bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of compression behaviors of Acupoint Catgut-embedding monofilaments for the human body: A test method of monofilaments by the three-point bending model
Authors: Fu Shao-ju , Zhang Pei-hua
Published: May 2017

Acupoint Catgut-embedding therapy (ACET) is considered an advanced method for the treatment of juvenile pseudomyopia. However, the existing test methods of ACE monofilaments cannot meet the desire for accurate measurement and convenient operation. This paper presents a study of the compression behaviors of ACE monofilaments developed for the human body. To investigate a convenient and accurate test method for monofilaments, different materials, including polypropylene (PP), polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolide acid (PGA), were designed to a curved rod shape based on the three-point bending model used in this work. Variables, including the number of winding laps, the diameter of the compression platens and the compression rate of specimens, were discussed by the platform compression method. Properties such as radial force, the compression modulus and recovery ratio were also tested and analyzed. The results revealed that the winding lap of 25r was selected as the most suitable number according to the principles of stability and accuracy. The diameter of the compression platen should be larger than the outer diameter of the specimens, due to which the diameter of 5 mm was less than expected in this work. Meanwhile, the average value of the maximum radial force ( F) was PP (98.35 cN) > PLA-1 (84.67 cN) > PGA (63.68 cN) > PLA-2 (39.24 cN) > PLA-3 (20.15 cN). The compression rate of 50% should be selected as the optimum parameter. In conclusion, this test method of monofilaments was successfully developed and has a potential application for the characterization of compression behaviors of ACE monofilaments for the human body.
Evaluating, Comparing, and Best Practice in Electronic Portfolio System Use
Authors: San Jose David L.
Published: May 2017

Electronic portfolios (e-portfolios) are commonly positioned to show evidence of student learning with formative and summative assessment benefits. At the University of Auckland teacher education program, two e-portfolio systems were adopted to document preservice teacher's course work and to attest to the Graduating Teacher Standards. This article seeks to (a) evaluate e-portfolio systems, (b) compare the MyPortfolio (Mahara) and Google Sites systems, and (c) provide recommendations for best practice in system use. The software system comparison between the MyPortfolio (Mahara) and Google Sites system was based on the essential technology features for system use. User satisfaction and usability data were obtained through self-reported surveys ( N = 192). Open-ended questions ( N = 192) and semistructured interviews with a sample of course participants ( N = 12) ascertained the best practice approach for system use. Mean scores were higher for the MyPortfolio (Mahara) system. One-way analysis of variance indicated that the differences were statistically significant.
Occupations, age and gender: Men and women’s earnings in the Irish labour market
Authors: Turner Tom , Cross Christine , Murphy Caroline
Published: May 2017

While many studies investigate gender wage disparities, few have examined the impact of gender, education, part-time working and sector on earnings for men and women across different occupational groups and for different age groups. The purpose of this article is to undertake a more nuanced approach to further our understanding of the gender pay difference between men and women in different occupations in order to tackle and close this gap. The study’s findings suggest that the labour market is segmented into primary and secondary jobs. Additionally, the earnings returns for education are generally lower for women compared to men and women appear to fare better in the public sector in terms of a lower earnings gap for full-time and part-time employees and higher returns for education compared to women working in the private sector. The article concludes with a discussion of the policy implications.
The declining influence of class and ideology in union membership: Consistent but divergent trends among Swedish employees
Authors: Palm Johanna
Published: May 2017

Using individual-level time-series data covering the period from 1990 to 2011, this article provides an empirical analysis of how the influence of various aspects of class and ideology on union organization have changed over time in the Swedish context. The primary results indicate that although union density and the influence of class-related aspects and ideology are decreasing, particularly among groups with traditionally high levels of organization, the general trend is not valid for all categories of employees. Rather, it appears that where the tradition of being organized is weaker, the influence of class and class identity is particularly strong. No evidence is identified that supports the thesis of class loyalty vanishing among the young.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation: the transaortic approach
Authors: Chow Simon CY , Cheung Gary SH , Lee Alex PW , Wu Eugene B , Ho Jacky YK , Kwok Micky WT , Yu Peter SY , Wan Innes YP , Underwood Malcolm J , Wong Randolph HL
Published: May 2017

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation has been established as a safe and effective treatment option for patients at high or prohibitive surgical risk. However, some patients may not be suitable for the transfemoral approach due to severe iliofemoral disease or aneurysmal disease of the thoracoabdominal aorta. The aim of this case series was to evaluate the feasibility and clinical outcomes of the transaortic approach.

Methods

From May 2015 to June 2016, 5 patients (mean age 78.4 ± 3.9 years) with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis underwent transaortic transcatheter aortic valve implantation after a heart team discussion. They were considered to be at high surgical risk and ineligible for the transfemoral approach due to iliofemoral or thoracoabdominal aortic disease.

