bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Shadow’s Shadow, or Gendered Ambition in Asta Nielsen’s 1921 Hamlet
Authors: Brataas Delilah Bermudez
Published: November 2018

William Shakespeare’s Hamlet was the subject of at least 13 silent films, yet Asta Nielsen’s 1921 Hamlet, directed by Svend Gade and Heinz Schall, was unique on several levels, with neither the play’s familiar language nor the visual icons one would expect. No film adaptation captures the tragedy’s thematic ambition as masterfully through the same interrogation of light and dark that the original play realizes through words. In this article, I explore the film’s strategic use of chiaroscuro in tandem with props and costuming and its continuing influence on the visual reception of Shakespeare’s play.
Comparative efficacy and safety of NSAIDs-controlled acupuncture in the treatment of patients with primary dysmenorrhoea: a Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Luo Falan , Huang Xinyu , Liu Xiaohui , Wang Lijun , Xu Nenggui
Published: November 2018

Background

Acupuncture and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used frequently to treat primary dysmenorrhoea. However, it is unclear whether this treatment greatly reduces the risk of primary dysmenorrhoea.

Methods

Eight databases were searched up to January 2018. Pair-wise and network meta-analyses were conducted to synthesize data from eligible studies.

Results

Seventeen randomized controlled trials were included. The following acupuncture types showed more efficacy than NSAIDs in reducing primary dysmenorrhoea risk: traditional acupuncture (odds ratio [OR] = 6.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.60–20.0), eye acupuncture (OR = 3.50, 95% CI 1.40–8.90), wrist–ankle acupuncture (OR = 6.00, 95% CI 1.30–32.0), superficial acupuncture (OR= 5.10, 95% CI 1.20–26.0), moxibustion (OR = 7.70, 95% CI 2.90–25.0), electroacupuncture (OR = 23.0, 95% CI 4.80–130), ear acupuncture (OR = 13.0, 95% CI 2.80–100) and abdominal acupuncture (OR = 5.30, 95% CI 2.10–16.0). Surface under the cumulative ranking curve values were traditional acupuncture (53.0%), eye acupuncture (22.0%), wrist–ankle acupuncture (81.5%), superficial acupuncture (50.0%), moxibustion (57.8%), electroacupuncture (99.9%), ear acupuncture (41.6%) and abdominal acupuncture (44.1%).

Conclusion

Acupuncture is more efficacious than NSAIDs in reducing primary dysmenorrhoea risk. Acupuncture, particularly electroacupuncture, can decrease the risk of primary dysmenorrhoea.
Direct Comparison of Modified Jobe and Docking Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction at Midterm Follow-up
Authors: Arner Justin W. , Chang Edward S. , Bayer Stephen , Bradley James P.
Published: November 2018

Background:

The modified Jobe and docking techniques are the 2 most commonly employed techniques for ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction among overhead athletes. However, no study has directly compared these techniques performed by a single surgeon. Current comparisons of these techniques have relied solely on systematic reviews and biomechanical studies.

Hypothesis:

There will be no difference in outcomes or return to play between the modified Jobe and docking techniques in elbow UCL reconstruction surgery.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Twenty-five modified Jobe and 26 docking UCL-reconstructive surgical procedures were performed by a single surgeon, each with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) score, Conway Scale, years played, sex, handedness, sport, position, palmaris versus gracilis graft type, concomitant or future arm/shoulder injuries, and need for additional surgery were compared between the groups. Patients who underwent future shoulder or elbow surgery, no matter the cause, were included.

Results:

No difference was seen between the modified Jobe and docking reconstruction cases in regard to KJOC scores (mean ± SD: 78.4 ± 19.5 vs 72.0 ± 26.0, P = .44), Conway Scale (return to play, any level: 84% vs 82%, P = .61), years played (14.7 ± 6.2 vs 15.2 ± 5.8, P = .52), sex ( P = .67), handedness ( P ≥ .999), sport ( P = .44), position ( P = .60), level of competition ( P = .59), and future surgery (12% vs 4%, P = .35). Palmaris graft type had significantly higher KJOC scores than hamstring grafts (82.3 ± 20.0 vs 57.9 ± 21.2, P = .001). The mean follow-up was 6.1 years in the modified Jobe group and 7.3 years in the docking group (mean = 6.7, P = .47).

