bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemostatic wound dressings: Predicting their effects by in vitro tests
Authors: Wiegand Cornelia , Abel Martin , Hipler Uta-Christina , Elsner Peter , Zieger Michael , Kurz Julia , Wendel Hans P , Stoppelkamp Sandra
Published: February 2019

Background

Application of controlled in vitro techniques can be used as a screening tool for the development of new hemostatic agents allowing quantitative assessment of overall hemostatic potential.

Materials and methods

Several tests were selected to evaluate the efficacy of cotton gauze, collagen, and oxidized regenerated cellulose for enhancing blood clotting, coagulation, and platelet activation.

Results

Visual inspection of dressings after blood contact proved the formation of blood clots. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated the adsorption of blood cells and plasma proteins. Significantly enhanced blood clot formation was observed for collagen together with β-thromboglobulin increase and platelet count reduction. Oxidized regenerated cellulose demonstrated slower clotting rates not yielding any thrombin generation; yet, led to significantly increased thrombin-anti-thrombin-III complex levels compared to the other dressings. As hemostyptica ought to function without triggering any adverse events, induction of hemolysis, instigation of inflammatory reactions, and initiation of the innate complement system were also tested. Here, cotton gauze provoked high PMN elastase and elevated SC5b-9 concentrations.

Conclusions

A range of tests for desired and undesired effects of materials need to be combined to gain some degree of predictability of the in vivo situation. Collagen-based dressings demonstrated the highest hemostyptic properties with lowest adverse reactions whereas gauze did not induce high coagulation activation but rather activated leukocytes and complement.
Comparison of Healthcare Utilization Between Informal Caregivers and Non-Caregivers: An Analysis of the Health Information National Trends Survey
Authors: Shaffer Kelly M. , Nightingale Chandylen L.
Published: February 2019

Objective: The demands of providing unpaid care for someone with a disabling health condition (i.e., informal caregiving) can limit attention to one’s own health needs. Using a nationally representative survey, this study examines whether caregivers report different healthcare utilization relative to non-caregivers. Method: Participants in the Health Information National Trends Survey 5, Cycle 1 reported whether they provided unpaid care and healthcare utilization outcomes. Logistic regressions and chi-square tests with jackknife variance estimation were used. Results: Caregivers ( N = 391) did not differ from non-caregivers ( N = 2,894) in time since routine checkup or number of healthcare appointments in the past year ( p values > .25). Among caregivers, number of healthcare appointments differed according to caregivers’ relationship to the care recipient ( p = .04). Discussion: Findings suggest that informal caregivers access routine healthcare at a frequency similar to non-caregivers. Further research should determine whether this utilization is optimal, or whether increased utilization during caregiving might help attenuate caregivers’ longer term morbidity.
Free vibration analysis of the hard-coating splitter blisk using the energy-based finite element method
Authors: Gao Feng , Sun Wei
Published: February 2019

This paper presents the free vibration analysis of the hard-coating splitter blisk (known as the splitter blisk deposited hard coating) and the damping-improved performance of the hard coating for vibration suppression of the splitter blisk. Based on the proposed energy-based finite element method by the energy considerations, complex modulus theory and composite Mindlin plate theory, the equations of motion of hard-coating splitter blisk are formulated. And, the complex solutions for free vibration problem are then solved, whose real and imaginary parts are closely related to natural frequencies and loss factors. Considering the academic splitter blisk deposited NiCoCrAlY+YSZ hard coating as the benchmark, the comparisons for vibration characteristics of hard-coating splitter blisk originating from different sources are performed for model validation, and the influence of hard coating on the dynamics of splitter blisk are also investigated. The numerical results reveal that the vibration amplitudes of splitter blisk are suppressed remarkably by the hard coating without altering natural frequencies significantly.
Jules Bernard Luys on magnetic pathology
Authors: Alvarado Carlos S
Published: February 2019

In the mesmeric movement, one of the phenomena cited to defend the existence of magnetic and nervous forces was the visual perception of them in the form of luminous emanations from people, or effluvia. This Classic Text is an 1892 article by French neurologist, Jules Bernard Luys (1828–97), about the observation of such effluvia by hypnotized individuals. Interestingly, the luminous phenomena perceived from mentally diseased individuals and from healthy ones had particular properties. Luys’s interest in this and other unorthodox phenomena were consistent with ideas of animal magnetism in the late neo-mesmeric movement, as well as with some physicalistic conceptions of hypnosis and the nervous system held at the time.
The Baldovan Institution Abuse Inquiry: a forgotten scandal
Authors: May David
Published: February 2019