Results

A CoreValve Evolut R was successfully deployed in all 5 patients. We performed 4 right mini-parasternal incisions and one J-incision partial sternotomy. None of the patients required permanent pacemaker implantation, one required reopening of the mini-parasternal incision for postoperative bleeding. Follow-up echocardiography one month after the procedure showed improvement in the mean aortic gradient (from 63.2 to 8.3 mm Hg) and aortic valve area (from 0.62 to 2.2 cm2). None of the patients had more than mild paravalvular leakage. There was no intraoperative or 30-day mortality.

Conclusion

Transaortic transcatheter aortic valve implantation is a safe and feasible option for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are considered unsuitable for transfemoral aortic valve implantation.
‘They withdrew all I was worth’
Authors: Tade Oludayo , Adeniyi Oluwatosin
Published: May 2017

A major downside of the cashless policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2014 is pervasive automated teller machine (ATM) frauds. While fraudsters gain, the life chances of victims are affected. Previous studies in Nigeria had not investigated the effect of ATM frauds on victims’ life chances. Data were generated through in-depth interviews with victims of ATM fraud. Findings show victims suffered post fraud trauma and often depended on friends, parents and relatives to survive the trauma. The reaction of banks to customers’ victimization was unfavorable and unhelpful in compensating the financial losses of customers. We recommend better internal controls for banks and implementation of mechanisms to govern trust and protect customers from victimization.
mTOR drives cerebral blood flow and memory deficits in LDLR−/− mice modeling atherosclerosis and vascular cognitive impairment
Authors: Jahrling Jordan B , Lin Ai-Ling , DeRosa Nicholas , Hussong Stacy A , Van Skike Candice E , Girotti Milena , Javors Martin , Zhao Qingwei , Maslin Leigh Ann , Asmis Reto , Galvan Veronica
Published: May 2017

We recently showed that mTOR attenuation blocks progression and abrogates established cognitive deficits in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mouse models. These outcomes were associated with the restoration of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and brain vascular density (BVD) resulting from relief of mTOR inhibition of NO release. Recent reports suggested a role of mTOR in atherosclerosis. Because mTOR drives aging and vascular dysfunction is a universal feature of aging, we hypothesized that mTOR may contribute to brain vascular and cognitive dysfunction associated with atherosclerosis. We measured CBF, BVD, cognitive function, markers of inflammation, and parameters of cardiovascular disease in LDLR−/− mice fed maintenance or high-fat diet ± rapamycin. Cardiovascular pathologies were proportional to severity of brain vascular dysfunction. Aortic atheromas were reduced, CBF and BVD were restored, and cognitive dysfunction was attenuated potentially through reduction in systemic and brain inflammation following chronic mTOR attenuation. Our studies suggest that mTOR regulates vascular integrity and function and that mTOR attenuation may restore neurovascular function and cardiovascular health. Together with our previous studies in AD models, our data suggest mTOR-driven vascular damage may be a mechanism shared by age-associated neurological diseases. Therefore, mTOR attenuation may have promise for treatment of cognitive impairment in atherosclerosis.
Method of evolving junctions: A new approach to optimal path-planning in 2D environments with moving obstacles
Authors: Li Wuchen , Chow Shui-Nee , Egerstedt Magnus , Lu Jun , Zho Haomin
Published: May 2017

We propose a novel algorithm to find the global optimal path in 2D environments with moving obstacles, where the optimality is understood relative to a general convex continuous running cost. By leveraging the geometric structures of optimal solutions and using gradient flows, we convert the path-planning problem into a system of finite dimensional ordinary differential equations, whose dimensions change dynamically. Then a stochastic differential equation based optimization method, called intermittent diffusion, is employed to obtain the global optimal solution. We demonstrate, via numerical examples, that the new algorithm can solve the problem efficiently.
Brain Injury and Offending: The Development and Field Testing of a Linkworker Intervention
Authors: Ramos Sara D. S. , Oddy Michael , Liddement James , Fortescue Deborah
Published: May 2017

Evidence suggests that traumatic brain injury (TBI) is more prevalent amongst offender populations than in the general population, and that it can lead to aggressive behaviour while in custody and impair engagement with offender rehabilitation programmes. The aim of this study was to develop, implement, and evaluate a brain injury Linkworker approach designed to support prisoners who report a significant TBI or multiple mild TBIs. Three clinical case examples are reported to illustrate the conceptual foundations of the approach and to demonstrate the feasibility of the service. Early results showed that engagement with a Linkworker led to effective identification of key areas of intervention and resulted in better integration for prisoners while in custody and in enhancement of the outcomes of offender rehabilitation. These initial findings provide justification for wider implementation and systematic evaluation of the efficacy of this model of service.
Convergence Insufficiency Identifies Athletes at Risk of Prolonged Recovery From Sport-Related Concussion
Authors: DuPrey Kevin M. , Webner David , Lyons Adam , Kucuk Crystal H. , Ellis Jeffrey T. , Cronholm Peter F.
Published: May 2017

Background:

Sensitive and specific screening methods are needed to identify athletes at risk of prolonged recovery after sport-related concussion (SRC). Convergence insufficiency (CI) is a common finding in concussed athletes.

