bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Intestinal Cellular Glucose Uptake by Phenolics Extracted from Whole Wheat Grown at Different Locations
Authors: Shamloo Maryam , Jones Peter J. H. , Eck Peter K.
Published: March 2018

Whole grain consumption is associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, and the underlying mechanism might be related to the actions of polyphenols. Dietary polyphenols contribute to low glycemic indices through inhibition of intestinal glucose transport proteins. This study has two objectives: (1) to evaluate how the contents of phenolic acids in wheat vary by genetic background and growth condition and (2) to evaluate how these changes translate into physiologic relevance by investigating cellular glucose transporter inhibitions. Phenolic acids were extracted from wheat varieties grown at different locations over two crop years. The degree of inhibition of glucose uptake into human Caco-2E cells was determined. Free and bound phenolic acid extracts of all wheat genotypes inhibited glucose uptake. Degree of glucose uptake inhibitions positively correlated with the contents of free and bound phenolic acids, and the correlation coefficients were R2=0.91 and R2=0.89, respectively. Genotype and environment influenced the content of free and bound phenolic acids which linearly translated to the degree of glucose uptake inhibition in a model of intestinal absorption (P<0.05). Results of this work mechanistically support the hypothesis that dietary phenols positively influence the glycemic index and therefore the health properties of whole grain consumption.
Effects of Partial Replacement of Pork Meat with Chicken or Duck Meat on the Texture, Flavor, and Consumer Acceptance of Sausage
Authors: Lee Namrye , Kwak Han Sub , Joo Jae-young , Kang Jinsoo , Lee Youngseung
Published: March 2018

This study investigated the textural and sensory characteristics of sausage, where pork meat was partially replaced with chicken or duck meat (5–30% replacement). Nine treatments including the control (100% pork) were used in this study. TPA showed hardness to be decreasing as larger proportions of chicken or duck meat were substituted for pork meat. Descriptive analysis revealed that greater amounts of chicken or duck meat produced lower intensities of hardness, springiness, and chewiness and tended to increase juiciness. The control was least liked by consumers, while the overall liking (OL) tended to increase as the chicken content rose. The OL for the duck-substituted sausage was highest in samples containing 5% duck meat and tended to decrease as more duck meat was added. The substitution of chicken or duck meat made the sausage more acceptable by adding softness and juiciness. Based on consumers’ OL, 30% of chicken or 5% of duck meat is recommended to replace pork meat in sausage.
The Effect of Selected Fruit Juice Concentrates Used as Osmotic Agents on the Drying Kinetics and Chemical Properties of Vacuum-Microwave Drying of Pumpkin
Authors: Lech Krzysztof , Figiel Adam , Michalska Anna , Wojdyło Aneta , Nowicka Paulina
Published: March 2018

The study examined the osmotic dehydration of pumpkin slices in chokeberry, flowering quince, and raspberry concentrated juices. Products obtained were subjected to vacuum-microwave finish drying (VMD). The objective of the study was to evaluate the drying kinetics and the chemical properties, that is, total polyphenolics content and antioxidant capacity of the vacuum-microwave-dried pumpkin products. The concentration and temperature of the juices were 40°Brix and 45°C, respectively. The pumpkin slices were pretreated in concentrated juices for 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 6 hours. Vacuum-microwave finish drying was carried out at the power of magnetrons that ensured the maintenance of the safe temperature (below 90°C) of the slices measured with the use of infrared camera. The results of the study showed that the moisture content of samples during the pretreatment in concentrated juices was decreasing until the equilibrium stage. The logarithmic model was used to describe the drying kinetics of pumpkin during VMD. Osmotic pretreatment resulted in a decrease in colour coordinates, improved the antioxidant activity of dried product, and prolonged the duration of VMD.
Chinese Mobile Health APPs for Hypertension Management: A Systematic Evaluation of Usefulness
Authors: Liang Jun , He Xiaojun , Jia Yuxi , Zhu Wei , Lei Jianbo
Published: March 2018

Objective. To analyze and compare the usefulness of hypertension management APPs released in the Chinese market; to understand the general situations, characteristics, problems, and trends in hypertension management mHealth APPs; and to identify the gaps between mainland China products and non-mainland China products with the aim to provide recommendations for developers in industry and assist hypertensive patients in selecting suitable APPs.Methods. The hypertension management APPs available by October 2016 in China were analyzed from the perspective of data items and function usefulness. Sample sets were determined through PRISMA. An evaluation item set was developed based on the usability framework of TURF and theChinese Guideline for the Management of Hypertensionand used to quantitatively analyze the functionalities and data items collected from the sample APPs from the perspective of designers, users, and activity models.Results. Among the 73 Chinese-supported APPs, none of the hypertension management APPs could fully cover the usefulness item set (mean = 37.4%). Regarding the use of mobile terminal hardware, only cameras and positioning sensors are commonly used in information collection. Regarding the data items and services provided, the most commonly collected data are “demographic information” (88% versus 100%) and “vital signs” (76% versus 100%), but APPs developed in mainland China and non-mainland China provided significantly different services and profit-making patterns. Regarding data security and privacy protection, the APPs from mainland China provided far lower usefulness (31% versus 56%).Conclusions. mHealth APPs can promptly and efficiently acquire sign-related data by improving the professionality and scientificity of data about healthy living habits. APPs also improve the preventive usefulness of the collected data and bring about new opportunities for the management and control of hypertension. Other important research trends include privacy protection and data security.
Quantum Gravity Effects in Statistical Mechanics with Modified Dispersion Relation
Authors: Biswas Shovon , Faruk Mir Mehedi
Published: March 2018

