bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Humans Immunized with Streptococcus mutans Antigens by Mucosal Routes
Authors: Childers N.K. , Tong G. , Li F. , Dasanayake A.P. , Kirk K. , Michalek S.M.
Published: September 2017

Strategies aimed at the prevention of Streptococcus mutans infection and dental caries include mucosal immunization, which results in salivary anti-S. mutans responses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of nasal vs. tonsillar immunization with S. mutans antigens in inducing salivary immune responses. Twenty-one adult subjects were immunized twice, within a seven-day interval, with a glucosyltransferase-enriched preparation (E-GTF) administered by nasal or tonsillar topical spray. Parotid saliva, nasal wash, and serum were collected prior to and at one- to two-week intervals for 3 months following immunization and were assayed by ELISA for anti-E-GTF activity. Results were analyzed by means of the mixed-models procedure with p < 0.05 level of significance. Significantly higher anti-E-GTF responses were detected in saliva and nasal wash samples from the group immunized by the nasal compared with the tonsillar route, indicating that nasal immunization was more effective in inducing mucosal responses in adults.
Levels of GM-CSF, IL-3, and IL-6 in Fluid and Tissue from Human Radicular Cysts
Authors: Gervásio A.M. , Silva D.A.O. , Taketomi E.A. , Souza C.J.A. , Sung S-S.J. , Loyola A.M.
Published: September 2017

Cytokines released by immune system cells play an important role in cyst enlargement. This study aimed to determine, by ELISA, the levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin 3 (IL-3), and IL-6 in fluid and tissue from human radicular cysts. GM-CSF was found in 42.8% of the fluid samples (164.3 pg/mL) and IL-6 in 92.8% (641.4 pg/mL). No IL-3 was detected in any fluid samples. In the tissue samples, 28.6% were positive for IL-3 (369.2 pg/mL), 86.4% for IL-6 (92.4 pg/mL), and 95.8% for GM-CSF (200.5 pg/mL). It can be concluded that GM-CSF and IL-6 were widely found in the fluid and tissue samples. In contrast, IL-3 was found only in the cystic tissue, even though in few lesions. These cytokines may contribute to the inflammation, cystic growth, and bone resorption that characterize cystic lesions.
Exercising Deliberative Agency in Deliberative Systems
Authors: Ebeling Martin , Wolkenstein Fabio
Published: September 2017

At the heart of the ideal of deliberative democracy lies an emphasis on the political autonomy of citizens participating in procedures of public justification aimed at the promotion of the common good. The recent systemic turn in deliberative democracy has moved so far away from this ideal that it relegates the deliberations of citizens to a secondary matter, legitimising forms of rule that may even undermine the normative impulses central to the project of deliberative democracy. We critically discuss this theoretical development and show how deliberative agency can effectively be exercised in complex political systems. We argue, in particular, that political parties play a central role in facilitating the exercise of deliberative agency, fostering deliberation among citizens and linking their deliberations to decisions. Instead of giving up on the possibility that citizens participate in procedures of public justification, deliberative democrats should look to parties’ unique ability to enable deliberation.
Tracing the Evolution of Marup in Manipur Valley
Authors: Kshetrimayum Melody
Published: September 2017

The evolution of rotating savings and credit associations has been debated by many and then forbidden for decades. But the prevalence of these associations in this day and age, when more viable formal institutions are present, suggests investigation of the concepts, or values, around which it evolved. The article explores and relives the process of evolution of a similar institution called marup (friend), practised by people in Manipur valley and attempts to posit that both the origin and evolution of marup to the present form, are associated with strong social relationship and marup still holds these solidarity-strengthening elements. Based on oral history interviews, this article arrives that marup evolved as a result of both change in social system and obligations among kin networks to assist each other.
Special diets in modern America: Analysis of the 2012 National Health Interview Survey data
Authors: Leung Brenda , Lauche Romy , Leach Matthew , Zhang Yan , Cramer Holger , Sibbritt David
Published: September 2017

Background:

Special diets are frequently used by the public but reasons for use and characteristics of users remain unclear.

Aim:

To determine prevalence of the use of special diets, the individual characteristics associated with their use and reasons for use.

Methods:

The secondary analysis used data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a cross-sectional household interview survey of a nationally representative sample of non-hospitalized US adult populations ( n = 34,525). The dependent variables in this secondary analysis were the use of a special diet (vegetarian, macrobiotic, Atkins, Pritikin, and Ornish) ever and during the past 12 months. Independent variables included sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral variables. Prevalence of special diet use and reasons for use were analyzed descriptively. Associations between independent and dependent variables were analyzed using Chi-square tests and logistic regression. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

Results:

Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of using special diets were 7.5% (weighted n = 17.7 million) and 2.9% (weighted n = 6.9 million), respectively. Individuals using special diets in the past 12 months were more likely female (OR = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.21–1.74), not married (OR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.63–0.91), college-educated (OR = 1.98; 95% CI = 1.25–3.11) and depressed (OR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.14–1.98). They more likely also used herbal products (OR = 2.35; 95%CI = 1.84–2.99), non-vitamin (OR = 1.82; 95% CI = 1.45–2.27) and vitamin supplements (OR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.24–1.99). Diets were mainly used to improve overall health (76.7%) or for general wellness/prevention (70.4%).

