bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of long-labeled pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (ASL) features between young and elderly adults: special reference to parameter selection
Authors: Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Matsuda Tsuyoshi , Kanamoto Masayuki , Tsuchida Tatsuro , Tsuji Kazunobu , Kosaka Nobuyuki , Adachi Toshiki , Kimura Hirohiko
Published: February 2016

Background

The signal intensity obtained by arterial spin labeling (ASL) depends not only on perfusion signal, but also on arterial transit time (ATT). Although ATT has a more significant effect on accurate regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) calculations, the multiple post-labeling delay (PLD) approach is difficult to use in routine examinations.

Purpose

To optimize imaging parameters for labeling duration (LD) and PLD and to confirm their validity in long-labeled pseudo-continuous ASL.

Material and Methods

The perfusion signal was simulated in four LDs and theoretical signal-to-noise ratio efficiency (SNReff) was calculated. In vivo studies were performed on a 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner and 15 volunteers were categorized into either the young or elderly adult groups. We compared the differences in CBF values with or without ATT correction.

Results

Regarding signal simulation, perfusion signal increased with the length of LD. SNReff also improved with LD, but SNReff plateaued at an LD of 3.0 s. As for the in vivo study, SNR linearly increased along with the LD. The CBF differences with the correction of ATT were larger in the elderly adult group. This trend was most prominent in the longer ATT area in the occipital cortical region.

Conclusion

A combination of imaging settings of LD = 3.5 s and PLD = 2.0 s were suggested as optimal imaging parameters for allowing acceptable CBF quantification and sufficient SNR in both young and elderly individuals.
A survey of subcutaneous blood flow in patients with SMID and subcutaneous ceftazidime administration using mentholated warm compresses in healthy subjects
Authors: Ebihara Tsuyoshi , Oshima Shinji , Yasuda Yuko , Okita Mitsuyoshi , Ohara Kousuke , Negishi Akio , Ohshima Shigeru , Iwasaki Hiroyuki , Yoneyama Akira , Kitazumi Eiji , Kobayashi Daisuke
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To investigate subcutaneous blood flow rate (SBFR) in healthy volunteers and patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities (SMID), and evaluate the effect of mentholated warm compresses (MWCs) on SBFR and subcutaneous ceftazidime absorption in healthy volunteers.

Methods

SBFR at the forearm, chest and abdomen were evaluated in Japanese healthy volunteers and in adults with SMID. The effects of MWCs on blood flow rate and ceftazidime pharmacokinetics were evaluated in healthy volunteers.

Results

SBFR was significantly lower in the forearms of female patients with SMID ( n = 11) than in the forearms of healthy females ( n = 6); it was not significantly lower in the abdomen or chest. There were no significant differences between male patients ( n = 18) or controls ( n = 12) in SBFR at any site. MWC application increased SBFR 1.3- to 2.0-fold compared with baseline in healthy controls ( n = 6). MWC application increased ceftazidime maximum blood concentration, SBFR and time above mutant prevention concentration in a single healthy subject.

Conclusions

Abdominal SBFR in patients with SMID did not differ from that of healthy subjects. MWC application increases SBFR and subcutaneous drug absorption rate in healthy humans.
Fasciotomy for Deep Posterior Compartment Syndrome in the Lower Leg
Authors: Winkes Michiel B. , van Zantvoort Aniek P.M. , de Bruijn Johan A. , Smeets Stef J.M. , van der Cruijsen-Raaijmakers Marike , Hoogeveen Adwin R. , Scheltinga Marc R.
Published: February 2016

Background:

Patients with exercise-induced lower leg pain may suffer from deep posterior chronic exertional compartment syndrome (dp-CECS). Current evidence for the efficacy of surgery is based on retrospective studies. Effects of fasciotomy on symptoms associated with dp-CECS have not been systematically studied, and reasons for unsuccessful surgery are unknown.

Purpose:

To report the short- and long-term effects of fasciotomy on pain, tightness, and cramps in a prospective cohort of patients with isolated dp-CECS.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Between September 2011 and January 2015, pain, tightness, cramps, muscle weakness, and diminished sensation were scored (5-item verbal rating scale ranging from very severe [5 points] to absent [1 point]) in patients with dp-CECS before and after fasciotomy. Outcomes were graded as excellent, good, moderate, fair, or poor. Fair and poor cases were again analyzed during a follow-up visit in the outpatient department.