Conclusion:

The modified Jobe and docking techniques are both suitable surgical options for elbow UCL reconstruction. There was no statistically significant difference between the techniques in regard to return to play, KJOC score, or need for subsequent surgery at 6.7-year follow-up. This is the first direct clinical comparison of these 2 techniques by a single surgeon at midterm follow-up.
Unequal Exceptions: Zoning Relief in New York City, 1998–2017
Authors: Fischer Lauren Ames , Stahl Valerie E. , Baird-Zars Bernadette
Published: November 2018

Zoning relief, the process of exempting individual properties from land-use regulations, is a widespread yet underexplored planning practice. A mixed-methods analysis of applications to the Board of Standards and Appeals in New York City between 1998 and 2017 examines three clusters of zoning relief. The results suggest a strong relationship between relief and neighborhood socio-political capital and underscore relief as a powerful form of ad hoc planning. Zoning relief practices in New York City deepen inequalities but also facilitate planning goals such as disaster recovery and allowing families to grow in place. Zoning relief has long-lasting consequences on urban development and deserves increased attention from planning scholars.
Taking Time to Learn: The Importance of Theory for Adult Education
Authors: Gouthro Patricia A.
Published: November 2018

This article explores the importance of sustaining a rich and vibrant discourse of theory to inform the practice of adult education. Beginning with a brief overview of factors that have shaped the development of theory in adult education, the article then explores reasons why educators may not spend as much time teaching and learning about theory as they have in the past. For educators working from a social justice perspective, theory provides an important analytical lens to counter injustice and shape social action. Using a critical feminist perspective, the argument is made that ensuring that adult education is a practice informed by theory enables educators to understand the complexity of the teaching and learning process, encourages students to explore the ways in which power shapes our personal and social learning contexts, and fosters the development of a more critically literate and engaged citizenry.
Bystander Responses to Intimate Partner Misconduct: Barriers to Responding to Physical and Sexual Violations
Authors: Katz Jennifer , Edgington Claire , McCabe Elizabeth
Published: November 2018

All forms of unchecked acts of violence against women may harm individual women while also normalizing the ways in which women are routinely violated. Violence against women manifests across a continuum of linked behaviors, yet few studies have investigated bystander responses to less extreme forms of intimate partner violence. We examined bystander responses to different forms of misconduct: physical (grabbing and imminent slapping) or sexual (groping and unwanted kissing). Undergraduates ( N = 402) read and responded to dating conflict scenarios in which they witnessed a young man verbally insult a young woman while perpetrating either sexual or physical misconduct. Across conditions, 42% of participants described misconduct as abusive, although this was significantly more common among those assigned to the physical (52%) than sexual (32%) conditions. Compared with those in the sexual misconduct condition, participants in the physical misconduct condition reported greater intent to directly intervene. Furthermore, participants in the physical misconduct condition also reported more barriers to intervention, including less awareness/attention to misconduct, less perceived danger to the victim, and less personal responsibility to intervene. In multivariate analyses, less awareness/attention to misconduct and less personal responsibility uniquely predicted lower intent to intervene; these same barriers also explained the tendency for bystanders to report lower intent to intervene in response to sexual than physical misconduct. These results suggest the need for education to promote awareness of the continuum of violence against women. Education also is needed to increase feelings of personal responsibility to challenge the normalization of less extreme violent acts.
Examining Changes in Healthy Days After Health Coaching
Authors: Cole Sam , Zbikowski Susan M. , Renda Andrew , Wallace Anne , Dobbins Jessica M. , Bogard Matt
Published: November 2018

Purpose:

To describe changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) related to variation in demographic characteristics, program goals, and program participation, among health coaching program participants.

Design:

A retrospective observational study of a health coaching program.

Setting and Participants:

A total of 2169 adults enrolled in an individually purchased or employer-sponsored health plan from a large health and well-being company, who participated in a health coaching program between January 2016 and April 2017.

Intervention:

The health coaching program used evidence-based behavior change strategies to encourage skill development, self-monitoring, and goal setting/achievement. Health coaching program modalities included online and telephonic coaching sessions.

Measures:

Demographic characteristics (gender, age, race, income), goal categories (weight management, fitness, nutrition, stress management, other), program modality (online, telephonic, both), engagement level (low, medium, high), and Healthy Days, a validated HRQOL measure developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Analysis:

t Tests, mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results:

There were significant ( P < .05) reductions in average total unhealthy days (UHDs) across all goal categories. Mixed ANOVAs identified a significant main effect for time, for all demographic characteristics ( P values < .05), and a significant effect for program modality ( P < .0001), time ( P < .0001), and interaction effects, between program modality and time, on average UHD ( P = .01).

Conclusion:

Our findings indicate significant reductions in UHD, following 6 months of health coaching, and support the use of HRQOL measures, which are known to be highly correlated with traditional measures of health, to evaluate health coaching programs.
‘I’m Not a Bloody Slave, I Get Paid and if I Don’t Get Paid Then Nothing Happens’: Sarah’s Experience of Being a Student Sex Worker
Authors: Simpson Jessica , Smith Sarah
Published: November 2018

Sex work remains a contentious area of debate. Whether or not sex work is considered to be a form of labour is in itself contested. As discussion is often about rather than with sex workers, this article brings Sarah’s experiences of being both a student and a sex worker, in two different areas of the UK, to centre stage. This candid account highlights the precarious and competitive nature of being self-employed within the current neoliberal climate, as well as the similarities sex work shares with other ‘mainstream’ forms of labour particularly within the ‘gig economy’. Existing research has focused on how/why students enter the sex industry leaving a gap in the literature regarding what happens after university in this context. It appears from Sarah’s account that leaving sex work behind may not be as straightforward as she had originally anticipated, for reasons other than just making money.
Transplantation of Amniotic Fluid-Derived Stem Cells Preconditioned with Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene Alleviates Renal Fibrosis
Authors: Li Shulin , Zhao Yuan , Wang Zhuojun , Wang Jia , Liu Caixia , Sun Dong
Published: November 2018

Amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (AFSCs), which exhibit both embryonic and mesenchymal stem cell characteristics, have been shown to mitigate the degree of renal interstitial fibrosis. The aim of the present study was to determine whether transplantation of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)–modified AFSCs is more useful than transplantation of unmodified AFSCs for the treatment of renal interstitial fibrosis. Mice were randomly assigned to a sham-operation group (sham), a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-saline solution group (UUO), an AFSC transplantation group (AFSC) and a GDNF-modified AFSC transplantation group (GDNF-AFSC) and sacrificed at days 3 and 7 post-surgery (six in each group). We showed that GDNF-AFSCs noticeably suppressed oxidative stress and inflammation; additionally, GDNF-AFSCs positively regulated peritubular capillaries (PTCs), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) protein levels. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that mitochondrial injury induced by the UUO model was significantly ameliorated after the mice were treated with GDNF-AFSCs. Therefore, we determined that GDNF gene promotes the abilities of AFSCs to inhibit inflammatory and oxidative stress effects, repair renal microvessels, relieve tissue hypoxia and mitochondrial damage, and, ultimately, alleviate renal interstitial fibrosis.
Horses for Courses: Setting Tasks for Spotting Talent
Authors: Ghosh Saptarshi P.
Published: November 2018

We investigate a distortion in the labour market that is rampant in developing countries and occurs in the form of inaccurate estimation of the innate talents of employees. We characterise the optimal level of difficulty in a predictive task that an employer, who acts as the evaluator, must choose in order to have the least noise in the talent estimation process. Contrary to the standard noise minimization result, our model re affirms the staffing policy of throwing employees in the deep end. We also find that the evaluator will not benefit from knowing the result of the predictive task set from beforehand.

JEL: D82, D83
Using Fast Frequency Household Survey Data to Estimate the Impact of Demonetisation on Employment
Authors: Vyas Mahesh
Published: November 2018

Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy Pvt. Ltd conducts a large longitudinal household survey, Consumer Pyramids Household Survey (CPHS). Since January 2016 it has been producing fast-frequency measures of unemployment by using the CPHS. This article attempts to understand the impact of demonetisation announced on 8 November 2016, if any, on employment by using the results from CPHS. We use data on two waves preceding demonetisation and two waves after demonetisation, that is, seven quarters—3 before and 4 after demonetisation—and also monthly and weekly data to understand the impact of demonetisation. The evidence indicates a substantial loss of jobs and labour participation after demonetisation.

JEL: J640, J08, J210
Unilateral declarations and the European Court of Human Rights: Between efficiency and the interests of the applicant
Authors: Glas Lize R
Published: November 2018

Faced with numerous repetitive applications, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has welcomed the unilateral declaration mechanism as a way to handle these efficiently. In a unilateral declaration, the state admits a human rights violation and promises to provide redress to the applicant. On that basis, the Court strikes out an application and does not deal with its merits. Some authors and non-governmental organizations warn against losing sight of the applicants’ interests whilst relying on unilateral declarations. Against this background, this article aims to establish whether unilateral declarations are indeed (mostly) used to dispose of repetitive applications and how this procedure works in practice. The second aim is to determine whether the interests of the applicants are sufficiently protected when the Court rules on unilateral declarations. The analysis is based on all 1285 unilateral declarations, which the states parties to the ECHR have proposed in the five years following 2 April 2012.
“Who Will Marry a Diseased Girl?” Marriage, Gender, and Tuberculosis Stigma in Asia
Authors: Hatherall Bethan , Newell James N. , Emmel Nick , Baral Sushil Chandra , Khan Muhammad Amir
Published: November 2018

In a qualitative study on the stigma associated with tuberculosis (TB), involving 73 interviews and eight focus groups conducted in five sites across three countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan), participants spoke of TB’s negative impact on the marriage prospects of women in particular. Combining the approach to discovering grounded theory with a conceptualization of causality based on a realist ontology, we developed a theory to explain the relationships between TB, gender, and marriage. The mechanism at the heart of the theory is TB’s disruptiveness to the gendered roles of wife (or daughter-in-law) and mother. It is this disruptiveness that gives legitimacy to the rejection of marriage to a woman with TB. Whether or not this mechanism results in a negative impact of TB on marriage prospects depends on a range of contextual factors, providing opportunities for interventions and policies.
This Is Not a Vacation: The Shadow Side of Study Abroad Programs for Faculty
Authors: Madden Timothy M. , McMillan Amy , Madden Laura T.
Published: November 2018

