tractor-semitrailer with hydraulically interconnected suspension. The obtained results show that the fully loaded tractor-semitrailer has enhanced handling performance, an improved steady-state rollover threshold and unchanged ride performance with the assistance of hydraulically interconnected suspension.
Comparative investigation into effects of ZrO2 and Al2O3 addition in fluorapatite laser-clad composite coatings on Ti6Al4V alloy
Authors: Kuo Tsung-Yuan , Chien Chi-Sheng , Liu Cheng-Wei , Lee Tzer-Min
Published: December 2018

Composite coatings consisting of fluorapatite mixed with 20 wt% yttria (3 mol%) stabilized cubic phase zirconia (c-ZrO2, 3Y-TZP) or 20 wt% alumina (α-Al2O3) were deposited on Ti6Al4V substrates using a Nd:YAG laser cladding system. The interface morphology, phase composition, micro-hardness and biological properties of the two coatings were examined and compared. The results showed that the fluorapatite/Al2O3 specimen underwent a greater inter-diffusion at the interface between the coating layer and the transition layer than the fluorapatite/ZrO2 specimen. During the cladding process, the ZrO2 and Al2O3 components of the coating were completely decomposed or underwent phase transformation. In addition, the fluorapatite was partially decomposed. For both specimens, the coating layers contained fluorapatite, CaF2 and CaTiO3 phases. The coating layer of the fluorapatite/ZrO2 specimen additionally contained TTCP, CaO, CaZrO3 and m-ZrO2 (monoclinic phase), while that of the fluorapatite/Al2O3 specimen contained β-TCP, CaAl2O4 and θ-Al2O3. The average micro-hardness of the fluorapatite/ZrO2 coating layer (1300 HV) was approximately 200 HV higher than that of the fluorapatite/Al2O3 coating layer (1100 HV). Both specimens generated dense bone-like apatite following immersion in simulated body fluid for 3 days. In other words, both specimens had a good in vitro bioactivity. However, the fluorapatite/ZrO2 specimen showed a better initial attachment and spread of osteoblast-like osteosarcoma MG63 cells than the fluorapatite/Al2O3 specimen in in vitro biocompatibility tests performed for 24 h.
Protective effects of selenium and nano-selenium on bisphenol-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats
Authors: Khalaf AA , Ahmed WMS , Moselhy WA , Abdel-Halim BR , Ibrahim MA
Published: December 2018

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread compound associated with the manufacture of many consumer products. The BPA-induced reproductive toxicity was reported to be mainly attributed to oxidative stress. However, the role of antioxidants usage to decrease the injurious effects of BPA, on male reproductive functions, remains to unveil. The present research is established to evaluate the role of selenium (Se) and its nano form (NSe) as protective agents to alleviate BPA-induced testicular toxicity. Ninety mature albino male rats were assigned into six equal groups: negative control; orally BPA 150 mg/kg; Se 3 mg/kg; NSe 2 mg/kg; both BPA 150 mg/kg and Se 3 mg/kg; and BPA 150 mg/kg + NSe 2 mg/kg. The experiment lasted for 70 consecutive days, and then serum was collected for estimation of prostatic acid phosphatase. Testicular tissues were subjected to measurement of antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and expression of some apoptotic genes. Our results reported that BPA-induced marked testicular damage evidenced by significant elevations in serum prostatic acid phosphatase activity, malondialdehyde levels, a decrease in testicular catalase activity and reduced glutathione level. Moreover, marked DNA internucleosomal fragmentation pattern as well as upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 and estrogen receptor-2 NSe genes were detected. Coadministration of Se and NSe attenuated the reproductive toxicity induced by BPA via improvement of the antioxidant activity, genetic changes, and restoration of testicular tissue nearly as control one. These results indicated that both Se and NSe forms could be used as reproductive protective agents against the detrimental effect induced by BPA. However, the NSe surpassed the selenium in modulating the DNA laddering, and the studied gene expression levels, and offered a potent reproductive protection.
Vitamin C ameliorates the adverse effects of dexamethasone on sperm motility, testosterone level, and spermatogenesis indexes in mice
Authors: Sadeghzadeh F , Mehranjani MS , Mahmoodi M
Published: December 2018

Background:

Dexamethasone (DEX) is a common medicine that is capable of causing malformation in the male reproductive system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin C (Vit-C) on spermatogenesis indexes and daily sperm production (DSP) in adult mice treated with DEX.

