bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of Staphylococcus Aureus Adhesion on a Novel Nanostructured Surface by Chemiluminometry
Authors: Campoccia D. , Montanaro L. , Agheli H. , Sutherland D.S. , Pirini V. , Donati M.E. , Arciola C.R.
Published: January 2018

In recent years the progress in the field of nanotechnologies has offered new possibilities to control the superficial features of implant materials down to a nanoscale level. Several studies have therefore tried to explore the effects of nanostructured biomaterial surfaces on the behavior of eukaryotic cells. However, nanotopography could exert an influence also on the behavior of prokaryotic cells, with relevant implications concerning the susceptibility of implant surfaces to infection. Aim of this study was to examine the behavior of Staphylococcus aureus on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) surfaces either cylindrically nanostructured (PET-N) or flat ion-etched (PET-F), and on tissue culture-grade polystyrene (PS). Microbial adherence was assessed by chemiluminometry under 4 different conditions: (a) bacteria suspended in MEM medium, (b) bacteria in MEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), (c) test surfaces preconditioned in FBS, and (d) post-exposure of colonised surfaces to serum-supplemented MEM. Under all circumstances, PET-F and PET-N specimens showed identical bacterial adhesion properties. In the absence of serum, all 3 test materials showed a very high adhesivity to microbial cells and both PET surfaces exhibited greater adhesion than PS. On the contrary, the presence of 10% serum in solution significantly affected cell behavior: the number of microbial cells on all surfaces was drastically reduced, and the adhesion properties of PET surfaces with respect to PS were reversed, with PET being less adhesive. Overall, the specific cylindrical nanostructures created on PET did not significantly influence microbial behavior. Ongoing studies are verifying whether other nanotopographies with different geometry could have more substantial effects.
Leptin and β2-Microglobulin Kinetics with Three Different Dialysis Modalities
Authors: Mandolfo S. , Borlandelli S. , Imbasciati E.
Published: January 2018

Background

Leptin is a protein produced by fat cells and involved in body weight regulation. In patients with normal kidney function, leptin has been considered an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. In uremic patients, leptin in plasma serum was assumed to be associated with malnutrition, inflammation and atherosclerosis. Because of its molecular weight and characteristics, leptin can be considered as a protein-bound uremic retention solute. Some authors have reported the possibility of decreasing the serum leptin concentration with high flux membranes, but limited data are available on the elimination with medium-flux membranes or alternative dialysis strategies such as hemodiafiltration.

Methods

We evaluated the kinetics of leptin and β2m in a study of 18 chronic hemodialysis patients using low-flux, medium-flux and high-flux biocompatible membranes, the last one used in hemodiafiltration (HDF). Blood samples for leptin and β2m were collected pre- and post-treatment and 30 minutes after the end of treatment, over a 1-week period that included 3 dialysis sessions. Clearances of leptin and β2m across the dialyzer were also determined directly from the arterial and venous blood concentrations 60 and 210 minutes after starting dialysis.

Results

At baseline, all groups showed similar leptin (18.8±4.4 ng/mL) and β2m concentrations (29.2±7.1 ng/mL). After a single dialysis session, a reduction of both solutes was observed with HDF (39.8±1.9%, 78.1±4.9) and medium flux membranes (18.2±0.9%, 52.2±1.7%), whereas the concentrations remained unchanged with the low-flux membranes. After one-week period, a trend of reduction of plasma pre dialysis leptin and β2m were observed with HDF and medium flux membranes. At 60 minutes, HDF showed the best instantaneous clearance across the filter for leptin (56.2±10.1 ml/min) and β2m (75.3±4.4 ml/min). The magnitude of post dialysis rebound of leptin at 30 min was variable and strongly correlated with the instantaneous clearance of the solute (r2= 0.88).

Conclusions

Leptin serum concentration can be influenced by dialysis modalities and membrane permeability; data on rebound suggest a multicompartimental kinetic of leptin similar to β2m. Leptin removal, as measured by the reduction rate, can be considered as an index of dialysis efficiency for protein-bound uremic retention solutes.
Self-Management Protocol for a Moving-Actuator Type Artificial Heart
Authors: Nam K.W. , Chung J. , Choi S.W. , Sun K. , Min B.G.
Published: January 2018

In this paper, we describe the development of a self-management protocol for a controller of a moving-actuator type artificial heart, AnyHeart™. The developed protocol analyzes motor current signals and detects abnormal pumping statuses. If preset abnormal pumping statuses are detected by an implemented algorithm, a controller triggers an emergency management procedure and transmits an alarm message to predetermined medical and engineering staffs via a cellular phone network to notify them of an abnormal pumping status occurrence and its likely cause.

