bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced sound insulation and mechanical properties based on inorganic fillers/thermoplastic elastomer composites
Authors: Fang Wei , Fei Yanpei , Lu Huanqin , Jin Jiangming , Zhong Mingqiang , Fan Ping , Yang Jintao , Fei Zhengdong , Chen Feng , Kuang Tairong
Published: April 2018

In this work, a series of the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) composites filled with micro CaCO3 and hollow glass microspheres (HGM) via alloying process were investigated. The plastic phase of TPE composite referred to polypropylene (PP) and the rubber phase was chosen by styrene butadiene styrene (SBS). SEM observation conformed that the inorganic particles were mainly dispersed in continuous PP phase and SBS phase remained in an isolated structure. The sound insulation property was measured by a four-microphone impedance tube. Compared to pure polymer sample, both CaCO3 and HGM-filled TPE composites exhibited greatly enhanced soundproof efficiency, which increased the sound transmission loss value from original 29 dB to 45 dB. The soundproof mechanism was investigated in detail. The damping of acoustic energy was contributed by the extended difference between the stiffness and acoustic impedance between plastic phase and rubber phase. The dispersion and property of inorganic fillers were considered as key factors to increase the dissipation of sound wave. Meanwhile, the mechanical properties of TPE composites were enhanced due to the addition of inorganic fillers.
Organizational Boundary Regulation Through Social Media Policies
Authors: Banghart Scott , Etter Michael , Stohl Cynthia
Published: April 2018

Digital ubiquity and penetration across spatio-temporal boundaries have exacerbated the need for a clearer understanding of where the boundaries of personal, professional, and public communication begin and end. Indeed, boundary specifications have become an iconic problematic for organizational control and employee communication in the age of social media. In response, corporations increasingly issue policies that aim to regulate when, where, how, and what employees communicate in online environments. We argue that these policies are forms of organizational boundary regulation. Drawing on a content analysis of 112 social media policies from the world’s largest corporations, we examine the boundary logics articulated in these policies to delineate corporate spheres of influence. Next, we show how boundary logics relate to directives for employee speech, self-expression, and relational engagement. We discuss how the boundary logic framework contributes to our understanding of the expansion of corporate control across multiple life domains in the digital age.
It’s All Greek to Me: Recruiters’ Perceptions of Résumé Items
Authors: Stout Sydney M. , Olson-Buchanan Julie B.
Published: April 2018

Résumés are often used as a screening device for employment purposes, yet there have been very few recent empirical examinations of how recruiters perceive résumé content items, particularly extracurricular college activities such as involvement in Greek social organizations. This study examined 152 recruiters’ perceptions of applicant involvement in three type of extracurricular activities: Greek organizations (social, professional, and honors), non-Greek organizations (social, professional, and honors), and other applied experiences (internships, mentoring programs, and study abroad). Results indicated that recruiters perceive applied experiences more favorably than non-Greek organization involvement in terms of technical skills, interpersonal skills, overall employability, and personal impression. Recruiters perceived non-Greek organization involvement more favorably than Greek organization involvement with respect to technical skills, overall employability, and personal impression. There was no significant overall effect for perceptions among the three types of Greek organizations (social, professional, and honors), suggesting recruiters viewed the three types of Greek organizations similarly.
An approach for the design of multi-material mechanical components
Authors: Anyfantis Konstantinos , Stavropoulos Panagiotis , Foteinopoulos Panagis , Chryssolouris George
Published: April 2018

A computational procedure for the calculation of the material parameters involved in the structural design of multi-material components is presented. The developed scheme can be used in the design process for the full or partial replacement of a metallic part with a metal/fiber–reinforced composite bi-material, aiming at weight savings. Finite element simulations are incorporated into an algorithm that rapidly reduces the design space until a good set of design variables has been reached. The process is controlled by two objective functions (mass and strain energy minimization) and is subjected to several constraints according to the component’s design requirements. Three examples have been adopted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach. The results show that the upper limit for weight reduction is constrained by the yield strength of the metal component and therefore its corresponding thickness. Based on the design configuration, weight savings up to 25% could be reached.
Taurine attenuates acrylamide-induced apoptosis via a PI3K/AKT-dependent manner
Authors: Sun G , Wang X , Li T , Qu S , Sun J
Published: April 2018

As a potent neurotoxic agent, acrylamide (ACR) is formed in food processing at higher temperature. Taurine (TAU), a nonessential amino acid, is used to cure neurodegenerative disorders, followed by activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway. In this article, we certified that antiapoptotic efficacy of TAU in vivo and vitro. ACR-treated rats received TAU by drinking water 2 weeks after ACR intoxication. The results showed that in treated rats, TAU alleviated ACR-induced neuronal apoptosis, which was associated with the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. TAU attenuated apoptosis caused by ACR through observing terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells, measure of protein expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase 3 activity. TAU-induced antiapoptotic effect is PI3K/AKT-dependent, which was proved in ACR-intoxicated ventral spinal cord 4.1 cells in the presence of AKT inhibitor, MK-2206. Therefore, our results demonstrated that TAU-attenuated ACR-induced apoptosis in vivo through a PI3K/AKT-dependent manner provided new sights in the molecular mechanism of TAU protection against ACR-induced neurotoxicity.
Accountability and financial statement presentation of early Western Australian banks, 1837–1880
Authors: Game Chantal S , Cullen Lisa M , Brown Alistair M
Published: April 2018

