bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining Gender-Specific and Gender-Neutral Risk Factors in Women Who Sexually Offend
Authors: Marshall Ethan A. , Miller Holly A.
Published: September 2018

Research on justice-involved women has provided evidence for the importance of using gender-specific information in the assessment, treatment, and understanding of criminal pathways and risk of recidivism in women who have committed offenses. Although research on women who have sexually offended suggests there are differences between men and women who sexually offend, no studies have compared gender-specific and gender-neutral factors to predict recidivism with this group. The current study provided an examination of gender-specific and gender-neutral recidivism risk factors in a sample of 225 women who had sexually offended and were subsequently released from custody with an average follow-up time of about 5 years. Results of the study indicate gender-specific factors, such as mental illness symptoms and victimization history, are demonstrative of risk of reoffense in women who sexually offend. These findings provide implications for future research regarding risk assessment and more effective application of treatment for this understudied population.
Recent progress of dissolved carbon dioxide measurement technologies based on optical methods
Authors: Li Xiang , Wang Qi
Published: September 2018

This paper sums up the developments and achievements of optical methods in the field of dissolved carbon dioxide measurement based on past work. The dissolved CO2 measurement in optical methods is highly applied owing to high sensitivity, fast response and greater versatility with more attention people paid to greenhouse effect. In this article, the measuring is mainly partitioned into fluorescent methods, spectrometric methods and specific optical methods like evanescent field method. Principles, characteristics and structures in previous research are described in detail and our own ideas and perspectives in tendency of dissolved carbon dioxide sensing are emphasized lastly.
A World of Blame to Go Around: Cross-Cultural Determinants of Responsibility and Punishment Judgments
Authors: Feinberg Matthew , Fang Ray , Liu Shi , Peng Kaiping
Published: September 2018

Research finds collectivists make external attributions for others’ behavior, whereas individualists make internal attributions. By focusing on external causes, collectivists should be less punitive toward those who harm others. Yet, many collectivistic cultures are known for strict retributive justice systems. How can collectivists simultaneously make external attributions and punish so harshly? We hypothesized that unlike individualists whose analytic tendencies engender a focus on mental states where judgments of accountability stem from perceptions of a harm-doer’s agency, collectivists’ holistic cognitive tendencies engender a focus on social harmony where judgments of accountability stem from perceived social consequences of the harmful act. Thus, what leads collectivists to make external attributions for behavior also leads to harsh punishment of those harming the collective welfare. Four cross-cultural studies found evidence that perceptions of a target’s agency more strongly predicted responsibility and punishment judgments for individualists, whereas perceived severity of the harm was stronger for collectivists.
Steadfast Standards or Fluctuating Fancies? Stability and Change in People’s Mate Criteria Over 27 Months
Authors: Bredow Carrie A. , Hames Nicole
Published: September 2018

Although research on mate preferences has been built on the assumption that the criteria people report at one point in time should predict their future partnering behavior, little is known about the temporal stability of people’s standards. Using survey data collected at four time points from 285 originally unmarried individuals, this study examined the rank-order, mean-level, individual-level and ipsative stability of people’s mate criteria over 27 months. Overall, reported standards exhibited moderate to high baseline stability, with rank-order and ipsative estimates comparable to those reported for personality traits. At the same time, mean- and individual-level analyses revealed small, but significant, increases in participants’ reported criteria over the study, as well as significant variability in individual trajectories. Consistent with theory, the stability of individuals’ standards was moderated by several contextual factors, including age, changes in perceived mate value, and significant relationship events.
Data Management and Data Sharing in Science and Technology Studies
Authors: Maienschein Jane , Parker John N. , Laubichler Manfred , Hackett Edward J.
Published: September 2018

This paper presents reports on discussions among an international group of science and technology studies (STS) scholars who convened at the US National Science Foundation (January 2015) to think about data sharing and open STS. The first report, which reflects discussions among members of the Society for Social Studies of Science (4S), relates the potential benefits of data sharing and open science for STS. The second report, which reflects discussions among scholars from many professional STS societies (i.e., European Association for the Study of Science and Technology [ EASST], 4S, Society for the History of Technology [ SHOT], History of Science Society [ HSS], and Philosophy of Science Association [ PSA]), focuses on practical and conceptual issues related to managing, storing, and curating STS data. As is the case for all reports of such open discussions, a scholar’s presence at the meeting does not necessarily mean that they agree with all aspects of the text to follow.
Cultural Variability in the Educational and Learning Capitals of Australian Families and Its Relationship With Children’s Numeracy Outcomes
Authors: Phillipson Sivanes , Phillipson Shane N. , Kewalramani Sarika
Published: September 2018

