bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF THICKNESS ON THE STRUCTURAL, MICROSTRUCTURAL, ELECTRICAL AND MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF Ni FILMS ELABORATED BY PULSED ELECTRODEPOSITION ON Si SUBSTRATE
Authors: KACEL T. , GUITTOUM A. , HEMMOUS M. , DIRICAN E. , ÖKSÜZOGLU R. M. , AZIZI A. , LAGGOUN A. , ZERGOUG M.
Published: June 2017

We have studied the effect of thickness on the structural, microstructural, electrical and magnetic properties of Ni films electrodeposited onto [Formula: see text]-Si (100) substrates. A series of Ni films have been prepared for different potentials ranging from [Formula: see text]1.6[Formula: see text]V to [Formula: see text]2.6[Formula: see text]V. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), four point probe technique, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) have been used to investigate the physical properties of elaborated Ni thin films. From the analysis of RBS spectra, we have extracted the films thickness [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] ranges from 83[Formula: see text]nm to 422[Formula: see text]nm). We found that the Ni thickness, [Formula: see text] (nm), linearly increases with the applied potential. The Ni thin films are polycrystalline and grow with the [Formula: see text] texture. The lattice parameter [Formula: see text] (Å) monotonously decreases with increasing thickness. However, a positive strain was noted indicating that all the samples are subjected to a tensile stress. The mean grain sizes [Formula: see text] (nm) and the strain [Formula: see text] decrease with increasing thickness. The electrical resistivity [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]cm) increases with [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] less than 328[Formula: see text]nm. The diffusion at the grain boundaries may be the important factor in the electrical resistivity. From AFM images, we have shown that the Ni surface roughness decreases with increasing thickness. The coercive field [Formula: see text], the squareness factor [Formula: see text], the saturation field [Formula: see text] and the effective anisotropy constant [Formula: see text] are investigated as a function of Ni thickness and grain sizes. The correlation between the magnetic and the structural properties is discussed.
Determination of Lead (II) Concentration Using Iminodiacetic Acid-Modified Silver Nanoparticles by Highly Sensitive SERS Technique
Authors: Li Na , Meng Yaoyong , Dong Yongfang , Guo Zhiyou , Li Nan
Published: June 2017

A system for the highly sensitive detection of Pb[Formula: see text] ions by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) was designed based on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) capped with iminodiacetic acid (IDA)/4-mercaptopyridine (4-MPY). In this system, IDA was absorbed on the surface of the AgNPs to induce the coupling of Pb[Formula: see text] ions for aggregation in the aqueous solution. 4-MPY, which was also attached to the surface of the AgNPs, was used as a Raman reporter. When the concentration of Pb[Formula: see text] ions increased, a stronger 4-MPY Raman signal was detected. The IDA and 4-MPY concentrations were adjusted to maximize the 4-MPY Raman signal. Under this optimal condition, the concentration of Pb[Formula: see text] ions had a linear relationship with 4-MPY Raman signal in the range of 1[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]108 to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mol/L ([Formula: see text]). The limit of detection (LOD) of 1.816[Formula: see text]nmol/L was obtained, which is significantly lower than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) defined limit of 100[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/L in drinking water. This system was successfully applied to determine the Pb[Formula: see text] concentration in a contaminated water sample, which is obtained by adding a trace of Pb[Formula: see text] ions to drinking mineral water. The results proved that the IDA/4-MPY-modified AgNPs sensing system had a potential application for the Pb[Formula: see text] measurement with high sensitivity and excellent selectivity.
Software Correlator for Radioastron Mission
Authors: Likhachev Sergey F. , Kostenko Vladimir I. , Girin Igor A. , Andrianov Andrey S. , Rudnitskiy Alexey G. , Zharov Vladimir E.
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we discuss the characteristics and operation of Astro Space Center (ASC) software FX correlator that is an important component of space–ground interferometer for Radioastron project. This project performs joint observations of compact radio sources using 10[Formula: see text]m space radio telescope (SRT) together with ground radio telescopes at 92, 18, 6 and 1.3 cm wavelengths. In this paper, we describe the main features of space–ground VLBI data processing of Radioastron project using ASC correlator. Quality of implemented fringe search procedure provides positive results without significant losses in correlated amplitude. ASC Correlator has a computational power close to real time operation. The correlator has a number of processing modes: “Continuum”, “Spectral Line”, “Pulsars”, “Giant Pulses”,“Coherent”. Special attention is paid to peculiarities of Radioastron space–ground VLBI data processing. The algorithms of time delay and delay rate calculation are also discussed, which is a matter of principle for data correlation of space–ground interferometers. During five years of Radioastron SRT successful operation, ASC correlator showed high potential of satisfying steady growing needs of current and future ground and space VLBI science. Results of ASC software correlator operation are demonstrated.
Theoretical Challenges in Galaxy Formation
Authors: Naab Thorsten , Ostriker Jeremiah P.
Published: June 2017

