bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ex vivo Pretreatment of Islets with Mitomycin C
Authors: Sato Naoya , Haga Junichiro , Anazawa Takayuki , Kenjo Akira , Kimura Takashi , Wada Ikuo , Mori Tsutomu , Marubashi Shigeru , Gotoh Mitsukazu
Published: September 2017

Strategies to reduce the immunogenicity of pancreatic islets and to prevent the activation of proinflammatory events are essential for successful islet engraftment. Pretransplant islet culture presents an opportunity for preconditioning to improve outcomes of islet transplantation. We previously demonstrated that ex vivo mitomycin C (MMC) pretreatment and subsequent culture significantly prolonged graft survival. Fully understanding the biological process of pretreatment could result in the development of a protocol to improve the survival of islet grafts. Microarrays were employed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of genes expressed in untreated or MMC-treated rat islets that were subsequently cultured for 3 d. A bioinformatics software was used to identify biological processes that were most affected by MMC pretreatment, and validation studies, including in vivo and in vitro assay, were performed. The gene expression analysis identified significant downregulation of annotated functions associated with cellular movement and revealed significant downregulation of multiple genes encoding proinflammatory mediators with chemotactic activity. Validation studies revealed significantly decreased levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein 3 (MCP-3), and matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2) in culture supernatants of MMC-treated islets compared with controls. Moreover, we showed the suppression of leukocyte chemotactic activity of MMC-treated islets in vitro. We also showed that MMC-treated islets secreted lower levels of chemoattractants that synergistically reduced the immunogenic potential of islets. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses of the implant site revealed that infiltration of monocytes, CD3-positive T cells, and B cells was decreased in MMC-treated islets. In conclusion, the ex vivo pretreatment of islets with MMC and subsequent culture can reduce the immunogenic potential and prolong the survival of islet grafts by inducing the suppression of multiple leukocyte chemotactic factors.
Recipient Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Enhance Recipient Cell Engraftment and Prolong Allotransplant Survival in a Miniature Swine Hind-Limb Model
Authors: Kuo Yur-Ren , Chen Chien-Chang , Chen Yen-Chou , Chien Ching-Ming
Published: September 2017

Donor mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could prolong vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) survival in our previous studies. However, recipient adipose tissue is easier to harvest than donor tissue for preconditioning modulation. Hence, this study investigated the efficacy of recipient autologous adipose-derived stem cells (rADSCs) for VCA survival. The heterotopic hind-limb transplantation from female donor to male recipient was performed in outbred miniature swine. Group I ( n = 6) was untreated controls. Group II ( n = 4) obtained rADSCs infusions (given on weeks 0, +1, +2, and +3). Group III ( n = 4) obtained tacrolimus (FK506, weeks 0 to +4). Group IV ( n = 8) received irradiation (IR; day −1), FK506 (weeks 0 to +4), and rADSC infusions (weeks 0, +1, +2, and +3). The results revealed treatment with multiple injections of rADSCs along with IR and FK506 resulted in a statistically significant increase in allograft survival. The percentage of CD4+/CD25+/Foxp3+regulatory T cells were significantly increased in the rADSC-IR-FK506 group as compared to controls. Analysis of recipient peripheral blood revealed that transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) was significantly increased in the rADSC-IR-FK506 group. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis and immunohistochemical staining showed recipient sex-determining region of Y (SRY) chromosome gene expression existed in donor allotissues in the rADSC-IR-FK506 group. These results indicate that rADSCs in addition to IR and transient immunosuppressant could prolong allotransplant survival, modulate T-cell regulation, and enhance recipient cell engraftment into the allotransplant tissues.
Ethical issues in action-oriented research in Indonesia
Authors: Rachmawaty Rini
Published: September 2017

Background:

Action-oriented research is one of the most frequent research types implemented to transform community health in Indonesia. Three researchers and 11 graduate students from a developed country in East Asia conducted a fieldwork program in a remote area in South Sulawesi Province. Although the project was completed, whether or not the international standards for human subject research were applied into that study remains unclear.

Objectives:

This study aimed to examine ethical issues raised from that case, analyze constraints to the problems, and recommend alternatives to protect vulnerable populations from being exploited by local/international researchers.

Methods:

A problem-solving approach was used in this study. It began with problem identification, evaluation of the action-oriented research goal, investigation of the constraints to the problem, and recommendation of some relevant alternatives to address the central issue.

Ethical Consideration:

The approval for conducting the action-oriented research that being investigated in this work was only obtained from the Head of local district.

Results:

Some ethical issues were found in this case. No special protection for this population, no informed consent was obtained from the participants, exposure to social and economic risks, no future benefits for the subjects, and conflict of interests. Lack of control from the local research ethics committee and lack of competence of local researchers on human subject research were considered as the constraints to the problems.