This article explored the variability of parental educational mind-sets among Australian parents toward the accessible educational and learning capitals that may affect their children’s educational achievement. The participants ( N = 1,917) responded to the Family Educational and Learning Capitals Questionnaire as well as their ethnic identity. Parents also reported their children’s numeracy scores in a standardized test of achievement. Six major groups were adequate for statistical analysis, including Australians, British, Chinese, Indian, Other Asian, and Other European. A multiple comparison analysis was performed on the responses by parents from the six ethnic groups to examine the differences in parent responses to access to capitals. Controlled for ethnic groups, stepwise regression analysis showed which capitals predicted numeracy achievement of their children. The results indicated that within this sample of Australian parents, there is variability across different ethnic groups in what is considered important in their children’s educational achievement and this variability is associated with differences in numeracy outcomes.
Early infant attention as a predictor of social and communicative behavior in childhood
Authors: Bowers Katherine , Khoury Jane , Sucharew Heidi , Xu Yingying , Chen Aimin , Lanphear Bruce , Yolton Kimberly
Published: September 2018

Background:

The objective was to determine whether infant neurobehavior measured at five post-gestational weeks could predict social and communicative behavior (SCB) through five and eight years.

Methods:

Infant neurobehavior was assessed using the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Network Neurobehavioral Scale, and SCB was measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). Adjusted linear regression with generalized estimating equations were employed to estimate the association between infant neurobehavior and SCB. Interaction terms and stratification were used to identify potential effect modification by autism spectrum disorder risk factors.

Results:

The analyses include n = 214 and n = 227 participants who were examined at 5 weeks and followed to 4/5 and 8 years, respectively. Adjusting for maternal age, race, parity, and education as well as gestational age, only the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Network Neurobehavioral Scale summary score of “attention” (measured at mean 43.9 gestational weeks) was inversely associated with total SRS T-score through 5 years. However, in analyses stratified by maternal age, the inverse association between “attention” and SCB was significant, but only among offspring of women of advanced maternal age (≥35 y); in addition, higher scores of “excitability,” “lethargy,” and “arousal” were associated with increased total SRS T scores among women of advanced maternal age. The associations were no longer statistically significant at 8 years.

Conclusions:

Newborns with lower scores on the attention subscale (determined by an ability to localize and track animate and inanimate objects) were more likely to demonstrate deficits in SCB. In addition, infants with increased excitability, lethargy, or increased arousal were more likely to have impaired SCB that persisted through 5 years, but not at 8 years of age. Further work is necessary to identify specific aspects of infant neurobehavior that may affect childhood SCBs.
Parental Control and Conflicts in Adolescence: A Cross-National Comparison of the United States, Canada, Mexico, France, and Italy
Authors: Claes Michel , Lacourse Éric , Pagé Marc , Paquin Stéphane , Lannegrand-Willems Lyda , Sabatier Colette , Perchec Cyrille , Palos Patricia Andrade , Vieno Alessio , Ramirez Garcia Jorge I.
Published: September 2018

This study investigated parental behavioral control, disciplinary style, and parent–youth conflicts in five countries: The United States, Canada, Mexico, France, and Italy. A self-report questionnaire was applied to 1,751 adolescents and their parents. Results indicate that, after controlling for possible confounding variables, parenting in the United States and Canada was characterized by reduced requirements and rules and a disciplinary style marked by induction and negotiation. A higher level of control, and a disciplinary approach more punitive and coercive characterized parents in Mexico and France. Mexican adolescents reported the highest levels of conflict, while the United States stands out with the lowest rate of conflict. Generally, Italy was at a middle position. Regression analyses indicated that harsh parental disciplinary measures are associated with conflicts in all countries. Results are discussed in light of the ethnocultural perspectives developed in cross-cultural psychology.
Beyond Cultural Explanations: Understanding the Gendered Division of Household Labor in Mexican American Families
Authors: Pinto Katy M. , Ortiz Vilma
Published: September 2018

While the vast literature on gendered divisions of household labor has rarely examined the experiences of Latino families, the limited research in this area has failed to account for structural contexts, even while pointing to cultural explanations for inequalities. Based on surveys of 542 Mexican American families, we argue that when taken together, structural factors predict housework for Mexican families even when individuals hold traditional cultural attitudes. Household labor continues to be women’s responsibility. Structural factors, compared with cultural factors, were better predictors of women’s household sharing. Women decreased their housework with employment, higher earnings, and increased education. Both structural and cultural factors influenced men’s household sharing. Men increased their household labor when their wives worked outside of the home, had more education, and when men disagreed with a traditional cultural attitude. Including structural and cultural measures in future research can limit the cultural assumptions made of Latino families.
Baseline markers of inflammation, lipids, glucose, and Dietary Inflammatory Index scores do not differ between adults willing to participate in an intensive inflammation reduction intervention and those who do not
Authors: Crimarco Anthony , Turner-McGrievy Gabrielle M , Wirth Michael D , Shivappa Nitin , Dunn Caroline , Vyas Shraddha , Mandes Trisha , Hurley Thomas G , West Delia , Hébert James R
Published: September 2018

Background:

Chronic inflammation is associated with numerous chronic diseases and can be managed with diet.