Numerical simulations have become a major tool for understanding galaxy formation and evolution. Over the decades the field has made significant progress. It is now possible to simulate the formation of individual galaxies and galaxy populations from well-defined initial conditions with realistic abundances and global properties. An essential component of the calculation is to correctly estimate the inflow to and outflow from forming galaxies because observations indicating low formation efficiency and strong circumgalactic presence of gas are persuasive. Energetic “feedback” from massive stars and accreting supermassive black holes—generally unresolved in cosmological simulations—plays a major role in driving galactic outflows, which have been shown to regulate many aspects of galaxy evolution. A surprisingly large variety of plausible subresolution models succeeds in this exercise. They capture the essential characteristics of the problem, i.e., outflows regulating galactic gas flows, but their predictive power is limited. In this review, we focus on one major challenge for galaxy formation theory: to understand the underlying physical processes that regulate the structure of the interstellar medium, star formation, and the driving of galactic outflows. This requires accurate physical models and numerical simulations, which can precisely describe the multiphase structure of the interstellar medium on the currently unresolved few hundred parsec scales of large-scale cosmological simulations. Such models ultimately require the full accounting for the dominant cooling and heating processes, the radiation and winds from massive stars and accreting black holes, and an accurate treatment of supernova explosions as well as the nonthermal components of the interstellar medium like magnetic fields and cosmic rays.
Experimental intermittent ischemia augments exercise-induced inflammatory cytokine production
Authors: Shill Daniel D. , Polley Kristine R. , Willingham T. Bradley , Call Jarrod A. , Murrow Jonathan R. , McCully Kevin K. , Jenkins Nathan T.
Published: June 2017

Acute exercise-induced inflammation is implicated in mediating the beneficial adaptations to regular exercise. Evidence suggests that reduced oxygen and/or blood flow to contracting muscle alters cytokine appearance. However, the acute inflammatory responses to hypoxic/ischemic exercise have been documented with inconsistent results and may not accurately reflect the ischemia produced during exercise in patients with ischemic cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, we determined the extent to which local inflammation is involved in the response to ischemic exercise. Fourteen healthy males performed unilateral isometric forearm contractions for 30 min with and without experimental ischemia. Blood was drawn at baseline, 5 and 10 min into exercise, at the end of exercise, and 30, 60, and 120 min after exercise. Oxygen saturation levels, as measured by near-infrared spectroscopy, were reduced by 10% and 41% during nonischemic and ischemic exercise, respectively. Nonischemic exercise did not affect cytokine values. Ischemia enhanced concentrations of basic fibroblast growth factor, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and vascular endothelial growth factor during exercise, but IL-8 was not influenced by ischemic exercise. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that ischemic, small-muscle endurance exercise elicits local inflammatory cytokine production compared with nonischemic exercise.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate that ischemic, small-muscle endurance exercise elicits local inflammatory cytokine production compared with nonischemic exercise. The present study advances our knowledge of the inflammatory response to exercise in a partial ischemic state, which may be relevant for understanding the therapeutic effects of exercise training for people with ischemic cardiovascular disease-associated comorbidities.
The Slow Cycling Phenotype: A Growing Problem for Treatment Resistance in Melanoma
Authors: Ahn Antonio , Chatterjee Aniruddha , Eccles Michael R.
Published: June 2017

Treatment resistance in metastatic melanoma is a longstanding issue. Current targeted therapy regimes in melanoma largely target the proliferating cancer population, leaving slow-cycling cancer cells undamaged. Consequently, slow-cycling cells are enriched upon drug therapy and can remain in the body for years until acquiring proliferative potential that triggers cancer relapse. Here we overview the molecular mechanisms of slow-cycling cells that underlie treatment resistance in melanoma. Three main areas of molecular reprogramming are discussed that mediate slow cycling and treatment resistance. First, a low microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) dedifferentiated state activates various signaling pathways. This includes WNT5A, EGFR, as well as other signaling activators, such as AXL and NF-κB. Second, the chromatin-remodeling factor Jumonji/ARID domain-containing protein 1B (JARID1B, KDM5B) orchestrates and maintains slow cycling and treatment resistance in a small subpopulation of melanoma cells. Finally, a shift in metabolic state toward oxidative phosphorylation has been demonstrated to regulate treatment resistance in slow-cycling cells. Elucidation of the underlying processes of slow cycling and its utilization by melanoma cells may reveal new vulnerable characteristics as therapeutic targets. Moreover, combining current therapies with targeting slow-cycling subpopulations of melanoma cells may allow for more durable and greater treatment responses. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(6); 1002–9. ©2017 AACR.
Toward Molecularly Driven Precision Medicine in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu David , Vokes Natalie I. , Van Allen Eliezer M.
Published: June 2017

Summary: Assessing the benefit of routine panel-based genomic sequencing of tumor tissue remains a critical need in clinical oncology. Jordan and coauthors report on 860 patients with metastatic or recurrent lung adenocarcinoma from a single institution with prospectively sequenced tumors using a targeted gene panel of >300 genes to guide therapy. Their results suggest that early prospective tumor sequencing, including non–standard-of-care predictive biomarkers combined with careful clinical annotation, can guide therapy, improve clinical outcomes, and accelerate the development of biomarkers and drugs. Cancer Discov; 7(6); 555–7. ©2017 AACR.