Discussion:

Creating an independent research ethics committee, providing research ethics training to the local researchers, obtaining written/video consents from underserved populations, and meeting local health needs were recommended alternatives to solve these problems.

Conclusion:

Indonesian government bodies should reform their international collaborative system on research involving human subjects. Exploitation may not occur if all participants as well as all local and national governing bodies understand the research ethics on human subjects and apply it into their practice.
Social networks as the backbone of women’s work in the Catalan Pyrenees
Authors: Pallares-Barbera Montserrat , Casellas Antònia
Published: September 2017

This paper discusses how historically the accumulation of symbolic power by men produced a glass ceiling for women in the Catalan Pyrenees and how women have overcome this constraint by engaging in male-led networks, founding gender balanced networks and developing women-nurtured networks. Through semi-structured qualitative interviews and ethnographic research, the paper investigates the strategies women employed to maintain their involvement in networking activities over a 10-year period. The paper identifies the importance of being connected with horizontal organizations and the empowerment of sharing experiences provided by social bridge agents. The results of this research make a strong case for more inclusive and gender-aware policies in rural areas as a means to promote economic and social viability while empowering women.
Increasing viability of nonlinear energy harvesters by adding an excited dynamic magnifier
Authors: Bernard Brian P , Mann Brian P
Published: September 2017

Dynamic magnifiers and coupled harvester arrays are two strategies that have been developed over the past decade to improve the peak power and bandwidth of energy harvesters. However, both of these methods come with drawbacks. Dynamic magnifiers require retuning since they change the frequency of the peak response and some designs result in decreased power per unit mass. Coupled harvester arrays can increase the overall bandwidth, but also include central valleys between the peaks and a significant increase in the cost. This article describes an excited dynamic magnifier which borrows design characteristics from both traditional dynamic magnifiers and harvester arrays in order to overcome these drawbacks. A hardening-type nonlinear tuned energy harvester with excited dynamic magnifier can achieve higher peak power, greater power per unit mass, and wider bandwidth without the need for retuning and for a minimal added cost as compared to the uncoupled harvester. Most importantly, the addition of a dynamic energy harvester also significantly improves performance in the frequency range of coexisting solutions by expanding the basin of attraction for the larger amplitude solution.
Assaulted and Unheard: Violence Against Healthcare Staff
Authors: Brophy James T. , Keith Margaret M. , Hurley Michael
Published: September 2017

Healthcare workers regularly face the risk of violent physical, sexual, and verbal assault from their patients. To explore this phenomenon, a collaborative descriptive qualitative study was undertaken by university-affiliated researchers and a union council representing registered practical nurses, personal support workers, and other healthcare staff in Ontario, Canada. A total of fifty-four healthcare workers from diverse communities were consulted about their experiences and ideas. They described violence-related physical, psychological, interpersonal, and financial effects. They put forward such ideas for prevention strategies as increased staffing, enhanced security, personal alarms, building design changes, “zero tolerance” policies, simplified reporting, using the criminal justice system, better training, and flagging. They reported such barriers to eliminating risks as the normalization of violence; underreporting; lack of respect from patients, visitors, higher status professionals, and supervisors; poor communication; and the threat of reprisal for speaking publicly. Inadequate postincident psychological and financial support compounded their distress.
Collaboration Between Biomedical and Complementary and Alternative Care Providers: Barriers and Pathways
Authors: van der Watt Alberta S. J. , Nortje Gareth , Kola Lola , Appiah-Poku John , Othieno Caleb , Harris Benjamin , Oladeji Bibilola D. , Esan Oluyomi , Makanjuola Victor , Price LeShawndra N. , Seedat Soraya , Gureje Oye
Published: September 2017

We examined the scope of collaborative care for persons with mental illness as implemented by traditional healers, faith healers, and biomedical care providers. We conducted semistructured focus group discussions in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria with traditional healers, faith healers, biomedical care providers, patients, and their caregivers. Transcribed data were thematically analyzed. A barrier to collaboration was distrust, influenced by factionalism, charlatanism, perceptions of superiority, limited roles, and responsibilities. Pathways to better collaboration were education, formal policy recognition and regulation, and acceptance of mutual responsibility. This study provides a novel cross-national insight into the perspectives of collaboration from four stakeholder groups. Collaboration was viewed as a means to reach their own goals, rooted in a deep sense of distrust and superiority. In the absence of openness, understanding, and respect for each other, efficient collaboration remains remote. The strongest foundation for mutual collaboration is a shared sense of responsibility for patient well-being.
A Radiographic Dye Method for Intraoperative Evaluation of Syndesmotic Injuries
Authors: Pepe Murad , Kocadal Onur , Gunes Zafer , Calisal Emre , Ceritoglu Kubilay , Aktekin Cem Nuri
Published: September 2017

Background:

The Chertsey test has been recently defined as an intraoperative test for the detection of the syndesmotic injuries by the application of intra-articular contrast. However, no study has investigated the reliability and comparative analysis of the Chertsey test. The purpose of this study was to explore the diagnostic accuracy of the Chertsey test in predicting syndesmosis instability of the injured ankle, with correlation to preoperative computed tomography (CT) findings.