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in baseline characteristics and plasma inflammation levels between two groups of participants that participated in an intensive, lifestyle intervention or a remotely delivered intervention. This work also assessed the association between Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII)® scores and participants’ inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers at baseline.

Method:

Ninety-five participants (61 intervention, 34 control) chose to enroll in either a 12-month intervention consisting of a face-to-face nutrition, physical activity, and stress management intervention or a remotely-delivered intervention (control group) focusing on general cancer prevention. The intervention group met at the University of South Carolina for classes and the control group had materials emailed to them. A quantile regression was used to compare participants’ high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the association between DII scores and biomarkers.

Results:

There were significant differences in age, body mass index, body fat percentage, and blood pressure between groups, but there were no differences in levels of inflammatory biomarkers. Values of interleukin-6 at the 90th percentile of its distribution were 8.31 pg/ml higher among those in DII quartile 4 compared with quartile 1 ( p = 0.02). All other outcomes were not significant.

Conclusion:

Given similar levels of inflammatory biomarkers, participants opting for the control group would also have benefited from a more intensive lifestyle intervention focusing on reducing inflammation.
Intergroup Threat and the Linguistic Intergroup Bias: A Stress Biomarker Study
Authors: Sampasivam Sinthujaa , Collins Katherine Anne , Bielajew Catherine , Clément Richard
Published: September 2018

This study investigates the physiological consequences of derogation. In the face of an ingroup threat, an opportunity to derogate the outgroup is associated with increases in salivary cortisol, a stress biomarker. These findings support the intergroup anxiety model, which suggests that following an anxiety-inducing threatening experience, outgroup evaluations can amplify emotional reactions and stress. In this study, we investigated whether threatened participants who derogated would show higher cortisol levels. Canadian undergraduates ( N = 169) read either a threatening or favourable passage about Canadians. They then engaged in either a linguistic intergroup bias (LIB) or control task. Salivary samples were collected prethreat, postthreat, and posttask. The results suggest that ingroup threat was associated with increases in cortisol levels. Threatened participants who displayed LIB showed higher cortisol levels than those who were threatened and did not show LIB. These findings illustrate the importance of incorporating a neuroscientific approach.
Decolonizing property in Taiwan: Challenging hegemonic constructions of property
Authors: Yi-Shiuan Chen Yayut , Kuan Da-Wei , Suchet-Pearson Sandie , Howitt Richard
Published: September 2018

Indigenous Tayal experiences of dispossession in Taiwan reflect a familiar pattern of state-sanctioned property rights precluding recognition of Indigenous rights. This paper examines Tayal customary institutions and how they have governed, and continue to govern, land interests in customary domains. In an agricultural economy encompassing patterns of mobility and long-term movement between areas, Tayal people maintain continuing rights in land that is not currently or permanently occupied or used. However, following Second World War and Taiwan’s occupation by the Chinese Nationalist Kuomingtang party, a new system of individually registered property titles was established, only allowing registration of individual land in settled fields that were occupied and cultivated. Interests in fallowed land were not registrable and such land was reclassified as State property. The system’s enforcement in the 1950s was central to the dispossession and non-recognition of Tayal rights and parallel discourses making Indigenous people invisible. We argue that unpacking the ontologies behind hegemonic understandings of property in Taiwan offers ground for recognizing the plurality, messiness and openness that articulate contestations over time, space and property. In the context of Taiwan’s 2016 Presidential Apology to Indigenous citizens, we conclude that contested constructions of temporality and spatiality are fundamental to challenging Indigenous dispossession.
A practical approach to tumescent local anaesthesia in ambulatory endovenous thermal ablation
Authors: Nyamekye Isaac K
Published: September 2018

Background

Thermal ablation, usually performed with tumescent local anaesthesia (TLA), is the preferred method for varicose veins treatment. Tumescent local anaesthesia is always cited; however, little detail of the procedure is presented in publications. This retrospective audit of clinical tumescent local anaesthesia practice aims to provide detailed information on an important aspect of endovenous practice.

Methods

Patients who underwent three types of endothermal treatment (Venefit, Radiofrequency Induce Thermal Therapy and Endovenous Laser Ablation) to a single saphenous trunk using tumescent local anaesthesia were assessed. Differences in tumescent local anaesthesia volume per unit length of treated vein were assessed for the followings: type of saphenous trunk, length of vein treated, effect of additional phlebectomy and bilateral versus interval unilateral treatment for bilateral veins. Descriptive data are reported as mean and standard deviation, and groups were compared using the one-way ANOVA test.