See related article by Jordan et al., p. 596.
TLR4 Influences Hepatitis B Virus Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Regulating the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Yin Yuanqin , Li Fei , Li Songlin , Cai Jingjing , Shi Jing , Jiang Youhong
Published: June 2017

Background/Aims: We investigated the correlation between toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and β-catenin for disclosing the potential pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Immunohistochemical toolkit was implemented to measure the expression of TLR4 and β-catenin in 98 cases of HCC tissues and adjacent tissues. After setting up the HepG2.2.15 hepatitis B virus (HBV) related HCC cell line, we divided the cells into the control group, TLR4 siRNA group, β-catenin siRNA group, and pcDNA.3.1 TLR4 + β-catenin siRNA group. Western blot, CCK-8 method, Transwell and flow cytometry were used to detect protein expression, cell proliferation, cell migration and invasion as well as cell apoptosis, respectively. Nude mice tumor model was established to observe the effects of TLR4 and β-catenin on the progression of HBV-related HCC in vivo. Results:The positive rates of TLR4 and β-catenin were higher in HCC tissues compared with normal tissues. Both the TLR4 siRNA group and β-catenin siRNA group exhibited a decreased expression of β-catenin. The proliferation, migration and invasion of tumor cells in the above two groups were suppressed, while the cell apoptosis appeared to be stimulated. As suggested by the results from in vivo and in vitro experiments, the up-regulation of TLR4 could antagonize the corresponding effect of β-catenin siRNA. Conclusions: TLR4 can affect the expression of β-catenin and hence influence the progression of HBV-related HCC.
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Is a Marker and a Mediator of Senescence
Authors: Vaughan Douglas E. , Rai Rahul , Khan Sadiya S. , Eren Mesut , Ghosh Asish K.
Published: June 2017

PAI-1 (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1) is a member of the evolutionarily conserved serine protease inhibitor family and a potent and rapid-acting inhibitor of both of the mammalian plasminogen activators. Organismal homeostasis requires physiological levels of endogenous PAI-1, and increased PAI-1 production guides the onset and progression of numerous human diseases and contributes to the multimorbidity of aging. Both chronological and stress-induced accelerated aging are associated with cellular senescence and accompanied by marked increases in PAI-1 expression in tissues. Recent studies suggest that PAI-1 is not only a marker but also a key mediator of cellular senescence and organismal aging. Here, we review the significance of PAI-1 as a bonafide marker, as well as a critical mediator, of cellular senescence associated with aging and aging-related pathologies.
CM352 Reduces Brain Damage and Improves Functional Recovery in a Rat Model of Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Rodríguez José A. , Sobrino Tomás , López‐Arias Esteban , Ugarte Ana , Sánchez‐Arias Juan A. , Vieites‐Prado Alba , de Miguel Irene , Oyarzabal Julen , Páramo José A. , Campos Francisco , Orbe Josune , Castillo José
Published: June 2017

Background

Intracerebral hemorrhage (
ICH
) is an acute neurological disorder with high mortality and no effective treatment. In addition to the initial bleeding event, rebleeding and hematoma expansion are associated with poor outcome in these patients. We studied the effectiveness of the new antifibrinolytic agent
CM
352, a short‐half‐life matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, for achieving early hemostasis and improving functional recovery in a rat model of collagenase‐induced
ICH
.

Methods and Results

ICH
was induced by striatal injection of collagenase, and 1 hour later, rats received an intravenous injection of saline (n=6) or
CM
352 (1 mg/kg, n=6). Hematoma (basal and after 3 and 24 hours) and lesion (14 days) volumes were quantified on T2‐weighted (T2) magnetic resonance images. Neurological and functional recovery was evaluated by using Bederson score and a cylinder test (basal, 24 hours, and 14 days). Early treatment (1 hour) with
CM
352 was efficient reducing hematoma expansion at 3 hours (
P
<0.01) and, more markedly, at 24 hours (
P
<0.01). Decreased bleeding after antifibrinolytic treatment was accompanied by reduced interleukin‐6 levels at 3 hours (
P
<0.05) and smaller lesion volume at 14 days (
P
<0.01).
CM
352 drastically reduced sensorimotor impairment (cylinder test) after
ICH
in rats at 24 hours (
P
<0.01) and 14 days (
P
<0.01). Similarly, it also attenuated neurological deficit (Bederson scale) at 24 hours (
P
<0.01) and 14 days (
P
<0.01). Interestingly, late (3 hours)
CM
352 administration also resulted in reduced lesion size and better functional outcome.

