bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Energy Metabolism Changes in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy Rats Using a Metabonomic Approach
Authors: Zhao Liangcai , Dong Minjian , Xu Cuicui , Zheng Hong , Wei Tingting , Liu Kun , Yan Zhihan , Gao Hongchang 
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a serious complication of diabetes. It is therefore crucial to elucidate the characteristic metabolic changes that occur during the development of diabetes to gain an understanding the pathogenesis of this disease and identify potential drug targets involved. Methods: 1H nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabonomics combined with HPLC measurements were used to determine the metabolic changes in isolated cardiac tissues after 5 weeks, 9 weeks, and 15 weeks in rats treated with streptozotocin. Results: Pattern recognition analysis clearly discriminated the diabetic rats from time-matched control rats, suggesting that the metabolic profile of the diabetic group was markedly different from that of the controls. Quantitative analysis showed that the levels of energy metabolites, such as the high-energy phosphate pool (ATP and creatine), significantly decreased in a time-dependent manner. Correlation analysis revealed the inhibition of glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, enhanced lipid metabolism, and changes in some amino acids, which may have led to the decline in energy production in the DCM rats. Conclusions: The results indicated that the administration of energy substances or the manipulation of myocardial energy synthesis induced by increased glucose oxidation may contribute to the amelioration of cardiac dysfunction in diabetes.
Metformin Alleviates Radiation-Induced Skin Fibrosis via the Downregulation of FOXO3
Authors: Kim Jin-Mo , Yoo Hyun , Kim Jee-Youn , Oh Sang Ho , Kang Jeong Wook , Yoo Byung Rok , Han Song Yee , Kim Cha Soon , Choi Won Hoon , Lee Eun-Jung , Byeon Hyeong Ju , Lee Won Jai , Lee Yun-Sil , Cho Jaeho 
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Radiation-induced skin fibrosis is a common side effect of clinical radiotherapy. Our previous next-generation sequencing (NGS) study demonstrated the reduced expression of the regulatory α subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PIK3r1) in irradiated murine skin. Metformin has been reported to target the PIK3-FOXO3 pathway. In this study, we investigated the effects of metformin on radiation-induced skin fibrosis. Methods: Metformin was orally administered to irradiated mice. Skin fibrosis was analyzed by staining with H&E and Masson’s trichrome stain. The levels of cytokines and chemokines associated with fibrosis were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative RT-PCR. The roles of PIK3rl and FOXO3 in radiation-induced skin fibrosis were studied by overexpressing PIK3rl and transfecting FOXO3 siRNA in NIH3T3 cells and mouse-derived dermal fibroblasts (MDF). Results: The oral administration of metformin significantly reduced radiation-induced skin thickening and collagen accumulation and significantly reduced the radiation-induced expression of FOXO3 in murine skin. Additionally, the overexpression of PIK3r1 reduced the radiation-induced expression of FOXO3, while FOXO3 silencing decreased the radiation-induced expression of TGFβ in vitro. Conclusions: The results indicated that metformin suppresses radiation-induced skin injuries by modulating the expression of FOXO3 through PIK3r1. Collectively, the data obtained in this study suggested that metformin could be a potent therapeutic agent for alleviating radiation-induced skin fibrosis.
Cangju Qinggan Jiangzhi Decoction Reduces the Development of NonAlcoholic Steatohepatitis and Activation of Kupffer Cells
Authors: Cheng Yang  , Chen Tianyang , Ping Jian , Chen Jianjie
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is defined as lipid accumulation with hepatic injury, inflammation and early to moderate fibrosis. Kupffer cells play a crucial role in promoting hepatic inflammation, which further facilitates the development of NASH. Here we investigated the effects of Cangju Qinggan Jiangzhi decoction (CQJD) on high fat diet (HFD) and methionine-choline deficient (MCD) induced mouse NASH pathogenesis. Methods: Mouse NASH models were developed by HFD and MCD diet. The treated mice were divided into three groups: the control group (n = 10), the low-dose CQJD treatment group (n = 10) and the high-dose CQJD treatment group (n = 10). The hepatic injury, inflammation, and apoptotic molecules were evaluated by H&E staining, immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. Kupffer cells were isolated from control mice and CQJD-treated mice after stimulation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and/or palmitic acid. The level of the inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL1β, and CCL2 was measured by ELISA. Results: The HFD-fed mice displayed significant metabolic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress-related alterations due to hepatic lipid accumulation. CQJD treatment largely normalized the hepatic injury, lowered the ALT/AST level, and reduced the severity of liver inflammation, as revealed by the decreased inflammatory cytokines levels. In vitro, CQJD blocked the activation of LPS- or palmitic acid-primed Kupffer cells in a dose-dependent manner. In the MCD diet-induced NASH mice, similar therapeutic effects of CQJD were also observed. Conclusion: CQJD ameliorates mouse nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The reduction in liver injury and inflammation induced by CQJD is associated with reduced activation of Kupffer cells. Our results suggest that CQJD is a promising therapeutic strategy in clinical steatohepatitis.
Regulatory Role of Endothelial PHD2 in the Hepatic Steatosis
Authors: Zhou Li-Ying , Zeng Heng , Wang Shuo , Chen Jian-Xiong
Published: July 2018