This study uses legal origin theory to consider the influence of the British imperial government on financial statement presentation of early Western Australian banks. Accountability and patterns of financial presentation were explored through an examination of 192 quarterly returns and three annual returns for the Bank of Western Australia, Western Australian Bank and National Bank of Australia over the years 1837–1880. Findings from the study suggest the banks demonstrated a willingness to prepare forms of Western-narrow and Western-broad accounts. Early Western Australian banks consistently prepared timely financial statements to keep stakeholders informed of the banks’ quarterly returns. Despite the harsh economic conditions, Western Australian banks appeared to keep pace with the changing legal, political and fiscal accountability reforms carried out by the colonial government during this early settlement period of Western Australia.
Men of Mexican Origin Who Abuse Women: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Montalvo-Liendo Nora , Matthews Debra W. , Gilroy Heidi , Nava Angeles , Gangialla Christyn
Published: April 2018

Background: Current literature indicates that intimate partner violence is a complex phenomenon that exists worldwide. Purpose: However, little is known about why some men of Mexican origin abuse women. This descriptive study was conducted to understand the experiences of men of Mexican origin who abuse their intimate partners. Method: A qualitative research design was used to conduct this study in a south Texas border community adjacent to the United States–Mexico border. Results: This study builds on existing research and furthers the knowledge related to the factors contributing to intimate partner violence, including cultural factors. The results also reinforce the negative impacts of intimate partner violence on children and the family structure. Discussion: Further research is needed to support the development of a culturally appropriate prevention and intervention program for men of Mexican origin who abuse women and their families.
A Guide for Evaluating the Mathematics Programs Used by Special Education Teachers
Authors: Doabler Christian T. , Smith Jean Louise M. , Nelson Nancy J. , Clarke Ben , Berg Tricia , Fien Hank
Published: April 2018

A primary aim of mathematics programs is to accelerate the achievement of all students, including students with or at risk for learning disabilities (LD) in mathematics. Yet research suggests that many programs fail to incorporate the instructional design and delivery principles that have been validated to meet the learning needs of students with or at risk for LD in mathematics. This article provides special education teachers with a practical guide for assessing and evaluating the extent to which mathematics programs contain validated principles of explicit mathematics instruction. An example illustrates how teachers can apply the evaluation guide and use the results to address potential instructional shortfalls of mathematics programs.
The Cost of Doing Business: Congressional Requests, Cost, and Allocation of Presidential Resources
Authors: Rottinghaus Brandon , Waggoner Philip D.
Published: April 2018

Executive-legislative interactions operate with cost-benefit trade-offs. Presidents possess several material options in granting Congressional requests to leverage Congressional support but must also marshal these scarce resources. We argue presidents should strategically grant requests from members of Congress for a range of executive actions based upon the cost of the request and the political context. Using an original data set of nearly 4,000 internal Congressional requests made during the Eisenhower, Ford, and H. W. Bush administrations, we find that presidents are strategic in granting requests, where the cost of the request is an important consideration when deciding whether or not to approve a legislator request, especially on executive appointments but not on legislative matters. Ideological proximity to the president matters more than partisanship in granting requests. Presidents are sensitive to cost when ideology is concerned but less so when granting requests to committee chairs. We conclude by highlighting the implications for interbranch bargaining.
Equinus Correction During Multilevel Surgery in Adults With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Putz Cornelia , Mertens Eva Maria , Wolf Sebastian I. , Geisbüsch Andreas , Niklasch Mirjam , Gantz Simone , Döderlein Leonhard , Dreher Thomas , Klotz Matthias C.
Published: April 2018

Background:

Equinus foot deformity constitutes a common gait disorder in ambulatory adults with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy (BSCP). The outcome after intramuscular aponeurotic lengthening in the context of single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) in adulthood has not been investigated.

Methods:

We followed a group of 31 ambulatory adults with BSCP and equinus who underwent SEMLS including gastrocnemius-soleus intramuscular aponeurotic recession or Achilles tendon lengthening. All patients were analyzed preoperatively and at least 1 year (mean follow-up period: 1.6 years) postoperatively by clinical examination and 3-dimensional instrumented gait analysis including the Gait Profile Score (GPS).

Results:

Clinical examination showed no significant improvement of ankle dorsiflexion ( P = .5) and an unchanged plantarflexion ( P = .7) with knee extended but a significant postoperative reduction of spasticity in the calf muscle ( P = .0001) as measured by clinical examination following the modified Ashworth scale. Significant improvement of mean ankle dorsiflexion in stance and swing ( P = .0001) was found. The GPS decreased and improved significantly (15.9 ± 4.6 to 11.4 ± 3.1; P = .0001). Persistence of equinus and calcaneal gait indicating under- and overcorrection at follow-up was found in 1 patient (3%), respectively.