Methods:

Male Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice were divided into four groups: Control, DEX (7 mg/kg/day), Vit-C (100 mg/kg/day), and DEX +Vit-C and treated for 7 days with intraperitoneal injection.

Results:

A significant increase in the mean levels of serum and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and apoptosis of Leydig cells was found in the DEX group compared to the control group. Sperm motility, DSP, tubular differentiation index, meiotic index, spermatogenesis index, the mean number of spermatocytes, round and long spermatids, and Leydig cells, and also serum testosterone level decreased in the DEX group compared to the control group. The results of this study indicate that Vit-C can significantly prevent the adverse effects of DEX on the mean number of spermatocyte, spermatid, and Leydig cells, tubular differentiation, meiotic and spermatogenesis index, DSP, sperm motility, and the mean levels of serum MDA.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, our results showed that coadministration of Vit-C and DEX prevents the adverse effects of DEX on the spermatogenesis indexes and DSP.
Evaluation of biochemical changes in dental tissues after different office bleaching methods
Authors: Karaarslan ES , Özmen ZC , Aytac F , Bicakci AA , Buldur M , Aydogan L , Hologlu F , Özkocak BBC
Published: December 2018

The color of the teeth is an important topic for many people and can be influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic stains. There is an increasing demand for whitening of the teeth year by year. The most popular way of whitening is “bleaching,” which is the result of the breakdown of pigments located in the enamel and/or the dentin, caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) released from bleaching agents. These bleaching agents could increase matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated collagen degradation in dentin. The aim of this study was to compare biochemical changes and oxidative stress levels of the human premolar dentin–pulp complex after three different bleaching methods containing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) bleaching agents. Individuals, whose first four premolars were extracted for orthodontic purposes, included into the study. Group 1—Laser: bleaching gel containing 46% H2O2 (LaserWhite20 whitening gel, Biolase Technology Inc., San Clemente, CA, USA) and a diode laser activation (Ezlase 940 nm system). Group 2: 35% H2O2 containing whitening gel (Whiteness HP Maxx, FGM) and halogen light source activation (Optilux 501, Kerr, Orange, CA, USA). Group 3: 35% H2O2 containing whitening gel (Whiteness HP Maxx, FGM). Group 4—Control: No whitening treatment. According to the test results, there were no significant differences among groups in the values of cathepsin B and MMP proteolytic activities ( p > 0.05). The total ROS values released from the dentin tissue were higher than those obtained from the pulp tissue ( p < 0.05). There were significant differences among the bleaching groups in the ROS values released from the dentin tissue.
Age-Appropriateness of Porcine Models Used for Cell Transplantation
Authors: Tohyama Shugo , Kobayashi Eiji
Published: December 2018

Pigs have traditionally been used for preclinical experiments, and body size-matching is important for cell therapy in animal models used for preclinical trials. It has been shown that the efficacy of the transplanted cells is dependent on the response of the host heart and the age of experimental pigs.
Structure and properties evaluation of epoxy resin modified with polyurethane based on polymeric MDI and different polyols
Authors: Kostrzewa M , Bakar M , Białkowska A , Szymańska J , Kucharczyk W
Published: December 2018