Background/Aims: Liver disease is a leading cause of high mortality and morbidity worldwide. The aim of the present study is to investigate the regulatory role of prolyl hydroxylase-2 (PHD2)-hypoxia-inducible factor-2a (HIF-2α) axis on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and to explore the potential mechanisms by which endothelial (EC)-specific PHD2 deficiency regulates hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Methods: In the endothelial-specific PHD2 knockout (PHD2ECKO) mouse fed with normal diet or high fat diet (HFD), liver lipid accumulation and fibrosis were measured by Oil Red O and Masson trichrome staining. The fat and body weight (FW/BW) ratio and glucose tolerance were measured. The expression of HIF-2α, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), and transforming growth factor-b (TGF-β) were analyzed by western blot analysis. Results: The steatosis and fibrosis were significantly increased in the PHD2ECKO mice. FW/BW ratio was significantly increased in the PHD2ECKO mice. Moreover, knockout of endothelial PHD2 resulted in an impairment of glucose tolerance in mice. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of HIF-2α in liver tissues was not significantly increased. Interestingly, the expression of ANP was decreased, and Ang-2 and TGF-β levels were significantly increased in the liver of PHD2ECKO mice. The FW/BW ratio was also significantly increased in the PHD2ECKO mice fed with HFD for 16 weeks. Feeding HFD resulted in a significant increase in hepatic steatosis in the control PHD2f/f mice, but did not further enhance hepatic steatosis in the PHD2ECKO mice. Conclusions: We concluded that the endothelial PHD2 plays a critical role in hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, which may be involved in the regulation of ANP and Ang-2/TGF-β signaling pathway, but not the HIF-2α expression.
Aphaenogaster gamagumayaa sp. nov.: the first troglobiotic ant from Japan (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae)
Authors: NAKA TAKERU , MARUYAMA MUNETOSHI
Published: July 2018

Aphaenogaster gamagumayaa sp. nov., a new troglobiotic (true cave-dwelling) ant species, from a limestone cave on the island of Okinawa (Okinawa-jima), Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan is described. This is the first discovery of a troglobiotic ant in Japan and the second verified record worldwide. This species has only been found in a cave area with heavy guano deposits, and some worker ants were observed carrying guano. The evidence for categorizing this new species as troglobiont is discussed.
Description of a new species of Eucynorta (Opiliones, Cosmetidae) from Cortés, Honduras
Authors: DAMRON BRITTANY N. , PINTO-DA-ROCHA RICARDO , LONGHORN STUART J.
Published: July 2018

A new species, Eucynorta rooneyi sp. nov. (Opiliones, Cosmetidae), is described from Parque Nacional Cusuco, Cortés, Honduras, a tropical montane cloud forest habitat. This is the thirty-fifth species of Eucynorta Roewer, 1912, and is characterized by the combination of three sexually dimorphic characters in males: enlarged chelicerae, some armature on femur III and IV, and swollen basitarsi on leg I. This new species is distinct from other Eucynorta species due to its unique pattern of yellow markings on area I of the dorsal scutum, and unarmed free tergites with line markings.
Do Stereotypical Media Representations Influence White Individuals’ Perceptions of American Indians?
Authors: Strass Haley A. , Vogel David L.
Published: July 2018

In this study, we examined exposure to stereotypical movie portrayals of American Indians, motivations to respond without prejudice, and awareness of White privilege on racist attitudes. European American participants ( N = 232) were randomly assigned to watch stereotypical representations of American Indians or control videos. Hierarchical regression results revealed that higher internal motivations to respond without prejudice and awareness were associated with lower levels of racist attitudes. Higher external motivations to respond without prejudice were associated with higher levels of modern racist attitudes. For participants high in awareness, there was no significant difference in modern racist attitudes between the control and stereotype conditions. For participants low in awareness, those in the control condition reported lower modern racist attitudes than those in the stereotype condition. Results suggest awareness is an important predictor of lower racist attitudes but needs to be reconceptualized within the counseling literature. Social justice implications and limitations are discussed.
A flipped classroom in communication systems: Student perception and performance assessments
Authors: Öncel Aksay Fatih , Kara Ali
Published: July 2018

Flipped classroom is an emerging course delivery method, where the traditional in-class and out-of-class activities flip places. The lectures are given out-of-class with electronic resources and in-class time is reserved for group activities and discussion with the instructor. In this study, we present our implementation of a flipped classroom in a senior level undergraduate engineering course. An extensive perception analysis was carried out with anonymous surveys and face-to-face interviews with students. Performance analysis of the flipped class was carried out by comparing the achievement level in the course learning outcomes of previous years’ traditional classes and recent year’s flipped class. The out-of-class lectures were implemented as machine-voice-narrated presentations. The effect of machine voice on the flipped classroom is also examined. Students’ perception and reaction to various aspects of the flipped class are documented. Performance analysis showed a significant improvement in one category of course learning outcomes. Student perception was positive overall.
Political Traffic: Kenyan Students in Eastern and Central Europe, 1958–69
Authors: Branch Daniel
Published: July 2018