Conclusions:

Special diets are mainly used for unspecific health reasons by those who are females, have a college degree or with depression, and commonly used in conjunction with herbs and dietary supplements.
Effects of a Preparation Containing a Standardized Ginseng Extract Combined with Trace Elements and Multivitamins against Hepatotoxin-induced Chronic Liver Disease in the Elderly
Authors: Zuin M. , Battezzati P. M. , Camisasca M. , Riebenfeld D. , Podda M.
Published: September 2017

A preparation containing a standardized ginseng extract which has been shown to exert anti-hepatotoxic activity in vitro, combined with trace elements and multi-vitamins was compared to placebo in 24 elderly out-patients with toxin-induced (alcohol and drugs) chronic liver disease in order to evaluate its effect on liver function. Each patient was blindly treated either with the preparation containing ginseng extract or placebo for 12 weeks. The preparation containing ginseng extract significantly modified bromsulphthalein retention and blood zinc levels when compared to pre-treatment levels and to placebo. Serum bile acids, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase before and after a fatty meal were significantly reduced after treatment with the test preparation and not with placebo. When the two treatment groups were compared, however, no significant difference in these parameters was observed. These results suggest that treatment with the preparation containing ginseng extract could improve the detoxifying activity of the liver in elderly patients with toxin-induced chronic liver disease.
Treatment of Urgency and Urge Incontinence with Flavoxate in the People's Republic of China
Authors: Fang-Liu Gu , Zong-Ying Reng , Gang-Zhi Shang , Hong-Xun Shao , Beng Wang , Zeng-De Cheng , Yu Jiang , Wei-Peng Zhao , Jia-Fu Zheng , Chuang-Tu Qu , Yong-Jiang Ma , Bao-Hua Hu , Ren-An Zhang , Hui-Fang Cheng , Hong-Guang Cheng , Weng-Lu Li , Yu-Ling Fan , Bi-Sheng Lui , Bang-Hong Wang , Xian-Zhao Wu , Ke-Rang Wu , Ruffmann R.
Published: September 2017

Flavoxate is a smooth muscle relaxant widely used to treat urgency and urge incontinence. It has been used in an unblinded, uncontrolled clinical trial in 14 urology departments in universities and major hospitals in the People's Republic of China involving 361 patients with urgency/incontinence of various types. Patients were given 200 mg three times daily, orally, for 2 weeks, although 33 patients received a daily dosage of 1200 mg. Frequency, urgency, dysuria, nocturia and incontinence were assessed and scored clinically prior to and after treatment. Three departments also included urodynamic investigations, e.g. monitoring of the end-residual volume. Results from 336 evaluable patients indicate that 228 (67%) were completely cured of urgency/incontinence symptoms, 66 (20%) were improved and 42 (13%) patients were unchanged. Flavoxate was also effective in 77.4% of patients refractory to previous anti-cholinergic treatment. Treatment did not increase the end-residual volume and adverse events occurred only in four (1.3%) patients, two (0.6%) of which discontinued the therapy. The 1200 mg dose produced a complete cure in 82% of patients and improvement in the remaining 18%, with no side-effects. In conclusion, flavoxate is an effective and well tolerated treatment for urgency/incontinence of various causes.
Multicenter Double-Blind Study Examining the Antidepressant Effectiveness of the Hypericum Extract LI 160
Authors: Hänsgen K.-D. , Vesper J. , Ploch M.
Published: September 2017

Seventy-two depressive patients of 11 physicians’ practices were treated in a double-blind study for a period of 6 weeks either with hypericum extract LI 160 or with placebo. Inclusion criterion was a major depression in accordance with DSM-III-R. The changes were assessed using four psychometric scales (HAMD, D-S, BEB, CGI). After 4 weeks of therapy, the statistical evaluation revealed a significant improvement in all four psychometric tests in the active group as compared to the placebo group. After switching the placebo group to active treatment (5th to 6th week of therapy), significant improvements were found in the original placebo group. No serious side effects were observed.
Effects of Hypericum Extract LI 160 Compared with Maprotiline on Resting EEG and Evoked Potentials in 24 Volunteers
Authors: Johnson D. , Ksciuk H. , Woelk H. , Sauerwein-Giese E. , Frauendorf A.
Published: September 2017

In a randomized double-blind study, the effect of hypericum extract was compared to that of maprotiline in 24 healthy volunteers. The investigations included measurements of resting EEG as well as visual and acoustic evoked potentials. In resting EEGs, both medications revealed oppositely directed changes in the theta frequencies, and mainly similarly directed changes in alpha and beta frequencies. Measurements of evoked potentials in the theta and beta frequencies supported these results. The results indicate improved cognitive functions mainly with the treatment of hypericum extract.
Pharmacokinetics of Hypericin and Pseudohypericin after Oral Intake of the Hypericum Perforatum Extract LI 160 in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Staffeldt B. , Kerb R. , Brockmöller J. , Ploch M. , Roots I.
Published: September 2017

