bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender transformation in a new global urban agenda: challenges for Habitat III and beyond
Authors: Moser Caroline O N
Published: September 2016

The 2016 Habitat III conference in Quito provides a challenging opportunity to address widespread, persistent urban gender inequalities through the elaboration of a New Urban Agenda (NUA). To achieve the identified radical paradigm shift calls for critical reflection and clarification of the meaning of gender transformation as against gender mainstreaming, and the elaboration of a conceptual and operational framework that identifies urban pathways not only to empower individual women but also to collectively transform fundamental gender power relations. This paper describes the gender asset accumulation framework as one such approach, and identifies the existing evidence base on urban transformative gendered interventions in land tenure and housing, safety in public spaces, and informal economy activities. In assessing gender-related contributions to the Habitat III process, it highlights a conjuncture in the identification of the same three gender-transformative interventions in the Transformative Commitments section of the Zero Draft NUA. However, these have been diluted in the Revised Zero Draft, which does not create optimism for the final NUA. The paper concludes by suggesting that a potential strategy for the global urban gender networks and multiple voices of civil society and grassroots groups is to reach a consensus on a priority agenda, and post-Quito to collectively contest and negotiate its implementation.
Health facility factors and quality of services to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission in Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, and Mozambique
Authors: Rustagi Alison S , Gimbel Sarah , Nduati Ruth , Cuembelo Maria de Fatima , Wasserheit Judith N , Farquhar Carey , Gloyd Stephen , Sherr Kenneth ,   with input from the SAIA Study Team
Published: September 2016

This study aimed to identify facility-level characteristics associated with prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission service quality. This cross-sectional study sampled 60 health facilities in Mozambique, Côte d’Ivoire, and Kenya (20 per country). Performance score – the proportion of pregnant women tested for HIV in first antenatal care visit, multiplied by the proportion of HIV-positive pregnant women who received appropriate antiretroviral medications – was calculated for each facility using routine data from 2012 to 2013. Facility characteristics were ascertained during on-site visits, including workload. Associations between facility characteristics and performance were quantified using generalized linear models with robust standard errors, adjusting for country. Over six months, facilities saw 38,611 first antenatal care visits in total. On-site CD4 testing, Pima CD4 machine, air conditioning, and low or high (but not mid-level) patient volume were each associated with higher performance scores. Each additional first antenatal care visit per nurse per month was associated with a 4% (95% confidence interval: 1%–6%) decline in the odds that an HIV-positive pregnant woman would receive both HIV testing and antiretroviral medications. Physician workload was only modestly associated with performance. Investments in infrastructure and human resources – particularly nurses – may be critical to improve prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission service delivery and protect infants from HIV.
The cytotoxic effect of oxybuprocaine on human corneal epithelial cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis
Authors: Fan W-Y , Wang D-P , Wen Q , Fan T-J
Published: September 2016

Oxybuprocaine (OBPC) is a widely used topical anesthetic in eye clinic, and prolonged and repeated usage of OBPC might be cytotoxic to the cornea, especially to the outmost corneal epithelium. In this study, we characterized the cytotoxic effect of OBPC on human corneal epithelial (HCEP) cells and investigated its possible cellular and molecular mechanisms using an in vitro model of non-transfected HCEP cells. Our results showed that OBPC at concentrations ranging from 0.025% to 0.4% had a dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity to HCEP cells. Moreover, OBPC arrested the cells at S phase and induced apoptosis of these cells by inducing plasma membrane permeability, phosphatidylserine externalization, DNA fragmentation, and apoptotic body formation. Furthermore, OBPC could trigger the activation of caspase-2, -3, and -9, downregulate the expression of Bcl-xL, upregulate the expression of Bax along with the cytoplasmic amount of mitochondria-released apoptosis-inducing factor, and disrupt mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Our results suggest that OBPC has a dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity to HCEP cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis via a death receptor-mediated mitochondria-dependent proapoptotic pathway, and this novel finding provides new insights into the acute cytotoxicity and its toxic mechanisms of OBPC on HCEP cells.
Intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivations of Master of Library and Information Science students: A cross-cultural comparative study
Authors: Ho Kevin K.W. , Lo Patrick , Chiu Dickson K.W. , Kong Elaine Wei San , Chen Joyce Chao-chen , Zhou Qingshan , Xu Yang , Dalsgard Søren
Published: September 2016

This study examined the career and learning motivation of students studying a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree programs at universities located in four different countries, namely the University of Hong Kong, National Taiwan Normal University, Peking University, and the University of Copenhagen. The MLIS students from these four universities were invited to take part in a self-completion online questionnaire survey, and 200 responses were collected in total. We discovered that their prior working experience in the library had an impact on their decision to pursue the MLIS program. We also categorized the career and learning motivation factors of MLIS learners into intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and discovered that the participants were motivated by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors to pursue their graduate studies in the Library and Information Science (LIS) field. We found that intrinsic factors influenced the students of University of Copenhagen significantly more than the other student groups, and this could be explained by Hofstede’s cultural dimensions. Our findings can assist with the formulation of development strategies for MLIS programs through a review of the LIS curriculum and help MLIS programs in different countries attract more people to pursue a career in LIS.
Exploring junior secondary students’ plagiarism behavior
Authors: Yeung Alice H.W. , Chu Connie B.L. , Chu Samuel Kai-Wah , Fung Charmaine K.W.
Published: September 2016

