bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing the impact of an educational intervention designed to promote ocular health among people with age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Stevens Rebekah , Cooke Richard , Bartlett Hannah
Published: May 2018

Research has shown that individuals affected by age-related macular degeneration (AMD) do not always consume foods or supplements known to be beneficial for ocular health. This study tested the effectiveness of an educational intervention designed to promote healthy eating and nutritional supplementation in this group. A total of 100 individuals with AMD completed baseline measures of several variables: confidence that diet affects AMD, motivation to engage in health-protective behaviours, knowledge about which nutrients are beneficial, and intake of kale, spinach, and eggs. Participants were allocated to either intervention or control conditions. Intervention participants received a leaflet and prompt card that contained advice regarding dietary modification and supplementation. Control participants received a leaflet created by the Royal College of Optometrists. A follow-up questionnaire, measuring the same variables assessed at baseline, was administered 2 weeks later. At follow-up, significant condition × time interactions were found for confidence that diet affects AMD ( F(1, 92) = 4.54, p < .05), motivation to talk to an eye professional about supplementation ( F(1, 92) = 4.53, p = .036), motivation to eat eggs ( F(1, 92) = 12.67, p = .001), and egg intake ( F(1, 92) = 11.97, p = .001). In each case, intervention participants scored higher than control participants. Receiving an educational intervention increased participants’ confidence that diet affects AMD, motivation to engage in health-protective behaviours, and egg intake. This intervention could be easily incorporated into current clinical practice delivered by either optometrists or ophthalmologists.
Enablers and disablers to academic success of students with visual impairment: A 10-year literature disclosure, 2007–2017
Authors: Simui Francis , Kasonde-Ngandu Sophie , Cheyeka Austin M , Simwinga John , Ndhlovu Daniel
Published: May 2018

Within the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and its 17 targets is a strong emphasis on the education of learners with disability. Whereas there have been massive improvements at lower levels regarding education of the marginalised, a lot more work remains undone at tertiary education level. In this discourse, we explore literature to reveal enablers and disablers to academic success of students with visual impairments (SwVI) at higher education level in the past 10 years in 16 countries doted across six habitable continents. Emerging from the study is a host of disablers such as (1) negative attitudes, (2) absence of inclusive education policy, (3) inaccessible learning environment and learning materials, (4) exclusive pedagogy, and (5) limited orientation and mobility. Amidst the disabling environment, a positive attitude, self-advocacy, and innovativeness stood out as key enablers to academic success by SwVI. The findings contribute to the realisation of the SDG agenda through advocacy on inclusive education policies and practices.
Aetiologies of acquired deafblindness in a national sample
Authors: Teglbjærg Jonas Henau , Hovaldt Hanna Birkbak , Lehane Christine , Dammeyer Jesper
Published: May 2018

The present study provides an overview of aetiologies and co-morbidities of acquired deafblindness in a Danish national sample of 514 individuals above 50 years of age identified with acquired deafblindness. Information was obtained from a survey and a register. The most frequent aetiology of vision loss was age-related macular degeneration (55.4%). The most frequent aetiology of hearing loss was presbycusis (53.7%). The most frequent aetiology of acquired deafblindness was the combination of age-related macular degeneration and presbycusis (41.5%). However, among the younger participants (50–59 years of age), Usher syndrome was the most common aetiology (62.5%). The aetiologies of acquired deafblindness are many and constituted by several different combinations of hearing and vision loss aetiologies. The most frequent aetiologies are age related.
Headache, comorbidities and lifestyle in an adolescent population (The TEENs Study)
Authors: Torres-Ferrus Marta , Vila-Sala Carme , Quintana Manuel , Ajanovic Sara , Gallardo Victor José , Gomez Juan Bernardo , Alvarez-Sabin José , Macaya Alfons , Pozo-Rosich Patricia
Published: May 2018

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of headache and its relationship with comorbidities and lifestyle in a teenage population.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study. Data was collected from students aged 12–18 years from six different schools in Catalonia, Spain. They completed an anonymous questionnaire with demographic, lifestyle, medical data, presence of recurrent headaches and its features, and completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. We defined probable migraine if headache presented ≥ 3 ICHD-3 beta criteria for migraine. An analysis was performed to evaluate headache characteristics and compare lifestyles between those with or without headache.

Results

1619 out of 1873 students completed the survey (response rate 86.4%). From these, 30.5% suffered from recurrent headache and 11.3% had migraine features; 32.9% of adolescents with headache had at least one episode per week and 44.1% showed some degree of headache-related disability measured by the PedMIDAS scale. In a univariate analysis, headache was significantly more frequent in girls (35.1% vs. 25.5%, p < 0.001), teenagers with poor sleeping habits (36.6% vs. 27.6%, p < 0.001), lower physical activity ( p = 0.002), those who did not have breakfast (37.3 vs. 28.4%, p = 0.001), smokers (10.5% vs. 4.9%, p < 0.001) and caffeine overusers (30.9% vs. 24.7%, p = 0.009). Comorbidities significantly associated with headache were: allergies (38.8% vs. 29.3%, p = 0.007), other chronic pain disorders (44.7% vs. 27.6% p < 0.001), mental health problems (53.2% vs. 29.0%, p < 0.001) and worse SDQ scores ( p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Headache is a common health problem among adolescents which impacts their quality of life. Headache is associated with presence of “unhealthy lifestyle” and other medical comorbidities. Educational initiatives should be started.
Influence of filler on erosion behavior of polymer composites: A comprehensive review
Authors: Vigneshwaran S , Uthayakumar M , Arumugaprabu V , Deepak Joel Johnson R
Published: May 2018