In this paper, I resurrect a long-forgotten inquiry into abuse and maladministration at an institution for people with learning disabilities, the Baldovan Institution near Dundee, that has lain buried in the archives for the past 60 years. I contrast the response to it with the very different response to the similar revelations of the Ely Hospital Inquiry more than a decade later. Whereas Ely opened up the institutional sector to greater public scrutiny and brought with it a formal commitment from the government to shift the balance of care away from the long-term hospital, Baldovan produced recommendations that were limited to the institution and had no impact on public policy or institutional practice. I consider the reasons for this and its implications.
Escape from Justice: The Failed Prosecutions of Baron Takasaki Masamitsu
Authors: Taucher Paul
Published: February 2019

Takasaki Masamitsu was a suspected Japanese war criminal prosecuted by both the Dutch and Australian militaries after the Second World War. In both trials, he was acquitted, despite strong circumstantial evidence connecting him to several war crimes committed against Allied prisoners. Takasaki was also connected to several other war crimes, but never faced trial. Takasaki’s case provides a prime example of how suspects could exploit the system to escape successful prosecution in the post-war trials.
Radical actions to address UK organ shortage, enacting Iran’s paid donation programme: A discussion paper
Authors: Timmins Rebecca , Sque Magi
Published: February 2019

Globally there is a shortage of organs available for transplant resulting in thousands of lives lost as a result. Recently in the United Kingdom 457 people died as a result of organ shortage in just 1 year. 1 NHS Blood and Transplant suggest national debates to test public attitudes to radical actions to increase organ donation should be considered in addressing organ shortage. The selling of organs for transplant in the United Kingdom is prohibited under the Human Tissue Act 2004. This discussion paper considers five ethical objections raised in the United Kingdom to paid donation and discusses how these objections are addressed within the only legal and regulated paid living unrelated renal donation programme in the world in Iran, where its kidney transplant list was eliminated within 2 years of its commencement. This article discusses whether paid living unrelated donation in Iran increases riskier donations and reduced altruistic donation as opponents of paid donation claim. The paper debates whether objections to paid donation based upon commodification arguments only oppose enabling financial ends, even if these ends enable beneficent acts. Discussions in relation to whether valid consent can be given by the donor will take place and will also debate the objection that donors will be coerced and exploited by a paid model. This article suggests that exploitation of the paid donor within the Iranian model exists within the legally permitted framework. However, paid living kidney donation should be discussed further and other models of paid donation considered in the United Kingdom as a radical means of increasing donation.
Effect of temperature rise on characteristics of a standing wave ultrasonic motor
Authors: Lv Qibao , Yao Zhiyuan , Zhou Lifeng , Pan Lingyong
Published: February 2019

Heat loss occurs in the process of energy conversion, which causes the temperature rise and performance degradation of ultrasonic motor. In this article, a novel theoretical model is developed to investigate the temperature field and output characteristics of a standing wave ultrasonic motor. The roughness of contact surface and the interaction between temperature rise and material parameters of stator are taken into account in the proposed model. The frequency–temperature characteristics of stator are studied, and the changes in the dielectric coefficients of piezoelectric materials with respect to the temperature are determined by experimental data. The accuracy and effectiveness of the developed model are validated by correlative experiment. The results show that the developed model can not only predict the temperature variation of motor in continuous operation but also evaluate the influence of surface roughness and various input parameters on output characteristics of motor. These researches will give useful guidelines for optimizing heat source and enhancing reliability of motor.
Those Who Don’t Return: Improving Efforts to Address Tuberculosis Among Former Miners in Southern Africa
Authors: Smith Jonathan , Blom Paul
Published: February 2019

Despite increasing awareness regarding the role of oscillating migration in the mining industry as a major driving force in the spread of tuberculosis (TB) throughout southern Africa, very little work has focused on the historical and contextual factors which may contribute to former migrant miners’ present-day risk of TB. Most research regarding migration-related and occupational influences on TB has been done on current miners still employed by the mining industry. Through both a historical and contemporary lens, this paper explores and elucidates the need to address the TB epidemic among former migrant mine workers and provides considerations to improve current interventions among this critical population.
Influence of Outdoor and Adventure Activities on Subjective Measures of Resilience in University Students
Authors: Kelly John
Published: February 2019