Results:

Forty-four patients underwent surgery for isolated dp-CECS. Short-term follow-up (median, 4 months; range, 3-7 months) was complete in 42 of the 44 patients (95%; median patient age, 23 years; 23 male; 64 operated legs). Long-term follow-up (median, 27 months; range, 12-42 months) was complete in 34 of 37 eligible patients (92%). Before surgery, exertional pain was very severe (27%) or severe (61%). Fasciotomy improved all symptoms, both in the short term (preoperative vs postoperative pain, 4.1 ± 0.6 vs 2.3 ± 1.1; P < .001) and the long term (pain, 4.2 ± 0.6 vs 2.7 ± 1.3; P < .001). Levels of tightness, cramps, muscle weakness, and diminished sensation demonstrated similar significant improvements. Short- and long-term symptom scores did not differ. The short-term outcome was excellent in 29%, good in 29%, moderate in 21%, fair in 12%, and poor in 10% of patients. In the long term, outcomes were similar (excellent, 12%; good, 35%; moderate, 24%; fair, 18%; and poor, 12%). An unsatisfactory outcome (fair or poor) was often caused by alternative types of CECS (eg, anterior or lateral CECS) or to medial tibial stress syndrome. Based on their outcome, 76% of patients would opt for surgery again.

Conclusion:

Fasciotomy was beneficial in 71% of patients with dp-CECS in the lower leg; 47% of study patients experienced a good to excellent outcome. Outcomes were stable in the long term. Persistent complaints were often caused by other untreated conditions.
High School Football Injuries: Evaluation
Authors: Thompson Nancy , Halpern Brian , Curl Walton W. , Andrews James R. , Hunter Stephen C. , McLeod William D.
Published: February 2016

An epidemiologic survey of the literature on high school football injuries revealed methodologic problems. These numerator-denominator inconsistencies and other confounding factors are discussed. The authors suggest a more reliable system of reporting these parameters to further reduce the risk of high school football injuries.
Undernourished Children and Milk Lactose
Authors: Grenov Benedikte , Briend André , Sangild Per T. , Thymann Thomas , Rytter Maren H. , Hother Anne-Louise , Mølgaard Christian , Michaelsen Kim F.
Published: February 2016

Background:

Lactose is an important energy source in young mammals, and in fully breast-fed human infants, it constitutes around 40% of the total daily energy intake. The role of lactose in feeding of undernourished infants and young children is not well described.

Objective:

A narrative review of the potential positive and negative effects of lactose in the treatment of undernourished children.

Methods:

Searches were conducted using PUBMED and Web of Science up to July 2015. Relevant references in the retrieved articles were included.

Results:

Lactose may exhibit several health benefits in young children, including a prebiotic effect on the gut microbiota and a positive effect on mineral absorption. Studies in piglets suggest there might also be a stimulating effect on growth, relative to other carbohydrates. Lactose intolerance is a potential concern for undernourished children. Most undernourished children seem to tolerate the currently recommended (low lactose level) therapeutic foods well. However, a subgroup of severely undernourished children with secondary lactase deficiency due to severe diarrhea or severe enteropathy may benefit from products with even more restricted lactose content. At limited extra costs, lactose or lactose-containing milk ingredients may have beneficial effects if added to food products for undernourished children.

Conclusions:

Lactose may be an overlooked beneficial nutrient for young and undernourished children. Research is needed to define the balance between beneficial and detrimental effects of lactose in undernourished children at different ages and with different degrees of diarrhea and intestinal integrity.
Measurement of impact force for triboluminescent-enhanced composites by modified impulse method
Authors: Frketic Jolie , Ariza Natalia , Olawale David , Okoli Okenwa , Dickens Tarik , Bolden Frazier Nydeia
Published: February 2016

Barely visible impact damage in composites can result in hidden damage such as delamination and cracking. Triboluminescence is currently being looked at as a way of inundating composites with a sensory level mechanism for impact events. ZnS:Mn doped resin sensing plates are embedded within glass fiber-reinforced composites and are impacted at low velocities (3.45–3.51 m/s). The damage created by the impact can be seen under black light analysis and allows for quick visual inspection of the composite. The striker during impact registers a bounce which can be used to determine final impact velocity, which in turn defines the force at impact. By measuring the amount of time between consecutive impacts, an indirect estimation of impact force was made using the temporal occurrence of triboluminescence. Triboluminescent emissions occurred for impacts greater than 300 N. The measured impact energy averaged 36.79 J (±0.48). The calculated impact force and impact energy corresponded to the amount of damage area found on the composite, showing that triboluminescent crystal inclusion into composites can provide damage sensing capability to woven fiber composites.
A Framework of Metacognitive Scaffolding in Learning Authoring System Through Facebook
Authors: Jumaat Nurul Farhana , Tasir Zaidatun
Published: February 2016

Scaffolding refers to a guidance that helps students during their learning sessions whereby it makes learning easier for them. This study aims to develop a framework of metacognitive scaffolding (MS) to guide students in learning Authoring System through Facebook. Thirty-seven master degree students who were enrolled in Authoring System course from three different cohorts of study were selected as respondents. The study identified the dominant mechanism of MS prompted by the instructor, along with the dominant types of online interaction triggered by the students in a Facebook discussion. The data were analyzed by using content analysis technique. Data were collected from the observation through Facebook discussions. Results indicate that the dominant mechanisms of MS prompted by the instructors include guiding the students to focus on their learning processes, providing the students with an instant feedback, and also asking or presenting the rationale of the tasks and activities involved. The dominant types of online interactions include acknowledgment of opinion, evaluating own or other’s understanding, and clarifying and elaborating own understanding. Based on these findings, the proposed framework recommends a series of rules that serves as a guideline for the instructor to produce meaningful learning among the students through MS.
Incorporating Palliative Care Concepts Into Nutrition Practice
Authors: Schwartz Denise Baird , Olfson Kristina , Goldman Babak , Barrocas Albert , Wesley John R.
Published: February 2016