In recent decade, polymer matrix composites were extensively used in various engineering applications owing to their advanced properties over conventional materials and enhanced performance. This motivated the researchers to generate an extensive study and research work on polymer composites. In recent studies, the erosion properties of the polymer composite attract increasing attention among researchers. The potential enhancement in the erosion resistance property of filled composites tempted the researchers to find the feasibility of using various filler materials in polymer matrix for specific erosion resistance applications. However, only limited numbers of literature are available concerning the tribological performance of the filled composite. Hence in this study, an objective was set to review the various literature that explain the erosion characteristics of filled composites.
Mesoporous silica nanoparticle is comparatively safer than zinc oxide nanoparticle which can cause profound steroidogenic effects on pregnant mice and male offspring exposed in utero
Authors: Bara Nisha , Eshwarmoorthy M , Subaharan Kesavan , Kaul Gautam
Published: May 2018

The increasing use of nanomaterials has naturally caused heightened concerns about their potential risks to human and animal health. We investigated the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) on steroidogenesis in the corpus luteum (CL) of pregnant mice and testis of male offspring. Pregnant albino mice were exposed to ZnO NPs and MSN for 2 days on alternate days, gestation days 15–19. Hepatic injury marker enzymes increased in the higher concentration of NM-exposed mother mice, but histological examination revealed no changes in the placenta of pregnant mice, whereas testis of male offspring showed gross pathological changes. The expression pattern of progesterone biosynthesis-related genes was also altered in the CL of NP-exposed pregnant mice. In utero exposure of ZnO NPs increased the relative expression of StAR in 100 mg/kg body weight (BW) ZnO NP-treated and bulk ZnO-treated groups and P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) in 50 mg/kg BW ZnO NP-treated and 100 mg/kg of bulk ZnO-treated male offspring. Serum testosterone concentration significantly increased in the 100 mg/kg of bulk ZnO-treated group and decreased in the 250 mg/kg of MSN-treated group and a single dose of 300 mg/Kg BW of ZnO NPs caused miscarriages and adversely affected the developing foetus in mice.
Enhanced steroidogenic and altered antioxidant response by ZnO nanoparticles in mouse testis Leydig cells
Authors: Bara Nisha , Kaul Gautam
Published: May 2018

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are important nanomaterials with myriad applications and in widespread use. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the direct effect of ZnO NPs on steroidogenesis by considering mouse testicular Leydig cells (TM3) as an in vitro model system. The uptake, intracellular behaviour, cytotoxicity and morphological changes induced by ZnO NPs (0–200 µg/ml) in a time-dependent manner in the TM3 were assessed. A significant ( p < 0.05) decrease in TM3 viability was observed at 2 µg/ml ZnO NP after a 1-h incubation time period. Increased antioxidant enzyme activity, namely, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, was regularly observed. Not surprisingly, apoptosis also increased significantly after a 4-h exposure period. Transmission electron micrographs illustrated that ZnO NPs were taken up by Leydig cells and resulted in the formation of autophagosomes, autolysosomes and autophagic vacuoles. Concomitant real-time data indicated that ZnO NPs significantly increased the expression of steroidogenesis-related genes (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme) and significantly ( p < 0.05) decreased antioxidant enzyme gene (SOD) expression after a 4-h incubation period. Moreover, ZnO NPs exposure significantly increased testosterone production at 2 µg/ml concentration after a 12-h incubation period. Our findings confirm the adverse effects of ZnO NPs by being cytotoxic, enhancing apoptosis, causing steroidogenic effect in Leydig cells and increasing autophagic vacuole formation possibly via alteration of antioxidant enzyme activity in TM3 cells.
Joindre l’image à la parole pour comprendre le sens culturel des pratiques : Ce que révèle la photo-élicitation
Authors: Ndione Louis César , Rémy Eric
Published: May 2018

Résumé

Située dans le champ des méthodologies qualitatives, la photo-élicitation (ou photo-interview) permet d’enrichir la compréhension des consommateurs dans le cadre de recherches portant sur le sens socio-culturel des pratiques de consommation. Cet article vise à démontrer l’intérêt de l’usage de la photo-élicitation lorsqu’il s’agit de décrire, questionner, compléter des expériences vécues par les consommateurs. Après avoir développé les principes de la méthode et ses principaux éléments de mise en œuvre, nous reviendrons sur les différents domaines d’applications de la photo-élicitation. A partir du cas de la migration sénégalaise, une illustration des apports méthodologiques et thématiques sera enfin abordée en référence à une recherche concernant les registres socio-culturels et identitaires en jeu dans la consommation lors de phénomènes migratoires.
“Theory Becoming Alive”: The Learning Transition Process of Newly Graduated Nurses in Canada
Authors: Nour Violet , Williams Anne M.
Published: May 2018

Background

Newly graduated nurses often encounter a gap between theory and practice in clinical settings. Although this has been the focus of considerable research, little is known about the learning transition process.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of newly graduated nurses in acute healthcare settings within Canada. This study was conducted to gain a greater understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by graduates.