Study abroad programs (SAPs) are desirable experiential learning opportunities that can enrich students and faculty alike. Faculty participate in SAPs because their immersive learning contexts offer a variety of personal and professional benefits, including the chance to meet new research contacts, tour cultural sites, and get to know students in a more informal context. Despite these benefits, SAPs contain a substantial shadow side for faculty and involve unanticipated temporal, financial, and physiological costs. Additionally, risks—some of which can never be fully avoided—also remain sources of stress and anxiety. This study uses a qualitative approach to identify and shed light on these understated issues that are typically relegated to the shadow. Questionnaires and semistructured interviews with experienced SAP faculty leaders provide evidence for these elements, which is the first step in aligning faculty expectations with the likely realities that await them abroad. The study concludes with practices and strategies to mitigate some of the costs and risks that faculty may face before, during, and after their involvement in an SAP.
Evaluation of contact fatigue life of a wind turbine carburized gear considering gradients of mechanical properties
Authors: Wang Wei , Liu Huaiju , Zhu Caichao , Sun Zhangdong
Published: November 2018

Case hardening processes such as carburizing are extensively applied in heavy-duty gears used in wind turbines, ships, high-speed rails, etc. Contact fatigue failure occurs commonly in engineering practice, thus reduces reliabilities of those machines. Rolling contact fatigue life of a carburized gear is influenced by factors such as the gradients of mechanical properties and profile of initial residual stress. In this regard, the study of contact fatigue life of carburized gears should be conducted with the consideration of those aspects. In this study, a finite element elastic–plastic contact model of a carburized gear is developed which takes the gradients of hardness and initial residual stress into account. Initial residual stress distribution and the hardness profile along the depth are obtained through experimental measurements. The effect of the hardness gradient is reflected by the gradients of yield strength and fatigue parameters. The modified Fatemi–Socie strain-life criterion is used to estimate the rolling contact fatigue life of the heavy-duty carburized gear. Numerical results reveal that according to the Fatemi–Socie fatigue life criterion, rolling contact fatigue failure of the carburized gear will first initiate at subsurface rather than surface. Compared with the un-carburized gear, the rolling contact fatigue lives of the carburized gear under all load conditions are significantly improved. Under heavy load conditions, the carburized layer significantly reduces the fatigue damage mainly due to the benefit to inhibit the accumulation of plasticity. Influence of the residual stress is also investigated. Under the nominal load condition, compared with the residual stress-free case, the existence of the tensile residual stress causes remarkable deterioration of the rolling contact fatigue life while the compressive residual stress with the same magnitude leads to a moderate growth of the rolling contact fatigue life. As the load becomes heavier when plasticity becomes notable, the influence of the initial residual stress on the life is somewhat weakened.
Role Residual: A Model of the Antecedents and Consequences of Enduring Role Sender Expectations
Authors: Cooper Joseph T. , Cardon Melissa S.
Published: November 2018

Although much attention has been paid to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences that an individual brings when he or she transitions into an organizational role, little attention has been given to the history of the enactment of the role into which he or she is transitioning. This article examines how the behaviors of a predecessor influence the expectations for the successor, the successor’s role behaviors, and the evaluations made of the successor. A new construct, role residual, is introduced as a conceptual link between the behaviors of the predecessor and the behaviors and evaluations of the successor. A role residual is the set of expectations held by a role sender, associated with a position in an organization, which is left behind by a predecessor. A model of the antecedents and outcomes of role residual is presented and implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed.
Chrysin Suppresses Vascular Endothelial Inflammation via Inhibiting the NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhao Shengnan , Liang Minglu , Wang Yilong , Hu Ji , Zhong Yi , Li Jia , Huang Kai , Li Yiqing
Published: November 2018

The vascular endothelium is a continuous layer of flat polygonal cells that are in direct contact with the blood and participate in responses to inflammation. Chrysin is a flavonoid compound extracted from plants of the genus Asteraceae with a wide range of pharmacological activities and physiological activities. Here, we studied the effects of chrysin on the regulation of the proadhesion and pro-inflammatory phenotypes of the endothelium both in vitro and in vivo. Our results revealed that chrysin strongly inhibited Tohoku Hospital Pediatrics-1 (THP-1) cell adhesion to primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells and concentration-dependently attenuated interleukin 1β-induced increases in intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin messenger RNA levels and ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 protein levels. Previous studies reported that nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) is important in the inflammatory response in endothelial cells, particularly in regulating adhesion molecules, and our data shed light on the mechanisms whereby chrysin suppressed endothelial inflammation via the NF-κB signaling pathway. In addition, our in vivo findings demonstrated the effects of chrysin in the permeability and inflammatory responses of the endothelium to inflammatory injury. Taken together, we conclude that chrysin inhibits endothelial inflammation both in vitro and in vivo, which could be mainly due to its inhibition of NF-κB signaling activation. In conclusion, chrysin may serve as a promising therapeutic candidate for inflammatory vascular diseases.
Caregiving Stress Among American Indians With Type 2 Diabetes: The Importance of Awareness of Connectedness and Family Support
Authors: Coser Ashleigh , Sittner Kelley J. , Walls Melissa L. , Handeland Tina
Published: November 2018