Results

Between 2008 and 2014, single-saphenous-trunk ambulatory TLA thermal ablation was performed in 979 patients, mean age was 54 years. A total of 1229 limbs had truncal ablations and synchronous phlebectomy was performed in 470 limbs. No tumescent local anaesthesia-related complications occurred. There was no significant difference in standardised tumescent local anaesthesia volume per centimetre (ml) used for the three devices. Tumescent local anaesthesia volume per centimetre (ml) differed significantly between saphenous trunks. On average, a standard 10–12 ml/cm of tumescent local anaesthesia was used for saphenous trunks. Mean total tumescent local anaesthesia volume per patient, when treating the great saphenous vein alone, was 931 ml for bilateral and 425 ml for unilateral treatment.

Conclusion

This report of over 1000 endovenous procedures demonstrates safe performance of laser and radiofrequency treatments using tumescent local anaesthesia. Although no attempt was made to determine minimum volume requirements, a mean tumescent local anaesthesia volume of 10–12 ml/cm administered to the perivenous space provides adequate anaesthesia for truncal saphenous ablation.
Preliminary report of a new type of braided vein stent in animals
Authors: Che Haijie , Jiang Jingjun , Liu Hao , Wei Jichang , Zhang Xiaoming
Published: September 2018

Background

Iliofemoral vein stenosis or occlusion is a common cause of severe chronic venous insufficiency. Endovascular venous stenting has become a preferred treatment because it is minimally invasive and has a high safety profile. Despite the wide application of the wallstent, it is not specifically designed for veins. There are currently few studies on braided stents in the field of veins. We designed a novel braided vein stent, which has higher radial resistive force and more optimized looped ends structure compared with the wallstent. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and performance of the stent in animals, providing a reference for further clinical trials.

Methods

The Wallstent is used as a control group. The novel stent and the Wallstent were implanted in the iliac vein of sheep. After 30 days and 90 days, vascular injury, thrombus, neointima coverage, and luminal stenosis were evaluated through venous angiography, endoscopic observation of stent specimen and histopathology. Imaging, histology, and integration data were analyzed by t-test for comparisons between the groups.

Results

Two groups of stents were successfully implanted. Follow-up observation showed that there was no thrombosis or obstruction >50% occurred in any group and no significant differences in patency, vascular injury, or intimal hyperplasia compared with the Wallstent.

Conclusion

The novel stent significantly increases the radial resistive force and does not increase vascular injury, thrombus and stent stenosis during 30-day and 90-day follow-up. The next step is to further validate the effectiveness of the stent through long-term animal observation and human clinical trials.
The effectiveness of backward walking as a treatment for people with gait impairments: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Balasukumaran Tharani , Olivier Benita , Ntsiea Mokgobadibe Veronica
Published: September 2018

Objective:

To investigate the effectiveness of backward walking in the treatment of people with gait impairments related to neurological and musculoskeletal disorders.

Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and quasi-randomized control studies.

Data sources:

Searched from the date of inception to March 2018, and included PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, PEDro, CINAHL, and the MEDLINE databases.

Methods:

Investigating the effects of backward walking on pain, functional disability, muscle strength, gait parameters, balance, stability, and plantar pressure in people with gait impairments. The PEDro scale was used to assess the quality. Similar outcomes were pooled by calculating the standardized mean difference.

Results:

Of the 21 studies (neurological 11 and musculoskeletal 10), 635 participants were included. The average PEDro score was 5.4/10. The meta-analysis demonstrated significant standardized mean difference values in favour of backward walking, with conventional physiotherapy treatment for two to four weeks to reduce pain (−0.87) and functional disability (−1.19) and to improve quadriceps strength (1.22) in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis. The balance and stability in cases of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and gait parameters and muscle strength in anterior cruciate ligament injury improved significantly when backward walking was included as an exercise. There was no significant evidence in favour of backward walking in any of the other conditions.

Conclusion:

The systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that backward walking with conventional physiotherapy treatment is effective and clinically worthwhile in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Insufficient evidence was available for the remaining gait impairment conditions and no conclusions could be drawn.
Barriers and enablers to deprescribing in people with a life-limiting disease: A systematic review
Authors: Paque Kristel , Vander Stichele Robert , Elseviers Monique , Pardon Koen , Dilles Tinne , Deliens Luc , Christiaens Thierry
Published: September 2018

Background:

Knowing the barriers/enablers to deprescribing in people with a life-limiting disease is crucial for the development of successful deprescribing interventions. These barriers/enablers have been studied, but the available evidence has not been summarized in a systematic review.

Aim:

To identify the barriers/enablers to deprescribing of medications in people with a life-limiting disease.

Design:

Systematic review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42017073693).

Data sources:

A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and CENTRAL was conducted and extended with a hand search. Peer-reviewed, primary studies reporting on barriers/enablers to deprescribing in the context of explicit life-limiting disease were included in this review.