Methods

Grounded theory method was utilized with a sample of 14 registered nurses who were employed in acute-care settings. Data were collected using in-depth interviews. Constant comparative analysis was used to analyze data.

Results

Findings revealed a core category, “Theory Becoming Alive,” and four supporting categories: Entry into Practice, Immersion, Committing, and Evolving. Theory Becoming Alive described the process of new graduate nurses’ clinical learning experiences as well as the challenges that they encountered in clinical settings after graduating.

Conclusions

This research provides a greater understanding of learning process of new graduate nurses in Canada. It highlights the importance of providing supportive environments to assist new graduate nurses to develop confidence as independent registered nurses in clinical areas. Future research directions as well as supportive educational strategies are described.
Anhedonia and the Relationship Between Other Depressive Symptoms and Aggressive Behavior
Authors: Salem Taban , Winer E. Samuel , Jordan D. Gage , Nadorff Michael R. , Fanning Jennifer R. , Bryant Jessica , Berman Mitchell E. , Veilleux Jennifer C.
Published: May 2018

Depression has been linked to multiple forms of aggressive behavior in college students; however, it is unclear which aspects of depression explain this connection. Anhedonia, defined as the loss of interest and/or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities, may provide unique information about relationships between depression and aggression. Using cross-sectional data from two independent samples of college students ( N = 747 and N = 736 for Study 1 and Study 2, respectively), we examined whether anhedonia helped explain the relationship between broader depressive symptoms and different forms of aggressive and antisocial behavior. Anhedonia accounted for variance in both self-directed aggression and antisocial behavior independent of gender, hostility, anger, other depressive symptoms, and cognitive distortions (Study 2). In addition, there were significant indirect effects of depressive symptoms on self-directed aggression (Studies 1 and 2) and antisocial behavior (Study 2) via anhedonia. Hypotheses involving other-directed aggression received mixed support, with anhedonia atemporally associated with other-directed aggression independent of broader depressive symptoms in Study 1, but not in Study 2. The current findings suggest that anhedonia is an important individual difference that helps explain the relationship between depression and aggressive and antisocial acts and that anhedonia may be differentially associated with various types of aggressive and antisocial behavior.
The Effect of Sex and Perpetrator–Victim Relationship on Perceptions of Domestic Homicide
Authors: Karlsson Linda C. , Malén Tuulia , Kaakinen Johanna K. , Antfolk Jan
Published: May 2018

Previous research on how stereotypes affect perceptions of intimate partner violence and domestic homicide has found that violence committed by men is perceived as more severe and judged more harshly than violence committed by women. The present mock jury study investigated how perpetrator sex (male or female), crime type (familicide or filicide), and relatedness between perpetrator and child victims (biological or step) affect laypeople’s perceptions of the appropriate consequence of the crime, the reason for the offense, responsibility of the perpetrator, the likelihood of certain background factors being present, and the risk of future violence. One hundred sixty-seven university students read eight fictive descriptions of cases of multiple-victim domestic homicides, in which the sex of the perpetrator, the crime type, and the relatedness between the perpetrator and the child victims were manipulated. We found that participants recommended equally severe punishments to and placed the same amount of responsibility on male and female offenders. Female offenders were, however, regarded as mentally ill to a larger extent and perceived more likely to have been victims of domestic violence compared with male offenders. Male offenders were seen as more likely to have committed domestic violence in the past, having been unemployed, have substance abuse, hold aggressive attitudes, and commit violent acts in the future. Participants also perceived offenders killing biological children as more mentally ill than those killing stepchildren. The present study extends the literature on the possible effect of stereotypes on decision making in psychiatric and judicial contexts.
On the Limited Role of Efficiency in Charitable Giving
Authors: Ryazanov Arseny A. , Christenfeld Nicholas J. S.
Published: May 2018

Performance measurement is considered useful in guiding donations to charities. We investigated whether efficiency rates predominately guide donations relative to available alternatives, or influence donation amounts. Across four studies ( N = 460), participants evaluating charity advertisements saw randomly assigned efficiency rates presented as background information. Participants could pledge a portion of a gift card, offered in return for participation, to their pick of presented charities. Participants were sensitive to relative, but not absolute, efficiency, giving more often to more relatively efficient charities but generally did not pledge them more money. Even providing an explicit standard of efficiency did not create an absolute sensitivity to efficiency, suggesting that efficiency information, steers, rather than encourages, or discourages, donations overall.
SIS, Grigori Tokaev, and the London Controlling Section: New Perspectives on a Cold War Defector and Cold War Deception
Authors: Dylan Huw
Published: May 2018