Background: Adventure experiences offer opportunities to improve resilience by exposure to controlled challenging situations. While previous studies have shown improvements in resilience, they have often lacked matched control groups, relied on a single measure of resilience, and had limited longitudinal follow-up. Purpose: This research assessed changes in subjective measures of resilience in response to adventure experiences. Method/Approach: Using a quasi-experimental design, resilience was assessed in two matched groups of university students using two validated instruments. Measurements were taken at four time points over a 3-month period, which included a 4-day residential experience for the Outdoor Adventure group. Findings/Conclusion: Adventure experiences showed tentative evidence for influencing subjective measures of resilience, more so for individuals who started with a low score. Resilience demonstrated the largest increase immediately post-program, returning to near baseline within 3 weeks. Implications: The mechanism for change in resilience would appear to be appropriate levels of challenge, rather than specific exposure to outdoor adventure activities. Furthermore, individuals with initially low scores are likely to achieve the greatest gain.
Validation of a Battery of Neuropsychological Tests for Patients With Metastatic Cancer
Authors: Matuoka Jessica Y. , Kurita Geana P. , Nordly Mie , Sjøgren Per , de Mattos-Pimenta Cibele A.
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of Trail Making Test (TMT), Continuous Reaction Time (CRT), Finger Tapping Test (FTT), Digit Span Test (DST), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in Brazilian patients with metastatic cancer. Cognitive performance of 178 patients with metastatic cancer and 79 controls was assessed using the TMT, CRT, FTT, DST, and MMSE. Discriminant validity, concurrent validity, and reliability (39 patients were retested after 3-7 days) were investigated. Discriminant validity between groups was observed in TMT, DST, and MMSE. Measures of concurrent validity and cognitive performance were positively correlated with physical performance, education level, and better performance on MMSE. Negative correlations were observed between cognitive function, pain, anxiety, and depression. All tests but FTT demonstrated very good reliability. Thus, all neuropsychological tests but FTT showed psychometric properties that permit their use in clinical and research purposes in patients with metastatic cancer.
Liquid bridges between a sphere and a plane - Classification of meniscus profiles for unknown capillary pressure
Authors: Nguyen Hien Nho Gia , Millet Olivier , Gagneux Gérard
Published: February 2019

The motivation for this study results from the following practical observation: for the experimenter, the value of the capillary pressure is a priori an unknown of the problem, it corresponds to a spontaneous value resulting a posteriori from a static equilibrium. A general classification of axisymmetric capillary bridge profiles for unknown capillary pressure between a sphere and a plane is addressed in this article. The meridian of the liquid bridge is classified into convex or concave profiles as portions of nodoid or unduloid surfaces based on measured geometrical data with special limit cases as catenoid, cylinder, or sphere. The theoretical work is then validated by an image-processing technique applied to images of real capillary bridges from experiments for small water volumes and small sphere–plate separation distances. The laboratory tests show very good agreement between the theoretical calculations and the associated classification proposed. Even the transition case of a catenoid can be observed.
Narrating the Transition to Adulthood for Youth in Uganda: Leaving School, Mobility, Risky Occupations, and HIV
Authors: Kreniske Philip , Grilo Stephanie , Nakyanjo Neema , Nalugoda Fred , Wolfe Jason , Santelli John S.
Published: February 2019

School enrollment, mobility, and occupation are each important factors to consider when examining HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection risk among youth in sub-Saharan Africa. Through an analysis of narrative life histories from 30 HIV-positive and 30 HIV-negative youth (aged 15-24 years), matched on gender, age, and village and purposively selected and interviewed from the Rakai Community Cohort Study, this article shows the complex connection between leaving school, mobility, and occupation with implications for HIV risk. We identified a pattern of risk factors that was present in many more HIV-positive than HIV-negative youth life stories. These HIV-positive youth shared a similar pathway during their transition to adulthood: After leaving school, they moved in search of occupations; they then engaged in risky occupations before eventually returning to their home village. Linking the lines of inquiry on school enrollment, mobility, and risky occupations, our findings have important implications for adolescent health research, practice, and policy in Uganda and across sub-Saharan Africa and the developing world.
Nonclinical Toxicology and Toxicokinetic Profile of an Oral Lanthionine Synthetase C-Like 2 (LANCL2) Agonist, BT-11
Authors: Leber Andrew , Hontecillas Raquel , Zoccoli-Rodriguez Victoria , Ehrich Marion , Davis Jennifer , Chauhan Jyoti , Bassaganya-Riera Josep
Published: February 2019

BT-11 is an orally active, gut-restricted investigational therapeutic targeting the lanthionine synthetase C-like 2 pathway with lead indications in ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn disease (CD), 2 manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In 5 mouse models of IBD, BT-11 is effective at oral doses of 8 mg/kg. BT-11 was also efficacious at nanomolar concentrations in primary human samples from patients with UC and CD. BT-11 was tested under Good Laboratory Practice conditions in 90-day repeat-dose general toxicity studies in rats and dogs, toxicokinetics, respiratory, cardiovascular and central nervous system safety pharmacology, and genotoxicity studies. Oral BT-11 did not cause any clinical signs of toxicity, biochemical or hematological changes, or macroscopic or microscopic changes to organs in 90-day repeat-dose toxicity studies in rats and dogs at doses up to 1,000 mg/kg/d. Oral BT-11 resulted in low systemic exposure in both rats (area under the curve exposure from t = 0 to t = 8 hours [AUC0-8] of 216 h × ng/mL) and dogs (650 h × ng/mL) and rapid clearance with an average half-life of 3 hours. BT-11 did not induce changes in respiratory function, electrocardiogram parameters, or behavior with single oral doses of 1,000 mg/kg/d. There was no evidence of mutagenic or genotoxic potential for BT-11 up to tested limit doses using an Ames test, chromosomal aberration assay in human peripheral blood lymphocytes, or micronucleus assay in rats. Therefore, nonclinical studies show BT-11 to be a safe and well-tolerated oral therapeutic with potential as a potent immunometabolic therapy for UC and CD with no-observed adverse effect level >1,000 mg/kg in in vivo studies.
‘I Love this Place, but I Won’t Stay’: Identification with Place and Imagined Spatial Futures Among Youth Living in Rural Areas in Sweden
Authors: Rönnlund Maria
Published: February 2019