Conclusion:

Intramuscular gastrocnemius-soleus aponeurotic recession is part of multilevel surgery corrected equinus deformity in adults. The increase in muscle length led to significant improvement of kinetic and kinematic parameters during walking without a loss of muscle strength and push-off capacity. The risk of overcorrection after equinus correction in adults with BSCP was found to be relatively low.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Return to Sports and Physical Activities After Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Lisfranc Injuries in Recreational Athletes
Authors: Mora Allan David , Kao Mark , Alfred Terrence , Shein Gregory , Ling Jeff , Lunz David
Published: April 2018

Background:

The purpose of this study was to assess participation in sport and physical activity following open reduction and internal fixation of a Lisfranc injury in a cohort of recreational athletes.

Methods:

This study identified all adult patients aged 55 years or younger who presented with a Lisfranc injury and underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using a Lisfranc screw combined with bridge plating technique. Sports and physical activity participation was assessed with a new sports-specific, patient-administered questionnaire. Clinical outcomes were assessed with the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). Thirty-three patients qualified for the study (21 men/12 women). Mean age and follow-up were 31.2 (range, 18-55) years and 2.9 (range, 1.5-5.4) years, respectively.

Results:

Postoperatively, 31 patients (94%) were able to return to some form of sport. Twenty-two patients (66%) returned to playing sport at or above their preinjury level. Of the 11 patients who played less sport, 6 had ongoing pain, and the remaining 5 were asymptomatic but were participating less frequently because of other lifestyle reasons. In addition, of the 33 patients, 11 (33%) had some degree of ongoing pain that might limit their ability to return to sports and physical activities. There was strong correlation between overall FAOS and the Sports Questionnaire.

Conclusion:

Most patients who sustained a Lisfranc injury could return to sport and physical activity after ORIF. Patients should be counseled preoperatively that about 1 in 3 might experience continued pain at the injury site

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Hepatitis B Reactivation in the Treatment of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Kelling Matthew , Sokol Lubomir , Dalia Samir
Published: April 2018

Chronic active hepatitis B infection (HBV) has been implicated in lymphomagenesis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Treatment of cancer including NHL with chemotherapy or immunotherapy can lead to HBV reactivation in previously infected patients. Serological testing of HBV prior to initiation of this therapy is recommended by several national and international medical agencies and expert panels. Patients with positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc ab) need to start antiviral therapy with entecavir or tenofovir prior to initiation of chemotherapy or immunotherapy and continue this treatment for 6 to 12 months after completion of cancer therapy to avoid late HBV reactivation. Monitoring of HBV DNA viral load and liver function tests should be done during cancer therapy in infected patients. Hepatitis B infection vaccination resulted in decreases prevalence of HBV virus carriers and decreased incidence of virus-induced malignancies.
Histopathology of Cutaneous Inflammatory Disorders in Children
Authors: Hsi Andy C , Rosman Ilana S
Published: April 2018

Inflammatory dermatoses encompass a variety of histologic patterns that affect different portions of the skin. In spongiotic, psoriasiform, lichenoid, pityriasiform, and blistering disorders, there are predominately epidermal and junctional activities with variable superficial dermal inflammation. Hypersensitivity reactions can show either epidermal or mostly dermal changes depending on whether the exposure of the exogenous allergen occurs through an external or internal route, respectively. Exceptions include erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis, where the etiology is often due to infection or ingested medications, but the histologic features are almost exclusively confined to the epidermis and dermoepidermal junction. Autoimmune disorders are unique in that lesions typically incorporate a mixture of epidermal and dermal inflammatory patterns with periadnexal inflammation, while the vast majority of vasculitis/vasculopathy and alopecia have changes limited to only the vessels and hair follicles, respectively. It is critical to recognize that a relatively limited number of histologic patterns are seen in a large array of clinical entities. Therefore, clinicopathologic correlation and careful examination of histologic details are of the utmost importance when evaluating skin biopsies for inflammatory disorders.
Common and not so Common Melanocytic Lesions in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Yang Chen , Gru Alejandro A , Dehner Louis P
Published: April 2018

The acquired melanocytic nevus is the most common lesion encountered by pediatric pathologists and dermatopathologists in their daily practice. In most cases, there are few difficulties in histopathologic diagnosis. However, it is the acquired melanocytic lesion known as the Spitz nevus, with its intrinsic atypical features which becomes the challenge since it exists along a histopathologic and biologic continuum from the atypical Spitz tumor to spitzoid melanoma. The frustration with some of these spitzoid lesions is that even the “experts” cannot agree as to the differentiation of one from the other even at the level of molecular genetics. Other melanocytic lesions are discussed including the congenital melanocytic nevus with its proliferative nodule(s) and melanoma as the ultimate complication. Although uncommon, cutaneous melanoma in the first 2 decades is emerging as a clinical problem especially in young women in the second decade of life. These are ultraviolet-associated neoplasms whose histopathologic and prognostic features are identical to the adult experience. Considerable progress has been made over the past 15 to 20 years in our understanding of cutaneous melanocytic lesions, but gaps still exist in the important group of spitzoid lesions. It can also be anticipated that more cutaneous melanomas in children will be seen in the future based upon epidemiologic studies.
The Social Servicescape: A Multidimensional Operationalization
Authors: Line Nathaniel D. , Hanks Lydia
Published: April 2018