The single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of the naphthodianthrones hypericin and pseudohypericin derived from St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum, LI 160, Lichtwer Pharma GmbH, Berlin) were studied in 12 healthy male subjects. After a single oral dose of 300, 900, or 1800 mg of dried hypericum extract (250, 750, or 1500 μg hypericin and 526, 1578, or 3156 μg pseudohypericin), plasma levels were measured with a modified highly sensitive high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method (lower detection limit 0.1 ng/mL) up to 3 days. The median maximal plasma levels were 1.5, 4.1, and 14.2 ng/mL for hypericin and 2.7, 11.7, and 30.6 ng/mL for Pseudohypericin, respectively, for the three doses given above (interim evaluation of four volunteers). The median elimination half-life times of hypericin were 24.8 to 26.5 hours, and varied for pseudohypericin from 16.3 to 36.0 hours. Ranging between 2.0 to 2.6 hours, the median lag-time of absorption was remarkably prolonged for hypericin when compared to pseudohypericin (0.3 to 1.1 hours). The areas under the curves (AUC) showed a nonlinear increase with raising dose; this effect was statistically significant for hypericin. During long-term dosing (3 x 300 mg/day), a steady-state was reached after 4 days. Mean maximal plasma level during the steady-state treatment was 8.5 ng/mL for hypericin and 5.8 ng/mL for pseudohypericin, while mean trough levels were 5.3 ng/mL for hypericin and 3.7 ng/mL for pseudohypericin. In spite of their structural similarities there are substantial Pharmacokinetic differences between hypericin and pseudohypericin.
Inhibition of MAO by Fractions and Constituents of Hypericum Extract
Authors: Bladt S. , Wagner H.
Published: September 2017

The inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAO) by six fractions from hypericum extract and three characteristic constituents (as pure substances) were analyzed in vitro and ex vivo to study the antidepressive mechanism of action. Rat brain homogenates were used as the in vitro model, while the ex vivo analysis was performed after intraperitoneal application of the test substances to albino rats. Massive inhibition of MAO-A could be shown with the total extract and all fractions only at the concentration of 10-3 mol/L. At 10-4 mol/L, one fraction rich in flavonoides showed an inhibition of 39%, and all other fractions demonstrated less than 25% inhibition. Using pure hypericin as well as in ex vivo experiments, no relevant inhibiting effects could be shown. From the results it can be concluded that the clinically proven antidepressive effect of hypericum extract cannot be explained in terms of MAO inhibition.
A Thematic Analysis of Cultural Variations in Family Businesses: The CASE Project
Authors: Gupta Vipin , Levenburg Nancy
Published: September 2017

This article shows cross-cultural variations in family businesses using nine cross-cultural dimensions of family business from the CASE project. A content analysis of the emergent themes from a set of contextual articles on family businesses in 10 regional clusters worldwide, as defined by the GLOBE program, is conducted. This thematic analysis shows qualitative as well as quantitative variations in the family businesses of different cultural regions. Further research is required to understand the rich diversity of family businesses within each cluster and to refine scholars’ knowledge about how the dimensions of family business are manifested in different clusters.
Policy analysis in the face of complexity: What kind of knowledge to tackle wicked problems?
Authors: Daviter Falk
Published: September 2017

An ever-increasing number of policy problems have come to be interpreted as representing a particular type of intractable, ill-structured or wicked policy problem. Much of this debate is concerned with the challenges wicked problems pose for program management rather than policy analysis. This article, in contrast, argues that the key challenge in addressing this type of policy problems is in fact analytical. Wicked policy problems are difficult to identify and interpret. The knowledge base for analysing wicked policy problem is typically fragmented and contested. Available evidence is incomplete, inconclusive and incommensurable. In this situation, the evidentiary and the interpretative elements of policy analysis become increasingly indistinguishable and inseparably intertwined. The article reveals the problems this poses for policy analysis and explores the extent to which the consolidation, consensualization and contestation of evidence in policy analysis offer alternative procedural paths to resolve these problems.
STD-related knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of Xhosa-speaking patients attending STD primary health-care clinics in South Africa
Authors: Reddy Priscilla , Meyer-Weitz Anna , Van Den Borne Bart , Kok Gerjo
Published: September 2017

The primary aim of this study was to describe patients at sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in Cape Town, South Africa, in terms of gender, education and age differences relative to their STD knowledge and beliefs, their condom use, as well as their attitudes towards condom use and their condom-use behaviour. The information was collected with a view to developing a health education intervention.

Structured interviews were conducted with 2978 randomly sampled Xhosa-speaking STD clinic attenders about their knowledge, beliefs and practices regarding STDs and related behaviours.