Conclusions

CM
352, a new antifibrinolytic agent and matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, effectively prevented hematoma growth and reduced lesion size in
ICH
in association with improved functional and neurological recovery.
Two new Gammarus species and a new name (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Gammaridae) from Northwest China
Authors: ZHAO SHUANGYAN , MENG KAIBARYER , HOU ZHONGE
Published: June 2017

Two new species of the genus Gammarus are described and illustrated from Northwest China. A new species name Gammarus tianshan nom. nov. is proposed to replace G. montanus Hou et al., 2004. Gammarus simplex sp. nov. from Altay, Xinjiang, is characterized by uropod III with simple setae on both rami and urosomite I only with setae on dorsal margin. Gammarus glaber sp. nov. from Qinghai, is characterized by uropod III with few simple and plumose setae. Detailed morphological description and differences from related species are discussed. A distribution map of the new species and related species is provided.
Dismissing a Tarnished CEO? Psychological Mechanisms and Unconscious Biases in the Board’s Evaluation
Authors: Weber Libby , Wiersema Margarethe
Published: June 2017

In today’s world, CEOs are frequently dismissed following corporate misconduct or poor performance. Yet, it is often difficult to predict when boards will dismiss the CEOs, as the same behavior often results in different decisions across firms. Taking a socio-cognitive perspective, this article explores the factors that lead a CEO to become tarnished. It then uses expectancy violation theory combined with attribution theory as well as stakeholder theory, concepts of legitimacy, and motivational theory to understand how the board evaluates the tarnished CEO.
Fostering ‘knowledge’ through representations of eating habits in Italian foreign language textbooks: An intercultural challenge
Authors: De Vincenti Gloria
Published: June 2017

This article problematizes the implementation of the knowledge component of the Intercultural Communicative Competence (ICC) framework, drawing on documents developed by Byram (2009) for the Language Policy Division of the Council of Europe. In response to policies developed by the Ministry of Education, University and Research, the Italian education sector has undertaken major initiatives to adopt the European framework at the national level and engage with an increasingly multicultural society impacted by immigration. This process has been supported by new resources and textbooks, including textbooks of Italian as a foreign language, designed to portray Italy’s contemporary society and foster intercultural discussion. However, I argue that the analysis of selected units of Italian foreign language textbooks, focusing on eating habits, indicates that they are yet to reflect the changes taking place in Italy. Rather, they foster knowledge of culture and society through representations that contradict the principles on which the ICC framework is based.
Object recognition and detection with deep learning for autonomous driving applications
Authors: Uçar Ayşegül , Demir Yakup , Güzeliş Cüneyt
Published: June 2017

Autonomous driving requires reliable and accurate detection and recognition of surrounding objects in real drivable environments. Although different object detection algorithms have been proposed, not all are robust enough to detect and recognize occluded or truncated objects. In this paper, we propose a novel hybrid Local Multiple system (LM-CNN-SVM) based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Support Vector Machines (SVMs) due to their powerful feature extraction capability and robust classification property, respectively. In the proposed system, we divide first the whole image into local regions and employ multiple CNNs to learn local object features. Secondly, we select discriminative features by using Principal Component Analysis. We then import into multiple SVMs applying both empirical and structural risk minimization instead of using a direct CNN to increase the generalization ability of the classifier system. Finally, we fuse SVM outputs. In addition, we use the pre-trained AlexNet and a new CNN architecture. We carry out object recognition and pedestrian detection experiments on the Caltech-101 and Caltech Pedestrian datasets. Comparisons to the best state-of-the-art methods show that the proposed system achieved better results.
A long history of breakdowns: A historiographical review
Authors: Margócsy Dániel
Published: June 2017

The introduction to this special issue argues that network breakdowns play an important and unacknowledged role in the shaping and emergence of scientific knowledge. It focuses on transnational scientific networks from the early modern Republic of Letters to 21st-century globalized science. It attempts to unite the disparate historiography of the early modern Republic of Letters, the literature on 20th-century globalization, and the scholarship on Actor-Network Theory. We can perceive two, seemingly contradictory, changes to scientific networks over the past four hundred years. At the level of individuals, networks have become increasing fragile, as developments in communication and transportation technologies, and the emergence of regimes of standardization and instrumentation, have made it easier both to create new constellations of people and materials, and to replace and rearrange them. But at the level of institutions, collaborations have become much more extensive and long-lived, with single projects routinely outlasting even the arc of a full scientific career. In the modern world, the strength of institutions and macro-networks often relies on ideological regimes of standardization and instrumentation that can flexibly replace elements and individuals at will.
Elbow Injuries in Professional Baseball: Epidemiological Findings From the Major League Baseball Injury Surveillance System
Authors: Ciccotti Michael G. , Pollack Keisha M. , Ciccotti Michael C. , D’Angelo John , Ahmad Christopher S. , Altchek David , Andrews James , Curriero Frank C.
Published: June 2017

Background:

Elbow injuries cause significant disability for the throwing athlete. Scant data are available on the distribution and characteristics of these injuries in elite baseball players. No study exists that focuses solely on the epidemiological characteristics of elbow injuries in professional baseball players using a comprehensive injury surveillance system.

Hypothesis:

Professional baseball players have a high occurrence of elbow injuries influenced by factors including length of time playing, time period within the annual baseball season, and specific position played.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiological study.

Methods:

Data on elbow injuries occurring during the 2011-2014 seasons were collected from Major League Baseball’s Health Injury and Tracking System, a comprehensive injury surveillance system. Each specific type of elbow injury was evaluated with respect to overall injury rate, years as a professional player, mechanism of injury, treatment, average time lost, and return to play.