Understanding the role of the servicescape in the consumption process has become an increasingly important topic in hospitality research. However, while a consensus has been reached regarding the conceptual and operational nature of the physical environment, less is understood about the social aspects of the servicescape. Accordingly, the purpose of this research is to operationalize a multidimensional construct that is reflective of the social phenomena in the consumption environment. Defined in terms of the observable characteristics of the other customers and employees in the service environment, the social servicescape is proposed as a third-order construct composed of three distinct latent factors: customers, employees, and social density. An operationalization in the domain of full-service restaurants supports the proposed specification as a reliable and valid operationalization of the social servicescape. On establishing psychometric stability, nomological validity is established via a quantitative demonstration of the construct’s effect on restaurant consumption behavior.
Implanting a posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens in highly myopic eyes with peripheral primary iris and ciliary body cysts
Authors: Zhao Jing , Luo Dongqiang , Sun Yong , Niu Lingling , Zhao Feng , Wang Xiaoying , Wang Hua , Chen Qian , Zhou Xingtao
Published: April 2018

Purpose:

To investigate the safety and efficacy of implanting a posterior chamber implantable collamer lens with a central hole in cases of high myopia with peripheral primary iris or ciliary body cysts.

Methods:

A total of 37 eyes of 19 patients with primary iris or ciliary body cysts detected by ultrasonic biological microscope were included, with spherical powers of −10.26 ± 3.28 D and cylinder powers of −1.71 ± 1.18 D. Each patient received ultrasonic biological microscope and a routine examination before implantation of the implantable collamer lens. A routine postoperative follow-up was performed to observe changes in the iris or ciliary body cyst, ranging from 3 to 18 months.

Results:

There were no complications. At the last follow-up, 56.8% (21/37) of eyes achieved the same corrected distance visual acuity as their preoperative measurements, 43.2% of eyes were enhanced by ≥1 line, and no patients’ corrected distance visual acuity declined. The efficacy index and safety index were 0.95 and 1.11, respectively. After 18 months, 66.7% of the spherical equivalents were between ±0.5 D with 100% between ±1.0 D. The postoperative mean spherical equivalents at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months were −0.45 ± 0.31 D, −0.39 ± 0.29 D, −0.36 ± 0.30 D, −0.39 ± 0.38 D, and −0.48 ± 0.23 D (p = 0.789). The vaults were 516 ± 140, 548 ± 124, 498 ± 133, 582 ± 161, and 557 ± 110 μm (p = 0.355). There were no changes in size (p > 0.05), number, or position of the iris or ciliary body cysts.

Conclusion:

Implantable collamer lens implantation is safe and effective for highly myopic patients with peripheral primary iris and ciliary body cysts. The cysts did not change after operation in this study.
Toxicity and phototoxicity in human ARPE-19 retinal pigment epithelium cells of dyes commonly used in retinal surgery
Authors: Awad Doaa , Wilińska Joanna , Gousia Dimitra , Shi Xiaoye , Eddous Jnina , Müller Arne , Wagner Veit , Hillner Charlie , Brannath Werner , Mohr Andreas , Gabel Detlef
Published: April 2018

Purpose:

To compare, for the first time, systematically the toxicity and phototoxicity of dyes and dye combinations used in vitreoretinal surgery. The dyes were trypan blue, brilliant blue G, trypan blue + brilliant blue G, indocyanine green, bromophenol blue, bromophenol blue + brilliant blue G, and acid violet 17, in clinically used concentrations.

Methods:

Human ARPE retinal pigment epithelium cells were exposed to the dyes for 30 min. For phototoxicity, the cells were exposed for 15 min to high-intensity light from a light emitting diode source with an intensity similar to surgical conditions. Toxicity was assayed either directly after exposure to either dye alone or dye and light, or with a delay of 24 h.

Results:

None of the dyes or their combinations was toxic when cells were exposed to them at ambient light. Acid violet led to a reduction viability by 90% already immediately after light exposure. Bromophenol blue and its combination with brilliant blue G showed strong phototoxicity (reduction of viability by 83%) when assayed with delay. Indocyanine green with different agents to adjust osmolarity (balanced salt solution, glucose, and mannitol) was not found to be toxic.