Inquiry project-based learning is a contemporary focus area in curriculum development around the world. This new learning approach requires students to locate appropriate information from various sources in order to satisfy their information needs under strict anti-plagiarism requirements. However, technological advancement inadvertently allows convenient plagiarism opportunities. Students must learn how to enhance their academic integrity and not to copy information directly from readily available sources like the Internet. This study investigated junior secondary students’ standard of academic integrity. Data was collected through information literacy tests, plagiarism checks on student group projects and structured interviews. Poor information literacy and language abilities were found to be potential factors behind poor academic practice, and academic integrity teaching proved to be largely effective. Therefore, related teaching should be further included in the school curriculum starting at the junior secondary level. Including a statement of academic honesty as part of school policy could also heighten students’ awareness of academic integrity and bring about plagiarism-free learning to actualize genuine education.
Strengthening Urban Health for Advancing Universal Health Coverage in India
Authors: Lahariya Chandrakant , Bhagwat Sadhana , Saksena Priyanka , Samuel Reuben
Published: September 2016

In 2011, nearly 31 per cent of Indian population lived in urban areas and this proportion was rapidly growing. In parallel, the disease epidemiology in India, as a whole, was changing, with non-communicablediseases (NCDs) contributing to nearly two-thirds of total disease burden stressing the already overburdened health systems in Indian states. Contrary to common perceptions, the health outcomes of the urban poor in India are not any better and at times worse than those of the rural population. The challenges in urban health are well known—poor infrastructure, uncoordinated and fragmented health service delivery, suboptimal financing, insufficient coordination amongst multiple agencies, migrant population, shortage of human resources, high level of inequalities and inequities, etc. In recent years, with the recognition that replication of what is being done in rural areas may not be sufficient to address challenges in urban settings, unique solutions to urban health have been identified.

This article summarizes the key health challenges and proposes a few solutions to address urban health challenges and improved health outcomes in urban agglomerations. The authors argue that progress towards universal health coverage in India would be partial unless sustained and harmonized initiatives are done to improve health situation in urban India.
Voltage-gated potassium channel antibody limbic encephalitis: a case illustrating the neuropsychiatric and PET/CT features with clinical and imaging follow-up
Authors: Celliers Liesl , Hung Te-jui , Al-ogaili Zeyad , Moschilla Girolamo , Knezevic Wally
Published: September 2016

Objective:

To illustrate the neuropsychiatric and imaging findings in a confirmed case of voltage-gated potassium channel antibody limbic encephalitis.

Method:

Case report and review of the literature.

Results:

A 64-year-old man presented with several months’ history of obsessive thoughts and compulsions associated with faciobrachial dystonic seizures. He had no significant past medical and psychiatric history. Physical examinations revealed only mildly increased tone in the left upper limb. Bedside cognitive testing was normal. Positron-emission tomography showed intense symmetrical uptake in the corpus striatum. No underlying malignancy was identified on whole body imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging, lumbar puncture and electroencephalogram were normal. Serum voltage-gated potassium channel antibodies were strongly positive. The patient had a favourable response to antiepileptic drugs, oral steroids and immunotherapy.

Conclusions:

Voltage-gated potassium channel limbic encephalitis characteristically presents with neuropsychiatric symptoms and temporal lobe seizures. Positron-emission tomography–computed tomography can be a useful adjunct to the clinical and biochemical work-up.
Zebras in the Forest: the experiences of Dual-Trained Child Psychiatrists and Paediatricians in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Thabrew Hiran
Published: September 2016

Objectives:

The objectives of this study were to examine the experiences of dual-trained child psychiatrists and paediatricians in Australia and New Zealand and inform the review of the Dual Fellowship Training Programme by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

Methods:

All dual-trained child psychiatrists and paediatricians and current trainees were electronically surveyed in 2015.

Results:

Seven out of eight specialists (88%) and four out of six trainees (67%) responded. Six (55%) completed or were undertaking training as part of the Dual Fellowship Training Programme. Most respondents entered dual training without difficulty, found the transition from paediatrics to adult psychiatry challenging, and were reassured by their decision to undertake dual training on reaching advanced training in child psychiatry. Benefits and downsides of dual training were noted during and following training. A significant proportion of specialists (55%) were working in hospital-based environments, especially consult liaison services, suggesting that they added long-term value to both the fields of child psychiatry and paediatrics.