Results:

A total of 1026 references were checked. Five studies met the criteria and were included in this review. Three types of barriers/enablers were found: organizational, professional and patient (family)-related barriers/enablers. The most prominent enablers were organizational support (e.g. for standardized medication review), involvement of multidisciplinary teams in medication review and the perception of the importance of coming to a joint decision regarding deprescribing, which highlighted the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and involving the patient and his family in the decision-making process. The most important barriers were shortages in staff and the perceived difficulty or resistance of the nursing home resident’s family – or the resident himself.

Conclusion and implications of key findings:

The scarcity of findings in the literature highlights the importance of filling this gap. Further research should focus on deepening the knowledge on these barriers/enablers in order to develop sustainable multifaceted deprescribing interventions in palliative care.
Shortcut to success? Negotiating genetic uniqueness in global biomedicine
Authors: Tarkkala Heta , Tupasela Aaro
Published: September 2018

Since the sequencing of the human genome, as well as the completion of the first Human Genome Diversity Project, the benefits of studying one human population over another has been an ongoing debate relating to the replicability of findings in other populations. The leveraging of specific populations into research markets has made headlines in cases such as deCode in Iceland, Quebec Founder Population, and Generation Scotland. In such cases, researchers and policy makers have used the genetic and historical uniqueness of their populations to attract scientific, commercial and political interest. In this article, we explore how in countries with population isolates, such as Finland, the researchers balance considerations relating to the generalization and replicability of findings in small yet unique research populations to global biomedical research interests. This highlights challenges related to forms of competition associated with genetics research markets, as well as what counts as the ‘right’ population for genetic research.
Contemporary factors shaping the professional identity of occupational therapy lecturers
Authors: O’Shea John , McGrath Simon
Published: September 2018

Introduction

The contemporary factors of neoliberalism and evidence-based practice have implications for professional autonomy and values, education and training, ways of working and construction of knowledge. Occupational therapy lecturers are at the interface between student education and professional practice and therefore have unique insights into the way in which these factors are shaping their professional identity and that of the profession.

Method

Nine narrative inquiry focused interviews of occupational therapy lecturers from two universities were carried out. Data was interpreted through a Bourdieusian lens of professional habitus, and analysed thematically.

Findings

The main factors influencing occupational therapy lecturer identity were noted to be relationships between professional identity and artistry; the professional body of knowledge and language; evidencing practice, neoliberalism and changes to teaching and learning.

Conclusion

The structural factors of neoliberalism, evidence-based practice and associated policies are influencing the occupational therapy professional habitus and, in turn, occupational therapy lecturers’ professional identity. An effective critique of these structural factors is required to maintain the profession’s values and artistry and the knowledge upon which occupational therapy lecturers’ identity is formed and their approaches to teaching and learning are based.
Worlding cities through transportation infrastructure
Authors: Connolly Creighton
Published: September 2018

This paper engages with emerging literature on worlding cities in analysing the contested ways in which mid-sized cities attempt to ‘globalize’ through the redevelopment of urban infrastructure, and in particular, transportation infrastructure. The paper focuses specifically on the World Heritage City of Penang, Malaysia and critically examines controversies over the extensive urban redevelopment and regeneration projects that have emerged since 2012. In particular, it examines the ambitious Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), which has posed considerable implications for the city’s heritage landscapes, but also several socio-environmental impacts. The paper analyses the state government’s vision for the PTMP, before turning to an alternative strategy and critique of this plan put forth by local civil society organizations. As I demonstrate, both plans make use of worlding strategies in ‘selling’ their particular vision for the city’s future, but the ways they do so are markedly different. In reviewing this case, the paper challenges the conceptualization of inter-referencing and urban modelling practices as it is currently documented in the literature on worlding cities. What is novel in Penang is the way local stakeholders identify comparable cities outside of the Global North as models to follow, rather than established mega- or ‘world’ cities, which act as more realistic reference points. In doing so, the paper highlights key technologies of governance that are being used to counter the neoliberal worlding strategies put forth by city managers.
Does corporate social responsibility reduce information asymmetry? Empirical evidence from Australia
Authors: Nguyen Van Ha , Agbola Frank W , Choi Bobae
Published: September 2018

This study examines whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) reduces information asymmetry (IA). Using a firm-level CSR dataset of Australian publicly listed firms from 2004 to 2014, we estimate IA models using a fixed-effects panel estimator. We find that CSR performance is negatively associated with IA. Moreover, this negative relationship is stronger for larger firms and firms with stronger market power. We also find that the negative association between CSR and IA decreases for firms with a high level of equity risk. Our results are robust to alternative measures of CSR and IA, model specifications and endogeneity controls.

