bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GSTA3 regulates TGF-β1-induced renal interstitial fibrosis in NRK-52E cells as a component of the PI3K–Keap1/Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Xiao Yun , Zhang Zhiwei , Fu Yingyu , Shan Huizhi , Cui Sini , Wu Jun
Published: October 2019

Objective

To evaluate the effect of GSTA3 within the PI3K–Keap1/Nrf2 pathway in renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF).

Methods

An in vitro RIF model with TGF-β1 stimulation in NRK-52E cells was established to identify potential signaling pathways that modulate GSTA3. Changes in GSTA3 expression were observed in the RIF model after silencing or enhancing Nrf2 expression. Changes in GSTA3, Keap1, and Nrf2 expression were detected after blocking the upstream of the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway (including MAPK and PI3K/Akt). The effect of Nrf2 on GSTA3 expression was evaluated by overexpressing Nrf2.

Results

Protein and mRNA levels of GSTA3, FN, Nrf2, and Keap1 were significantly increased after TGF-β1 stimulation. GSTA3 was also upregulated following overexpression of Nrf2. TGF-β1 activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, leading to RIF. After blocking this pathway, the production of superoxide dismutase, reactive oxygen species, and fibronectin were reduced. The MAPK pathway was not involved in the development of RIF via regulating GSTA3 expression.

Conclusions

The PI3K–KEAP1/Nrf2–GSTA3 signaling pathway is a possible mechanism of resisting external stimulation of renal fibrosis factors, regulating oxidative stress, and preventing RIF.
Therapeutic effect of one-time root canal treatment for irreversible pulpitis
Authors: Lu Yu , Liu Zhongjun , Huang Jinyu , Liu Chengxia
Published: October 2019

Objective

To compare the therapeutic effects of one-time root canal treatment versus two-time treatment in patients with irreversible pulpitis.

Methods

We classified 130 patients into a one-time treatment group (group A; n = 68) and a two-time treatment group (group B; n = 62) according to the number of patient visits. Clinical efficacy at 6 months and 1 year follow-ups as well as serum levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein before and 1 week after endodontic treatment were observed. Additionally, the level of treatment satisfaction between the two groups was compared, and the degree of pain was evaluated using the visual analogue scale.

Result

One week after treatment, serum interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were significantly decreased in the two groups; however, levels in group B were significantly lower than those in group A. Additionally, visual analogue scale scores of patients in group A were significantly higher than those of patients in group B.

Conclusion

One-time root canal therapy can effectively improve postoperative pain and the expression of inflammatory factors in the serum of patients undergoing treatment.
Association of MTHFR and RFC1 gene polymorphisms with methotrexate efficacy and toxicity in Chinese Han patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wang Shengli , Zuo Shuguang , Liu Zhigang , Ji Xinying , Yao Zhenqiang , Wang Xinchun
Published: October 2019

Objective

The objective was to explore the association of methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase ( MTHFR) C667T and A1298C and reduced folate carrier 1 ( RFC-1) A80G single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and efficacy and toxicity of methotrexate (MTX) treatment in Chinese Han patients in Henan, China.

Methods

Two hundred ninety-six patients with RA were enrolled (cases) and 120 healthy individuals served as controls. The genotypes of MTHFR C667T and A1298C SNP and RFC-1 A80G SNP were detected by restriction fragment length polymorphism-PCR and compared between cases and controls. We analyzed correlations of clinical effect, toxicity, and SNPs after 6 months of MTX treatment.

Results

We detected no significant differences in MTHFR C677T and A1298C and RFC-1 A80G SNPs between cases and controls. The RFC-1 A80G SNP differed between RA patients with good and poor efficacy after 6 months of MTX, and was an independent factor of MTX efficacy. The MTHFR C677T SNP was differently distributed in the adverse drug reaction (ADR) and non-ADR groups and was an independent factor of MTX toxicity.

Conclusions

In Chinese Han patients with RA, the MTHFR C667T SNP may correlate with MTX toxicity, whereas the RFC-1 A80G SNP may correlate with MTX efficacy rather than toxicity.
Comparison of FRAX in postmenopausal Asian women with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Wang Chen , Liu Jun , Xiao Li , Liu Dan , Yan Wenjing , Hu Ting , Li Kunhong , Hua Xiaociao , Zeng Xianshang
Published: October 2019

Objective

To compare the fracture risk in postmenopausal Asian women with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

The study cohort comprised data from consecutive postmenopausal women with T2DM that were retrieved from a prospectively maintained institutional database from 2001 to 2009. Postmenopausal women without DM from the Medical Examination Center from 2001 to 2009 formed the control cohort. The primary endpoint was the World Health Organization Fracture Risk Algorithm (FRAX, revised 2013) score. The secondary endpoint was bone mineral density (BMD).