A practice gap exists between published guidelines and recommendations and actual clinical practice with life‐sustaining treatments not always being based on the patient's wishes, including the provision of nutrition support therapies. Closing this gap requires an interdisciplinary approach that can be enhanced by incorporating basic palliative care concepts into nutrition support practice. In the fast‐paced process of providing timely and effective medical treatments, communication often suffers and decision making is not always reflective of the patient's quality‐of‐life goals. The current healthcare clinical ethics model does not yet include optimum use of advance directives and early communication between patients and family members and their healthcare providers about treatment choices, including nutrition support. A collaborative, proactive, integrated process in all healthcare facilities and across levels of care and age groups, together with measurable sustained outcomes, shared best practices, and preventive ethics, will be needed to change the culture of care. Implementation of a better process, including basic palliative care concepts, requires improved communication skills by healthcare professionals. Formalized palliative care consults are warranted early in complex cases. An education technique, as presented in this article, of how clinicians can engage in critical and crucial conversations early with patients and family members, by incorporating the patient's values and cultural and religious diversity in easily understood language, is identified as an innovative tool.
Minimum Time to Achieve the Steady State and Optimum Abbreviated Period to Estimate the Resting Energy Expenditure by Indirect Calorimetry in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Borges Juliano H. , Langer Raquel D. , Cirolini Vagner X. , Páscoa Mauro A. , Guerra‐Júnior Gil , Gonçalves Ezequiel M.
Published: February 2016

Background: The optimum abbreviated period for measurement by indirect calorimetry (IC) to estimate the resting energy expenditure (REE), including the acclimation period, in healthy individuals has not been established. This study aimed to determine the acclimation time required to achieve the REE steady state during a 30‐minute IC measurement and to define the optimum abbreviated measurement period in the steady state to estimate the REE in healthy young adults. Methods: Thirty‐nine volunteers (27 men and 12 women; age, 18–31 years) were recruited. The REE was obtained by IC over 30 minutes. Friedman's test was used to compare the coefficient of variation (CV%) among all 5‐minute intervals (REE5). To compare the REE values obtained during the first REE5 interval in the steady state with the REE average values of the subsequent measurements, Student paired t test, linear regression, and Bland‐Altman test were used. Results: The CV% of the first REE5 (mean ± standard deviation: 19.9% ± 13.2%) was significantly higher (P < .0001) than that of all other REE5 (second REE5: 7.4% ± 3.8%; third: 7.8% ± 5.2%; fourth: 7.1% ± 3.9%; fifth: 8.0% ± 5.7%; sixth: 8.0% ± 4.5%). No significant difference was found between the second REE5 and the REE average values of the last 20 minutes. The second REE5 explained 90% of the REE average of the last 20 minutes, with the 95% limits of agreement by the Bland‐Altman test ranging from −142.92 to 150.44 kcal/d. Conclusion: Ten minutes can be used as an abbreviated alternative for IC measurements in healthy young adults, and values of the first 5‐minute interval should be discarded.
Effects of Posture and Body Mass Index on Body Girth Assessment
Authors: Sousa Ana Sofia , Fonseca Isabel , Pichel Fernando , Amaral Teresa Freitas
Published: February 2016

Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of posture on body girth assessment among hospitalized adults and older adults. We further explored the influence of body mass index (BMI) on this effect. Materials and Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted among hospitalized adult patients. Arm, waist, hip, and calf girths were obtained for each patient in standing and supine positions. Body girths were obtained in the 2 body positions, and differences were compared according to BMI normal‐weight and overweight categories. Results: In total, 123 patients (27.6% aged ≥65 years) composed the study sample. Significant differences were found between measurements obtained in standing and supine positions, ranging from 0.6–1.1 cm. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values were ≥0.97, and agreement ranged from 81.3%–87% (weighted κ ≥ 0.84). Similar results were found when differences were stratified by BMI categories. Conclusion: Although body girth assessment in standing and supine positions in hospitalized adults and older adults differs, these differences are small and are not dependent on BMI categories.
Mayo Registry for Telemetry Efficacy in Arrest Study: An Assessment of the Utility of Telemetry in Predicting Clinical Decompensation
Authors: Snipelisky David , Ray Jordan , Matcha Gautam , Roy Archana , Harris Dana , Bosworth Veronica , Dumitrascu Adrian , Clark Brooke , Vadeboncoeur Tyler , Kusumoto Fred , Bowman Cammi , Burton M. Caroline
Published: February 2016

Introduction:

Our study assesses the utility of telemetry in identifying decompensation in patients with documented cardiopulmonary arrest.