This article explores the experiences of Kenyan students in the Soviet Union, Bulgaria and other communist states between 1958 and 1969. Existing studies of student mobility from Kenya in this period have concentrated on the experiences of students in the USA, a theme familiar to many readers because of Barack Obama’s family history. By contrast, and by using recently released sources from the British archives and material from Tom Mboya's papers at the Hoover Institute Archives, the article analyses the political debates that centred upon this much larger group of students who travelled East. The article demonstrates how newfound freedoms of movement were tempered by racism, colonial obstruction and domestic political considerations. The global opportunities that seemed to be presented by decolonization proved to be a chimera. The article locates the experiences of the students in a broader context of debates around decolonization and globalization, but emphasizes the importance of the students' experiences at home and abroad to the process of state-building being undertaken in Kenya at this time.
Tobacco Use Among the Adult Muslim Population in Indonesia: A Preliminary Study on Religion, Cultural, and Socioeconomic Factors
Authors: Widyaningrum Nurul , Yu Jiang
Published: July 2018

In this study, we used data from the Indonesia Family Life Survey Wave 2014 to explore the association between tobacco use (measured in smoking habit, smoking cessation, and smoking intensity) with demographic, socioeconomic, and religious factors among the Muslim population in Indonesia ( n = 28,285). Our study found that Muslims who pray regularly as regulated in Islam are less likely to have a smoking habit or more likely to stop smoking and to smoke less. Other factors associated with no smoking or smoking less include education, having health insurance, and having a medical checkup. Reducing tobacco prevalence in Indonesia and other predominantly Muslim communities may include incorporating religious interpretation about tobacco use, education on the risk of tobacco through school systems, and increasing access to health insurance that covers addictions prevention and recovery.
Effects of Briefly Presented Masked Emotional Facial Expressions on Gaze Behavior: An Eye-Tracking Study
Authors: Bodenschatz Charlott Maria , Kersting Anette , Suslow Thomas
Published: July 2018

Orientation of gaze toward specific regions of the face such as the eyes or the mouth helps to correctly identify the underlying emotion. The present eye-tracking study investigates whether facial features diagnostic of specific emotional facial expressions are processed preferentially, even when presented outside of subjective awareness. Eye movements of 73 healthy individuals were recorded while completing an affective priming task. Primes (pictures of happy, neutral, sad, angry, and fearful facial expressions) were presented for 50 ms with forward and backward masking. Participants had to evaluate subsequently presented neutral faces. Results of an awareness check indicated that participants were subjectively unaware of the emotional primes. No affective priming effects were observed but briefly presented emotional facial expressions elicited early eye movements toward diagnostic regions of the face. Participants oriented their gaze more rapidly to the eye region of the neutral mask after a fearful facial expression. After a happy facial expression, participants oriented their gaze more rapidly to the mouth region of the neutral mask. Moreover, participants dwelled longest on the eye region after a fearful facial expression, and the dwell time on the mouth region was longest for happy facial expressions. Our findings support the idea that briefly presented fearful and happy facial expressions trigger an automatic mechanism that is sensitive to the distribution of relevant facial features and facilitates the orientation of gaze toward them.
Rediscovering the Moral: The ‘Old’ and ‘New’ Sociology of Morality in the Context of the Behavioural Sciences
Authors: Bykov Andrey
Published: July 2018

This article examines the relationships between the sociology of morality and behavioural sciences. It is argued that, although the classical sociological tradition provides valuable theoretical resources for understanding moral phenomena, the prevalence of behavioural sciences in the field is problematic for the ‘new’ sociology of morality, particularly given a wider naturalist movement represented by some modern social theorists. In the context of the current discussion about the future of the sociology of morality, especially the question of how it should react to the dominating biological and psychological approaches, I propose two possible perspectives for the field’s ongoing development.
A Study Examining the Influence of Proximity to Nurse Education Resources on Quality of Care Outcomes in Nursing Homes
Authors: Haun Courtney N. , Mahafza Zachary B. , Cook Chassidy L. , Silvera Geoffrey A.
Published: July 2018