This article examines British deception during the early years of the Cold War, and how a Soviet defector named Grigori Tokaev contributed to British plans and operations. Tokaev provided valuable insights into the Soviet Union, allowing British intelligence to craft more intricate deception operations, political and military. The manner in which he was used, and the extent to which his idiosyncrasies were tolerated, underline the difficulties the British authorities faced as they attempted to apply the lessons of the Second World War deception to the Cold War environment. The case offers new perspectives on both the relatively under-examined subject of British deception operations against the USSR, and the history of one of the most prominent Cold War defectors.
Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis With a Continuous Infusion of Low-Dose Alteplase for Subacute Proximal Venous Thrombosis: Efficacy and Safety Compared to Urokinase
Authors: Gong Maofeng , He Xu , Song Jinhua , Zhao Boxiang , Shi Wanyin , Chen Guoping , Gu Jianping
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety associated with catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) using either recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) or urokinase (UK) for subacute deep venous thrombosis (DVT). From January 2014 to December 2016, we conducted a retrospective analysis on a total of 49 patients who underwent consistent CDT with either rt-PA (rt-PA-CDT group) or UK (UK-CDT group) treatment. The thrombolytic rate of the rt-PA-CDT group was significantly higher than that of the UK-CDT group (87.5% vs 60%, respectively; χ2 = 4.751; P = .029). The rt-PA-CDT group exhibited an improved grade III thrombolytic rate (9 patients vs 3 patients; χ2 = 5.144; P = .023). The time for the rt-PA-CDT group to achieve a grade III thrombolytic rate was shorter than that of the UK-CDT group (5.01 ± 1.09 days vs 6.43 ± 1.69 days, respectively; t = −2.187; P = .044). No severe complications were seen in either group and mild complications rates were 16.7% and 20.0% (χ2 = .091; P = .763). The clinical efficacy rates at discharge were 91.7% and 76.0%, respectively (χ2 = 2.200; P = .138). In conclusion, CDT with a continuous infusion of low-dose rt-PA resulted in safe and effective thrombolysis in the great majority of patients with proximal DVT in the subacute phase. Furthermore, rt-PA was significantly better than UK in terms of the thrombolytic rate. In our study, rt-PA-CDT improved the thrombolytic rate of grade III thrombus and achieved a grade III thrombolytic rate in a shorter time than UK-CDT.
The Role of Minority Journalists, Candidates, and Audiences in Shaping Race-Related Campaign News Coverage
Authors: Sui Mingxiao , Paul Newly , Shah Paru , Spurlock Brook , Chastant Brooksie , Dunaway Johanna
Published: May 2018

The question of whether press coverage of racial/ethnic minorities has improved remains. This study tackles it by examining (a) how journalists’ race/ethnicity affects campaign news coverage of race-related issues and (b) whether the nature of coverage is moderated by minority candidates and the racial composition of audiences. We pair local news coverage of 3,400 state legislative candidates with news data from 663 news outlets. We find newsroom diversity by itself does not influence the coverage of race-related issues. But in areas with large numbers of minority audiences, media outlets with diverse newsrooms are significantly more likely to cover race-related issues.
Association of Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Hypersomnolence in Two Clinic-Based Adult Cohorts
Authors: Lopez Régis , Micoulaud-Franchi Jean-Arthur , Camodeca Laura , Gachet Marie , Jaussent Isabelle , Dauvilliers Yves
Published: May 2018

Objective: To assess the relationship between excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), inattention, and hyperactivity/impulsivity in adults with ADHD and central hypersomnia. Method: Drug-free adult patients with ADHD ( n = 100) or hypersomnia ( n = 100) were evaluated using a structured clinical interview and self-report questionnaires on ADHD symptoms and EDS. Results: In all, 61% of patients with hypersomnia had clinically significant ADHD symptoms with 25% having an ADHD diagnosis (with both childhood and adulthood ADHD symptoms) and 36% ADHD-like symptoms, without history of childhood ADHD. EDS was reported in 47% of patients with ADHD, among whom 22% had a hypersomnolence disorder. Conclusion: We confirmed the high frequency of ADHD and ADHD-like symptoms in central hypersomnia, and of EDS and hypersomnolence in ADHD in adults. The nature of the link between EDS, inattention, and hyperactivity appears to be complex that may involve either a cause–effect relationship or intrinsic features of a similar neurodevelopmental dysfunction.
Updated meta-review of evidence on support for carers
Authors: Dalton Jane , Thomas Sian , Harden Melissa , Eastwood Alison , Parker Gillian
Published: May 2018

Objective

To update a 2010 meta-review of systematic reviews of effective interventions to support carers of ill, disabled, or older adults. In this article, we report the most promising interventions based on the best available evidence.

Methods

Rapid meta-review of systematic reviews published from January 2009 to 2016.