This study contributes to a body of literature that addresses relationships between space, place and identity, and their effects on young people’s ‘spatial horizons’. Drawing on ethnographic data from Sweden, it analyses youths’ identification with home place and how it relates to their imagined spatial futures in terms of staying ‘local’ or migrating. The findings indicate that locality strongly influenced the identity-processing of youths, but there was no straightforward relationship between identification with home place and willingness to stay in that place. Rather the home place’s perceived and narrated relation to other places, as well as its material conditions, social relationships and practices, contributed to the youths’ articulated views of their spatial futures.
Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Sardinia: A systematic cross-sectional multi-source survey
Authors: Urru Silvana AM , Antonelli Antonello , Sechi Giuseppe M ,   MS Working Group
Published: February 2019

Background:

Partial surveys in sub-regions of Sardinia have suggested a high prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) on the island, relative to other Mediterranean populations. We assessed the island-wide prevalence of MS and its detailed distribution in Sardinia.

Methods:

The study population consisted of 5677 MS patients, 1735 men and 3942 women, living in Sardinia. Neurologists retrospectively examined electronic and paper-based records of patients with a diagnosis of MS. The data were then linked to the administrative health information systems. Crude, age-, and sex-specific prevalence estimates of disease were calculated.

Results:

The overall age-adjusted MS prevalence was 330 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval (CI) 321–338) in individuals older than 15 years, 447 in women (95% CI 433–461), and 205 in men (95% CI 195–214). The prevalence was highest in the Ogliastra and Nuoro districts, respectively, 425 (95% CI 372–478) and 419 (95% CI 387–451), and lowest in the Olbia-Tempio district, 217 (95% CI 195–239). Most cases had relapsing–remitting MS (79.3%), 16.3% had secondary-progressive MS, and 4.4% had primary-progressive MS.

Conclusion:

These prevalence are among the highest reported so far worldwide. They provide estimates for comparative analyses in other populations and are essential for public health interventions.
Personality and fatal diseases: Revisiting a scientific scandal
Authors: Pelosi Anthony J
Published: February 2019

During the 1980s and 1990s, Hans J Eysenck conducted a programme of research into the causes, prevention and treatment of fatal diseases in collaboration with one of his protégés, Ronald Grossarth-Maticek. This led to what must be the most astonishing series of findings ever published in the peer-reviewed scientific literature with effect sizes that have never otherwise been encounterered in biomedical research. This article outlines just some of these reported findings and signposts readers to extremely serious scientific and ethical criticisms that were published almost three decades ago. Confidential internal documents that have become available as a result of litigation against tobacco companies provide additional insights into this work. It is suggested that this research programme has led to one of the worst scientific scandals of all time. A call is made for a long overdue formal inquiry.
Brief report: Meaning in life is mediated by self-efficacy in the prediction of physical activity
Authors: Rush Christina L , Hooker Stephanie A , Ross Kaile M , Frers Amy K , Peters John C , Masters Kevin S
Published: February 2019

Meaning and purpose in life are related to a reduced risk of mortality and cardiovascular events, and meaning has been established as a correlate of physical activity. However, it is not clear what mechanisms account for the relationship between meaning and physical activity. A cross-sectional analysis ( N = 94) indicated that self-efficacy in improving physical fitness is a statistically significant mediator of the relationship between meaning and physical activity.
‘Memory objects’: Material objects and memories of home in the context of intra-African mobility
Authors: Marschall Sabine
Published: February 2019

This article contributes to the intersection of material culture and mobility studies by exploring the role of objects in fostering nostalgia and emotionally linking migrants with their home world. ‘Memory objects’ are conceptualized as special personal belongings that elicit deliberate or involuntary memories of homeland, home culture, social relations and episodes in one’s pre-migration past. Focusing on intra-African migration, the study is based on in-depth interviews with a sample of 40 migrants from 13 African countries, temporarily or permanently based in South Africa. Contrary to the extant literature, initial findings indicate most participants did not value keepsakes or sentimental mementoes of home. However, it emerged that some had developed a special relationship with specific utilitarian objects, mostly received as gifts, which essentially turned into memory objects over time, precipitating memories and emotional attachment through routine usage and performative action. It is argued that more attention must be paid to socio-cultural values and other locally specific factors.
The effect of cognitive vocabulary learning approaches on Chinese learners’ compound word attainment, retention, and learning motivation
Authors: Li Jui-Teng , Tong Fuhui
Published: February 2019