This examination seeks to determine the influence of proximal density to nurse education resources (nursing schools) on nursing home care quality outcomes in Alabama. Motivated by the social network theory, which highlights the influence of relational closeness on shared resources and values, we hypothesize that nursing homes that have higher levels of nursing education resources within a close proximity will exhibit significantly higher nursing home quality outcomes. As proximal density to nurse education resources increases, the opportunity for nursing homes to build closer, stronger ties increase, leading to higher quality outcomes. We examine this hypothesis via ordered logistic regressions of proximal density measures developed through geographic information systems (GIS) software, nurse education resource data from Johnson & Johnson’s Campaign for Nursing’s Future (n = 37), and nursing home quality outcome data from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’s (CMS) Nursing Home Compare from 2016 (n = 226). The results find that increases in proximal density to nurse education resources have a negative and significant association with nursing home quality outcomes in Alabama. Additional sensitivity analysis, which examines the degree to which the nature of this relationship is sensitive to health care facilities’ location in high-density areas, is offered and confirms principal findings. Because nursing programs generally have stronger ties with hospitals, the findings suggest that the nursing homes in areas with higher nurse education resources may actually face greater competition for nurses.
Exploring the Relationship Between Student Engagement and New Pedagogical Approaches
Authors: Malik Zulal A. , Khan Sarah S. , Maqsood Manzil-e-
Published: July 2018

Flipped classroom is a pedagogical approach that with the help of technology moves the traditional lecture from a group space to individual space, and the group space is used to create an interactive learning environment. Students view video lectures at home before the class, and the time during the class is used to engage students in peer-to-peer learning. This study evaluates the effectiveness of flipped approach by examining the relationship between flipped approach and student engagement at physical, behavioral, and emotional levels. The research uses a mixed method approach; it starts with collection and analysis of quantitative data, and then, the qualitative data are collected to compare and contrast the results of quantitative data. The results indicate that flipped approach improves physical and cognitive engagement of students. However, flipped approach does not improve their emotional engagement.
Precise tracking of periodic trajectories for periodic systems
Authors: Zhang Youling , Zhu Qiuguo , Xiong Rong
Published: July 2018

Stable inversion was an effective method to achieve precise trajectory tracking, for which the tracking problem of periodically time-varying systems was solved in the existing literature. However, iteration techniques were required to approach stable inversion, whose explicit formulas for this tracking problem cannot be obtained. To overcome this drawback, a special kind of stable inversion, named periodic inversion, for the periodic systems is proposed in this study. By means of the lifted technique, the tracking problem of the periodic systems is reformulated to be equivalent to that of lifted systems. In order to obtain precise tracking, the periodic inversion of the periodic systems or the lifted systems is proposed, and is analysed for the non-singular case and the singular case, each of which is further analysed for three cases: the full row rank case, the full column rank case and the rank-deficient case. Thus the periodic inversion of the periodic systems is computed. Accompanied with the optimal state transition method for the time-varying systems, precise trajectory tracking is achieved. The methodology is validated through simulations.
The Chinese Postreform Generation as Caregivers: The Caregiving Intentions Toward Parents and Parents-in-Law of the One-Child Generation
Authors: Warmenhoven Helmut , Hoebink Paul R. J. , Janssens Jan M. A. M.
Published: July 2018

The problem of population aging in China has been widely documented. As a result of decreasing birth rates due to the Chinese one-child policy, birth rates have decreased dramatically, while life expectancy has increased. By 2040, it is expected that 24.6% of the Chinese population will be older than 65 years (United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, 2015), with the majority of the elderly care likely to fall to their, often, singleton children. Little research has been conducted, however, with this future generation of caregivers. This article reports on a mixed-methods study comparing the attitudes of the one-child generation toward the future care of their parents and parents-in-law, in terms of gender, sibling status, and urban/rural providence. It includes the results of 26 in-depth interviews with students aged 18 to 22 years, and a survey among 351 first-year students of a semiprivate university in Zhuhai (China). No differences were found for gender, sibling status, or urban/rural providence for the intention to take care of the own parents in the future, although rural and nonsingleton participants were more likely to mention that they intended to live close to, or with their parents in the future than their urban and singleton counterparts. Concerning the care for future parents-in-law, male students in both the survey and the interviews were significantly less likely to accept responsibility for their care than female students, but no differences were found for urban/rural providence or for sibling status in this respect. Finally, female and rural students were found to be significantly much more likely to want to live in a separate house than their male and urban counterparts.
Toxic effects of imidacloprid combined with arsenic: Oxidative stress in rat liver
Authors: Mahajan Lakshay , Verma Pawan Kumar , Raina Rajinder , Sood Shilpa
Published: July 2018