Conclusions:

The Dual Fellowship Training Programme remains a valuable vehicle for gaining skills in paediatrics and child psychiatry. There is support for its continuation by previous and current participants.
Metabolic monitoring and management among clozapine users
Authors: Tso Grace , Kumar Puja , Jayasooriya Thilini , Kisely Steve , Siskind Dan
Published: September 2016

Objective:

To assess, among clozapine users, the rates of monitoring, presence and treatment of metabolic syndrome and its components.

Methods:

A chart review was conducted of all clozapine users who were followed up in community mental health clinics at two Metro South Health Hospitals over a 1-year period. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria.

Results:

We included 251 clozapine users. Only 43.4% (109/251) had data collected for all five metabolic syndrome parameters. Among these people, 45.0% (49/109) met criteria for metabolic syndrome, while 61.2% (30/49) of those with metabolic syndrome were offered appropriate treatments. Correspondence with primary care providers occurred in only 18.7% ( n = 47). Non-pharmacological interventions, such as motivational interviewing and education about healthy lifestyle alternatives, occurred in 49.8% ( n = 125).

Conclusions:

There is growing awareness of the importance of metabolic monitoring, however, there remain specific gaps in the collaborative work among mental health services, primary care providers and clozapine users, to ensure appropriate physical health interventions.
Health Priorities and Health-Seeking Behaviors of Old Order Anabaptists in Southern Ontario With Emphasis on Cancer Screening
Authors: Gesink Dionne , Leach Jane , McBride Kate , Bergin-Payette Karen
Published: September 2016

Background: Cancer-screening rates are low among Old Order Anabaptists; the burden of cancer is unknown. Purpose: To investigate cancer and health in the Old Order Anabaptist context. Specifically, to describe health priorities and health-seeking behaviors, crudely estimate cancer burden, and identify predictors of cancer screening. Method: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to households around Perth County, Ontario, in January 2014. Results: Response rate was 45%. Cancer burden was low. Cancer was a lower priority than general and mental health. After adjustment, family/friends motivated cancer screening for regular screeners ( OR: 6.38, 95% CI [1.93, 21.07]) and symptoms was reported to motivate those underscreened/never screened ( OR: 0.48, 95% CI [0.24, 0.96]). Conclusion: Cancer-screening participation may be low because the burden of cancer is low and there are other high-priority health concerns. Implications: Integrated cancer screening and holistic care may improve participation.
The Impact of Organizational Commitment and Nursing Organizational Culture on Job Satisfaction in Korean American Registered Nurses
Authors: Kim Young Im , Geun Hyo Geun , Choi SookJa , Lee Young Sil
Published: September 2016

Purpose: This study aimed to describe the perceived level of organizational commitment and organizational culture of Korean American Registered Nurses (KARNs) and to investigate predictors of job satisfaction. Design: A total of 163 KARNs working in U.S. hospitals responded to a Web survey. Descriptive analysis, t test, analysis of variance, and stepwise regressions were used for data analysis. Results: KARNs reported moderate levels of job satisfaction (3.5 ± 0.58). Job satisfaction was positively correlated with both organizational commitment ( r = .85, p < .001) and culture ( r = .66, p < .001). KARNs who were aged ≥50, married, hospital-employed, had longer nursing experience, and experienced turnover at least once were more likely to report higher job satisfaction compared with other nurses. Organizational commitment, culture, marital status, and workplace were significant predictors of and explained 76.8% of the variance in job satisfaction. Conclusion: This study provides evidence to help nursing managers and health policy makers develop educational programs aimed at enhancing job satisfaction and retention of KARNs.
Exact solutions for the electromechanical responses of a dielectric nano-ring
Authors: Yan Zhi
Published: September 2016

Based on an extended linear theory for dielectrics, this work presents exact solutions for the electromechanical responses of a dielectric nano-ring subjected to mechanical and electrical loads. By incorporating terms involving the strain gradient and the electric field gradient into the electric Gibbs free energy, both the direct and converse flexoelectric effects can be captured. The general solution to the differential governing equation is a linear combination of modified Bessel functions and the electromechanical fields are obtained by solving boundary value problems. The influences of the material surfaces and the electric circuit conditions on the electromechanical coupling behavior of the dielectric nano-ring have also been considered. It is found that the flexoelectricity and the surface effect on the electromechanical fields are substantial, and they are affected by the size of the ring structure. Moreover, the flexoelectric effect is sensitive to the material length scales introduced by the new theory and the electric circuit conditions. From simulation results, it is also suggested that nano-scaled electromechanical coupling devices could be built based on dielectric materials through flexoelectricity, which thereby opens up new perspectives for nano-technology.
Gentrification, Property Tax Limitation, and Displacement
Authors: Martin Isaac William , Beck Kevin
Published: September 2016