Planck scale inspired theories which are also often accompanied with maximum energy and/or momentum scale predict deformed dispersion relations compared to ordinary special relativity and quantum mechanics. In this paper, we resort to the methods of statistical mechanics in order to determine the effects of a deformed dispersion relation along with an upper bound in the partition function that maximum energy and/or momentum scale can have on the thermodynamics of photon gas. We also analyzed two distinct quantum gravity models in this paper.
Common Coupled Fixed Point Theorem for Geraghty-Type Contraction in Partially Ordered Metric Spaces
Authors: Liu Xiao-lan , Zhou Mi , Damjanović Boško
Published: March 2018

We study the existence and uniqueness of common coupled fixed point of four self-mappings for Geraghty-type contraction using weakly compatible mappings in partially ordered metric spaces with common limit range property (denoted by (CLRST)), the property of E.A, and so on. It is noted that the continuity of mappings and completeness of spaces can be removed. Our results improve, extend, complement, and generalize several existing results in the literature. Also, some examples are provided to illustrate the usability of our results.
Metformin Inhibits Mouse Islet Insulin Secretion and Alters Intracellular Calcium in a Concentration-Dependent and Duration-Dependent Manner near the Circulating Range
Authors: Gelin Lindor , Li Jiewen , Corbin Kathryn L. , Jahan Ishrat , Nunemaker Craig S.
Published: March 2018

Metformin is considered the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. While metformin primarily increases insulin sensitivity, evidence also suggests that metformin affects the activity of insulin-secreting pancreatic islets. This study was designed to systematically examine the direct effects of metformin by measuring insulin secretion and the kinetics of the calcium response to glucose stimulation in isolated mouse islets using varying concentrations (20 μM, 200 μM, and 1 mM) and durations (~1, 2, and 3 days) of metformin exposure. We observed both concentration- and duration-dependent inhibitory effects of metformin. Concentrations as little as 20 μM (nearing circulating therapeutic levels) were sufficient to reduce insulin secretion following 3-day treatment. Concentrations of 200 μM and 1 mM produced more pronounced effects more rapidly. With 1 mM metformin, islets showed severe impairments in calcium handling, inhibition of insulin secretion, and increased cell death. No stimulatory effects of metformin were observed for any experimental endpoint. We conclude that the direct effects of metformin on islets are inhibitory at near-physiological concentrations. Beneficial effects of metformin observed on islets under various stressors may occur by “resting” fatigued cellular processes. However, metformin may have unintended consequences on normally functioning islets within the circulating range that require further evaluation.
Children under Five from Houses of Unclean Fuel Sources and Poorly Ventilated Houses Have Higher Odds of Suffering from Acute Respiratory Infection in Wolaita-Sodo, Southern Ethiopia: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Admasie Amha , Kumie Abera , Worku Alemayehu
Published: March 2018

Background. Acute respiratory tract infection is the most common illness in childhood. Ninety-five percent (99% of rural and 80% of urban) of households in Ethiopia primarily use solid fuel for cooking. This study investigated the effect of household fuel use and house ventilation on acute respiratory infection in children, Wolaita-Sodo, Southern Ethiopia. Methods. A community based case-control study design was used, covering a sample of 1144 children with ratio of 1 : 3 (286 cases and 858 controls) aged between 0 and 59 months. A case was defined as a child who suffered from cough, followed by short, rapid breathing in the last two weeks that preceded the survey, while control was defined as a child who had not any of the respiratory infection signs and symptoms. Study subjects were recruited after a census from households. Data were entered using EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results. The proportion of children aged 1–3 years and 3–5 years was 76% and 24%, respectively. Two-thirds of children lived in households that used solid fuels for cooking (charcoal 62.76% and biomass 24.73%). The majority of households (83%) used open/traditional three-stone stoves. Unclean fuel users for cooking (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.03–4.22), poorly ventilated houses (AOR = 4.32, 95% CI 2.61–7.15), large family size (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.31–2.62), and carrying of a child while cooking (AOR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.18–2.34) were significant risk factors of acute respiratory infection in children under five. Conclusions. Children from houses of unclean fuel sources and poorly ventilated houses were more likely to be affected by acute respiratory infection. Using clean energy sources and improved stoves is highly suggested.
Gravity Load Collapse Behavior of Nonengineered Reinforced Concrete Columns
Authors: Boonmee Chichaya , Rodsin Kittipoom , Sriboonma Krissachai
Published: March 2018