Purpose:

To assess the relationship between CI and recovery after SRC at the initial office visit.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

In this retrospective cohort study, 270 athletes (147 male, 123 female), mean ± SD age 14.7 ± 2.0 years (range, 10-21 years), with the diagnosis of SRC who presented for initial office visit between January 2014 and January 2016 were evaluated for near point of convergence (NPC). The athletes were categorized into 2 groups: normal near point of convergence (NPC ≤6 cm), and convergence insufficiency (NPC >6 cm). These athletes were then followed to determine recovery time.

Results:

Athletes presented for initial office visit at a mean of 5.2 ± 4.2 days (range, 1-21 days) after SRC. Half of the athletes had CI after SRC (50.4%; n = 136). Athletes with CI (NPC 12.3 ± 4.7 cm) took significantly longer to recover after SRC, requiring 51.6 ± 53.9 days, compared with athletes with normal NPC (4.1 ± 1.3 cm), who required 19.2 ± 14.7 days ( P < .001). After controlling for potential confounding variables, CI significantly increased the odds of prolonged recovery (≥28 days from injury) by 12.3-fold ( P < .001; 95% confidence interval, 6.6-23.0). CI screening correctly classified 75.2% of our sample with 84.2% sensitivity and 70.0% specificity. The positive predictive value for CI and prolonged recovery was 62.5%, and the negative predictive value was 88.1%.

Conclusion:

CI at the initial office visit identified athletes at increased risk of prolonged recovery after SCR. Clinicians should consider measuring NPC in concussed athletes as a quick and inexpensive prognostic screening method.
Rainer Gross Award Lecture 2016
Authors: Mehta Saurabh , Colt Susannah , Lee Seoho , Erickson David
Published: May 2017

The need for improving methods of nutritional assessment and delivering primary health care globally cannot be overemphasized. While advances in medical technology typically create more disparities because of access being limited to resource-rich settings, a transition of health care to a mobile platform is increasingly leveling the field. Technological advances offer opportunities to scale laboratory procedures down to mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. Globalization also provides the required infrastructure and network capacity to support the use of mobile health devices in developing settings where nutritional deficiencies are most prevalent. Here, we discuss some of the applications and advantages provided by expanding markets of biomarker measurement coupled with primary health care and public health systems and how this is enhancing access and delivery of health services with significant global impact.
Intumescent flame-retardant poly(1, 4-butylene terephthalate) with ammonium polyphosphate and a hyperbranched triazine charring-foaming agent: Flame retardancy performance and mechanisms
Authors: Xu Bo , Wu Xiao , Qian Lijun , Qiu Yong , Tang Shuo , Xi Wang , Fang Youyou
Published: May 2017

Intumescent flame-retardant poly(1, 4-butylene terephthalate) composites with ammonium polyphosphate and a hyperbranched triazine charring-foaming agent were prepared through melt blending. The flame retardancy, pyrolysis behavior, and flame-retardant mechanism of flame-retardant poly(1, 4-butylene terephthalate) were investigated using flammability tests, cone calorimeter measurements, thermogravimetric analysis including evolved gas analysis, and residue analysis (Fourier transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy). The results showed that the intumescent flame retardant with the appropriate ammonium polyphosphate/hyperbranched triazine charring-foaming agent mass ratio (4/1) could significantly improve the flame retardancy of poly(1, 4-butylene terephthalate), and the highest Limiting Oxygen Index value and UL-94 V-0 rating was reached. The peak heat release rate and total heat evolved remarkably decreased, respectively, by 84% and 76% corresponding to poly(1, 4-butylene terephthalate). Thermogravimetric analysis results showed the synergistic effect between ammonium polyphosphate and hyperbranched triazine charring-foaming agent could enhance the char formation ability of composites. The results of gaseous products and residue char structure analysis indicated intumescent flame retardant influenced the decomposition behavior and promoted the formation and accumulation of phosphorous/azotic and polyaromatic char possessing high graphitization degree, which exerted a condensed-phase flame-retardant effect on the flame-retardant composites.
Guidelines for the Institutional Implementation of Developmental Neuroprotective Care in the NICU. Part B
Authors: Milette Isabelle , Martel Marie-Josée , da Silva Margarida Ribeiro , Coughlin McNeil Mary
Published: May 2017

The use of age-appropriate care as an organized framework for care delivery in the NICU is founded on the work of Heidelise Als, PhD, and her synactive theory of development. This theoretical construct has recently been advanced by the work of Gibbins and colleagues with the “universe of developmental care” conceptual model and developmental care core measures which were endorsed by the National Association of Neonatal Nurses in their age-appropriate care of premature infant guidelines as best-practice standards for the provision of high-quality care in the NICU. These guidelines were recently revised and expanded. In alignment with the Joint Commission’s requirement for healthcare professionals to provide age-specific care across the lifespan, the core measures for developmental care suggest the necessary competencies for those caring for the premature and critically ill hospitalized infant. Further supported by the Primer Standards of Accreditation and Health Canada, the institutional implementation of these core measures require a strong framework for institutional operationalization presented in these guidelines. Part B will present the recommendations and justification of each steps behind the present guidelines to facilitate their implementation.
Clinical Experience With Perampanel for Refractory Pediatric Epilepsy in One Canadian Center
Authors: Datta Anita N. , Xu Qi , Sachedina Shafina , Boelman Cyrus , Huh Linda , Connolly Mary B.
Published: May 2017