Scholars have long argued that gentrification may displace long-term homeowners by causing their property taxes to increase, and policy makers, including the U.S. Supreme Court, have cited this argument as a justification for state laws that limit the increase of residential property taxes. We test the hypotheses that gentrification directly displaces homeowners by increasing their property taxes, and that property tax limitation protects residents of gentrifying neighborhoods from displacement, by merging the Panel Study of Income Dynamics with a decennial Census-tract-level measure of gentrification and a new data set on state-level property tax policy covering the period 1987 to 2009. We find some evidence that property tax pressure can trigger involuntary moves by homeowners, but no evidence that such displacement is more common in gentrifying neighborhoods than elsewhere, nor that property tax limitation protects long-term homeowners in gentrifying neighborhoods. We do find evidence that gentrification directly displaces renters.
Sarcoidosis-like syndrome and lymphadenopathy due to checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Firwana Belal , Ravilla Rahul , Raval Mihir , Hutchins Laura , Mahmoud Fade
Published: September 2016

Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors has revolutionized the management of metastatic melanoma. These checkpoints, namely the cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 and the programmed T cell death 1 receptor, possess an inhibitory effect on the T cell function. Pharmacologic inhibition of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 with ipilimumab and programmed T cell death 1 with either pembrolizumab or nivolumab has resulted in long-term sustained responses among patients with metastatic melanoma. The adverse events of these medications are predominantly immune related. Sarcoidosis-like syndrome/lymphadenopathy represents a challenging adverse event to the oncologist as it can be mistaken for progressive disease. Hence, awareness of such adverse event and obtaining a biopsy of the enlarged lymph nodes will confirm the diagnosis and avoid the unnecessary change of current therapies for those with stage IV disease or adding new ones for those with stage III disease. We report three cases of immunotherapy-related sarcoidosis-like syndrome/lymphadenopathy; two cases occurred during adjuvant ipilimumab for stage III surgically resected melanoma and one case during pemprolizumab for stage IV metastatic melanoma.
The Impact of Depressive Symptoms and Traumatic Experiences on Quality of Life in Adults With ADHD
Authors: Matthies Swantje , Sadohara-Bannwarth Chiharu , Lehnhart Sebastian , Schulte-Maeter Jan , Philipsen Alexandra
Published: September 2016

Objective: We assessed factors influencing quality of life (QoL) in adults with ADHD. Method: QoL, traumatic childhood experiences, and depression were assessed using the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), respectively, in 60 adult ADHD outpatients and 60 age- and gender-matched controls. Results: Emotional neglect or abuse had occurred significantly more often during childhood in adults with ADHD. Depressive symptoms were rated significantly higher by ADHD patients. QoL was significantly lower in adults with ADHD, and the variables depression, ADHD symptom severity, and traumatic load, accounted for ~60% of variance in overall QoL. Conclusion: QoL is significantly reduced in adult ADHD patients. Depressive symptoms and traumatic childhood experiences influence QoL. Treatment for adult ADHD patients should take the high interdependence of depressive symptoms, childhood trauma, and QoL into consideration.
Numerical simulation of the dynamic formation process of fog-haze and smog in transport tunnels of a hot mine
Authors: Zou Sheng-hua , Li Kong-qing , Han Qiao-yun , Yu Chuck Wah
Published: September 2016

Fog-haze and smog can be formed in transport tunnels during artificial cooling by air-conditioner, under hot and high humidity conditions inside a coal mine. The processes of coagulation, condensation, nucleation, crushing and evaporation, which can occur at the same time, can be simulated by a dynamic model. The relationship between the particle size distribution over time and environmental parameters such as wind speed, temperature and relative humidity, during smog formation in transport tunnels in a coal mine was characterised by our numerical modelling and in-situ study of a coal mine in Hunan Province, China. The development and dissipation of fog-haze and smog when under cooling inside a deep coal mine were modelled using multiple Monte Carlo algorithm method validated by our experiment using a 1 m3 wooden chamber. Our numerical modelling was confirmed by our in-situ measurement results, indicating that (1) the bigger the condensation coefficient would lead to a faster formation of aerosol particles giving larger number and sizes of particles; (2) faster wind speed would reduce the number of aerosol particles and increase the geometric mean of the particle diameter. (3) When cooling in the tunnels, 2 m/s would be the lowest wind speed that could disperse the haze in the transport tunnels in the mine. The findings of our research should provide the theoretical basis for artificial cooling and controlling of the formation of haze in transport tunnels for mining.
Dynamic response multiobjective optimization of road vehicle ride quality—A computational multibody system approach
Authors: Mohajer Navid , Abdi Hamid , Nahavandi Saeid
Published: September 2016