Results

There were 1014 individuals included for the assessment (T2DM, n=500 and non-DM, n=514). Based on the FRAX model, the risk of major osteoporotic fractures and hip fractures over the next 10 years was higher in the T2DM group compared with the non-DM group. Compared with the T2DM group, the non-DM group had a lower BMD. After adjusting for age, gender, history of alcohol consumption, smoking status, body mass index, and low-density lipoprotein, the differences were statistically significant.

Conclusions

Compared with postmenopausal women without DM, postmenopausal women with T2DM had a significantly higher fracture risk calculated using the FRAX model. Early intervention for postmenopausal women with T2DM may be necessary, although T2DM is associated with a high BMD.
Fall risk factors for individuals under the age of 65 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Swink Laura A , Schmid Arlene A , Atler Karen E , Klinedinst Tara C , Marchant Tasha P , Marchant David R , Malcolm Matthew P
Published: October 2019

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to examine self-reported falls and fall risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged under 65 years.

Methods

This study was a cross-sectional analysis of 64 participants at a primary care facility in the western United States of America. The following fall risk factors were examined for differences between groups (fallers vs. non-fallers): age, body mass index, depression, fear of falling, neuropathy, number of medications, sedentary behavior, and visual co-morbidities. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine relationships with self-reported falls (yes/no recent fall as defined by the participant).

Results

Forty-five percent of participants reported a recent fall. The following fall risk factors produced significant differences between fallers and non-fallers: depression scores ( p = .01), fear of falling ( p < .01), and number of medications currently being taken ( p = .04). Through multivariate logistic regression, the fear of falling score ( p < .01) was the only significant relationship with self-reported falls in the model that included age, body mass index, depression, fear of falling, neuropathy, number of medications, sedentary behavior, and visual co-morbidities.

Conclusion

Psychological fall risk factors such as fear of falling are factors that should be considered early on in a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus because they may have an effect on falls, as evidenced in this sample of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged under 65 years.
Environmental factors and daily functioning levels among adolescents with executive function deficits
Authors: Fogel Yael , Rosenblum Sara , Josman Naomi
Published: October 2019

Introduction

This study examines parents’ perceptions of environmental factors in home, school and community settings on daily functioning of adolescents with executive function deficits. The aim was to map environmental supports and barriers and identify factors that predict functioning.

Method

Parents of 81 adolescents (10–14 years) completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth (PEM-CY) part B and Child Evaluation Checklist (CHECK). We used the BRIEF scores to form a group of adolescents with executive function deficits ( n = 41) and a matched group with typical development ( n = 40). Correlation and discriminate analyses compared environmental factors across groups (PEM-CY) and identified those that predict daily functioning (CHECK).

Results

Compared to parents of adolescents with typical development, parents of adolescents with executive function deficits reported significantly more environmental barriers than supports (PEM-CY). School and community social demands of activity predicted the adolescents’ current daily functioning (CHECK).

Conclusion

Cognitive and social demands of activities appear to be common factors that limit functioning of adolescents with executive function deficits in home, school and community environments. The PEM-CY part B can promote awareness of the main support and barrier factors and help focus goals for efficient intervention programmes for these adolescents.
Boredom in inpatient mental healthcare settings: a scoping review
Authors: Marshall Carrie Anne , McIntosh Emma , Sohrabi Almas , Amir Adam
Published: October 2019

Introduction

To identify the scope of existing literature exploring boredom experienced by those using inpatient mental health services, we conducted a scoping review.

Method

We performed a comprehensive literature search of four databases: Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO. This search resulted in 978 titles and abstracts, which were reviewed by two independent raters.

Results

A total of 19 studies met the criteria for inclusion. Inter-rater reliability was assessed (k = 0.719 (95% confidence interval 0.500 to 0.938), P < 0.05 (full-text)), resulting in a ‘good’ strength of agreement according to the Practical Statistics for Medical Research. A content analysis resulted in the identification of four primary themes: (a) boredom as an acknowledged problem in inpatient mental health settings; (b) consequences of boredom; (c) models for addressing boredom through meaningful activity; and (d) the occupational therapy role in addressing state and trait boredom.

Conclusion

Occupational therapists play an important role in addressing the boredom experienced by those receiving treatment for mental illness in hospital settings. Further empirical evidence is needed to develop a better understanding of the influence of boredom on inpatient service users’ mental health, and additional models need to be developed to address this persistent problem.
Making connections between school and home: Exploring therapists’ perceptions of their relationships with families in partnering for change
Authors: Kennedy Jennifer N , Missiuna Cheryl A , Pollock Nancy A , Sahagian Whalen Sandra , Dix Leah , Campbell Wenonah N
Published: October 2019

Introduction

A recently developed service delivery model, called Partnering for Change, encourages collaboration between occupational therapists, educators and families, and aims to improve children’s participation across school, home and community settings. Partnering for Change has been successful in facilitating equitable access to services and eliminating wait lists; however, it could have a more significant impact through improved capacity-building with families. The purpose of this study is to describe the factors that therapists view as influencing the development of family–therapist relationships in Partnering for Change, and to explore their ideas to improve relationship-building.