Results:

During the study period, 3185 elbow injuries (n = 430 Major League; n = 2755 Minor League) occurred. The mean number of days missed and percentage requiring surgery were similar between Major and Minor League players. Overall, 20.0% (650/3185) of the injuries required surgical treatment. Pitchers were the most likely to incur an elbow injury (40.0% of injured athletes were pitchers), were the most likely to require surgery (34.2% of injured pitchers required surgery), and had the greatest mean number of days missed when treated nonsurgically (33.2 days). Medial injuries composed 42.1% (1342/3185) of all elbow injuries. Of all elbow surgeries performed during the study period, the highest percentage involved ligaments (372/650; 57.2%).

Conclusion:

Elbow injuries are a considerable source of disability in professional baseball players. Pitchers are most likely to incur these injuries, are most likely to require surgery, and have the highest mean number of days missed when treated nonsurgically. The most common injuries involve the medial elbow, with ligament injuries most often requiring surgery. This study represents the only investigation to date using a comprehensive injury surveillance system to examine elbow injuries in professional baseball players. It provides a basis for injury prevention and treatment recommendations, establishes the most thorough framework for determining elbow injury risk, and focuses continued research on elbow injury prevention in the elite baseball player.
Partnership under pressure: A process perspective on decentralized bargaining in Danish and Australian manufacturing
Authors: Ilsøe Anna , Pekarek Andreas , Fells Ray
Published: June 2017

Decentralization of collective bargaining has become widespread in developed economies, and EU policies have pushed this trend further. We use process-tracing methodology to explore the consequences of decentralization for the reproduction of partnership bargaining relations at company level. We compare two cases of decentralized bargaining in manufacturing, one in Denmark and one in Australia. Agreement-based decentralization seems to offer better process conditions for reproduction of local partnership compared to decentralization regulated by law. This implies that future decentralization measures should be negotiated rather than imposed.
Agency theory: Review of Theory and Evidence on Problems and Perspectives
Authors: Panda Brahmadev , Leepsa N. M.
Published: June 2017

This article intends to review the theoretical aspects and empirical evidences made on agency theory. It is aimed to explore the main ideas, perspectives, problems and issues related to the agency theory through a literature survey. It discusses the theoretical aspects of agency theory and the various concepts and issues related to it and documents empirical evidences on the mechanisms that diminish the agency cost. The conflict of interest and agency cost arises due to the separation of ownership from control, different risk preferences, information asymmetry and moral hazards. The literatures have cited many solutions like strong ownership control, managerial ownership, independent board members and different committees can be useful in controlling the agency conflict and its cost. This literature survey will enlighten the practitioners and researchers in understanding, analysing the agency problem and will be helpful in mitigating the agency problem.
The gendered barrel racer–horse relationship in Western Canadian rodeo
Authors: Weninger Desirea , Dallaire Christine
Published: June 2017

On investigating the gendered experiences of Western Canadian ‘ladies barrel racing’ rodeo competitors, the sportswomen we interviewed emphasized their unique bond with the horse as the distinguishing feature that made them ‘legitimate’ barrel racers compared to other rodeo cowgirls, and ‘feminine’ compared to cowboys. This paper further explores how the barrel racers studied focused on their rider–horse interaction to discursively separate themselves from other rodeo women and men. First, we examine how discourse informs the creation of subjects in the rider–horse relationship among ‘legitimate’ barrel racers. An expanded understanding of subjectification reveals three distinct, yet interrelated subject positions in barrel racing (the athlete, the team member and the trainer) that set them apart from other rodeo women. Second, the analysis uncovers their reproduction of normative femininity in the way they differentiated themselves from male horse trainers and rodeo competitors based on their distinctive rapport with the horse.
Transdisciplinarity in Research
Authors: Moore Megan , Martinson Melissa L. , Nurius Paula S. , Kemp Susan P.
Published: June 2017

Background:

Early career faculty experiences and perspectives on transdisciplinary research are important yet understudied.

Methods:

Assistant professors at 50 top-ranked social work programs completed an online survey assessing perspectives on the salience of transdisciplinary training in their field, obstacles to or negative impacts of transdisciplinary training, and current environments. Content analysis and descriptive statistics were used.

Results:

A large majority of all participants ( N = 118) believed that transdisciplinary research is important, that greater training is needed, and that they are relatively well prepared in related skill sets. They are expected to build cross-disciplinary collaborations, yet only a small minority believed that social work researchers are nationally recognized as important collaborators, or that they are prepared to navigate tensions on research teams.