Results of in vitro performance experiments showed that the developed protocol can detect simulated abnormalities in motor current, manage the operating status of the blood pump during an emergency, and transmit an alarm message as desired.
Improved Neo-Endothelialization of Small Diameter ePTFE Grafts with Titanium Coating
Authors: Cikirikcioglu M. , Sedelnikov N. , Osorio-Da Cruz S. , Khabiri E. , Antal A. Donmez , Tatar T. , Tille J.-C. , Hess O.M. , Kalangos A. , Walpoth B.H.
Published: January 2018

Background

Patency of small synthetic bypass grafts is inferior compared to autologous grafts for revascularization procedures. Titanium coating of foreign surfaces has shown to decrease thrombogenicity, enhance biocompatibility and promote adhesion of endothelial cells. The aim of this study was to test the effect of titanium coating of small diameter ePTFE grafts on short term patency, neo-endothelialization and neointimal proliferation.

Methods

Bilateral carotid graft interposition was performed in 5 pigs with uncoated (n=5) and titanium-coated (n=5) ePTFE grafts (internal diameter=4 mm, length=5 cm), thus each pig served as its own control. At the end of the study (30 ± 3 days), patency and stenosis severity was assessed by carotid angiography. Animals were sacrificed and grafts were excised for histology and scanning electron microscopy. Morphometry of histologic sections was carried out to determine neointimal proliferation and percentage of neo-endothelial coverage.

Results

Patency rate was 80% for uncoated and titanium-coated grafts. Quantitative angiography did not show any significant difference in lumen size between two groups. Morphometry revealed a significantly higher cellular coverage with CD 31 positive endothelial cells for titanium-coated (84 ± 19%) than uncoated grafts (48 ± 26%, p<0.001). There was a non significant trend (p=0.112) towards increased neointimal proliferation in titanium-coated (94 ± 61 μm2/μm) compared to uncoated grafts (60 ± 57 μm2/μm).

Conclusions

Patency rate in uncoated and titanium-coated ePTFE grafts is similar at one month. However, titanium coated grafts show a significant improvement in neo-endothelialization compared to uncoated grafts.
Effect of Feeding Regulation Measures for Establishing Esophageal Channel Function in Neoesophagus Created with a Nitinol Artificial Esophagus
Authors: Liang Jian-hui , Cai Pin , Luo Zhon-ran , Liang Xian-liang , Zhou Xing
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This study attempted to observe the effect of feeding regulation measures (FRM) for the construction of an esophageal channel function in a neoesophagus using an artificial nitinol esophagus.

Methods

Experiments were divided among groups: group 1, receiving FRM; and group 2, the non-feeding regulation measures (NFRM) group.

Results

Ten pigs survived for 6 months without any complications such as anastomotic leakage. The shedding time of the artificial esophagus in group 1 was significantly delayed in comparison with group 2 (>180 ± 0.0 days vs. 75.6 ± 27.1 days, respectively, p<0.05). In group 1, the weight changes at 3 and 6 months postoperation were significantly different in comparison with preoperative values (t = 14.86, 9.17 > 2.78, respectively; p<0.05). In group 2, the weight changes at 3 and 6 months postoperation were significantly different in comparison with preoperative values (t = 7.95, 11.37 > 2.78, respectively; p<0.05).

Conclusions

FRM not only effectively delayed the shedding time of the artificial esophagus but also played a role in protecting the neoesophagus from stenosis, by functioned as a bougienage after artificial esophagus sloughing. Therefore, FRM is an effective way for establishing a stable eating channel in the neoesophagus when using a nitinol composite artificial esophagus to replace the resected segment of an intrathoracic esophagus.
Leukocyte Filtration Improves Pulmonary Function and Reduces the Need for Postoperative Non-Invasive Ventilation
Authors: Rubino Antonino S. , Serraino Giuseppe F. , Marsico Roberto , Ventura Valeria , Foti Daniela , Gulletta Elio , Renzulli Attilio
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Leukocyte depletion (LD) has been reported to reduce inflammatory damage during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We evaluated the role of LD in pulmonary function and inflammatory response.

Methods

Seventy consecutive CABG patients were randomized (1:1) to receive LD on both arterial and cardioplegia lines (Filters) or standard arterial filters (Controls) during CPB. Estimates of pulmonary function, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were collected pre-, intra- and postoperatively.

Results

Hospital mortality, intensive care and in-hospital lengths of stay were similar. Although duration of ventilation and incidence of pneumonia were comparable, leukodepleted patients showed higher PaO 2/FiO2 (p-between groups = 0.005; ICU arrival p = 0.023; 24 hours p = 0.039; 48 hours p<0.001) and lower need for postoperative non-invasive ventilation (NIV), (p = 0.029). Moreover, Filters showed lower inflammatory burst at 24 hours (IL-6 p<0.001; IL-8 p = 0.002) and 48 hours (IL-6 p = 0.015). This was associated with a lower release of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 (p-between groups = 0.030; ICU admission p = 0.002; 24 hours p = 0.003). Furthermore, IL-2 concentration proved higher in Filters (p-between groups = 0.013; ICU arrival p = 0.029; 24 hours p = 0.040; 48 hours p = 0.021) in association with lower leukocyte and platelet counts at ICU admission.