Methods

Focus groups were completed with 15 occupational therapists who provided Partnering for Change school-based services. Qualitative description methodology and directed content analysis were utilized.

Results

Several factors were identified that influenced the development of family–therapist relationships including competing demands; consistency and availability; awareness, readiness and commitment; relationships with schools and educators; and sociodemographic characteristics. Increasing in-person interactions and awareness of occupational therapy services were suggested to improve relationship-building.

Conclusions

Therapists should consider innovative ways of overcoming competing demands, utilizing relationships with schools and educators, and participating in mentorship and communities of practice to address the current barriers of family–therapist relationships, and create better opportunities for collaboration.
Incidental finding of paratesticular aggressive angiomyxoma in a 72-year-old monorchid male
Authors: Serao Armando , Tiranti Donatella , Ferraro Muriel , Malinaric Rafaela , Re Paola , Calamaro Paola
Published: October 2019

Aggressive angiomyxoma is an uncommon mesenchymal neoplasm. It arises from soft tissue of pelvis and perineum in fertile females, occurring very rarely in males. Its name emphasizes the common local recurrence and infiltrative tendency, but usually it does not metastasize. Currently, the first line of therapy is surgical excision, achieving R0 surgical margins, and radiological follow-up. This case report describes an uncommon, incidental finding of paratesticular aggressive angiomyxoma in an asymptomatic, cryptorchid 72-year-old male patient.
Building public innovation for industrial risk prevention and crisis management: Genesis and development of a unique collaborative innovation
Authors: Crivellari Paolo
Published: October 2019

Public innovation is a peculiar form of innovation that provides new policies, new products, new services, and new infrastructures to increase public value. Many barriers can prevent this kind of innovation, so it cannot be taken for granted. Consequently, it is important to understand the conditions that can produce it. The present article is a case study on SIMAGE, a collaborative public innovation that has no equivalent in Europe and was developed in the Italian petrochemical site of Porto Marghera (in the municipality of Venice) for industrial risk prevention and crisis management. Based on sociological research conducted with qualitative techniques, I aim at accounting for the genesis and development of the process that led the public and the private sector to build jointly an effective public innovation through collaboration. The conclusion focuses on innovation processes, on the production of public goods by the public and the private sector, and on risk and crisis governance.
Safety and Efficacy of Brivaracetam in Pediatric Refractory Epilepsy: A Single-Center Clinical Experience
Authors: McGuire Sara , Silva Gustavo , Lal Darshan , Khurana Divya S. , Legido Agustin , Hasbani Daphne , Carvalho Karen S. , Melvin Joseph , Valencia Ignacio
Published: October 2019

Brivaracetam is a new antiepileptic drug with limited data in children. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy/tolerability of brivaracetam. This is a retrospective chart review of children/adolescents with refractory epilepsy treated with brivaracetam from 2016 to 2018. The primary outcome was seizure reduction (decrease in seizure frequency >50%). Twenty-three patients were identified. Mean age at initiation was 12.5 years. Fourteen were females. Epilepsy was focal in 11, generalized in 6, and mixed in 3. Average dose was 3.9 mg/kg/d. The mean duration of treatment was 8.2 months. Eight had greater than 50% decrease in seizure frequency, of which 7 had focal epilepsy, and 1 had Lennox-Gastaut/mixed epilepsy. Two had drowsiness and 3 behavioral complaints. One experienced tingling and dizziness. Our retrospective review suggests that brivaracetam is an effective therapy for refractory focal epilepsy in children older than 4 years of age.
Earnings, EITC, and Employment Responses to a $15 Minimum Wage: Will Low-Income Workers Be Better Off?
Authors: Fahimullah Fahad , Geng Yi , Hardy Bradley , Muhammad Daniel , Wilkins Jeffrey
Published: October 2019

The District of Columbia will increase its minimum wage to $15 per hour in 2020. The city also provides a local refundable earned income tax credit (EITC) equal to 40% of the federal EITC. Using a computable general equilibrium model, the authors estimate the economic impact of the $15 wage policy. They also use a tax policy microsimulation model to estimate how the city’s EITC interacts with a higher minimum wage. Overall, the authors find that the higher minimum wage will produce significant income gains for most of the city’s low-wage workers, with relatively few job losses. Additionally, they forecast that most city EITC recipients will receive a lower EITC, but higher earnings more than offset the reduced tax credit. The model predicts that this policy change would largely be funded by higher consumer prices, lower firm profits, and higher business productivity. These predictions are subject to important caveats, including a local labor market that is likely inadequately characterized in a model assuming perfect competition. Economic policy makers should therefore use such modeling approaches as a powerful but ultimately imperfect tool.
The use of non-smooth surfaces to control the wake of a high speed train
Authors: Wang Dongwei , Chen Chunjun , Deng Chao
Published: October 2019