Conclusion:

The strong immediate phototoxicity of acid violet reflects its clinical toxicity. Bromophenol blue might also be disadvantageous for patient outcome because of its delayed phototoxicity. The other dyes (trypan blue, brilliant blue g, and indocyanine green) were not found to be toxic neither with exposure to ambient light nor after exposure to light of intensities used in surgery.
AP2γ: A New Player on Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis Regulation
Authors: Mateus-Pinheiro Antonio , Alves Nuno Dinis , Sousa Nuno , Pinto Luisa
Published: April 2018

Since the recognition that the mammalian brain retains the ability to generate newborn neurons with functional relevance throughout life, the matrix of molecular regulators that govern adult neurogenesis has been the focus of much interest. In a recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry, we demonstrate Activating Protein 2γ (AP2γ), a transcription factor previously implicated in cell fate determination in the developing cortex, as a novel player in the regulation of glutamatergic neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus. Using distinct experimental approaches, we showed that AP2γ is specifically present in a subpopulation of transient amplifying progenitors, where it acts as a crucial promoter of proliferation and differentiation of adult-born glutamatergic granule neurons. Strikingly, deficiency of AP2γ in the adult brain compromises the generation of new glutamatergic neurons, with impact on the function of cortico-limbic circuits. Here, we share our view on how AP2γ integrates the transcriptional orchestration of glutamatergic neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus, and consequently, how it emerges as a novel molecular candidate to study the translation of environmental pressures into alterations of brain neuroplasticity in homeostatic, but also in neuropathological contexts.
‘To give is better than to receive?’ Couples massage significantly benefits both partners’ wellbeing
Authors: Naruse Sayuri M , Cornelissen Piers L , Moss Mark
Published: April 2018

This experimental study evaluated the differential effects of ‘giving’ and ‘receiving’ massage on wellbeing in healthy but stressed couples. Forty-two volunteers started the study and of these, 38 (i.e. 19 couples) completed a 3-week massage course. Emotional stress and mental clarity were assessed before and after mutual massage between each pair of adults belonging to a couple at home. While massage benefitted both parties’ wellbeing within a session, critically we found no differences in wellbeing between those ‘giving’ and ‘receiving’ massage. These novel findings suggest that home-based massage may be advocated to couples as a ‘selves-care’, health-promoting behaviour.
Avoidant coping moderates the relationship between paternal involvement in the child’s type 1 diabetes (T1D) care and parenting stress
Authors: Teasdale Ashley , Limbers Christine
Published: April 2018

Fathers may experience greater parenting stress and anxiety when they are more involved in their child’s type 1 diabetes (T1D) care. The present study evaluated whether seeking social support and avoidant coping strategies moderate the relationship between paternal involvement in the child’s T1D care and parenting stress in an international sample. Two hundred forty-nine fathers of young children with T1D completed the Parenting Stress Index (PSI), Pediatric Inventory for Parents (PIP), Dads’ Active Disease Support scale (DADS), COPE Inventory, Self-Care Inventory (SCI-R), and a demographic questionnaire online. Pearson’s product moment correlations were computed, and multiple linear regression analysis was conducted with three separate models in which the PSI Child Domain, PIP Frequency, and PIP Difficulty scores represented different parenting stress outcomes. The interaction between use of denial coping and DADS Involvement was significantly correlated with general parenting stress ( p < .05). There were no significant interactions between instrumental social support and DADS Involvement; however, use of instrumental social support coping was significantly correlated with difficulty of pediatric parenting stress ( p < .05), DADS Involvement ( p < .001), and SCI-R better adherence to the child diabetes treatment regimen ( p < .001). Avoidant coping strategies are associated with more general parenting stress, especially when fathers are more involved in T1D management.
Populism as a logic of political action
Authors: da Silva Filipe Carreira , Vieira Mónica Brito
Published: April 2018

This article offers a new understanding of populism. The argument unfolds as follows: first, the populist literature is reviewed and two main approaches are identified: ontic and logic-oriented, the more important of which is the Schmitt-Laclau logic of enmity. While the authors broadly agree with Laclau’s criticism of ontic approaches, they endorse neither his ontological understanding of enmity, nor his claim that populism is politics, and enmity is the logic of populism. Next, the origins of populism are located in a paradox at the heart of democracy. Democracy defines itself as a community of inclusion, yet exclusion is constitutive of inclusion, including therefore democratic inclusion. Then is discussed what the authors believe to be the true logic of populism: resentment. Unlike enmity, which functions in Laclau’s populist theory as an ontology of non-identity, resentment operates within a rivalrous framework, which presupposes identification between the parts and refers to a set of normative commitments. Finally, the article concludes by presenting an understanding of populism as a specific logic of political action.
Investigation of temperature actions on flat steel box girders of long-span bridges with temperature monitoring data
Authors: Deng Yang , Li Aiqun , Liu Yang , Chen Suren
Published: April 2018