Conclusions

LD resulted in lower inflammatory burst and less need for release of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Although hospital outcomes were similar in terms of mortality and length of stay, improvements in pulmonary function and reduced need for postoperative NIV support the use of LD.
Crosstalk between Immune Cells and Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in a 3D Bioreactor System
Authors: Seifert Martina , Lubitz Annika , Trommer Jeanne , Könnig Darja , Korus Gabriela , Marx Uwe , Volk Hans-Dieter , Duda Georg , Kasper Grit , Lehmann Kerstin , Stolk Meaghan , Giese Christoph
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), known for their high immune modulatory capacity are promising tools for several cell-based therapies. To better mimic the in vivo situation of MSC interactions with immune cells, we applied an artificial lymph node (ALN)-bioreactor culture system combining a miniaturized perfusion bioreactor with a 3D matrix-based cell culture of immune competent cells forming micro-organoids.

Methods

Rat lymph node cells and allogeneic bone marrow-derived MSCs were seeded in a 20:1 ratio within the agarose matrix of the ALN-reactor. Lymphocytes were pre-incubated with Concanavalin A (ConA) and then co-cultured with MSC in the matrix with additional ConA in the perfusing medium. Live/dead staining showed survival of the co-cultures during the 8-day ALN-reactor run. Paraffin sections of bioreactor matrices were analyzed by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-specific staining to determine MSC proliferation. Immune modulatory capacity was defined by daily analysis of cytokine secretion profiles (TNFα, IFNγ, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40/p70, GM-CSF).

Results

Cytokine peak secretion at day 2 was significantly inhibited by MSCs for TNFα (96.8 ± 4.8%) and IFNγ (88.7 ± 12.0%) in 3D co-cultures. In contrast, other cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-12) were induced. Furthermore, we detected a significantly higher (58.8%) fraction of proliferating MSCs in the presence of immune cells compared to control bioreactors loaded with MSCs only.

Conclusions

In the future, this system might be an excellent tool to investigate the mechanisms of MSC-mediated immune modulation during simulated in vivo conditions.
Tenogenic Differentiation of Equine Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells under Indirect Co-Culture
Authors: Lovati Arianna B. , Corradetti Bruna , Cremonesi Fausto , Bizzaro Davide , Consiglio Anna Lange
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Adult bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are a potential cell source for tendon repair in direct cell therapy and tissue engineering investigations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tenogenic induction of undifferentiated BM-MSCs under indirect co-culture technique with trimmed native tendon tissue. Since the horse represents a preferred species to study tendon regenerative strategies, this work was conducted on equine BM-MSCs.

Methods

Equine BM-MSCs were co-cultured in a transwell system with tendon tissue fragments. The BM-MSC tenogenic differentiation was evaluated by cytochemical staining and real time PCR for gene expression. Cell viability in tendon fragments and cultured cells was analyzed.

Results

Our results indicate that under indirect co-culture with native and healthy tendon tissue the BM-MSCs expressed tendon-specific markers such as decorin, tenomodulin, tenascin-C, and collagen type I. They also retained a tenocyte-like phenotype during monolayer culture.

Conclusions

Data are very encouraging for future in vitro investigations into committing cells to the tenogenic lineage without adding growth factors or serum to the culture medium for both cell therapy and tissue engineering.
Acute Care Use for Ambulatory Care–Sensitive Conditions in High-Cost Users of Medical Care with Mental Illness and Addictions
Authors: Hensel Jennifer M. , Taylor Valerie H. , Fung Kinwah , Yang Rebecca , Vigod Simone N.
Published: January 2018

Objective:

The role of mental illness and addiction in acute care use for chronic medical conditions that are sensitive to ambulatory care management requires focussed attention. This study examines how mental illness or addiction affects risk for repeat hospitalization and/or emergency department use for ambulatory care–sensitive conditions (ACSCs) among high-cost users of medical care.

Method:

A retrospective, population-based cohort study using data from Ontario, Canada. Among the top 10% of medical care users ranked by cost, we determined rates of any and repeat care use (hospitalizations and emergency department [ED] visits) between April 1, 2011, and March 31, 2012, for 14 consensus established ACSCs and compared them between those with and without diagnosed mental illness or addiction during the 2 years prior. Risk ratios were adjusted (aRR) for age, sex, residence, and income quintile.

Results:

Among 314,936 high-cost users, 35.9% had a mental illness or addiction. Compared to those without, individuals with mental illness or addiction were more likely to have an ED visit or hospitalization for any ACSC (22.8% vs. 19.6%; aRR, 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-1.23). They were also more likely to have repeat ED visits or hospitalizations for the same ACSC (6.2% vs. 4.4% of those without; aRR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.44-1.53). These associations were stronger in stratifications by mental illness diagnostic subgroup, particularly for those with a major mental illness.