Research has supported the benefit of cognitive vocabulary learning approaches, such as dual-coding (i.e. visual-verbal approach), on Chinese language learners’ vocabulary attainment. However, few studies have systematically examined how to maximize Chinese word retention. Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate the effects of two types of visual-verbal approaches, i.e. pictographic-verbal coding approach and pictorial-verbal coding approach, on Chinese language learners’ word attainment. The visual support in our proposed pictographic-verbal coding approach uses pictograms, while pictures are used as the visual support in the pictorial-verbal coding approach. Further, we tested whether repetition would impact learners’ Chinese word retention. One-hundred fourth and fifth grade English-speaking Chinese language learners participated in the study. A series of two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was conducted. Results showed that the pictographic-verbal coding approach assisted learners in acquiring as well as retrieving more Chinese words compared to the pictorial-verbal coding approach. We also found that learners taught by the pictographic-verbal coding approach demonstrated higher learning motivation. Instructional implications were discussed.
Design of a test rig for fundamental investigations of spark characteristics
Authors: Tilz Anton , Meyer Georg , Kiesling Constantin , Pirker Gerhard , Salbrechter Sebastian , Wimmer Andreas
Published: February 2019

A common means to increase efficiency in stationary spark ignited engines is to operate the engine with a higher air/fuel ratio of the mixture in conjunction with a higher turbulence level; however, this generally leads to severe conditions that significantly impact the inflammability of the gas–air mixture and combustion stability. Because the electric arc that forms at the spark plug is a main influencing factor in combustion, detailed research work in the field of electric arc behavior generated at spark plugs is required. This article thus presents a specially tailored test rig that is designed to facilitate an investigation of electric arc behavior under cross-flows at a spark plug typically used in gas engines. The test rig consists of a closed flow circuit for inert gases; its centerpiece is a test cell that provides optical access for high-speed imaging of the electric arc behavior at the spark plug. The required flow velocity at the spark plug is set with a blower. Flow velocities up to 30 m/s, pressures up to 60 bar and temperatures up to 80 °C can be achieved inside the flow system at the location of the spark plug. Postprocessing algorithms have been developed to automatically extract information from the high-speed images. The results reveal that the arc stretches more at a higher flow velocity as indicated by its greater arc length. In addition, it is evident that the cycle-to-cycle variation in arc length increases at higher flow velocities. The secondary voltage history and its cycle-to-cycle variation are strongly influenced by the arc length. This is reflected in the cycle-to-cycle variation of the spark energy input to the flowing gas. These results support the conclusion that spark behavior itself can be a substantial source of cycle-to-cycle variation in the combustion process observed in spark ignited gas engines.
Protests, Rallies, Marches, and Social Movements as Organizational Change Agents
Authors: Germain Marie-Line , Robertson Phyllis , Minnis Sarah
Published: February 2019

The Problem

Social movements can impact organizations and employees through changes in policies and procedures in the workplace. Measuring the degree to which collective protests, rallies, and marches have influenced organizational actions can be complex due to the variance in activist practices and the resistance or amiableness of organizations to change.

The Solution

Protests, rallies, and marches can create a disruptive stage for challenging and confronting organizational policies and practices that maintain power structures. Through the examination of the literature and the review of recent worldwide events, this article illustrates how social movements have affected organizations and led to organizational changes, illuminating change processes in established fields such as business. Specifically, we aim to answer how protests, rallies, and marches influence organizational policies and practices attributed to human resource development (HRD). We conclude by discussing how a recent social movement is applicable to the field of HRD and suggest areas for future research.

The Stakeholders

This article may be of interest to employees at all levels of the organization, researchers, and practitioners in the field of HRD.
Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting: A Call for a Paradigm Shift in States' Approaches to Funding
Authors: Condon Eileen M.
Published: February 2019

Early home visiting is a vital health promotion strategy that is widely associated with positive outcomes for vulnerable families. To expand access to these services, the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program was established under the Affordable Care Act, and over $2 billion have been distributed from the Health Resources and Services Administration to states, territories, and tribal entities to support funding for early home visiting programs serving pregnant women and families with young children (birth to 5 years of age). As of October 2018, 20 programs met Department of Health and Human Services criteria for evidence of effectiveness and were approved to receive MIECHV funding. However, the same few eligible programs receive MIECHV funding in almost all states, likely due to previously established infrastructure prior to establishment of the MIECHV program. Fully capitalizing on this federal investment will require all state policymakers and bureaucrats to reevaluate services currently offered and systematically and transparently develop a menu of home visiting services that will best match the specific needs of the vulnerable families in their communities. Federal incentives and strategies may also improve states' abilities to successfully implement a comprehensive and diverse menu of home visiting service options. By offering a menu of home visiting program models with varying levels of service delivery, home visitor education backgrounds, and targeted domains for improvement, state agencies serving children and families have an opportunity to expand their reach of services, improve cost-effectiveness, and promote optimal outcomes for vulnerable families. Nurses and nursing organizations can play a key role in advocating for this approach.
The Principal and the PEA (Parent Education Association)
Authors: Guillaume Rene O. , Osanloo Azadeh F. , Kew Kristin L.
Published: February 2019

