bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebral Palsy in Children With Congenital Zika Syndrome: A 2-Year Neurodevelopmental Follow-up
Authors: Carvalho Alessandra Lemos de , Ventura Paloma , Taguchi Tânia , Brandi Ivar , Brites Carlos , Lucena Rita
Published: November 2019

Objective:

To describe the 2-year neurodevelopmental outcome in children with cerebral palsy associated with congenital Zika (CZ) and explore variables associated with a more severe presentation.

Methods:

Data on 69 children with cerebral palsy associated with CZ, followed in a neurorehabilitation hospital, who consecutively attended the neurodevelopmental assessment at 2 years of age, were collected. Bayley III Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination, and Gross Motor Function Classification System were used for the outcome evaluation. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were performed.

Results:

The median age at follow-up was of 24.0 (23-32) months. Only 3 (4.3%) children were not microcephalic. The majority presented with bilateral (94.2%), spastic (100.0%), Gross Motor Function Classification System grade IV or V (92.8%) cerebral palsy, epilepsy (73.1%), extremely low performances on cognitive (94.2%), language (95.7%), and motor (95.7%) Bayley-III Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Test scores. The median Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination score was of 21.0 (range 9-75). There was a correlation between birth head circumference with the cognitive ( r = 0.3, P < .01), language ( r = 0.3, P < .01), and motor ( r = 0.3, P < .01) Bayley-III Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Test scores, as well as with the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination score ( r = 0.2, P < .03). An association was observed between an inferior median Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination score with congenital microcephaly ( P = .04), arthrogryposis ( P = .02), and epilepsy in the first year ( P < .01).

Conclusion:

Cerebral palsy related to CZ presents with a severe global impairment at a 2-year follow-up. Birth head circumference, arthrogryposis, and early epilepsy are associated with a worse outcome and may be considered as prognostic markers. These findings are important for the neurorehabilitation planning, parents’ guiding, and future prognostic studies.
Functionally modified magnetic nanoparticles for effective siRNA delivery to prostate cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Panday Raju , Abdalla Ahmed Mohammed Elamin , Yu Miao , Li Xiaohong , Ouyang Chenxi , Yang Guang
Published: November 2019

Different types of siRNA delivery vehicles including nanoparticles have been synthesized and utilized for prostate cancer gene therapy. However, one of the most common limitations being faced is the toxicity of cationic polymers toward the cells. In the current study, magnetic nanoparticles were prepared and conjugated with cationic polymer, polyethylenimine. Then polyethylene glycol was conjugated with polyethylenimine to improve the biocompatibility of nanoparticles. The transmission electron microscopy size of nanoparticles was found to be 15.82 (±9.07) nm, while hydrodynamic size was about 79.20 (±0.68) nm. Zeta potential analysis of polyethylenimine and polyethylene glycol-coated nanoparticles was +31.4 (±0.62) and +5.65 (±0.76) mV, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance confirmed the presence of polyethylene glycol and polyethylenimine polymers in magnetic nanoparticles. Cell viability test in mouse fibroblast NIH 3T3 and prostate cancer PC3 cells showed an increased in biocompatibility of functionally modified polyethylene glycol–polyethylenimine–Fe3O4 nanoparticles. siRNA targeting a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) was successfully loaded into the polyethylene glycol–polyethylenimine–Fe3O4 nanoparticles and delivered to PC3 cells. The results clearly demonstrated a significant decrease in cell viability, which increased within a certain siRNA concentration. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) value for ADAM10 siRNA was calculated to be 15.83 nM after 72 h. Confocal microscopy confirmed the delivery of siRNA-loaded nanoparticles intracellularly to the tumor cells cytosol. This magnetic system can be used as a powerful platform to inhibit cancer cells progression.
Examination of Community Participation of Adults With Disabilities: Comparing Age and Disability Onset
Authors: Dashner Jessica , Espin-Tello Sandra Martina , Snyder Makenna , Hollingsworth Holly , Keglovits Marian , Campbell Margaret L. , Putnam Michelle , Stark Susan
Published: November 2019

Objective: Explore community participation between adults with disabilities ⩽50 and >50 years and between early-(⩽40) and late-(>40) onset disability. Method: A survey examining participation was conducted with a national convenience sample of 692 community-dwelling adults with disabilities. Results: Participants ⩽50 reported presence of more ( p < .05) environmental supports for work/volunteer/education and use of transportation. Participants >50 had higher ( p < .01) visits to pharmacies; higher ( p < .05) evaluative quality of participation (EQOP) at gas stations, exercise facilities, beauty salons/barbers, and use of transportation ( p < .01); and more difficulty participating without assistance at grocery stores ( p < .05) and gas stations ( p < .01). The early-onset group reported higher ( p < .05) EQOP at work/volunteer/education and homes of family/friends. The late-onset group reported higher ( p < .01) EQOP at exercise facilities; more ( p < .05) environmental supports at pharmacies, restaurants, grocery stores ( p < .01), doctors’ offices ( p ⩽ .01), and beauty salons/barbers ( p < .01); greater ( p < .01) influence of pain/fatigue; and more difficulty without assistance at grocery stores ( p < .05) and gas stations ( p < .01). Discussion: Understanding these differences can improve interventions to support community participation of individuals aging with disabilities.
Predictors of 1-Year Global Outcomes After Traumatic Brain Injury Among Older Adults: A NIDILRR Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Study
Authors: Hammond Flora M. , Baker-Sparr Christina A. , Dahdah Marie N. , Dams-O’Connor Kristen , Dreer Laura E. , O’Neil-Pirozzi Therese M. , Novack Thomas A.
Published: November 2019