Methods:

A retrospective review of inpatients who experienced a cardiopulmonary arrest from May 1, 2008, until June 30, 2014, was performed. Telemetry records 24 hours prior to and immediately preceding cardiopulmonary arrest were reviewed. Patient subanalyses based on clinical demographics were made as well as analyses of survival comparing patients with identifiable rhythm changes in telemetry to those without.

Results:

Of 242 patients included in the study, 75 (31.0%) and 110 (45.5%) experienced telemetry changes at the 24-hour and immediately preceding time periods, respectively. Of the telemetry changes, the majority were classified as nonmalignant (n = 50, 66.7% and n = 66, 55.5% at 24 hours prior and immediately preceding, respectively). There was no difference in telemetry changes between intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU patients and among patients stratified according to the American Heart Association telemetry indications. There was no difference in survival when comparing patients with telemetry changes immediately preceding and at 24 hours prior to an event (n = 30, 27.3% and n = 15, 20.0%) to those without telemetry changes during the same periods (n = 27, 20.5% and n = 42, 25.2%; P = .22 and .39).

Conclusion:

Telemetry has limited utility in predicting clinical decompensation in the inpatient setting.
Synthesis and characterization of lignin–melamine–formaldehyde resin
Authors: Diop Amadou , Adjallé Kokou , Boëns Benjamin , Montplaisir Daniel , Barnabé Simon
Published: February 2016

Lignin–melamine–formaldehyde (LMF) resin was prepared by three steps: (i) tosylation of lignin, (ii) synthesis of lignin-melamine (LM) copolymer, and (iii) formation of methylol LM. The synthesized resins were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and phosphorous 31 nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. The curing parameters of LMF resin were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis. The yield of tosylation is 80%. The FTIR spectrum of tosylated lignin shows the presence of two new bands at 1171 and 1370 cm−1. The formation of the LM was demonstrated by the disappearance of both bands and appearance of the absorbances at 3115, 3312, 3415, and 3470 cm−1 corresponding to the stretching vibrations of primary and secondary amine. The peaks observed at 147.0 and 148.5 ppm are attributed to the new aliphatic hydroxyl groups formed by the methylolation of LM. One exothermic peak was observed in the DSC analysis indicating a one cross-linking reaction.
Tensile behavior and modeling of short fiber-reinforced polymer composites including temperature and strain rate effects
Authors: Mortazavian Seyyedvahid , Fatemi Ali
Published: February 2016

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the effects of temperature and strain rate on tensile behavior of polybutylene terephthalate and polyamide-6 reinforced with short glass fibers. Tension tests were performed in several mold flow directions, at a range of temperatures between −40°C and 125°C, and a range of strain rates between 5 × 10−5 s−1 and 5 × 10−1 s−1. Mathematical relationships were developed to represent the stress–strain response, as well as tensile strength and elastic modulus in terms of strain rate and temperature. Time–temperature superposition principle was also employed to superimpose the effect of temperature and strain rate on tensile strength. A temperature-dependent shift factor of Arrhenius type is suggested, which is independent of the mold flow direction. Mechanisms of tensile failure were also identified from fractured surface of specimens.
Mechanical, dielectric, and rheological properties of poly(arylene ether nitrile)–reinforced poly(vinylidene fluoride)
Authors: Long Cheng , Wei Renbo , Huang Xu , Feng Mengna , Jia Kun , Liu Xiaobo
Published: February 2016

In this study, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and poly(arylene ether nitrile) (PEN) polymer alloys with different mass ratios were prepared by solution casting method. The morphological, thermal, dielectric, mechanical, and rheological properties of the obtained polymer alloys were systematically studied. Scanning electron microscopic images showed that the polymer alloys exhibited two-phase system with PEN dispersed in PVDF matrix, which was consistent with the Cole–Cole plots obtained from rheological study. With the introduction of PEN, the crystallinity of the alloys decreased obviously, the dielectric properties of the alloys were stable before the melting temperature. When the content of PEN increased to 7 wt%, both the tensile strength and elastic modulus reached the maximum values (35.1 MPa and 1545.3 MPa), with an increment of 24% and 31% compared with those of PVDF, respectively. Rheological studies showed that the addition of PEN could obviously broaden the linear viscoelastic region of PVDF. Furthermore, the complex viscosities and storage modulus of polymer alloys increased obviously with the addition of PEN.
A design change analysis model as a change impact analysis basis for semantic design change management
Authors: Ma Songhua , Jiang Zhaoliang , Liu Wenping
Published: February 2016