The worldwide application of streamlined flat steel box girder on long-span bridges calls for more knowledge of its temperature distribution. The rapid development of structural health monitoring techniques offers a great opportunity to address this issue. A comprehensive approach of installing monitoring equipment, collecting data, and applying long-term temperature monitoring data to study the temperature distribution of flat steel box girders is developed. As demonstrated through the analysis of 1-year data of a suspension bridge, first, a mapping relation between effective temperature and ambient air temperature is established. Such a relation enables identifying the optimal time to finally join the flat steel box girders at the designed effective temperature based on the easy-to-obtain ambient air temperature. Second, the cycling variation of effective temperature is presented to provide information for design and assessment of expansion joints and bearings, including not only the maximum design displacements but also cumulative displacements related to the long-term durability and remaining life of expansion joints and bearings. Finally, both vertical and transverse temperature gradients are studied to provide some new insights about the temperature characteristics of flat steel box girders. The study suggests that the transverse and vertical temperature gradients should be applied to the bridge cross section individually since the data analysis supports that the two gradients are independent.
Sticky stories from the classroom: From reflection to diffraction in Early Childhood Teacher Education
Authors: Moxnes Anna Rigmor , Osgood Jayne
Published: April 2018

This article aims to challenge the prominence of reflexivity as a strategy for early childhood teachers to adopt by taking Norwegian early childhood teacher education as its focus. Observed micro-moments from a university classroom generate multilayered, multi-sensorial entangled narratives that address what reflection and diffraction are and what they do – where students, the educator, materiality, space and affects intra-act. Furthermore, the article explores the ways in which teacher educators and students in early childhood teacher education become-with the classroom and materiality, and, in doing so, ideas about professionalism in early childhood education are opened out. By identifying the limitations of reflection, the authors go on to explore what working with diffraction might offer to reach alternative understandings. By placing a focus on seemingly unremarkable and routine events in the life of an early childhood teacher education classroom, the authors offer other, potentially more generative ways to think about student teachers and their further professional practice in kindergartens.
The profile and detection of bribery in Norway and England & Wales: A comparative study
Authors: Andresen Mari Sognnæs , Button Mark
Published: April 2018

This paper provides the first significant profile of offenders convicted of bribery in England & Wales (E&W) and Norway, based upon a sample of 75 cases from E&W and 46 from Norway, which were collected through searches of the media and other relevant sources between 2003 and 2015. The paper provides a profile of bribe payers and takers: in both E&W and Norway they are predominantly male, middle aged and involved in a median bribe of between £20,000 and £30,000; the sectors experiencing the most bribes paid are public administration and defence and the sector paying the most bribes is construction. In both countries, the period from the start of the crime to conviction was around six years. The paper also notes some significant differences between the two countries. In Norway there was a larger percentage of higher-grade professionals involved in bribery and in E&W detection by law enforcement was more common, suggesting greater interest by such bodies. The average sentence received by offenders was also slightly higher in E&W. The paper offers many other insights into the characteristics of bribery in the two countries in a rarely researched area.
Voluntary Smoke-Free Measures Among Oklahoma Nightlife Owners: Barriers and Facilitators
Authors: Benowitz-Fredericks Carson , McQuoid Julia , Sheon Nicolas , Olson Sarah , Ling Pamela M.
Published: April 2018

Smoke-free policies prevent exposure to secondhand smoke and encourage tobacco cessation. Local smoke-free policies that are more comprehensive than statewide policies are not allowed in states with preemption, including Oklahoma, which has the sixth highest smoking prevalence in the United States. In states with preemption, voluntary smoke-free measures are encouraged, but little research exists on venue owners’ and managers’ views of such measures, particularly in nightlife businesses such as bars and nightclubs. This article draws from semistructured interviews with 23 Oklahoma bar owners and managers, examining perceived risks and benefits of adopting voluntary smoke-free measures in their venues. No respondents expressed awareness of preemption. Many reported that smoke-free bars and nightclubs were an inevitable societal trend, particularly as younger customers increasingly expected smoke-free venues. Business benefits such as decreased operating and cleaning costs, improved atmosphere, and employee efficiency were more convincing than improved employee health. Concerns that voluntary measures created an uneven playing field among venues competing for customers formed a substantial barrier to voluntary measures. Other barriers included concerns about lost revenue and fear of disloyalty to customers, particularly older smokers. Addressing business benefits and a level playing field may increase support for voluntary smoke-free nightlife measures.
Organized Labor's Check on Rising Economic Inequality in the U.S. States
Authors: Bucci Laura C.
Published: April 2018

Recent demonstrations of growing economic inequality in the United States raise normative concerns about the political representation of all but the very wealthiest citizens. Building on existing cross-national work on the roles of unions in welfare states, I provide evidence that organized labor, as a political institution, limits unequal income distributions in the U.S. states. The states are useful to our understanding of labor's influence on inequality as states differ in their acceptance of labor unions, base levels of inequality, political preferences, industries, and levels of development but are all nested within a single overarching national framework. Over the 39-year period examined, states where unions maintain more members remain more equal within the labor market and after redistribution via government transfer. These effects persist after accounting for state-level policy, demography, and economic conditions. However, states where union membership has the largest influence on inequality have also seen growing attempts to reduce unionization rates. Overall, I find that unions are still able to limit the growth of economic inequality in spite of declining levels of union membership.
Internet Gaming Disorder: An Emergent Health Issue for Men
Authors: Chen Kevin H. , Oliffe John L. , Kelly Mary T.
Published: April 2018