More males (75%) than females (25%) presented for STD treatment. The majority of patients (92%) were younger than 35 years. Female patients were found to be more aware than male patients of the sexual nature of STD transmission, valued personal autonomy in sexual behaviour and expressed a greater need to use condoms. Males perceived STD symptoms to be more serious, had more misconceptions about the cause of STDs and also more negative beliefs and attitudes towards condom use. Only 34.9% of the patients reported using condoms in the last 6 months while only 24.5% reported regular use. Those who reported condom use were more knowledgeable about the sexual transmission of STDs and the effects of STDs on the neonate. They also had fewer misconceptions about the causes of STDs and perceived STD symptoms to be more serious, attached greater value to personal autonomy in sexual behaviour and condom use and had more positive outcome expectancies of refusing sex than those who never used condoms.

The data suggest that targeted interventions directed at males will have to address their inadequate knowledge regarding STDs in terms of transmission, causes, consequences, prevention and cure. Their negative beliefs and attitudes towards condoms will need special attention, especially in view of their multiple partner behaviour. Interventions directed at females will need to improve their knowledge regarding STD consequences, causes, recognition of symptoms as well as improve their knowledge of aspects of prevention and cure. All interventions must facilitate personal autonomy in decision making about sexual behaviour and condom use for both men and women, through skills development programmes that promote self-efficacy in the individual and instil a culture of mutual respect of such in the community.
Evaluation of a rapid test for the detection of antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and 2
Authors: Ng K P , Saw T L , Baki A , He J , Singh N , Lyles C M
Published: September 2017

Hema•Strip HIV-1/2 is a one-step rapid test for the detection of anti-HIV-1/2 antibodies in whole blood. The test requires no expensive equipment and the results are available within 10–15 min. Using 72 known HIV-1 positive samples and 780 high-risk prisoners, the sensitivity and specificity of Hema•Strip HIV-1/2 was found to be comparable to microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA). The data also indicated that Hema•Strip HIV-1/2 is an effective alternate testing system to conventional ELISA where the use of ELISA is not suitable and the result of the HIV testing is needed urgently.
Palliative care and AIDS: 2 – Gastrointestinal symptoms
Authors: Meyer Martine
Published: September 2017

With the use of more intensive antiretroviral therapies (highly-active antiretroviral therapy, HAART) particularly in first world countries, reductions in the mortality and morbidity of HIV infection are being seen. However, though the prevalence of symptoms may change, symptom control does continue to be a problem for many people with HIV, particularly as their disease progresses. This is the second of 2 CME articles about palliative care and HIV infection. The first gave a background to palliative care, and covered symptom control of pain1. This article gives suggestions for the treatment of common gastrointestinal symptoms in HIV infection; nausea and vomiting, cachexia and anorexia and chronic diarrhoea.
The Long-Term Effects of Relocation on People with an Intellectual Disability: Quality of Life, Behavior, and Environment
Authors: Cooper Brian , Picton Cliff
Published: September 2017

This article reports on the long-term effects of relocation on a sample of 45 people with an intellectual disability who moved from an institution to the community and to other institutions. Data were gathered for 3 years after relocation. Results revealed that a move to supported community residences and to refurbished units within other institutions was associated with increased quality of life/care and, for interinstitutional movers, decreased challenging behaviors. Relocation did not lead to increased performance of independent community living skills, despite increased opportunities in the community. Where significant changes were identified they were modest and occurred within 6 months of relocation. It is concluded that positive outcomes result from community placement and interinstitutional relocation. The implications and limitations of this evidence for social work research and practice are discussed.
The Impact of Distance Education Programs on Community Agencies
Authors: McFall Jo Ann P. , Freddolino Paul P.
Published: September 2017

Objective

This study examined the impact of two distance education programs on clients, field instructors, cooperating agencies, and the broader networks of agencies surrounding the two distance sites.

Method

Self-administered surveys were mailed to one cohort of students as well as to field instructors and agency directors from two successive field placement sites.

Results

A11 groups of respondents reported Impact of increased services to clients, new knowledge of interventions available, and increased networking among students, field instructors, and agencies. There was a limited amount of information about technology transferred to the agencies. No significant differences were found in results between the sites.

Conclusions

The amount and quality of services, and to a lesser extent the choices of interventions and programs, were seen by these key stakeholders as having increased in the two distant communities where the master's of social work program was offered.
Enhancing Computer-Mediated Teaching through Interactivity: The Second Iteration of a World Wide Web-Based Graduate Social Work Course
Authors: Stocks J. Timothy , Freddolino Paul P.
Published: September 2017

Objective

This study evaluated the effects of increasing opportunities for interactivity on student attitudes and behavior over two iterations of an Internet-based graduate social work research methods course.

Method

In both iterations, lectures and class discussions were carried out over the Internet. In the second iteration, additional opportunities for interaction (self-tests, automated feedback, discussion questions, and links to an Internet discussion list) were added. Type and frequency of class participation were measured for both iterations as well as attitude toward the course.

Results

Students in the second iteration participated in class list discussions more frequently than their first iteration counterparts. Students in the second iteration also tended to rate their experience more positively than did their counterparts in the first class.