Lack of objective design change analysis model is a major problem for the accurate change impact prediction. To solve this problem, this paper proposes an ontology-based model named design change analysis model to organize the unstructured design properties as a basis for design change management. Design change analysis model is constructed by formalizing the mechanical design specifications in the form of design property network. Benefiting from the fine-grained organization, design change analysis model ensures the objectivity and accuracy of design change impact assessment. Since design change analysis model satisfies the attributions of small-world network, the change impact assessment should focus on more meaningful aspects including the linkage weight, node degree, and long-chain linkages of design change analysis model. With design change analysis model, the changeability of each design property which provides a quantified change propagation measurement could be evaluated. Additionally, different components could be distinguished in design change analysis model by using clustering algorithms without specializing them in advance. Design change analysis model modeled in web ontology language is a semantic enrichment model. It supports the semantic design change management due to the mathematic logic-based semantics of web ontology language and semantic web rule language. These lays a basis for updating changes among heterogeneous product development systems, and acquiring feasible change impacted properties.
KL Johnson and contact mechanics
Authors: Hills DA , Nowell D , Barber J R
Published: February 2016

In 2008, the Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science was approaching its 50th anniversary and the editorial board arranged some personal contributions from those who had been material in the journal’s success. In response to this initiative, the authors spoke informally to Ken Johnson about his life and work. However, typically modest in his approach, Ken was reluctant to see the article published during his lifetime, and so it has remained in the ‘bottom drawer of the desk’ ever since. But now, following Prof. Johnson’s passing in September 2015 we thought it appropriate to publish our brief article with minor modifications, and hope that it will serve as a memorial to the enormous contribution he made to his chosen field of study.
Economic Insecurity Increases Physical Pain
Authors: Chou Eileen Y. , Parmar Bidhan L. , Galinsky Adam D.
Published: February 2016

The past decade has seen a rise in both economic insecurity and frequency of physical pain. The current research reveals a causal connection between these two growing and consequential social trends. In five studies, we found that economic insecurity produced physical pain and reduced pain tolerance. In a sixth study, with data from 33,720 geographically diverse households across the United States, economic insecurity predicted consumption of over-the-counter painkillers. The link between economic insecurity and physical pain emerged when people experienced the insecurity personally (unemployment), when they were in an insecure context (they were informed that their state had a relatively high level of unemployment), and when they contemplated past and future economic insecurity. Using both experimental-causal-chain and measurement-of-mediation approaches, we also established that the psychological experience of lacking control helped generate the causal link from economic insecurity to physical pain. Meta-analyses including all of our studies testing the link from economic insecurity to physical pain revealed that this link is reliable. Overall, the findings show that it physically hurts to be economically insecure.
Toxicity study of ochratoxin A using HEK293 and HepG2 cell lines based on microRNA profiling
Authors: Zhao J , Qi X , Dai Q , He X , Dweep H , Guo M , Luo Y , Gretz N , Luo H , Huang K , Xu W
Published: February 2016

Ochratoxin A (OTA) induced DNA damage, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis in mammalian cell lines. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are involved in physiological and developmental processes and contribute to cancer development and progression. In our study, high-throughput miRNA profiling and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis were applied to comparatively study the toxicity of OTA in HEK293 cells and HepG2 cells treated with 25 μM OTA for 24 h. In these two cells, the same changing miRNAs were mostly related to signal transduction pathways, whereas the different changing miRNAs were mostly related to human cancer pathways. DGCR8, Dicer1, and Drosha were significantly suppressed in HEK293 cells, indicating an impairment of miRNA biogenesis. The damage seemed more extensive in HEK293 cells. Cell models and in vivo models were also compared. Many miRNAs in vitro were markedly different from those in vivo; however, OTA toxicity was observed both in vitro and in vivo. The classification of deregulated pathways is similar. The biogenesis of miRNA was impaired in both lines. In conclusion, deregulated miRNAs in vitro are mostly related to human cancer and signal transduction pathways. The deregulated pathways in vivo are similar to those in vitro.
Mental Health in Namibia
Authors: Bartholomew Theodore T.
Published: February 2016

Psychological distress is inherently constructed within contexts and the unique, cultural meaning systems that have developed to understand mental illness. Moreover, cultures naturally develop their own systems of healing, grounded in traditional practices. Western psychology and psychiatry have, through globalisation and colonial histories, imposed systems of mental health care and definitions of mental illness. In doing so, local understandings and ways of being regarding mental health have often been eclipsed. This is no less true in Namibia. However, much of the existing mental health literature from Namibia explores mental illness from a Western lens of psychopathology. This article discusses the relevant research about mental illness in Namibia and situates this within related literature from other Southern African countries. Several cultural factors across diverse groups in Namibia are important to more fully understand what mental illness and treatment are throughout this country. The cultural role of diverse conceptualisations of mental illness is discussed in order to explore potential areas of growth in Namibian mental health and intervention. The nature of traditional healing in other Southern African contexts is also addressed, given that although traditional healing exists in Namibia, researchers have not yet explored it within the context of psychological distress. Recommendations for mental health and psychological treatment in Namibia are discussed.
The Virtual World of Social Networking Sites
Authors: Pradeep Pooja , Sriram Sujata
Published: February 2016