Imidacloprid (IMI), a newer neonicotinoid insecticide, induces oxidative insult to hepatocytes due to the formation of reactive metabolites during hepatic metabolism. The present study aimed to determine the potentiating effect of arsenic (As) on IMI-induced hepatic damage in Wistar rats. Rats, randomly divided into eight groups with six in each, were subjected to daily oral administration for 28 days. Group I served as control; group II received IMI at the dose rate of 16.9 mg/kg body weight; groups III, IV, and V received As at the dose rate of 50, 100, and 150 ppb, respectively, in drinking water; groups VI, VII, and VIII received both IMI (16.9 mg/kg) and As in drinking water at the rate of 50, 100, and 150 ppb, respectively. Repeated oral administration of IMI or As resulted in significant ( p < 0.05) elevation of plasma phosphatases, transferases, hepatic malondialdehyde, and advanced oxidation protein product levels, but significantly ( p < 0.05) decreased levels of total proteins, thiols, and activities of antioxidant enzymes that indicate oxidation-induced hepatotoxicity. These findings were further corroborated by histological alterations in hepatic tissue of IMI or As-administered rats. The coadministration of both IMI and As in rats produced more severe alterations in these parameters in hepatic tissue. Reduced antioxidant indices and increased hepatic damage biomarkers with pronounced histopathological alterations in hepatic tissue after combined exposure to toxicants indicate potentiating toxic effect of As on IMI-induced hepatotoxicity.
The Mysterious Food-Entrainable Oscillator: Insights from Mutant and Engineered Mouse Models
Authors: Pendergast Julie S. , Yamazaki Shin
Published: July 2018

The food-entrainable oscillator (FEO) is a mysterious circadian clock because its anatomical location(s) and molecular timekeeping mechanism are unknown. Food anticipatory activity (FAA), which is defined as the output of the FEO, emerges during temporally restricted feeding. FAA disappears immediately during ad libitum feeding and reappears during subsequent fasting. A free-running FAA rhythm has been observed only in rare circumstances when food was provided with a period outside the range of entrainment. Therefore, it is difficult to study the circadian properties of the FEO. Numerous studies have attempted to identify the critical molecular components of the FEO using mutant and genetically engineered mouse models. Herein we critically review the experimental protocols and findings of these studies in mouse models. Several themes emerge from these studies. First, there is little consistency in restricted feeding protocols between studies. Moreover, the protocols were sometimes not optimal, resulting in erroneous conclusions that FAA was absent in some mouse models. Second, circadian genes are not necessary for FEO timekeeping. Thus, another noncanonical timekeeping mechanism must exist in the FEO. Third, studies of mouse models have shown that signaling pathways involved in circadian timekeeping, reward (dopaminergic), and feeding and energy homeostasis can modulate, but are not necessary for, the expression of FAA. In sum, the approaches to date have been largely unsuccessful in discovering the timekeeping mechanism of the FEO. Moving forward, we propose the use of standardized and optimized experimental protocols that focus on identifying genes that alter the period of FAA in mutant and engineered mouse models. This approach is likely to permit discovery of molecular components of the FEO timekeeping mechanism.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Children With Infantile Spasms: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Meena Mahender K. , Sharma Suvasini , Bhasin Himani , Jain Puneet , Kapoor Seema , Jain Anju , Aneja Satinder
Published: July 2018

There have been few case reports showing association of vitamin B12 deficiency with infantile spasms. We planned this study to see if there was an association of serum vitamin B12 deficiency in children with development of infantile spasms. Cases included children with infantile spasms of ages 6 months to 3 years. The controls were children in the same age group who had global developmental delay but no history of epileptic spasms. Mean serum vitamin B12, serum homocysteine, and urinary methylmalonic acid levels were measured in both groups and compared. Children with infantile spasms had lower mean serum vitamin B12 levels (354.1 pg/mL; standard deviation 234.1 pg/mL) as compared to children with global developmental delay without spasms (466.7 pg/mL; standard deviation 285.5 pg/mL) ( P value < .05). Mean serum homocysteine level (13.9 vs 7.8 μmol/L, P = .02) and mean urinary methylmalonic acid level (68.1 mmol/mol of creatinine vs 26.1 mmol/mol of creatinine, P = .03) were elevated in children with infantile spasms than in controls. Fourteen children (35.0%) with infantile spasms were vitamin B12 deficient compared with 3 (7.50%) controls ( P = .005). Thus, vitamin B12 deficiency may have an association with infantile spasms. More studies are needed before recommending routine measurement of serum B12 levels in children with infantile spasms.
Mechanical characterisation of porcine non-intestinal colorectal tissues for innovation in surgical instrument design
Authors: White Eoin J , Cunnane Eoghan M , McMahon Muireann , Walsh Michael T , Coffey J Calvin , O’Sullivan Leonard
Published: July 2018

This article presents an investigation into the mechanical properties of porcine mesocolon, small intestinal mesentery, fascia, and peritoneum tissues to generate a preliminary database of the mechanical characteristics of these tissues as surrogates for human tissue. No study has mechanically characterised porcine tissue correlates of the mesentery and associated structures. The samples were tested to determine the strength, stretch at failure, and stiffness of each tissue. The results indicated that porcine mesenteric and associated tissues visually resembled corresponding human tissues and had similar tactile characteristics, according to an expert colorectal surgeon. Stiffness values ranged from 0.088 MPa to 6.858 MPa across all tissues, with fascia being the weakest, and mesentery and peritoneum being the strongest. Failure stress values ranged from 0.336 MPa to 6.517 MPa, and failure stretch values ranged from 1.766 to 3.176, across all tissues. These mechanical data can serve as reference baseline data upon which future work can expand.
Attitudes, perceptions and prospectings on mobile information literacy training: Design and validation of the MOBILE-APP questionnaire
Authors: Pinto Maria , Sales Dora , Fernández-Pascual Rosaura , Caballero-Mariscal David
Published: July 2018