Conclusions:

We offer a multilevel framework of structural and training supports needed to realize transdisciplinary research in social work with relevance to other disciplines.
Integrated Moral Conviction Theory of Student Cheating: An Empirical Test
Authors: Roberts Foster , Thomas Christopher H. , Novicevic Milorad M. , Ammeter Anthony , Garner Bart , Johnson Paul , Popoola Ifeoluwa
Published: June 2017

In this article, we develop an integrated moral conviction theory of student cheating by integrating moral conviction with (a) the dual-process model of Hunt–Vitell’s theory that gives primacy to individual ethical philosophies when moral judgments are made and (b) the social cognitive conceptualization that gives primacy to moral identity. We found empirical support for our proposed model in a study with 311 business students where moral conviction predicted student moral disengagement and subsequent unethical decision making related to academic dishonesty not only directly but also indirectly through ethical philosophy and moral identity. Based on these results, we derive specific implications for teaching and learning practice.
New Insights on Cultural Patterns of Suicide in the United States: The Role of Honor Culture
Authors: Crowder Marisa K. , Kemmelmeier Markus
Published: June 2017

Cultural differences in suicide can be indicative of varying social pressures placed on individuals. High suicide rates in U.S. honor cultures have been proposed to reflect pressures associated with maintaining one’s reputation. We extend this argument by highlighting that honor concerns differentially impact individuals based on gender, ethnicity, and age. Controlling for relevant confounds, we show that suicide rates were highest among older European American men from honor cultures, presumably because aging may render these men less capable of conforming to cultural ideals of masculinity. We discuss the need for process-focused and subgroup analyses when examining the effects of culture on suicide.
Superior lubrication mechanism in poly(vinyl alcohol) hybrid gel as artificial cartilage
Authors: Murakami Teruo , Yarimitsu Seido , Sakai Nobuo , Nakashima Kazuhiro , Yamaguchi Tetsuo , Sawae Yoshinori , Suzuki Atsushi
Published: June 2017

With recent progress of material technologies, the wear resistance of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene for total joint prostheses has been improved, but under severe conditions friction and wear problems have not yet been completely solved. Therefore, the application of artificial hydrogel cartilage with similar properties to natural articular cartilage is expected to solve the friction and wear problems by improvement of lubrication mechanism with superior tribological functions. In this study, reciprocating tests of four kinds of poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels were carried out and the biphasic finite element analysis was conducted. As artificial cartilage specimens, four kinds of poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels were prepared using the repeated freeze–thawing (FT) method, the cast-drying (CD) method and the hybrid method with different layered structure as FT on CD or CD on FT. In reciprocating test of ellipsoidal poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel specimen against flat glass plate in saline solution, four kinds of hydrogels exhibited very different frictional levels as hybrid (CD on FT) < CD < FT < hybrid (FT on CD). It is noticed that hybrid (CD on FT) gel maintained extremely low friction and showed minimal wear. The effectiveness of biphasic lubrication was evaluated by biphasic finite element analysis. The importance of the load support by fluid phase at early stage and the surface lubricity after lowering of interstitial fluid pressure in poly(vinyl alcohol) hybrid (CD on FT) gel are discussed by comparison of experiment and finite element analysis.
Manifesting maturity: Gendered sexual intimacy and becoming an adult
Authors: Dalessandro Cristen
Published: June 2017

In this article, I explore how 28 class-advantaged, young “emerging” adult women and men in the USA utilize understandings of their own intimate lives to make sense of themselves as adults in progress. Young adults who envision normative relationship futures (monogamous marriage) use a cultural story of coming to realize the importance of emotional monogamy over sex in order to make sense of themselves as becoming mature (getting closer to marriage). However, women’s accounts reveal difficulty in the implementation of this dominant understanding in their own lives. Since women are always expected to be naturally emotional, regardless of age or personal preferences, realizing the importance of emotions in relationships does not apply well to their experiences. In an attempt to reconcile the conflict between gender and the dominant cultural story, women simultaneously police other women’s sexual activity and frame their own casual sex experiences in emotional terms. Dominant understandings of coming to maturity through realizing the importance of emotions work best for men only, leaving questions as to how women might make sense of themselves as mature (or not) through their relationships.
Would you date ‘the undateables’? An analysis of the mediated public debate on the reality television show ‘The Undateables’
Authors: Vertoont Susan
Published: June 2017

This article examines the different discourses in the online public debate surrounding the television dating show ‘The Undateables’. The programme, which exclusively focuses on dates of disabled people, was launched in the UK in 2012, and local adaptations of the format were broadcast in Belgium and the Netherlands. The article applies the dis/ability approach of Goodley and Runswick-Cole (2014) to examine the way in which representations of disabled singles are evaluated online. As a perspective, dis/ability destabilizes notions of normativity and enables an inquiry into not just marginalized identities, but also dominant identities. The analysis of blog posts, tweets and online press reviews of the first series of the British, Flemish and Dutch version of ‘The Undateables’ provides more insights into hegemonic and resistant notions on disability, dating and romantic relationships. This article argues that prejudices, as already identified by Morris in 1991, are still very dominant today.
Parametric study on the starting of a free-piston engine alternator
Authors: Yuan Chenheng , Xu Jing , He Yituan
Published: June 2017