Objective: To assess predictors of global function and driving status among older adults (50 years and older) who survived 1 year following inpatient rehabilitation for moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: Functional status at 1-year post-TBI was determined for 1,845 individuals. The relationship age category to function was studied using associations and predictive modeling. Results: The final model accounted for 34% variance in Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E) among 60- to 69-year-olds and 70- to 79-year-olds, and 25% variance in 50- to 59-year-olds and 80+-year-olds. FIM Motor at rehabilitation discharge made the greatest contribution to GOS-E variance across all age groups. Inpatient rehabilitation discharge to nursing home or adult home and rehospitalization were associated with a one-level decrease in GOS-E. Alcohol use predicted lower GOS-E among the 70- to 79-year-olds. Gender, ethnicity, and rehospitalizations were negatively associated driving. Discussion: Rehabilitation approaches to older adults with TBI may help maximize function and, thereby, improve later outcomes and decrease rehospitlaizations. Such strategies may include longer and more intensive acute rehabilitation with greater patient engagement and enhanced transitions of care.
Loading path optimization of shaft clinching forming assembly using finite element simulation and response surface methodology
Authors: Shu Weicai , Qiu Baoxiang , Yang Jianguo , Huang Dejie , Gao Zengliang
Published: November 2019

Shaft clinching forming assembly has become a mainstream clamping technology of wheel bearings. The radial deformation of inner rings is the main negative impact in the shaft clinching forming process. The elastoplastic finite element method was used to study the shaft clinching forming process of wheel bearings, and the accuracy of the numerical simulation was verified by experiment. The ratio of the inner ring outside diameter variation to the clamping force ( RIC) was taken as an optimization objective. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the loading path of punches in the shaft clinching forming process. Three factors were selected, including the central angle between two successively appeared outermost points of the plum blossom shape loading trajectory ( θ), the rotation speed of the punch ( ω), and the tilted angle of punches ( α). The results show that the central angle θ is the most sensitive factor, and the interaction effects of the central angle θ and the speed of autorotation ω on the ratio RIC are the most significant. Finally, the minimum ratio RIC and a corresponding loading path are obtained. The research results can be applied to other rotary forging processes.
An integrated control strategy of path following and lateral motion stabilization for autonomous distributed drive electric vehicles
Authors: Zou Yuan , Guo Ningyuan , Zhang Xudong
Published: November 2019

This article proposes an integrated control strategy of autonomous distributed drive electric vehicles. First, to handle the multi-constraints and integrated problem of path following and the yaw motion control, a model predictive control technique is applied to determine optimal front wheels’ steering angle and external yaw moment synthetically and synchronously. For ensuring the desired path-tracking performance and vehicle lateral stability, a series of imperative state constraints and control references are transferred in the form of a matrix and imposed into the rolling optimization mechanism of model predictive control, where the detailed derivation is also illustrated and analyzed. Then, the quadratic programming algorithm is employed to optimize and distribute each in-wheel motor’s torque output. Finally, numerical simulation validations are carried out and analyzed in depth by comparing with a linear quadratic regulator–based strategy, proving the effectiveness and control efficacy of the proposed strategy.
Aeroelastic analysis of parachute deceleration systems with empirical aerodynamics
Authors: Ortega Enrique , Flores Roberto
Published: November 2019

A technique for the aeroelastic solution of parachute decelerators is presented in this work. The methodology uses empirical aerodynamics, based on a filling-time inflation model and Ludtke's area law, coupled to two explicit structural solution approaches. A mass-spring-damper technique allows solving the deployment of the system (when the grid is highly distorted) efficiently, and a finite element model is used for the accurate calculation of the structural loads and stresses during parachute opening and steady flight. The coupling strategy is staggered and the models share the same mesh. The methodology is intended for practical calculations of deceleration systems, and provides useful performance and structural data minimizing model complexity and computational cost. The suitability of the proposed technique is assessed by comparisons with reference test drop data.
Numerical simulation of hydro-mechanical coupling of periodontal ligament
Authors: Ashrafi Mehran , Ghalichi Farzan , Mirzakouchaki Behnam , Zoljanahi Oskui Iman
Published: November 2019