Internet gaming is a legitimate leisure activity worldwide; however, there are emerging concerns that vast numbers of gamers are becoming addicted. In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) classified Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) as a condition warranting more clinical research ahead of formalizing it as a mental disorder. Proposed as a behavioral addiction, IGD shares many similarities in both physical and psychosocial manifestations with substance use disorder, including cerebral changes on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Among the gaming population, compared to females, adolescent and adult males demonstrate far more addictive internet gaming use in terms of screen hours, craving, and negative impacts on health, which have, in isolated incidents, also caused death. The current article draws findings from a scoping review of literature related to IGD as a means to raising awareness about an emergent men’s health issue. Included are three themes: (a) unveiling the nature, impacts and symptoms of IGD; (b) conceptualizing IGD through neuroscience; and (c) treatment approaches to IGD. Afforded by these themes is an overview and synthesis of the existing literature regarding IGD as a means of providing direction for much needed research on gaming addiction and orientating primary care providers (PCPs) to the specificities of IGD in men’s health. The findings are applied to a discussion of the connections between IGD and masculinity and the importance of recognizing how behaviors such as social isolation and game immersion can be maladaptive coping strategies for males.
Uptake and impact of regulated pharmacy technicians in Ontario community pharmacies
Authors: Grootendorst Paul , Shim Minsup , Tieu Jimmy
Published: April 2018

Background:

Since 2010, most provincial Colleges of Pharmacists have licensed pharmacy technicians. The colleges hoped this would give pharmacists time to provide “expanded scope” activities such as medication reviews. Little is known, however, about the uptake and impact of pharmacy technicians on pharmacists’ provision of such services. We address these questions using data for Ontario community pharmacies.

Methods:

Data on pharmacists and pharmacy technicians were obtained from the Ontario College of Pharmacists website in September 2016. Their place of employment was used to calculate the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) pharmacists and technicians employed at each community pharmacy. Pharmacy claims data for the 12-month period ending March 31, 2016, were obtained from the Ontario Public Drug Programs (OPDP). These data included number of MedsChecks performed, type of MedsCheck and number of prescriptions dispensed to OPDP beneficiaries.

Results:

Pharmacy technicians were employed in 24% of the pharmacies in our sample. Technician employment rates were highest in Central Fill pharmacies and pharmacies serving long-term care facilities. In general, pharmacies employing 1 or fewer technician full-time equivalents (FTEs) had a slightly higher probability of providing MedsChecks and, of those that did provide Meds Checks Annuals, provided more of them. Pharmacies that hired 3 or more technician FTEs were markedly less likely to provide MedsChecks.

Conclusions:

Pharmacies differ in their employment of technicians and in the apparent impact of technicians on the provision of MedsChecks. However, these represent associations. Additional research is needed to assess the causal effect of technician employment on the provision of MedsChecks.
The maximum output force controller and its application to a virtual surgery system
Authors: Hu Lingyan , Li Jianhua , Liu Xiaoping , Xiong Pengwen , He Shengxing
Published: April 2018

It is difficult to achieve ideal virtual surgery transparency and stability when virtual tissue stiffness and damping are high. Typically, the stability of the surgery system is improved, while its transparency is sacrificed. In order to achieve high transparency in virtual surgical interactions, a maximum output force controller based on passive theory is proposed in this work. This controller is then applied in a virtual surgery system. The maximum output force controller predicts the maximum allowable output force above which the system passivity is broken and limits the force presented to the operator to this amount. The main contributions of this work include the following two parts: firstly, the maximum output force controller is developed and applied to a virtual surgery system; secondly, a new criterion for transparency is presented and analyzed for the level of transparency that can be achieved for a virtual surgical system when the stability is guaranteed. Experimental results show that the maximum output force controller can guarantee stability of the virtual surgical interaction with maximum transparency even when the virtual tissue stiffness and damping are high. In addition, the maximum output force controller is a self-adaptive controller. It works well without modification, regardless of the virtual tissue stiffness and damping.
Reporting non-adherence in cluster randomised trials: A systematic review
Authors: Agbla Schadrac C , DiazOrdaz Karla
Published: April 2018

Background:

Treatment non-adherence in randomised trials refers to situations where some participants do not receive their allocated treatment as intended. For cluster randomised trials, where the unit of randomisation is a group of participants, non-adherence may occur at the cluster or individual level. When non-adherence occurs, randomisation no longer guarantees that the relationship between treatment receipt and outcome is unconfounded, and the power to detect the treatment effects in intention-to-treat analysis may be reduced. Thus, recording adherence and estimating the causal treatment effect adequately are of interest for clinical trials.

Objectives:

To assess the extent of reporting of non-adherence issues in published cluster trials and to establish which methods are currently being used for addressing non-adherence, if any, and whether clustering is accounted for in these.