The basic aim of this paper is to outline the process of designing and validating an instrument for measuring teachers’ perceptions regarding the importance of using mobile technologies in the teaching-learning of information competencies (MOBILE-APP). Validation was carried out by administering the instrument to a pilot group of teachers, all of whom were experts in new technologies selected from the Information and Communication, Business and Education degrees, together with a rubric to analyse the quality and relevance of the content, as well as the wording of the items. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies were combined (statistical and descriptive analyses). The results from the quantitative-qualitative analysis of the evaluation rubric and the psychometric analysis of the items show the strengths of the questionnaire and the possible improvements that could be made to optimise it, which were focused on small adjustments to some of the categories and the reordering of several items. The quantitative analysis shows a high degree of internal consistency, thus ensuring the usefulness and applicability of the instrument for evaluating teachers’ perceptions regarding the use of mobile technologies in the teaching-learning of information competencies. The validity and reliability of the instrument mean that it can be transferred to other academic settings as a platform for future diagnostic studies that allow advances to be made in teaching innovation using mobile technologies, while at the same time permitting it to be reviewed and updated. The innovative element of the MOBILE-APP questionnaire lies in the interrelation between the mode of learning (mobile learning) and the information literacy competencies.
Huck Doesn't Sound like Himself: Consistency in the Literary Dialect of Mark Twain
Authors: Tamasi Susan
Published: July 2018

Mark Twain is one of the most prolific writers of literary dialect, and his works have long been studied not only for their content but also for the structure of the language found within. In this tradition, this article analyzes the speech of the character of Huck Finn in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. However, this article moves beyond traditional studies which focus on cataloguing dialect features or discussing the writer's dialect accuracy, and instead questions whether or not Twain was consistent in his use of literary dialect intertextually. Using the LinguaLinks program, a representative sample of Huck's speech from each text was examined for non-standard features and dialect spellings, and these forms were analyzed for consistency of use. This study reveals that while Twain is consistent in some of the dialect features analyzed, variation does in fact occur within his representation of Huck's speech.
Political Ecology of Snake Charming
Authors: Halder Somenath
Published: July 2018

Recently, one of the significant changes in the paradigm of ecology was the advancement of cross-disciplinary amalgamation among the branches of social and natural sciences. This study is a preliminary investigation of political ecology regarding a rare type of hereditary nurtured livelihood. For the consideration of the current research problem, three critical areas of inquest have been incorporated into a framework. These are the backgrounds of indigenous peoples and their livelihood; conflict over laws, legal rights and justice; and the political ramifications of environmental laws on snake charming and politics in the name of conservation and justice. Each of these inquisitions is dealt with a twofold strategy—the relevant literature is first reviewed and then central analytical issues are discussed after a rigorous ground survey. The article concludes with a short academic layout and policy inference of the political ecology of snake charming.
From Caesar to Charlemagne
Authors: Yavuz N. Kıvılcım
Published: July 2018

The Trojan War, which is traditionally considered to have occurred in the twelfth century bce, has been one of the most exploited subjects of European culture and history. Not only did it provide some of the most important literary motifs for ancient Greek and Roman culture, but it also played a role in the genesis of the nations of early medieval Europe. The Trojans had an afterlife that connected them to multitudes of subsequent peoples. This study examines the story of the Trojan origins of the Franks from its inception during the Merovingian period to its development under the Carolingians. Considering both textual and manuscript evidence, it discusses the dissemination of the origin story as well as its association with Charlemagne.
Comparison of Surgical Site Infections in Ankle Fracture Surgery With or Without the Use of Postoperative Antibiotics
Authors: Lachman James Robert , Elkrief Justin I. , Pipitone Paul S. , Haydel Christopher L.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Surgeon preference has been replaced by an approach using evidence-based medicine in clinical decision making. The use of postoperative antibiosis in ankle fracture surgery is more common for inpatients but variable for outpatient surgery. Some surgeons prefer to prescribe 24 hours of oral antibiotics, whereas others give no antibiotics at all postoperatively. In this study, inpatients receiving 24 hours of intravenous antibiotics were compared to those patients receiving 24 hours of oral antibiotics and those receiving no postoperative antibiotics.

Methods:

A total of 1442 patients with ankle fractures requiring operative fixation were retrospectively reviewed in this multicenter study. Demographic data including age, sex, and body mass index were collected. Clinical data including diabetes status, smoking status, hepatitis C virus (HCV) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, infection requiring additional antibiotics, and infection requiring return to operating room (RTOR) were compared across the groups.