Computational multibody system (MBS) method is a practical technique utilized for modeling, simulation, and optimization of mechanical systems. In the methodology of computational multibody system, equations of motion are derived, formulated, and solved through a systematic, generalized, and well-structured computational-mathematical approach. In this paper, the computational multibody system formulation, based on the appended Lagrangian method, is implemented to establish the governing equations of ride dynamics for a nonlinear ride model that represents a versatile half-car two-track model of a road vehicle. The input to the system is a simulated road surface model based on the ISO road surface classification. The solution of the equation of motion is obtained using the direct integration approach along with constraint violation elimination and control techniques. Following the simulation, a time-domain multiobjective design optimization procedure is performed to improve the ride quality of the model. The ride quality comprises both ride comfort and ride safety. The optimization considers relevant objective functions including vibration isolation, suspension travel, road holding, and force index. The results of work show that the proposed method could acceptably estimate the optimal values of design variables for specific road classes and vehicle driving speeds. The simulation-based ride quality optimization performed here could facilitate improvement of suspension and tyre.
Geometry optimization of a magnetorheological clutch operated by coils
Authors: Bucchi Francesco , Forte Paola , Frendo Francesco
Published: September 2016

Magnetorheological fluids are smart materials responsive to magnetic field, widely applied in dampers and shock absorbers but also in clutches and brakes. The magnetorheological fluid gap shape is a very important topic in the design of clutches, since it directly influences the transmissible torque and the power loss. In this paper, an approach to magnetorheological fluid clutch design based on optimization is proposed and tested on four different layouts. Starting from a given available volume, two magnetorheological fluid gap shapes, namely single cylinder and multi-disc, and two coils positions, i.e. internal or external, were considered. A lumped parameter model was developed to analytically compute the magnetic flux along the clutch magnetic circuit and to calculate the transmissible torque of the clutch. The optimal geometry of the clutch for maximum transmissible torque, in terms of number and dimensions of the coil sectors, was determined for each shape and coil configuration and the results were validated by finite element models.
Engagement in elderly persons with dementia attending animal-assisted group activity
Authors: Olsen Christine , Pedersen Ingeborg , Bergland Astrid , Enders-Slegers Marie-José , Ihlebæk Camilla
Published: September 2016

The need for meaningful activities that enhance engagement is very important among persons with dementia (PWDs), both for PWDs still living at home, as well as for PWDs admitted to a nursing home (NH). In this study, we systematically registered behaviours related to engagement in a group animal-assisted activity (AAA) intervention for 21 PWDs in NHs and among 28 home-dwelling PWDs attending a day care centre. The participants interacted with a dog and its handler for 30 minutes, twice a week for 12 weeks. Video-recordings were carried out early (week 2) and late (week 10) during the intervention period and behaviours were categorized by the use of an ethogram. AAA seems to create engagement in PWDs, and might be a suitable and health promoting intervention for both NH residents and participants of a day care centre. Degree of dementia should be considered when planning individual or group based AAA.
The impact of the arts in social work education: A systematic review
Authors: Leonard Kate , Hafford-Letchfield Trish , Couchman Wendy
Published: September 2016

Evidence on the effectiveness of arts-based approaches in professional education has been gathering momentum in the last decade embracing disciplines such as medicine, the allied professions, social work and social care. Key texts have emerged promoting the use of the arts in professional education and there have been some attempts to capture empirical evidence on its value. This paper reports on a systematic review of the current body of knowledge on the impact of the arts in social work education. We introduce the rationale for undertaking a systematic review and the methodology and approach used. We then discuss the three significant themes from our synthesis of the evidence reviewed. These were positioning social work practice through linking micro and macro thinking, the cultivation of leadership beyond verbal reasoning and art as pedagogy. The findings are discussed in the context of what the arts can offer challenges in social work education.
Automated modal parameter-based anomaly detection under varying wind excitation
Authors: Neu Eugen , Janser Frank , Khatibi Akbar A , Orifici Adrian C
Published: September 2016

Wind-induced operational variability is one of the major challenges for structural health monitoring of slender engineering structures like aircraft wings or wind turbine blades. Damage sensitive features often show an even bigger sensitivity to operational variability. In this study a composite cantilever was subjected to multiple mass configurations, velocities and angles of attack in a controlled wind tunnel environment. A small-scale impact damage was introduced to the specimen and the structural response measurements were repeated. The proposed damage detection methodology is based on automated operational modal analysis. A novel baseline preparation procedure is described that reduces the amount of user interaction to the provision of a single consistency threshold. The procedure starts with an indeterminate number of operational modal analysis identifications from a large number of datasets and returns a complete baseline matrix of natural frequencies and damping ratios that is suitable for subsequent anomaly detection. Mahalanobis distance-based anomaly detection is then applied to successfully detect the damage under varying severities of operational variability and with various degrees of knowledge about the present operational conditions. The damage detection capabilities of the proposed methodology were found to be excellent under varying velocities and angles of attack. Damage detection was less successful under joint mass and wind variability but could be significantly improved through the provision of the currently encountered operational conditions.
Hardware implementation of electrical resistance tomography for damage detection of carbon fibre–reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Cagáň Jan
Published: September 2016