Methods:

We systematically reviewed 132 cluster trials published in English in 2011 previously identified through a search in PubMed.

Results:

One-hundred and twenty three cluster trials were included in this systematic review. Non-adherence was reported in 56 cluster trials. Among these, 19 reported a treatment efficacy estimate: per protocol in 15 and as treated in 4. No study discussed the assumptions made by these methods, their plausibility or the sensitivity of the results to deviations from these assumptions.

Limitations:

The year of publication of the cluster trials included in this review (2011) could be considered a limitation of this study; however, no new guidelines regarding the reporting and the handling of non-adherence for cluster trials have been published since. In addition, a single reviewer undertook the data extraction. To mitigate this, a second reviewer conducted a validation of the extraction process on 15 randomly selected reports. Agreement was satisfactory (93%).

Conclusion:

Despite the recommendations of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement extension to cluster randomised trials, treatment adherence is under-reported. Among the trials providing adherence information, there was substantial variation in how adherence was defined, handled and reported. Researchers should discuss the assumptions required for the results to be interpreted causally and whether these are scientifically plausible in their studies. Sensitivity analyses to study the robustness of the results to departures from these assumptions should be performed.
Estrogenicity of essential oils is not required to relieve symptoms of urogenital atrophy in breast cancer survivors
Authors: Simões Bruno M. , Kohler Bertram , Clarke Robert B. , Stringer Jacqui , Novak-Frazer Lily , Young Keely , Rautemaa-Richardson Riina , Zucchini Giorgia , Armstrong Anne , Howell Sacha J.
Published: April 2018

Background

Urogenital atrophy (UA) is a common treatment-limiting side effect of endocrine therapies. Topical estrogen is effective but systemic absorption may counter aromatase inhibitor efficacy. Numerous complementary approaches are marketed for use in UA without rigorous testing of their estrogenicity. We tested multiple essential oils in cancer cell growth and estrogen reporter assays in vitro and assessed clinical outcomes with the essential oil pessaries (EOPs) in breast cancer survivors with UA.

Methods

Effects on cell growth were tested in hormone-dependent (MCF-7) and -independent (MDA-MB-231) cell lines using the sulforhodamine-B assay. An estrogen response element (ERE) luciferase reporter assay was used to assess estrogenicity directly. Antifungal activity against two common pathogenic yeasts was assessed using standard microdilution methods. EOPs were offered to breast cancer survivors with symptomatic UA and the service evaluated using serial questionnaires.

Results

Two essential oils, Cymbopogon martinii and Pelargonium graveolens, demonstrated marked estrogenicity, stimulating ER+ cell growth and ERE-luciferase reporter activity to levels seen with premenopausal estradiol concentrations. Additional oils were screened for estrogenicity and Lavandula angustifolia and Chamaemelum nobile identified as non/minimally estrogenic. The antifungal activity of this combination of oils was confirmed. A second cohort of breast cancer survivors with UA received the second generation EOP with comparable improvement in symptom scores suggesting that estrogenicity may not be required for optimal therapy of UA.

Conclusion

Certain essential oils demonstrate profound estrogenicity and caution should be exercised before their use in breast cancer survivors. Our minimally estrogenic pessary will be formally tested in clinical trials.
Weight-Bearing Radiographic Analysis of the Tibiofibular Syndesmosis
Authors: Amin Arsalan , Janney Cory , Sheu Christopher , Jupiter Daniel C. , Panchbhavi Vinod K.
Published: April 2018

Background: Diagnosis of distal tibiofibular syndesmotic injuries includes assessment of radiographs; however, there exist no agreed on standard diagnostic criteria. Previous studies lack consistency with radiographic evaluation methods. The dynamic nature of the ankle joint supports analyzing anatomical parameters using weight-bearing films to assess for tibiofibular syndesmotic integrity. Methods: Weight-bearing tibiofibular syndesmosis radiographs of 39 male and 40 female patients were retrospectively analyzed by 3 investigators, at different levels of orthopaedic training. Measurements 1 cm above the tibial plafond for the anterior tibiofibular overlap (TFO) and tibiofibular clear space (TCS) were recorded and standardized by the fibular width (FW) at 2 time points. Data were compared to check for agreement between the sets of measurements for each rater and agreement between investigators, and to ascertain underlying gender differences. Results: There was good intraobserver correlation (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] > 0.90) among investigators for each parameter. A significant difference in the TFO was noted between genders (P < .05). We establish the following radiographic (anteroposterior view) parameters for an intact syndesmosis: male patients, TCS <4.57 mm or TCS/FW <29% and TFO >9.29 mm or TFO/FW > 57%; female patients, TCS <4.28 mm or TCS/FW <30% and TFO >7.41 mm or TFO/FW >51%. Conclusions: Our study provides a more objective approach by utilizing weight-bearing radiographs and performing all measurements 1 cm above the tibial plafond.

Levels of Evidence: Level IV