Conclusion

The incorporation of interactivity into a Web site served to make it easier to create an active learning environment for students.
The Social Work Research Group/NASW Research Section/Council on Social Work Research, 1949-1965: An Emerging Research Identity in the American Profession
Authors: Graham John R. , Al-Krenawi Alean , Bradshaw Cathryn
Published: September 2017

Objective

To determine major themes and significance of the Social Work Research Group (SWRG), founded in 1949.

Methods

Archival research, principally at Social Welfare History Archives, University of Minnesota; oral historical interviews of key informants.

Results

The Social Work Research Group (SWRG), founded in 1949, fostered research within the profession by creating an organization representing and promoting social work research, advancing the place of research in teaching and scholarship, and establishing what ultimately became Social Work Abstracts. It was one of seven organizations leading to the 1955 creation of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Retaining NASW status, the SWRG (renamed NASW Research Section in 1955 and then Council on Social Work Research in 1963) moved from an earlier preoccupation with membership criteria and the place of research within the profession to conceptualizing and promoting research as an established social work method.

Conclusion

In doing so, the SWRG laid groundwork for the contemporary social work research movement.
An Examination of the Transition from Philanthropy to Professional Social Work in Ireland
Authors: Skehill Caroline
Published: September 2017

Objective

The objective of the article is to examine the way in which social work in Ireland evolved from practices of philanthropy in the late 19th century to a distinct professional strategy in the present.

Results

The results of archival research show that philanthropy in Ireland was provided almost exclusively by religious organizations and was constructed within a discourse of sectarianism and rivalry between the two main denominations, Catholic and Protestant, up to the 1960s. It is only in the past 30 years that social work has become firmly established as a secular strategy.

Conclusions

It is concluded that although social work is now clearly distinct from voluntary and religious-based social work practices, some of its present principles and practices remain continuous with its historical antecedents.
Exon Mapping in Long Noncoding RNAs Using Digital Filters
Authors: George Tina P , Thomas Tessamma
Published: September 2017

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) which were initially dismissed as “transcriptional noise” have become a vital area of study after their roles in biological regulation were discovered. Long noncoding RNAs have been implicated in various developmental processes and diseases. Here, we perform exon mapping of human lncRNA sequences (taken from National Center for Biotechnology Information GenBank) using digital filters. Antinotch digital filters are used to map out the exons of the lncRNA sequences analyzed. The period 3 property which is an established indicator for locating exons in genes is used here. Discrete wavelet transform filter bank is used to fine-tune the exon plots by selectively removing the spectral noise. The exon locations conform to the ranges specified in GenBank. In addition to exon prediction, G-C concentrations of lncRNA sequences are found, and the sequences are searched for START and STOP codons as these are indicators of coding potential.
A Family of Early English Oculists (1600-1751), With a Reappraisal of John Thomas Woolhouse (1664-1733/1734)
Authors: Leffler Christopher T , Schwartz Stephen G
Published: September 2017

Introduction:

John Thomas Woolhouse (1666-1733/1734), who practiced in Paris, was part of a family with 5 generations of English oculists. Some historians have derided him as a “charlatan” and have criticized him for adhering to the old notion that a cataract was a membrane anterior to the lens.

Methods:

We reviewed treatises and digital records related to Woolhouse and his family and the handwritten notes of his 1721 lecture series at the Royal Society of Medicine.

Results:

We have identified 5 generations of oculists in Woolhouse’s family, by the names of Atwood, Stepkins, Ivy, and Beaumont. Woolhouse taught students from across Europe. He was one of the early proponents in Europe, inspired by Asian medical practices, to perform paracentesis to release aqueous for a new condition called hydrophthalmia. In Woolhouse’s system, some of these cases probably described angle-closure glaucoma. He was the first to attach the name glaucoma to the palpably hard eye in 1707. He may also have been the first to teach that a soft eye was unlikely to recover vision. Credit for these teachings has traditionally gone to one of his students, Johannes Zacharias Platner, in 1745. Some historians have stated that he proposed iridectomy as a theoretical procedure, which was later performed by Cheselden. In fact, Woolhouse described techniques he had performed which today would be called pupilloplasty, synechiolysis, or pupillary membrane lysis. He was also a pioneer in dacryocystectomy for chronic dacryocystitis and in congenital cataract surgery. His writings from 1716 onward repeatedly (and correctly) stressed that most of the patients with visual disorders required depression of the crystalline lens (for what he called glaucoma), as opposed to removal of an anterior membrane (which he called cataract).