Results

Sixty-one systematic reviews were included (27 high quality, 25 medium quality, and nine low quality). The quality of reviews has improved since the original review, but primary studies remain limited in quality and quantity. Fourteen high quality reviews focused on carers of people with dementia, four on carers of those with cancer, four on carers of people with stroke, three on carers of those at the end of life with various conditions, and two on carers of people with mental health problems. Multicomponent interventions featured prominently, emphasizing psychosocial or psychoeducational content, education and training. Improved outcomes for carers were reported for mental health, burden and stress, and wellbeing or quality of life. Negative effects were reported in reviews of respite care. As with earlier work, we found little robust evidence on the cost-effectiveness of reviewed interventions.

Conclusions

There is no ‘one size fits all’ intervention to support carers. There is potential for effective support in specific groups of carers, such as shared learning, cognitive reframing, meditation, and computer-delivered psychosocial support for carers of people with dementia. For carers of people with cancer, effective support may include psychosocial interventions, art therapy, and counselling. Carers of people with stroke may also benefit from counselling. More good quality, theory-based, primary research is needed.
Some thoughts on the Conversational Rollercoaster
Authors: Laurier Eric
Published: May 2018

The commentary provides a series of notes on the article ‘The Conversational Rollercoaster: Conversation analysis and the public science of talk’. There are two broad areas that I attend to: one is on the formulation of the Conversational Rollercoaster in the light of the warrants of ethnomethodology and conversation analysis and the second is around what the Conversational Rollercoaster accomplished.
Privatizing criminal stigma: Experience, intergroup contact, and public views about publicizing arrest records
Authors: Lageson Sarah E , Denver Megan , Pickett Justin T
Published: May 2018

Current U.S. policy allows private companies to publish arrest records prior to conviction in print and online sources, yet little is known regarding the extent to which people actively search for criminal records or whether the public supports these policies. Utilizing two large public opinion surveys (N = 1008 and N = 1601), we find that approximately 15% of Americans searched online for conviction records last year (an estimated 38 million people), but that a strong majority (88%) oppose the publication of arrest records by private companies. We measure correlates of opposition to record disclosure and find that having high-quality interpersonal contact with an arrestee diminishes support for publicizing arrest records and also tempers views of recidivism risk for those with nonviolent convictions. Findings suggest that learning firsthand about the negative consequences of contemporary criminal labels changes popularly held views on the value of immediate arrest record disclosure.
On parabiopolitical reason
Authors: Faubion James D
Published: May 2018

Our current ecumene is governmentalistically plural. The biopolitical technology of the regulation of one or another bounded population remains active among many other such technologies. The mode of veridiction proper to biopolitics is actuarial; it has a proper epistemology. In these two respects, it stands beside and apart from the mode of veridiction proper to a parabiopolitics, which is scenaristic and grounded in a sophiology. I extract the lineaments of parabiopolitical reason from two sources. One is an exercise undertaken in Greece between 2002 and 2004 under the mandate of the European program, FORESIGHT. The other is the work of Pierre Wack, whose methodology of scenario planning brings the difference that makes a difference between biopolitical epistemology and parabiopolitical sophiology most brightly to light.
Optimal control of a turbocharged direct injection diesel engine by direct method optimization
Authors: Luján Jose Manuel , Guardiola Carlos , Pla Benjamín , Reig Alberto
Published: May 2018

This work studies the effect and performance of an optimal control strategy on engine fuel efficiency and pollutant emissions. An accurate mean value control-oriented engine model has been developed and experimental validation on a wide range of operating conditions was carried out. A direct optimization method based on Euler’s collocation scheme is used in combination with the above model in order to address the optimal control of the engine. This optimization method provides the optimal trajectories of engine controls (fueling rate, exhaust gas recirculation valve position, variable turbine geometry position and start of injection) to reproduce a predefined route (speed trajectory including variable road grade), minimizing fuel consumption with limited [Formula: see text] emissions and a low soot stamp. This optimization procedure is performed for a set of different [Formula: see text] emission limits in order to analyze the trade-off between optimal fuel consumption and minimum emissions. Optimal control strategies are validated in an engine test bench and compared against engine factory calibration. Experimental results show that significant improvements in both fuel efficiency and emissions reduction can be achieved with optimal control strategy. Fuel savings at about 4% and less than half of the factory [Formula: see text] emissions were measured in the actual engine, while soot generation was still low. Experimental results and optimal control trajectories are thoroughly analyzed, identifying the different strategies that allowed those performance improvements.
Critical oral history: Reflections on method and medium
Authors: Williams Charmaine C
Published: May 2018

This paper presents my reflections on the use of critical oral history method for a participatory, community-based international LGBT human rights research project. Although critical oral history method has been promoted as an empowering research method particularly suited to advocacy work, I describe emerging dilemmas around naming the work, assuming risks and understanding the method as a medium with potential for reifying existing power imbalances. I advocate for more complicated understandings of how critical research is not defined by the method, but instead, by the processes surrounding it.
Retrospective Evaluation of Clinical Experience With Intravenous Ascorbic Acid in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Bazzan Anthony J. , Zabrecky George , Wintering Nancy , Newberg Andrew B. , Monti Daniel A.
Published: May 2018