Perampanel (PER) is a new antiseizure medication that inhibits the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid (AMPA) class of glutamate receptors. It is important for physicians to be aware of the efficacy and tolerability of new drugs in the postmarketing phase. We performed a retrospective review of our experience with perampanel at BC Children’s Hospital. Twenty-four pediatric patients prescribed perampanel from 2014 to 2016 were identified. Fifteen (63%) discontinued perampanel, and 10 (42%) had greater than 50% reduction in seizures. Twelve (50%) had behavioral and 8 (33%) had nonbehavioral adverse events. One-third experienced serious adverse events. One patient experienced oculogyric crisis, which is not previously reported with perampanel. Adverse events were not dose related and were reversible. Possible risk factors for behavioral adverse events include a history of behavioral problems with other antiseizure medications and preexisting behavioral comorbidities. It is important to counsel patients about the potential for serious adverse events, particularly behavioral, when prescribing perampanel.
From Knowledge to Informational Basis: Capability, Capacity to Aspire and Research
Authors: Borghi Vando
Published: May 2017

This article explores the way the process of transformation of knowledge into an ‘informational basis’ (of policies and of public choice) represents a good terrain for building an effective exchange and collaboration between the capability approach and other efforts, in the social sciences, to emphasize the crucial role of agency, actors’ critical capacities and voice. Beyond the rhetorical image of our self-claimed ‘knowledge societies’, the analysis of the contemporary characteristics of the relationship between knowledge and an informational basis leads us to reconceive research in terms of a human right to actively participate in the knowledge-making process, enabling citizens’ capacity for voice to intervene in the construction of the informational bases of the collective decision. Starting from focusing on these transformations through research cases about the informational basis framing the relationship between safety and work, the article shows how, beyond labour issues, at stake is the relationship between knowledge and democracy, as the core moment of the latter, before the political choice is the cognitive one. An effective interaction between the capability approach and other social science perspectives of research centred on agency and capacity offers very helpful analytical tools for a critical appraisal and inquiry into these transformations.
Detroit to Flint and Back Again: Solidarity Forever
Authors: Howell Sharon , Doan Michael D. , Harbin Ami
Published: May 2017

For several years the authors have been working in Detroit with grassroots coalitions resisting Emergency Management. In this essay, we focus on how community groups in Detroit and Flint advanced common struggles for clean, safe, affordable water as a human right, particularly during the period of 2014 to 2016. We explore how, through a series of direct interventions – including public meetings and international gatherings, independent journalism and social media, community-based research projects, and citizen-led policy initiatives – these groups contributed to challenging neoliberal governance, to undermining the legitimacy of state officials and their policies, and to shifting public consciousness around the human right to water.
Influence of Type II Diabetes and High Depressive Symptoms on the Likelihood for Developing Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Disability and Mortality in Older Puerto Ricans
Authors: Downer Brian , Crowe Michael , Markides Kyriakos S.
Published: May 2017

Objective: To examine the development of activities of daily living (ADL) disability and mortality according to diabetes and high depressive symptoms among Puerto Rican adults aged 60 and older. Method: Data came from Wave I and Wave II of the Puerto Rican Elderly: Health Conditions Study ( n = 3,419). Logistic regression was used. Using insulin and receiving psychiatric treatment were proxy measures of disease severity for diabetes and depressive symptoms, respectively. Results: High depressive symptoms at baseline were associated with developing ADL disability (OR = 2.21; 95% CI = [1.68, 2.91]). Diabetes at baseline was associated with mortality at follow-up (OR = 1.72; 95% CI = [1.34, 2.19]). Baseline diabetes was associated with developing ADL disability but only for those who reported using insulin (OR = 1.69; 95% CI = [1.08, 2.61]). Participants with comorbid diabetes and high depressive symptoms had the highest odds for developing ADL disability and mortality. Discussion: Diabetes and high depressive symptoms are risk factors of developing ADL disability and mortality for older Puerto Ricans.
University–industry collaboration in a factor-driven economy
Authors: El Hadidi Hala Helmi , Kirby David A.
Published: May 2017