Results:

No differences in incidence of cellulitis or return to OR for infection were demonstrated between the 3 groups. No differences were noted among the groups for any risk factors for infection including body mass index, previous infection, smoking status, HCV/HIV status, or diabetes. The rates of cellulitis ( P = .402), infection requiring additional antibiotics ( P = .563), and infection requiring return to the operating room ( P = .878) showed no difference between the groups.

Conclusion:

The use of antibiotics postoperatively did not decrease the incidence of surgical site infection. The findings in this study suggest that the routine use of postoperative antibiotics after ankle fracture surgery is not beneficial.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective comparative study.
Effects of Monoamines and Antidepressants on Astrocyte Physiology: Implications for Monoamine Hypothesis of Depression
Authors: Marathe Swananda V , D’almeida Priyal L , Virmani Garima , Bathini Praveen , Alberi Lavinia
Published: July 2018

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders affecting over one-fifth of the population worldwide. Owing to our limited understanding of the pathophysiology of MDD, the quest for finding novel antidepressant drug targets is severely impeded. Monoamine hypothesis of MDD provides a robust theoretical framework, forming the core of a large jigsaw puzzle, around which we must look for the vital missing pieces. Growing evidence suggests that the glial loss observed in key regions of the limbic system in depressed patients, at least partly, accounts for the structural and cognitive manifestations of MDD. Studies in animal models have subsequently hinted at the possibility that the glial atrophy may play a causative role in the precipitation of depressive symptoms. Antidepressants as well as monoamine neurotransmitters exert profound effects on the gene expression and metabolism in astrocytes. This raises an intriguing possibility that the astrocytes may play a central role alongside neurons in the behavioral effects of antidepressant drugs. In this article, we discuss the gene expression and metabolic changes brought about by antidepressants in astrocytes, which could be of relevance to synaptic plasticity and behavioral effects of antidepressant treatments.
The Significance of Thallium-201-Chloride SPECT Myocardial Perfusion Imaging in the Management of Patients With Stable Chronic Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Jurić Ivan , Fazlibegović Emir , Pravdić Danijel , Starčević Boris , Punda Ante , Huić Dražen , Hadžiomerović Mustafa , Rozić Damir , Martinac Marko , Markota Darko , Vasilj Mirjana , Vasilj Ivan , Saxena Anshul
Published: July 2018

Background:

Patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) can be evaluated for myocardial viability by examining reverse redistribution of Thallium-201 (201TI) through cardiac scintigraphy. There is limited knowledge about association of a reverse redistribution with favorable cardiac outcomes. In this study, we hypothesized that higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), lower myocardial necrosis, fewer ischemic events, and less angina will be associated with reverse redistribution of 201TI imaging.

Methods:

Adult patients with stable CAD included in this study underwent exercise-redistribution Thallium single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and were followed for one year. LVEF and regional wall motion abnormalities were evaluated with echocardiography, exercise duration by bicycle testing, and myocardial ischemia and viability by Thallium SPECT.

Results:

We studied 159 patients (87 men, 72 women, median age 60 years, range: 38-84) with well-developed collaterals. Those with reverse redistribution on SPECT (n = 61, 38.3%) had significantly better exercise tolerance (⩾85%; P < .001). Subjects with reverse redistribution had better LVEF ( P < .001), wall motion parameters ( P < .001), a lower degree of myocardial necrosis ( P < .05), less angina during follow-up ( P = .02), and fewer ischemic events whether treated with OMT or PCI ( P < .001).

Conclusions:

Reverse redistribution of 201Tl on scintigraphic images is a predictor of myocardial viability. Evidence from our study suggests that optimally treated chronic CAD patients with reverse redistribution may have lower likelihood of future adverse cardiovascular events and better prognosis.
A state-of-the-art review on police accountability
Authors: Feys Yinthe , Verhage Antoinette , Boels Dominique
Published: July 2018

The method and results of a scoping review, based on the principles of a systematic literature review, on police accountability are presented with the aim of providing an overview of the characteristics of empirical research on the topic and the main themes covered in this research tradition. To our knowledge, no systematically conducted review has been undertaken although one could help to identify gaps in the (empirical) literature and give insights into the themes studied in this regard. Three main themes were discovered during the review; aside from police accountability as such, many studies related to police integrity or, to a lesser extent, historical facts concerning police accountability or integrity. Two of the most striking findings were the low number of empirical studies included in our thematic synthesis and the limited amount of methodological information reported in these publications. As such, the authors recommend more empirical research regarding police accountability and, more generally, sufficient methodological reporting when writing a publication.
Interest Group Influence and the Two Faces of Power
Authors: Finger Leslie K.
Published: July 2018