Conclusions:

The presence of mental illness and addiction among high-cost users of medical services may represent an unmet need for quality ambulatory and primary care.
Accrediting high-school students’ part-time work to support effective transitions to, through and beyond university
Authors: Evans Carl , Richardson Mark
Published: January 2018

Models of accrediting work-based learning are now commonplace in universities. The purpose of this viewpoint article is to highlight an opportunity for universities not only to accredit students’ part-time work against the degree award but also to extend the process into schools by accrediting the part-time work undertaken by year 12 and 13 students against their future degree studies. The operations and benefit of adopting such an approach from the perspective of all stakeholders are discussed. Accrediting year 12 and 13 students, and giving appropriate unit credit against the subsequent degree studies, provides universities with enhanced relationships and potential student buy-in and thereby may increase recruitment. It also brings the employability agenda to the forefront and aids students’ transition to university. The approach described here offers universities an opportunity to develop relationships with schools and colleges and to encourage buy-in for students to progress to degree programmes. While students’ part-time work activities have received much academic scrutiny, the suggestion to accredit pre-university students’ work experience to gain accreditation for future degree studies offers a distinct proposition for universities. There are also a number of challenges to be addressed if it is to work effectively, and these too are outlined.
Approximate analytic solution of motion for spacecraft around an oblate planet
Authors: Wang Lei , Zheng Wei
Published: January 2018

The oblateness of a planet has an important effect on the surrounding spacecraft and is usually regarded as a significant perturbation factor to spacecraft’s motion. In this paper, an approximate analytic solution of motion for spacecraft which considering this perturbation factor is investigated. The perturbed dynamic model which taking true anomaly as the independent variable is firstly built in non-inertial coordinate system moving with a Kepler two-body orbit, then the six-dimensional state transition matrix about the state deviation vector is introduced. After that, the expression of J2 term’s gravitational potential in this non-inertial coordinate system is obtained based on spherical trigonometry, and the analytic solution for every variable of the state deviation vector is then derived by complicated mathematic transformation. Numerical simulation results done by the presented method have been compared with that done by numerical integration as well as an existing first-order analytic solution. The comparison results show that the presented method has high accuracy, and is more accurate than the first-order analytic solution within one or few orbit revolutions, which makes it more suitable for short-term orbit prediction of the satellites, especially for those suborbital flight vehicles.
High-pressure ratio centrifugal compressor with two different fishtail pipe diffuser configurations
Authors: Han Ge , Yang Chengwu , Li Ziliang , Zhang Yingjie , Zhao Shengfeng , Lu Xingen
Published: January 2018

To improve fishtail pipe diffuser outflow uniformity, deswirlers and splitters are added inside and after fishtail pipe diffuser passages for a compact centrifugal compressor. The influence of clocking effects between the deswirler and fishtail pipe diffuser passage is first studied to find the optimum clocking position. The performances of these two configurations are then compared, and their loss mechanisms are determined. Finally, the compressor exit flow conditions are estimated. Either adding the deswirler after the fishtail passages or adding splitters inside the fishtail passages tends to degrade the compressor performance. The intensity of the vortices in the fishtail passages is increased; therefore, losses are induced when a deswirler is added after the fishtail passage. As splitters are added inside the fishtail passages, flow separation is observed at the splitter suction side near the hub as a result of the large incidence angle near the splitter hub and results in large losses. Adding a deswirler after fishtail passages has a negative effect on the compressor outlet flow uniformity but can eliminate the residual swirl angle. Adding splitters in fishtail diffuser passages is recommended to decrease the compressor outlet non-uniformity and residual swirl angle. Through this work, physical insight into complex flows in these two configurations is obtained to provide guidelines on a diffusing system design with a fishtail pipe diffuser.
Analysis of generation cost changes during China’s energy transition
Authors: Qiang Wenli , Niu Shuwen , Liu Xiaojie , Wang Xiang , Jia Zhuo , Dai Runqi
Published: January 2018

How to cut down power generation cost is an important issue during energy system transformation. This study examines the pathway of China’s coal-fired and clean power’s unit generation cost changes during 2007–2015 and predicts the change trends of each type of power between 2016 and 2025. The results show that the cost of coal-fired power will increase to 0.50–0.73 Yuan/kWh in 2025 because of the stricter environmental regulations and the establishment of a nationwide carbon emission trading market. Conversely, the cost of clean energy power, with the exception of hydropower, shows a decreasing trend between 2007 and 2025, with the costs of nuclear power, solar power, and wind power declining from 0.40, 4.34, and 0.56 Yuan/kWh to 0.33, 0.31, and 0.49 Yuan/kWh, respectively. However, the cost of hydropower displays an increasing trend from 0.22 to 0.26 Yuan/kWh during 2007–2025 due to increases in construction costs. Considering the external cost increases applying to coal-fired power and the declining trend caused by the learning rates of renewable power, the cost of all the clean energy power will be lower than the costs of coal-fired power before 2025. The cost sharing of coal-fired power is also analyzed in this study. However, there are a number of relevant economic and policy measures that are needed to be taken by the government to fulfill this transformation.
A transversal perspective on global energy production and consumption: An approach based on convergence theory
Authors: Martinho Vítor JPD
Published: January 2018