Orthodontic tooth movement in the alveolar bone is due to the mechanical response of periodontal ligament to applied forces. Definition of a proper constitutive model of the periodontal ligament to investigate its response to orthodontic loading is required. For this purpose, a three-dimensional finite element model of incisor tooth, periodontal ligament, and bone was built utilizing the hydro-mechanical coupling theory. Tooth displacement in response to orthodontic loading was then investigated, and the effect of different mechanical behaviors assigned to the solid phase of the periodontal ligament was compared. Results showed that where the periodontal ligament was placed in tension, pore volume was filled with fluid intake from the bone, but fluid flow direction was from the periodontal ligament toward the bone where the periodontal ligament was placed in compression. Because of the existence of interaction between solid and fluid phases of the periodontal ligament, considering biphasic material formulation was capable to address its microscopic behavior as well as time-dependent and large deformation behaviors. This article provides beneficial biomechanical data for future dental studies in determination of optimal orthodontic force.
Regional cerebral perfusion correlates with anxiety in neuropsychiatric SLE: evidence for a mechanism distinct from depression
Authors: Papadaki E , Kavroulakis E , Bertsias G , Fanouriakis A , Karageorgou D , Sidiropoulos P , Papastefanakis E , Boumpas D T , Simos P
Published: November 2019

The study examined the hypothesis that hypoperfusion in brain areas known to be involved in emotional disturbances in primary psychiatric disorders is also linked to emotional difficulties in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and that these are not secondary to the physical and social burden incurred by the disease. Nineteen SLE patients without overt neuropsychiatric manifestations (non-NPSLE), 31 NPSLE patients, and 23 healthy controls were examined. Dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI was used and cerebral blood flow and cerebral blood volume values were estimated in six manually selected regions of interest of brain regions suspected to play a role in anxiety and depression (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, hippocampi, caudate nuclei and putamen). NPSLE patients reported high rates of anxiety and depression symptomatology. Significantly reduced cerebral blood flow and cerebral blood volume values were detected in the NPSLE group compared to healthy controls in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and ventromedial prefrontal cortex, bilaterally. Within the NPSLE group, anxiety symptomatology was significantly associated with lower perfusion in frontostriatal regions and in the right anterior cingulate gyrus. Importantly, the latter associations appeared to be specific to anxiety symptoms, as they persisted after controlling for depression symptomatology and independent of the presence of visible lesions on conventional MRI. In conclusion, hypoperfusion in specific limbic and frontostriatal regions is associated with more severe anxiety symptoms in the context of widespread haemodynamic disturbances in NPSLE.
Dietary patterns and risk of systemic lupus erythematosus in women
Authors: Tedeschi S K , Barbhaiya M , Sparks J A , Karlson E W , Kubzansky L D , Roberts A L , Willett W C , Lu B , Costenbader K H
Published: November 2019

Objective

Dietary intake is a complex exposure and a potential risk factor for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) due to its impact on lipid and glucose metabolism, oxidative stress, and the intestinal microbiome. We aimed to test whether a prudent dietary pattern is associated with a lower risk of SLE, and whether a Western dietary pattern is associated with a higher risk of SLE.

Methods

We prospectively investigated two dietary patterns and SLE risk among women in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS, 1984–2014) and Nurses' Health Study II (NHSII, 1991–2015). Food frequency questionnaires were completed every four years. Congruent with prior work in NHS and NHSII, we derived two separate dietary patterns (prudent and Western) using principal component analysis within each cohort. Incident SLE was confirmed by the American College of Rheumatology's 1997 criteria. We estimated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals ( CI) for SLE by dietary pattern quartiles using Cox models adjusted for time-varying covariates. Models were performed separately in each cohort and results were meta-analyzed. Stratified analyses tested the association of dietary patterns with anti-dsDNA positive SLE and anti-dsDNA negative SLE.

Results

We confirmed 82 NHS incident SLE cases and 98 NHSII SLE cases during 3,833,054 person-years of follow-up. A higher (healthier) prudent dietary pattern score was not associated with SLE risk (meta-analyzed HRQ4 versus Q1 0.84 [95% CI 0.51, 1.38]). Women with higher (less healthy) Western dietary pattern scores did not have a significantly increased risk for SLE (meta-analyzed HRQ4 versus Q1 1.35 [95% CI 0.77, 2.35]). Results were similar after further adjustment for body mass index. Incident anti-dsDNA positive SLE and anti-dsDNA negative SLE were not associated with either dietary pattern.