To solve some problems caused by the wake of a high-speed train, the control process, especially the mechanism of the non-smooth surface for controlling the wake of a high-speed train, is studied by using the detached eddy simulation. The numerical simulation method is validated by using the data from a wind tunnel experiment reported in literature. To study the passive control of the wake, the non-smooth surface is arranged on the front surface and the side surface of the train, respectively. The changes of the vortex structure, velocity, and aerodynamic drag before and after the control are presented, and then the flow control mechanism of the non-smooth surface is explored in detail. The results show that by arranging the non-smooth surface on the front and side surface of the tail car, the vortex motion in the tail of the train can be slowed down and the influence region of the wake can be shortened. At the same time, the velocity fluctuation amplitude in the wake region of the train apparently decreases and the aerodynamic drag of the train decreases after the control.
Target-bundled genetic algorithm for multi-unmanned aerial vehicle cooperative task assignment considering precedence constraints
Authors: Xu Guangtong , Long Teng , Wang Zhu , Liu Li
Published: October 2019

This paper presents a modified genetic algorithm using target-bundle-based encoding and tailored genetic operators to effectively tackle cooperative multiple task assignment problems of heterogeneous unmanned aerial vehicles. In the cooperative multiple task assignment problem, multiple tasks including reconnaissance, attack, and verification have to be sequentially performed on each target (e.g. ground control stations, tanks, etc.) by one or multiple unmanned aerial vehicles. Due to the precedence constraints of different tasks, a singular task-execution order may cause deadlock situations, i.e. one or multiple unmanned aerial vehicles being trapped in infinite waiting loops. To address this problem, a target-bundled genetic algorithm is proposed. As a key element of target-bundled genetic algorithm, target-bundle-based encoding is derived to fix multiple tasks on each target as a target-bundle. And individuals are generated by fixing the task-execution order on each target-bundle subject to task precedence constraints. During the evolution process, bundle-exchange crossover and multi-type mutation operators are customized to generate deadlock-free offspring. Besides, the time coordination method is developed to ensure that task-execution time satisfies task precedence constraints. The comparison results on numerical simulations demonstrate that target-bundled genetic algorithm outperforms particle swarm optimization and random search methods in terms of optimality and efficiency.
Statistical analysis of implant and thread parameters effects on dental implant stability and bone resorption using central composite design method
Authors: Niroomand Mohammad Reza , Arabbeiki Masoud
Published: October 2019

The effect of dental implant parameters, length and diameter, and thread parameters consisting of thread depth, width, pitch and inner angle on Max von-Mises stress in implant–abutment and cancellous bone is investigated. A three-dimensional finite element model of a threaded dental implant and mandibular segment is built. Face-centered central composite design is applied as the design of experiments method to study and optimize the six independent variable parameters at three levels by applying response surface methodology. The simultaneous analysis of these parameters is run to obtain a better perspective on their effects on responses. The effects of linear, square, and interactive terms on responses through Pareto, main effects, and interaction plots are determined through analysis of variance. A second-order polynomial equation is fitted to the model to predict the response magnitude. The results indicate that implant diameter and its interaction with thread depth are effective in decreasing the likelihood of bone resorption. The implant length affects the Max von-Mises stress in implant–abutment, with no effect on the Max von-Mises stress in cancellous bone. The optimization process caused about 10% and 30% reduction in the magnitude of Max von-Mises stress in implant–abutment and cancellous bone, respectively.
Automated Study Challenges the Existence of a Foundational Statistical-Learning Ability in Newborn Chicks
Authors: Wood Samantha M. W. , Johnson Scott P. , Wood Justin N.
Published: October 2019

What mechanisms underlie learning in newborn brains? Recently, researchers reported that newborn chicks use unsupervised statistical learning to encode the transitional probabilities (TPs) of shapes in a sequence, suggesting that TP-based statistical learning can be present in newborn brains. Using a preregistered design, we attempted to reproduce this finding with an automated method that eliminated experimenter bias and allowed more than 250 times more data to be collected per chick. With precise measurements of each chick’s behavior, we were able to perform individual-level analyses and substantially reduce measurement error for the group-level analyses. We found no evidence that newborn chicks encode the TPs between sequentially presented shapes. None of the chicks showed evidence for this ability. Conversely, we obtained strong evidence that newborn chicks encode the shapes of individual objects, showing that this automated method can produce robust results. These findings challenge the claim that TP-based statistical learning is present in newborn brains.
Green Advertising: Examining the Role of Celebrity’s Credibility Using SEM Approach
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Tripathi Vibhuti
Published: October 2019