With discourse on immigration policies being brought to the forefront in U.S. education, educational leaders need to be more conscious than ever of changing demographics, diversity, and the multilingual and multicultural value of their students and community. This case study focuses on how educational leaders engage with Latino/a parents and how caregivers in Southwest borderland rural communities can assist in the academic success of their Latino/a students from a culturally responsive approach. The principal and the PEA (Parent Education Association) encourages administrators to engage in conversations regarding immigration policies and parental involvement in hopes of better understanding cultural disparities in parental involvement.
Is There a Difference in All-Cause Mortality Between Non-Hispanic Black and Non-Hispanic White Men With the Same Level of Education? Analyses Using the 2000–2011 National Health Interview Surveys
Authors: Gilmore Danielle R. , Whitfield Keith E. , Thorpe Roland J.
Published: February 2019

Although men have greater societal and economic privileges, men have higher all-cause mortality rates than women, even after controlling for education. Further, racial/ethnic mortality disparities exist among men with varying levels of education. Few studies have explored the independent effects of education and all-cause mortality between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White men with the same level of education. Our purpose was to identify trends in racial differences in all-cause mortality between non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black men with the same level of education. Data for the study came from the National Health Interview Surveys 2000–2011 linked to the 2000–2009 Mortality Files. The Student’s t and chi-square tests were used to assess the mean and proportional differences between non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black men (≥18 years of age) across a range of demographic and health-related factors. Cox proportional hazard models were specified to examine the association between level of education and all-cause mortality adjusting for the demographic and health characteristics. Except for men who did not complete high school, statistically significant differences in all-cause mortality are present between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White men with the same level of education. The findings reveal the importance of understanding the level of education on differences in all-cause mortality between non-Hispanic Whites and non-Hispanic Blacks.
The movement and forces of spinning solution in the nozzle during high-speed centrifugal spinning
Authors: Duan Yaoshuai , Zhang Zhiming , Lu Binbin , Chen Boya , Lai Zilong
Published: February 2019

High-speed centrifugal spinning is a novel method to fabricate nanofiber. It has the potential to fabricate nanofiber on a large scale because its production efficiency is much greater than traditional methods. Nozzle is an important part of high-speed centrifugal spinning equipment because its length, shape, and diameter all will affect the morphology and quality of nanofiber. It is useful to study the movement and forces of spinning solution in the nozzle. In this article, the principle and equipment structure of high-speed centrifugal spinning are briefly introduced at first. Then the movement and forces of spinning solution are analyzed by establishing parametric model at nozzle. It can be found that the spinning solution is ejected from nozzle when the rotating speed reaches a critical value. The critical rotating speed is inversely proportional to the radius of nozzle and directly proportional to the viscosity of spinning solution. There are several nozzle structures proposed and compared for nozzle optimization. Finally, the effects of nozzle parameters, concentration of spinning solution, and rotational speed on the morphology of nanofiber are verified by high-speed centrifugal spinning experiments. It lays the foundation for optimizing spinning equipment.
Taking Policy for Granted in the Context of Scientific Innovation
Authors: Friberg Torbjörn , Englander Magnus
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this qualitative inquiry is to attempt to elucidate the policy attitude as it appears within the context of scientific innovation. A phenomenological anthropological approach to qualitative inquiry was utilized in order to explicate the human scientific meaning of a specific attitude driven by an interest in a sociocultural context. The policy attitude can be described as an attitude upholding a meaning based upon a collaborative ideal, marked by a hybridization of values and organizations. The policy attitude is thus submissive to political trends and business organizational structures, goals, and objectives. As the world of science becomes an integrated part of the world of policy and industry, it could be argued that policy attitude influences how we perceive knowledge, in which qualitative inquiry in the human sciences is by no means excluded.
Ligature-induced periodontitis induces systemic inflammation but does not alter acute outcome after stroke in mice
Authors: O'Boyle Conor , Haley Michael J , Lemarchand Eloise , Smith Craig J , Allan Stuart M , Konkel Joanne E , Lawrence Catherine B
Published: February 2019

Background

Stroke is a major cause of disability and mortality. Poorer outcome after stroke is associated with concomitant inflammatory and infectious disease. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the dental supporting structures and is a prominent risk factor for many systemic disorders, including cardiovascular disease and stroke. While epidemiological studies suggest that periodontitis increases the likelihood of stroke, its impact on stroke severity is poorly understood. Here, we sought to determine the contribution of periodontitis to acute stroke pathology.