Conclusions:

Woolhouse was a bold ophthalmic innovator and teacher who made major contributions which have lasted to this day. Although he did not admit it, he ultimately adopted much of the evolving understanding of the nature of lens opacities. However, his stubborn refusal to adopt the newer semantics has detracted from a full appreciation of his contributions.
The effectiveness of e-Interventions on reducing social isolation in older persons: A systematic review of systematic reviews
Authors: Chipps Jennifer , Jarvis Mary Ann , Ramlall Suvira
Published: September 2017

As the older adult population group has been increasing in size, there has been evidence of growing social isolation and loneliness in their lives. The increased use of information communication technology and Internet-supported interventions has stimulated an interest in the benefits of e-Interventions for older people and specifically in having a role in increasing social networks and decreasing loneliness. A systematic review of e-Interventions to reduce loneliness in older people was conducted with the aim to synthesize high quality evidence on the effectiveness of e-Interventions to decrease social isolation/loneliness for older people living in community/residential care. A systematic search of 12 databases for reviews published between 2000–2017 was conducted using search term synonyms for older people, social isolation and interventions. Three independent researchers screened articles and two reviewers extracted data. The Revised-Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews was used to assess the quality of reviews. The final search identified 12 reviews, which included 22 unique primary research studies evaluating e-Interventions for social isolation or loneliness. The reviews were of moderate quality and the primary studies showed a lack of rigor. Loneliness was most frequently measured using the University California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale. Despite the limitations of the reviewed studies, there is inconsistent and weak evidence on using e-Interventions for loneliness in older people.
Effects of intake-port throttling on combustion behaviour in diesel low-temperature combustion
Authors: Sogbesan Oluwasujibomi , Garner Colin P , Davy Martin H
Published: September 2017

This article describes the effects of intake-port throttling on diesel low-temperature combustion at a low and medium load condition. These conditions were known for their characteristically high hydrocarbon emissions predominantly from over-mixed and under-mixed mixture zones, respectively. The investigation was carried out to supplement current findings in the literature with valuable information on the formation of high hydrocarbon emissions with increasing swirl levels generated by intake-port throttling. This was achieved through the use of cycle-resolved high hydrocarbon measurements in addition to cycle averaged emissions and in-cylinder pressure-derived metrics. While there was negligible overall effect at the moderately dilute low-load conditions, increasing swirl has been shown to be beneficial to premixing efficacy under highly dilute conditions with extended ignition delay. This potential advantage was found to be nullified by the swirl-induced confinement of fuel and combustion products to the central region of the cylinder leading to poor late cycle burn rates and increased smoke emissions. High hydrocarbon emissions from the squish and head quench regions were reduced by an increase in swirl ratio.
Breath, Breathe, Breathing: Communication in/as Acts of Social Justice (A Metaphorical Performative Assemblage)
Authors: Alexander Bryant Keith , Huffman Timothy , Johnson Amber
Published: September 2017

This performative essay is a redrafting and extension of a critical dialogue following a public presentation on the nature and importance of communication studies. The dialogue is framed by using the metaphor of breathing, as it relates to particular links between human communication and communication activist research.
Novel solution for luminal access loss into the double-layered LVIS Blue™ construct
Authors: Kouznetsov Evgueni , Haldis Thomas , Manchak Michael , Drofa Alexander
Published: September 2017

We described a novel solution for a challenging case of double-layered LVIS Blue™ (LB) stent construct retraction into a large cavernous aneurysm. The double-layered LB stent construct was used as a flow diverter for treatment of a large cavernous aneurysm. Our solution comprised a balloon angioplasty and placement of balloon-mounted cardiac-stent construct through the side wall of the LB construct, with eventual placement of a Pipeline Flex inside of the final conduit.
‘I have a feeling I can’t speak to anybody’: A thematic analysis of communication perspectives in people with Huntington’s disease
Authors: Zarotti Nicolò , Simpson Jane , Fletcher Ian
Published: September 2017

Objectives

This study explored the perspectives of people affected by Huntington’s disease (HD) on their own communicative abilities.

Methods

Qualitative semi-structured interviews were carried out with eight people with early HD. The data were analysed through thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes were constructed from the data, characterised by the following core topics: How HD directs and mediates communication; Regaining control to improve communication; Emotional outflows into communication and the struggle for separation; Sheltering as a way to boost confidence in communication.

Discussion

Separating patients’ identity as individuals from that of a person with a disease can help increase communicative control. Consistent with the general theory and model of self-regulation, patients should be allowed a wider range of choices to regain control over communication. Achieving better emotion regulation is of paramount importance for communication, and factors such as medication regimes, relationships and existing coping strategies should be strengthened. Consistent with previous research, feelings of safety and the idea of a safe place (‘sheltering’) represent an effective coping mechanism. Practical implications include the refinement of communication and relationships among clinicians, caregivers, and patients with HD by considering a wider range of medical, psychological and socio-environmental factors.
Copper/zinc-loaded montmorillonite influences intestinal integrity, the expression of genes associated with inflammation, TLR4–MyD88 and TGF-β1 signaling pathways in weaned pigs after LPS challenge
Authors: Jiao Lefei , Wang Chun Chun , Wu Huan , Gong Rong , Lin Fang Hui , Feng Jie , Hu Caihong
Published: September 2017