Amid rising concern about protecting environment and reducing carbon emission, marketers do not just need to advertise their product to inform and persuade the consumers, rather they are required to convince the consumers that their product is environment friendly and do not cause any harm to the environment. Celebrity Advertising has been very popular among the marketers, as these celebrities help to generate favourable attention towards the product. While choosing an endorser/celebrity, his/her credibility plays a crucial role in persuading and convincing consumers. The present paper attempts to assess the effect of celebrity’s credibility on consumer’s attitude towards advertisement, brand and purchase intention in the context of green advertising. The study was conducted with a 2x2 factorial design (high v/s low) (celebrity’s credibility v/s corporation’s credibility) with an advertisement of a hypothetical company producing environment friendly ACs called, Sora. Data were collected from 252 college students by randomly exposing them in small group, to four different advertisements. The results confirmed a significant impact of celebrity credibility on attitude towards green advertisement. However, it had no direct impact on attitude towards brand or intention to purchase green products. Moreover, the effect of celebrity credibility on purchase intention was reported to be mediated through attitude towards advertisement and attitude towards brand.
Generic Drugs Not as Safe as FDA Wants You to Believe
Authors: White C. Michael
Published: October 2019

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules for the production of prescription drugs are very rigorous and, if followed, guarantees a safe drug supply. For many years, foreign manufacturers have produced substandard generic products and active pharmaceutical ingredients and shipped them into the United States. If the FDA had inspected them with the same rigor as they do domestic manufacturers, they would have found many of these egregious deviations from ethical manufacturing much earlier. Although the FDA is finally stepping up the number of inspections, their current processes still rely on preannounced inspections with long time horizons, so quality issues can be temporarily corrected and documents altered or destroyed.
Appropriateness of using granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for primary prophylaxis of febrile neutropenia in solid tumors
Authors: Laali Elahe , Fazli Jinous , Sadighi Sanambar , Mohammadi Mehdi , Gholami Kheirollah , Jahangard-Rafsanjani Zahra
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Febrile neutropenia (FN) is one of the dose-limiting adverse effects of chemotherapy. Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factors (G-CSFs) minimize the incidence of FN and reduce the risk of neutropenia complications. This study was conducted to address the prescription pattern of G-CSF for primary prophylaxis of FN during the first cycle of chemotherapy in solid tumors.

Method

This prospective observational study was done to investigate the G-CSF prescription pattern in patients receiving the first cycle of chemotherapy for solid tumors and compare it with the NCCN guideline recommendations.

Result

Based on the guideline, prophylactic G-CSF administration was indicated in 26 of the 96 patients (27.1%) and all of them received G-CSF. On the other hand, 70 patients (72.9%) did not meet the guideline criteria for prophylaxis, but 60 (62.5%) of them received G-CSF. Seven doses of pegfilgrastim and 165 doses of filgrastim were used inappropriately in the study population, which was associated with an economic burden of about 224.7 million IRR (5350 USD).

Conclusion

Taken together, inconsistencies with the guideline were observed in this prospective evaluation, suggesting that submitting rationalized policies to decrease G-CSF prescription, especially in patients with a lower or intermediate FN risk, yields substantial cost savings.
Are Social Media Ruining Our Lives? A Review of Meta-Analytic Evidence
Authors: Appel Markus , Marker Caroline , Gnambs Timo
Published: October 2019

A growing number of studies have examined the psychological corollaries of using social networking sites (SNSs) such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter (often called social media). The interdisciplinary research area and conflicting evidence from primary studies complicate the assessment of current scholarly knowledge in this field of high public attention. We review meta-analytic evidence on three hotly debated topics regarding the effects of SNSs: well-being, academic achievement, and narcissism. Meta-analyses from different laboratories draw a rather equivocal picture. They show small associations in the r = .10 range between the intensity of SNS use and loneliness, self-esteem, life satisfaction, or self-reported depression, and somewhat stronger links to a thin body ideal and higher social capital. There is no indication for potential devastating effects of social media on school achievement; social media use and school grades are unrelated for adolescents. The meta-analyses revealed small to moderate associations between narcissism and SNS use. In sum, meta-analytic evidence is not in support of dramatic claims relating social media use to mischief.
The Effects of Chronic Disease on Ambulatory Care–Sensitive Hospitalizations for Children or Youth
Authors: Phillips Charles D , Truong Chau , Kum Hye-Chung , Nwaiwu Obioma , Ohsfeldt Robert
Published: October 2019