Background. Intravenous ascorbic acid (IV AA) has been used extensively in cancer patients throughout the United States. Currently, there are limited data on the safety and clinical effects of IV AA. The purpose of this study was to expand the current literature using a retrospective analysis of adverse events and symptomatic changes of IV AA in a large sample of cancer patients. Methods. We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients receiving IV AA for cancer at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital over a 7-year period. We assessed all reports of adverse events, laboratory findings, and hospital or emergency department admissions. We also reviewed quality-of-life data, including fatigue, nausea, pain, appetite, and mood. Results. There were 86 patients who received a total of 3034 doses of IV AA ranging from 50 to 150g. In all, 32 patients received only ascorbic acid as part of their cancer management (1197 doses), whereas 54 patients received ascorbic acid in conjunction with chemotherapy (1837 doses). The most common adverse events related to ascorbic acid were temporary nausea and discomfort at the injection site. All events reported in the ascorbic acid alone group were associated with less than 3% of the total number of infusions. Patients, overall, reported improvements in fatigue, pain, and mood while receiving ascorbic acid. Conclusions. The results of this retrospective analysis support the growing evidence that IV AA is generally safe and well tolerated in patients with cancer, and may be useful in symptom management and improving quality of life.
Effect of fuel injection rate shapes on mixture formation and combustion characteristic in a free-piston diesel engine generator
Authors: Han Cuijie , Yuan Chenheng , He Yituan , Liu Yang
Published: May 2018

The free-piston engine generator is a new power machinery, which removes the crank-shaft mechanism. This article aims to study the impact of different injection rate shapes (left triangle, rectangle, and right triangle) on the free-piston engine generator spray and combustion characteristics. An iteration numerical model was established and validated by experiment. The results reveal that there is a positive correlation between injection rate and evaporation rate, and the faster evaporation rate is more conducive to total evaporated fuel mass. The left triangle and rectangle injection modes have the better level of atomization and mixing in the early injection due to stronger turbulent kinetic energy, longer penetration, and smaller Sauter mean diameter, while the right triangle has opposite results, which impairs the mixture formation, and its higher injection pressure in the late injection duration causes more impinged fuel mass. Moreover, the temperature, pressure, peak heat release rate, and indicated thermal efficiency for the left triangle are greater than the other two injection modes. Therefore, for the free-piston engine generator, faster injection rate in the early injection stage enables to improve the fuel evaporation, atomization, and mixing processes, meanwhile enhances the level of isochoric heat release around top dead center, resulting in higher indicated thermal efficiency.
Culturally relevant school leadership for Syrian refugee students in challenging circumstances
Authors: Arar Khalid , Örücü Deniz , Ak Küçükçayır Gülnur
Published: May 2018

This article presents two rich case studies of schools catering for Syrian refugee students in the Turkish city of Ankara. The article attempts to identify the challenges facing the two schools in this complex reality and the strategies developed by the two principals and their teaching staff to cope with academic, pedagogic and administrative functioning difficulties. Qualitative data collection and analysis were chosen for this investigation. Interpretation followed the four dimensions suggested by Horsford, Grosland and Gunn (2011) in their Framework for Culturally Relevant Leadership: political contexts, pedagogical approaches, personal journeys and professional duties. Findings indicate that although the schools cope with difficult circumstances in the field, the government’s policies are naive and unclear. The principals are motivated by a pedagogy of compassion, containment and humanistic-universal commitment. Conflicting discourses are found among the staff who feel ‘trapped’ in this difficult reality. The principals employ a style that encourages synergistic collective commitment and social cohesion. Conclusions and recommendations are discussed.
Attenuation of TRPV1 by AMG-517 after nerve injury promotes peripheral axonal regeneration in rats
Authors: Bai Juan , Liu Fu , Wu Li-Fei , Wang Ya-Fang , Li Xia-Qing
Published: May 2018

Aims

The main objective was to investigate the effects of the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) on nerve regeneration following sciatic transection injury by functional blockage of TRPV1 using AMG-517, a specific blocker of TRPV1.

Methods

AMG-517 was injected into the area surrounding ipsilateral lumbar dorsal root ganglia 30 min after unilateral sciatic nerve transection. The number of sciatic axons and the expression of growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) and glial fibrillary acidic protein was examined using semithin sections, Western blot, and immunofluorescence analyses.

Results

Blockage of TRPV1 with AMG-517 markedly promoted axonal regeneration, especially at two weeks after sciatic injury; the number of axons was similar to the uninjured control group. After sciatic nerve transection, expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein was decreased and GAP-43 was increased at the proximal stump. However, the expression of both glial fibrillary acidic protein and GAP-43 increased significantly in AMG-517-treated groups.