JEL Classification: D82, G34, M14
Concussion History and Cognitive Function in a Large Cohort of Adolescent Athletes
Authors: Taylor Kathryn M. , Kioumourtzoglou Marianthi-Anna , Clover Jim , Coull Brent A. , Dennerlein Jack T. , Bellinger David C. , Weisskopf Marc G.
Published: September 2018

Background:

The incidence of reported concussions in the adolescent population is increasing, yet research on the effects of concussions in this population is minimal and inconclusive.

Purpose:

To assess the association between concussion and performance on a cognitive test battery.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Using multivariate models, the authors assessed the association between concussion and performance on a cognitive test battery among 5616 high school and junior high school athletes. The researchers utilized a global cognitive score and scores for 5 domains: verbal memory, visual memory, visual motor, reaction time, and impulse control. Each cognitive score was converted to a z score with the mean and SD of the nonconcussed population. Results from each model were then interpreted as change in the standardized unit score. In the models, concussion was evaluated as ever having a concussion, number of concussions, time since last concussion, and age at first concussion.

Results:

Ever having a concussion was associated with a mean decrease of 0.11 standardized units (95% CI, −0.20 to −0.01) on the global cognitive score and lower scores in all cognitive domains. Each additional concussion was associated with lower scores on global cognitive function (effect estimate, −0.06; 95% CI, −0.11 to −0.02), verbal memory, visual memory, and impulse control. Concussion in early childhood was associated with lower global cognition (effect estimate, −0.05; 95% CI, −0.08 to −0.01), visual memory, and motor visual scores as compared with concussions in later childhood. The associations between time since last concussion and cognitive test scores were nonlinear, and on all tests, lower scores were observed even ≥1 year after the concussion.

Conclusion:

On the basis of objective performance metrics for cognitive function, concussions had a more persistent effect on cognitive function than previously thought. The age at which an individual has his or her first concussion may be an important factor in determining long-lasting cognitive effects.
Irregular Isoantibodies in the Sera of Patients Undergoing Chronic Hemodialysis
Authors: Katoh S. , Ida K. , Mizunoya A.
Published: September 2018

We screened 89 patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis for irregular isoantibodies. Irregular isoantibodies were detected in six patients (6.7%). This is an extremely high percentage compared with previous reports, considering that the presence of irregular isoantibodies was estimated to be 2.91% in multiparas, in whom they were found most frequently. This may be due to the fact that hemodialysis patients often receive blood transfusions but it also suggests that hemodialysis per se may induce the production of irregular isoantibodies. The blood-group specificities of the irregular isoantibodies detected were anti-N, anti-Leb + anti-HI, anti-Lea + anti-Leb, anti-H and anti-l, anti-Pp anti-rh” (E). The majority of the cases with irregular isoantibodies were examined because of clinical problems during hemodialysis. Therefore, we checked for the presence of irregular isoantibodies before the induction of hemodialysis and every three to six months thereafter.
Clinical Effect of Continuous Gastric Cooling for Massive Gl Bleeding in Uremia
Authors: Inagaki V. , Amano I.
Published: September 2018

Continuous gastric cooling (CGC) with dialysate was done in nine hemodiaysis patients with massive gastro-intestinal (GI) bleeding. Eight patients were treated by direct irrigation using a double-lumen naso-gastric (NG) tube without balloon. Four patients with bleeding from the duodenum (B-f-D) had complete hemostasis, and there was only one recurrence. However, two out of four patients with bleeding from the stomach (B-f-S) had complete hemostasis, but all four suffered recurrence. The NG tube had to be reinserted in three patients with B-f-S because of obstruction by clots. The direct irrigation method of CGC thus appears to be more effective for the treatment of B-f-D than B-f-S, so we investigated a three lumen, single-balloon catheter (3L-SBC) with which the bleeding site in the stomach can be cooled and pressed without removing coagula. CGC using the 3L-SBC was done in one patient with B-f-S, and complete hemostasis was obtained without recurrence.
Red Cell Membrane during Erythropoietin Therapy in Hemodialysis and in Hemodiafiltration
Authors: Icardi A. , Paoletti E. , Traverso G.B. , Sarchi C. , Cappelli G. , Molinelli G.
Published: September 2018

This study assessed the effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) on red cell membrane behaviour in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and hemodiafiltration (HDF). We studied erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF), mechanical fragility (EMF) and deformability (ED) before and after r-HuEPO therapy in patients on conventional dialysis treatment with a cuprophan membrane and in subjects undergoing HDF with a polyacrylonitrile membrane. Non-uremic, non-anemic subjects were enrolled as controls. Red cell membrane defects were more evident in HD than in HDF; r-HuEPO seemed to improve deformability in both groups compared to controls (p<0.005) possibly through the great production of red cells during this therapy.
Cavitation Potential of Mechanical Heart Valve Prostheses
Authors: Graf T. , Fischer H. , Reul H. , Rau G.
Published: September 2018