The free-piston engine alternator is a new crankless engine. The traditional starting method cannot be used to conveniently initialize the new engine. This article introduced a resonance starting method and investigated the effects of influential parameters on the free-piston engine alternator starting. An experimental free-piston engine alternator prototype was developed, and the effects of starting force, connecting rod length, and piston assembly mass on the resonance starting were experimented. Experimental results show that the piston motion is influenced by the starting force, and the final compression ratio of the engine is increased with the enlarged thrust force. A more high starting compression ratio can be obtained by either increasing or decreasing from the certain translator mass. The experiment also suggests that properly enlarging the connecting rod length can enhance the starting capacity of a linear alternator with a constant force. Moreover, an advanced simulation model was presented for the parametric study of the starting process. The effects of heat transfer, friction, and leakage on the resonance starting were investigated. Simulation indicates that the heat transfer is a significant inference on free-piston engine alternator starting, and the peak gas pressure varies in negative correlation with the piston ring closed clearance and friction load. As a result, the starting control strategy of free-piston engine alternator is required to consider these influential parameters.
An unusual and rare form of truncus arteriosus in an asymptomatic woman
Authors: Nabati Maryam
Published: June 2017

Persistent truncus arteriosus is a rare congenital cardiac malformation. It is characterized by a single great artery arising from the heart which supplies the aorta, the origin of coronary arteries and pulmonary arteries. Without surgery, prognosis is poor and 90% of these patients die before one year of age. We report a rare case of an asymptomatic 35-year-old woman with uncorrected persistent truncus arteriosus and hypoplastic right and left pulmonary arteries. Hypoplastic branch pulmonary arteries prevented the development of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Management and outcome of heterotopic interstitial pregnancy: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Dendas Wendy , Schobbens Jean-Christophe , Mestdagh Greet , Meylaerts Liesbeth , Verswijvel Geert , Van Holsbeke Caroline
Published: June 2017

Objective

To report a case of heterotopic interstitial pregnancy after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), presenting with a second trimester uterine rupture. To review the clinical presentations, risk factors, treatment options, and outcome of heterotopic interstitial pregnancies.

Methods

We describe the clinical presentation, management, and outcome of a patient with a heterotopic interstitial pregnancy, diagnosed following second trimester rupture of the interstitial pregnancy. We reviewed all published cases of heterotopic interstitial pregnancies.

Results

A 35-year-old pregnant woman with a past history of right adnexectomy and 16 weeks pregnant with dichorionic diamniotic twins following IVF-ET, was admitted to our department with unexplained recurrent abdominal pain and anemia. Further investigation showed a hemoperitoneum and because of hypovolemic shock an emergency laparotomy was performed, with diagnosis of a ruptured heterotopic interstitial pregnancy. The uterine defect was sutured using simple interrupted sutures. The intrauterine pregnancy progressed uneventful afterwards. We found 86 cases in the published literature, reporting on heterotopic interstitial pregnancies. 80.2% (69/86) occurred after IVF-ET. History of uni- or bilateral salpingectomy is a major risk factor, present in 39.5% (34/86). 37.2% (32/86) presented with cornual rupture. Surgery was performed in 53.5% (46/86) of cases. Medical management was possible in case of unruptured, early diagnosed heterotopic interstitial pregnancy (32.6% (28/86)). Watchful waiting was only possible when the interstitial pregnancy miscarried (5.8% (5/86)). The live birth rate of the intrauterine pregnancy, when viable at presentation, was 70.0% (56/80). The live birth rate of the interstitial pregnancy was only 4.7% (4/86).

Conclusions

The majority of cases are diagnosed by detailed ultrasound in the setting of early follow-up after IVF-ET and are asymptomatic at diagnosis. Yet, a substantial number of patients present with cornual rupture. Risk factors are IVF-ET and a history of salpingectomy. Depending on clinical presentation, treatment options include watchful waiting, medical treatment, or surgery. Unfortunately, the interstitial pregnancy is generally lost, and only has a chance of survival in case of presentation at a viable gestational age. The outcome of the coexisting intrauterine pregnancy is generally good.
Safety and Costs of Stroke Unit Admission for Select Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage Patients
Authors: Fehnel Corey R. , Glerum Kimberly M. , Wendell Linda C. , Potter N. Stevenson , Silver Brian , Khan Muhib , Saad Ali , Yaghi Shadi , Jones Richard N. , Furie Karen , Thompson Bradford B.
Published: June 2017

Background and Purpose:

There are limited data to guide intensive care unit (ICU) versus dedicated stroke unit (SU) admission for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients. We hypothesized select patients can be safely cared for in SU versus ICU at lower costs.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with predefined minor ICH (≤20 cm3, supratentorial, no coagulopathy) receiving care in either an ICU or an SU. Multiple linear regression and inverse probability weighting were used to adjust for differences in patient characteristics and nonrandom ICU versus SU assignment. The primary outcome was poor functional status at discharge (modified Rankin score [mRS] ≥3). Secondary outcomes included complications, discharge disposition, hospital length of stay, and direct inpatient costs.

Results:

The study population included 104 patients (41 admitted to the ICU and 63 admitted to the SU). After controlling for differences in baseline characteristics, there were no differences in poor functional outcome at discharge (93% vs 85%, P = .26) or in mean mRS (2.9 vs 3.0, P = .73). Similarly, there were no differences in the rates of complications (6% vs 10%, P = .44), discharged dead or to a skilled nursing facility (8% vs 13%, P = .59), or direct patient costs (US$7100 vs US$6200, P = .33). Median length of stay was significantly longer in the ICU group (5 vs 4 days, P = .01).