Methods:

A total of 39 patients who were operated on due to the unilateral ankle fracture and had no complaint on the contralateral ankle joint were included in the study. An intraoperative Chertsey test was performed on all ankle fractures and bilateral ankle CT was obtained preoperatively. Ankles were classified as Chertsey +, Chertsey –, and contralateral control group. The morphology categorization, width, and volume of the syndesmotic region were measured on axial images of the CT. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the data. Intraobserver and interobserver agreements were accessed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for radiologic parameters and the Chertsey test.

Results:

The Chertsey test was positive in 13 (33.3%) of 39 ankle fractures. Patients with a positive Chertsey test showed a significant increase in syndesmotic width and volume compared with Chertsey – and control group. However, there was no significant difference between Chertsey – and the control group. All the ICC values were excellent for both radiologic measurements and test.

Conclusion:

The Chertsey test is a reliable and useful test that can be used intraoperatively in the diagnosis of syndesmotic injuries.

Level of Evidence:

III, comparative series.
Effect of Ischemic Postconditioning on Myocardial Function and Infarct Size Following Reperfusion Injury in Diabetic Rats Pretreated With Vildagliptin
Authors: Bayrami Goltaj , Karimi Pouran , Agha-Hosseini Fariba , Feyzizadeh Saeid , Badalzadeh Reza
Published: September 2017

Background:

Cardioprotective actions of ischemic postconditioning (IPostC) against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury are abolished in diabetic hearts. This study has investigated the combined effects of IPostC and vildagliptin (Vilda) on myocardial function and infarct size (IS) against I/R injury in diabetic myocardium.

Methods:

Diabetes was induced by a high-fat diet/low dose of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg; intraperitoneally) in Wistar rats (200-250 g) and lasted for 12 weeks. Vilda (6 mg/kg/d) was orally administered for 5 weeks in diabetic groups after seventh week of diabetes. At the end of the 12-week period, the hearts of rats were removed and subjected to 35-minute regional ischemia (through left anterior descending ligation) followed by 60-minute reperfusion, on Langendorff apparatus. Ischemic postconditioning was induced by 6 repetitive cycles of 10-second ischemia and 10-second reperfusion, immediately at the onset of the reperfusion. Myocardial hemodynamic was measured throughout the experiment. The IS was assessed by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining method. The myocardial contents of troponin-I (cTnI), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and 8-isoprostane were measured in the homogenate from ischemic zone of left ventricles by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.

Results:

Pretreatment of the diabetic rats with Vilda significantly recovered the diabetes-induced reduction in left ventricular developed pressures and contractility at the baseline ( P < .05 to P < .01). After I/R injury, IPostC could not significantly improve the myocardial function, cTnI content, and IS of the diabetic hearts. However, in Vilda-treated hearts, concomitant application of IPostC significantly recovered the heart functions, returned cTnI content as well as myocardial IL-6 and 8-isoprostane levels back to the control values ( P < .01 to P < .001), and reduced IS more effectively (by 45%) in comparison to the diabetic group ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Besides its glycemic and lipid profile controlling effects, Vilda has a protective effect on heart function and tends to restore cardioprotective effects of IPostC on diabetic hearts.
Supporting Citizens in Reflection on Synthetic Biology by Means of Video-Narratives
Authors: van der Meij Marjoleine G. , Broerse Jacqueline E. W. , Kupper Frank
Published: September 2017

To unravel how video-narratives can support reflection in Responsible Research and Innovation contexts, this study evaluates four video-narratives designed for citizen-reflection on synthetic biology. Each video narrative comprised separate clips about three subtopics in which actors represented different views of synthetic biology. The video-clips were presented to Dutch citizens in two different setups: per narrator and per subtopic. Both setups appeared to trigger three reflection processes and three reflection outcomes. Our findings suggest that video-narratives shown per subtopic support reflection more extensively, provided that workshop setups pay considerable attention to reflection on values and assumptions.
Approximate solution of a piecewise linear–nonlinear oscillator using the homotopy analysis method
Authors: Fei Jixiong , Lin Bin , Yan Shuai , Zhang Xiaofeng
Published: September 2017