The growing use of carbon fibre–reinforced polymer materials in aerospace and industrial applications requires the deployment of appropriate tools for detecting the occurrence and development of damage as well as for monitoring the durability of conductive composite structures. Electrical resistance tomography is a promising method in this field, since many types of fibre composite defects cause changes in the spatial distribution of conductivity. In comparison with other methods in the field of structural health monitoring, electrical resistance tomography has, at first glance, modest requirements for sensors, and thus appears to be a useful instrument in this field. Most of the previously conducted experiments in this field relied on the stand-alone hardware thereby did not contribute to a technological readiness level of the electrical resistance tomography. The article describes an experiment conducted on a carbon fibre–reinforced polymer composite specimen in laboratory conditions nevertheless with minimum usage of stand-alone equipment. Attention is focused on the first steps in the development of hardware, namely on the instrumental amplifier with active shielding and the voltage controlled current source. Experimental verification of usability of these components along with observed common mode voltage error and dynamic range is useful for next development of more complicated device such as a multiplexer. Greater attention is also paid to the implementation of electrodes, as these are a key part. The main contributions of proposed work lie in the usability verification of the key hardware components with the help of basic image reconstruction of the real damage.
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/periostin mediated platelet-derived growth factor-induced cell proliferation and extracellular matrix production in lupus nephritis
Authors: Zhao Xue , Hao Jun , Duan Huijun , Rong Zanhua , Li Fan
Published: September 2016

In the present study, the effect and mechanism of periostin on renal proliferation and extracellular matrix accumulation of lupus mice were investigated. MRL /lpr mice, known as lupus mice, were revealed to show enhanced periostin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and extracellular matrix accumulation in the kidney accompanied by increased serum platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Again, cultured mouse mesangial cells (MMCs) were treated with PDGF, then periostin, and PCNA and secreted fibronectin were detected. The results showed that intracellular periostin and PCNA were respectively enhanced by 2.691 and 2.308 times in PDGF-treated MMC cells at 6 h after stimulation. In addition, secreted fibronectin was increased by 1.442 times. Next, the transfection of periostin shRNA vector in PDGF-stimulated MMC cells effectively suppressed periostin, PCNA and secreted fibronectin by 45.27%, 47.75%, and 39.95%, compared with PDGF-stimulated cells transfected with control vector. Furthermore, it was found that PDGF increased the expression of phospho-Akt (Ser 473) from 30 min to 6 h in MMCs. LY294002 effectively inhibited phospho-Akt (Ser 473) expression caused by PDGF stimulation. Then, periostin, PCNA, and fibronectin were respectively decreased by 69.61%, 46.00%, and 46.20%. In the end, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/periostin was suggested to mediate PDGF-induced cell proliferation and extracellular matrix production in lupus nephritis.
Cold snare resection for the treatment of benign airway lesions
Authors: Chen En-guo , Wu Feng-jie , Zhang Ji-song , Jiang Han-liang , Dong Liang-liang , Hu Hui-hui
Published: September 2016

The objective was to assess the safety and outcome of cold snare technique used by flexible bronchoscopy in the treatment of airway benign neoplasms. The clinical data of 21 patients, who had airway benign neoplasm and were treated through the cold snare method in Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, affiliated with the Zhejiang University, were retrospectively analyzed. The relief of the symptoms and occurrence of complications were observed and evaluated. All the tumors were benign and removed by cold snare. Postoperatively, we found that the treatment was completely effective in 12 patients, and there was a significant improvement in 7 patients and a moderate improvement in 2 patients, and no recurrence in follow-up visit. In conclusion, the cold snare technique is an economically feasible, safe, and effective method in the treatment of airway neoplasms.
Comparison of futility monitoring guidelines using completed phase III oncology trials
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Freidlin Boris , Korn Edward L , Halabi Susan , Mandrekar Sumithra , Dignam James J.
Published: September 2016

Background:

Futility (inefficacy) interim monitoring is an important component in the conduct of phase III clinical trials, especially in life-threatening diseases. Desirable futility monitoring guidelines allow timely stopping if the new therapy is harmful or if it is unlikely to demonstrate to be sufficiently effective if the trial were to continue to its final analysis. There are a number of analytical approaches that are used to construct futility monitoring boundaries. The most common approaches are based on conditional power, sequential testing of the alternative hypothesis, or sequential confidence intervals. The resulting futility boundaries vary considerably with respect to the level of evidence required for recommending stopping the study.

Purpose:

We evaluate the performance of commonly used methods using event histories from completed phase III clinical trials of the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group, Cancer and Leukemia Group B, and North Central Cancer Treatment Group.

Methods:

We considered published superiority phase III trials with survival endpoints initiated after 1990. There are 52 studies available for this analysis from different disease sites. Total sample size and maximum number of events (statistical information) for each study were calculated using protocol-specified effect size, type I and type II error rates. In addition to the common futility approaches, we considered a recently proposed linear inefficacy boundary approach with an early harm look followed by several lack-of-efficacy analyses. For each futility approach, interim test statistics were generated for three schedules with different analysis frequency, and early stopping was recommended if the interim result crossed a futility stopping boundary. For trials not demonstrating superiority, the impact of each rule is summarized as savings on sample size, study duration, and information time scales.