Conclusion

We did not observe a relationship between prudent or Western dietary pattern score and risk of SLE.
From Combahee resistance to the Confederate: Black feminist temporalities and white supremacy
Authors: Kennedy Tanya Ann
Published: November 2019

In the weeks preceding the white supremacist riots in Charlottesville, VA on 12 August 2017, HBO responded to criticism of Game of Thrones’ whiteness by announcing a new series from its producers called Confederate that imagined an alternative history in which the Confederacy became its own nation and slavery still existed. A few weeks later, Representative Maxine Waters’ refusal to listen to white male practices of diversion and condescension under the guise of flattery made national news when she interrupted Treasury Secretary Mnuchin's stalling to “reclaim my time.” In this paper, I examine these events as representative of the prevalent contention in the United States that the post-2016 election era is an era of crisis, but look outside the ruling temporality of crisis as it is framed through white supremacy. Reinterpreting this crisis through the lens of black feminist insurgencies against white supremacy demonstrates how the ruling temporalities of mainstream feminism are implicated in the election of 2016 and the events following. In returning to the year 1977 and aligning two feminist moments from that year, the Combahee River Collective Statement and the National Women’s Conference, I argue for a recalibration of feminist temporalities that will allow us, as Lisa Lowe argues, to recuperate the future in the tense of the past conditional, to see “what could have been” as that which may yet be.
In silico identification of microRNAs as candidate colorectal cancer biomarkers
Authors: Fadaka Adewale Oluwaseun , Klein Ashwil , Pretorius Ashley
Published: November 2019

The involvement of microRNA in cancers plays a significant role in their pathogenesis. Specific expressions of these non-coding RNAs also serve as biomarkers for early colorectal cancer diagnosis, but their laboratory/molecular identification is challenging and expensive. The aim of this study was to identify potential microRNAs for colorectal cancer diagnosis using in silico approach. Sequence similarity search was employed to obtain the candidate microRNA from the datasets, and three target prediction software were employed to determine their target genes. To determine the involvement of these microRNAs in colorectal cancer, the microRNA gene list obtained was used alongside with colorectal cancer expressed genes from gbCRC and CoReCG databases for gene intersection analysis. The involvement of these genes in the cancer subtype was further strengthened with the DAVID database. KEGG and Gene Ontology were used for the pathway and functional analysis, while STRING was employed for the interactions of protein network and further visualized by Cytoscape. The cBioPortal database was used to prioritize the target genes; prognostic and expression analysis were finally performed on the candidate microRNAs and the prioritized targets. This study, therefore, identified five candidate microRNAs, two hub genes (CTNNB1 and epidermal growth factor receptor), and seven significant target genes associated with colorectal cancer. The molecular validation studies are ongoing to ascertain the biological fitness of these findings.
Surviving Shunning at Central High School: Lessons From Sybil Jordan Hampton for Social Justice Leaders
Authors: Lowery Kendra , Hampton Sybil Jordan
Published: November 2019

Sybil Jordan Hampton’s lived experience as the only African American in her class at Little Rock (AR) Central High School from 1959 to 1962 is presented. Sybil valued assets within her family and community, exhibited critical consciousness, and had courage in the face of being shunned. Leaders who aim to interrupt inequitable outcomes in schools must recognize the assets of their students, families, and communities; exhibit critical consciousness; and be courageous. Therefore, Sybil’s leadership serves as an example of how leaders other than those in formal positions can inform the development of leaders for social justice.
“Puttin’ on”: Expectations Versus Family Responses, the Lived Experience of Older African Americans With Chronic Pain
Authors: Booker Staja Q. , Cousin Lakeshia , Buck Harleah G.
Published: November 2019

The lack of family research documenting the changes that occur and the capacity of families to support individuals with chronic pain effectively is a major limitation in the application of the biopsychosocial model of pain. This study investigated the lived experience of older African Americans ( N = 18) with chronic pain and explored their expectations and perceptions of familial support. A descriptive phenomenology framework revealed an existential theme: “puttin’ on,” a phenomenon that potentiates the power of pain to disrupt roles and relationships and discourages the family from meeting the expected needs of older African Americans. We uncovered new information into the actual support mechanisms that are missing or, when present, are not as positive and strong as would be expected in the African American culture, at least in the context of chronic pain management. Interventions should target family-based education, chronic pain destigmatization, and intergenerational empathy in the African American community.
The Mental Health and Well-Being of Canadian Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Women Abused by Intimate Partners
Authors: Tutty Leslie M. , Radtke H. Lorraine , Thurston Wilfreda E. (Billie) , Nixon Kendra L. , Ursel E. Jane , Ateah Christine A. , Hampton Mary
Published: November 2019