This paper aims at investigating gravity load collapse behavior of extremely poor quality reinforced concrete columns under cyclic loading. Such columns were usually constructed by local people and may not be designed to meet any of the standards. It was found that their concrete strength may be as low as 5 MPa and the amount of longitudinal reinforcement may be lower than 1%. This type of column is deliberately defined as “nonengineered reinforced concrete column,” or NRCC. During earthquake, the gravity load collapse of the NRCC columns caused a large number of death tolls around the world. In this study, four columns as representative of existing NRCC were tested under cyclic loading. The compressive strength of concrete in order of 5 MPa was used to be representative of columns with poor quality concrete. Two axial load levels of 6 and 18 tons were used to study the influence of axial load level on maximum drift at gravity load collapse. To investigate the effect of bar types on drift capacity, 9 mm round bars were used in two specimens and 12 mm deformed bars were used for the rest of the specimens. The maximum drift before gravity load collapse was very dependent on the axial load level. The maximum drift of the specimens subjected to high axial load (18 tons) was extremely low at approximately 1.75% drifts. The use of deformed bars (associated with larger amount of longitudinal reinforcement) caused the damage to severely dissipate all over the height of the columns. Such damage caused columns to collapse at a lower drift compared to those using round bars. Finally, the plastic hinge model was used to predict the maximum drift of the low strength columns. It was found that the model overly underestimates the drift at gravity load collapse.
A Comparative Study between Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Fentanyl to Relieve Shoulder Pain during Laparoscopic Gynecologic Surgery under Spinal Anesthesia: A Randomized Clinical Trail
Authors: Asgari Zahra , Tavoli Zahra , Hosseini Reihaneh , Nataj Masoomeh , Tabatabaei Fatemeh , Dehghanizadeh Fatemeh , Haji-Amoo-Assar Hosein , Sepidarkish Mahdi , Montazeri Ali
Published: March 2018

Background. Traditionally, laparoscopic procedures have been performed under general anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia is an effective alternative to general anesthesia. However, one of the intraoperative complications of performing laparoscopic surgery under spinal anesthesia is shoulder pain. This study aimed to compare the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) with fentanyl on pain relief in patients who underwent gynecologic laparoscopy under spinal anesthesia. Methods. We conducted a prospective randomized clinical trial from May 2016 to March 2017. A sample of patients who underwent gynecological laparoscopy under spinal anesthesia was recruited. If they had shoulder pain, they randomly received either transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or 50 mg of fentanyl. Pain intensity was measured using the single item visual analogue scale (VAS-10 cm) immediately before and 5, 10, 20, and 30 minutes after treatment. Also, the effect of higher doses of analgesia on pain relief was analyzed. Results. In all, 80 patients (40 patients in each group) were entered into the study. The mean pain intensity score was 9.02 ± 1.32 in the TENS group and 8.95 ± 1.33 in the fentanyl group at baseline (P = 0.80). Repeated measures analysis of variance indicated that there was no significant difference on overall pain scores between the two treatment groups adjusted for age, BMI, total analgesia used, and baseline pain score (F (1, 74) = 1.44, P = 0.23). The use of analgesic drugs in the TENS group was significantly higher than the fentanyl group (P = 0.01). In addition, we found that nine patients (22.5%) complained of nausea/vomiting in the TENS group compared to thirteen patients (32.5%) in the fentanyl group (P = 0.31). Conclusions. The findings indicated that TENS was not superior to fentanyl for pain relief in laparoscopic surgery. It seems that the correct use of TENS parameters might merit further investigation. This trial is registered with: IRCT2016031216765N3.
A Method for Estimating the Surface Roughness of Rock Discontinuities
Authors: Cai Yi , Tang Hui-ming , Wang Ding-jian , Wen Tao
Published: March 2018

The primary objective of this study is to develop a parameter with a clear physical meaning to estimate the surface roughness of rock discontinuities. This parameter must be closely related to the shear strength of rock discontinuities. The first part of this study focuses on defining and computing this parameter. The estimation formula for the shear strength of a triangle within a discontinuity surface is derived based on Patton’s model. The parameter, namely, the index of roughness (IR), is then proposed to quantitatively estimate discontinuity roughness. Based on laser scanning techniques, digital models of discontinuities and discontinuity profiles are constructed, and then their corresponding IR values are computed. In the second part of this study, the computational processes and estimated effects of the two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) IR values of the discontinuities are illustrated through several applications. Results show that the 2D and 3D IR values of these discontinuities indicate anisotropy and sampling interval effects. In addition, a strong linear correlation is detected between IR and the joint roughness coefficient (JRC) for seventy-four profiles and eleven discontinuity specimens, respectively. Finally, the proposed method, back analysis method, root mean square (Z2) method, and Grasselli’s method are compared to study the use of the parameter IR.
Transfer Kernel Common Spatial Patterns for Motor Imagery Brain-Computer Interface Classification
Authors: Dai Mengxi , Zheng Dezhi , Liu Shucong , Zhang Pengju
Published: March 2018