Most of the piecewise oscillators in engineering fields include nonlinear damping or stiffness and the contained damping or stiffness is strongly nonlinear, but to the authors’ knowledge little attention has been paid to those systems. Thus, in the present paper, a sinusoidal excited piecewise linear–nonlinear oscillator is analyzed. The mathematical model of the oscillator is described by a combination of a linear and a nonlinear differential equation which contains strong nonlinear terms of stiffness. An approximate solution for the oscillator is proposed by using the homotopy analysis method and matching method. The validity of the proposed solution is verified by comparing it with the exact solution. It is found that the approximate solution is in good agreement with the exact solution. The influence of some system parameters on the dynamical behavior of the oscillator is also investigated by the bifurcation diagrams of these parameters. From these bifurcation diagrams, one can observe the motion of the oscillator directly.
Satisfaction, Burnout, and Turnover Among Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants: A Review of the Empirical Literature
Authors: Hoff Timothy , Carabetta Shannon , Collinson Grace E.
Published: September 2017

Examining the work-related psychological states of nurse practitioners and physician assistants is important, given their increased role expansion. The current PRISMA-guided review examined studies published between 2000 and 2016 for both these groups. The review also examined features of the research to draw conclusions about overall quality. Applying theories in job enrichment and job demands, 32 articles were identified that contained analyses of satisfaction, burnout, stress, and turnover. Key findings include the lack of robust research designs, overemphasis on job satisfaction, lower levels of satisfaction across both groups, and higher intrinsic versus extrinsic satisfaction levels generally. The literature can develop by using larger, more representative samples, including subgroup analyses that incorporate everyday work contexts, and more predictive modeling. The results suggest that both occupations experience role expansion in both positive and negative ways that may require additional policy or managerial interventions.
Does Working Memory Impact Functional Outcomes in Individuals With ADHD: A Qualitative and Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Fried Ronna , Abrams Jessica , Hall Anna , Feinberg Leah , Pope Amanda , Biederman Joseph
Published: September 2017

Objective: Working Memory (WM) is a domain of executive functioning often impaired in individuals with ADHD. Although assumed to cause difficulties across functioning, the scope of impairments from WM deficits in ADHD has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to examine outcomes associated with WM deficits in ADHD. Method: We conducted a search of the scientific literature on WM deficits, and Freedom From Distractibility (FFD), in ADHD using PubMed and PsycInfo databases. Results: The final sample included 11 controlled studies of WM/FFD deficits in ADHD with operationalized assessment of outcomes in academic, social, and emotional areas. WM assessment was divided into auditory-verbal memory (AVM) and spatial-visual memory (SWM). Seven studies examined WM deficits in academic functioning, eight studies assessed WM deficits in social functioning, and three assessed WM deficits in psychopathology. Conclusion: The majority of the literature suggests that WM deficits affect primarily academic functioning.
Equilibria and Location Choice in Corporate Tax Regimes
Authors: Niu Ben J.
Published: September 2017

This article considers the impact of preferential, base-specific taxation on equilibrium revenues. While policy makers have argued that it generates a prisoner’s dilemma result, there is mixed support in the academic literature. Using a more plausible model with asymmetric base elasticities and heterogeneity of both firms and countries, I find that preferential taxation can generate greater revenues if countries exhibit sufficient productivity and/or population asymmetry. It is also less distortionary except in cases where moving costs are fully deductible. Allowing for noncorrelated, cross-country profits is the key factor as it generates base expansion effects.
A Fitting Approach to Construct and Measurement Alignment
Authors: Luciano Margaret M. , Mathieu John E. , Park Semin , Tannenbaum Scott I.
Published: September 2017

Many phenomena of interest to management and psychology scholars are dynamic and change over time. One of the primary impediments to the examination of dynamic phenomena has been challenges associated with collecting data at a sufficient frequency and duration to accurately model such changes. Emerging technologies that produce nearly continuous streams of big data offer great promise to address those challenges; however, they introduce new methodological challenges and construct validity concerns. We seek to integrate the emerging big data technologies into the existing repertoire of measurement techniques and advance an iterative process to enhance their measurement fit. First, we provide an overview of dynamic constructs and temporal frameworks, highlighting their measurement implications. Second, we discuss different data streams and feature emerging technologies that leverage big data as a means to index dynamic constructs. Third, we integrate the previous sections and advance an iterative approach to achieving measurement fit, highlighting factors that make some measurement choices more suitable and viable than others. In so doing, we hope to accelerate the advancement of dynamic theories and methods.
How the Employee Looks and Looks at you: Building Customer–Employee Rapport
Authors: Kim Kawon , Baker Melissa A.
Published: September 2017

Despite the prominence of customer–employee relationships in service contexts, little empirical research examines the antecedents of rapport in relation to service providers’ attributes. Furthermore, while prior studies examine only piecemeal aspects of employee attributes, this research uses a more encompassing approach by considering multiple attributes simultaneously. The results from a 2 × 2 × 2 between-subjects experimental design suggest that employee eye contact and courtesy are critical components of building customer–employee rapport, and subsequently customer satisfaction, while appearance surprisingly did not affect customer–employee rapport. A significant interaction effect between employee eye contact and courtesy was found. The findings build on the rapport literature and have important managerial implications for high-contact services, such as hospitality and tourism.
Constructions of Primary Caregiving Fathers in Popular Parenting Texts
Authors: Hunter Sarah C. , Riggs Damien W. , Augoustinos Martha
Published: September 2017