Methods

We characterized a murine ligature model of periodontitis for inflammatory responses that could potentially impact stroke outcome. We applied this model and then subjected mice to either transient or permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. We also enhanced the periodontitis model with repeated intravenous administration of a periodontal-specific lipopolysaccharide to better mimic the clinical condition.

Results

Ligature-induced periodontitis caused bone loss, bacterial growth, and increased local inflammatory cell trafficking. Systemically, periodontitis increased circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and primed bone marrow monocytes to produce elevated tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα). Despite these changes, periodontitis alone or in tandem with repeated lipopolysaccharide challenge did not alter infarct volume, blood–brain barrier breakdown, or systemic inflammation after experimental stroke.

Conclusions

Our data show that despite elevated systemic inflammation in periodontitis, oral inflammatory disease does not impact acute stroke pathology in terms of severity, determined primarily by infarct volume. This indicates that, at least in this experimental paradigm, periodontitis alone does not alter acute outcome after cerebral ischemia.
The Gifted Gap, STEM Education, and Economic Immobility
Authors: Crabtree Lenora M. , Richardson Sonyia C. , Lewis Chance W.
Published: February 2019

Systemic inequities in educational opportunities contribute to reduced economic mobility. Extensive research has documented disproportionality in gifted education at national and state levels. However, limited research examines inequities in gifted education within districts. Informed by critical systems theory (CST), this research provides an analysis of the Gifted Gap in a school district serving a growing metropolitan area with surprisingly limited economic mobility. Results reveal underrepresentation of students experiencing poverty, and Black and Latinx students of all socioeconomic groups in gifted education programs. Inequities in gifted education create systemic barriers including reduced enrollment in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, a factor that impedes college completion and participation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) research and innovation. Reducing gifted education disproportionality is a promising way to increase economic mobility and broaden participation in STEM.
Metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the eyelid: an unusual presentation
Authors: Ramez Ahmed M , Hamed Manar , Saad Eman A
Published: February 2019

Renal cell carcinoma has an unpredictable course with a propensity for metastatic spread. Here we present the case of a female patient with an unusual presentation of metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the eyelid which is extremely rare. Treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma is still controversial; however, several authors consider metastasectomy to be a valid option. Unfortunately, little information is available on the utility of systemic treatment after the complete resection of metastatic lesions.

Level of evidence: Not applicable for this multicentre audit.
No Benefits of Combining Proximal Row Carpectomy With PIN Neurectomy for Wrist Disorders—A Comparative Study With Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Tahta Mesut , Aydin Yener , Erpala Firat , Yildiz Mehmet , Gunal Izge , Sener Muhittin
Published: February 2019

Background:

Posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) resection in combination with proximal row carpectomy (PRC), is a preferred method in order to obtain rapid recovery. However, the contribution of such combination to results isn’t known well.

Objectives:

We performed a comparative study to evaluate the effects of PIN neurectomy for PRC and a systematic review of the literature was performed to identify whether such combination has an advantage.

Methods:

Patients with wrist diseases who underwent PRC were evaluated retrospectively. Patients without PIN neurectomy (group 1, n = 7) and with PIN neurectomy (group 2, n = 8) were compared in respect of mean age, follow-up, gender, Q-DASH, VAS, MAYO wrist scores, flexion–extension/radial–ulnar deviation range of motion at final follow-up. The MEDLINE database was searched for studies published between 2005 and 2015, as the second part of the study. The following keywords were used: “proximal,” “row,” “carpectomy.” Studies, which met the inclusion criteria, were evaluated in terms of such combination.

Results:

There were no significant difference between the groups in regard with age ( P = .463), follow-up period ( P = .728), the ranges of flexion–extension ( P = .431) and radio–ulnar deviation ( P = .689), Q-DASH ( P = .452), and MAYO scores ( P = .728). In the second part of the study, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria and none of them was specifically evaluating such combination. Only one study had specific comments on PRC with PIN neurectomy.

Conclusion:

According to our study (which, to our knowledge, was the first comparative study in the literature), we advocate not to combine PRC with PIN neurectomy for such an approach has no advantage.
Assessment of Clinical Outcomes and Patient Response to Gingival Depigmentation by Scalpel Surgical Stripping and Diode Laser: A Randomized Split-Mouth Study
Authors: Chhina Shivjot , Gakhar Abhishek , Gupta Stuti , ss Shradha , Sharma Ejya , Arora Sachit Anand
Published: February 2019

Oral melanin pigmentation is a ubiquitous presentation in the oral cavity. It could be a cause of psychological distress to many subjects due to aesthetic reasons.

Aims and Objectives:

This study attempts to compare the laser and scalpel depigmentation techniques. It also includes a comparison related to the Visual Analog Scale, patient comfort, healing response and time taken for the procedure and recurrence of pigmentation.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 10 patients were included in the study. A split-mouth approach comparing the scalpel technique with that of the diode laser technique was planned.