Just like technical check valves, the function of mechanical heart valve prostheses may presumably also lead to cavitation effects during valve closure. Due to the waterhammer effect, cavitation may primarily occur in the mitral position leading to high mechanical loading of the valve itself and of corpuscular blood elements. Ten different types of commercial mechanical heart valves were investigated in the mitral position of a pulsatile mock loop, to detect cavitation thresholds under physiologically similar conditions by cinematographic techniques. Almost all these valve prostheses show cavitation up to a ventricular pressure gradient of 5000 mmHg/s. The threshold depends on valve type and size and is sometimes within the physiological range below 2000 mmHg/s. Visible cavitation bubbles with a diameter of up to 1.8 mm and a collapse time of less than 0.1 ms suggest that vapour cavitation may play an important role for material and blood damage in mechanical heart valve prostheses.
Wearable System for Acquisition, Processing and Storage of the Signal from Amperometric Glucose Sensors
Authors: Fabietti P.G. , Benedetti M. MASSI , Bronzo F. , Reboldi G.P. , Sarti E. , Brunetti P.
Published: September 2018

A wearable device for the acquisition, processing and storage of the signal from needle-type glucose sensors has been designed and developed as part of a project aimed at developing a portable artificial pancreas. The device is essential to assess the operational characteristics of miniaturized sensors in vivo. It can be connected to sensors operating at a constant potential of 0.65 Volts, and generating currents in the order of 10–9 Amp. It is screened and equipped with filters that permit data recording and processing even in the presence of electrical noise. It can operate with sensors with different characteristics (1–200 nA full scale). The device has been designed to be worn by patients, so its weight and size have been kept to a minimum (250 g; 8.5 × 14.5 × 3.5 cm). It is powered by rechargeable Ni/Cd batteries allowing continuous operation for 72 h. The electronics consists of an analog card with operational amplifiers, and a digital one with a microprocessor (Intel 80C196, MCS-96 class, with internal 16-bit CPU supporting programs written in either C or Assembler language), a 32 Kb EPROM, and an 8 Kb RAM where the data are stored. The microprocessor can run either at 5 or 10 Mhz and features on-chip peripherals: an analog/digital (AID) converter, a serial port (used to transfer data to a Personal Computer at the end of the 72 h), input-output (I/O) units at high-speed, and two timers. The device is programmed and prepared to operate by means of a second hand-held unit equipped with an LCD display and a 16-key numeric pad. The hand-held unit is easily connected to the wearable one to calibrate the sensor, display alarms and system fault messages.
High-Porosity Activated Carbons for Bilirubin Removal
Authors: Nikolaev V.G. , Sarnatskaya V.V. , Sigal V.L. , Klevtsov V.N. , Makhorin K.E. , Yushko L.A.
Published: September 2018

The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between the extent of activation of synthetic granula and fibrous carbons and the adsorption of bilirubin from protein solutions. The total pore volumes of granular carbons START, SCN and fibrous activated carbons ACFM were 0.9–2.2. cm3/g and 0.8–1.5 cm3/g, respectively. A parallel increase in volume and specific surface area of micropores lead to a 4–5-fold increase of bilirubin adsorption from a 3% HS A solution. About 3 mg of bilirubin per 1 ml of the working column volume is removed from the solution with a 18 mg/100 ml concentration, after 8 min contact with an adsorbent after 4 hours of perfusion. Removal of bilirubin from model solutions means the conformation of albumin molecules can be restored. Carbon adsorbents synthesized for the elimination of bilirubin from protein-containing solutions can also be called deliganding adsorbents, since under some experimental conditions they eliminate other protein-bound ligands, viz. phenols by 97–99%, bile acids by 90–92% and sodium caprylate by 89–95%
Mathematical Modeling of Antigen and Immune Complex Kinetics during Extracorporeal Removal of Autoantibody
Authors: Waniewski J. , Werynski A.
Published: September 2018

The extracorporeal removal of circulating auto-antibodies by repeated plasma exchange or continuous lymph drainage is modeled by single-pool kinetics. Total amounts of antigenic determinants, k-valent antibodies and immune complexes are variables of the model. Factors influencing the course of therapy are included: production rate of antigen and antibody and their natural catabolism. This model can give useful formulae for clinical practice. The effect of treatment can be predicted from the relative depletion of antibody and the actual severity of the disease. Another formula shows how the changed catabolism of antigen after antibody binding can influence the amount of immune complexes. As an example, lymph drainage in myasthenia gravis is calculated using averaged data from three patients.
Tin and silver recovery from wave soldering dross
Authors: García-Díaz Irene , Alguacil Francisco José , López Félix Antonio
Published: September 2018