Social Networking Sites (SNSs) such as Facebook have made inroads in the life of users. The current study used a quantitative approach to explore adolescents’ usage of SNS in Mumbai and their perceptions and experiences of the same. The sample consisted of 121 adolescent boys and girls in the age group of 13–18 years. Easily accessible Internet and availability of devices such as smartphones influenced access to SNS. Computer-mediated-communication was the preferred means of communication. Selective self-representation and online social comparison were pertinent themes seen through the study. Gender and age differences were found in the overall usage and experiences of SNS. Parental involvement and monitoring resulted in adolescents engaging in privacy management and helped control risky online behaviour. Overall, adolescents reported more positive experiences with SNS.
Validity and Reliability of Situational Judgement Test Scores
Authors: Sorrel Miguel A. , Olea Julio , Abad Francisco J. , de la Torre Jimmy , Aguado David , Lievens Filip
Published: February 2016

Conventional methods for assessing the validity and reliability of situational judgment test (SJT) scores have proven to be inadequate. For example, factor analysis techniques typically lead to nonsensical solutions, and assumptions underlying Cronbach’s alpha coefficient are violated due to the multidimensional nature of SJTs. In the current article, we describe how cognitive diagnosis models (CDMs) provide a new approach that not only overcomes these limitations but that also offers extra advantages for scoring and better understanding SJTs. The analysis of the Q-matrix specification, model fit, and model parameter estimates provide a greater wealth of information than traditional procedures do. Our proposal is illustrated using data taken from a 23-item SJT that presents situations about student-related issues. Results show that CDMs are useful tools for scoring tests, like SJTs, in which multiple knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics are required to correctly answer the items. SJT classifications were reliable and significantly related to theoretically relevant variables. We conclude that CDM might help toward the exploration of the nature of the constructs underlying SJT, one of the principal challenges in SJT research.
Urinary tract infections in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Phé Véronique , Pakzad Mahreen , Curtis Carmel , Porter Bernadette , Haslam Collette , Chataway Jeremy , Panicker Jalesh N
Published: February 2016

Background:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are commonly reported by people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and significantly impact quality of life.

Objective:

To provide an overview of the problem of UTIs in PwMS and offer a practical approach for the diagnosis and management.

Methods:

A review of the literature through a Pubmed search up to October 2015 was performed using the following keywords: multiple sclerosis, neurogenic bladder, urinary tract infections, relapse, dipsticks, culture, recurrent and prevention.

Results:

Noteworthy topics include the definition of a confirmed symptomatic UTI as a positive urine culture defined by >105 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL or >104 CFU/mL if a urethral catheter urine sample is taken, or any count of bacteria in a suprapubic bladder puncture specimen, both in addition to symptoms including fever, pain, changes in lower urinary tract symptoms or neurological status. Urinalysis is useful to exclude a UTI; however, on its own is insufficient to confirm a UTI, for which urine culture is required. Experts advise asymptomatic UTIs should not be treated except in the context of an acute relapse. From international guidelines, there is no validated strategy to prevent recurrent UTIs in PwMS.

Conclusion:

This review provides an overview of the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of UTIs in the setting of multiple sclerosis (MS).
The ‘gay Olympics’? The Eurovision Song Contest and the politics of LGBT/European belonging
Authors: Baker Catherine
Published: February 2016

The politics of gay and transgender visibility and representation at the Eurovision Song Contest, an annual televised popular music festival presented to viewers as a contest between European nations, show that processes of interest to Queer International Relations do not just involve states or even international institutions; national and transnational popular geopolitics over ‘lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights’ and ‘Europeanness’ equally constitute the understandings of ‘the international’ with which Queer International Relations is concerned. Building on Cynthia Weber’s reading the persona of the 2014 Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst with ‘queer intellectual curiosity’, this article demonstrates that Eurovision shifted from, in the late 1990s, an emerging site of gay and trans visibility to, by 2008–2014, part of a larger discursive circuit taking in international mega-events like the Olympics, international human-rights advocacy, Europe–Russia relations and the politics of state homophobia and transphobia. Contest organisers thus had to take positions — ranging from detachment to celebration — about ‘lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender’ politics in host states and the Eurovision region. The construction of spatio-temporal hierarchies around attitudes to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, however, revealed exclusions that corroborate other critical arguments on the reconfiguration of national and European identities around ‘lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality’.
Soapbox: Class matters in parenting interventions
Authors: Zilberstein Karen
Published: February 2016