This is the fourth article in a series dealing with the role of universities in the innovation process in Egypt. The first three examined the topic from the perspective of academia. They revealed that there was relatively little university–industry collaboration. Hence, this article focuses on university–industry collaboration from the perspective of industry. It is based on a questionnaire survey of 237 firms located in different industrial zones in Cairo. The findings confirm the low level of university–industry collaboration, with no more than 6% of the sample claiming to have links with academia. The lack of collaboration is found to stem mainly from firms’ perception that academic research is not relevant to them and from the mismatch between the interests and objectives of the two sectors. The article makes recommendations for what is needed if the situation is to change and focuses particularly on the role of government, the third actor in the Triple Helix.
Computer-aided design model parameterisation to derive knowledge useful for manufacturing design decisions
Authors: Robinson Trevor , Friel Imelda , Armstrong Cecil G , Murphy Adrian , Butterfield Joe , Price Mark , Marzano Adelaide
Published: May 2017

This article presents a number of novel approaches for deriving intelligence from the parameterisation of computer-aided design models to assist the engineer in making manufacturing-related decisions. During the design process, a disjoint can occur between the nominally defined computer-aided design feature parameters and the dimensions which govern manufacture and influence ease of product assembly. In this work, a link between the two representations is established, which simplifies the process of using the parameters defining the features in the computer-aided design model to make manufacturing-related decisions such as the allocation of dimensional tolerances or dealing with fit issues. It also offers insights about how the model should be parameterised to provide the optimal model utility from the designer’s perspective with respect to the manufacturing domain.
Nanoparticle analysis of non-Newtonian fluid with slip and multiple convective boundary conditions
Authors: Mehmood Rashid , Mukhtar Sadaf , Akbar Noreen Sher
Published: May 2017

Slip flow of a Carreau nanofluid over a stretching sheet has been investigated. Thermophoresis and Brownian motion effects are taken into account. The Navier slip, thermal, and mass convective boundary conditions are taken into account. The prevailing partial differential equations are presented and transformed into a set of nonlinear ordinary differentials using scaling transformation. Effects of the physical parameters on velocity, temperature, and concentration profiles are computed numerically using the fourth-order Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg scheme. Numerical values of local Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are calculated and discussed. The obtained results revealed that enhancing the slip parameter consequently drops the temperature and concentration profiles. Heat and mass flux at the surface decreases with increasing thermophoresis parameter. Heat transfer rate enhances while the mass transfer rate decreases with the thermal Biot number.
Experimental research on stability enhancement for centrifugal compressors using active control casing treatment system
Authors: Zhao Yuanyang , Yang Qichao , Li Liansheng , Xiao Jun , Shu Yue , Zhang Qian
Published: May 2017

Centrifugal compressors are widely used in many fields, where they become unstable when operated at the edge of the surge line. This paper presents a method, which is based on the active control casing treatment to enhance the operating stability of the centrifugal compressor. To investigate the effect of the active control casing treatment system on the performance of a centrifugal compressor, a test rig with rotating speed of 15,000 r/min was built up. The experimental results show that the active control casing treatment system can significantly decrease the surge flow rate and extend the envelope of stable operation via injecting gas (so-called the control gas) into the casing of the centrifugal compressor. The tested maximal enhancement ability is 30.55% at the condition of 10,586 r/min when the flow rate of the control gas is 2.5 m3/min. It was found that the enhancement ability increases with the decrease of the rotating speed of the centrifugal compressor. The increment of the control gas flow rate results in a smaller surge flow rate of the centrifugal compressors.
Modern strategies and capabilities for activation of the immune response against tumor cells
Authors: Sennikov Sergey Vital’evich , Khantakova Julia Nikolaevna , Kulikova Ekaterina Vladimirovna , Obleukhova Irina Alexandrovna , Shevchenko Julia Alexandrovna
Published: May 2017

Dendritic cells are professional antigen-presenting cells and the most potent stimulators of various immune responses, such as antitumor responses. Modern studies have not shown an effective antitumor immune response development in patients with malignant tumors. The major cause is the decrease in functional activity of dendritic cells in cancer patients through irregularities in the maturation process to a functionally active form and in the antigen presentation process to naive T lymphocytes. This review describes the main stages of cellular antitumor immune response induction in vitro, aimed at resolving the problems that are blocking the full functioning of dendritic cells, and additional stimulation of antitumor immune response.
Anti-tumor effect of cisplatin in human oral squamous cell carcinoma was enhanced by andrographolide via upregulation of phospho-p53 in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Chen Songjie , Hu Hui , Miao Shushu , Zheng Jiayong , Xie Zhijian , Zhao Hui
Published: May 2017