This work proposes a method for the recovery of tin and silver from wave soldering dross produced during the manufacture of printed circuit boards. Samples of wave soldering dross were first subjected to carbothermic reduction to obtain an ingot containing the above metals plus other elements. This ingot was then subjected to electrorefining at different densities of electrical current, electrolyte flow rate, and cathode–anode separation distance, to determine the optimum conditions for recovering pure tin. Under such conditions, 82 wt% of the tin in the ingot was recovered at a purity of 99.94%. After subjecting ingots to continuous electrorefining under optimum conditions for 845 h, the slime collected at the anode was removed for the recovery of silver. This slime was subjected to thin-layer leaching with concentrated nitric acid. The leachate produced was subjected to copper-cementation; the silver adhering to the copper rod was collected by washing. This process recovered 92% of the silver in the wave soldering dross ingot at a purity of >99.6%. Some 99% of the copper entering the leachate from the copper rod during cementation was recovered by liquid–liquid extraction with 40% LIX84 (dissolved in EXXOL D100). This method could provide a rapid, inexpensive means of recovering pure tin and silver from wave soldering dross.
Perfectionism and Academic Performance in Italian College Students
Authors: Loscalzo Yura , Rice Sean P. M. , Giannini Marco , Rice Kenneth G.
Published: September 2018

This study analyzed the psychometric properties of the Italian translation of both the Short Almost Perfect Scale (SAPS) and the Short Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (SMPS), and the academic implications of perfectionism on 414 Italian college students aged between 18 and 58 years. Results revealed some limitations with the SAPS factor structure that, once addressed, yielded scores with good internal consistency and convergent validity. The SMPS had adequate psychometric properties. Higher perfectionistic strivings scores were associated with better academic performance and with higher rates of studying. This study provides support for the usefulness of both the SAPS and the SMPS in understanding relationships between different perfectionism dimensions and academic outcomes for Italian students.
Separate Room Testing Accommodations for Students With and Without ADHD
Authors: Lovett Benjamin J. , Lewandowski Lawrence J. , Carter Lindsey
Published: September 2018

Students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are frequently provided a separate room in which to take exams, to reduce external distractions. However, little research has explored the efficacy of this accommodation. In the present study, college students with ( n = 27) and without ( n = 42) ADHD diagnoses were administered two parallel forms of a timed silent reading comprehension test, one in a classroom with other students, and one in a private, proctored setting. A two-way analysis of variance found no significant main effects for either ADHD status or test setting on performance, and no significant interaction between the factors either. However, inspection of student-level data and exploration of continuous relationships between self-reported ADHD symptoms and test performance patterns suggested that separate room accommodations may be beneficial for a subgroup of students with ADHD.
Clinical Phenomenology and Characteristics of Centenarians in Hospice
Authors: Schoonover Kimberly L. , Lapid Maria I.
Published: September 2018

Objectives:

Little is known about the hospice experience of centenarians. As the population of centenarians is projected to increase, understanding their unique end-of-life needs will be important to inform delivery of quality end-of-life care. Our objective was to characterize the hospice experience of centenarians.

Methods:

A retrospective single-institution cohort study of centenarians enrolled in hospice from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2017, was conducted to collect demographic and clinical information.

Results:

Seventeen centenarians, who comprised 1.4% of hospice admissions, had an average age of 102 years, were mostly female (71%) and widowed (76%), and all caucasian. Upon hospice admission, centenarians resided in nursing (8, 47%) and assisted living (4, 24%) residencies as well as at home (4, 24%) and in senior independent living (1, 6%). Sixty percent of centenarians died in a nursing home. The most common hospice admission diagnosis was dementia (35%). Median length of stay on hospice was 41 days (range: 16-85) for 15 persons who died or discharged live.

Conclusions:

In this group of centenarians, dementia was the most common condition for hospice enrollment. Slightly less than half resided in nursing homes on admission, although death occurred most frequently in a nursing home. Centenarians were generally able to remain out of the hospital at their time of death.
Nanofiller materials for transparent polymer composites: Influences on the properties and on the transparency—A review
Authors: Wildner Wolfgang , Drummer Dietmar
Published: September 2018

Filler materials are widely used in combination with polymer materials. Conventional filler particles generally cause light scattering and absorption because of their optical characteristic or refractive index difference. With nanoparticles (NPs) as a filler material, it is theoretically possible to manufacture transparent compounds due to their small particle dimensions reducing the interaction with light. Nevertheless, the particles tend to build agglomerates and aggregates which reduce the composite’s transparency considerably. This review gives an overview of the effect different particle materials have on the properties of transparent polymer composites with consideration of the composite’s transparency. There are very few reports on highly transparent and thick (>1 mm) polymer nanocomposites with such an amount of particles that affect other properties of the polymer significantly. In the majority of cases, NPs lead to a significant lower transparency. This indicates that the homogeneous dispersion of the particles is still a major difficulty in producing transparent nanocomposites with enhanced properties.