Class and income level influence parenting styles and values, yet are rarely discussed in treatment approaches and parenting interventions with families. In this soapbox article, I argue that discrepancies in outcome, retention, and participation could be fruitfully addressed through a fuller understanding of the needs, realities, and parenting goals of families struggling with financial disadvantage. I compare and contrast ethnographic studies of parenting in low socioeconomic environments with the types of strategies and interventions commonly advanced in parent training programs and suggest that clinicians must become more aware of the cultural and socioeconomic overtones of those interventions in determining whether, how, and when to use them with families.
Cultural adaptation of a cognitive-behavioural intervention to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe: Nzira Itsva
Authors: Bere Tarisai , Nyamayaro Primrose , Magidson Jessica F , Chibanda Dixon , Chingono Alfred , Munjoma Ronald , Macpherson Kirsty , Ndhlovu Chiratidzo Ellen , O’Cleirigh Conall , Kidia Khameer , Safren Steven A , Abas Melanie
Published: February 2016

Few evidence-based interventions to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy have been adapted for use in Africa. We selected, culturally adapted and tested the feasibility of a cognitive-behavioural intervention for adherence and for delivery in a clinic setting in Harare, Zimbabwe. The feasibility of the intervention was evaluated using a mixed-methods assessment, including ratings of provider fidelity of intervention delivery, and qualitative assessments of feasibility using individual semi-structured interviews with counsellors (n=4) and patients (n=15). The intervention was feasible and acceptable when administered to 42 patients and resulted in improved self-reported adherence in a subset of 15 patients who were followed up after 6months.
Encouraging majority support for immigrant access to health services: Multiple categorization and social identity complexity as antecedents of health equality
Authors: Prati Francesca , Crisp Richard J. , Pratto Felicia , Rubini Monica
Published: February 2016

Health disparities between groups remain even after accounting for established causes such as structural and economic factors. The present research tested, for the first time, whether multiple social categorization processes can explain enhanced support for immigrant health (measured by respondents’ behavioral intention to support immigrants’ vaccination against A H1N1 disease by cutting regional public funds). Moreover, the mediating role of individualization and the moderating role of social identity complexity were tested. Findings showed that multiple versus single categorization of immigrants lead to support their right to health and confirmed the moderated mediation hypothesis. The potential in developing this sort of social cognitive intervention to address health disparities is discussed.
Loving it but not feeling it yet? The state of European identity after the eastern enlargement
Authors: Ceka Besir , Sojka Aleksandra
Published: February 2016

The inclusion of 11 new member states from the former Eastern bloc constitutes a significant challenge to the European Union in various respects. Many worry that whatever tenuous ‘European identity’ existed prior to the eastern enlargement, it has now become so diluted that no meaningful European political community can form. We provide an empirical account of the state of European identity after the eastern enlargement through a comparative analysis of affective and cognitive European identity in the old and the new Central and Eastern European member states. Our empirical analyses indicate that while the overall levels of cognitive European identification in the East are indeed lower than in the West, citizens from new member states are just as attached to Europe as citizens from old member states. Most importantly, not only is there no discernable difference in cognitive identification among young Europeans in East and West, but the youngest in the East seem to be even more strongly attached to Europe than their peers in the West.
‘Unmarried Mothers’ in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Garrett Paul Michael
Published: February 2016

During the summer of 2014 reports that a ‘septic tank grave’ containing ‘skeletons of 800 babies’ had been discovered on the site of a former home for ‘unmarried mothers’ in Tuam, County Galway appeared in the international press and social media. Doubts quickly began to surface around the assertion that the remains of children had, in fact, been ‘dumped’ in a ‘septic tank, but it is still important that responses to ‘unmarried mothers’ and their children are subject to contemporary scrutiny because substantial concerns clearly warrant investigation. In June 2014 the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, in the Irish coalition government, announced the setting up of an inquiry.

Findings

Acknowledging the significance of historical and archival research for social work, the article provides a more expansive contextual account than that featured in the media coverage. The main focus is on policy and practice in relation to ‘unmarried mothers’ in the early years of the state and the establishment of quasi-penal Mother and Baby Homes. The lack of legal child adoption also restricted the meaningful choices available to expectant, unwed women in Ireland. Many, known to social workers as P.F.I.s (‘pregnant from Ireland’), decided to flee to England to give birth and have children placed for adoption. Drawing on the annual reports of the Catholic Protection and Rescue Society of Ireland, it is revealed that these women often faced being ‘repatriated’ back to Ireland.

Applications

The discussion serves to emphasise the vital significance of social history in comprehending ways of working with ‘troublesome’ populations.
Light diffuseness metric, Part 2: Describing, measuring and visualising the light flow and diffuseness in three-dimensional spaces
Authors: Xia L , Pont SC , Heynderickx I
Published: February 2016

We introduce a way to simultaneously measure the light density, light vector and diffuseness of the light field using a cubic illumination meter based on the spherical harmonics representation of the light field. This approach was applied to six light probe images of natural scenes and four real scenes built in our laboratory, and the results were compared to those obtained using Cuttle’s method. We also demonstrated a way to simultaneously and intuitively visualise the global structure of the light distribution using light tubes and colour coding for the light density, light flow and diffuseness variations through the space. Together with Mury’s work, we have a complete way to describe, measure and visualise the local and global low-order properties of light distributions in three-dimensional spaces.
The significance of post-racial ideology, black political struggle, and racial literacy for Brazilian anti-racist education policy
Authors: Da Costa Alexandre Emboaba
Published: February 2016