This study was aimed at investigating whether dietary copper/zinc-loaded montmorillonite (Cu/Zn-Mt) could alleviate Escherichia coli LPS-induced intestinal injury through pro- and anti-inflammatory signaling pathways (TLRs, NLRs and TGF-β1) in weaned piglets. Eighteen 21-d-old pigs were randomly divided into three groups (control, LPS and LPS + Cu/Zn-Mt). After 21 d of feeding, pigs in the LPS group and LPS + Cu/Zn-Mt group received i.p. administration of LPS, whereas pigs in the control group received saline. At 4 h post-injection, jejunum samples were collected for analysis. The results indicated that, compared with the LPS group, supplemental Cu/Zn-Mt increased transepithelial electrical resistance, the expressions of anti-inflammatory cytokines (TGF-β1) in mRNA and protein levels, and decreased FD4 and the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-1β). The pro-inflammatory signaling pathways results demonstrated that Cu/Zn-Mt supplementation decreased the mRNA levels of TLR4 and its downstream signals (MyD88, IRAK1, TRAF6) but had no effect on NOD1 and NOD2 signals. Cu/Zn-Mt supplementation did not affect NF-κB p65 mRNA abundance, but down-regulated its protein expression. The anti-inflammatory signaling pathways results showed supplemental Cu/Zn-Mt also increased TβRII, Smad4 and Smad7 mRNA expressions. These findings suggested dietary Cu/Zn-Mt attenuated LPS-induced intestinal injury by alleviating intestinal inflammation, influencing TLR4-MyD88 and TGF-β1 signaling pathways in weaned pig.
Colors of the Sublunar
Authors: Koenderink Jan , van Doorn Andrea
Published: September 2017

Generic red, green, and blue images can be regarded as data sources of coarse (three bins) local spectra, typical data volumes are 104 to 107 spectra. Image data bases often yield hundreds or thousands of images, yielding data sources of 109 to 1010 spectra. There is usually no calibration, and there often are various nonlinear image transformations involved. However, we argue that sheer numbers make up for such ambiguity. We propose a model of spectral data mining that applies to the sublunar realm, spectra due to the scattering of daylight by objects from the generic terrestrial environment. The model involves colorimetry and ecological physics. Whereas the colorimetry is readily dealt with, one needs to handle the ecological physics with heuristic methods. The results suggest evolutionary causes of the human visual system. We also suggest effective methods to generate red, green, and blue color gamuts for various terrains.
Health-promoting influences among Norwegian women following early postnatal home visit by a midwife
Authors: Aune Ingvild , Dahlberg Unn , Haugan Gørill
Published: September 2017

The objective of this study was 1) to assess the length of stay in hospital after birth among multiparous and primiparous women, 2) to investigate relational continuity of midwifery care, 3) to investigate the validity and reliability of the home visit questionnaire, and 4) to investigate the possible positive influences of a home visit by a midwife two to six days after birth. A total of 85 postnatal women participated in the intervention group, which received home visits from a midwife, while 98 women participated in the control group, which did not receive home visits from a midwife. Of the multiparous women, 16.9% left hospital within 24 hours after birth, whereas only 4.0% of the primiparous women left hospital at this stage. No significant differences between the intervention group and the control group were evident with regard to the length of the postnatal stay. However, considering the primiparous women in the total sample, the intervention group tended to leave hospital earlier than the control group. The women who received a home visit from a midwife reported higher scores on the experience of predictability and continuity in the postnatal care than the control group. The primiparous women experienced the home visit to have a significant influence on their ability to handle the care of their newborn baby, on their mental health, and their feeling of being recognized and supported. A home visit by a midwife early after discharge from hospital seems to have a positive health-promoting influence on primiparous women's confidence and ability to handle the care of their newborn babies, and on perceived support, predictability and continuity of midwifery care.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Kindlin-2 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma invasion and metastasis by increasing Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Lin Jie , Lin Wansong , Ye Yunbin , Wang Liping , Chen Xiaoyan , Zang Shengbing , Huang Aimin
Published: September 2017

Background

Kindlin-2 is a member of the focal adhesion protein family that regulates invasion and metastasis in multiple malignancies; however, little is known about the role of Kindlin-2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate Kindlin-2 expression in 177 pairs of human HCC and adjacent liver tissue samples. The role of Kindlin-2 in the in vitro invasion and migration of HCC cell lines was evaluated in MHCC97H, LM3 and SMMC7721 cells. Microarray expression analysis was applied to explore the molecular mechanism through which Kindlin-2 promoted HCC progression. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting were performed to verify the microarray results.

Results

High Kindlin-2 expression was found to significantly correlate with aggressive HCC clinicopathological features including tumor encapsulation, microvascular invasion, extrahepatic metastasis and poor prognosis. In vitro, Kindlin-2 knockout or knockdown inhibited HCC cell adhesion, migration and invasion, while ectopic Kindlin-2 expression promoted these processes. Importantly, Kindlin-2 activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling and increased β-catenin expression, especially levels of non-phosphorylated β-catenin, as well as two Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway targets, Axin2 and MMP7. Kindlin-2 also induced a change in the expression profile of HCC cells, suggesting the cells underwent epithelial-mesenchymal transition. For example, the expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin was downregulated, while the mesenchymal markers Vimentin, N-cadherin and Snail were upregulated.