Motor-imagery-based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) commonly use the common spatial pattern (CSP) as preprocessing step before classification. The CSP method is a supervised algorithm. Therefore a lot of time-consuming training data is needed to build the model. To address this issue, one promising approach is transfer learning, which generalizes a learning model can extract discriminative information from other subjects for target classification task. To this end, we propose a transfer kernel CSP (TKCSP) approach to learn a domain-invariant kernel by directly matching distributions of source subjects and target subjects. The dataset IVa of BCI Competition III is used to demonstrate the validity by our proposed methods. In the experiment, we compare the classification performance of the TKCSP against CSP, CSP for subject-to-subject transfer (CSP SJ-to-SJ), regularizing CSP (RCSP), stationary subspace CSP (ssCSP), multitask CSP (mtCSP), and the combined mtCSP and ssCSP (ss + mtCSP) method. The results indicate that the superior mean classification performance of TKCSP can achieve 81.14%, especially in case of source subjects with fewer number of training samples. Comprehensive experimental evidence on the dataset verifies the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed TKCSP approach over several state-of-the-art methods.
Migration and marital instability among migrant workers in China: A gender perspective
Authors: Li Weidong
Published: March 2018

This paper presents an examination of how migration affects the marital stability of migrant workers, whether there is gender difference in migrant workers’ marital instability, and whether there is gender difference in the determinants of migrant workers’ marital stability. Poisson regression analysis of survey data related to Guangzhou rural–urban migrant workers showed that there is gender difference in marital instability, and that female migrant workers have a higher level of marital instability than male migrant workers. Migrating unaccompanied, inter-provincial migration, distance between the hometown of spouse from husband’s family’s location, and non-traditional gender views were found to be positively related to migrant workers’ marital instability. Some of these influences are mediated by marital satisfaction. In addition, the influence on marital instability of migrating unaccompanied, and distance between the hometown of spouse and husband’s family’s location were identified as more important for female migrant workers, while the influence of inter-provincial migration on marital instability is more important for male migrant workers. It was determined that there are gender differences in the influence of wife's income and gender views: the wife’s income relates positively to male migrant workers’ marital stability, but negatively to female migrant workers’ marital stability. The results show that migration has a stronger influence on female migrant workers’ perceptions of marital instability.
Education: The Heart of the Matter
Authors: Morriss Wayne W. , Milenovic Miodrag S. , Evans Faye M.
Published: March 2018

There are inadequate numbers of anesthesia providers in many parts of the world. Good quality educational programs are needed to increase provider numbers, train leaders and teachers, and increase knowledge and skills. In some countries, considerable external support may be required to develop self-sustaining programs. There are some key themes related to educational programs in low- and middle-income countries:

(1) Programs must be appropriate for the local environment—there is no “one-size-fits-all” program. In some countries, nonuniversity programs may be appropriate for training providers.

(2) It is essential to train local teachers—a number of short courses provide teacher training. Overseas attachments may also play an important role in developing leadership and teaching capacity.

(3) Interactive teaching techniques, such as small-group discussions and simulation, have been incorporated into many educational programs. Computer learning and videoconferencing offer additional educational possibilities.

(4) Subspecialty education in areas such as obstetric anesthesia, pediatric anesthesia, and pain management are needed to develop leadership and increase capacity in subspecialty areas of practice. Examples include short subspecialty courses and clinical fellowships.

(5) Collaboration and coordination are vital. Anesthesiologists need to work with ministries of health and other organizations to develop plans that are matched to need. External organizations can play an important role.

(6) Excellent education is required at all levels. Training guidelines could help to standardize and improve training. Resources should be available for research, as well as monitoring and evaluation of educational programs.
Are Short Subspecialty Courses the Educational Answer?
Authors: Evans Faye M. , Duarte Juan C. , Haylock Loor Carolina , Morriss Wayne
Published: March 2018