Conclusions

TRPV1 may be an important therapeutic target to promote peripheral nerve regeneration after injury.
Massive Open Online Courses as affinity spaces for connected learning: Exploring effective learning interactions in one massive online community
Authors: Honeychurch Sarah , Patrick Fiona
Published: May 2018

This paper describes a participatory online culture – Connected Learning Massive Open Online Collaboration (CLMOOC) – and asks how its ethos of reciprocity and creative playfulness occurs. By analysing Twitter interactions over a four-week period, we conclude that this is due to the supportive nature of participants, who describe themselves as belonging to, or connected with, the community. We suggest that Gee’s concept of an affinity space is an appropriate model for CLMOOC and ask how this might be replicated in a higher education setting.
Prophylactic percutaneous left ventricular assist device in pregnancy
Authors: Westcott Jill M , Yaghoubian Yasaman , Williams Mathew R , Roman Ashley S , Hughes Francine , Rosner Mara
Published: May 2018

Pregnancy-associated cardiomyopathy can present earlier in gestation than traditionally defined peripartum cardiomyopathy. Management and optimal delivery timing for these patients are not well defined. We present the case of a 30-year-old primigravid at 26 weeks who presented with new onset ventricular tachycardia, biventricular cardiac failure, and severe mitral regurgitation. She was medically stabilized for two weeks prior to delivery with modest improvement in her condition. Due to concern for life-threatening cardiac failure and pulmonary edema at the time of delivery, a percutaneous left ventricular assist device was inserted immediately prior to cesarean delivery. She remained on mechanical circulatory support for 36 h. We discuss considerations regarding use of a percutaneous left ventricular assist device as a novel therapy to support the hemodynamic changes following delivery in parturients with decompensated heart failure.
Persistent self-supervised learning: From stereo to monocular vision for obstacle avoidance
Authors: van Hecke Kevin , de Croon Guido , van der Maaten Laurens , Hennes Daniel , Izzo Dario
Published: May 2018

Self-supervised learning is a reliable learning mechanism in which a robot uses an original, trusted sensor cue for training to recognize an additional, complementary sensor cue. We study for the first time in self-supervised learning how a robot’s learning behavior should be organized, so that the robot can keep performing its task in the case that the original cue becomes unavailable. We study this persistent form of self-supervised learning in the context of a flying robot that has to avoid obstacles based on distance estimates from the visual cue of stereo vision. Over time it will learn to also estimate distances based on monocular appearance cues. A strategy is introduced that has the robot switch from flight based on stereo to flight based on monocular vision, with stereo vision purely used as “training wheels” to avoid imminent collisions. This strategy is shown to be an effective approach to the “feedback-induced data bias” problem as also experienced in learning from demonstration. Both simulations and real-world experiments with a stereo vision equipped ARDrone2 show the feasibility of this approach, with the robot successfully using monocular vision to avoid obstacles in a 5 × 5 m room. The experiments show the potential of persistent self-supervised learning as a robust learning approach to enhance the capabilities of robots. Moreover, the abundant training data coming from the own sensors allow to gather large data sets necessary for deep learning approaches.
Deep learning for vision-based micro aerial vehicle autonomous landing
Authors: Yu Leijian , Luo Cai , Yu Xingrui , Jiang Xiangyuan , Yang Erfu , Luo Chunbo , Ren Peng
Published: May 2018

Vision-based techniques are widely used in micro aerial vehicle autonomous landing systems. Existing vision-based autonomous landing schemes tend to detect specific landing landmarks by identifying their straightforward visual features such as shapes and colors. Though efficient to compute, these schemes only apply to landmarks with limited variability and require strict environmental conditions such as consistent lighting. To overcome these limitations, we propose an end-to-end landmark detection system based on a deep convolutional neural network, which not only easily scales up to a larger number of various landmarks but also exhibit robustness to different lighting conditions. Furthermore, we propose a separative implementation strategy which conducts convolutional neural network training and detection on different hardware platforms separately, i.e. a graphics processing unit work station and a micro aerial vehicle on-board system, subject to their specific implementation requirements. To evaluate the performance of our framework, we test it on synthesized scenarios and real-world videos captured by a quadrotor on-board camera. Experimental results validate that the proposed vision-based autonomous landing system is robust to landmark variability in different backgrounds and lighting situations.
Cotton rat model for testing vaccines and antivirals against respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Boukhvalova MS , Yim KC , Blanco JCG
Published: May 2018

Respiratory syncytial virus is the leading cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants and is a serious health risk for elderly and immunocompromised individuals. No vaccine has yet been approved to prevent respiratory syncytial virus infection and the only available treatment is immunoprophylaxis of severe respiratory syncytial virus disease in high-risk infants with Palivizumab (Synagis®). The development of respiratory syncytial virus vaccine has been hampered by the phenomenon of enhanced respiratory syncytial virus disease observed during trials of a formalin-inactivated respiratory syncytial virus in 1960s. A search for effective respiratory syncytial virus therapeutics has been complicated by the fact that some of the most advanced respiratory syncytial virus antivirals, while highly effective in a prophylactic setting, had not demonstrated clinical efficacy when given after infection. A number of respiratory syncytial virus vaccines and antivirals are currently under development, including several vaccines proposed for maternal immunization. The cotton rat Sigmodon hispidus is an animal model of respiratory syncytial virus infection with demonstrated translational value. Special cohort scenarios, such as infection under conditions of immunosuppression and maternal immunization have been modeled in the cotton rat and are summarized here. In this review, we focus on the recent use of the cotton rat model for testing respiratory syncytial virus vaccine and therapeutic candidates in preclinical setting, including the use of special cohort models. An overview of published studies spanning the period of the last three years is provided. The emphasis, where possible, is made on candidates in the latest stages of preclinical development or currently in clinical trials.
Pupillary Responses to Illusions of Brightness in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Laeng Bruno , Færevaag Fredrik Svartdal , Tanggaard Stine , von Tetzchner Stephen
Published: May 2018