Conclusion

Kindlin-2 promotes HCC invasion, metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition through Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Computer vision methods for cranial sex estimation
Authors: Arigbabu Olasimbo Ayodeji , Liao Iman Yi , Abdullah Nurliza , Mohamad Noor Mohamad Helmee
Published: September 2017

The objective of this study is to demonstrate through empirical evaluation the potential of a number of computer vision (CV) methods for sex determination from human skull. To achieve this, six local feature representations, two feature learnings, and three classification algorithms are rigorously combined and evaluated on skull regions derived from skull partitions. Furthermore, we introduce for the first time the application of multi-kernel learning (MKL) on multiple features for sex prediction from human skull. In comparison to the classical forensic methods, the results in this study are competitive, attesting to the suitability of CV methods for sex estimation. The proposed approach is fully automatic.
Exporter Dynamics and Partial-Year Effects
Authors: Bernard Andrew B. , Bøler Esther Ann , Massari Renzo , Reyes Jose-Daniel , Taglioni Daria
Published: September 2017

Two identical firms who start exporting in different months, one each in January and December, will report dramatically different exports for the first calendar year. This partial-year effect biases down first-year export levels and biases up first-year export growth rates. For Peruvian exporters, the partial-year bias is large: first-year export levels are understated by 54 percent and the first-year growth rate is overstated by 112 percentage points. Correcting the partial-year effect dramatically reduces first-year export growth rates, raises initial export levels, and almost doubles the contribution of net firm entry and exit to overall export growth. (JEL D22, F14)
Research on Polish psychotherapists – what types of patients they work with and what methods of psychotherapy they use
Authors: Szymańska Agnieszka , Grzesiuk Lidia , Suszek Hubert , Dobrenko Kamila , Rutkowska Małgorzata , Krawczyk Krzysztof
Published: September 2017

Cel pracy

Zdecydowana większość badań prowadzonych w populacji psychoterapeutów dotyczy częstości (1) stosowanych specyficznych metod pracy oraz (2) kategorii korzystających z terapii pacjentów. W mniejszym stopniu analizuje natomiast powiązania między tymi dwiema grupami zmiennych. Podstawowym celem prezentowanych badań było stwierdzenie, jaka jest praktyka polskich terapeutów w zakresie łączenia metod pracy ze zróżnicowanymi diagnozami pacjentów.

Metoda

W badaniu uczestniczyło 1838 terapeutów deklarujących prowadzenie psychoterapii w Polsce (80% kobiet i 20% mężczyzn). Badani wypełniali - głównie drogą internetową - ankietę składającą się z pytań, których zakres dotyczył przede wszystkim działalności psychoterapeutycznej i przygotowania do jej wykonywania. W opisanym badaniu wykorzystano dwie grupy informacji z ankiety n.t. (1) metod pracy stosowanych przez psychoterapeutów oraz (2) kategorii poddawanych psychoterapii pacjentów - wyodrębnionych ze względu na rodzaj zgłaszanych problemów, diagnoz.

Wyniki

Wyniki badań ujawniły, że można wyodrębnić w Polsce trzy grupy/klasy terapeutów ze względu na sposób, w jaki łączą metody pracy psychoterapeutycznej z kategoriami prowadzonych pacjentów.

Wnioski

Pozwalają też stwierdzić, iż większa liczba metod pracy, jakimi posługują się terapeuci, jest związana z podejmowaniem psychoterapii wobec bardziej zróżnicowanych kategorii pacjentów.
Time crimes in the garden of pleasure
Authors: Murray Shaun
Published: September 2017

‘Time crimes in the garden of pleasure’ is a presentation of a series of design projects developed in relation to the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens by the River Thames in London and the Urban Islands Studio on Cockatoo Island in Sydney. Each location is filled with complex geometries from geological, historical and environmental territories. We unpack these complexities and invent new vessels for the prevailing phenomenon of pleasure.

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens existed for 198 years from 1661 to 1859 through times of great change. The old world became new, the familiar made strange. Advances in science, technology, architecture, art, philosophy and politics brought together the near and the far, the infinitesimal and the galactic, the past and the future. The Pleasure Gardens had to become a generator of great experimentation and novelty, a place where the new could be seen and heard. At their considerable zenith they were one of the largest and most complex businesses in Britain, innovating at large scale across many fields.
Terminal_emulator
Authors: Knox Elena
Published: September 2017

The phrase ‘terminal identity’ has been used by theorists of cyber- and cypher-punk to explain the constitution of posthuman identity as projected by works of science fiction. I will now consider its application and potential adaptation to the complex and emerging identity constitution of non-fictive, material, humanoid robots developed in present-day research facilities around the world. Particularly, I refer herein to the realistic androids or ‘very humanlike robots’ produced by the Japan-based projects in ‘android science’. To generate humans’ affinity with these aesthetically very humanlike androids, engineers currently rely primarily on the display architecture of the human. Thus, ‘very humanlike robots’ can perhaps be gainfully thought as ‘terminal emulators’.