There is an urgent need to train more anesthesia providers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). There is also a need to provide more educational opportunities in subspecialty areas of anesthetic practice such as trauma management, pain management, obstetric anesthesia, and pediatric anesthesia. Together, these subspecialty areas make up a large proportion of the clinical workload in LMICs. In these countries, the quality of education may be variable, there may be few teachers, and opportunities for continued learning and mentorship are rare. Short subspecialty courses such as Primary Trauma Care, Essential Pain Management, Safer Anaesthesia From Education–Obstetric Anaesthesia, and Safer Anaesthesia From Education–Paediatric Anaesthesia have been developed to help fill this need. They have the potential for immediate impact by providing an opportunity for continuing professional development and relevant subspecialty training. These courses are all short (1–3 days), are presented as an off-the-shelf package, and include a teach-the-teacher component. They use a variety of interactive teaching techniques and are designed to be adaptable and responsive to local needs. There is an emphasis on local ownership of the educational process that helps to promote sustainability. After an initial financial outlay to purchase equipment, the costs are relatively low. Short subspecialty courses appear to be part of the educational answer in LMICs, but there is a need for research to validate their role.
Strengthening the Anesthesia Workforce in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Kudsk-Iversen Søren , Shamambo Naomi , Bould M. Dylan
Published: March 2018

The majority of the world’s population lacks access to safe, timely, and affordable surgical care. Although there is a health workforce crisis across the board in the poorest countries in the world, anesthesia is disproportionally affected. This article explores some of the key issues that must be tackled to strengthen the anesthesia workforce in low- and lower-middle-income countries. First, we need to increase the overall number of safe anesthesia providers to match a huge burden of disease, particularly in the poorest countries in the world and in remote and rural areas. Through using a task-sharing model, an increase is required in both nonphysician anesthesia providers and anesthesia specialists. Second, there is a need to improve and support the competency of anesthesia providers overall. It is important to include a broad base of knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to manage complex and high-risk patients and to lead improvements in the quality of care. Third, there needs to be a concerted effort to encourage interprofessional skills and the aspects of working and learning together with colleagues in a complex surgical ecosystem. Finally, there has to be a focus on developing a workforce that is resilient to burnout and the challenges of an overwhelming clinical burden and very restricted resources. This is essential for anesthesia providers to stay healthy and effective and necessary to reduce the inevitable loss of human resources through migration and cessation of professional practice. It is vital to realize that all of these issues need to be tackled simultaneously, and none neglected, if a sustainable and scalable solution is to be achieved.
Pain: A Neglected Problem in the Low-Resource Setting
Authors: Goucke C. Roger , Chaudakshetrin Pongparadee
Published: March 2018

Approximately 80% of the world’s population lives in countries with little or no access to pain management. These countries also have 74% of the world’s deaths from cancer and human immunodeficiency virus. Appropriate use of oral opioids can control 80%–90% of cancer pain. However, only 6.7% of the world’s medical opioids are available in these low-resource countries. With the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery calling for a significant expansion of surgical services, postoperative pain management will need to be an increasing focus of our attention. There are multiple barriers to providing effective pain management. These include the type and funding of the health care system, the size and educational level of the workforce, the ease of access to effective medications, and the expectations and knowledge base of the community. Some barriers can be addressed by education at the undergraduate level, postgraduate level, and community level. Others will require continued advocacy at government level. Only when we tackle these problems will the considerable neglect of access to effective pain treatment in low- and middle-income countries be lessened.
Impaired Trunk Flexor Strength, Fatigability, and Steadiness in Postpartum Women
Authors: DEERING RITA E. , CRUZ MEREDITH , SENEFELD JONATHON W. , PASHIBIN TATYANA , EICKMEYER SARAH , HUNTER SANDRA K.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To determine whether postpartum women (vaginal and cesarean delivery) have deficits in trunk flexor strength, fatigability and steadiness, compared with nulligravid women, up to 26 wk postpartum. We hypothesized that postpartum women would be weaker, more fatigable, and have greater torque fluctuations than controls, with cesarean delivery showing greater deficits than vaginal delivery.

Methods

Twenty-two control women (nulligravid) and 29 postpartum women (20–40 yr, 19 who delivered via vaginal birth, 13 via Caesarian section) participated. Postpartum women were tested 8 to 10 wk and 24 to 26 wk postpartum. Control women were tested 16 to 18 wk apart. Maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVC) were performed at multiple trunk positions with the trunk flexor muscles. To determine trunk flexor fatigability, subjects performed intermittent isometric contractions at 50% MVC (6-s contraction, 4-s rest) in upright sitting until task failure. An MVC was performed during the fatiguing task (one per minute) and at 10 and 20 min of recovery.

Results

At 8 and 26 wk, postpartum women (groups pooled) were weaker at all trunk angles (38% and 44% respectively, P < 0.05) than controls despite no differences in handgrip strength. Postpartum women were more fatigable (71% and 52% respectively) and had greater torque fluctuations than controls (P < 0.05). At 8 wk postpartum, women who had a cesarean delivery, were 59% more fatigable (P = 0.004) than the vaginal delivery group, with no difference between delivery types at 26 wk postpartum.