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common neoplasm in the world. Despite the improvements in diagnosis and treatment, the outcome is still poor now. Thus, the development of novel therapeuticapproaches is needed. The aim of this study is to assess the synergistic anti-tumor effect of andrographolide with cisplatin (DDP) in oral squamous cell carcinoma CAL-27 cells in vitro and in vivo. We performed Cell Counting Kit-8 proliferation assay, apoptosis assay, and western blotting on CAL-27 cells treated with andrographolide, DDP or the combination in vitro. In vivo, we also treated CAL-27 xenografts with andrographolide or the combination, and performed terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling assay and immunohistochemical analysis of Ki-67. The results showed the combination of andrographolide and DDP synergistically inhibited CAL-27 cell proliferation in vitro and caused tumor regression in vivo in the CAL-27 xenografts. In addition, the synergistic anti-tumor effect of andrographolide with synergistic was due to an enhanced apoptosis. Moreover, the combination therapy upregulated the expression level of p-p53 in vitro and decreased Ki-67 expression in vivo. Our data indicate that the combination treatment of andrographolide and DDP results in synergistic anti-tumor growth activity against oral squamous cell carcinoma CAL-27 in vitro and in vivo. These results demonstrated that combination of andrographolide with DDP was likely to represent a potential therapeutic strategy for oral squamous cell carcinoma.
S100A11 regulates renal carcinoma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration via the EGFR/Akt signaling pathway and E-cadherin
Authors: Liu Lin , Miao Long , Liu Yang , Qi Aihua , Xie Ping , Chen Jiacun , Zhu Haitao
Published: May 2017

S100A11 is a S100 protein family member that contributes to cancer progression. Upregulated in human renal cancer tissues, S100A11 may be a prognostic marker for clear cell renal cell carcinoma, but how it functions in cancer is uncertain. Thus, we studied S100A11 and noted knockdown of S100A11 using short hairpin RNA, which inhibited proliferation, invasion, and migration of renal carcinoma cells as well as increased expression of E-cadherin and decreased expression of epidermal growth factor receptor/Akt in renal carcinoma cells. Therefore, S100A11 may be a key molecular target for treating renal carcinoma.
CREATING EVALUATION PROFILES FOR GAMES DESIGNED TO BE FUN: An Interpretive Framework for Serious Game Mechanics
Authors: Ulrich Frank , Helms Niels Henrik
Published: May 2017

Background. Games can be great pedagogical tools for educators and students. COTS games (commercial-off-the-shelf) are designed for the pure purpose of leisure but can also contain educational value.

Aim. In this paper, we address the potential of COTS games as serious games. We develop an interpretive evaluation framework that can identify the educational value in COTS games.

Application. The presented framework can create evaluative profiles of the learning, social, game, and immersive mechanics of COTS games as educational tools. Moreover, the framework can position COTS games between four intertwined dimensions, namely pedagogical, design, knowledge, and sociotechnical considerations.

Demonstration. To validate the practical application of the interpretive framework, we apply it to a real-world example. Our demonstration reveals the usefulness of the framework.

Conclusions. The framework enables critical reflection on the game mechanics; thereby capturing the complexity of the game mechanics that makes COTS game both educational and fun to play.
Internalizing Behaviors and Hyperactivity/Inattention: Consequences for Young Struggling Readers, and Especially Boys
Authors: Garwood Justin D. , Varghese Cheryl , Vernon-Feagans Lynne
Published: May 2017

Although evidence of negative associations between early literacy development and children’s behavior problems exists, the field still lacks an understanding of the complicated links between these two areas. Children’s gender has often not been included in much of the extant research as a potential moderating variable, yet gender differences may provide insights into the nuanced relationship between early literacy development and maladaptive behaviors. Results from the current study of 472 kindergarten and first-grade children suggested that compared with nonstruggling readers, teachers rated struggling readers as higher on internalizing behaviors and hyperactivity/inattention, but not externalizing behaviors, when accounting for children’s socioeconomic status. Furthermore, higher levels of internalizing behaviors and hyperactivity/inattention in struggling readers predicted lower reading scores at the end of the school year across a variety of domains, but these negative effects were more prominent for young boys. Implications for early intervention are discussed.
The Relationship Between State Lead Agency and Enrollment Into Early Intervention Services
Authors: Twardzik Erica , MacDonald Megan , Dixon-Ibarra Alicia
Published: May 2017

Services offered through Part C of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act improve cognitive, behavioral, and physical skills for children less than 3 years old at risk for or with a disability. However, there are low enrollment rates into services. Various Lead Agencies oversee services through Part C, and states determine which agency is in charge of administering these services. The objective of this study was to describe odds of enrollment into early intervention services based on the department administering services (Lead Agency). Each state’s Lead Agency (Education, Health, or Other), state population size, narrowness of eligibility criteria, and state-level screening rates were fit into a negative binomial regression model to predict odds of enrollment into Part C services. Results show that state’s reporting from “Health” and “Other” as a Lead Agency had significantly higher odds for Part C services compared with the state Lead Agency of Education (Health adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.557, 1.561]; Other AOR = 2.40, 95% CI = [2.401, 2.405]). Further research should describe unique components of a Lead Agency’s administrative practices that contribute to the variation in enrollment. This study was an important step toward the investigation of low enrollment rates into Part C services.
The Relationship Between Work Commitment, Dynamic, and Medication Error
Authors: Rezaiamin Abdoolkarim , Pazokian Marzieh , Zagheri Tafreshi Mansoureh , Nasiri Malihe
Published: May 2017