Expectations and norms of fatherhood are evolving, with fathers now expected to be more involved in childcare. These changes have made it possible for a growing number of fathers to assume a primary caregiving role. Catering to these fathers, a growing number of books have been published focusing on primary caregiving fathers. The present article reports on a discourse analysis of nine such books. Four interpretative repertoires were identified, suggesting very specific ways in which it is deemed appropriate for men to take on primary caregiving. The findings emphasize the need to pay ongoing attention to popular parenting texts since, despite claims they encourage and support involved models of fathering, the books present and reproduce potentially limited accounts of fathers who are primary caregivers. As such, the findings highlight the importance of being critical of claims that fatherhood is evolving, given such evolution may be mitigated by ongoing normativity with regard to fathering.
Optimization of dynamic buckling for sandwich nanocomposite plates with sensor and actuator layer based on sinusoidal-visco-piezoelasticity theories using Grey Wolf algorithm
Authors: Kolahchi Reza , Keshtegar Behrooz , Fakhar Mohammad Hosein
Published: September 2017

Optimization of embedded piezoelectric sandwich nanocomposite plates for dynamic buckling analysis is presented in this work based on Grey Wolf algorithm. The Grey Wolf algorithm mimics the leadership hierarchy and hunting mechanism of grey wolves in nature. In addition, the main steps of hunting, searching for prey, encircling prey, and attacking prey are employed. The structure is composed of a laminated functionally graded-carbon nanotubes reinforced layers as core integrated with sensor and actuator layers considering structural damping effects. Two-dimensional magnetic and 3D electric fields are applied to core and piezoelectric layers, respectively. Sinusoidal shear deformation theory is utilized for obtaining the motion equations and differential quadrature method is applied for solution. Also, a proportional–derivative controller is employed to control the dynamic behavior of the structure. Finally, the optimum designs for the structure are evaluated using proposed Grey Wolf algorithm based on the geometrical parameters of plate, applied voltage, controller parameters, volume fraction of carbon nanotubes, spring, and shear constants of foundation. Numerical results indicate that by applying the positive voltage and transverse magnetic field the optimum dimensionless frequency of the system decreases.
Caring and emotional labour: Language teachers’ engagement with anxious learners in private language school classrooms
Authors: Gkonou Christina , Miller Elizabeth R.
Published: September 2017

This study examines how a group of eight teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) in Greece discuss their efforts to address their students’ language anxiety (LA). We found that in most cases, these teachers’ efforts are motivated by an ethic of care (Noddings, 1988, 2005, 2013) in which they seek to construct positive relationships with students in order to help mitigate their students’ LA. Though desirable, such efforts often result in ‘emotional labour’ as teachers suppress their own negative emotions while attending to those of their students. Adopting a dialogical perspective to teacher engagement with anxious learners, we analyse the affective or emotional labour that language teachers often undertake in responding to their students’ displays of LA. Drawing on positioning theory, we explore these concepts through analysing these language teachers’ interview accounts, produced in response to questions related to their students’ LA.
Forming connections in the digital era: Tinder, a new tool in young Australian intimate life
Authors: Newett Lyndsay , Churchill Brendan , Robards Brady
Published: September 2017

Tinder is a location-based smartphone application used by young adults. Advertised as a popular and unique way to forge connections, Tinder’s introduction into intimate life is indicative of increased information and communication technology (ICT) usage within this sphere. While the impact of ICT use within intimate life has been debated, little sociological research has investigated Tinder within this context. This article draws on data from a small scale exploratory study, including surveys (n = 203) and interviews (n = 10), examining the use of Tinder by young Australians (aged 18 to 30) and how use contributes to intimate outcomes. While survey results provide insight regarding engagement with Tinder and its use in intimate life, two key themes – (1) Tinder’s use as an additional tool in intimate life and (2) its perceived impact on ‘connection quality’ – demonstrate Tinder’s role in intimate outcomes. Findings support Jurgenson’s depiction of today’s societies as ones characterised by augmented reality rather than digital dualism.
Introduction to Special Issue on media capture
Authors: Schiffrin Anya
Published: September 2017