Results:

For negative studies, our results show that the futility approaches based on testing the alternative hypothesis and repeated confidence interval rules yielded less savings (compared to the other two rules). These boundaries are too conservative, especially during the first half of the study (<50% of information). The conditional power rules are too aggressive during the second half of the study (>50% of information) and may stop a trial even when there is a clinically meaningful treatment effect. The linear inefficacy boundary with three or more interim analyses provided the best results. For positive studies, we demonstrated that none of the futility rules would have stopped the trials.

Conclusion:

The linear inefficacy boundary futility approach is attractive from statistical, clinical, and logistical standpoints in clinical trials evaluating new anti-cancer agents.
A SCN10A SNP biases human pain sensitivity
Authors: Duan Guangyou , Han Chongyang , Wang Qingli , Guo Shanna , Zhang Yuhao , Ying Ying , Huang Penghao , Zhang Li , Macala Lawrence , Shah Palak , Zhang Mi , Li Ningbo , Dib-Hajj Sulayman D , Waxman Stephen G , Zhang Xianwei
Published: September 2016

Background:

Nav1.8 sodium channels, encoded by SCN10A, are preferentially expressed in nociceptive neurons and play an important role in human pain. Although rare gain-of-function variants in SCN10A have been identified in individuals with painful peripheral neuropathies, whether more common variants in SCN10A can have an effect at the channel level and at the dorsal root ganglion, neuronal level leading to a pain disorder or an altered normal pain threshold has not been determined.

Results:

Candidate single nucleotide polymorphism association approach together with experimental pain testing in human subjects was used to explore possible common SCN10A missense variants that might affect human pain sensitivity. We demonstrated an association between rs6795970 (G > A; p.Ala1073Val) and higher thresholds for mechanical pain in a discovery cohort (496 subjects) and confirmed it in a larger replication cohort (1005 female subjects). Functional assessments showed that although the minor allele shifts channel activation by −4.3 mV, a proexcitatory attribute, it accelerates inactivation, an antiexcitatory attribute, with the net effect being reduced repetitive firing of dorsal root ganglion neurons, consistent with lower mechanical pain sensitivity.

Conclusions:

At the association and mechanistic levels, the SCN10A single nucleotide polymorphism rs6795970 biases human pain sensitivity.
Ganglioside GM3 synthase depletion reverses neuropathic pain and small fiber neuropathy in diet-induced diabetic mice
Authors: Menichella Daniela M , Jayaraj Nirupa D , Wilson Heather M , Ren Dongjun , Flood Kelsey , Wang Xiao-Qi , Shum Andrew , Miller Richard J , Paller Amy S
Published: September 2016

Background

Small fiber neuropathy is a well-recognized complication of type 2 diabetes and has been shown to be responsible for both neuropathic pain and impaired wound healing. In previous studies, we have demonstrated that ganglioside GM3 depletion by knockdown of GM3 synthase fully reverses impaired wound healing in diabetic mice. However, the role of GM3 in neuropathic pain and small fiber neuropathy in diabetes is unknown.

Purpose

Determine whether GM3 depletion is able to reverse neuropathic pain and small fibers neuropathy and the mechanism of the reversal.

Results

We demonstrate that GM3 synthase knockout and the resultant GM3 depletion rescues the denervation in mouse footpad skin and fully reverses the neuropathic pain in diet-induced obese diabetic mice. In cultured dorsal root ganglia from diet-induced diabetic mice, GM3 depletion protects against increased intracellular calcium influx in vitro.

Conclusions

These studies establish ganglioside GM3 as a new candidate responsible for neuropathic pain and small fiber neuropathy in diabetes. Moreover, these observations indicate that systemic or topically applied interventions aimed at depleting GM3 may improve both the painful neuropathy and the wound healing impairment in diabetes by protecting against nerve end terminal degeneration, providing a disease-modifying approach to this common, currently intractable medical issue.
BDNF signaling contributes to oral cancer pain in a preclinical orthotopic rodent model
Authors: Chodroff Leah , Bendele Michelle , Valenzuela Vanessa , Henry Michael , Ruparel Shivani
Published: September 2016