American Indian (AI) communities experience a disproportionate rate of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cumulative exposure to stress. Although this link is well researched among various populations, it has not been examined among AI communities. Path analysis was used to examine a multiple-mediator model to explain how caregiver stress influences self-reported mental and physical health among 100 AI participants with T2D. Caregiver stress was negatively associated with physical and mental health. Physical health was positively associated with family/community connectedness and mental health was positively associated with both family support and connectedness. The relationship between caregiver stress and mental health was partially mediated by family/community connectedness; caregiver stress had no indirect effects on physical health via either hypothesized mediator. Findings demonstrate the importance of integrating individuals’ connection to family and community and its influence on caregiver stress and mental health in intervention programs targeting diabetes management and care among AI communities.
Isn’t It All About Victimization? (Intra)cultural Pressure and Cutural Betrayal Trauma in Ethnic Minority College Women
Authors: Gómez Jennifer M.
Published: November 2018

Cultural betrayal trauma theory proposes that intraracial trauma in ethnic minority populations includes a cultural betrayal that contributes to outcomes, such as symptoms of PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder; posttraumatic stress symptoms [PTSS]), dissociation, and (intra)cultural pressure. Participants ( n = 179) were ethnic minority female college students, who completed online questionnaires. The results revealed that when controlling for age, ethnicity, and interracial trauma, intraracial trauma and (intra)cultural pressure affected PTSS and dissociation. There were also indirect effects of cultural betrayal trauma on outcomes through (intra)cultural pressure. The current study can contribute to clinical interventions that address trauma-related mental health in ethnic minority college women.
Atypical Hepatic Mesenchymal Hamartoma: Histologic Appearance, Immunophenotype, and Molecular Findings
Authors: El Demellawy Dina , Lee James YJ , McDonell Laura , Dyment David A , Knisely AS , McGowan-Jordan Jean , Ngan Bo , Finegold Milton , Kapur Raj P , Nasr Ahmed
Published: November 2018

Hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma is a rare benign neoplasm principally encountered in young children. Its origin is unknown. We report an unusual hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma in a 7-month-old girl, including histopathologic findings, immunophenotype, and karyotype. Chromosomal microarray analysis of tumoral tissue and circulating lymphocytes found 4 copies of a segment at 1q44 and fluorescence in situ hybridization indicated tandem triplication, ascribed to expansion of a paternal tandem duplication. This genetic abnormality may have played a role in pathogenesis.
Femoral head material loss at the head-neck junction in total hip arthroplasty: the effect of head size, stem material and stem offset
Authors: Valente Giuseppe , Lanting Brent , MacDonald Steven , Teeter Matthew G , Van Citters Douglas , Howard James
Published: November 2018

Introduction:

Material loss at the head-neck junction in total hip arthroplasty may cause adverse clinical symptoms and implant failure. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively examine the effects of head size, stem material and stem offset on material loss of the head-neck taper interface of a single trunnion design in retrieval implants of metal on polyethylene bearing surfaces.

Methods:

A retrieval study was performed to identify all 28-mm and 32-mm femoral heads from a single implant/taper design implanted for >2 years. This included n = 56 of the 28-mm heads and n = 23 of the 32-mm heads. The 28-mm femoral heads were matched to 32-mm femoral heads based on time in vivo and head length. A coordinate measuring machine was used to determine maximum linear corrosion depth (MLD). Differences in MLD for head diameter, stem material, and stem offset were determined.

Results:

There were no differences between groups for age, gender, BMI, or implantation time. There was no difference in MLD between 28 mm and 32 mm matched paired head diameters ( p = 0.59). There was also no difference in MLD between titanium or cobalt-chromium stems ( p = 0.79), and regular or high-offset stems ( p = 0.95).

Conclusion:

There is no statistical difference in femoral head MLD at the head-neck junction in THA between 28-mm and 32-mm matched paired femoral heads, similar or mixed alloy coupled femoral head stem constructs, and regular or high offset stems.
Peripheral Biomarker for Vascular Disorders
Authors: Shad Kaneez Fatima , Luqman Nazar , Simpson Ann M , Lal Sara
Published: November 2018

Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of most myocardial infarction (MI) and ischaemic stroke episodes. An early sign of atherosclerosis is hypertrophy of the arterial wall. It is known that increased intima media thickness (IMT) is a non-invasive marker of arterial wall alteration, which can easily be assessed in the carotid arteries by high-resolution B-mode ultrasound. Similarly, the other key element of MI and ischaemic strokes is the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor which is an ionotropic glutamate receptor that mediates the vast majority of excitatory neurotransmission in the brain. NMDA activation requires the binding of both glutamate and a coagonist like D-serine to its glycine site. A special enzyme, serine racemase (SR), is required for the conversion of L-serine into D-serine, and alterations in SR activities lead to a variety of physiological and pathological conditions ranging from synaptic plasticity to ischemia, MI, and stroke. The amount of D-serine available for the activation of glutamatergic signalling is largely determined by SR and we have developed ways to estimate its levels in human blood samples and correlate it with the IMT. This research based short communication describes our pilot study, which clearly suggests that there is a direct relationship between the SR, D-serine, and IMT. In this article, we will discuss whether the activity of SR can determine the future consequences resulting from vascular pathologies such as MI and stroke.
Sexting as sexual stigma: The paradox of sexual self-representation in digital youth cultures
Authors: De Ridder Sander
Published: November 2018