The present work investigates the properties and structure of epoxy resin (EP) modified with polyurethane (PUR). This latter was prepared using polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate and polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) or polyoxypropylene diol with different molecular weights (POPD 1002 and POPD 2002). It was confirmed that 5% of either PUR improved significantly the mechanical properties of EP. Impact strength and critical stress intensity factor values of modified epoxy compositions were increased by 200 and 100%, respectively, relative to pristine samples. Fourier-transform infrared spectra confirmed the occurrence of chemical reactions between reactive groups of EP and PUR. The fracture surface of EP modified with PUR based on PEG exhibited less plastic yielding, while river-like lines with more pronounced plastic deformations were shown by EP modified with 5% PUR with longest chains.
Mechanical behavior simulation: NCF/epoxy composite processed by RTM
Authors: Monticeli Francisco Maciel , Daou David , Dinulović Mirko , Voorwald Herman Jacobus Cornelis , Cioffi Maria Odila Hilário
Published: December 2018

Considering aeronautics requirements, academies and industries are developing matrixes and reinforcements with higher mechanical performance. The same occurs with the process where new studies focus on obtaining composites with suitable matrix/reinforcement interface. The use of epoxy resin and carbon fiber with high mechanical performance does not guarantee a composite with high mechanical properties, considering imperfections and void formation along the laminate in case of inappropriate processing parameters. The aim of this article was to analyze and quantify the mechanical behavior of polymer composite reinforced with continuous fibers using finite element methodology and postprocessing software simulation. In addition, the classical laminate theory and finite elements were used to simulate flexural and tensile tests of composite specimens. Simulation results were compared with experimental test results using a carbon fiber noncrimp fabric quadriaxial/epoxy resin composite processed by resin transfer molding. Although void volume fraction for structural materials presenting results under aeronautics requirements regarding of 2%, imperfections like lack of resin and impregnation discontinuity showed an influence in tensile and flexural experimental results. Experimental mechanical behavior decreased 10% of strength, in comparison with simulation results due to imperfection on impregnation measured by C-Scan map. Improvement in processing procedures could able to provide greater impregnation continuity, reducing defect formation and ensuring better matrix/reinforcement interface. As a final conclusion, the process plays a role as important as the characteristics of reinforcement and matrix and, consequently, the mechanical properties.
Ibn Rushd’s The Decisive Treatise: A Text for Political Reform
Authors: Omar Ayesha
Published: December 2018

Ibn Rushd’s the Decisive Treatise (1126–98) is widely acknowledged as an important text for understanding his legal ideas, with some scholars describing this text as a legal opinion (fatwa) issued for the Malikite jurists of that period. Contrastingly, I argue that the Decisive Treatise forms part of Ibn Rushd’s broader vision for political reform, and should thus be reconsidered as an important text for understanding his ideas on political authority. Whilst Ibn Rushd persisted in advancing the Almohad policy of reform, by calling on the religious scholars who occupied an important space in Almohad society to relinquish their narrow positions on how to understand and interpret Islamic Law, he went further in devising his own guidelines for reform. This constituted an argument that Greek ideas, and the wisdom of the ancient philosophers, are not only compatible with Islamic principles but also stand to offer much-needed guidance.
Culture Care Beliefs and Practices of Ethiopian Immigrants
Authors: Chiatti Beth Desaretz
Published: December 2018

Introduction: The purposes of this mini study were to identify and describe the culture care beliefs and practices of Ethiopian immigrants in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States and to advance the science of transcultural nursing. Methodology: Leininger’s theory of culture care diversity and universality guided the research and was the framework for the design of this qualitative ethnonursing mini study. Data were collected from 15 participants through in-depth interviews. Results: Five themes and 14 care patterns merged from the data, including preserving cultural heritage, supporting family and friends, importance of religion and prayer, valuing freedom, cultural caring, and therapeutic communication. Discussion: Participants valued health care and medical technology in the United States. They wanted nurses to inquire about their culture, language preference, food and dietary practices, and family dynamics. Perceived lack of caring by nurses and unavailability of interpreters in health care settings negatively affected access to care.