Incidence of medication errors in intensive care unit (ICU) can cause irreparable damage for ICU patients. Therefore, it seems necessary to find the causes of medication errors in this section. Work commitment and dynamic might affect the incidence of medication errors in ICU. To assess the mentioned hypothesis, we performed a descriptive-analytical study which was carried out on 117 nurses working in ICU of educational hospitals in Tehran. Minick et al., Salyer et al., and Wakefield et al. scales were used for data gathering on work commitment, dynamic, and medication errors, respectively. Findings of the current study revealed that high work commitment in ICU nurses caused low number of medication errors, including intravenous and nonintravenous. We controlled the effects of confounding variables in detection of this relationship. In contrast, no significant association was found between work dynamic and different types of medication errors. Although the study did not observe any relationship between the dynamics and rate of medication errors, the training of nurses or nursing students to create a dynamic environment in hospitals can increase their interest in the profession and increase job satisfaction in them. Also they must have enough ability in work dynamic so that they don’t confused and distracted result in frequent changes of orders, care plans, and procedures.
Evaluation of an Unfractionated Heparin Pharmacy Dosing Protocol for the Treatment of Venous Thromboembolism in Nonobese, Obese, and Severely Obese Patients
Authors: Hosch Lindsey M. , Breedlove Emily Y. , Scono Lauren E. , Knoderer Chad A.
Published: May 2017

Background: Despite large interpatient variability in dose response, heparin is utilized for treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Current data on the optimal heparin dosing in obese patients are conflicting. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the time and dose required to achieve a therapeutic activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) in nonobese, obese, and severely obese patients using a pharmacist-directed heparin dosing protocol. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study in a single-center community hospital inpatient setting. Adult patients receiving heparin for VTE treatment from July 1, 2013, to July 31, 2015, were evaluated. Patients were categorized into 3 groups: nonobese (BMI < 30 kg/m2), obese (BMI = 30-39.9 kg/m2), and severely obese (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2). Data on height, weight, initial bolus dose, initial infusion rate, time to therapeutic aPTT, and therapeutic infusion rate were collected. Dosing body weight (DBW) was utilized for patients 20% over their ideal body weight (IBW). The primary outcome was time to therapeutic aPTT. Results: Analysis included 298 patients. Median times to therapeutic aPTT (hours:minutes) in the nonobese, obese, and severely obese were 15:00 (interquartile range [IQR] = 8:05-23:21), 15:40 (IQR = 9:22-25:10), and 15:22 (IQR = 7.54-23:40), respectively ( P = 0.506). There was no difference in bleeding among the nonobese (14%), obese (13.9%), or severely obese groups (7.9%; P = 0.453). No adverse thrombotic events occurred during hospitalization. Conclusion: Using a DBW for heparin dosing in patients 20% over their IBW resulted in similar times to therapeutic aPTT and adverse events in the nonobese, obese, and severely obese.
Weightbearing vs Gravity Stress Radiographs for Stability Evaluation of Supination-External Rotation Fractures of the Ankle
Authors: Seidel Angela , Krause Fabian , Weber Martin
Published: May 2017

Background:

Isolated lateral malleolar fractures may result from a supination-external rotation (SER) injury of the ankle. Stable fractures maintain tibiotalar congruence due to competent medial restraints and can be treated nonoperatively with excellent functional results and long-term prognosis. Stability might be assessed with either stress radiographs or weightbearing radiographs.

Methods:

A consecutive series of patients with closed SER fractures (presumed AO 44-B1) were prospectively enrolled from 2008 to 2015. Patients with clearly unstable fractures (medial clear space more than 7 mm) on the initial nonweightbearing radiograph were excluded and operated on. All other patients were examined with a gravity stress and a weightbearing anteroposterior radiograph. Borderline instability of the fracture was assumed when the medial clear space was 4 to 7 mm. Those were treated nonoperatively.

Results:

Of 104 patients with isolated lateral malleolar fractures of the SER type, 14 patients were treated operatively because of clear instability (displacement) on the initial radiographs. Of the nonoperative patients, 44 patients demonstrated borderline instability on the gravity stress but stability on the weightbearing radiograph (“gravity borderline”); the remaining 46 were stable in both tests (“gravity stable”). At an average follow-up of 23 months, no significant differences were seen in the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society hindfoot score (92 points gravity-borderline group vs 93 points gravity-unstable group), the Foot Functional Index score (11 vs 10 points), the Short Form 36 (SF-36) physical component (86 vs 85 points), and SF-36 mental component (84 vs 81 points). Radiographically, all fractures had healed with anatomic congruity of the ankle.