Drawing on focus group research (N = 39) with young people between 15 and 18 years old in Dutch-speaking Belgium, this article looks at sexting in the context of early social constructionist work on (sexual) stigma. Considering the context of digital media, which are used by young people to express themselves sexually, this contribution explores why stigma surrounds sexual self-representation in digital media and youth cultures. The findings illustrate how young people’s discourse creates a consistent ideology, defining sexting as a violation of the norm of ‘good’ online conduct, while normalizing stigmatizing responses to sexting (e.g. shaming and bullying). Perceptions of social media affordances, societal responses and surrounding cultural values to sexting were found to be crucial sources of knowledge used to make sense of sexting as stigma.
For an Emancipatory Animal Sociology
Authors: Taylor Nik , Sutton Zoei
Published: November 2018

Sociologists have contributed to the development of the animal studies field in recent decades. However, many of these ventures have been anthropocentric, stopping short of sociological calls for animal liberation despite the fact that critical sociological concepts are often the (unspoken) antecedents of such work. Here, we present a systematic review of peer-reviewed sociological articles on human–animal relationships since 1979. Our analysis identified key themes supporting charges of anthropocentrism, but also aspects of politicised animal sociology. Based on this we call for sociological animal studies to incorporate a specifically Emancipatory Animal Sociology: an approach grounded in a social justice and emancipatory praxis that explicitly and critically engages with the material conditions of animals’ lives, taking into account the experiences and knowledge of activists and others working directly with animals and, where possible, centres the animals themselves.
The Care Ecosystem: Promoting self-efficacy among dementia family caregivers
Authors: Merrilees Jennifer J , Bernstein Alissa , Dulaney Sarah , Heunis Julia , Walker Reilly , Rah Esther , Choi Jeff , Gawlas Katherine , Carroll Savannah , Ong Paulina , Feuer Julie , Braley Tamara , Clark Amy M , Lee Kirby , Chiong Winston , Bonasera Stephen J , Miller Bruce L , Possin Katherine L
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To illustrate specific psychosocial interventions aimed at improving self-efficacy among family caregivers enrolled in the Care Ecosystem, a model of navigated care designed to support persons with dementia and their primary caregivers. Enrolled family caregivers work with unlicensed care team navigators who are trained in dementia care and provide information, linkages to community resources, and emotional support by phone and email.

Method

We conducted focus groups and interviews with the care team navigators to identify the approaches they used to target caregiver self-efficacy. We assessed mean self-efficacy scores in a sample of 780 family caregivers and selected three exemplary cases in which the caregivers had low self-efficacy scores at baseline with significantly higher scores after six months of participation in the Care Ecosystem intervention.

Results

Multiple psychosocial strategies were utilized by care team navigators working with patients with dementia and their family caregivers. Using thematic coding we identified three categories of Care Team Navigator intervention: emotional, informational, and instrumental support. These are consistent with a psychosocial approach to building self-efficacy.

Discussion

Self-efficacy represents a family caregiver’s knowledge and preparedness in managing the challenges of care. Psychosocial support shows benefit in improving caregiver self-efficacy that in turn, may positively influence caregiver health and well-being. The findings in this manuscript demonstrate how a model of navigated care can positively impact self-efficacy among dementia family caregivers.
Exercise physiology in aged care: Perceptions and acceptability from the perspectives of family members and care staff in the residential aged care environment
Authors: Post Dannielle , Corlis Megan , Penington Alison , Parfitt Gaynor
Published: November 2018

As we age, maintaining physical functionality is important with respect to wellbeing and healthy ageing. For older adults with dementia this may be difficult, particularly in the residential aged care environment. This article reports the qualitative examination of an Exercise Physiologist-delivered exercise programme for residents with dementia. Perspectives related to the perceived impact and acceptability of the programme, as well as barriers to implementation, and delivery of exercise to residents, were sought from family members and care staff through semi-structured interviews. Benefits related to physical and social factors were identified, and perceptions related to who might benefit from exercise were changed as a result of observing residents participate in the programme. These findings support the notion that an Exercise Physiologist-delivered exercise programme, with a person-centred approach, can contribute to improved functionality for residents with dementia
A scoping review of gaps and priorities in dementia care in Europe
Authors: Martin Anne , O’Connor Stephen , Jackson Carolyn
Published: November 2018