The transformation of economies and societies associated with technological advances made during the 20th century has not only significantly increased global energy consumption but also placed greater pressure upon production using non-renewable sources. Such circumstances have generated new challenges and urged governments as well as firms to identify and promote new sources of renewable energy. In response to those trends, the chief objective of the study reported here was to analyse the current global framework of the production and consumption of energy obtained from different origins in order to identify opportunities and constraints regarding energy production and consumption that exist among various countries. To that end, data from the World Bank regarding the production and consumption of global energy were analysed in light of the neoclassical and endogenous growth theories of absolute and conditional convergence, respectively, and in terms of panel data models. To reconcile the availability of data across the various countries, data for the period 1990–2013 were used. The data show signs of relevant dispersion among countries and evidence of sigma convergence in the majority of variables associated with global energy supply and demand. Conversely, other evidence indicates a significant absolute convergence of the global production and consumption of energy. Put differently, although significant differences in energy production and consumption among the world’s countries exist, so do signs of convergence, namely, that lower values in some countries are by way of approximation of those verified in countries with higher values. That situation is not necessarily detrimental in terms of renewable sources of energy; however, it is not the case in every context (in some cases the convergence is for the fossil fuel energy, for example). From a strategic perspective, the results recommend policies better customised at the various levels of decision making to promote renewable sources of energy.
When social knowledge turns mathematical – The role of formalisation in the sociology of time
Authors: Matei Ştefania , Preda Marian
Published: January 2018

The paper argues that a mathematical approach might contribute to the consolidation of time as an epistemic object, while strengthening the sociology of time as a more influential domain in social sciences. This might be accomplished due to the performative role of mathematical formalisations. Also, it means appropriating the textual reality resulted in formalising processes as a space which researchers act through and upon. Thus, mathematical formalisations should be understood not only as modelling and data processing devices but also as relevant actors in networks of knowledge production. In this context, we reassess the practice of formalisation by proposing a vocabulary through which mathematical language might be used to meaningfully approach the socio-temporal order, with positive consequences in the reinforcement of a scientific community of practice.
’A Comparative Analysis of Regional Innovation Characteristics Using an Innovation Actor Framework
Authors: Han Sungho , Yoo Gwang Min , Kwak Sunjoo
Published: January 2018

Knowledge, a fundamental component of innovation, expands more effectively when innovation actors are in geographical proximity to each other. Innovation in each region is driven by innovation actors, and thus, the innovation capability of a region is directly linked to the activities of innovation actors in that region. In keeping with this perspective, this study was conducted in order to present the characteristics of the cross-regional innovation capability using an analytical framework of regional innovation actors, such as research institutes, technology intermediaries, universities and firms. In order to analyse the position of each Korean region’s innovation actors, this study classified research subjects from the 2013 National Research and Development Investment Program Information into seven sub-categories and utilised them as the data for the analysis. Multiple factor analysis (MFA), which compresses the various indices effectively, was applied in order to classify the regions that have similar innovation actors into a small number of categories. Based on the factors derived from MFA, the innovation characteristics of sixteen regions were examined. The results showed that the innovation actors differ across regions, although Seoul, Gyeonggi and Daejeon are ahead of all other regions in terms of innovation activity. The policy implications of this analysis are as follows: first, the imbalance in the innovation capabilities among regions must be improved. Second, differentiated regional innovation policies are required because the innovator actors who lead regional innovation differ from region to region.
MicroRNA-19 contributes to the malignant phenotypes of osteosarcoma in vitro by targeting Pax6
Authors: Meng Qingbing , Dai Ming , Nie Xuejun , Zhang Wensheng , Xu Xingli , Li Jian , Mu Hongxin , Liu Xiaolan , Qin Ling , Zhu Xiaoqi , Yan Jun , Zheng Minqian
Published: January 2018