Conclusion:

Weightbearing radiographs provided a reliable basis to decide about stability and nonoperative treatment in isolated lateral malleolar fractures of the SER type with excellent clinical and radiographic outcome at short-term follow-up. Gravity stress radiographs appear to overrate the need for operative treatment.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, prospective comparative study
Remote Ischemic Conditioning
Authors: Belaoussoff Vera , Ganske Rocky , Redington Andrew
Published: May 2017

Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) is at a pivotal point in its evolution, both in terms of its adoption as a therapy and its viability commercially. The most usual way of inducing RIC, with a standard blood pressure cuff and a stopwatch, is time-consuming and potentially inaccurate and unsafe. Development of automated devices have facilitated large-scale randomized trials and will make clinical deployment of the technique more straightforward. Both the medical and commercial future of RIC will depend on the results of upcoming phase 3 pivotal trials.
Migrant Students’ Emergent Conscientization Through Critical, Socioculturally Responsive Literacy Pedagogy
Authors: Stevenson Alma , Beck Scott
Published: May 2017

This article analyzes data from a summer literacy program for intermediate and middle-level children of migrant farmworkers. The program was grounded in a sociocultural perspective on literacy, stressing the importance of interaction and collaboration within socioculturally responsive pedagogy, using enabling literature to empower students. Adaptations of readers’ and writers’ workshop methods, emphasizing the significance of valuing students’ individual responses, were used throughout. The students were presented with a documentary, young adult novels, and more than two dozen children’s picture storybooks representing the lives of migrant farmworkers. Then, using their own responses to these enabling mentor texts as scaffolding, the students collaborated to create illustrated narratives about growing up as migrants. The program provided a safe space that encouraged migrant students to express their experiences and concerns—normally silenced in classrooms—during literacy tasks and empowered them to ask for support. The program demonstrated the benefits of combining socioculturally responsive critical literacy pedagogy with enabling instructional materials in the development of emergent conscientization among the students. Finally, this article shows how the migrant students’ perspectives and experiences can inform and challenge teachers, citizens, and policy makers to address the systemic injustices in the lives of migrant children.
Moving Forward with Exceptional Literacy Research and Practice Amidst Educational Policy Changes
Authors: Majors Yolanda , Lewis Cynthia , Tierney Robert J. , Beach Richard
Published: May 2017

In this Insights column, four authors address the question: Given current and potential shifts in education policy, what should literacy educators keep in mind to move forward with exceptional literacy research and practices? Majors and Lewis urge white scholars to reach out to scholars of color in learning how to generate counter-arguments that speak back to alternative facts. Tierney encourages the field to learn from scholars who are engaged in community based participatory research and activism, especially those who are engaged as allies with groups of people who are indigenous, marginalized, transnational, and cross-cultural. Beach calls on the field to consider research that examines implementation of the Common Core State Standards, such as argumentative writing and translanguaging.
Evaluation of Neonatal Transport in Western Switzerland: A Model of Perinatal Regionalization
Authors: McEvoy Caitriona Gilleece , Descloux Emilienne , Schuler Barazzoni Mirjam , Stadelmann Diaw Corinne , Tolsa Jean-François , Roth-Kleiner Matthias
Published: May 2017

Neonatal transport is an essential part of regionalization for highly specialized neonatal intensive care. This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on neonatal transport activity in a large Swiss perinatal network more than 1 year, aimed to quantify this activity, to identify the needs for staff, and the demands regarding know-how and equipment. Of the 565 admissions to the tertiary neonatology clinic, 176 (31.2%) were outborn patients, transported as emergencies to the level III unit. In 71.6% of cases, respiratory insufficiency was one of the reasons for transfer. Circadian and weekly distribution showed increased transport activity on workdays between 8 am and 10 pm, but regular demands for emergency transports regardless of the time frame require a neonatal transport team available 24/7. This study highlights the importance of neonatal transport and unveils several functional and infrastructural insufficiencies, which led to suggestions for improvement.
The knowing body as a floating body
Authors: Valtonen Anu , Meriläinen Susan , Laine Pikka-Maaria , Salmela-Leppänen Tarja
Published: May 2017

This article enriches practice-based studies on bodily knowing by conceptualizing the knowing body as a floating body. This concept accords epistemic value to two forms of bodily existence – waking and sleeping – that are considered to be intertwined and floating. Based on an auto-ethnographic study conducted in Finnish academia, we propose three different sensorial flows that the knowing body engages in when participating in organizational practices: sensory release, within-corporeality and sensory entanglement in dreams. These forms highlight the inconstant and uncertain nature of embodied knowing, suggesting a novel onto-epistemological stance in which the knowing body is thought of as a floating body that is never still. The study also has implications for management education.
A purposeful lifestyle is a healthful lifestyle: Linking sense of purpose to self-rated health through multiple health behaviors
Authors: Hill Patrick L , Edmonds Grant W , Hampson Sarah E
Published: May 2017

Having a purpose in life has been consistently linked to subjective and objective health markers. Using data from the Hawaii Study of Personality and Health ( n = 749, Mage = 60.1 years), we tested multiple health behaviors as unique mediators of the correlation between sense of purpose and self-rated health ( r = .29). Correlational analyses found that participants’ sense of purpose was positively associated with their reports of vigorous and moderate activity, vegetable intake, flossing, and sleep quality. Combined in a multiple-mediator model, bootstrapping analyses suggested that sleep quality and vigorous activity proved significant unique mediators.