Considerable research has focused on hospitalizations for ambulatory care–sensitive conditions (ACSHs), but little of that research has focused on the role played by chronic disease in ACSHs involving children or youth (C/Y). This research investigates, for C/Y, the effects of chronic disease on the likelihood of an ACSH. The database included 699 473 hospital discharges for individuals under 18 in Texas between 2011 and 2015. Effects of chronic disease, individual, and contextual factors on the likelihood of a discharge involving an ACSH were estimated using logistic regression. Contrary to the results for adults, the presence of chronic diseases or a complex chronic disease among children or youth was protective, reducing the likelihood of an ACSH for a nonchronic condition. Results indicate that heightened ambulatory care received by C/Y with chronic diseases is largely protective. Two of more chronic conditions or at least one complex chronic condition significantly reduced the likelihood of an ACSH.
Towards the automated classification system of worn surfaces
Authors: Wolski M , Woloszynski T , Stachowiak GW , Podsiadlo P
Published: October 2019

Wear dictates the machine performance, its reliability, and ultimately its lifetime. It is therefore important to know what is the wear status of the machine. The assessment can be done visually which is costly and not always possible (e.g. engines). Therefore, the development of an automated analysis and classification system of worn surfaces is highly desirable. Before such system is developed, surface characterization and classification methods must be first developed and tested. In this paper, we show how the recently developed methods, i.e. directional blanket covering and directional blanket covering curvature, have been adapted to solve this problem. The methods, unlike current standards/methods, measure surface roughness and curvature complexities at individual scales and directions. The methods’ ability to differentiate between microscopy images of abrasive and adhesive wear surfaces was evaluated. Minute differences between the two wear modes were detected. This could be of importance in machine condition diagnostic since abrasive and adhesive wear account for most of the machine failures.
Player conceptualizations of creativity in digital entertainment games
Authors: Hall Johanna , Stickler Ursula , Herodotou Christothea , Iacovides Ioanna
Published: October 2019

Creativity has been widely studied across various disciplines such as psychology and education from a variety of perspectives and has been argued to provide a range of different benefits such as the development of transferrable skills. However, not much is known about how creativity is conceptualized within digital entertainment games from the perspective of the player. In addition to providing a scoping review of the field, this study aims to address current gaps in the literature by answering the research question: how do players conceptualize creativity within digital entertainment games? Data from 24 semistructured interviews and 14 narrative surveys with regular players of various genres of digital games were analyzed using qualitative methodology. Thematic analysis was performed, resulting in three main categories of conceptualizations: ways of thinking, constructing in games, and games as an art form. By providing an insight into how players view creativity in digital games, this article aims to illuminate this understudied facet of player experience and pave the way for future studies seeking to explore how digital games may promote creativity in those who play them.
Are pre-service teachers’ beliefs toward curricular outcomes challenged by teaching methods modules and school placement? Evidence from three Greek physical education faculties
Authors: Adamakis Manolis , Dania Aspasia
Published: October 2019

Current research on physical education teacher education (PETE) has shown that pre-service teachers’ beliefs concerning the scope of physical education (PE) remain highly influential during their studies. However, undergraduate programmes seem to have a limited effect on pre-service teachers’ teaching priorities, and this situation is left unchallenged. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the impact of two PE teaching methods modules, which included school placement experiences, over one academic year, on pre-service PE teachers’ belief systems towards four important curricular outcomes. A total of 373 undergraduate pre-service teachers (238 males, 135 females; mean = 21.02, standard deviation = 2.33 years) from three major Greek faculties of PE and sport science twice completed a previously validated four-factor instrument. The results indicated that pre-service teachers shared some similar beliefs about the outcome goals of PE, as they all classified physical activity and fitness as the most important one. The teaching methods modules had a positive impact on their beliefs, which were reinforced; however, their classification did not change over time. Both teaching- and coaching-oriented pre-service teachers classified the curricular outcomes in an identical way. Data suggested that PETE recruits prioritized the fitness learning outcomes, and this was in alignment with utilitarian approaches proposed recently in PE, which forward measurable PE learning outcomes. Also, participants preferred to hold and reinforce their personal belief structures and were not willing to change them, complying with faculty staff dispositions. Implications of these findings and recommendations for more effective school placement experiences are discussed.
Academic lexical bundles in graduate-level math texts: A corpus-based expert-approved list
Authors: Alasmary Abdullah
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this article is to synthesize and analyse the most frequently occurring, widely dispersed and pedagogically useful lexical bundles in mathematical texts. Drawing on a five-million-word corpus of graduate-level textbooks, a total of 65 academic sequences meeting a predefined set of length, frequency and distribution criteria are obtained for functional and structural analyses. Results indicate that the structural forms of the sequences are clausal and that the dominant function is research-oriented. Sequences are rank-ordered according to a composite score obtained as a result of triangulating frequency profiles, distribution proportions and expert judgements. This article concludes by highlighting the pedagogical implications of the study for both language educators and mathematics practitioners.
A case of a mobile intrathoracic foreign object
Authors: Eckersley Martyn , Goncalves Carla , Kumar Dalip , Perera Saman
Published: October 2019