Previous studies indicate that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) do not experience optical illusions in the same manner as individuals with typical development. This study uses pupillary responses as an objective measure of perception of visual illusions, with the hypothesis that adults with ASD will show weaker pupillary constrictions to the illusions than adults without ASD. An eye-tracker was used to investigate the spontaneous pupillary changes to brightness illusions in adults diagnosed with ASD ( N = 11) and in a control group ( N = 24). Contrary to the hypothesis, the ASD group showed similar pupillary constrictions to the illusory bright stimuli as the control group. Therefore, this study does not support the idea that individuals with ASD have a veridical perception of these types of illusions and instead suggest that atypical perception of illusions does not constitute a universal characteristic of aspect of high-functioning individuals with ASD.
Leaving colorectal polyps in place can be achieved with high accuracy using blue light imaging (BLI)
Authors: Neumann Helmut , Neumann sen. Helmut , Vieth Michael , Bisschops Raf , Thieringer Florian , Rahman Khan F. , Gamstätter Thomas , Tontini Gian Eugenio , Galle Peter R.
Published: May 2018

Objectives

A negative predictive value of more than 90% is proposed by the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Preservation and Incorporation of Valuable Endoscopic Innovations (PIVI) statement for a new technology in order to leave distal diminutive colorectal polyps in place without resection. To our knowledge, no prior prospective study has yet evaluated the feasibility of the most recently introduced blue light imaging (BLI) system for real‐time endoscopic prediction of polyp histology for the specific endpoint of leaving hyperplastic polyps in place.

Aims

Prospective assessment of real‐time prediction of colorectal polyps by using BLI.

Material and methods

In total, 177 consecutive patients undergoing screening or surveillance colonoscopy were included. Colorectal polyps were evaluated in real‐time by using high‐definition endoscopy and the BLI technology without optical magnification. Before resection, the endoscopist described each polyp according to size, shape and surface characteristics (pit and vascular pattern, colour and depression), and histology was predicted with a level of confidence (high or low).

Results

Histology was predicted with high confidence in 92.5% of polyps. Sensitivity of BLI for prediction of adenomatous histology was 92.68%, with a specificity and accuracy of 94.87 and 93.75%, respectively. Following the recommendation of the PIVI statement, positive and negative predictive values were calculated with values of 95 and 92.5%, respectively. Prediction of surveillance based on both US and European guidelines was correctly predicted in 91% of patients.

Conclusion

The most recently introduced BLI technology is accurate enough to leave distal colorectal polyps in place without resection. BLI also allowed for assignment of postpolypectomy surveillance intervals. This approach therefore has the potential to reduce costs and risks associated with the redundant removal of diminutive colorectal polyps.
Dietary supplementation of vitamin D prevents the development of western diet‐induced metabolic, hepatic and cardiovascular abnormalities in rats
Authors: Mazzone Giovanna , Morisco Carmine , Lembo Vincenzo , D’Argenio Giuseppe , D’Armiento Maria , Rossi Antonella , Del Giudice Carmine , Trimarco Bruno , Caporaso Nicola , Morisco Filomena
Published: May 2018

Background

The western diet high in fat and fructose may cause metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases.

Objective

To evaluate whether long‐term daily vitamin D3 supplementation prevents hepatic steatosis and cardiovascular abnormalities and restores insulin sensitivity caused by fat diet in rats without vitamin D deficiency.

Methods

Three groups of rats were fed for 6 months with standard diet (SD), western diet (WD) or WD containing 23 IU/day/rat vitamin D3, respectively. Tail‐cuff systolic blood pressure (SBP)measurements in conscious rats and transthoracic echocardiography were performed in basal condition, and after 3 and 6 months of diet. Hepatic steatosis and myocardial fibrosis were assessed in liver and cardiac tissues using standard methods. Serum insulin and 25(OH)D3 concentrations were determined using rat‐specific ELISA kits. Insulin resistance was determined according to the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) method.

Results

Sixty‐one per cent of hepatocytes in WD rats had steatotic vacuoles compared with just 27% in rats on a WD plus vitamin D3 (p < 0.05).HOMA‐IR was reduced in rats with vitamin D supplementation compared with WD alone (19.4 ± 5.2 vs 41.9 ± 8.9, p < 0.05). Rat blood pressure and left ventricular mass were both reduced by vitamin D3 supplementation.

Conclusion

In animal models of liver and cardiovascular metabolic damage, the supplementation of vitamin D3 shows liver and cardio‐protective effects.