This study was conducted to detect the expression of miR-19 and Pax6 (Paired box protein 6) in human osteosarcoma cells and the effects on biological characteristics of osteosarcoma cells. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of Pax6 and miR-19 in normal human osteoblasts (hFOB 1.19) and osteosarcoma cell lines (U2OS, Saos-2, and MG-63). Results showed that miR-19 was significantly upregulated in osteosarcoma cell lines compared with that in hFOB 1.19 cells, while the expression of Pax6 messenger RNA was significantly downregulated. Pax6 was defined as the target gene of miR-19 which was validated by luciferase reporter gene analysis. Results indicated that miR-19 had an interaction with Pax6 3′-untranslated region. At the same time, the protein expression of Pax6 was significantly decreased in the MG-63 cells transfected with miR-19 mimic and was notably enhanced in osteosarcoma MG-63 cells transfected with miR-19 inhibitor. These data suggested that Pax6 was a target of miR-19 in osteosarcoma MG-63 cells. The effects of miR-19 on the biological behavior of MG-63 cells were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, flow cytometry, and Transwell assay. Results showed that the downregulation of miR-19 inhibited cell viability, reduced the percentage of cells in S phase and the number of cells passing through the Transwell chamber, and increased the number of apoptotic cells. Western blot analysis showed that the inhibition of miR-19 significantly increased the expression of epithelial proteins (E-cadherin and β-catenin) and decreased the expression of mesenchymal protein (Vimentin), extracellular signal–regulated kinase, and phosphorylated extracellular signal–regulated kinase in MG-63 cells. MiR-19 inhibitor and Pax6 small interfering RNA were simultaneously transfected into MG-63 cells. Results from 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, flow cytometry, and Transwell assay demonstrated that the inhibition of Pax6 expression in MG-63 cells could reverse the cell biological effects induced by the inhibition of miR-19 expression. Based on these findings, it was suggested that miR-19, upregulated in osteosarcoma cells, negatively regulated the expression of Pax6, which can promote the malignant phenotypes of osteosarcoma cells via activation of the extracellular signal–regulated kinase signaling pathways. Therefore, miR-19/Pax6 may offer potential for use as a target for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
The Historical Perspectives on Evaluation project
Authors: Sharp Colin A.
Published: January 2018

A teenager, approaching the magical twenty years might be expected to ask: ‘Where have I come from? Why am I different?’ With over 21 years of National (and International) Evaluation Conferences behind it the Australasian Evaluation Society (AES), which is still only a teenager, is expected to ask these questions. Indeed, at the recent Auckland Conference it venerated its oldies, and bestowed on some of them the title of ‘Fellow’, including the role of searching for answers to these and similar questions on behalf of the AES. It was also clear from some misconceptions and incorrect mathematics that there are still a significant number of practitioners of evaluation, and AES members, who are in need of some answers.
Role Dualisms during Fieldwork
Authors: Hurworth Rosalind , Argirides Andrea
Published: January 2018

Textbooks often describe roles taken on during participant observation and case study in quite simplistic terms. The idea conveyed is that the evaluator assumes a role and remains in that role for the duration of the evaluation. This paper examines two projects in education and health where this was certainly not the case, as each involved complex role dualisms that had to be confronted. The authors describe the dilemmas faced and how they can be addressed.
Measuring Success: Factors Impacting on the Implementation and Use of Performance Measurement within Victoria's Human Services Agencies
Authors: Ramage Paul , Armstrong Anona
Published: January 2018

Evaluation of performance is now an accepted human resource management practice in many organisations. The research reported in this paper identifies factors impacting on the implementation and use of performance measurement systems in Victoria's human services agencies. It applied a conceptual framework to evaluate the influence of rational/scientific and political/cultural factors on their implementation. The results indicate that both political/cultural and rational/scientific influences are present when human services organisations in Victoria implement and use performance measurement systems. While the results do not contain an exhaustive list of influences that may impact on an organisation's performance measurement efforts, they do provide confirmation of the existence of these two distinct categories of influences, and are useful in understanding how such factors may affect the operation of performance measures. This paper advances our knowledge of how to develop new approaches that more effectively manage the implementation and utilisation of performance measures. The results will be of interest to human service organisations, government departments that fund these agencies and to those with an interest in the accountability of publicly funded bodies.
PEW: ‘Dances with Budgies’: The Development of the Planning and Evaluation Wizard—a Cautionary Tale
Authors: Aylward Paul , Murray Charlie , Cooke Richard , Martin Maryanne
Published: January 2018

The following account is based on the reflections of the authors1 of the Planning and Evaluation Wizard (PEW), a software tool produced by the South Australian Community Health Research Unit (SACHRU), which aims to assist project officers working in primary health care. Accessible from the SACHRU website2 or on CD-ROM, PEW takes the user through the steps of developing grant applications, project and evaluation plans, (including budgets) and project reports.

PEW provides practical suggestions as users progress through the stages, based on the experience of project officers, SACHRU staff, and drawing on relevant literature.

This paper is a cautionary tale of hope, struggle, compromise and endurance, a tale where the PEW protagonists were drawn into a series of prolonged and contorted ‘dances’ in the honourable pursuit of developing a software tool to enhance evaluation in primary health care3.
‘What if’: The counterfactual in program evaluation
Authors: Cummings Rick
Published: January 2018

How do evaluators provide the best evidence of program outcomes to stakeholders? The current focus on impact evaluation and the adjoining debate over the suitability of various designs for rigorously measuring program outcomes begs the question of what are the most suitable alternative outcomes with which to compare program outcomes. In essence this is asking what is the counterfactual, how should it be measured and what is an appropriate method of comparing the outcomes of a program and the counterfactual. Although measurement of outcomes is a major issue in evaluation, the counterfactual does not appear often in the evaluation literature, whereas it is widely used in the fields of history, political science, philosophy and psychology. This article attempts to commence the process of filling in this gap by focusing on the role and measurement of the counterfactual in program evaluation. The underlying logic of the counterfactual is explored and some approaches to its measurement are discussed. The approach is described in detail using an example from a recent evaluation study of a crime prevention program in Western Australia. The potential benefits of measuring the counterfactual are explored, particularly in relation to providing influential information to key stakeholders.
Needs assessment in hidden populations using respondent-driven sampling
Authors: Coryn Chris Ls , Gugiu P Cristian , Davidson E Jane , Schröter Daniela C
Published: January 2018