This study revives the “two faces of power” conceptualization to consider whether common interest group measures are valid proxies for interest group strength. The “two faces of power” model proposes that power enables not just influence on decisions, but also influence from controlling the agenda. Using the case of state-level teachers’ unions, I test whether measures of a group’s ability to set the agenda (the second face of power) have a stronger relationship with policy outcomes and stakeholder perceptions of influence than do measures of a group’s engagement with legislators (the first face of power). I find support for this proposition. The second face, operationalized with union membership rates, is associated with policy proposal, policy passage, and stakeholder perceptions of influence, while open contestation, operationalized with campaign contributions, is not. This suggests that operationalizations of power based on surface-level measures such as campaign contributions may not accurately capture interest group influence.
A child with atypically subtle clinical presentation of acute arterial ischaemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery
Authors: Orgun Leman T , Derinkuyu Betul E , Havali Cengiz , Boyunaga Oznur , Yenicesu Idil , Demir Ercan , Gucuyener Kıvılcım
Published: July 2018

Arterial ischaemic stroke in the paediatric population is considered a rare disease, and its diagnosis is often delayed due to the subtlety and variability of clinical symptoms, especially in younger patients. The clinical presentation and imaging features of ischaemic stroke in the paediatric population are variable depending on the underlying cause, affected artery and patient’s age. Literally, acute occlusion of the middle cerebral artery shows significant clinical signs and symptoms, and riotous imaging findings due to the size of the territory. Here, we present a case of a 15-year-old boy who unusually had subtle and intermittent clinical symptoms in spite of a complete acute occlusion in his right middle cerebral artery.
Partial discharge detection for stator winding insulation of motors using artificial neural network
Authors: Chen Yu-Tung , Lai Jui-Chien , Jheng Yu-Ming , Kuo Cheng-Chien , Chang Hong-Chan
Published: July 2018

In this article, the insulation fault detection of high-voltage motors by the artificial neural network algorithm is used. The proposed method can evaluate the status of operating motor without interrupting the normal operation. According to the measurement of partial discharge information, this research establishes the relationship of stator failures and pattern features. This study uses common high-voltage motor stator fault types to experimentally produce four types of stator test models with insulation defects; these models are compared with a healthy motor model. Through the learning of the artificial neural network, the experimental results show that the artificial neural network–based stator fault diagnosis system proposed in this article has a recognition rate as high as 90% when the conjugate gradient algorithm is used, and there are 20 neurons in the hidden layer.
Diabetes Technological Revolution: Winners and Losers?
Authors: Barnard Katharine D. , Breton Marc D.
Published: July 2018

Over recent years there has been an explosion in availability of technical devices to support diabetes self-management. But with this technology revolution comes new hurdles. On paper, the available diabetes technologies should mean that the vast majority of people with type 1 diabetes have optimal glycemic control and are using their preferred therapy choices. Yet, it does not appear to be universally the case. In parallel, suboptimal glycemic control remains stubbornly widespread. Barriers to improvement include access to technology, access to expert diabetes health care professionals, and prohibitive insurance costs. Until access can be improved to ensure the technologies are available and usable by those that need them, there are many people with diabetes who are still losing out.
Reducing Vehicle Collisions With the Central American Tapir in Central Belize District, Belize
Authors: Poot Celso , Clevenger Anthony P.
Published: July 2018

The Central American tapir Tapirus bairdii is the national animal of Belize. Accidents from vehicle collisions pose a new threat to the species. A total of 14 tapir deaths were recorded from June 2008 through December 2012 in Central Belize District. Two areas were identified as hot spots for tapir-vehicle collisions (TVCs), and spot-speed surveys revealed speeding to be common in that area. More than 47% of the vehicles were traveling above the prescribed speed limit, and another 28% were driving at speeds of 100 kph or faster. In an effort to reduce speed and the risk of TVCs, we deployed two sets of reflective wildlife crossing signs over a 6-km stretch of road. This was followed by an awareness campaign alerting drivers of tapirs’ presence in the area. We saw a significant reduction in speed immediately after the installation of the warning signs, and no TVCs were recorded for the next 10 months. Consequently, camera-trapping and track surveys were undertaken to confirm the species continued presence in the immediate area. Over the next 2 years, only two collisions were recorded along the same stretch of road.
Simultaneous structuring and mineralization of silk fibroin scaffolds
Authors: Rödel Michaela , Baumann Katrin , Groll Jürgen , Gbureck Uwe
Published: July 2018

Silk fibroin is commonly used as scaffold material for tissue engineering applications. In combination with a mineralization with different calcium phosphate phases, it can also be applied as material for bone regeneration. Here, we present a study which was performed to produce mineralized silk fibroin scaffolds with controlled macroporosity. In contrast to former studies, our approach focused on a simultaneous gelation and mineralization of silk fibroin by immersion of frozen silk fibroin monoliths in acidic calcium phosphate solutions. This was achieved by thawing frozen silk fibroin monoliths in acidic calcium phosphate solution, leading to the precipitation of monocalcium phosphate within the silk fibroin matrix. In the second approach, a conversion of incorporated β-tricalcium phosphate particles into brushite was successfully achieved. Furthermore, a controlled cryostructuring process of silk fibroin scaffolds was carried out leading to the formation of parallel-oriented pores with diameters of 30–50 µm.