Dementia is a widely recognized public health priority due to the increasing number of people living with the condition and its attendant health, social, and economic costs. Delivering appropriate care is a challenge in many countries in Europe contributing to unmet needs of people living with dementia. Acute hospital settings are often the default route in pursuit for dementia care due to the lack of or limited knowledge of local service provisions. The care environment and the skillsets in acute hospitals do not fully embrace the personhood necessary in dementia care. Predictions of an exponential increase in people living with dementia in the coming 30 years require evidence-based strategies for advancing dementia care and maximizing independent living. However, the evidence required to inform priorities for enabling improvements in dementia care is rarely presented in a way that stimulates and sustains political interests. This scoping review of the literature drew on principles of meta-ethnography to clarify the gaps and priorities in dementia care in Europe. The review constituted eight papers (n = 8) and a stakeholder consultation involving three organizations implementing dementia care programs in Europe comprising Emmaus Elderly Care in Belgium, Residential Care Holy Heart in Belgium, and ZorgSaam in the Netherlands. Overarching concepts of gaps identified include fragmented non-person-centered care pathways, the culture of dementia care, limited knowledge and skills, poor communication and information sharing, and ineffective healthcare policies. Key areas distinguished from the literature for narrowing the gaps to improve care experiences and the support for people living with dementia care encompass person-centered care, integrated care pathways, and healthcare workforce development. Action for advancing care and maximizing independent living needs to go beyond mere inclusions on political agendas to incorporate a shift in health and social care policies to address the needs of people living with dementia.
Face Value and Cheap Talk: How Smiles Can Increase or Decrease the Credibility of Our Words
Authors: Reed Lawrence Ian , Stratton Rachel , Rambeas Jessica D.
Published: November 2018

How do our facial expressions affect the credibility of our words? We test whether smiles, either uninhibited or inhibited, affect the credibility of a written statement. Participants viewed a confederate partner displaying a neutral expression, non-Duchenne smile, Duchenne smile, or controlled smile, paired with a written statement. Participants then made a behavioral decision based on how credible they perceived the confederate’s statement to be. Compared to a neutral expression, Experiment 1 found that participants were more likely to believe the confederate’s statement when it was paired with a deliberate Duchenne smile and less likely to believe the confederate’s statement when it was paired with a deliberate controlled smile. Experiment 2 replicated these findings with spontaneously emitted expressions. These findings provide evidence that uninhibited facial expressions can increase the credibility accompanying statements, while inhibited ones can decrease credibility.
Successful Off-Label Use of an Iliac Branch Device to Rescue an Occluded Aortofemoral Bypass Graft
Authors: D’Oria Mario , Pipitone Marco , Riccitelli Francesco , Mastrorilli Davide , Calvagna Cristiano , Zamolo Francesca , Griselli Filippo
Published: November 2018

Purpose: To report an alternative approach for rescue of an occluded aortofemoral bypass using the Gore Excluder Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis (IBE). Case Report: A 52-year-old man presented with acute right limb ischemia because of displaced and occluded iliac stents and was treated with aortofemoral bypass. On the third postoperative day, there was early bypass failure due to distal embolization from aortic thrombus. After fluoroscopy-guided balloon thrombectomy of the bypass, an endovascular bailout strategy was used. The Gore Excluder IBE was deployed below the renal arteries (with the external iliac limb opening in the surgical prosthesis and the gate opening within the aortic lumen). After antegrade catheterization of the gate, a Gore Viabahn endoprosthesis was inserted as the bridging endograft and deployed so that it landed just above the preimplanted aortoiliac kissing stents without overlapping them. Completion angiography showed technical success without complications; results were sustained at 1-year follow-up. Conclusion: The Gore Excluder IBE may represent a versatile solution for the rescue of complex cases when open surgery would be associated with a considerable risk. This off-label application of a well-recognized endovascular device is safe and feasible and may prove useful as a valuable alternative in properly selected patients.
Identifying Brain Connectivity Using Network-Based Statistics in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment Stratified by β-Amyloid Positivity
Authors: Kim Ji Eun , Kim Sung-Woo , Choi Minsuk , Seong Joon-Kyung , Lee Jae-Hong
Published: November 2018

Background:

The aim of this study was to identify white matter structural networks of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) dichotomized by β amyloid (Aβ) status and compare them using network-based statistics (NBS).

Methods:

Patients underwent whole-brain diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, detailed neuropsychological test and [18F]-Florbetaben amyloid positron emission tomography. We performed the NBS analysis to compare the whole-brain white matter structural networks extracted from diffusion tensor images.

Results:

One hundred sixteen participants (Aβ− cognitively normal [CN], n = 35; Aβ− aMCI, n = 42; Aβ+ aMCI, n = 39) were included. There was no subnetwork showing significant difference between Aβ+ aMCI and Aβ− aMCI. However, by comparing each aMCI group with control group, we found that supplementary motor areas were common hub regions. Intriguingly, Aβ+ aMCI showed reduced connectivity mainly in the medial frontal regions, while Aβ− aMCI showed somewhat uniform disruption when compared to CN.