This introduction discusses the idea of ‘media capture’. It argues that media capture is a useful concept for understanding today’s state of the media. Media capture refers to a situation in which governments or vested interests networked with politics control the media. While traditional forms of prepublication censorship no longer exist in many parts of the world, the media are still not truly free. Political transition and digital technology, which were expected to free the media, did not. Instead, forms of control by government in tandem with business evolved along with changes in the media. This Special Issue explores recent cases of media capture and discusses how to update theories of media capture in light of transformations caused by digital technology and political transition.
Measuring candidate selection mechanisms in European elections: Comparing formal party rules to candidate survey responses
Authors: Meserve Stephen A , Palani Sivagaminathan , Pemstein Daniel
Published: September 2017

Students of party organization often rely on politicians’ perceptions when measuring internal party institutions and organizational characteristics. We compare a commonly used survey measure of political parties’ European Parliament candidate selection mechanisms to measures that the authors coded directly from parties’ selection rules. We find substantial disconnect between formal institutions and survey respondent perceptions of selection mechanisms, raising questions about measure accuracy and equivalency. While this divergence may be driven either by distinctions between de jure and de facto selection procedures or by respondent error, we find the differences between the two measures are unsystematic. Our findings suggest that authors studying party characteristics must decide whether their research question calls for survey or formal institutional measures.
The Readability and Simplicity of Donald Trump’s Language
Authors: Kayam Orly
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this study is to identify the readability and simplicity of Donald J. Trump’s speech in his media interviews and debates during the 2016 US presidential primary campaign. A total of 10 interviews and debates broadcast on different television networks were analyzed using three of the most commonly used readability formulas: Flesch–Kincaid, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), and Gunning-Fog. The analysis revealed that a fourth- to fifth-grade level of education (9- to 11-year-olds) is required to understand Trump’s language. In total, 10 additional interviews and debates of other candidates in the presidential election of 2016, from both the Republican and the Democratic parties, were analyzed, using the same readability formulas, in order to shed additional light on Trump’s results. This analysis showed that the average score of all the other candidates was at a ninth-grade level (14- to 15-year-olds). Furthermore, the study reveals that Trump’s sentences and words were significantly shorter and less complex than those of any other candidate. This study suggests that Trump uses low readability and simplicity of language as a rhetorical strategy to gain popularity, in accordance with the trend of anti-intellectualism.
British Surgeon Frederick Salmon (1796-1868) and His “Trans-Fixing Pins and Excision” Surgical Procedure for the “Rectum Prolapsus”
Authors: Tsoucalas Gregory
Published: September 2017

Frederick Salmon was born in Bath. From his early career, he was fond of surgery, mostly interested in proctology. He had been specialized in London at St Bartholomew’s Hospital. He was the founder of “The Infirmary for the Relief of the Poor Afflicted with Fistula and Other Disease of the Rectum,” and the writer of one of the most important surgical treatises, the “ Practical Observations on Prolapsus of the Rectum.” In this book, Salmon described an innovative operation for procidentia, based on the principle “trans-fixing pins and excision.” Although his work was too significant for the era, he was almost completely neglected by historians, most probably due to his clash with his fellow surgeons, who had been considered by him as scientifically inadequate in anorectal diseases.
The Role of Monocyte Percentage in Osteoporosis in Male Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Su Yu-Jih , Chen Chao Tung , Tsai Nai-Wen , Huang Chih-Cheng , Wang Hung-Chen , Kung Chia-Te , Lin Wei-Che , Cheng Ben-Chung , Su Chih-Min , Hsiao Sheng-Yuan , Lu Cheng-Hsien
Published: September 2017

Osteoporosis is easily overlooked in male patients, especially in the field of rheumatic diseases mostly prevalent with female patients, and its link to pathogenesis is still lacking. Attenuated monocyte apoptosis from a transcriptome-wide expression study illustrates the role of monocytes in osteoporosis. This study tested the hypothesis that the monocyte percentage among leukocytes could be a biomarker of osteoporosis in rheumatic diseases. Eighty-seven males with rheumatic diseases were evaluated in rheumatology outpatient clinics for bone mineral density (BMD) and surrogate markers, such as routine peripheral blood parameters and autoantibodies. From the total number of 87 patients included in this study, only 15 met the criteria for diagnosis of osteoporosis. Both age and monocyte percentage remained independently associated with the presence of osteoporosis. Steroid dose (equivalent prednisolone dose) was negatively associated with BMD of the hip area and platelet counts were negatively associated with BMD and T score of the spine area. Besides age, monocyte percentage meets the major requirements for osteoporosis in male rheumatic diseases. A higher monocyte percentage in male rheumatic disease patients, aged over 50 years in this study, and BMD study should be considered in order to reduce the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures.
Kinematic-based locomotion mode recognition for power augmentation exoskeleton
Authors: Kim Hongchul , Shin Young June , Kim Jung
Published: September 2017