One of the primary methods for identifying relevant evaluative criteria or dimensions of merit for evaluating programs is assessing the needs of a program's target population. These criteria, or dimensions, are the attributes of the evaluand, which are used for determining how good or how effectively a program is meeting the target population's needs. However, identifying relevant criteria for many human and social service programs, especially those serving hidden populations (e.g. injection drug users, HIV-positives, homosexuals, prostitutes, and the homeless), poses numerous practical and methodological challenges. Using a case study approach, this article describes how Heckathorn's (1997) respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used to access and draw estimates from the homeless population in a mid-sized urban community in the United States as part of an evaluation that included assessing the population's performance needs, gathering baseline data, and as one source for identifying the relevant criteria by which the program was evaluated.
Utilisation of findings from the evaluation of a major primary mental health care initiative in Australia
Authors: Kohn Fay , Pirkis Jane , Morley Belinda , Naccarella Lucio , Blashki Grant
Published: January 2018

Much has been written about evaluation utilisation from a theoretical perspective, but relatively less emphasis has been given to empirical studies that examine how the findings from given evaluations are utilised. The current study examined the nature and extent of utilisation of the findings from an ongoing evaluation of a key component of a major national primary mental health care initiative in Australia. The initiative is known as the Better Outcomes in Mental Health Care (BOiMHC) program, and the component involves 111 Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) projects, which provide mental health care to people who might otherwise have difficulty accessing such services. Nine reports have been produced during the evaluation of the ATAPS projects, and the current study explored how various stakeholders have used the first eight of these reports, via semi-structured interviews with 10 purposefully sampled respondents. The study revealed that the findings in the reports have been put to instrumental use (e.g. influencing decisions about program modification), conceptual use (e.g. furthering the knowledge base regarding the delivery of primary mental health care in general) and symbolic or legitimative use (e.g. confirming the original philosophy behind the BOiMHC program). Various reasons may account for this wide range of uses, including the fact that every effort has been made to identify all relevant stakeholders, garner their support for the evaluation from the outset, and communicate the evaluation findings to them in a relevant manner. The study provides empirical evidence that evaluation findings can be widely utilised, providing they are geared to the needs of the relevant stakeholders.
Evaluating a community initiative with a focus on Indigenous health
Authors: Neale Jenny , Tavila Aliitasi
Published: January 2018

Porirua Healthlinks Trust, a community organization in the Greater Wellington area, has been mounting an annual ‘Creek Fest’ since 2004. This is a one-day event that focuses on health and culture. It has become increasingly successful particularly in attracting large numbers of Pacific and Maori peoples who live in the immediate locality as well as those from further away. The fest held in March 2006 was evaluated to determine whether it was meeting its stated objectives and what else the organization might do to achieve its health-related goals with regard to this initiative. Of the 500 questionnaires handed out on the day, nearly 400 were completed for analysis. This article draws on both the results of the survey and the process used to report on the evaluation of the fest. The self-administered questionnaire with interviewer-assisted delivery was seen to be the key to obtaining such a high response rate. Implications for undertaking evaluations in ethnically diverse communities are discussed.
The Political Context of Evaluation: What does this Mean for Independence and Objectivity?
Authors: Markiewicz Anne
Published: January 2018

Evaluation takes place within a political and stakeholder context that has benefits for the relevance and usefulness of the evaluation. However, the politicised context also presents challenges in preserving evaluator independence and objectivity, with potential adverse consequences for the credibility of the evaluation. This article proposes that evaluators need to recognise and negotiate these challenges effectively to ensure that a quality evaluation results.
Evaluation: A Booming Business but is it Adding Value?1
Authors: Leeuw Frans L
Published: January 2018

Evaluation, monitoring, inspection and performance auditing have become a booming business. The numbers of professional societies have strongly increased and there are so many studies that authors recently referred to them as ‘streams’ and ‘fleets’. Evaluation has also been called a ‘positive social epidemic’. This article reveals that the booming business not only has positive consequences and ‘added value’, but also unwanted downsides. ‘Evaluation machines’, ‘death by evaluation’, ‘evaluitis’ and the ‘performance paradox’ are examples.