Intimate partner violence (IPV), mental health, disabilities, and child abuse history were examined for 292 Indigenous compared with 295 non-Indigenous Canadian women. IPV was assessed by the Composite Abuse Scale and mental health by the Symptom Checklist-10, Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression 10, the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist, and Quality of Life Questionnaire. Scores did not differ nor were they in the clinical ranges for the two groups. In a MANCOVA on the mental health/well-being scales, with IPV severity as a covariate, only disability was significantly associated with more severe mental health symptoms. Suggestions for service providers are presented.
An optical coherence tomography-based grading of diabetic maculopathy proposed by an international expert panel: The European School for Advanced Studies in Ophthalmology classification
Authors: Panozzo Giacomo , Cicinelli Maria Vittoria , Augustin Albert J , Battaglia Parodi Maurizio , Cunha-Vaz Josè , Guarnaccia Giuseppe , Kodjikian Laurent , Jampol Lee Merrill , Jünemann Anselm , Lanzetta Paolo , Löwenstein Anat , Midena Edoardo , Navarro Rafael , Querques Giuseppe , Ricci Federico , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula , Silva Rufino Martins da , Sivaprasad Sobha , Varano Monica , Virgili Gianni , Bandello Francesco
Published: November 2019

Aims:

To present an authoritative, universal, easy-to-use morphologic classification of diabetic maculopathy based on spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

Methods:

The first draft of the project was developed based on previously published classifications and a literature search regarding the spectral domain optical coherence tomography quantitative and qualitative features of diabetic maculopathy. This draft was sent to an international panel of retina experts for a first revision. The panel met at the European School for Advanced Studies in Ophthalmology headquarters in Lugano, Switzerland, and elaborated the final document.

Results:

Seven tomographic qualitative and quantitative features are taken into account and scored according to a grading protocol termed TCED-HFV, which includes foveal thickness (T), corresponding to either central subfoveal thickness or macular volume, intraretinal cysts (C), the ellipsoid zone (EZ) and/or external limiting membrane (ELM) status (E), presence of disorganization of the inner retinal layers (D), number of hyperreflective foci (H), subfoveal fluid (F), and vitreoretinal relationship (V). Four different stages of the disease, that is, early diabetic maculopathy, advanced diabetic maculopathy, severe diabetic maculopathy, and atrophic maculopathy, are based on the first four variables, namely the T, C, E, and D. The different stages reflect progressive severity of the disease.

Conclusion:

A novel grading system of diabetic maculopathy is hereby proposed. The classification is aimed at providing a simple, direct, objective tool to classify diabetic maculopathy (irrespective to the treatment status) even for non-retinal experts and can be used for therapeutic and prognostic purposes, as well as for correct evaluation and reproducibility of clinical investigations.
The Ethics of Technology Choice: Photovoice Methodology with Men Living in Low-Income Contexts
Authors: Tarrant Anna , Hughes Kahryn
Published: November 2019

This article describes a two-phased reflexive ethical process initiated when choosing digital cameras for the photovoice method in research with men living in low-income contexts. While this participatory method aims to flatten power asymmetries in researcher–researched relationships, debate is needed about how pragmatic technology choices may inadvertently underscore or even reinforce participants’ situated experiences of disempowerment and constraint. Critically engaging with an ethics of care approach to decision-making, we unpick what superficially appears to be a straightforward problem of method and demonstrate how pragmatic decisions may confound researchers’ efforts towards democratisation in research. We reflect on how such efforts may inadvertently obscure contextual processes shaping the potential for participants to engage in research. Our reflections demonstrate the need to take seriously all decision-making throughout the research process as integral to a wider politics of method and ethics.
Producing Trust Among Illicit Actors: A Techno-Social Approach to an Online Illicit Market
Authors: Bancroft Angus , Squirrell Tim , Zaunseder Andreas , Rafanell Irene
Published: November 2019

Illicit market exchanges in cybercriminal markets are plagued by problems of verifiability and enforceability: trust is one way to ensure reliable exchange. It is fragile and hard to establish. One way to do that is to use the administrative structure of the digital market to control transactions. This is common among a specific type of market – darknet cryptomarkets. These are sites for the sale of illicit goods and services, hosted anonymously using the Tor darknet. However, reliance by users on the technology and the market administrators exposes users to excessive risk. We examine a case of a market that rejects several key technological features now common in cryptomarkets but that is nonetheless reliable and robust. We apply a techno-social approach that looks at the way participants use and combine technologies with trust relationships. The study was designed to capture the interactional context of the illicit market. We aimed to examine both person-to-person interaction and the technical infrastructure the market relied on. We find that the social space of the market maintains itself through a shared common security orientation, community participation in key decisions about products sold, performing trust signalling, and relying on lateral trust between members. There are implications for how resilience in cryptomarkets is understood.
Can humans simulate talking like other humans? Comparing simulated clients to real customers in service inquiries
Authors: Stokoe Elizabeth , Sikveland Rein Ove , Albert Saul , Hamann Magnus , Housley William
Published: November 2019