This article presents a kinematic-based method for locomotion mode recognition, for use in the control of an exoskeleton for power augmentation, to implement natural and smooth locomotion transition. The difference in vertical foot position between a foot already in contact with ground and a foot newly in contact with the ground was calculated via kinematics for the entire exoskeleton and used to identify the locomotion mode with other sensor data including data on the knee joint angle and inclination of the thigh, shank, and foot. Locomotion on five different types of terrain—level-ground walking, stair ascent, stair descent, ramp ascent, and ramp descent—were identified using two-layer decision tree classes. An updating process is proposed to improve identification of the transition and accuracy using the foot inclination at the mid-stance. An average identification accuracy of more than 99% was achieved in experiments with eight subjects for single terrains (no terrain transitions) and hybrid terrains. The experimental results show that the proposed method can achieve high accuracy without significant misrecognition and minimize the delay in locomotion mode recognition of the exoskeleton.
The Necessity to Nullify: On the Jury and Entrapment
Authors: Chakravarti Sonali
Published: September 2017

Jury nullification, the power of a jury to issue a not guilty verdict regardless of the evidence, is the paradigmatic open secret of the criminal justice system, deeply embedded in the tradition of the common law on which it was founded and yet perpetually controversial. It is also one of the clearest indicators of the political nature of jury service, a task of citizenship that goes beyond serving as legal functionaries to include engagement on the fundamental question of who deserves to be punished. This article suggests that the jury’s role within entrapment cases has been under-theorized at great disservice to its central task. Through an examination of how the entrapment defense was manifested and responded to in three cases, I argue that such cases, even more so than in other criminal cases, give clarity to precisely what legal judgment by laypeople, who are unconnected to the effort, expense, and ideology of law enforcement, requires. Using nullification as a beacon sheds light on key aspects of the process of judgment including: a heightened sense of the jury’s watchdog function in relation to the state, the limits of legalism in determining punishment, the need for scrutiny around juror’s biases, and the law enforcement standards necessary for maintaining the presumption of innocence of the defendant that the Constitution requires.
Predictions’ robustness of one-dimensional model of hydronic floor heating: novel validation methodology using a thermostatic booth simulator and uncertainty analysis
Authors: Brembilla Christian , Östin Ronny , Olofsson Thomas
Published: September 2017

Hydronic floor heating models provide predictions in estimating heat transfer rates and floor surface temperature. Information on the model performance and range of validity of its results are often lacking in literature. Researchers have to know the accuracy and robustness of the model outcomes for performing energy and climate comfort calculations. This article proposes a novel validation methodology based on the uncertainty analysis of input data/parameters of one-dimensional model of hydronic floor heating tested in a thermostatic booth simulator and compared with experimental measurements. The main results are: (1) prediction accuracy between 0.4% and 2.9% for [Formula: see text] and between 0.7% and 7.8% for [Formula: see text] when the serpentine has tube spacing (p) of 0.30 m, (2) prediction accuracy between 0.5% and 1.4% for [Formula: see text] and between 8.7% and 12.9% for [Formula: see text] with p = 0.15 m and (3) [Formula: see text] mostly affects predictions with oscillations between 6.2% and 2.2% for [Formula: see text]. This model provides robust and reliable predictions exclusively for [Formula: see text] when p = 0.30 m.
The philosophy of memory technologies: Metaphysics, knowledge, and values
Authors: Heersmink Richard , Carter J Adam
Published: September 2017

Memory technologies are cultural artifacts that scaffold, transform, and are interwoven with human biological memory systems. The goal of this article is to provide a systematic and integrative survey of their philosophical dimensions, including their metaphysical, epistemological, and ethical dimensions, drawing together debates across the humanities, cognitive sciences, and social sciences. Metaphysical dimensions of memory technologies include their function, the nature of their informational properties, ways of classifying them, and their ontological status. Epistemological dimensions include the truth-conduciveness of external memory, the conditions under which external memory counts as knowledge, and the metacognitive monitoring of external memory processes. Finally, ethical and normative dimensions include the desirability of the effects memory technologies have on biological memory, their effects on self and culture, and their moral status. While the focus in the article is largely philosophical and conceptual, empirical issues such as the way we interact with memory technologies in various contexts are also discussed. We thus take a naturalistic approach in which philosophical and empirical concepts and approaches are seen as continuous.
When everywhere is Karbala: Murals, martyrdom and propaganda in Iran
Authors: Rolston Bill
Published: September 2017

In Tehran, murals depicting men who died in the Islamic Revolution of 1979 and the Iran–Iraq war of 1980–1988 are ubiquitous. The murals represent an exercise in state propaganda, serving to remind citizens that these men died not simply for the nation but for Islam; they are martyrs. This message resonates with deeply held religious views in Iran. There is constant reference to the Battle of Karbala and the martyrdom of Imam Hossein, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed. This is seen to prefigure the revolt of the people against the Shah in 1979, the defence of the Revolution against Saddam Hussein in the 1980s and, furthermore, the claim of the Iranian opposition that the ideals of the Islamic Revolution have been distorted by politicised clerics. In propagating the myth of Karbala, the murals function to control the masses, bolster elite power and marginalise opposition to that power.
Brachialis muscle transfer for reconstructing digital flexion after brachial plexus injury or forearm injury
Authors: Shen Yun-Dong , Zheng Mou-Xiong , Hua Xu-Yun , Qiu Yan-Qun , Hu Ke-Jia , Xu Wen-Dong
Published: September 2017