Conclusion:

Structural network analysis using network-based approach in aMCI may shed light on further understanding of white matter disruption in the prodromal stage of Alzheimer’s disease.
Cerebrolysin Reduces Astrogliosis and Axonal Injury and Enhances Neurogenesis in Rats After Closed Head Injury
Authors: Zhang Yanlu , Chopp Michael , Zhang Zheng Gang , Zhang Yi , Zhang Li , Lu Mei , Zhang Talan , Winter Stefan , Doppler Edith , Brandstäetter Hemma , Mahmood Asim , Xiong Ye
Published: November 2018

Background. Cerebrolysin is a neuropeptide preparation with neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties. Our previous study demonstrates that cerebrolysin significantly improves functional recovery in rats after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Objective. To determine histological outcomes associated with therapeutic effects of cerebrolysin on functional recovery after TBI. Methods. In this prospective, randomized, blinded, and placebo-controlled study, adult Wistar rats with mild TBI induced by a closed head impact were randomly assigned to one of the cerebrolysin dose groups (0.8, 2.5, 7.5 mL/kg) or placebo, which were administered 4 hours after TBI and then daily for 10 consecutive days. Functional tests assessed cognitive, behavioral, motor, and neurological performance. Study end point was day 90 after TBI. Brains were processed for histological tissue analyses of astrogliosis, axonal injury, and neurogenesis. Results. Compared with placebo, cerebrolysin significantly reduced amyloid precursor protein accumulation, astrogliosis, and axonal damage in various brain regions and increased the number of neuroblasts and neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus. There was a significant dose effect of cerebrolysin on functional outcomes at 3 months after injury compared with saline treatment. Cerebrolysin at a dose of ⩾0.8 mL/kg significantly improved cognitive function, whereas at a dose of ⩾2.5 mL/kg, cerebrolysin also significantly improved sensorimotor function at various time points. There were significant correlations between multiple histological and functional outcomes 90 days after mTBI. Conclusions. Our findings demonstrate that cerebrolysin reduces astrogliosis and axonal injury and promotes neurogenesis, which may contribute to improved functional recovery in rats with mTBI.
First-Party Success or First-Party Failure? A Case Study on Audience Perceptions of the Nintendo Brand During the Wii U’s Product Life Cycle
Authors: Shay Ronen , Palomba Anthony
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this mixed-methods case study is to examine the performance of the Nintendo brand during the eighth generation of home video game consoles and to assess whether the low sales of the Wii U can be attributed to a paradox in the relationship between the brand image of Nintendo’s first-party software and the perceived quality of Nintendo consoles. The results demonstrated that while the brand image of Nintendo’s first-party software does have a positive relationship with the perceived quality of Nintendo’s consoles, this relationship did not lead to a higher degree of consumer utility for the Wii U console. Despite this, Nintendo’s perceived quality and brand image remained higher than their competitors, reinforcing that positive brand equity can act as a defense mechanism from underperforming products.
Social Status and Adolescent Physical Activity: Expanding the Insurance Hypothesis to Incorporate Energy Expenditure
Authors: Lee Alexandra M. , Cardel Michelle I.
Published: November 2018

Low social status (SS) is a determinant of poor health status and is associated with increased disease burden. Obesity affects 20.6% of American adolescents, most of whom are from low-SS families. Contributors to the development of obesity among adolescents include sedentary behavior and low levels of physical activity. Environmental determinants—infrastructure, policy, and social relationships—influence engagement in physical activity and are affected by SS. Significant declines in physical activity have been documented during adolescence, and adolescents of low SS engage in significantly less physical activity per week than those with high SS. This article briefly reviews the literature on the relationship between SS and physical activity in adolescents and introduces a proposed biological mechanism that may explain that relationship. Characterizing the effects that SS can have on physical activity may help tailor clinical interventions and public health campaigns seeking to improve adolescent physical activity and weight management, thus increasing their effectiveness. This may be particularly beneficial for underserved populations.
Vibration response analysis of free-spanning pipeline based on inner pipe excitation signal
Authors: Zhang Hang , Lu Na , Cui Can , Du Shuqiang
Published: November 2018

Pipeline is important for gas transportation. Free span of buried pipeline may cause safety problem as a result of decreasing the load-carrying capacity of the pipeline. A method for detecting the free span of buried pipelines based on the inner pipe excitation signal was proposed. Vibration characteristics analysis of the pipe and its surrounding coupling system were discussed by means of the finite element method. A three-dimensional pipe model containing a free-spanning segment with a certain length was established. Transient dynamic response analysis was adopted. Frequency response function plots were generated to analyze the results of simulation. The effects of soil type, the length of the free-spanning segment, and the excitation signal on detection were studied. The results show that (1) the obvious change of the first natural frequency of the pipe with different surroundings can be used to detect the free-spanning segment of pipeline; (2) the harder the soil medium is, the higher the first natural frequency of the pipe and soil surrounding system will be; (3) the longer the length of the free-spanning segment is, the lower the first natural frequency will be.