How authentic are inquiry calls made by simulated clients, or ‘mystery shoppers’, to service organizations, when compared to real callers? We analysed 48 simulated and 63 real inquiry calls to different veterinary practices in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The data were transcribed for conversation analysis, as well as coded for a variety of call categories including reason for the call, call outcome and turn design features. Analysis revealed systematic differences between real and simulated calls in terms of (1) reasons for the call, call outcome and call duration and (2) how callers refer to their pets in service requests and follow-up questions about their animal. Our qualitative analyses were supported with statistical summaries and tests. The findings reveal the limitations of mystery shopper methodology for the assessment of service provision. We also discuss the implications of the findings for the use of simulated encounters and the development of conversational agents.
Paris law relations for an epoxy-based adhesive
Authors: Rocha AVM , Akhavan-Safar A , Carbas R , Marques EAS , Goyal R , El-Zein M , da Silva LFM
Published: November 2019

Depending on the expression used in Paris law relation, crack growth rate can be a function of loading conditions. However, for design purposes, it is costly and time consuming to obtain a complete map for fatigue crack growth behavior of adhesives. Accordingly, using a damage parameter where the Paris law constants are similar for different loading conditions is very helpful. In this paper, mode I crack growth (FCG) tests were performed at different loading conditions. Results show that performing one experiment would be enough to obtain Paris law constants if the effect of R ratio is considered in the relations.
Children’s participation in the organisation of a kindergarten classroom
Authors: Manassakis Evangeline Smaree
Published: November 2019

Recent research indicates that teachers have the predominant role in organising early childhood classrooms in Australia. Not much is known about the involvement of children in organising the kindergarten classroom in Queensland, Australia. There is even less research that considers how the play equipment, utensils, resources and the classroom space itself influence how children talk about their kindergarten indoor learning spaces. This article problematises our understandings of the early learning space and materials within which children learn. This article questions the typically taken-for-granted notion that the early learning space is an empty container in which objects and resources are placed and where children take up a passive position. Children having a role in organising the materials in the classroom is legitimised in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. In this investigation, the following question is explored: How do children describe their role in organising the materials in the indoor early learning space of one kindergarten? Six children aged 3.5–5 years, from one kindergarten in Queensland were involved in individual child-led tours and later, audio-recorded, video-stimulated recall interviews. A sociomaterial lens was brought to the analysis of data, enabling the consideration of the underlying interactions between space, materials and people. The findings suggest that children do see themselves as having a role in how the early learning space is organised. This article offers recommendations to researchers.
Fears and fallacies: Doctors’ perceptions of the barriers to medical innovation
Authors: Elliott Tracey , Miola Jose , Samanta Ash , Samanta Jo
Published: November 2019

In 2014, Lord Saatchi launched his ultimately unsuccessful Medical Innovation Bill in the UK. Its laudable aim was to free doctors from the shackles that prevented them from providing responsible innovative treatment. Lord Saatchi’s principal contention was that current law was the unsurmountable barrier that prevented clinicians from delivering innovative treatments to cancer patients when conventional options had failed. This was because doctors feared that they might be sued or tried and convicted of gross negligence manslaughter if they deviated from standard practice. Concerns about fear of the law and potential negative effects on medical practice are not new. Fear of litigation has been suggested as the reason for doctors practising “defensive medicine,” by opting for treatments regarded as “grievance-resistant,” rather than clinically indicated, for example, by ordering diagnostic tests or performing certain procedures, which are not strictly medically necessary. Whilst this claim is plausible and apparently accepted by the courts, there is limited empirical evidence in support of it so far as practitioners in the UK are concerned. In this paper, we report on our empirical research which provides a snapshot of medical opinion to begin to rectify this gap. We ran focus groups of different medical specialties, asking what these medical practitioners thought the barriers to medical innovation to be. We found that fear of the law was not the principal barrier to be lowered, and that the answer was far more multifaceted.
Perceptions of Paratransit Accessibility Among Persons With Disabilities: An Adapted Photovoice Study
Authors: Sitter Kathleen C. , Mitchell Jennifer
Published: November 2019

This article describes an adapted photovoice study that explored the facilitators and barriers to accessing paratransit services among people with disabilities. This 18-month study involved adults with disabilities developing photovoice stories about their paratransit experiences in Eastern Canada. The photovoice stories represent an in-depth examination of the familial, social, geographical, and environmental factors and their complex association with paratransit services. Distributing the photovoice stories through social media also served as a practical application of health promotion as the process allowed for a broader audience reach to bear witness to the experiences of participants from the disability community. Discussion includes recommendations for developing and sustaining responsive paratransit services with the assertion that persons with disabilities are at the forefront in making informed changes and improvements in ensuring transportation is accessible for everyone.
Neuroprotective effects of P7C3 against spinal cord injury in rats
Authors: Duan Fei-Xiang , Shi Yu-Jiao , Chen Jing , Ding Shu-Qin , Wang Feng-Chao , Tang Jie , Wang Rui , Shen Lin , Xi Jin , Qi Qi , Lü He-Zuo , Hu Jian-Guo
Published: November 2019

Spinal cord injury (SCI), a serious neurological disease, has few therapeutic interventions. A small molecule, P7C3, has been confirmed to play a role in neuroprotection of some neurological diseases. But the effect of P7C3 on acute SCI has not been investigated. Here, we observed the therapeutic effect of P7C3 for alleviating the neurological damage by direct subcutaneous injection after SCI once daily for 7 or 14 days in a rat model. The locomotion and histopathological changes were evaluated. Our results demonstrated that P7C3 treatment contributed to functional recovery and tissue repair following SCI. Improved locomotor function with P7C3 treatment was correlated with increased survival of neurons and oligodendrocytes (OLs) and proliferation of OLs and their progenitors, which resulted in tissue repair and myelination in the injured SC. P7C3 treatment also restored the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide level in the SC, which was reduced by SCI. These results suggest that P7C3 plays a role in improving neurological outcome following SCI.