Conclusions

Musculoskeletal recovery, including trunk flexor muscle strength and fatigability, is incomplete at 26 wk postpartum. These findings provide a rationale for future studies to address outcomes of rehabilitation programs specifically targeted at improving strength and fatigability of the trunk flexor muscles after pregnancy and childbirth.
High-Frequency Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Increases Anabolic Signaling
Authors: METTLER JONI A. , MAGEE DILLON M. , DOUCET BARBARA M.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is commonly used in rehabilitation settings to increase muscle mass and strength. However, the effects of NMES on muscle growth are not clear and no human studies have compared anabolic signaling between low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) NMES. The purpose of this study was to determine the skeletal muscle anabolic signaling response to an acute bout of LF- and HF-NMES.

Methods

Eleven young healthy volunteers (6 men, 5 women) received an acute bout of LF-NMES (20 Hz) and HF-NMES (60 Hz). Muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis muscle before the first NMES treatment and 30 min after each NMES treatment. Phosphorylation of the following key anabolic signaling proteins was measured by Western blot, and proteins are expressed as a ratio of phosphorylated to total: mammalian target of rapamycin, p70-S6 kinase 1, and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1.

Results

Compared with pre-NMES, phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin was upregulated 40.2% for LF-NMES (P = 0.018) and 68.4% for HF-NMES (P < 0.0001), and HF-NMES was 29.3% greater than LF-NMES (P = 0.026). Phosphorylation of p70-S6 kinase 1 after HF-NMES was 96.6% higher than pre-NMES (P = 0.001) and was not different between pre-NMES and LF-NMES (although it was 50.4% higher after LF-NMES) or LF- and HF-NMES (P > 0.05). There were no differences between treatment conditions for eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 phosphorylation (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

An acute bout of LF- and HF-NMES upregulated anabolic signaling with HF-NMES producing a greater anabolic response compared with LF-NMES, suggesting that HF stimulation may provide a stronger stimulus for processes that initiate muscle hypertrophy. In addition, the stimulation frequency parameter should be considered by clinicians in the design of optimal NMES treatment protocols.
Acute High-Intensity Interval Cycling Improves Postprandial Lipid Metabolism
Authors: LEE CHIA-LUN , KUO YU-HSUAN , CHENG CHING-FENG
Published: March 2018

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the effects of two exercise regimes on physiological and postprandial lipemic responses.

Methods

Thirty-six active men (peak oxygen uptake [V˙O2peak], 46.5 ± 6.4 mL·kg−1·min−1) were randomly assigned to a high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE), involving 10 × 60 s cycling at 85% V˙O2peak interspersed with 120 s recovery; a moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE), involving 50 min continuous exercise at 65% V˙O2peak; and a nonexercise control (Con). In the next morning after evening exercising, fasting blood samples were obtained. Additional blood samples were obtained 1–4 h after eating a given high-fat meal that based on participants’ body mass. Carbohydrate and fat oxidation rates were measured before and after the meal.

Results

After exercise, glucose and insulin concentrations decreased by 33% and 70% in MICE compared with those in HIIE (P = 0.00–0.03). During the 1- to 2-h postprandial periods, the fat oxidation rate increased by 24%–37% in HIIE that that in MICE and Con (P = 0.01–0.03); however, the carbohydrate oxidation rate was not significantly different among the conditions (P = 0.28). During the postprandial period, insulin (P = 0.02–0.04) and triglyceride (P = 0.02–0.03) concentrations were lower in HIIE than those in MICE and Con. No difference was observed in free fatty acid or the total areas under the curve of triglyceride and free fatty acid among the conditions (P = 0.24–0.98).

Conclusion

Acute MICE improved glucose and insulin metabolism immediately after exercise. However, HIIE performed in the evening exerts more favorable effects than MICE for decreasing postprandial insulin and triglyceride levels and increasing fat oxidation in the next morning.
The use of research in public health policy: a systematic review
Authors: Masood Sara , Kothari Anita , Regan Sandra
Published: March 2018

The use of robust research findings in public health policy has been strongly encouraged for bridging the evidence-policy gap. To assess and further promote evidence uptake, understanding how research evidence is being used by decision makers is very important. This systematic review examined primary studies exploring the use of research evidence in public health policy published between 2010 and January 2016; this work extended Orton et al’s (2011) review that covered studies published between 1980 and March 2010. The current systematic review incorporated 16 studies, representing 864 individuals, that provided insight into five topics pertaining to public health policy decision making: 1) the extent to which research evidence is used; 2) types of research evidence used; 3) the process of using research evidence; 4) factors other than research influencing decisions; and 5) barriers to and facilitators of evidence use. Relevant studies were identified using five different information sources including 14 electronic databases, websites of key organisations, forward citation search, reverse citation search, and internet search engines. Eligibility and methodological quality were assessed independently by two reviewers. The primary author conducted data extraction and the remaining authors reviewed the extraction results. Due to study heterogeneity, data were synthesised and findings were reported using a narrative approach. Findings aligned with previous literature to show that various types of research evidence are being accessed in public health policymaking. Further, challenges and enablers exist at multiple levels of the system, suggesting that use of research evidence is a complex, interdependent process.
Basic income and a public job offer: complementary policies to reduce poverty and unemployment
Authors: FitzRoy Felix , Jin Jim
Published: March 2018