Penetrating chest trauma to children is rare in the UK, making up 0.8% of wounds to children. When it does occur, it often results in damage to mediastinal structures including but not limited to the heart, lungs and great vessels. Rarely foreign objects can be intrapericardial. We present the case of a 14-year-old boy who presented haemodynamically stable following pellet gun wound to the chest. Multi-modality imaging revealed the bullet to be in the pericardium without associated cardiothoracic injuries, confirmed following surgery. Although a multi-modality imaging approach was used in diagnosing the precise location of the gun pellet, including imaging involving ionising radiation, we argue that early localisation can potentially be achieved with initial imaging and basic anatomical correlation, reducing the time to diagnosis. Using all the images available, including CT scout images, can assist in localisation and identifying important negatives.
Optimal design for transport and logistics of steel mill by-product based on double-layer genetic algorithms
Authors: Liu Tung-Kung , Lin Shou-Shan , Hsueh Po-Wen
Published: October 2019

This paper presents the optimal design of in-plant logistics in manufacturing. Owing to rising energy costs and the supply-demand imbalance leading to price competition, resulting in a sharp decline in profit, business management is facing a severe test, especially heavy industry. In practice, the important decision-making in C Company has relied on expert experience and existing knowledge, the lack of systematic thinking, and technology applications, resulting in a waste of logistics costs. Therefore, a study on the application of genetic algorithms to optimize steel mill factory by-product transport and logistics is presented herein. The aim is to solve the bottleneck of traditional decision-making in order to achieve the goal of optimizing transportation logistics decision-making via artificial intelligence. In defining the problem, the model of the steel mill factory by-products transport and logistics is constructed through in-plant route information, vehicle routing systematization and consideration of the transport demand frequency. The modified variable length chromosome ending technique and bi-level genetic algorithm are used to effectively solve the problem of different zoning transportation on double layer genetic algorithm application. The results show that the total transport time is slightly better than the existing results.
Legitimising digital anthropology through immersive cohabitation: Becoming an observing participant in a blended digital landscape
Authors: Bluteau Joshua M
Published: October 2019

Debate regarding how to conduct digital anthropology is currently contested, with two primary methodologies emerging: researchers who conduct projects wholly in cyberspace, and those who look at the use of digital technologies by their informants, contextualised in the offline world. This paper suggests a third way, arguing that immersive cohabitation is possible where online and offline fieldsites are viewed as part of a larger blended field. This paper builds on two years’ ethnographic fieldwork with Instagram to call for immersive cohabitation as a new method to be considered by digital anthropologists and ethnographers. Further to this blended approach, this paper argues for a move beyond participant observation to working as observing participants in the virtual. This dual approach restructures current anthropological methods for digital working to enhance the quality and depth of data collection whilst ensuring the continued currency of the anthropologist in a rapidly modernising and increasingly digitised world.
Effects of reformed fuel on dual-fuel combustion particulate morphology
Authors: Dal Forno Chuahy Flavio , Strickland Tyler , Walker Nicholas Ryan , Kokjohn Sage L
Published: October 2019

Advancements in catalytic reforming have demonstrated the ability to generate syngas (a mixture of CO and hydrogen) from a single hydrocarbon stream. This syngas mixture can then be used to replace diesel fuel and enable dual-fuel combustion strategies. The role of port-fuel injected syngas, composed of equal parts hydrogen and carbon monoxide by volume, was investigated experimentally for soot reduction benefits under diesel pilot ignition and reactivity controlled compression ignition strategies. Particle size distribution measurements were made with a scanning mobility particle sizer and condensation particle counter for different levels of syngas substitution. To explain the experimental results, computational fluid dynamics simulations utilizing a detailed stochastic soot model were used to validate and initialize additional simulations that isolate mixing and chemistry effects. Based on these simulations, the influence of adding syngas on soot particle size and quantity is discussed.
Dual drug-loaded biodegradable Janus particles for simultaneous co-delivery of hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds
Authors: Winkler Jennifer S , Barai Mayur , Tomassone Maria S
Published: October 2019

Bicompartmental Janus particles have many advantages in drug delivery, including co-delivery of two compounds with varying solubilities, differential release kinetics, and two surfaces available for targeting ligands. We present a novel strategy using the double emulsion method for the coencapsulation and staggered release of a hydrophobic and hydrophilic drug from anisotropic PLGA/PCL Janus particles, as well as a UV detection method to measure the release of two different compounds from Janus particles. Curcumin and quercetin were chosen as the model hydrophobic compounds for drug loading studies, while acetaminophen (APAP) and naproxen were chosen as the model hydrophilic–hydrophobic drug pair for encapsulation methods and drug loading. Also, a similar double emulsion method was also applied for PLGA/Preicrol® Janus particles containing Doxorubicin and Curcumin. Hydrophobic drugs were encapsulated by the single O/W emulsion technique. Hydrophilic compounds required special modifications due to their poor oil solubility and tendency to escape to the outer aqueous phase during the emulsification and solvent evaporation steps. In total, three different strategies for incorporating hydrophilic drugs were employed: (1) O/W emulsion with partially water miscible solvent, (2) O/W emulsion with co-solvent (i.e. acetone, methanol, ethanol), or (3) W/O/W double emulsion. The encapsulation efficiencies and drug loading percentages were measured using UV/Vis spectroscopy and compared for the different synthesis methods. It was found that the double emulsion method resulted in the highest encapsulation efficiency and drug loading of the hydrophilic drug.
PTPN2 improves implant osseointegration in T2DM via inducing the dephosphorylation of ERK
Authors: Wang Ya-Nan , Jia Tingting , Zhang Jiajia , Lan Jing , Zhang Dongjiao , Xu Xin
Published: October 2019