Impact statement

Spinal cord injury (SCI), a serious neurological disease, has few therapeutic interventions. This study confirms for the first time that P7C3 is conducive to functional recovery and tissue repair after SCI. P7C3 treatment can rescue the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide level of the injured spinal cord, which results in more survival of neurons and oligodendrocytes (OLs) and proliferation of OLs and their progenitors, and thus increase myelination and tissue repair. This result indicates that P7C3 plays a role in improving neurological outcome following SCI.
A Case of Internal Carotid Artery Compression With Mandible Depression
Authors: Ma Jonathan , Fukaya Eri
Published: November 2019

We report an unusual case of a 53-year-old female presenting with symptoms of transient ischemic attack secondary to compression of the left internal carotid artery with mandible depression. Duplex ultrasound examination confirmed compression of the left internal carotid artery with mouth opening. Normally, the posterior belly of the digastric muscle contracts to induce mandible depression and opens the mouth; however, this muscle contraction motion caused compression on her internal carotid artery resulting in her symptoms.
Research on finger movement sensing performance of conductive gloves
Authors: Han Xiaoxue , Miao Xuhong , Chen Xi , Jiang Gaoming , Niu Li
Published: November 2019

Knitted flexible sensors are sensors based on the loop structure of knitted fabric, which are soft and close-fitting. Monitoring finger motion can obtain useful information for some applications such as rehabilitation medicine, sports bionics, or human–computer interaction. In this paper, a conductive glove was knitted by SHIMA Seiki SWG 061N-15G computerized flat knitting machine. One experimenter wore it to measure motions data of index finger. The glove has a conductive intarsia area knitted by silver-nylon filaments. The experimenter performed static and dynamic test of hand posture, respectively, then observed the effect of figure bending characteristics on the glove resistance data. The result showed that human finger motion can be monitored successfully by the conductive glove without hard transducers, and both of the bending rate ( Br) and bending angle of the finger proximal interphalangeal joint ( Pba) affect the resistance change of the conductive area of the glove. In other words, the conductive glove has potentials to monitor and reflect human finger motions in detail.
Effect of wall temperature on separation bubble size in laminar hypersonic shock/boundary layer interaction flows
Authors: Pasha Amjad A , Juhany Khalid A
Published: November 2019

At hypersonic speeds, the external wall temperatures of an aerospace vehicle vary significantly. As a result, there is a considerable heat transfer variation between the boundary layer and the wall of the hypersonic vehicle. In this article, numerical computations are performed to investigate the effect of wall temperature on the separation bubble length in laminar hypersonic shock-wave/boundary-layer interaction flows over double-cone configuration at the Mach number of 12.2. The flow field is described in detail in terms of different shocks, expansion fans, shear layer and separation bubble. The variation of the Prandtl number has a negligible effect on the flow field and wall data. A specific heat ratio of less than 1.4 results in the better prediction of wall pressure and heat flux in the shock/boundary-layer interaction region. It is observed that as the wall temperature is increased, the separation bubble size and hence the separation shock length increases. The high firmness of the laminar boundary-layer at a high Mach number shows that the wall temperature in the shock/boundary-layer interaction region has little effect. The peak wall pressure and heat flux decrease with an increase in wall temperature. An estimation is developed between separation bubble length and wall temperature based on the computed results.
How Well Do Bibliometric Indicators Correlate With Scientific Eminence? A Comment on Simonton (2016)
Authors: Del Giudice Marco
Published: November 2019

Citing an earlier study on eminence in psychology, Simonton (2016) argued that associations between measures of scholars’ reputation, scientific productivity, and citation counts are only small to moderate [Simonton, D. K. (2016). Giving credit where credit’s due: Why it’s so hard to do in psychological science. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 11, 888–892]. However, this reading is based on partial regression coefficients, which underestimate the joint explanatory power of correlated variables. A reanalysis of the original data showed that a composite bibliometric index was substantially associated with reputation (β = 0.70; 46% explained variance). Very similar results were obtained with a newly calculated h index (β = 0.67; 42% explained variance). Although both Simonton’s original analysis and the current reanalysis are inherently limited, the data suggest that the reputation of psychologists tracks their scientific contribution more closely than has been acknowledged in the recent literature.
Refixation of Large Osteochondral Fractures After Patella Dislocation Shows Better Mid- to Long-Term Outcome Compared With Debridement
Authors: Gesslein Markus , Merkl Carolin , Bail Hermann Josef , Krutsch Volker , Biber Roland , Schuster Philipp
Published: November 2019

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare results of osteochondral fractures (OCF) after first-time lateral patella dislocation, when either refixation or debridement was performed in a mid- to long-term follow-up and to analyze redislocation and reintervention rates.