This article presents three possible explanations for the situation in which a booming business goes hand in hand with the beginnings of diminishing returns of evaluation for society. The first explanation is that evaluations are becoming part of management support systems that produce information that often only reinforces management decisions. The second looks into the unintended and negative consequences of ‘paradigm wars’. And the third suggestion deals with the limited explanatory power of evaluations.
Evaluation of a Special Education Professional Development Program
Authors: Piggot-Irvine Eileen
Published: January 2018

An earlier article in EJA (Piggot-Irvine 2008) reported on the background, methodology and overall results for an evaluation study of a special education teacher professional development project that involved action research (AR) or action learning (AL). The ‘Success Case study’ component that constituted the third phase of the evaluation is reported here. The Success Case studies confirmed the most significant outcome of the previous survey (Phase 1) and focus group (Phase 2), that is, an overwhelming willingness of staff and supporters to see students with special education needs excel. Additional distinctive elements emerged that were common to all Success Case schools and the most significant included that: projects were at a small-scale, manageable, level; the classic stages of AR and AL were followed, even though schools may not have been aware of these stages; data/evidence was used to examine both the current situation and outcomes; and ‘best practice’ and/or a relevant literature underpinned this examination.
Evaluating Peer-based Youth Programs: Barriers and Enablers
Authors: Lobo Roanna , Mcmanus Alexandra , Brown Graham , Hildebrand Janina , Maycock Bruce
Published: January 2018

Peer-based programs are increasingly used by community organisations to support vulnerable youth who are at risk of developing mental health problems. Such programs are as diverse as the populations they support and include: drop-in services; peer education; as well as camps and online discussion forums for hard-to-reach populations that may not access more conventional forms of support, owing to issues of stigma or accessibility (for example, same-sex-attracted youth and teenage parents). There has been limited evaluation of peer-based community programs. Therefore, the lack of evidence of program effectiveness makes it difficult for service providers to secure continuous funding and threatens program sustainability. This article reports on a study designed to investigate barriers and enablers associated with evaluating peer-based youth programs. The resulting implications for policy, practice and research are discussed.
Evaluating a print-based ‘sustainability by stealth’ guide in the project home industry
Authors: Kuiper Gabrielle , Collier Grahame
Published: January 2018

How can we encourage people to make more sustainable choices? And how do we evaluate the effectiveness of material designed to encourage them to do so? These are vital questions in a world where addressing issues of environmental sustainability and climate change is becoming increasingly urgent.

In 2008, Clarendon Residential Group and its then parent company Investa1 responded to the need to encourage project homebuyers to be more sustainable by producing Your Home Buyer's Guide. This publication was designed to inform potential customers about the sustainable range of options that might be considered in the building of their home. A key task was then to evaluate the extent to which the publication was used and had made an impact.

This article describes the evaluation of the Guide and how the evaluation was able to come to conclusions about: the process of preparing the document; the response of customers to the Guide; and the ongoing challenges for educating project homebuyers about sustainability.

The evaluation concluded that the Your Home Buyer's Guide project illustrates how print material can educate and encourage people to make different choices with regard to sustainability without the motivational material being outwardly ‘green’ in its focus. It was also established that even for print projects such as this, it is possible (indeed desirable) to conduct a multi-level evaluation—and that such an evaluation is able to provide evidence for the effectiveness of the product and efficiency for the process.
Executive Officer for the AES
Authors: Woodward Alan
Published: January 2018

The AES is pleased to announce the appointment of its inaugural Executive Officer, Maria Eliadis (pictured), who commenced in this role with the AES on 4 July 2011. She has a fractional 0.6 appointment and will be assisted by the newly appointed Administration and Membership Manager, Anita Newbery.

Maria presents us with a wonderful blend of competencies having been a member of the AES, an evaluation consultant and a senior manager for professional membership and not-for-profit organisations. Maria is based in Melbourne and will be establishing a Melbourne-based office for the AES.

The AES is very pleased to have engaged Maria and looks forward to working with her to achieve the objectives outlined in the AES Strategic Plan (2010-2020).
Systemic Evaluation, Impact Evaluation and Logic Models
Authors: Renger Ralph , Wood Shandiin , Williamson Simon , Krapp Stefanie
Published: January 2018

Evaluators are yet to define systemic evaluation adequately. With respect to impact evaluation, systemic evaluators are critical of current methods such as simple logic models, or logframes, for capturing the contextual complexity in which programs operate. Despite a lack of clarity about what constitutes a systemic evaluation, many evaluators are suggesting it is a better alternative for capturing the true complexity of the context in which a program operates. However, capturing complexity is itself complex, resulting in amorphous and ambiguous approaches and results. This can create problems in relation to evaluation capacity building, usability of results, and evaluator credibility. This article demonstrates how methods such as simple logic models or logic models grounded in situational awareness can be an ally in bridging clients' understanding, so that systemic evaluation is not perceived to be new, but rather something that continues to build on past investments.
‘Evaluation that Empowers’: A Model for Generating Evaluation-Minded Organisations
Authors: Greenaway Lesley
Published: January 2018

This article introduces the notion of ‘Evaluation that Empowers’ (EtE) as a model for generating ‘evaluation-mindedness’, which means to convey a deep and sustainable shift in organisational practice. The author developed the EtE Model through a literature review and a case study that involved examining evaluation practice in action. This article presents the initial findings from this research. What emerges is a framework for guiding evaluation practices that are participatory, empowering, sustainable and embedded.