Results and Conclusion:

The results of the present study revealed that both laser and scalpel techniques are equally effective for depigmentation, yielding aesthetic results.
Effect of a New Head Lice Treatment, Abametapir Lotion, 0.74%, on Louse Eggs: A Randomized, Double-Blind Study
Authors: Bowles Vernon Morrison , Hanegraaf Sharon , Ahveninen Tiina , Sidgiddi Srinivas , Allenby Kent , Alsop Hugh
Published: February 2019

Few head lice treatments have demonstrated effectiveness against louse eggs. Abametapir, a metalloproteinase inhibitor, is able to target metalloproteinases critical to egg hatching and louse development. In this double-blind, phase 2 study, 50 subjects aged ≥3 years with active head lice infestation were randomized to receive a single treatment of abametapir lotion, 0.74%, or vehicle (control), applied to scalp and hair for 10 minutes. Ovicidal efficacy was measured by recording the hatch rate of eggs collected from each subject’s hair before and after treatment and incubated for 14 days. With abametapir, 100% of treated eggs remained unhatched compared with 64.0% for vehicle. Accounting for pretreatment hatch rates, the absolute reduction in egg hatching was 92.9% for abametapir versus 42.3% for vehicle ( P < .0001). The most frequently reported adverse event was rash (16%). Abametapir lotion, 0.74%, demonstrated significant ovicidal activity against head lice eggs with a single application.
Emancipating and Strengthening Indian Women: An Analysis of B. R. Ambedkar’s Contribution
Authors: Datta Runi
Published: February 2019

A revolutionary figure, a pioneer of social justice and a true reformer, Dr B. R. Ambedkar’s role is significant in shaping the social, political and civic contours of India and fostering the advancement of the society in general and women in particular. His personal sufferings as a Dalit and his exposure to Western ideas and rational thinking built in him the confidence to challenge the orthodox Hindu social order and reconstruct the society along the ideas of equality, liberty, fraternity and respect for the dignity of all including the womenfolk. He held Manu responsible for all plight and agony of women. He also blamed the Hindu social order for assigning a stereotype role to women. He firmly believed that eradication of the iniquitous gender relations and elevating the status of women were the vital requirements of the process of social reconstruction that he aimed at. Therefore, he tirelessly fought for the inclusion of the rights of women in different spheres of life. He awakened in women the zeal to fight for social justice and their rights through his speeches, thoughts and reforms. His reformative measures came in the form of Hindu Code Bill to modernize the Hindu society which became unparalleled in its importance. Here is an attempt to develop an analytical framework to gauge his contribution as a fighter for women’s rights.
A review of H5Nx avian influenza viruses
Authors: Nuñez Ivette A. , Ross Ted M.
Published: February 2019

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs), originating from the A/goose/Guangdong/1/1996 H5 subtype, naturally circulate in wild-bird populations, particularly waterfowl, and often spill over to infect domestic poultry. Occasionally, humans are infected with HPAVI H5N1 resulting in high mortality, but no sustained human-to-human transmission. In this review, the replication cycle, pathogenicity, evolution, spread, and transmission of HPAIVs of H5Nx subtypes, along with the host immune responses to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (HPAIV) infection and potential vaccination, are discussed. In addition, the potential mechanisms for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (HPAIV) H5 Reassorted Viruses H5N1, H5N2, H5N6, H5N8 (H5Nx) viruses to transmit, infect, and adapt to the human host are reviewed.
Experiencing Justice Delivery: Women Exploited for Commercial Sex Speak
Authors: Menezes Sharon
Published: February 2019

Based on a phenomenological study conducted in the state of Maharashtra, India, this article draws attention to how women with current and former engagements in commercial sex perceived delivery of justice. The article voices women’s responses to protective and penal measures enacted by the state through the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act (1956). Protective sections include rescue of persons, their intermediate custody and assessing prospects for rehabilitation. Penal sections include arrest of managers and pimps, punishment for keeping a brothel and living off the earnings of prostitution and soliciting in the vicinity of public places. The article points to women’s lack of participation and voice in the delivery of justice and highlights the need for attention to procedural justice in the context of justice delivery.
Learning From Graduate Training in Related Fields: A Model Online School Psychology Program
Authors: Waldron-Soler Kathleen M. , Ruby Susan F. , Chaffin Jamie M.
Published: February 2019

Since the enactment of Public Law 94-142, school districts have struggled to hire and retain required special education personnel (i.e., special education teachers, school psychologists, and related service providers). Data show that shortages of these qualified personnel are even more magnified in rural school districts. Distance education can provide an opportunity for candidates in rural areas to pursue educational training and certification while remaining in their communities. We summarize evidence-based components for online programs and describe an online program designed to respecialize candidates as school psychologists through comprehensive online training. We recommend a similar online model for training candidates to be special education teachers in rural and remote locations and provide guidance for programs to develop effective online programs.