Design

Fifty-three consecutive patients with OCF were included in this retrospective comparative study. Indication for refixation was presence of subchondral bone at the fragment. Thirty-six OCF were located at the patellar surface, and 17 at the lateral condyle of the distal femur. Refixation was performed in 28 patients while 25 patients underwent removal and debridement. Mean follow-up was 8.9 years (±4.4, range 2.0-16.7 years). For assessment of clinical outcome, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Score, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Lysholm score were used. Redislocation rate and further surgical interventions within follow-up were evaluated.

Results

All clinical scores in the refixation group yielded significantly better results at mid- to long term follow-up (IKDC P < 0.001, KOOS P = 0.006, Lysholm P = 0.001). Significantly more surgical reinterventions were necessary after debridement (48% vs. 7.1%, P = 0.001). The overall redislocation rate in cases with medial reefing as single stabilizing procedure was 43.3%.

Conclusions

Refixation of OCF after lateral patella dislocation shows improved clinical outcome at mid- to long-term follow-up compared with debridement. Therefore, effort to try fragment refixation is recommended. Redislocation rate is high without proper restoration of patellofemoral instability.
Endoscopic Endonasal Repair of Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks Using Multilayer Composite Graft and Vascularized Pedicled Nasoseptal Flap Technique
Authors: Kim-Orden Natalie , Shen Jasper , Or Maya , Hur Kevin , Zada Gabriel , Wrobel Bozena
Published: November 2019

Background

Endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas is a fundamental practice in anterior skull base surgery due to high success rates and low morbidity profile. However, spontaneous CSF (sCSF) leaks have the highest recurrence rate compared to other etiologies. The most effective management is undetermined due to variations in graft materials and limited evidence.

Objective

We present the largest study of a standardized endoscopic repair technique for sCSF leaks.

Methods

Single-institution retrospective review of patients who underwent endoscopic sCSF leak repair between October 2011 and January 2018. All patients underwent repair using a temporary lumbar drain, intrathecal fluorescein, and multilayer reconstruction using bilayered fascia lata autograft and vascularized nasoseptal flap.

Results

Twenty patients (100% female, mean age: 53.2 years) with 25 separate sCSF leak sites were included. Obesity was present in 15 of 20 patients (mean body mass index [BMI] = 35.3). No patients had previous sinus surgery. Locations of skull base defects included: cribriform plate (44%), ethmoid (32%), lateral sphenoid (12%), and planum sphenoidale (12%). The mean follow-up was 22.8 months and 92% of the leak sites (23/25) were successfully repaired primarily. There were no neurological complications or cases of meningitis. Two patients (mean BMI = 52) with persistent postoperative CSF leaks and elevated intracranial pressure were successfully managed with ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. BMI was associated with likelihood of repair failure ( P = .003).

Conclusions

At our institution, endoscopic repair of sCSF leaks using a composite autograft of fascia and a nasoseptal flap demonstrates high success rates. Elevated BMI was a statistically significant risk factor for revision.
Effect of a Curriculum Unit to Enhance Career and College Readiness Self-Efficacy of Fourth-Grade Students
Authors: Allen Amanda H. , Jones Gabrielle D. , Baker Stanley B. , Martinez Robert R.
Published: November 2019

An elementary school counselor and intern delivered a six-session curriculum unit designed to enhance career and college readiness self-efficacy to 47 fourth-grade students. The intervention effect was compared with 48 other fourth-grade students. Ninety percent of the variance was due to ethnicity differences. White students had higher self-efficacy scores at the outset and after the intervention, while Black and Hispanic students in the treatment achieved higher self-efficacy scores than those in the control condition.
Half-Widows: Invisible Victims of the Enforced Disappearances and Their Status in Kashmir
Authors: Singh Kislay Kumar
Published: November 2019

The disappearance of young men in on-going armed conflict over the last 3 decades in Kashmir has given birth to a new identity to the women. This identity is called half-widows. The term, half-widows, signifies those women whose husbands have disappeared in armed conflict but are not declared dead yet. Men are directly involved in the armed conflicts and are the direct victims of it, but women are the ones who have been going through all the consequences of armed conflict. This article contextualizes the phenomenon of enforced disappearance in Kashmir and its grave consequences on women. Based on the qualitative case-study approach, 15 half-widows were interviewed in 2017 to examine their social, economic and psychological problems. Information from secondary sources was also incorporated.