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is considered to compromise implant osseointegration. Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 2 (PTPN2) regulates glucose metabolism, systemic inflammation, and bone regeneration. This study aimed to investigate the role of PTPN2 in implant osseointegration in T2DM and explore the potential mechanisms. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats received implant surgery, with or without local overexpression of PTPN2 for three months, and implant osseointegration was examined by histological evaluation, micro-CT analysis, pull-out test, and scanning electron microscope. Rat bone marrow stem cells (RBMSCs) were isolated and exposed to high glucose, and osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by alizarin red staining, ALP assay, and Western blot analysis. Overexpression of PTPN2 could improve impaired implant osseointegration in T2DM rats and promote osteogenic differentiation of RBMSCs in high glucose. In addition, p-ERK level in RBMSCs was increased in high glucose and decreased after PTPN2 overexpression. These results suggest that PTPN2 promotes implant osseointegration in T2DM rats and enhances osteogenesis of RBMSCs in high glucose medium via inducing the dephosphorylation of ERK. PTPN2 may be a novel target for the therapy of impaired implant osseointegration in T2DM patients.

Impact statement

Using both in vivo and in vitro approaches, we made important findings that PTPN2 promoted implant osseointegration in T2DM rats and enhanced osteogenesis of RBMSCs in high glucose medium. The positive effects of PTPN2 on osteogenesis are related to the dephosphorylation of ERK and the inhibition of MAPK/ERK pathway. PTPN2 may be a novel target for the therapy of impaired implant osseointegration in T2DM patients.
Outcomes of Open Complex Ventral Hernia Repairs With Retromuscular Placement of Poly-4-Hydroxybutyrate Bioabsorbable Mesh
Authors: Pakula Andrea , Skinner Ruby
Published: October 2019

Purpose. Optimal technique and mesh selection still debated for complex ventral hernias. Limited data exists on bioabsorbable meshes in high-risk patients. We evaluated our experience. Methods. Retrospective review was conducted following institutional review board approval for ventral hernia repairs using a single bioabsorbable mesh between February 2014 and November 2017. Patient and hernia details characterized. Outcomes evaluated. Results. 20 ventral hernia repairs identified, 10 males, 10 females. Mean body mass index was 35 ± 7.4 kg/m2, and mean age 47 ± 13 years. Comorbid conditions were diabetes 35% and hypertension 40%. Fifty-five percent had American Society of Anesthesiologist scores of 3. Hernia Characteristics: Ventral Hernia Working Group Grade 3 hernias were 80%, and remainder grade 2. Forty percent of hernias were Centers for Disease Control class III, and remainder were class I and II. The mean defect size was 533 cm2 ± 500. Repair for prior open abdomens was 45%, recurrent hernias 20%, incisional 15%, incarcerated 10%, incisional with parastomal 5%, and primary ventral 5%. Concomitant bowel procedures in 8, (40%). All cases had retromuscular mesh placement (transversus abdominus release 65%, Rives-Stoppa 35%). Surgical site occurrences were 20% (surgical site infection 10%, seroma 10%). Overall hospital stay 5 ± 3 days. Ileus occurred in 20%. One postoperative death due to fatal arrhythmia. There were no recurrences with mean follow-up 21.1 months. Conclusions. Complex hernia repairs using bioabsorbable mesh were conducted in a small cohort of high-risk patients. These data demonstrate good outcomes with limited morbidity and mortality. There were no recurrences.
Leadership for Social Justice in High-Poverty Schools: Exploration of Equity and Fundraising in an Urban-Suburban School
Authors: Skousen Jacob D. , Domangue Elizabeth
Published: October 2019

School fundraising is a practice that is common in many schools in the United States. This is also true in high-poverty schools where there are many financial needs that are often not met. Lincoln Elementary School is one of these schools. A well-intentioned first-grade team of teachers develops and works to implement a plan to fundraise using their students to get monies for needed classroom technology. A problem arises when the reward designed to incentivize students to raise funds is put into question by one of the first-grade student’s parents. This complex case considers inequity, fundraising, intentions, principal decision-making, critical consciousness, and leading high-poverty schools using a lens of social justice.