The majority of patients with oral cancer report intense pain that is only partially managed by current analgesics. Thus, there is a strong need to study mechanisms as well as develop novel analgesics for oral cancer pain. Current study employed an orthotopic tongue cancer model with molecular and non-reflexive behavioral assays to determine possible mechanisms of oral cancer pain. Human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells line, HSC2, was injected into the tongue of male athymic mice and tumor growth was observed by day 6. Immunohistological analyses revealed a well-differentiated tumor with a localized immune response and pronounced sensory and sympathetic innervation and vascularization. The tumor expressed TMPRSS2, a protein previously reported with oral squamous cell carcinoma. ATF3 expression in trigeminal ganglia was not altered by tumor growth. Molecular characterization of the model demonstrated altered expression of several pain-related genes, out of which up-regulation of BDNF was most striking. Moreover, BDNF protein expression in trigeminal ganglia neurons was increased and inhibition of BDNF signaling with a tyrosine kinase B antagonist, ANA-12, reversed pain-like behaviors induced by the oral tumor. Oral squamous cell carcinoma tumor growth was also associated with a reduction in feeding, mechanical hypersensitivity in the face, as well as spontaneous pain behaviors as measured by the conditioned place preference test, all of which were reversed by analgesics. Interestingly, injection of HSC2 into the hindpaw did not reproduce this spectrum of pain behaviors; nor did injection of a colonic cancer cell line into the tongue. Taken together, this orthotopic oral cancer pain model reproduces the spectrum of pain reported by oral cancer patients, including higher order cognitive changes, and demonstrates that BDNF signaling constitutes a novel mechanism by which oral squamous cell carcinoma induces pain. Identification of the key role of tyrosine kinase B signaling in oral cancer pain may serve as a novel target for drug development.
Repeated activation of delta opioid receptors counteracts nerve injury-induced TNF-α up-regulation in the sciatic nerve of rats with neuropathic pain
Authors: Vicario Nunzio , Parenti Rosalba , Aricò Giuseppina , Turnaturi Rita , Scoto Giovanna Maria , Chiechio Santina , Parenti Carmela
Published: September 2016

Despite mu opioid receptor agonists are the cornerstones of moderate-to-severe acute pain treatment, their effectiveness in chronic pain conditions is controversial. In contrast to mu opioid receptor agonists, a number of studies have reported the effectiveness of delta opioid receptor agonists on neuropathic pain strengthening the idea that delta opioid receptors gain importance when chronic pain develops. Among other effects, it has been shown that delta opioid receptor activation in optic nerve astrocytes inhibits tumor necrosis factor-α-mediated inflammation in response to severe hypoxia. Considering the involvement of tumor necrosis factor-α in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain, with this study we sought to correlate the effect of delta opioid receptor agonist on the development of mechanical allodynia to tumor necrosis factor-α expression at the site of nerve injury in rats subjected to chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve. To this aim, we measured the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α in the sciatic nerve of rats with neuropathic pain after repeated injections with a delta opioid receptor agonist. Results obtained demonstrated that repeated administrations of the delta opioid receptor agonist SNC80 (10 mg/kg, i.p. for seven consecutive days) significantly inhibited the development of mechanical allodynia in rats with neuropathic pain and that the improvement of neuropathic symptom was timely related to the reduced expression of tumor necrosis factor-α in the rat sciatic nerve. We demonstrated also that when treatment with the delta opioid receptor agonist was suspended both allodynia and tumor necrosis factor-α up-regulation in the sciatic nerve of rats with neuropathic pain were restored. These results show that persistent delta opioid receptor activation significantly attenuates neuropathic pain and negatively regulates sciatic nerve tumor necrosis factor-α expression in chronic constriction injury rats.
Brown versus Board at 62: Marching back into the future
Authors: Brown Henderson Cheryl , Brown Steven M
Published: September 2016

Sixty-two years after the Brown decision, American schools are collapsing under the weight of an antiquated system of school finance, pockets of poverty, and a ‘Black and Browning’ urban core. This article focuses on the march backwards to the de facto re-segregation of our nation’s public schools. In 2016, the racial and ethnic divides that plagued previous generations persist, but we have become less willing to talk earnestly about them and less equipped with responses that reach their core. Education is where we must start. The first step in producing quality schooling for all is to have candid discussions that link the inequalities of the past to the conditions of the present. Until we do that, we will continue to spin our wheels in a deliberately slow manner, wondering why, over 62 years after Brown v. Board of Education, we can still point to schools that are separate and unequal.
Effects of a combined technique and agility program on youth soccer players’ skills
Authors: Zago Matteo , Giuriola Massimo , Sforza Chiarella
Published: September 2016

High-intensity actions with high technical demands heavily influence soccer game outcomes. While performance factors have been traditionally trained separately, a program combining agility and technique training was proposed, structured on artificial constraints (tapes) creating spatiotemporal restrictions.

This repeated-measures study involved an experimental and a control group: 20 Under-12 sub-elite male soccer players were tested before and after a 22-weeks differentiated training intervention or the traditional training schedule.

The proposed program produced higher performance improvements, compared to traditional training, in the Shuttle Sprint Test (two-way analysis of variance, factors: Group and Time, significant Group × Time interaction, P < 0.05) and in the Loughborough Soccer Passing Test execution time (−4.8%, P < 0.05). Both groups improved Slalom Dribbling Test performance ( P < 0.001).

We concluded that the proposed program could enhance performance in 180° change-of-direction and in the time to complete a controlling and passing dynamic task.

The methodological implications of this study could be beneficial in improving youth soccer training effectiveness.