This paper furthers current analysis of anti-racist, critical multicultural, and decolonial educational reforms in Brazil through a focus on the significant role played by post-racial ideology, black politics, and racial literacy in policy design and implementation. The paper first details the ways in which post-racial commonsense and anti-black racism have been central to the Brazilian social formation and continue to constitute crucial obstacles to fundamentally reshaping the curriculum, educational institutions, educators’ racial literacy, and classroom pedagogies. The article then contends that understanding the politics of race and education in Brazil necessitates acknowledging emergent anti-racist policies and discourses as the product of decades of black political struggle by activists, educators, and community organizations to make racism and racial inequality public issues. In this way, the policy documents and discourses shaping recent educational reforms in Brazil should be understood as political interventions within a particular historical conjuncture and racial formation. Such an analysis reveals contemporary black Brazilian efforts in education as mobilizations that go beyond a ‘politics of identity,’ recognition and apolitical multiculturalism and towards building more transformative anti-racist and decolonial proposals that directly challenge the nature and effects of anti-black racism in society.
Alternative solvent systems for polycaprolactone nanowebs via electrospinning
Authors: Enis Ipek Y , Vojtech Jakub , Sadikoglu Telem G
Published: February 2016

In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL) was dissolved in 9:1 chloroform:ethanol mixture at 14%, 16%, 18% and 20% w/v concentrations. Then, acetic acid and formic acid were added at pre-determined amounts to 18% PCL/chloroform:ethanol solution system separately. Before production, viscosity and conductivity of prepared solutions were measured. Electrospinning technique was used for fabrication of fibrous webs. Morphology of produced webs was observed under a scanning electron microscope while fiber diameter measurements and pore analysis were realized via Image J Software System. The effect of polymer concentration and acidic solvent additions to mostly used chloroform solvent was investigated based on fiber morphology. Results indicate that the increase in polymer concentration increases the fiber diameter which leads to larger average pore area. Electrospinning of PCL with 16% to 20% polymer concentrations in chloroform:ethanol solvent system results in micro fibers. On the other hand, fiber diameter reduced from microscales to nanoscales with the addition of either acetic or formic acid. Fibers produced from PCL/chloroform:ethanol solution at 18% polymer concentration have 2.22 µm average fiber diameter, whereas 158 nm and 256 nm diameter fibers were successfully produced without a bead-like structure by 120 µl of acetic and formic acid additions to the same solution system.
Abnormal Neural Basis of Emotional Conflict Control in Treatment-Resistant Depression
Authors: Xue Song , Wang Shanshan , Kong Xia , Qiu Jiang
Published: February 2016

Emotional conflict has received increased attention as a research topic. The objective of this study is to confirm that the processing of emotional conflict is impaired in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). We compared the event-related potentials of 17 patients with TRD and 17 healthy controls during the face-word Stroop task, which is an effective way of assessing the effects of emotional conflict directly. Compared with healthy controls, the accuracy scores of the TRD patients were lower in both “congruent stimuli” and “incongruent stimuli” conditions, and their response times were longer. The TRD patients also had larger N2 amplitudes over the frontal region, regardless of stimulus condition, which might reflect that TRD patients pay more attention to emotional information. A larger P3 amplitude over the frontal region for “incongruent stimuli minus congruent stimuli” was also found among patients with TRD, which indicates interference effects in the Stroop task. The results of this study provide novel behavioral and neurophysiological evidence of anomalies in cognitive inhibition among patients with TRD using the word-face task. These findings not only improve our understanding of deficient inhibition in TRD, but also pave the way for a cognitive neuropsychiatric model of depression.
Dynamic research on single-row slewing bearing with local spalling of inner ring
Authors: Zong Haiyong , Wang Hua , Hong Rongjing
Published: February 2016

The working state of equipments such as wind turbines, cranes, and excavators is directly affected by the damage of the slewing bearing. Condition monitoring system is a good method to identify the defects; however, the measuring range and distribution of the sensors have important influence on the monitoring efficacy. Due to the thin-wall and cyclic structure characteristics of a slewing bearing, the defect characteristic response is unusual and unknown. To solve this problem, a finite element model for local defect on the raceway of a slewing bearing was established by ABAQUS, and the operating process of the slewing bearing was simulated based on the explicit dynamic finite element algorithm. The pulse waveforms of vibration responses under different defect sizes are obtained, and the influencing mechanism of the damage sizes on the slewing bearing was studied. The simulation results show that the increase in defect length is the dominant influence on the operation of a slewing bearing and the effect of height is negligible under the same conditions. Furthermore, the explicit dynamic finite element analysis model was reasonable by comparing the simulation results with the test results. Therefore, the localized defect on the raceway surface of a slewing bearing can be reflected by finite element simulation analysis, and the analytical results can help develop the raceway damage monitoring system of a slewing bearing.