Unconditional basic income, or a public-sector job guarantee, are usually discussed as alternative policies, though the first does not provide the benefits of an earned income and a good job to the ‘precariat’ and under-employed, while the second fails to assist unpaid home carers and selfemployed people. Furthermore, a job guarantee alone cannot support those who are unable or unwilling to work. We argue here that the only cost-effective policy for comprehensive welfare is a combination of modest basic income with a job offer by local authorities at less than the minimum wage.
Taking stock of the ambiguous role of foodbanks in the fight against poverty
Authors: Ghys Tuur
Published: March 2018

This article distills three key issues of concern from the literature on the role of foodbanks in the fight against poverty. It illustrates these issues with empirical material from a study on foodbanks in Belgium. The first issue concerns the problematic relation of foodbanks to structural poverty reduction. Second is the problematic position of people in poverty within the foodbank system. Third is the role of foodbanks in so called ‘welfare retrenchment#x2019; and the shifting of responsibility from state to charity. We end by discussing recent evolutions and reflecting on what margin exists to improve in each three areas.
Television and the development of the data economy: Data analysis, power and the public interest
Authors: Doyle Gillian
Published: March 2018

Data analysis is steadily becoming more central to management decision-making in media organizations across the globe. The reliance of subscription video on demand (SVoD) services, such as Netflix, on data analytics to underpin decisions about new content investment is well-established. However, what are the key opportunities and challenges facing the rest of the television industry? This article examines how data analysis is facilitating improved methods of personalization and more effective intelligence about the relative appeal of content for differing audience segments. But growing reliance on big data also raises a number of critical public interest questions. This article highlights how data is now a key source of competitive advantage in the television industry and a resource that can be monopolized. It argues that media policy-making needs to pay more attention to the emergence and implications of asymmetries of power in relation to ownership and use of data in managerial decision-making.
Defining new viewing behaviours: What makes and motivates TV binge-watching?
Authors: Rubenking Bridget , Bracken Cheryl Campanella , Sandoval Jennifer , Rister Alex
Published: March 2018

The term ‘binge watching’ is common in popular media and is one of several new ways of TV viewing that capitalizes on the wide availability of digital video and streaming services. However, the term lacks clear conceptualization, and the underlying motivations associated with it remain under-explored. Results from eleven focus groups of university students in the United States suggest binge watching is characterized as viewing suspenseful dramatic, narrative content for a considerable amount of time: often more than three or four hours. Analyses revealed four emergent motivations that contribute to individuals binge watching: (1) anticipation of what was coming next – facilitated by both content and technology features, (2) management of moods and excitement/ arousal, (3) procrastination and escapism, (4) social goals – related to both co-viewing, discussing content with others and identification with characters. Implications and future directions for research are discussed.
Rate of adoption determinants of innovations: A case study of digital terrestrial television
Authors: Vejlgaard Henrik
Published: March 2018

The rate of adoption of digital terrestrial television in Denmark was 100 per cent. In this article, an interdisciplinary approach is utilized to investigate this successful rate of adoption. Diffusion of innovation theory as well as services marketing theory and recent research on adoption of technology are integrated into the theoretical approach. The data gathering is twofold: a survey on the perceived attributes of the innovation was carried out and document data were gathered from government sources. This study shows that a 100 per cent rate of adoption can be achieved with (1) negative perception of the attributes of the innovation; (2) an authority innovation-decision; (3) use of mass communication and interpersonal communication channels; (4) communication in social networks that are not interconnected; and (5) active change agents on a comprehensive and large scale. The influence of the variables is discussed.
Book Review
Authors: Scarlata Alexa
Published: March 2018

Portals: A treatise on Internet-distributed television, Amanda Lotz (2017)

Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press, 108 pp.,

ISBN: 9781607854005, p/bk, $9.99

Open access, https://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/maize/mpub9699689/
Use of extra-legal sources in amicus curiae briefs submitted in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin
Authors: Marin Patricia , Horn Catherine L. , Miksch Karen , Garces Liliana M. , Yun John T.
Published: March 2018

As the political arena becomes increasingly polarized, the legal arena is playing a more important role in the creation of education policy in the United States. One critical stage in the legal process for such efforts is at briefing where “amici curiae,” or friends-of-the-court, may introduce additional arguments for the court to consider through the filing of amicus curiae briefs. To explore the use of extra-legal sources by amici, we focus on the 2013 U.S. Supreme Court case Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin and ask the questions: 1) What are the types, and relative use by amici, of extra-legal sources cited in the briefs submitted in Fisher I? and 2) What is the relative use of extra-legal sources cited in amicus briefs by supporting party and by category of amici? Our findings reveal the wide-range of extra-legal sources used in amicus briefs, and that the type of extra-legal sources incorporated may be associated with who the amici are and which party they support. Ultimately, we discuss potential reasons for the differences observed in the use of extra-legal sources and offer recommendations to more effectively engage in the policy briefing process.
Az asszisztált egyensúlyi tréning hatékonysága krónikus vestibularis rendszeri szédülésben
Authors: Szirmai Ágnes , Maihoub Stefani , Tamás László
Published: March 2018