Restoration of digital flexion after brachial plexus injury or forearm injury has been a great challenge for hand surgeons. Nerve transfer and forearm donor muscle transfer surgeries are not always feasible. The present study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of restoring digital flexion by brachialis muscle transfer. Ten lower brachial plexus- or forearm-injured patients were enrolled. After at least 12 months following surgery, the middle-finger-to-palm distance was less than 2.5 cm in six patients. In the other four patients with less satisfactory results, secondary tenolysis surgery was performed and the middle-finger-to-palm distances were reduced to 2.0–4.0 cm. The average grasp strength was 20 ± 4 kg. Elbow flexion was not adversely affected. In conclusion, brachialis muscle transfer is an effective method for reconstructing digital flexion, not only in lower brachial plexus injury, but also in forearm injury patients.

Level of evidence: IV
Management of pregnancy and emergency caesarean delivery in a patient with type IIB von Willebrand disease and severe preeclampsia: A case report and literature review
Authors: Martingano Daniel , Guan Xin , Martingano Francis X
Published: September 2017

Main purposes of the study

To report an example of how concurrent von Willebrand disease type IIB disease and severe preeclampsia can be safely managed to and to review the current literature to evaluate management approaches that have proven safe and effective.

The basic procedures used

Report of case with a review of literature.

Conclusions

Through regular von Willebrand factor and platelet replacement during the prenatal period, immediately pre-delivery, and as needed intraoperatively and postoperatively, women with von Willebrand disease type IIB can safely undergo both normal spontaneous vaginal deliveries and caesarean deliveries, even with concurrent disorders like preeclampsia. Further studies with larger sample size are required to solidify management concepts in this disease concurrent with pregnancy.
Generational Diversity in the Workplace: A Systematic Review in the Hospitality Context
Authors: Sakdiyakorn Malinvisa , Wattanacharoensil Walanchalee
Published: September 2017

This article marks the first systematic review that focuses on generational diversity in the hospitality workplace in the period from 2000 to 2016. A comprehensive search was conducted in the five dominant databases, namely, Scopus, SAGE, Emeralds, Science Direct, and EBSCOhost’s Hospitality and Tourism Complete, resulting in 49 articles for systematic content analysis. This article maps out the existing landscape of generational studies within a hospitality context before providing five areas of recommendations for future studies to fully capture the intricacy of the generational phenomenon. This study serves as a funnel for academics and practitioners within the hospitality field as it gears their attention and research directions toward the crucial, yet underexamined, context of generational studies.
Red cell genotyping precision medicine: a conference summary
Authors: Denomme Gregory A. , Anani Waseem Q. , Avent Neil D. , Bein Gregor , Briggs Lynne B. , Lapadat Razvan C. , Montemayor Celina , Rios Maria , St-Louis Maryse , Uhl Lynne , Wendel Silvano , Flegel Willy A.
Published: September 2017

This review summarizes the salient points of the symposium ‘Red Cell Genotyping 2015: Precision Medicine’ held on 10 September 2015 in the Masur Auditorium of the National Institutes of Health. The specific aims of this 6th annual symposium were to: (1) discuss how advances in molecular immunohematology are changing patient care; (2) exemplify patient care strategies by case reports (clinical vignettes); (3) review the basic molecular studies and their current implications in clinical practice; (4) identify red cell genotyping strategies to prevent alloimmunization; and (5) compare and contrast future options of red cell genotyping in precision transfusion medicine. This symposium summary captured the state of the art of red cell genotyping and its contribution to the practice of precision medicine.
Regular Is Longer
Authors: Sasaki Kyoshiro , Yamada Yuki
Published: September 2017

The current study examined whether regularity of dot patterns would influence time perception. We presented observers the dot patterns with three levels of regularity (high, middle and low) and measured the perceived duration of each pattern by bisection and rating methods. The results revealed that the perceived duration of high regular patterns was longer than that of middle and low regular patterns. Thus, we found that stimulus regularity is one of the factors that influence time perception.
Feeling Touch Through Glass: A Modified Rubber Hand Paradigm
Authors: White Rebekah C. , Li Jiexin , Shacklette David
Published: September 2017

A variation on the rubber hand paradigm creates a striking illusion in which it seems to the participant that she or he is feeling touch through glass. This illusion provides insight about how individuals make use of predictive signals for integrating vision and touch.