Conclusions:

This study revealed a shorter length of stay but no large differences in functional outcome, safety, or cost among patients with minor ICH admitted to a dedicated SU compared to an ICU.
The Subchondral Bone Is Affected by Bone Marrow Stimulation: A Systematic Review of Preclinical Animal Studies
Authors: Seow Dexter , Yasui Youichi , Hutchinson Ian D. , Hurley Eoghan T. , Shimozono Yoshiharu , Kennedy John G.
Published: June 2017

Objective

Despite the mechanical and biological roles of subchondral bone (SCB) in articular cartilage health, there remains no consensus on the postoperative morphological status of SCB following bone marrow stimulation (BMS). The purpose of this systematic review was to clarify the morphology of SCB following BMS in preclinical, translational animal models.

Design

The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were systematically reviewed using specific search terms on April 19, 2016 based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The morphology of the SCB was assessed using of microcomputed tomography (bone density) and histology (microscopic architecture).

Results

Seventeen animal studies with 520 chondral lesions were included. The morphology of SCB did not recover following BMS. Compared with untreated chondral defects, BMS resulted in superior morphology of superficial SCB and cartilage but inferior morphology (specifically bone density, P < 0.05) of the deep SCB. Overall, the use of biological adjuvants during BMS resulted in the superior postoperative morphology of SCB.

Conclusions

Alterations in the SCB following BMS were confirmed. Biologics adjuvants may improve the postoperative morphology of both SCB and articular cartilage. Refinements of BMS techniques should incorporate consideration of SCB damage and restoration. Investigations to optimize BMS techniques incorporating both minimally invasive approaches and biologically augmented platforms are further warranted.
Treatment of sudden hearing loss using electro-acupuncture
Authors: Chang Ya-Ching , Chan Kwok-Ying
Published: June 2017

Objectives:

Sudden neurosensory deafness is the second debilitating disease in China. In fact, the current treatment is limited to hearing aids, assistive devices and cochlear implants. However, some patients might not be suitable for surgery or even hearing aids.

Methods:

Hereby, we report a pediatric case of sudden sensorineural hearing loss accompanied by otalgia and blocked ear sensation.

Results:

He firstly failed with conventional treatment but later his hearing symptoms were improved with our electro-acupuncture therapy according to pure tone audiometry findings and clinical responses.

Conclusions:

It may be worth trying in patients with sudden neurosensory deafness, who do not respond to routine medical treatment. In line with previous studies, the current report indicates that future observational studies or even clinical trials are needed to prove the efficacy of acupuncture on hearing loss and the accompanying symptoms.
All that glitters is not gold: A case of lanthanum carbonate aspiration
Authors: Paranji Suchitra , Paranji Neethi , Weltz Adam S
Published: June 2017

Introduction:

Foreign body aspiration is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly hospitalized patients. These are typically small items that patients have access to, including small coins.

Case presentation:

This is a case report of a 75-year-old man recently bedridden from a large hemispheric stroke with sudden onset of hoarseness, cough and dysphagia. A chest X-ray was obtained which showed a radiopaque coin-shaped foreign body, presumably a coin in his aerodigestive tract. He was promptly taken to the endoscopy suite for upper endoscopy. During endoscopy, it was determined that the foreign body was a radiopaque medication that he had been given. It was easily and safely able to be crushed and lavaged down into his stomach and later determined to be lanthanum carbonate, a commonly used phosphate binder. Following endoscopy, the patient’s cough, hoarseness and dysphagia resolved with no long-term complications.

Discussion:

Lanthanum carbonate is a phosphate-binding medication used in the management and treatment of hyperphosphatemia commonly seen in patients with end-stage renal disease, which is radiopaque. There are few published reports and images of radiopaque fragments of medication in the gastrointestinal tract but none causing aspiration by masquerading as a coin-like density in the aerodigestive tract as we present here.
Accomplishment Index Analysis of the Sociophysical Activities of Community-Based Organizations in a Postconflict Area of Africa
Authors: Abegunde Albert Ayorinde
Published: June 2017

Postconflict redevelopment in Africa is noted for low government support but it is well concerned with self-help initiatives. The study determined the accomplishment level of such self-help initiatives in a postconflict community in Nigeria through primary and secondary data collection ( n = 120) on the sociophysical activities of their community-based organizations (CBOs). These CBOs drew members from and executed projects within their immediate environment. They generated funds internally to finance essential projects to residents after the conflicts. Their activities toward security of lives and property, public infrastructure, credit facilities, and social development provisions to residents were perceived as accomplished unlike leadership training they offered to key leaders and moral and spiritual supports they rendered to their members. Since these CBOs were formed by residents who were neighbors, operated within their immediate locality, and accomplished more on essential postconflict sociophysical projects, they served as a team-pointer to bottom-up approach in postconflict sociophysical peace-building through self-help initiatives.