Abstract:

Introduction: Physicians are found to have a great and increasing amount of patients suffering of vertigo in their everyday practice. For the treatment of the balance disorders, a vestibular training was introduced which played an influential role based on our study. Aim: Our aim was to create an easy and comprehensible training program which can be performed even with a family member. Methods: Our clinical treatment consists of intravenous vasoactive medicine administration, combined with vestibular training. For the investigation of the improvement we used the Jacobson and Newman questionnaire, and ultrasound-computer-craniocorpography. The statistical evaluation was based on ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis test and Dunn’s post method (p<0.05). Results: After the combined clinical treatment, the patients’ average training results showed improvement. Following the eight-day training, the patients scored higher results from day to day due to the improvement of their abilities while doing the different tasks. Moreover, the questionnaire results also showed the improvement of their status. Conclusions: By improving the brain stem circulation, combined with an assisting training program, there is a significant decrease in the complaints and an overall improvement in the quality of life, even though the imbalance cannot be cured. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(12): 470–477.
Az edoxabán véralvadásgátló hatásossága és biztonságossága nonvalvuláris pitvarfibrillációban
Authors: Szegedi Andrea , Csanádi Zoltán
Published: March 2018

Abstract:

The significantly increased incidence of stroke and systemic embolisation caused by atrial fibrillation can be prevented by adequately adjusted anticoagulant therapy. Vitamin K antagonists effectively decrease the risk of thromboembolic events but this effect is influenced by many factors. The development of the new direct oral anticoagulant drugs (DOAC) in the last few years provided new opportunities for us to choose the suitable anticoagulant therapy. According to the results of the ENGAGE AF–TIMI 48 and ENSURE-AF multicenter, randomized trials, edoxaban, the recently introduced DOAC is equally effective as the traditional coumarin therapy, nevertheless, it ensures more tolerable anticoagulation for patients suffering from non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(12): 466–469.
KEBIASAAN MAKANAN, LUAS DAN TUMPANG TINDIH RELUNG BEBERAPA JENIS LOBSTER DI TELUK PRIGI, KABUPATEN TRENGGALEK
Authors: Wijaya Danu , Nurfiarini Amula , Nastiti Adriani Sri , Riswanto Riswanto
Published: March 2018

Sampai saat ini, informasi mengenai kebiasaan makan, luas relung dan tumpang tindih relung mengenai lobster di Indonesia belum banyak diketahui. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mengkaji kebiasaan makan, luas relung dan tumpang tindih relung beberapa jenis lobster di Teluk Prigi, Kabupaten Trenggalek. Pengambilan sampel isi lambung lobster diperoleh dari hasil tangkapan nelayan lobster di Teluk Prigi, Kabupaten Trenggalek, Provinsi Jawa Timur. Pengumpulan data dilakukan pada Mei dan November 2016. Jumlah sampel lobster yang diamati isi lambungnya berjumlah 63 ekor dengan kisaran panjang karapas 4,6-8,2 mm. Kebiasaan makanan beberapa jenis lobster di Teluk Prigi terdiri dari moluska, krustasea, detritus, karang, tumbuhan (makrofita) dan pasir. Luas relung tertinggi dimiliki oleh lobster bambu (Panulirus versicolor) dan lobster batik (Panulirus longipes). Tumpang tindih relung yang tinggi mengindikasikan tingginya peluang kompetisi dalam memanfaatkan makanan kecuali lobster batik merah (Panulirus longipes femoristriga).Information on feeding habits, niches breadth and overlap of some lobsters in Indonesia have not been widely known. The purposes of this study are to obtain information on the food habit, niches breadth and overlap of some lobsters in Gulf of Prigi, Trenggalek Regency. Sample of the lobster were obtained from the catch of lobster fishermen in Prigi Waters, Trenggalek Regency, East Java Province. This study was conducted on May and November 2016. The number of lobster samples observed for stomach content analysis were 63 specimen individuals with a carapace length range 4.6-8.2 mm. Food habit of some types of spiny lobsters in Gulf of Prigi consisted molluscs, crustaceans, detritus, corals, plants (macrophyta) and sands. Bamboo lobster (Panulirus versicolor) and batik lobsters (Panulirus longipes) have the highest nice breadth. Niche overlap that indicate a high chance of food competition was indicated by almost all species of spiny lobsters except batik merah lobster (Panulirus longipes femoristriga).